15th August,2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,567

MONDAY, 15 AUGUST, 2016 www.tribuneonlineng.com

Nigerian Tribune

Tribune launches mobile app

B y Victor Ogunyinka THE African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, publishers of the Tribune titles, has again advanced its social media crusade with the launch of its mobile application, making our esteemed read-

ers also part of the news.

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time, data conservation feature, which allows you select only the section you want in the menu.

Get notification and alert on every story update, share your best story pick with friends and family on your continues pg5

•Money Market —Pg26

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Chibok girls: Many killed, 40 married off , Boko Haram claims —P4

•They were killed in Air Force strike, sect alleges in new video •We didn't kill them —Military •We are in touch with the sect —FG •DHQ declares journalist, 2 others wanted over links with Boko Haram

Ondo guber: I have the right to choose who I support —Tinubu

One of the conveners of BBOG, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, consoling the mother of Dorcas Yakubu, the girl who addressed concerned parents in the video released

by Boko Haram.

—P30

No going back on PDP convention —Committee —P34

Buhari suffering from tyranny of high expectations —Presidency •Nigerians suffering because Buhari has run economy aground —Fayose

—P5

Dogara must answer to allegations of budget padding —Falana —P5

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Monday, 15 August, 2016

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news

Monday, 15 August, 2016

Chibok girls: Many killed, 40 married off, Boko Haram claims

•They were killed in Air Force strike, sect alleges in new video •We didn’t kill them —Military •We are in touch with the sect —FG •DHQ declares journalist, 2 others wanted over link with Boko Haram Chris Agbambu - Abuja with A gency R eport

T

HERE was confusion on Sunday as the Boko Haram sect released a video showing that the abducted Chibok girls had been killed by air strikes launched by the Nigerian Air Force on their locations.

The Abubakar Shekau faction of the extremist Boko Haram sect released the new video on Sunday.

The video showed a masked armed man standing in front of several girls, who, he claimed, were the over 200 girls who were abducted from their school hostel at Government Secondary School, Chibok, in 2014.

The man said the video was released to send a message to the parents of the girls to beg the Nigerian government to release Boko Haram members in various detention centres in exchange for the girls.

The man said about 40 of the girls were already married while some were dead.

One of the girls, Maida Yakubu, who spoke in both Hausa and her native language, asked parents to “be patient and beg the government to release their people, so that we will also be released.”

Full transcript of the video is provided below: “This is a message from the Jama.atu ahlis sunnah lidda awati wal jihad under the leadership of Abu Muhammad Ibn Muhammad Abubakar As- Shekau.

“We are sending a special message to the parents of the Chibok Girls and the Nigerian government.

“We thank God for giving us the opportunity to send this message to the parents of these girls (Pointing at the girls sitting behind him).

“It pleased God to let us have these girls in our captivity for over two years now.

Our first message is to the parents of the girls to let them know that their daughters are still with us, some of them.

“I also want to tell them to ask the Nigerian government to release our brethren, especially those in Maiduguri, Lagos and Abuja and other places across Nigeria. They should be released immediately.

“You all knew that we had the girls, but God never allowed you to know their location and you will never know

by God’s grace. You keep lying in your media that you will rescue them, they have been with us for over two years, yet you can’t even know where they are. You have just been lying about these girls, people should know that.

“Also, for the over two years that we have been with these girls, about 40 of them are

married, some are dead as a result of air strike by infidels.

We will show you a video of how your own aircraft dropped a bomb that killed some of these girls. Some of the girls have suffered fractures and other forms of injuries as a result of the air strikes.

“As you can see, these are the girls, all we want is for you to release our brethren, otherwise you will never get these girls God willing. This, in short, is our message to the Federal Government and the parents of the Chibok Girls.

“As long as the government does not release our people, we will also never release these girls, that is our message.

“I specially inform our people in captivity in Lagos that they should be patient and continue with their prayers, God will take us to where no one expects and we will rescue them. All those in Lagos, Maiduguri and other Southern parts of the country. Keep praying, very soon, we will rescue you.

One of the girls is called to speak to her parents and the Federal Government in a Question and Answer format” What is your name?

My name is Maida Yakubu Where are you from?

I am from Chibok town Where were you picked from?

School What is the name of the school?

GSS Chibok For how long have you been here?

About two years What message do you have for your parents and the Federal Government of Nigeria?

All I can say is that our (Begins speaking in native language) parents should be patient, beg the government to release their people, so that we can also be released.

(Switched to native language).

Most of the girls standing and sitting behind Miss Yakubu were seen fighting tears and using their hijab to hide their emotions.

Armed man takes over.

Let me conclude this message by saying that many people have been coming to us lying that they were sent by the Nigerian government to get the girls released.

Let the government and the whole world know that we have not sent anyone to negotiate with the government on our behalf over these girls.

“We have dealt with you in the past and you know our recommended negotiators.

“If you need to, you should talk to them. We don’t use our own people to negotiate with you, we use your own people such as journalists to talk

with you. We have not sent any other persons. You know that we prefer to use journalists known to you.

“Let me say again, release our people and we will release your girls, otherwise, they will never be released. If you think you have the power to come and rescue them, go ahead and try.

“President Muhammadu Buhari, your Army has been lying to you that they have finished us, let them try and see if they can rescue these girls alive.”

Video ends with a flying jet and then some female bodies lying on the ground.

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) is examining the latest video from the Boko Haram group purporting to show some of the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls.

The Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar, disclosed that the military was examining the video clip to verify its authenticity.

He said: “Currently, we are studying the video clips to verify its authenticity and analysing the comments of the speakers in the video, especially the terrorist member and the girl that spoke in mother tongue.”

General Rabe also disputed allegations in the video that some of the kidnapped girls were hit by an air strike.

He said: “It is extremely difficult and rare to hit innocent people during air strike, because the operation is done through precision attack on identified and registered targets and locations.

The precision air strike is very effective at taking out targeted enemies because it is not a random operation.

We are nevertheless studying the video clips to examine if the victims died from other

causes rather from the allegation of air strike.

PRNigeria gathered that the Nigerian Airforce, through its Component in Operation, Lafiya Dole, had focused on sustaining air operations and providing support to ground troops of the Armed Forces’ strive to rid Nigeria of the Boko Haram insurgency.

Air strikes are controlled by professionally trained officers who coordinate the strike with friendly ground troops, after a lot of surveillance to limit casualty on the ground.

A top Air Force officer told PRNigeria that “Nigeria Airforce employs precision guided weapons with modern Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance systems to reduce likely collateral damage from any air strike. All the areas stroke throughout the operation were thoroughly monitored on intelligence surveillance and eye services before the attacks or shelling.

Most of the target areas were clearly identified before the air strikes to avoid collateral damages.”

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has promised to issue an update after its investigation.

However, the Minister of Information and Culture, Al-

haji Lai Mohammed, said the Federal Government was doing everything possible to secure the release of the Chibok girls and put an end to the horrible saga of their abduction.

This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday, in Abuja, by Mr Segun Adeyemi, the Special Adviser to the Minister.

The minister, who was reacting to the latest video of some of the girls, said the government was in touch with those purportedly behind the video.

“We are on top of the situation. But we are being extremely careful because the situation has been compounded by the split in the leadership of Boko Haram.

“We are also being guided by the need to ensure the safety of the girls.

“Since this is not the first time we have been contacted over the issue, we want to be doubly sure that those we are in touch with are those who they claim to be,” he said.

Mohammed expressed the hope that the latest development would signal the beginning of the end of the nightmare to which the girls, their families and, indeed, all Nigerians, have been subjected since the unfortunate

abduction.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army, on Sunday, declared three persons, including a woman, wanted in connection with the over 200 Chibok girls abducted by Boko Haram since 2014.

They are Ahmed Salkida, Ambassador Ahmed U. Bolori and Aisha Wakil.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, the wanted persons had information on the conditions and the exact location of those girls.

“Therefore, the Nigerian Army, hereby, declares the two gentlemen and the lady wanted for interrogation.

“We are relying on the relevant laws of the land, and in particular the Terrorism Prevention Act 2011 (as amended) where Nigerians could be punished for failure to disclose information about terrorists or terrorists’ activities.

“This becomes necessary as a result of their link with the last two videos released by the Boko Haram terrorists and other findings of our preliminary investigations.

“There is no doubt that these individuals have links with the Boko Haram terrorists and have contacts with them,” Usmand said.

We will not sacrifice our kids for Boko Haram commanders —Chibok lawmaker Bodunrin Kayode - Maiduguri THE member representing Chibok community in Borno State House of Assembly, Aimu Foni, has said the community will not sacrifice the girls for Boko Haram commanders.

Foni, a pillar in the search for the abducted Chibok

girls, said he had not been able to watch the latest video by the Boko Haram but said he would meet with his people for further reaction.

Foni told the Nigerian Tribune that the soldiers should be gallant enough to get the girls out of Sambisa forest alive, adding that there was no need to release the commanders to add more trou-

ble to what we have now on the ground now.

“We are still expecting our soldiers to get the girls, so there will not be anything like killing them even from the air.

“When we watch the video, we will give you further update on our decisions,” he added.

BBOG demands decisive response from Buhari IN the wake of the latest video on the abducted Chibok girls, the BringBackourGirls group has demanded an immediate and decisive response from the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government towards the rescue of the girls.

The group, in a statement signed by Aisha Yesufu and Oby Ezekwesili, held that the earlier Federal Government’s excuses of validating the autheticity of the video or a split within the terrorists’ ranks were no more permissible, thereby calling for an immediate action plan.

Precisely, the group called on government to contact the parents to confirm the identities of the girls and provide necessary support for the affected persons, noting that the latest video could

not be discountenanced.

For a more responsive action, BBOG hinted of a march to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while calling on governments of the United States, United Kingdom, agencies of the United Nations and African Union, to rekindle their support and strategy for the rescue of the Chibok girls.

“Today, 853 days since the abduction of our #ChibokGirls, we woke up to a video on the state of our girls. We are left with mixed feelings of the grief and strengthened hope as the chilling words continue to sink in.”

“Since we last met with the President in January, we have continued to call on him to be responsive to the needs of our Chibok parents, our movement and the global community for timely

updates on the rescue operation.”

“In the aftermath of an earlier video, we repeatedly called for the Government to treat the information as the missing piece of “credible intelligence” it was seeking.

Not even the return of Amina Ali, a ChibokGirl, inspired the sort of response we demanded.”

“We demand an immediate, transparent, action and results-oriented response plan by the government. We state categorically that the excuse of a split within the terrorists’ ranks or a period of validation of the authenticity of their claims will not suffice this time. We shall press these demands with a march to the Villa in the next few days.”

“Nothing short of the Nigerian state being in contact

with the parents, confirming identities of our girls, providing psychosocial support where necessary, and most importantly, articulating an action plan will be acceptable.”

Similarly, Oby Ezekwesili, on her twitter handle, @obyezeks, said, “As far as we at BBOG are concerned, the Federal Government has not yet reacted like a government that has 218 of her children with terrorists.”

“Nothing short of a credible, decisive, cautious and result-oriented response from President Buhari’s Federal Government will assuage our demands.”

“How can any leader watch the recent video released by terrorists that has 218 of daughters of Nigeria and not do everything to rescue them?”

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Monday, 15 August, 2016

Buhari suffering from tyranny of high expectations — ­ Presidency

Nigerians are suffering because Buhari has run country aground —Fayose From Leon Usigbe and Sam Nwaoko

A

PPARENTLY worried by the upsurge in the criticism of the perceived inaction of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Presidency, on Sunday, maintained he was a victim of tyranny of high expectations.

In a statement made available to the media, the president’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, outlined the achievements of the president in office so far, assuring that he was working, adding that the promised change would take time to manifest.

“It bears repeating that president is a different kind of leader, who just happens to be a victim of the tyranny of high expectations.

He brought positive intention, commitment, honesty and personal integrity into governance. This is why the country’s poor hold him so dear; this is why the world is in love with him,” he said.

Entitled ‘In defense of President Buhari’, the statement observed: “The last couple of weeks had witnessed the heaviest public criticism of the Buhari-led administration since he came to power after inflicting a heavy defeat on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Dr Goodluck Jonathan. Much of it had been on account of unresolved social and economic problems facing the country.

“Unfair criticism of the Buhari-led administration, especially on account of escalating prices of foodstuff and the liberalisation of the currency exchange needs to be challenged before it overshadows the commendable job the president had done in fighting terrorism, as part of overall efforts to secure the country, reducing corruption and yes, arresting the economic slide before it sinks the the nation.”

The presidential spokesman regretted that criticisms had taken the shine off Buhari administration’s efforts, noting “Boko Haram terrorist leader, Shekau or the pipeline vandal from the Delta region is more likely to make newspapers’ frontpages today than the Minister of Labour, Governor Emeka Ngige or the Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun talking about jobs creation in the economy.

“I do not say that media criticism is not reflective of

the feeling of the citizens.

“President Buhari has himself, on numerous occasions, admitted that the change mantra has brought with it pain and suffering, which he likened to the pains of labour. It is a passing phase.

“When they ask the question, is this the change we voted for? The critics had forgetten how far we have come from the scam-tainted years of the PDP rule.”

He revealed government’s suspicion on resistance posed to the war against corruption by corrupt elements, saying: “Everyone living in Nigeria knows that there is a major movement against corruption as part of the ongoing change. This war has forced the return to the treasury of billions of Naira and millions of Dollars stolen by past officials.

“On account of this war, government suspects that the biggest trigger of the opposition to the change agenda is the army of the corrupt. With the enormous resources at their disposal; money that is unearned, these forces are ready to throw in everything to gag the Buhari-led administration.

“When he assumed office, President Buhari said he understood the outcry of Nigerians and was determined to right those wrongs.”

He further said about Buhari: “His knack for prudent spending and effective management of resources is in the belief that this country can only prosper when there is transparency, reduced corruption and a drastic cut in bureaucratic red tape.

“His decision to have a small cabinet, reducing government ministries from 46

to 24 has the effect of relieving the treasury of the burden of salaries, allowances and miscellaneous expenses now being counted in billions of Naira.

“President Buhari should be credited for the the unblemished record of his ministers. This is a government that has stayed above scandal for a year.

“If all of these are not desirable changes to be appreciated and adored, it is hard to know or determine what some of our critics want.

“These reforms certainly represent major milestones in change which have led to a decline of corruption at the top.”

He observed that Buhari had not had much luck in governance unlike his predecessors, who presided over high crude oil earnings.

According to him, “in addition to hard work, all leaders need luck on their side to create what is sometimes seen as economic miracles.

As leader, President Buhari never had the luxury of high oil prices as did his predecessors in office.

“When he first emerged the military Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari saw oil price, the mainstay of the nation’s economy, sink to as low as eight Dollars a barrel.

“He rolled up his sleeves, worked on diversification strategy of the economy, only to be eased out of power, just as they began to take hold. Thereafter, his successors abandoned these efforts.

“On his second coming, this time, as a democratically-elected leader, the collapse of oil prices has challenged President Buhari to quicken efforts towards the

diversification of the economy, with emphasis given to agriculture and solid minerals mining.

“Every crisis, it is said, is an opportunity. Not so in Nigeria. This is a country that inherited massive technological inventions from Biafra, yet failed to take it forward. We must not lose this opportunity to diversify the economy and our foreign earnings presented by the present oil crisis.

“As the country hopes for a bumper harvest this year, government is taking steps to ensure that no farmer will sell at a loss or fail to find markets for their harvests.

“Grain silos are being readied nationwide to receive excess produce for warehousing to ensure food security, avert market glut and price collapse. By this, government will ensure a minimum guaranteed price.

“In dealing with challenges of the economy, the administration is devoting attention to ridding the country of its notoriety as a difficult place of doing business.

“The government has been making quiet but significant progress in this area, thanks to the leadership given by the National Economic Council under the vice president and the combined efforts of the Ministries of Trade and Investment, Finance, Interior, Foreign Affairs, Budget and Planning and the Customs under new leadership.

“Everyone in this sector is doing everything in his or her power to boost Nigeria.”

Shehu assured that the currency liberalisation and the deregulation of the petroleum products made Buhari “one of the best presi-

dents till date.”

He said the removal of subsidies on the petrol products had saved the government more than two trillion Naira annual expenditure in this regard.

On how government’s action will revive the economy, he noted: “As to the question of this leading to a resurgence of economy, it all means that in a democracy, everything takes times. The president needs our support, with understanding and patience.

“No matter how hasty a president wants to bring changes, there is no magic wand in that office to make everything change from bad to good or make all of us prosperous with a wave of the hand. This change is on course. It requires patience.

“The change is working for the nation and sooner than later, the testimony shall be given.”

Meanwhile, Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has said Nigerians are suffering under the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of President Muhammadu Buhari because “the country is in the hands of wrong managers, who do not know what to do.”

The governor said “presently, Nigerians are suffering, hungry and angry, because the APC government has run the country aground,” adding that “Nigeria has gone beyond recession, the economy has collapsed completely and painfully, those who should revive the economy do not have any clue as to what to do.”

In a release issued in AdoEkiti, the state capital, on Sunday, by his Special Assistant on Public Commu-

nications and New Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said Nigeria was experiencing the worst form of nepotism in the history of government in the country, saying “nepotism is the reason our president discarded competent people in his party that should be running the government with him and opted for his relatives, friends, in-laws and very close associates.”

While lamenting the parlous state of the country’s economy, Governor Fayose said “most of those people that aided the emergence of President Buhari must be having a rethink now, but it is too late!

“Interestingly, political affiliation has nothing to do with hunger, poverty and lack.

“Exchange rate was less than N200 to $1 when President Buhari took over power, as at today, it has gone beyond N400 to $1 and Naira is still undergoing a free fall. One bag of rice was less than N8,000 as of May, it is now N20,000. Kerosene is now beyond the reach of the masses.

“Nigerians voted for change because the APC promised them solutions to the country’s problems, but all we hear every day from the APC government are complaints upon complaints, as if Nigerians elected a government of complaints.

“Obviously, the APC government has failed Nigerians and the president has resorted to putting his immediate family members and close associates in key government positions to protect himself from the fear of the unknown that has enveloped him.”

Dogara must answer to allegations of budget padding —Falana Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin - Lagos A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Femi Falana, has maintained that a cover-up is no longer possible as regards the allegations of budget padding, as the cat has been let out of the bag.

Falana also added that for now, Honourable Yakubu Dogara has no choice, but to defend the criminal allegations, saying contrary to his misleading contention, the Legislative Houses Powers and Privileges Act has not conferred immunity on him with respect to allegations of criminal offences.

“Legislators would have

prepared the budget and laid it before themselves and then passed it. That is a negation of the doctrine of separation of powers. The Appropriation Bill or amended Appropriation Bill is not like other bills. Whereas other bills shall emanate from either of the two Houses, money bills shall emanate from the president. So, a money bill is a special bill, which cannot be subjected to additions by the National Assembly, because it has no power to prepare it.

“Padding is an unconstitutional infraction when the estimates are increased on the floor of the House. The infraction becomes criminal when the Appropriation Bill

is altered by a few legislators after it had been passed by both Houses of the National Assembly.

“It is unfortunate that Honourable Dogara has never heard of the word “padding” before now.

“If legislators conspire

with themselves to pad the budget to fund the purchase of exotic cars and payment of unauthorised jumbo emoluments, it is a criminal offence.

“The allegations of Honourable Jibrin have gone beyond the padding of the

budget. The serious issue which the Speaker and other principal officers have not addressed is that the alterations of the budget took place outside the plenary session of the House. This is the crux of the matter,” he said.

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Monday, 15 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Lagos #SaveMayowa alleged scam: Police release probe report Opeyemi Owoaseye

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OLICE have released the investigative report into the alleged scam trailing a popular online campaign effort to save a cancer patient, Shukura Mayowa Ahmed.

In a statement released by the Lagos State command, a huge amount of money donated by Nigerians, who responded to the online campaign, was disclosed.

The statement, signed by the Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmus read: “Report of Investigation on Alleged ‘Save Mayowa Fund’ Scam.

“On the 28th day of July 2016, the command received a report that some huge amount of money donated by public spirited people to financially support ailing Shukura Mayowa Ahmed was a scam.

“At the receipt of the information, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Fatai Owoseni, directed a full scale investigation into the matter.

“The command, through its ‘X SQUAD’ department, carried out an extensive investigation and the following were revealed: “That Miss Shukura Mayowa Ahmed, a resident of Ebute Metta area of Lagos, was critically ill and diagnosed of ovarian cancer.

“That Miss Aramide Kasumu, the director of Lifestake Foundation, heard about the illness and decided to use her foundation to care for Mayowa, by checking her into Lagos Univer-

•Says N81.2m, $100,000 found in campaign bank accounts •Clear Toyin Aimakhu, others •Mayowa now to be treated in South-Africa sity Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Yaba, Lagos, on the 25th day of July, with an initial deposit of N500,000 made by Mayowa’s family.

“That Nollywood actress, Toyin Aimakhu, got wind of Mayowa’s illness on the

social media, Instagram, and was moved to compassion, having realised Mayowa was one of her fans.

“On the 26th day of July, Toyin Aimakhu visited Mayowa on her sick bed and made a video solicit-

THE parents of an 18-month-old baby have accused a bricklayer of defiling their toddler.

47-year-old Emmamuel Magbatie allegedly de-

sum of $100,000 is in Gofundme internet account.

“That Ahmed’s family stated, that they had an initial plan of taking Mayowa for treatment in Atlanta Georgia, United States of America (USA) for medical treatment and this

Scene of demolition of shops and containers at Igbara market.

Again, Lagos demolishes 235 shops, 125 containers under high tension wire •We have been here for 20yrs —Affected traders Bola Badmus IN continuation of enforcement of its policy that no structure should stand under high tension cables in the state, the Lagos State government, last weekend, demolished more than 235

illegal shops and 125 containers at Igbara Market, Jakande, on Lekki-Epe Expressroad.

This was just as the chairman, Lagos State Task Force on Environmental Sanitation (Task Force), Olayinka Egbeyemi, called

Bricklayer held for defiling toddler Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin

ing financial assistance to support Mayowa.

“That internet donations were done through Gofundme online account.

“That, a total of N81,278,954:81 was tranferred into Mayowa’s bank account, while a total

plan was communicated to both Aramide Kasumu and Toyin Aimakhu.

“On the 28th of July, the Ahmed’s family wanted to take Mayowa out of the hospital and both Toyin and Aramide demanded to know the destination, this led to crisis between the family and the other party, with both Aramide and Toyin Aimakhu realising Mayowa does not have valid visa to USA. “The command has intervened to ensure that a genuine hospital in South Africa would be used and Mayowa would be cared for by one Dr Naicker.

“Finally, the command cleared Miss Toyin Aimakhu; Miss Aramide Kasumu; and the Ahmed’s family of fraudulent allegations levelled against them.

“The Lagos State police command appreciates all ‘Good Samaritans’ who donated generously towards the course and thank the members of the public for bearing with us throughout the period of the investigation.”

The command added that “the account was being closely monitored to ensure all fund was channeled towards its original purpose.”

filed the baby girl (names withheld) on Adebayo Street, Owutu, in Ikorodu.

Magbatie, however, denied the allegation when he was arraigned before an Ikeja magistrate’s court.

He was granted a N500,000 bail, though his alleged offence is punishable under section 259 Criminal Code of Lagos State 2011.

The matter was adjourned till September 22.

on market leaders (Iya Oloja and Baba Oloja), to honourably enforce government directives on high tension cables across the state, by relocating to less dangerous locations, where they could easily ply their trade without any fear of danger to their lives and valuables.

Egbeyemi gave the advice while supervising the demolition exercise, carried out by the operatives of the agency.

The Task Force boss, in a release made available to Lagos Metro by the Public Affairs Officer of the agency, Mr Taofiq Adebayo,

enjoined market leaders in all the local governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of the state to support government by educating traders on the imminent danger associated with trading under high tension cables.

The Task Force boss, who confirmed that a seven-day notice was served to shops owners and all traders before the demolition exercise was embarked upon, affirmed that no responsible and responsive government would tolerate any trading activities under such dangerous condition.

Chairman, Spare Parts Traders Association at the market, Mr Ugo Onuha, who said his members had been operating at the market for more than 20 years, recalled that the market was constructed by Igbara communities which comprised three different families namely Lawal, Balogun and Badanu.

Onuha and his deputy, Lazarus Obina, however, pleaded with the government to construct a low priced market environment for traders around the area, as those constructed by private developers were beyond their reach.

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Monday, 15 August, 2016

metro

Nigerian Tribune

Edited By Lanre Adewole 0811 695 4647

‘Ponmo’ section of Oko-Oba abattoir shut over poisonous products Kehinde Akinsehinde-Jayeoba

THE Lagos State government, at the weekend, closed down the cow skin (Ponmo) processing section of the OkoOba abattoir and Lairage Complex, Agege and dislodged processors of the cow skin and hide in the complex.

A statement by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, spokesperson of the state Ministry of Agriculture, quoted the commissioner, Mr Toyin Suarau, who led a team of ministry officials and men of the Lagos State Task Force to the abbatoir, as saying the development became necessary because of the health hazard posed by activities of the processors who, in their large numbers, burnt cow skin in a heap of burning tyres.

He noted that this bonfire emitted a thick toxin smoke which spread within the complex and adjoining neighbourhood, adding that the smoke and the unhygienic way of processing the cow skin was harmful to human health.

“I wish to make it clear that that the use of tyres for cow skin processing has been reported to the state government sometimes ago and has been dealt with, but the return to this unhygienic method of processing in the complex leaves much to be desired and this is why this section of the complex had to be closed,” he said.

Suarau stressed that the activities of the “Ponmo” processors constituted a health risk not only to inhabitant of the complex but to residents of adjoining communities and to the processors themselves.

He vowed that the state government would not condone any act of illegality and harmful health practices in any of the abattoirs in the state, adding that it had deployed

sizeable numbers of veterinary officers, animal workers to abattoirs to ensure that the minimum set standard for animal slaughtering and processing were adhered to.

He said that the issue of animal slaughtering and processing called for attention because a lot of animals must be inspected before and after slaughtering, ac-

cording to the meat inspection law.

He noted that plans were underway to fence the whole Oko Oba abattoir, adding that the government would

TWENTY-FOUR-YEAR-OLD Hakeem Fatai has narrated how he and another member of his two-man gang stole batteries of vehicles impounded by officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

More than 20 batteries removed from impounded

Management Authority (LAWMA) and protection of the complex environment by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).

Warehouse under renovation crumbles, crushes labourer to death Opeyemi Owoaseye TRAGEDY struck at a logistic warehouse under renovation, when a portion of it fell on and killed a 26-year old assistant bricklayer, simply identified as Deji, in Ikeja area last Thursday.

It was learnt that the bricks holding the door fell on the victim as he was trying to expand the dorm, while he died on the spot.

Lagos Metro gathered that the victim was not a professional bricklayer, as he only went to the place to assist his friend so that he could make a little money from it.

Lagos Metro also gathered that when the incident happened, the friend, who was working with him, called the attention of people to help him out.

A resident reported to Lagos Metro that “the deceased and his friend were breaking the door from the rear. The deceased was on one side of the door, while his friend who he was working with was on another side.

“Because he was not a professional bricklayer, the bricks at the top of the ones they were breaking fell on him.”

Another resident also said the victim unknowingly ran towards the direction of the falling bricks, as he tried to run for his life.

The resident said “the deceased’s co-worker, who

saw that the bricks were about to collapse, immediately ran outside but the deceased, who also tried to run for his life, unknowingly ran toward the direc-

tion where the bricks fell and he died instantly.

“When we heard the sound of the bricks that fell and the shout from his friend who survived the in-

vehicles of alleged traffic offenders were recovered from the suspect.

The suspect stated that they took advantage of security men at the Ojota office of the traffic agency, who had specific time of abandoning their duty to sleep in the night.

Hakeem was arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, who acted on

cident, we initially thought it was electric shock. People immediately put off the electrical appliances within the building. By the time people got there, the

man was already dead.”

Lagos State police spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the incident. She added that the corpse had been removed and deposited at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) morgue while investigation was ongoing.

Infant corpses in polythene bag found at Ajangbadi canal Opeyemi Owoaseye

Scene of the accident at 3rd Mainland bridge.

5 dead, 5 injured in multiple crash on 3rd Mainland bridge Lanre Adewole A multiple auto-crash on the Third Mainland bridge has left five people dead.

A statement from Lagos State government agency responsible for emergencies stated that “an accident occured today around 6.10 p.m. on the third Mainland bridge, inward Iyana Oworo

by UNILAG Water-front.

“It involved three vehicles - a LAGBUS, Hilux truck belonging to a local vigilante group and a Rover SUV. “Five persons were confirmed dead, three female adult and two children - one female, one male.

“Five persons were also injured and were taken by LASAMBUS to the Truma Centre. Agencies on ground include LASTMA, FRSC, Nigerian Police, RRS. “The LASEMA Response Unit recovered the accidented vehicles, while the

a tip-off by the LASTMA’s management about the missing batteries from their premises, It was gathered that policemen had laid siege for the suspect and caught him while attempting to remove another battery from an impounded bus.

Hakeem said “yes, I am responsible for the missing

dead bodies had been taken

by SEHMU to Mainland Hospital Mortuary.”

LASEMA General Manager Mr Michael Akindele, said proper investigation would be carried out on the cause of the accident by relevant government agencies.

SOME corpses of infants were said to have been seen in a canal, near a filling station in Ajangbadi area of Lagos State last week Friday.

It was gathered that there were two male corpses of newly-born babies.

Lagos Metro gathered that the babies were parked in a polythene bag and were abandoned in the canal by unknown person(s).

Lagos Metro learnt that the case was reported to the Ilemba police division.

The Lagos State Police spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed the case.

Maroko notorious robbery suspect nabbed in Bariga Olalekan Olabulo A member of a robbery gang terrorising Maroko town has been arrested by the police.

The police in the state are

We easily raided LASTMA office because the security men are always asleep —Vandal Olalekan Olabulo

remove slums, shanties and market in and around the complex; remove heap of solid waste; ensure subsequent waste management by the Lagos State Waste

batteries. But I didn’t work alone. “Our targeted vehicle was Volkswagen bus, because its batteries can be removed easily without much stress. We don’t usually go for trailer, as its battery is protected with burglary.”

The suspect said he always scaled through the agency’s fence to access the compound and remove the batteries.

also on the trail of other members of the gang, following a preliminary investigation that showed that some of their members reside around Bariga.

The arrested suspect, Daniel Sunday, a resident of Odun Street, Bariga, had, a few days ago, reportedly pounced on an unnamed lady, who was rescued by the police.

A police source at Maroko divisional police station told Lagos Metro that “some robbers use to operate along the Elegushi road and the suspect is one of them.”

The police source added

that “on the particular day, he had targeted a female victim and had pounced on her before we rescued her.”

The image maker in charge of the state police command, Dolapo Badmos, while confirming the arrest, said “the area DPO, Abdulmajeed Isa, upon receiving a distressed call, moved and apprehended the suspect and recovered a locally-made single barrel pistol from him.”

Badmos also said the sum of N14,600 and the victim’s handbag were also recovered from the suspect, who, according to her, had confessed to the crime.

8

south-westnews

Monday, 15 August, 2016

Diversify to meet your needs, group tasks Oyo govt

Lauds renewed IGR drive

A

socio-cultural group, Oyo Development Initiative (ODI), has urged Oyo State government to strengthen its efforts at diversifying the state economy.

This, it said, was in order to meet the demands of the workers, needs of the citizenry as well as the development requirements of the state.

The group, in a statement by its coordinator, Dr Adesola Okanlawon, said the government had demonstrated commitment to transparency, integrity, good governance and, as well, had fostered a cordial relationship with workers by paying the two months salaries agreed upon during the negotiation to resolve the last industrial dispute in the state.

According to the statement, “the government has demonstrated commitment to workers’ welfare by promptly paying the two months salaries, which was stipulated in the last agreement. Though, this is not all that is owed, the govern-

ment should be commended for meeting its part of the agreement.

“We urge them not to relent as the outstanding salaries should be paid in due course.

“We understand the present economic problem facing the country, but there is always a way out of every problem. The government should block all the loopholes affecting the internally generated revenue

(IGR). The renewed IGR drive should be transparent and government should put into judicious use, the revenue generated.”

“We believe that with the expected increase in the revenue of the state, Governor Abiola Ajimobi will pay the workers as and when due and there will be more development projects in the state which were the hallmarks of his first term in office.”

Power of Resurrection Christian Church celebrates eighth anniversary THE eighth anniversary of Power of Resurrection Christian Church holds on Monday, August 15 to Tuesday, August 16, 2016 between 5:00p.m and 7:00p.m at the church auditorium, at No. 71/73 Olaleye Ogunsola Villa, off Agbamu Road, Power City, Sanyo, Ibadan.

The theme of the anniversary is “Who is like our God?” Praise night will take place on August 17, at 10:00p.m till dawn while the grand finale comes up on August

21, 2016, at 8:00a.m.

Ministering at the event are Pastor and Prophetess D.O. Adebowale and other anointed men of God, with songs inspiration, deliverance and breakthrough.

Pastor and Prophetess D.O. Adebowale

Nigerian Tribune

9

Monday, 15 August, 2016

10

Monday, 15 August, 2016 PHOTOS: TOMMY ADEGBITE

ILESE IJEBU DAY AND CARNIVAL CELEBRATION

Chairman, Ilese Development Council (IDC)/Chairman, Ilese Day 2016, Otunba Segun Damuren (left) and the Elese- elect, Prince Oluremi Owolabi Obayomi, at the 2016 Ilese Day held at Moslem Primary School, Ilese, Ogun State, on Saturday.

From left, the transition chairman, Ijebu North East Local Government, Lord Banjour Deola-Tayo; Chief Rufus Kayode Odusanya and Chairman, Ilese Day Planning Committee 2016, Otunba Kunle Kalejaye.

From left, Deaconess M.A. Adenle, Yeye Otunba Oluwatoyin Mogaji and Dr (Mrs) Olufunmilola Kalejaye, Chairperson, Ilese Day 2016.

Miss Titilope Adegbenro (left), Miss Ilese Day 2015 and Miss Imoleayo Ayeni (right), Miss Ilese Day 2016, on the occasion.

Carnival display at the event.

Nigerian Tribune

Monday, 15 August, 2016 11 businessnews Naira strengthens to N281.23/$ at interbank market Med-View airlines has Chima Nwokojji-Lagos

T

HE floating naira exchange rate ended at N281.23 to a dollar on Wednesday, slightly stronger than the N282.3 to the dollar it traded at on Tuesday.

This is even as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Citibank on Wednesday executed the country’s first naira-settled futures trade against the dollar, market regulator FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange said.

On Monday, the central bank introduced an overthe-counter futures market on the currency, to help manage dollar demand, quoting the naira firmer at N279 to the dollar in a month’s time and at N210

by April next year.

However, the Naira maintained the same level of exchange rate with Euro and the British Pounds as it traded for N371 to the British Pounds, N310 to the Euro and N42.39 to the Chinese Yuan at the interbank market.

At the parallel (black) market, the situation is returning to business as usual, as the effects of the new foreign exchange regime seem to be gradually fading out of the market operations.

The local currency gained N2.00 on Wednesday, as it closed at N350 to the dollar, according to the Acting president of Bureau De Change Association of Nigeria (ABCON), Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe.

On Monday, the naira lost ground to the dollar, falling from N345 on Friday to N347, only to fall further last Tuesday to N352.

Similarly, Nigerian Tribune findings revealed that many banks are transacting at the “floating” interbank market rate of N280 to N284 to the dollar, while some have banned international transactions with Naira cards altogether.

In a mail sent by Stanbic IBTC to its customers on Tuesday, the bank said it was charging N310 to the greenback, as against N282.3, which the interbank market traded on the same day.

“We wish to inform you that you can now stay up date on our card rates by simply visiting our website,” the mail read in part.

The bank went on to say: “Please find below our current card rate: 1GBP = N424.07, 1USD = N310, 1EUR = 341.63. Please note rates may vary from time to time,” the email read.

The three currencies traded at the interbank market on Tuesday at

N371, N282.3 and N310 respectively, showing a variance of N53.07 on the pound, N26.7 on the dollar and N31.63 on the European currency.

Guaranty Trust Bank and Access Bank were also charging between N330 and N340 against the US dollar.

The rate at which Wednesday’s futures deal by CBN and Citi Bank was done, and the size of the trade was not disclosed, but some dealers said about $20 million were traded.

The bank had last week auctioned $3.5 billion on the futures market to clear a backlog of cur-

rency demand after it lifted its 16-month-old peg to allow the Naira trade freely on the interbank market.

It sold $697 million in one-month futures, $1.22 billion in two-month contract and $1.57 billion due in three months, in order to clear a backlog of $4.02

billion of demand.

In the non-deliverable forwards market, dealers said the Naira rose against the dollar on Wednesday, with the one-month contract quoting the currency at N283, converging almost with the spot market, which traded the naira at N281.23.

From left: Chief Investment Officer, Old Mutual Investment Group, Hywei George; the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Diane Radley; Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, and Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, Uche Orji, at the signing of a partnership agreement between NSIA, Old Mutual and UFF Agri-Fund in Abuja.

More woes as 4 oil export grades are shut under

force majeure OIL Giant Shell has declared a force majeure on its Bonny Light Crude oil lifting facility due to what it called a “leak”. Shell made this announcement on Friday and blamed this was due “to shut down of

the Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL) by the pipeline operator, Aiteo, following a leak”.

According to Nairametrics, an online publication, the statement did not confirm if the pipeline leak

was due to the activities of the Niger Delta Militants and did not reveal how soon the leak will be fixed.

This makes it the fourth export terminal that is under a force majeure, further worsening the govern-

CBN proffers solutions to ending naira devaluation Adetola Bademosi-Abuja

FOLLOWING the drastic fall of naira against dollars, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the weekend, said there was need for the country to come up with exportable products in exchange for dollars.

It said the country had in the past, depended solely on oil which has been exhausted.

Speaking to teenagers at the Teens Career Conference, organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God RCCG, (TEAP zone) in Abuja, the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele represented by the Deputy governor, CBN, Sarah Alade, explained that the issue of naira crashing against dollar can best be tackled by diversifying the economy.

She emphasised that the nation would grow economically when it produces, have more things to sell

and export in order to earn dollars.

He said the apex bank is working to ensure that it create enabling environment to attract foreign investors.

He further noted the Federal Government FG’s effort at diversifying the economy by looking into

other sectors, especially agriculture.

While speaking on the various programmes put together by the bank to encourage youth entrepreneurship, Emefiele said the CBN had set aside N220 billion to support youths and ultimately diversify the economy.

ment’s financial situation.

The other export streams that are said to be out are Qua Iboe, Forcados, Brass River and Bonny Light.

The NNPC released its 2016 June financial report last week revealing that it posted about loss of about N26.5 billion. Revenue was N118.3 billion. Year to date, June 2016 the NNPC has recorded a revenue of about N706.8 billion.

Losses for the year to date was N2.3 billion. A total of 761,384,627 barrels of crude has been lifted for the year.

According to reports, pipeline attacks from the Niger Delta Militants have cost Nigeria about 700,000 bpd in oil production.

performed well —Akeugbagold

By Oluwatoyin Malik

THE Chairman of Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Muslim Wing, Alhaji Taofeek Akeugbagold has praised the Med-View Airlines over its efficiency in airlifting hajj pilgrims promptly.

Alhaji Akeugbagold stated this on Saturday while speaking with the Nigerian Tribune on the number of pilgrims from the state that had been flown to Saudi Arabia for this year’s holy pilgrimage.

Out of 1,360 pilgrims consisting of 1,354 pilgrims and six officials from Oyo State, Alhaji Akeugbagold said that 894 had landed in Saudi Arabia, leaving 466 to be airlifted.

He added that the remaining pilgrims were delayed as a result of their visas which were still being processed at the Saudi Arabia embassy as at the time their flight was scheduled for, but said that the process had been completed.

The chairman also lauded the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the Airline, Alhaji Munirudeen Bankole whom he said always made himself available to all the states that patronize his airline anytime his attention was needed, without them having a need to go through a third party.

He further disclosed that though there was a little hitch with the airline in 2015 in connection with the airlifting of Oyo State pilgrims, Alhaji Akeugbagold said the Board still decided to patronize it because of its good performance.

He stated further that Med-View Airline is also one of the foremost airlines which returns pilgrims to Nigeria after the performance of hajj every year, pointing out that the pilgrims attach much importance to quick return to their families after performing the religious rites.

Glo gains 68% of new GSM lines in 1 year GLOBACOM has emerged the preferred network in voice services in Nigeria as it got 68 per cent of all new GSM subscriptions in the last 12 months.

Recent statistics published Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), on its website showed that a total 7,477,977 new lines were added between June 2015 and June 2016. Out of this figure, Globacom cornered a staggering 5,063,895

new susbcribers, representing 68 per cent, while Airtel came a distant second with 2,414,082 new subscribers.

Conversely, Etisalat and MTN recorded abysmal losses, according to the NCC statistics with 382,336 and 4,403,344 depletion of their customer bases respectively in the last one year.

A breakdown of the report indicated that, with the success achieved by Globacom, the data grand-

master has equally buoyed up its share of voice from 21% to 24 per cent with 36.3m subscribers at the end of June, 2016 from its earlier figure of 31,256,677 last year.

MTN on the contrary had its share of voice reduced to 39 per cent from over 45% share of voice which it boasted of last year. The network closed with 58.4 million subscribers at the end of June from its previous record of 62,813,111 subscribers.

With this performance, Glo has reduced the gap between it and MTN, while it has maintained a substantial gap between it and Airtel which was at par with it on share of voice three months ago with 21% each.

Airtel, says the report, whose subscriber base was 29,564,766 at the middle of last year, had remained rooted to 21% of share of voice with 31,978,848 customers at the end of June, 2016.

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Monday, 15 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

13

editorial

I

Monday, 15 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

The renewed calls for restructuring

N what can be likened to Professor Wole Soyinka’s Abiku, a poetic rendering of a stubborn and insistent phenomenon that refuses to be quashed by time and circumstance, the age-long calls for the restructuring of the Nigerian federation have again resurfaced. The consensus of opinions is that, in the light of the glaring dysfunctional manifestations in the polity, there is the need for Nigeria to return to the drawing board and re-engineer the foundation of its federation.

From virtually all the geo-political zones of the country, the calls for restructuring are gathering momentum by the day. They sink into the hearts of patriots because, more than at any other period in Nigeria’s history, the socio-political and economic problems manifesting in the country have shown that it cannot continue with its present skewed structure. The history of the anomalous federal practice that is the lot of Nigeria is in the public domain: -how the Major General Aguiyi Ironsi regime had, in 1966, spiked the regional autonomy hitherto enjoyed by the component units and foisted unitarism on the then six-year old federation. Since then, the unitary system has hindered the creative inclinations of Nigeria’s diverse peoples, different worldviews, multiple languages and make-ups.

Even when the country lays claim to being a federation, it is, in all material particulars, still a unitary state. This has led to endless sociopolitical and socioeconomic problems that are the natural offshoots of such systemic inconsistency.

It is apparent that many of Nigeria’s existential problems today are as a result of the anomaly of a country which is apparently federal in its natural constitution but is being run as a unitary state.

The attempts by some top-placed runners of the country to deny that restructuring of the federation was part of the campaign promises of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have boomeranged, as is the attempt to reduce the calls to a sectional agitation. Some elders and statesmen have also lent their voices to the renewed agitation, the aggregate views of whom, we believe, the country could only ignore at her peril.

In joining our voices with the strident calls for restructuring by respected Nigerian leaders, we are not calling for a reinvention of the wheel. Rather, we are of the opinion that the various constitutional conferences held in time past, the most recent of which was the 2014 conference convoked by the immediate past government of President Goodluck Jonathan, have enough antidotes to the skewed federalism that Nigeria practices. What is urgently imperative is for the

recommendations of those conferences to be dusted up and implemented to the letter.

It is apparent that non-adherence to federalist principles has largely affected the destiny of Nigeria, leading to a general governmental apathy and stunted development.

From the developmental mileages made by Nigeria during the First Republic, the outcome of a federal structure and practice that worked effectively and helped to jumpstart the developmental destiny of Nigeria, to which nostalgic references are made periodically, it is apparent that federalism is the ideal governmental structure that Nigeria needs. It is most conducive to its peculiar geography and diverse peoples.

Since the commencement of the unitarist ‘federalism’ during the days of the military, Nigeria has gradually sunk into indolence. There is a general laxity in the land, from the government to the governed, further worsened by the discovery of oil and its attendant problems. Agriculture, which used to be the mainstay of the economy, has been abandoned for the rat race for oil money and Nigeria is viewed as belonging to all and the patrimony of nobody.

This has made less patriots of Nigerians, with everybody returning to their tent, protecting the hegemony of tribe and geography. Competition among the federating units, one of the flourishing ideals of a federation, has dried up with indolent states literally doing nothing and waiting to collect monthly dole-outs from the oil patrimony every month. The current global economic crisis that has revealed the dangers of half a century of Nigeria’s misguided practice of unitarism.

There is therefore the need for the centre to be made less attractive, while the federating units become the lords of their natural endowments, paying rents to the Federal Government. This is a better way to develop. It would make the units to look inwards and not be dependent on the resources of other people for their own development.

Certainly, the call for Nigeria’s restructuring is a better song to hear than the various separatist tunes currently being bandied in the South-East and South-South. These are a result of the leadership turning deaf ears to the calls for a proper articulation of Nigeria’s togetherness.

No matter how they are cowed, such groups will continue to spring up like ferns in a plantation. To ignore the restructuring call is to give room to all the fissiparous movements to coalesce, indicative of the fact that the country is on a journey to the Yugoslav model, a euphemism for a break-up. If Nigeria’s unity is not going to be negotiable, the country needs to restructure.

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14 LETTERS TO THE

Monday, 15 August, 2016

editor

Letters to the editor should be sent to letterstribune@yahoo. com or by sms to 08055001747 or 08054005323.

It MUST be accompanied by the full name and address of the writer.

Nigerians deserve better than this

T

HE Nigerian political elite has a way of diverting people’s attention from serious developmental defects to mundane matters that sometimes border on the personal interest of a few people, but which are given patriotic colouration. Some of these overlooked issues affect our reputation as a nation but are taken for granted by those in the position of authority, making Nigeria

the butt of jokes all over the world.

Recently, I was on a trip to Dubai enroute to Birmingham, United Kingdom. It was supposed to be a six-hour journey from Nigeria to the United Kingdom, but I ended up spending almost 20 hours.

The choice of Emirates Airline to connect through to Birmingham was informed by the outrageous amount I could not afford to pay for a direct trip, so

I chose the long, unwieldy route. Unfortunately, a seven-hour plus journey to Dubai became nine hours because the aircraft had to go to Accra, Ghana to get aviation fuel.

It is an irony that the world’s sixth producer of oil could not make aviation fuel available for visiting airlines. It was scandalous in the least and a huge embarrassment to the Nigerian passengers in the aircraft that their oil-rich

Nigeria’s growing urban slums NIGERIA is still very much stuck in the “Third World” categorisation and the fact of its existence tells us all that this is the correct designation. Thus, it is not proper to aspire to tag onto the mainstream of technology without first solving this country’s vexing problem. Nigeria’s vexing problem is congested urban sprawls that are full-bodied slums and these slums are growing each passing day. What’s the point of aspiring to be a United Nations (UN) Security Council member if Nigeria cannot properly dispose of solid and liquid sewage that fester in urban city centres?

Nigeria’s urban slum sprawls can be solved by a rather low-technology approach; simply pull down these urban slums and implement local lebensraum because there is landmass enough for this purpose.

Homesteads must not be congested affairs anymore; spacing between one homestead and its nearest neighbours must be separated by vegetated or arboreal lots that ensure ventilation and illumination.

Since high-tech central sewage processing plants are not available, individual homestead underground septic-tank systems must be built and periodically cleaned. This gentrification is what is needed right now across Nigeria’s urban centres.

Redesigning and rebuilding Nigeria’s urban centres would occupy Nigerians for a long time and the positive domino-effect fallout would help economic recovery immensely.

Nigeria’s government must not pander to the il-

literate mass anymore; if you are illiterate, then you cannot be invited to participate in this urban renewal project because those who lack basic education are always at fault over basic sanitation matters and personal hygiene. Really, slum dwellers experience perpetual cycle of healthcare challenges, and so, it vital to clear the slums so those resident there can be

healthy.

Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory should latch onto this concept immediately.

When the streets are clean and devoid of sewage and vermin, foreign capital would flow in and the economy would grow.

•Sunday Adole Jonah, Minna, Niger State.

country, in an era of change failed again to measure up to a global standard. I later learnt from co-passengers that the same aviation fuel problem led to the cancellation of the Lagos to Dubai flight, with passengers directed to Abuja for the combined flight.

Closely strung with aviation fuel scarcity is the skyrocketing cost of kerosene.

If you ask me, the government should have continued to subsidise kerosene.

Here is one product that is closest to the ordinary voting public who cannot afford gas.

Kerosene currently sells between N200 and N220 per litre, as against NNPC’s fixed price of N150. For years now, the government has been preaching against tree felling and the need to preserve the environment.

The absence of funds to buy cooking gas (where food is even available) has led the masses of this

country to resort to cooking with firewood.

While the government cannot subsidise kerosene to put the basic need of man (food) on the table for the family, the same government has made another costly mistake of making forex available at a fixed rate to intending pilgrims by way of ‘subsidy’. The naira is almost N400 to a dollar, but intending pilgrims will get it at the fixed rate of N197.

In a circular said to have emanated from the CBN, the FG would spend N11.92bn to subsidise 65,197 pilgrims at the fixed rate. Yet the government is said to have stopped the sponsorship of pilgrimages in another classic case of policy somersault. Apart from sending a bad signal, pilgrimage is the least worry of a hungry man and largely a private affair. It is true what they say that ‘religion is the opium of

the masses’ and you can never win any argument concerning religion in this country. Politicians use religion to manipulate the people sometimes but definitely not all the time.

The naira is in a free fall, inflation is rising, taxes are being raised without commensurate improvement in people’s lives; kidnapping is on the increase, robbery has not abated, wanton and indiscriminate killings are on the rise, and Fulani herdsmen are on rampage, yet the populace is only inundated with mundane and insignificant issues.

Nigerians should stop fighting proxy wars; instead, they should demand for good governance, and why such a promising government is falling apart like a pack of cards.

•Zainab Suleiman Okino, zainabsule@yahoo. com

Speed limiting devices: Appeal to FRSC THE Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said that it would begin enforcing the use of speed limiting devices from October 1. While the organisation might have good intention, going by the high rate of accidents on our roads, I think it is important it doesn’t arrest drivers or impound vehicles for not having the devices.

The truth is that Nigerians are passing through tough economic period now, and forcing them to comply with the speed limiting devices will definitely add to their burden.

The most the FRSC can do is to continue to sensitise the public on the benefits of the devices as it is doing with tyres.

•Taju Alalade, Ilorin, Kwara State.

15

opinion

Monday, 15 August, 2016

Lasisi Olagunju

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Lasgunju@yahoo.com (08111813053)

ACH time we vote for strangers because the incumbent turned out uglier than his predecessor, I remember an old story. It is the story of the headstrong girl who marries this handsome stranger against the wise counsel of her parents. She throws herself to the stranger, crosses seven rivers with him until they reach where he calls home. Then, one man comes forward and collects dude’s beautiful legs, another demands the hands. One by one, the handsome youngman’s body parts go back to their owners until it dawns on the lady that she is married to a skull. It is already too late for her.

Every buyer should examine the object of their fancy.

Do not get married in the dark, no matter the attraction.

Ask questions. Anyone who goes for what is too good should be ready to be sorry. When you pick blindfolded as we all often do in our democratic politics in Nigeria, you are doomed to get what is called winner’s curse — the joyful buyer feeling ‘cursed’ having paid and sacrificed so much for a dreary stuff, a skull in the place of a dude.

There is so much suffering in the land. The situation is so bad that even reasonable people in this government are embarrassed that there is a dearth of coherent, competent response to the challenges. I read popular Professor Jerry Gana recently declaring that Nigerians were yearning for the PDP to come back to power. I wonder what voices he hears. It is true there is buyer’s remorse on every face of “Change” you meet on the road, but if the people are hungry and ill, is lapping up the vomit of 2015 going to be the magic dose? If Tandi missed the dance steps, and Tandy, his replacement, does not even show the faintest idea of what it means to dance, does it make any sense to go back to the disappointment of the past?

One party cried out that hungry people now barter their precious kids for tins of garri. The other party countered that, we are, indeed, lucky, for it would have been worse; that Nigerians would have been selling their kids to feed if the other had not been defeated in 2015. A people cannot be stuck with two bad options. There must be a third option. What is that option? Faced with the spectacle of an impotent inheritor of her bed, a widow longs for her late husband only if the departed was competent too. Otherwise she would query her chi which creates only the unfit to fill her

Who wants PDP back?

Who?

space. Nigeria is a woman indentured to spoilt, limp, powerful men who do not know what responsibility means. Passed from one bed chamber to another, the woman is day and night subjected to abuse, ill use and misuse without any hope of redeeming herself.

A people are as great as the questions they ask. They get the kind of government they deserve. We had our campaigns and elections last year. Did we ask the right questions? Did we ask any question at all? We shouted ‘Change’ so repeatedly that we forgot to ask the drivers the direction we would be going. Evergreen King Sunny Ade once cried out that he did not know where the driver was taking him. We heard his song, hummed his music.

His question did not mean anything to us. We merely got the rhythm, we danced and missed the message.

We had our election campaigns last year. Americans are having theirs this year. From the campaigns alone, can we see clearly why America has kept focussing on the future and racing to the next century? Everyday, everywhere, the candidates talk, speak, answer questions and queries. They get ripped open. Every strand of hair in every part of their bodies is examined in the interest of their nation. Americans have the opportunity to hear the candidates make promises, directly. They are not giving

room for a candidate to disown promises made by his/ her party. For us, we listen to the wrong people always.

In 2007, Umaru Yar’Adua was the candidate, the person who spoke to us was Olusegun Obasanjo. In 2011, the candidate was Goodluck Jonathan, the voice in the air was Obasanjo’s. And we were satisfied, happy with the proxy we got and elected the persons we did not know.

We felt neither buyer’s remorse nor winner’s curse.

When Yar’Adua lost it midway and Jonathan missed it, we still did not change the way we choose our leaders.

In 2015, we did exactly the same thing. We listened to some strange voices. Promises were made by persons not on the ballot while Muhammadu Buhari, the man who would be president, looked on. Today, his ways are not of those who came to us with promises. Buhari does not deserve our insult. He deserves apology from us for asking him to do what he did not promise. He promised only one thing: “God willing, I will fight corruption.” This he has done and is doing. He promised nothing else. Others did. And those who did are not in government — or not in power. So? The road to the future is right before us, not behind us. The solution is not in looking back, like a dog that goes back to its vomit. No. The best should rule the rest. That is the philosophy that propelled civilisations across all ages. Ours cannot be different in 21st century Nigeria. Enough of the APC regaling us with some folktales of what they did centuries ago when the world was flat. Enough of the PDP which still does not know that Nigeria is far gone from gerontocratic shamelessness. Nigerians are suffering. Businesses are crumbling, jobs are dropping into the Lagoon, homes are tension soaked and all our husbands of today tell us is how worse it would have been if we had not spent our life savings to buy them as our masters.

A people cannot be stuck with two bad options. There must be a third option. What is that option? The third option is a clear aggregate of the unpretentiously good and able. The rest should be led by the best. That is the natural way to excellence. Not the reverse. The nation is in deep shit! It needs the best to give it a gold treatment. The solution is in the future, not in the past (and the present) of a band who, even now, does not know that men have expiry dates.

Nigerian elites and the challenges of now

By Remi Oyeyemi IN determining the title of this piece, I prevaricated between the words “leaders” and “elites.” After serious evaluation, I came to the conclusion that the word “elites” would be more appropriate. I reached this conclusion because, in one’s opinion, Nigeria has not had real leaders for some time now. Rather, Nigeria has had a great majority of dealers, opportunists, and visionless carpetbaggers with nauseating inclinations for banditry as leaders. Their sole mission has been to loot the commonwealth without thoughts of the country and its future.

The elites, on the other hand, are the totality of all the political, economic, social, religious and professional leading lights in the country. This would also include the various leading lights of several segments of the society such as market women, student leaders, the academia, intelligentsia, media, lawyers, doctors, artisans, transporters, among others. All the leading lights of all these groups constitute the elites of this country. Unfortunately, it seems they do not know that this country is almost collapsing.

At this juncture in our country’s history, time has passed being politically correct. Time is fast passing for us to be aligning with political partisanship. The country is collapsing, and at a scary pace. There is the need for all the elites to have a change of heart and begin to think of what ways they can turn around this country. It is high time we began to think of how this country can be preserved. Though, someone like me, I still believe that restructuring to give ethnic nationalities more control over their destinies is the best way to go. However, if we still want Nigeria to remain

united, the time to rethink our attitudinal dispositions is now. Our elites have mismanaged this country for so long.

Those most responsible have been the political elites, with their sentries and collaborators in other strata of the society. As things stand now, it is important that partisanship is relegated to the background. There is urgent need to reverse the course of events. To be able to do this, there is the need for everyone to come together and be more candid about the mess in the country. Politics is important, but it should not be more important than the survival of the country, for if the country collapses, politics would become mute. This is very important to remember.

Today, Nigerians are going through serious social, economic and religious meltdown. Social sickliness, economic enervation, and religious languor are a very dangerous mix for any society. For those who have an understanding of this, they are aware that this could be worse than sitting on the proverbial keg of gun powder. And the way things are going, the country can ‘explode.’ And if allowed to ‘explode,’ it might be difficult to put together again. This is because when a crisis begins, it has always been difficult to tell how it ends.

Some are asking for the restructuring of the country now, and any further delay will be regrettable for all. First, there is a need to check the increasing confrontation against the state. The starting point is to give everyone a sense of belonging. Let us come to the round table and discuss the way forward. If we are really serious about Nigeria, we have to discuss how we want the country to be administered. Refusal to allow a roundtable discussion is to suggest that only a section of Nigeria has all the wisdom and would continue

to call the shots. If the elites are afraid of losing control of what might result from this, they could at least start by pressuring President Muhammadu Buhari to implement the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference.

Secondly, it is important that the recommendations of the national conference is set in motion as soon as possible.

Failure to respond now might lead to a more complicated crisis that could get out of control. There is anarchy on the horizon as we are all witnessing. This has to be checkmated right now. A stitch in time would save the country from imminent political collapse.

Nigeria is increasingly becoming less free. Religious freedom is at risk. Free speech is now seriously endangered.

Political differences are met with detentions for convoluted charges. There is increased abuse of the judicial process.

Even, ordinary bloggers are being arrested and harassed by authorities. However, some of these problems did not start under President Buhari.

One could concede to President Buhari that he might have good intentions, but he needs to work hard so that Nigerians can be more comfortable than they are at the moment. At least, this is why they voted for his government in the first place. It is, therefore, time for the elites to come together and make sacrifices to save Nigeria.

Let me, therefore, end with a quotation by former United States president, John F. Kennedy, during his inaugural address. He said: “In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility – I welcome it.”

•Oyeyemi is a public affairs analyst.

16

politicscommentary

Monday, 15 August, 2016

Restructuring and the Yoruba agenda

By Eric Teniola

T

HE submission of the former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar GCON on the restructuring of the Nigerian Political system is very instructive.

Likewise are the submissions of Pastor Tunde Bakare, Lieutenant General Alani Ipoola Akinrinade (retd.), Mohammed Haruna, Senator Musa Adede, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Chief Wole Olanipekun, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Senator Femi Okunronmu, and others.

I have read the four books by Colonel Tony Nyiam (retd), especially his 169-page book on True Federal Democracy or Awaiting Implosion? I agree with his suggestion on the need for the creation for a National Institute for the strategic management of Nigeria’s Security. And those who know Nigeria well enough don’t joke with the views of Colonel Nyiam.

During the tenure of General Sani Abacha, leaders and Obas in Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ogun met on April 6, 1994. Ekiti State was yet to be created as at then. It was still part of Ondo State. The meeting took place in Abeokuta. At the end of it, a draft memorandum was prepared by a committee. As a follow up of the Abeokuta meeting, a memorandum was prepared and approved at a meeting held on May 11 1994 in Akure. The memorandum was adopted by acclamation at the meeting. That memorandum represented the soul and authoritative views of all the Obas, chiefs, Leaders of Thought and the entire people of Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The memorandum was signed by the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Ooni of Ife,ObaOkunade Sijuade, the Owa Obokun of Ijesha land, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, Oba AdebolaOyedokun of Saaki, Oba Osuolale Adeyemi of Isheri,the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba R. A. Adejugbe, the Alaaaye of Efon Alaaye, Oba Adesanya Aladejare, Chief Isiaka Adeleke, Tunji Abolade, Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Oyeyemi Oladunni Ajagungbade, the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Wuraola Adeyeri, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Emmanuel Adegboyega Operinde, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Afolabi Oguntade Salau Oyefusi, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba OlatubosunTadese, the Akran of Badagry D.E. Wheno Menu Toyi, Chief Segun Osoba, Dr. Femi Okunronmu, Dr. Sola Soiele, Dr. Festus Adesanoye, Osemawe of Ondo, the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebobaje Adesida, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, Chief George Akosile, Major General Adeyinka Adebayo, Chief Michael Ajasin, Chief IlemobajoAkinola, Senator RemiOkunriboye, Major General OlufemiOlutoye, Professor BiyiAfonja, Chief Owosina, Chief OluFalae, Chief AbiolaMorakinyo, Mrs. JumokeOlojede, Chief BisiAkande, Alaafin Of Oyo, Oba LamidiAdeyemi, Chief YusufuAyinla, AlhajUmoniAlade, Chief YesufuAyinla,theOwa of Idanre, Oba FederickAdegunleAroloye, Chief LadojuLadapo, Chief PekunAdesokan,Chief Bola Ige, Chief Akin Omojola, Oba AdesanyaAladejare in EfonAlaye, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Professor Adebayo Adedeji, Chief A.O. Anjorin, Chief AdeyigaAjayi, Alhaji G. O. Dawodu, the Oba of Lagos, Oba AdeyinkaOyekan, Chief TOS Benson, Chief Odeyale, Chief AdeniranOgunsanya, among others.

To me, the views represent till today the authentic views of the Yoruba people on the issue of restructuring. They declared: ”We are convinced that the cause of Nigeria’s federalism will be well and truly advanced if we return to the pre-1996 evolutionary path: a balanced federal structure which recognizes fully the legitimate claims of all ethnic groups for self-determination and where no single entity among the federating units will be strong or powerful enough to hold the others to ransom, but where each of the federating units is large enough, both in terms of size and population as well as of resources, to be viable, self-reliant and dynamic. Other relevant factors include the homogeneity of each federating unit, geographic contiguity among the units of a region and demonstrable willingness to be together. In pursuance of the principle of self-determination and in the interest of the sustainability, any state or community shall have the opportunity to decide, through the democratic process, the region of its choice in the light of these criteria. In the light of the foregoing criteria, we propose the restructuring of Nigeria into six federating units to be known as Regions. The six regions shall be Western,Eastern, Southern, NorthWestern, North-Eastern and Middle Belt Regions. The Western Region will group together the following States: Lagos,Ogun,Ondo,Osun and Oyo and all other Yorubaspeaking communities wherever they may be in the Federation. The states that will constitute the other regions

will be decided by their people subject to the observation of the principle of self-determination”. With the restructuring into six viable and potentially dynamic and prosperous regions, individually and collectively serving as a countervailing force to the centralizing tendencies of the centre, Nigeria will be constituted a Federation of six regions. Each would have the power to prepare its own constitution and determine its political structure, its legislative organs and the structure of its executive, provided that nothing in the constitution of the Regions conflicts with the fundamental tenets of federalism and with principles of the federal constitution.

“The function of the Federal Government must be clearly spelt out. Residual powers must lie with the Regions.

The Federal Government shall have no power to interfere in or take over any function of the Regional Government.

Similarly, it shall have no power to interfere with the operations of any Regional Government. Each Region shall determine the number functions and power of its constituent institutions.

“The National Assembly shall be bi-cameral: House of the People and the Upper House. Members shall be elected or designated for a period of four years with the possibility of re-election. Membership of the House of the People shall be by universal suffrage with constituencies delineated on the basis of population,contiguity,homoge neity and territorial expanse. Each Region shall send an equal number of representatives to the upper House, onequarter of whom must be traditional ruler from within that Region. Each Region will be free to determine the basis and method of election/selection of its representative to that House.

“The Head of Government shall be the Prime Minister who shall be appointed by the President. The person, to be so appointed, shall be the leader of the party or of a coalition of parties which has the support of the majority of the

The question is no longer whether restructuring is desired or not; we have passed that stage. The issue is when and how it will be implemented without amending the present presidential constitution that is in use.

members of the House of the People. Whenever he loses such support, he shall resign or be dismissed. The Prime Minister shall be free to form his Government which must receive the immediate endorsement of the House of the people through a vote of confidence. The Prime Minister shall resign or be dismissed whenever the majority of the House of the People withdraws its support.

“There shall be provision for power-sharing in the Constitution. Power configuration shall be accorded a zoning status on rotational basis. For this purpose, five key portfolios(such as Internal Affairs and Petroleum) in addition to the office of the Prime Minister, shall be identified in the Constitution and be assigned to five Deputy Prime Ministers drawn from the five Regions, other than Region from which the Prime Minster hails. For avoidance of doubt, the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Ministers and all members of government shall be elected members of the House of the People.

“The principle of derivation in which each Region will retain an overwhelming share, if not all, of the revenue accruing from the tax imposed on the natural resources within its territory, shall apply. Revenue from the exploitation and custom duties shall be put in distributable pool account to be shared between the Federal and the Regional Governments in accordance with an agreed formula, but with special consideration being given to the Region(s) where the facilities for their collection are located. Every effort must be made o achieve self-reliance in mobilizing resources by all the Regions and the Federation. In particular, no Region must take proportionally more than what it contributes to the Federation financially. There shall be no direct Federal allocation to State Local governments. With regard to the power of personal and direct taxation, such as personal income tax, capitalgains tax, sales tax and property tax, governmentsshall have the right to levy them that provided that, in order to ensure efficiency, a uniform tax base should be applied and tax rate split between the Federal and Regional Governments. The rate of tax can differ from region to region so that regional revenue can be enhanced to respond to the special needs of a particular region and in accordance with the ability and willingness if the citizens to pay higher taxes.”

These were the views expressed 22 years ago. These views are still being re-echoed today because they are important and vital to our co-existence as a nation. The question is no longer whether restructuring is desired or not; we have passed that stage. The issue is when and how it will be implemented without amending the present presidential constitution that is in use. Will the present legislators and the executives allow for such an amendment knowing fully well that the present system benefits them?

Teniola, a former director at the presidency, stays in Lagos.

17

Monday, 15 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

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

analysis

entrepreneuership

markets

leadership & management

By Abdulkadir Musa

T

HE Nigerian economy, prior to the advent petro-dollar years of the 1970s, was basically agricultural based. Agriculture contributed about 65 per cent to the GDP and represented 70 per cent of total exports.

The sector was marked with high labour-absorptive ratio and provided the scarce foreign exchange needed for the importation of raw materials, machine spare-parts and other capital goods required for the few available industries.

These suddenly became history with the growing importance of oil, and agriculture was sidelined to the extent that Nigeria could hardly feed her population again from her agricultural activities. The petro-dollar era also brought with it other challenges. Nigeria is today battling with dwindling foreign reserves owing to our huge importation bills, thereby affecting the Naira exchange value.

The scenario painted above was the situation when Godwin Emefiele, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, assumed office two years ago. Giving an insight into what would be his mission at the apex bank, which he encapsulated in his 10-point agenda, he had said that the CBN, under his watch, would spend its energies and resources to build a resilient financial system that would serve the growth and development needs of the country using development bank strategies as the fulcrum of his policy to drive the economy.

Not only that, Emefiele committed himself to creating “a central bank that is professional, a central bank that is apolitical, and people-focused and a CBN that would pursue a gradual reduction in interest rates.”

In line with this vision, the CBN, under his leadership, has pursued with added vigour intervention schemes such as Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (ACGS), Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS), the N220billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Fund (MSMEDF), Small and Medium Enterprises Credit Guarantee Scheme (SMECGS), and the very recently launched Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) to mention but few.

The collapse of the global commodity prices as experienced in 2014, and particularly, the crash in crude oil prices, which went as low as $27, did not help matters.

And as this was happening, Nigeria still maintained huge import bill that necessitated the CBN’s action restricting 41 items from access to forex from the inter-bank window. This was a major policy plank to curtail the hemorrhage in the nation’s reserves and stabilize the exchange rate of the Naira. The policies and initiatives as expected were not well received by the predatorily western economic interests and vicious speculators which prompted the CBN, at a point to close the rDAS/ wDAS FOREX window, among other measures to check further pressure on the exchange rate and also preserve the country’s foreign reserves.

In addition to all these was the battle to stem the avalanche of liquidity surfeit arising from huge campaign expenses of the 2015 general election, which is charac-

CBN and economic diversification teristic of any electioneering year and the attendant inflationary pressure. Given the transition to a new government, the CBN saw itself playing a critical role in terms of macroeconomic management holding forte for the new government to stabilize.

Thus, the bank unleashed various measures as a way to stabilize the economy.

One glaring fact about Godwin Emefiele led-CBN is its stubborn disposition and ability to tame the currency speculators prying on the Naira exchange rate by introducing various measures including the latest flexible exchange rate regime.

The thrust of Emefiele’s philosophy is ‘produce, add value and export’ (PAVE) in which he has been admonishing Nigerians to return to the farm, produce and buy what is produced in Nigeria as a more sustainable way to ensure economic stability and minimize dependence on oil. What is urgently required as complimentary is a handshake by the fiscal authority to come up with policies to ensure a more enduring and sustainable economic management since monetary policy alone is not enough to sustain macroeconomic development for a long period of time.

Though the decision to ban 41 items from the inter-bank forex window was greeted with criticism, patriotic Nigerians applauded the policy measure as a giant leap in the right direction aimed at placing Nigeria firmly on the track of sustainable development, nay sound economic ground.

Right from the establishment of ACGS in 1977 through CACS to MSMEDF and the ABP, the CBN has always underscored its determination to support the strategic sectors in order to ensure a strong currency brought about by an active and productive real sector. Knowing full well that the challenge of many farmers and other participants in the real sector is the access to adequate funding, the CBN under Emefiele has provided an enabling environment and made available sufficient Funds that can be accessed by this group of willing actors and entrepreneurs

What is urgently required as by the fiscal authority to come up with policies to ensure a sustainable economic management since monetary policy alone is not enough to sustain macroeconomic development... for them to create wealth, generate employment and add value to the Nigerian economy.

The CBN set aside N40 billion out of the N220billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Fund (MSMEDF) for farmers at a single-digit interest rate, particularly under the Anchor Borrowers Programme. This essentially was to create economic linkages between 600,000 small farmers and reputable large-scale processors with a view to increasing agricultural output and to significantly improve capacity utilization of integrated mills. The CBN took the bold step to ensure that Nigerian jobs are not exported even as it canvasses a change in the preference of Nigerians for foreign made items we are capable of producing at home. Indeed, with the resolve of the fiscal and monetary authorities to pursue economic diversification and halt the importation of what can be produced locally, particularly items such as rice, wheat, palm oil, sugar and textile, among others, the CBN intervention programmes would bear the desired fruits.

This done, Nigerians can then look forward with assured optimism that the nation will soon be self-sufficient as it was decades back in her agricultural sector and turn the tide by reducing Nigeria’s import bill by at least 40 percent annually.

A very subtle gospel, being preached by Mr. Godwin Emefiele, which Nigerians

Godwin Emefiele need to take seriously, is the philosophy of PAVE (Produce, Add Value and Export.)

The concept is about the production of goods and services as well as attitudinal and cultural change of our perception of made in Nigeria products and taste for them. In essence, the tenet of PAVE hinges on ensuring increase in the production of goods and services domestically while also ensuring domestic value addition along the value chain of such products and services in order to make them exportable. For example the shoe maker in Aba should be assisted by making his product’s packaging attractive first to domestic consumers in Nigeria, and secondly to the continental and foreign markets.

PAVE is an effort to make Nigerians change their taste for foreign goods and services. A campaign to mobilize Nigerians, to develop the country’s tourist centers by making them more attractive enough for the citizens to patronize and serve as alternative to people who travel abroad on holidays and stem the drain on the national reserves. We have places like Obudu Cattle in Ranch Cross River State, Yankari Games Village and Resort in Bauchi State, Ikogosi Spring Warm Waters in Ekiti State, and Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to mention few.

In his wisdom, Emefiele thinks that this is a more sustainable way of stemming the hemorrhage in our foreign reserves. If we faithfully keep to the tenets of PAVE, it would ensure increased domestic production to the point of having excess for export which will earn us foreign exchange. It will also stem our taste for foreign goods and help us conserve foreign reserves. In essence, PAVE is synonymous to economic diversification. It is believed that PAVE remains a more sustainable way of not only diversifying the Nigerian productive base away from oil, but more importantly realigning the perception and taste of Nigerians.

Abdulkadir Musa writes in from Kebbi State.

18

Monday, 15 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Investors trade 1.4bn shares on 0.65% loss Stories by Kehinde Akinseinde-Jayeoba -Lagos EQUITIES trading on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) continued a bearish walk as investors kept a cautious hand on the bourse, despite gains recorded from blue chip stocks within the week.

At the end of the seven-day trade, NSE All-Share Index and Market Capitalization depreciated by 0.65 per cent to close the week at 27,246.88 and N9.358 trillion respectively. Similarly, all other Indices finished lower during the week, with the exception of the NSE Indus-

trial Goods Index that gained 0.66 per cent while the NSE ASeM Index closed flat.

A turnover of 1.361 billion shares worth N10.711 billion in 16,070 deals were traded this week by investors on the floor of the Exchange in contrast to a total of 1.185 billion shares valued at N13.033 billion that exchanged hands last week in 18,548 deals.

A total of 18 equities appreciated in price during the week, lower than 22 equities of the previous week. 38 equities depreciated in price, lower than 40 equities of the previous week, while 124 equities remained unchanged

with Kehinde Akinseyinde-Jayeoba

m: 08057336640 e: kehinde_07@yahoo.com

higher than 118 equities recorded in the preceding week.

The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 1.237 billion shares valued at N7.913 billion traded in 9,544 deals; thus contributing 90.87 per cent and 73.88 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Conglomerates Industry followed with 46.182 million shares worth N77.192 million in 637 deals. The third place was occupied by the Consumer Goods Industry with a turnover of 38.102 million shares worth N1.372 billion in 2,907 deals.

The top-three equities that attracted investors were, Wapic Insurance Plc, FBN Holdings Plc and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, as they accounted for 666.721 million shares worth N5.064 billion in 3,205 deals, contributing 48.99 per cent and 47.27 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Also, traded during the week were a total of 1.003 million units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N12.116 million executed in 43 deals, compared with a total of 11,383 units valued at N128,168.98 transacted last week in 48 deals.

A total of 4,044 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N4.062 million were traded in 6 deals compared to a total of 340 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N370,066.80 transacted last week in one deal.

Dangote Flour records N2.64bn after take over

From left, Titi Talabi, Company Secretary, AG Leventis (Nigeria) Plc; Haruna Jalo-Waziri, Executive Director, Capital Markets, NSE; Chief Joseph Oke, Chairman, AG Leventis (Nigeria) Plc; Michael Economakis, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, AG Leventis (Nigeria) Plc and Ahmed Mantey, Executive Director, AG Leventis (Nigeria) Plc at the Facts Behind the Figures presentation at the Exchange, recently.

AG Leventis set on rebound with foreign investments

I

N its efforts to revamp its business activities, AG Leventis has said it will inject fresh capital that can turn around the company performance.

Speaking at the ‘Facts Behind the figures’ of the company on the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE), Executive Vice Charman/ Chief Executive Officer of AG Leventis, Michael Economakis said the company’s would sustain turned around top line trend towards growth.

“We are discussing with foreign investors, hopefully there will be capital inflow very soon, this capital inflow will assist us in having better cash flow, there will be reduction in our cost of find and we will be able to expand our products portfolio”, he said.

While speaking on sectors of strategic priorities of the company’s, Economakis said fast moving consumer goods, automobile, agriculture and real estate are

major area the company’s is targeting to develop in the next two years.

He said AG Leventis is discussing with foreign investors to inject new capital into fast moving consumer goods sector of its businesses.

He said the new capital will aid the company in expanding their product portfolio into some richs products with a potential long term technical service partnership with Pick n Pay, one of the two retailers in South Africa.

On automobile, he said the company commenced production of vehicles from mid 2015 and would expand it plans to assemble for other distributors in the region.

He revealed that AG Leventis is looking at the large scale farming in Nigeria that would lead the company to backward integration in agriculture.

Speaking on the half year

financial results of the company, Head of Finance, AG Leventis, Olugbenga Kasomo attributed cost of materials, foreign exchange crises as major problems that hindered the performance of the company.

AG Leventis Revenue rose by 9 per cent, from N5.936 billion in half year 2015 to N6.442 billion at the end of half year 2016.

It’s cost of sales rose by 24 per cent from N4.266 billion to N5.274 billion in half year 2016. While it total operational expenses increased by 12 per cent in half year 2016 from N1.269 billion to N1.425 billion.

AG Leventis profit before tax for the period declined by 298 per cent to close at negative N494 million from N249 profit of 2015 half year.

MONTHS after its re-acTiger quisition from Branded Consumers Goods, Dangote Flour Mills has returned to profitability, posting a profit before tax (PBT) of N2.64 billion in the half year ended June 30, 2016, compared to a loss of N9.55 billion posted at the corresponding period in 2015. Dangote Flour Mills consists of Dangote Flour, Dangote Pasta, and Dangote Noodles.

According to the half year report of the company released on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the Flour milling group recorded a gross profit of N14.03 billion in the period while profit from operating activities rose to N8.47 billion.

The financial performance was a positive turnaround given that the Dangote Flour Mills recorded losses in the past. It was sold to Tiger Brands but later reacquired and re-positioned for good results.

Having reacquired the flour mills, the new board and management started

a restructuring process which included the reopening of the closed Dangote Flour Mills, Kano.

Chairman, Dangote Flour Mills Plc, Ighodalo Asue speaking on the repositioning said “We bought back Dangote Flour Mill from Tiger Branded and by this move, it means we have a stronger, better sophisticated and more focused Dangote Flour Mills.

“Since the takeover, we have taken a lot steps to reposition the company through expansion to drive growth. We are also using this medium to restate our commitment to increasing our shareholders value and our dear customers,” he said.

Group Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Flour Mills, Thabo Mabe said the return to profitability follows several strategies adopted by the company to increase market share and create value for shareholders. He said that the flour mill is driven by the vision of putting its products on the table of every Nigerian.

Stanbic IBTC to unveil another exchange traded fund NIGERIA’S goal of building a vibrant capital market that offers numerous investment windows is set for a boost as Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, has concluded plans to launch a new exchange traded fund (ETF), Stanbic IBTC Pension ETF 40, will mirror the Pension 40 Index (Pension Index), according to the company.

The launch will bring to

two the ETFs in Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited’s portfolio. In 2014, the company, the largest non-pension asset manager in Nigeria, launched the Stanbic IBTC ETF 30, which tracks the performance of the top 30 stocks listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

The Pension Index, launched last year by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to drive market op-

timization, is a tracking mechanism for investors, particularly institutional investors like Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), that invest in line with guidelines set out by the National Pension Commission (PENCOM). The NSE Pension Index monitors the top 40 most capitalised and liquid companies in the market.

The Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited, Mrs Bunmi

Dayo-Olagunju, said the primary objective of the Stanbic IBTC Pension ETF 40 was to provide investors access to the most liquid publicly quoted companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange that are compliant with the regulatory requirements for investing pension assets in terms of taxable profits, free float, dividend, sector and individual stock weighting,” Dayo-Olagunju said.

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The 60-second

business coach PAGE 24

Quote LEADERSHIP

PAGE 24

Leaders’

forum PAGE 24

Leaders’ journey to greatness

One of the tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency —Arnold Glasow

By Sulaimon Olanrewaju

T

HERE is the general misconception that with a vision and good intentions, a leader is made. But experience has proven contrary to that notion. While it is indubitable that the two may constitute the take off point of good leadership, they are certainly not the terminus. Any leader who hopes to bequeath a lasting legacy must bring more to the table than a compelling vision and a good intention.

The primacy of a good vision in a leader’s armoury is incontestable because it is the guide to the future. Without vision, there may be motion but it would be sans movement. Without a clearly-defined vision, the organization will be involved in wasteful deployment of resources, while the workforce will engage in fruitless exertion of energy.

Without vision, measuring success will be a tough call. But vision is nothing if it is not owned by the people. The force of a vision is determined by the commitment and persuasion of the people behind it.

Continues on pg20

Sir Festus Oluremi Omotoso, Chairman, Standard Chattered Bank

20

Continued from pg19

In the same vein, good intention is not enough for a leader. As it is often said, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. So, a leader with good intentions may end up inflicting untold hardship on the people. Thus, for a leader who does not have more than a vision and a good intention, the journey to greatness has yet to begin.

The journey to greatness For a leader to move from being a run of the mill leader to a great one, he must add to his vision and intention a number of other things.

A leader must inspire A leader is one because others follow. As noted

by John Maxwell, anyone who leads without followers is merely taking a walk. But what is it that draws followers to leaders? What makes many submit to the leadership of one? It is primarily the ability to inspire others. A leader must be inspiring; he must be able to stir something in the followers. Those who follow a leader must be able to connect with something in him that excites them, ignites the fire in them or rekindles hope in them.

An uninspiring personality will make a shipwreck of leadership.

However, different virtues in leaders appeal to different followers across the ages.

War-time British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, still stands out as one of the greatest leaders of that country. The mention of his name evokes nostalgia decades after his demise. Why? What was the strength of Churchill? He was able to inspire the people when they were in a state of despair. During the Second World War, virtually everything that could go wrong had gone wrong with Britain.

European countries were falling like a pack of cards to Hitler’s Germany, yet Churchill refused to capitulate. Rather, he kept raising the hope of the people through his oration and positivity.

When the war was raging and it looked as if his country was doomed to fall to Germany’s superior fire power, Churchill said, “Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be free and life of the world may move forward into broad, sunlit uplands. But if we fall, then the whole world, including the United States, including all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new Dark Age made more sinister, and perhaps more protracted, by the lights of perverted science. Let us therefore brace ourselves to

BOOK

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Monday, 15 August, 2016

How leaders become great our duties, and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth lasts for a thousand years, men will still say, ‘This was their finest hour!’”

At the end, he was not just able to win the hearts of the people through his inspiring words, the tide turned against Germany and Britain was saved from what seemed an imminent defeat.

For Mahatma Ghandi, his strong point was humility. As a leader, though Ghandi was ahead of the people intellectually, he was among them in the physical. He was just like one of them; from all indications, an ordinary man. But his strength was his humility. With humility and seeming ordinariness, he inspired the people. They flocked round him and looked up to him for instruction and direction.

the black community. King became the vital centre – a point of balance and unity.”

King’s charisma was so strong that his presence calmed frayed nerves.

A leader can inspire the followers in a number of ways. It is his responsibility to find out where his strength lies, develop same and draw from it to inspire the people as occasions demand. Anyone who cannot inspire has not begun the leadership journey.

John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice

Ibe Kachikwu, Chairman, Nigeria National Petroleum Commission

Although he was leading a resistance, he was neither provocative nor at any point got provoked. With his passive resistance philosophy, he led his country to freedom from the British colonialists. Till date, Ghandi is still regarded in India as the epitome of leadership.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo is held in awe over half a century after he left office as Premier of the defunct Western Nigeria and decades after his translation. Awo is perceived as a leader who inspired his followers through his profundity and quality service. Awo had the reputation of a leader who would take the time to think through any problem with a view to coming up with a solution that would improve life. He would not stop at the point of generating solutions but would ensure the implementation of same as well. He was

Amy Jadesimi, Managing Director, Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics clearly ahead of his contemporaries in more ways than one.

Hence, he was able to bequeath a long list of legacies which time has not been able to render irrelevant.

Apart from his vision of liberating the blacks in the United States from the shackles of second class citizenship, the strength of Martin Luther King Jr. was his charisma. He was a passionate leader who struck the right chord in his people with his charisma.

According to Peter Ling, in his book, Martin Luther King’s Style of Leadership, King’s “leadership was not confined to fine speeches.

In private meetings, King was generally quiet.

He listened while others argued, often angrily and at length, and then he would calmly sum up the debate and identify a way forward.

“AN expedition is a journey of physical, emotional, and intellectual brutality that kicks the crap out of you and in which the opportunity for things going wrong is built into the formula.

Seeking high altitude leadership also promises to kick the crap out of you,” the authors tell us in the introduction. This book is a collaboration of mountaineer, entrepreneur, and owner of Earth Treks, Chris Warner, and climber, author, and founder of The SAGA Leadership Institute, Don Schmincke. The two men share experiences in the areas of climbing and entrepreneurship.

After meeting on a climbing expedition, they discover that “the dynamics of mountaineering provide tailor-made metaphors for business challenges.” Warner and Schmincke team up to eventually deliver this trans-disciplinary book about business leadership intensified by working in the death zone. They define high altitude leaders as “those who lead themselves and their teams to produce peak performance in the face of extreme challenges by overcoming the dangers not foreseen or addressed by current

popular leadership theory.”

The key lessons of this book derive from “the dangers.” There are eight; and they are each exposed in separate chapters that include case studies, survival tips and key learnings. Warner and Schmincke start from the obvious truth that “dangers threaten every leader at some point in their journey.” The significance of these eight dangers of leading is that they magnify as leaders climb higher, either up the mountain or up the corporate ladder.

Fear of death causes a leader’s mind to freeze up. When that happens, the leader is unable to take decisive action. Death is the ultimate danger to mountaineers. In the business world, death is not (usually) physical. Rather, it occurs with the demise of a great idea, a plan, a career—or it means company bankruptcy. Fear of death can be conquered; the way to do so is by embracing it.

Selfishness is the egocentric leader behavior that can politically poison a team. Think withholding information, playing favorites, or protecting sacred cow projects. Warner and Schmincke discuss the dangerous, unproductive, and dysfunctional (DUD) conditions that exist

From the outset of his career in Montgomery in 1955, right through to his death in 1968, King had a remarkable ability to get people, who would otherwise be constantly feuding, to work together. He was consistently reluctant to sever or sour relations with anyone who might help the cause. This was particularly important because a by-product of racism was a pronounced tendency to factionalism inside

Good decisions Organisations are made or ruined by the quality of the decisions made by those at the helm. If good decisions are consistently made, the organization’s fortunes are improved, if not the reverse is the case.

For this reason, and to avoid carrying the can, some leaders are wont to shift the responsibility for taking hard decisions to others. But that is more disastrous than ad-

in companies as a result of selfish behavior. The recommended strategy for filling it is by creating passion in followers through telling of a compelling saga. The saga unifies, because it provides the team with something worth fighting for—to “die” for—and thus it increases productivity.

Tool seduction addresses the question, “are you using your tools, or are they using you?” This chapter exposes the high failure rate of implementing management fads, where tools replace the deeper work of adaptation to change.

Arrogance is apparent when leaders have so high an opinion of themselves that it will kill them. They fall into the metaphorical crevasse or they get backstabbed by their followers. “Arrogant leaders ignore warnings on mountains and in boardrooms.” They endanger themselves and their teams. The cure for a leader that is infected by arrogance is humility. But can an arrogant leader truly learn to become humble? Warner and Schmincke think so and provide some strategies.

Lone heroism is in evidence when a leader uses the mantra: “If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.” Lone heroism causes

weak teams, low accountability, misaligned direction, demoralization, and hostages. The resulting damage can be extensive. The remedy for lone heroism is partnership.

Cowardice encapsulates a leader’s risk-avoidance behavior. Cowardice propels leaders to seek safety instead of peak performance. The counterforce to cowardice is bravery.

Comfort leads to stagnation, and vice versa.

Yet “great achievements sometimes require enduring extreme discomfort.” Thus Warner and Schmincke caution, “Don’t lead if you lack the willingness to be uncomfortable.”

Gravity is the last of the dangers; it has the capacity to kill a leader who did everything right.

Gravity simply exists.

Just like bad luck. It is a metaphor for environmental variables a leader cannot control.

The only countermeasure for gravity is good luck. While a leader can sometimes get lucky by chance, luck can also be created through several proven techniques. A leader can maximize chance opportunities by being open to new experiences or by following a gut instinct. Another method is to visualize a positive outcome.

Clear communication of expectations A good leader never leaves his people disoriented. But that is what happens when a leader fails to be on the same page as to what his expectations are of his people. Before a subordinate can be properly assessed, he must not be in doubt about his tasks and his targets. Communicating the expectations helps the leader a great deal because anyone who falls short of the expectation will not be in doubt and would likely be more disposed to taking the blame. So, communicating the expectations frees the leader of any moral burden and enables him to discharge his duty without let or hindrance.

A team player A great leader does not scare people away from him; rather he is able to maintain a delicate balance of interacting with his team while still maintaining authority. By maintaining the right relationship with other team members he creates the right atmosphere for optimum productivity.

By being a good team player, a leader does not build a wall around himself, rather, he builds bridges. He goes out of his way to establish strong relationship with others.

A great leader is never out to pull down others. Instead, he stretches himself to build up as many people as he has the opportunity of relating with. By making himself accessible, he provides the opportunity for others to learn from him, thus ensuring that he carries out one of the most basic functions of leadership, which is mentoring.

THE 60-SECOND business coach

4 challenges leaders always face

By Mark Sanborn

High Altitude Leadership

By Eliyahu M. Goldratt

Taiwo Adeniyi, Managing Director, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc

Priority One other hallmark of great leadership is prioritization. Anyone who wants to make a success of leadership must learn to take seriously the most important things. A leader is invited to everything but he does not have to do everything. As a matter of fact, he cannot do everything. What every outstanding leader does is to find out what it is that only he, and nobody else in the organization, can do and focuses on those. Everything else is delegated. The most important job of the leader is to do the most important task. He does not sacrifice the important on the altar of the urgent. He must avoid allowing himself to be bogged down by trivial or routine tasks. The pace at which an organization moves is often determined by how clearheaded the leader is about what the most important things are.

Peter Drucker’s counsel to leaders is quite valid; “Do first things first and second things not at all.”

vantageous because at the end of the day, the buck stops on the leader’s table.

While it is good for a leader to consult widely before taking a decision, no leader who is worth his weight in gold avoids taking hard decisions. Passing the buck of decision making is the wrong way to go.

IF there weren’t challenges, we’d have little need for leaders. For leaders everywhere, some challenges are unique and temporary, but many others are common and ongoing.

After 25 years of advising leaders, here are four challenges I’ve found that leaders always face, and what to do about them: 1. To be respected and to be liked Too many leaders use “being respected” as an excuse for not being liked. If you really had to choose one over the other, then respected is the better choice. But you don’t have to choose.

Being competent at what you do gains respect. Being nice to people gets people to like you. To do both takes only a little extra effort.

You don’t have to be patronizing (that won’t get you liked anyhow), but you need to pay attention to how you treat the people you lead.

2. Balancing the needs of the organization and the needs of people Neither should this be an either/or choice, but many leaders are better at one than the other (or willing to sacrifice one for the other).

You can’t succeed for the long haul if you don’t pay attention to both. Both needs aren’t always perfectly balanced, but if people don’t feel cared for and supported with necessary resources, they won’t produce desired results. There are times when sacrifices will need to be made and most people understand that. But if you continually achieve results at the expense of your team, you’ll experience resentment and high turnover.

Of course if you can’t turn in results for your organization, you likely won’t get to stick around to take care of your team. Being

liked but unable to deliver results is faux leadership.

3. Staying motivated The biggest mistake a leader can make is waiting for or hoping someone else will motivate him or her. Motivation is ultimately an inside job. An employer can provide a positive environment and aid in motivation, but staying motivated is something a responsible adult does for him or herself.

There are many ways to stay motivated, but knowing your purpose is a great beginning point. While Friedrich Nietzsche is over-quoted and not a philosopher I agree with completely, I do agree with his statement that he who has a reason why can bear almost any how. Low sense of purpose, low motivation. High sense of purpose, high motivation.

One of the biggest failure points of leadership is when “what” trumps “why.” Leaders rarely last when they don’t have a clear sense of the why, their purpose.

4. Maintaining focus There are many demands on a leader’s attention and too many leaders allow others to determine theirs. Effective focus comes from knowing what is most important and choosing to focus on that first. Not all distractions can be ignored, but most can be tabled until a better time to deal with them.

Not all tasks are equal, and just as a clear purpose helps in staying motivated, so does it help in staying focused. Never confuse activity with accomplishment. One is an input, the other an output.

At the beginning of each day, in addition to your to-do lists and other time management tools, ask yourself, “What is the most important thing we need to accomplish today?” Make sure your team knows the answer, too.

Learn to look at challenges as the real work of leadership.

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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

Creating momentum with moments - 2

Are Afe Babalola is one of Nigeria’s finest and most successful legal luminaries. But he was not born with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth. His story is a classic ‘from grass to grace’ story. He did not spring up from what is proverbially referred to as the rocky surface of life.

Far from it. If anything, you could say he pulled himself up from life’s quagmire. Born to peasant farmer parents and raised largely on the farm, he never had the privilege of formal, tutored education beyond primary school! But the moments on the farm gave him the opportunity to dream of beating grinding poverty through education. He sat for the School Certificate examinations and proceeded to go through the process leading to his eventual qualification at the London Bar. Today, he has attained dizzying heights in the law profession and his law chambers is reputed to have produced the highest number of Senior Advocates of Nigeria. His lack of access to formal education fired up the passion in him for providing the platform for formal, quality education for many through his various educational institutions, the flagship of which is the Afe Babalola University, rated as one of the best private universities in Nigeria. His Afe Babalola Farms is a multi-billion Naira enterprise. Even in his mid-eighties, he still religiously goes to the farm!

His is a poster-boy story of how adversity can be turned to opportunity depending on perspective. The Afe Babalola example teaches us that your background is not what makes you poor. It is what you do with moments of opportunities that life offers you.

Moments always place a demand on us, but how we respond depends entirely on us but more often than not, that response will in time to come make a complete difference in our lives for greatness or the contrary. There are obviously several of Afe Babalola’s peers who were confronted with the same circumstances but who only chose to whine and eventually pine away in obscurity while blaming life and a system that did not give them opportunities. When life presents us with moments laden with opportunities, our response can either be of pain or pleasure. Just as moments present us with opportunities, they also present us

with resources required to benefit from the opportunities they present to us.

A significant proportion of our essence and life assignment is revealed in moments of divine encounters when God inspires ideas in you. In that moment, there is an agitation that could bring you to tears. Even if you don’t remember dates, you don’t forget the encounter. In February 1992, I quit paid employment as Executive Commissioner of the Boys Scout of Nigeria in very unpleasant circumstances that left me holding the short end of the stick. I was puzzled on what would be my next line of action. I had a family comprising a wife and two children, the last of which was only three months old at that time. My initial thoughts were to sue the organization.

But I could not afford the attorney’s fees. I needed to get a job or start a business fast because survival was of paramount importance. One day as I was mulling over what to do next, I heard a clear instruction to read Isaiah 43 verse 19. I quickly went to grab a Bible. What I read in the quoted scripture became the anchor not JUST of my subsequent moves but has been the momentum-sustaining dictum for me, especially in tough times.

The Give-A-Pillow Campaign with the vision of placing pillows on 10,000 public hospital beds in Nigeria was birthed in another memorable moment in July 2011 when a near-death health challenge necessitated my first ever admission in a public hospital in Nigeria. Since then, the campaign has resulted in over 2,000 pillows being placed in several hospitals in five states in Nigeria.

Moments create, reveal and actualize decisions. Every man is largely a product of his choices and consequent decisions. There are things in life that we have a significant measure of control over. Moments present us with choices that enable critical decisions that determine our outcomes in life - who to marry, who to do business with, what type of business to do, where to do it, how much to invest, where to live, what job to take, what networks to have, to walk away from a lifestyle into a new one, to develop new habits, to eat or drink or abstain, to accept God or reject Him, to become a better spouse, to love and appreciate people around you. The list is endless. What life does for

us in critical moments that warrant taking a decision is to ask us value questions.

Jesus once saw a man who had been stuck in the rut of lameness for thirty eight years. He did not presume on the situation by healing the man immediately. He asked him if he wanted to be healed! He was not ignorant of the state of blind Bartimaeus whose cry for help had overshadowed the cacophony of those trying to shut him up. Yet He asked the blind man, “What do you want me to do for you?” Any of those two men could have opted for an intervention quite different from what appeared to be the obvious!

Moments serve as points of transition. A man wakes up in the morning one day as a pauper. Between that time and the time he retires to bed that same day, a memorable phone call that lasts for a few minutes makes him a multi-millionaire! Mordecai in the Bible was a gateman in the palace in Persia until one day when, in one fortuitous moment, he was promoted to prominence as the king’s right hand man! In the riotous moments of profligacy after he had literally extorted his inheritance from a wealthy father, the prodigal son was the toast of the moment, surrounded by fawning friends and whorish fiends.

In another moment, after he had exhausted all the wealth in unbridled extravagance, he was a social embarrassment struggling to pilfer food from pigs!

Moments produce empowering or disempowering relationships. Some people enter our lives even if only briefly and the fragrance of the encounter lingers for as long as we live because of the valued impression and impact. Some others are like the fragrance of over-diluted eau de toilette, strong and pungent at first, but only lasts a few minutes.

Some we forget almost as soon as they left us!

Memories of magical moments provide us the necessary motivation for patience in tribulation and help us generate staying power to sustain momentum. This is why it is so vital that leaders learn to deliberately create memorable ones for their followers.

How do leaders create memorable moments? ... continued Remember, the sky is not your limit, God is!

Rejection is redirection ONE of the most difficult things to handle by leaders and would be leaders is rejection. Rejection has made many commit suicide. Rejection has caused many to be discouraged, ruining bright and dazzling destiny. Over the years, I have had to counsel several people on the issue I am addressing this week. I am sure this piece is going to add some value to you. Let’s go!

It behooves on me to start with the heartwarming story of a Guinean—who became a citizen of the beautiful nation of France. I am talking about Paul Pogba. Paul is now the most expensive player on earth! How did he get to where he is today in his career as a footballer? I am so sure you want to know.

Some years ago, history has it that Paul Pogba left the manager’s office at the Manchester United in floods of tears.

Devastated by what he felt was unfair treatment by Sir Alex Ferguson, the young Frenchman stalked out, turning his back on the Scot, vowing never to return. But some years after, the same person, who was rejected by Sir Alex Ferguson, was accepted by Jose Mourinho.

Paul Pogba did not allow his rejection stop him from playing football. He did not allow rejection to cause him to throw in the towel. From Manchester United, he moved to Juventus and continued to sharpen his skills and character.

He was first a “normal player”, now he is the most expensive footballer on earth!

What do I want you to see about Paul Pogba? One, he did not allow what happened to him cause him to stop playing football. Two, he moved on with his life and career. He didn’t stay at the same place, crying so that everyone could pity him. Sitting at a place after being rejected cannot help you. You will need to move on with your life. Many leaders have refused to move on with their lives after they were re-

jected. Buddy, the problem is not that you were rejected; the problem is that you have refused to move on with your life and career.

Three, he started working on his character and capacity.

And today, his story has changed. After you are rejected, begin to develop your character and capacity. Improve yourself so much that you’d become outstanding in your field of life. If you will not stop, a few years from now, the same place you were once rejected, you would be celebrated.

Please understand me that I am yet to see anyone who was rejected who did not end up great. Your destination is greatness, not shame. You are alone today and not many people want to associate with you, but I am here to challenge you today to rise from your state of despondency and start developing your capacity and character. For the umpteenth time, do not let rejection by men distract and discourage you, let it re-direct you.

I remember the story of Jephthah in the Bible. He woke up on a day like every other day, but he did not know what was awaiting him. I can picture him doing his domestic chores with joy, not knowing that his brothers were planning a blood-less coup for him. All of a sudden, they came to him, teaming up, and kicked him out of his father’s house. I am certain that he wept like Paul Pogba did. He felt as if his world had come to an end. He felt like committing suicide.

He was betrayed by those he trusted.

There is something important I want you to see here. Jephthah’s brothers sent him out of the house, not out of the city.

Instead of Jephthah to remain in the same city where he was rejected, he chose to relocate to the land of “Tob”. Also, Pogba was rejected from the Old Trafford, not England, but he chose to relocate to Italy. Pogba was in Italy until a need did arise and they ended up looking for him.

Jephthah was also in the land of “Tob”, developing his character and capacity to fight. The only thing Jephthah could do was to fight while Pogba can play football. You too will need to discover what you can do and do it very well.

One thing I do know like I do know my fingers is that those who rejected you would always end up in a dire need and the only saviour they shall need to bail them out will be you. God will put their advancement, progress, success in your hands. Where you have been rejected and no one wants to identify with you, the same place, you are going to become an excellence, joy of many generations. The same place, not another place!

The stone that was once rejected will always end up becoming the chief corner stone. If you will not allow temporary rejections of men cause you to stop working on your character and capacity, it will happen later that those who once rejected you shall not be able to survive without you.

As I begin to coast home, some years ago, a man came to my office, narrating his ordeal. He was rejected by someone very close to him. As an effect of this, he was welcoming each day with tears and sending it to bed with tears.

His life and career stalled. He taught the end had come. I counseled with him and he was able to pick up the pieces of his life and began to develop his character and capacity. Today, the stone that was once rejected has become the chief corner stone!

Lastly, I am yet to see anyone who became great who has never been rejected in life. And I am yet to see anyone who was once rejected who did not end up great. Do not let rejection distract and discourage you, but let it re-direct you.

See you where great people are found!

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Nigerian Tribune

Kebbi’sfarmlands:

Business opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs

By Ruth Olurounbi

A

MINU Abubakar hopes to start a haulage company one day. At the moment though, he works as a labourer with a transportation company in Kebbi State.

On the average, 50 trucks ply the Suru Rice Market a few kilometres away from Brinin Kebbi, the state capital, loading about 400 to 500 bags of 75 kg of paddy rice. That is just in Suru Market.

In Labana Rice Mills Farms in Birnin Kebbi, more than 30 trucks loaded with 500 to 1,000 bags of paddy rice make

delivery every day; one of the workers on the facility said. In the state, there are more than 1,000 trucks and 20 trucking companies and yet, the farmers are in search for more.

According to Abubakar, a haulage company is one of the limitless business opportunities in the agriculture sector of Nigeria. The “sector that is 40 per cent of GDP and 70 per cent of employment,” according in the words of former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Akinwumi Adesina, offers unlimited business opportunities for those looking to invest in the sector, according

to entrepreneurs in the sector.

Such opportunities include: input production and supply enterprises, staple food crop production enterprise, industrial crop production enterprises, livestock production enterprises, fisheries enterprises, forestry enterprises, and commodity processing and storage enterprises. Others are agricultural commodity marketing, agro-industry/ manufacturing, agricultural commodity export, and agricultural support services, according to an IITA research paper entitled “Agriculture in Nigeria: Identifying opportunities for increased

5 reasons not to take your clients for granted

commercialisation and investment”, funded by the USAID. On a week-long visit to Kebbi State, many farmers who engaged with Entrepreneurship+ said business opportunities are opened in their state. According to them, the opportunity in value chain delivery has the potential “of high return on investment.”

“Value chains reside at the core of high-impact and sustainable initiatives focused on improving productivity, competitiveness, entrepreneurship, and Continues on p24

10 female entrepreneurs make SLA’s Accelerator Programme

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Monday, 15 August 2016

Business opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs Continued from p23

SME growth,” Martin Webber in “Using Value Chain Approaches in Agribusiness and Agriculture in Sub-Saharahn Africa”, prepared for the World Bank,” noted. And as many Nigerians operating in the agriculture sector have said, the subset of the industry has the capacity to not only “fundamentally develop the country and reduce poverty, it has the capacity for entrepreneurial growth.”

Across the farmlands in Kebbi State, the farmers and the state government identified the following as opportunities inherit in their state, thus calling for entrepreneurs to invest: Farming According to Muhammad Umar Bello, Programme Coordinator, Kebbi Agriculture Rural Development Authority, “there is an abundant business opportunity for farming in Kebbi State. As you may have learnt, Kebbi has more than 600,000 square kilometres of arable FADAMA land to farm alone, along with “thousands and thousands of farm lands for other farm produce.”

Entrepreneurship+’s investigations revealed that to farm as a non indigene of the state, one needs a large cap-

Nigerian Tribune

ital base, except one is captured under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s Anchor Borrowers Programme. To access the land, there are those who are willing to rent out hectares of land for five years or less, depending on the investor. More information on how to access funds will be treated in subsequent editions of the Entrepreneurship+.

coming into the rice farming, he said there is a huge potential for silos and storage facilities business. Apart from rice, millets, maize, groundnuts, and other crops will need storage/silos for preservation, the Acting Permanent Sectary to the state’s Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Muhammad Lawal Sheu said.

Equipment rentals Alhaji Danjuma Bisi, who owns 250 hectares of farmland, cultivating rice, beans, maize, etc, said an urgent area for investment is equipment rentals. According to him, “more than 80 per cent of Kebbi farmers farm manually.” There are those who are leasing agricultural equipment in the state he said, but they are few.

Extension workers Sulaimon Hamidu, an extension worker in Gulma, a village in Argungu LGA, Kebbi State, who has been an extension worker in the state almost 15 years said there is an opportunity for more extension workers to serve as trainers and/or consultants on food production in the state. According to him, “we need more extension workers in Kebbi State and if you know anyone who wants to come and do business with us, please tell them.”

Silos/Storage facilities Although this area is capital intensive, those who are interested in charging a fee to help farmers preserve their farm produce may find this opportunity interesting. Yusuf Isa, Chairman, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Kebbi State Chapter said the state is expecting to produce more than one million metric tonnes of rice in another six months. In a few years, with the level of investments

Agrochemicals Although 78,000 farmers are currently receiving agrochemicals from the ABP programme, there are more than 200,000 (registered and unregistered) farmers in the state who are sourcing for their own agrochemicals, a farmer, Halidu Maigari, said.

5 reasons not to take your clients for BUSINESS and romance both come with high and lows.

And like most couples over time, commerce often shows a tendency to take certain things for granted. Odds are you’ve heard the expression, “The honeymoon is over,” in both contexts.

The same analogy applies to the topic of new vs. existing customers. Anyone who works in sales appreciates how difficult it is to secure new clients. Sales cycles with new accounts are somewhat analogous to dating (early discussions), getting engaged (a committee agrees to evaluate your offering) and getting married (making buying decisions). At some point after the honeymoon (implementation), things settle down into a different rhythm. Contact with key executives might become more limited. If and when key players leave the company, sellers might not establish relationships with their replacements. Ultimately, your steady can become vulnerable to being courted by new vendors, and you could lose the account.

Painting with a broad brush, some clients feel as if they’re being taken for granted. In certain cases, they are. Some sales teams have an underlying attitude that if

clients need something, they’ll contact the seller. A few years ago, one of my colleagues spoke with a senior vice president of sales who recently had visited a satisfied long-time client. During the call, the executive indicated he’d made a buying decision for an offering. The sales leader inquired why his account rep wasn’t asked to present a bid as well. The client’s answer was a painful one: He didn’t know they competed in that space.

Defining ‘prospecting’ I define prospecting as taking key players from latent to active need for business outcomes achieved through an offering. The vast majority of sellers view business development as an activity limited to finding new accounts. But most key players have latent needs. The number of players actively looking to make buying decisions is much, much smaller. Note this definition of prospecting makes no mention of whether the key player works for a client or a prospect. In either situation, you’re working to uncover new opportunities to offer your business solution.

Finding advantages in existing accounts

New accounts present several challenges, including the need to establish relationships with new people, prove your capabilities, establish credibility for your company and negotiate new agreements.

On the other hand, few of those barriers apply when you work with existing clients. Prospecting within the customer base offers at least five advantages: Win rates for securing add-on business should be significantly higher Buying cycles are much shorter.

Incidents of “no decision” are likely less frequent.

Key player contacts already are established.

Contracts/legal agreements are in place, making you the incumbent vendor of choice.

It’s dangerous to wait for clients to call you with new requirements. As an incumbent vendor, you should focus on taking key players within your customer base from latent to active needs for add-on offerings. This approach could be your entry to even higher levels within the organization, beyond the decision-makers with whom you se-

25

Monday, 15 August 2016

Nigerian Tribune

10 female entrepreneurs make SLA’s accelerator programme

By Ruth Olurounbi

S

HE Leads Africa (SLA) has announced 10 early stage businesses have been accepted into the 2016 SLA Accelerator Programme which began on July 11th in Lagos, Nigeria.

Saying that it has partnered with the Work in Progress! Alliance (VC4Africa and Oxfam) and Guaranty Trust Bank to create a three-month accelerator program designed to identify, support and fund the next generation of Nigeria’s brightest female entrepreneurs, SLA said it received applications from over 120 start-ups from across Nigeria, of which only 10 were picked for the programme The selected entrepreneurs were evaluated based on their traction and progress in the market, management team and vision to grow and scale across Africa, SLA said in a statement.

The selected businesses are: Fresh Direct Produce and Agro-Allied Services, an eco-friendly social enterprise that produces premium organic produce through hydroponics and community action; DeliveryBros, a company that helps save time and stress through pickup and drops from the market to houses or offices, VivaSante, which solves the medical industry’s procurement problem, by providing a technology enabled distribution solution resulting in transparency and simplicity.

Others include Koko’s Kitchen, an indigenous brand of confectionary dry mixes specially tailored to suit the taste buds and pocketbook of the quintessential person on the go; Bubble, Shuttlers, a company that

granted cured the initial order.

Paying attention to organizational changes My suggestion? Pay as much attention to your existing clients’ organizational charts as you did when you courted them as prospects. Few things are more disheartening than losing a client to a vendor who capitalized on the opportunity to court your client. As you determine how you’ll make this year’s quota, be sure to factor in business you can find within your install base. If you don’t, you’re leaving money on the table.

Source: entrepreneur

enables professionals to access comfortable and efficient transportation to and from work using seat matching technology and Keek’s, whch designs tailored weight loss packages for busy women who want a plan that is both effective and simple to implement.

Native Bukka, a chain of Afrocentric quick service restaurants that specialize in exceptionally good bukka food served fresh all day for busy individuals on the go; BathKandy Co., creator sumptuous dessert-inspired beauty treats for women who crave the finer things and Independent Personal Assistant (iPA), which provides strategic virtual assistance to high-level executives across Africa. We take care of the mundane while you focus on what matters, were also picked.

Accelerator participants will spend the next three months working on their business strategy and growth, while networking with investors and potential partners.

Experts and program mentors include Chudi Amu, Vice President of Investment at Verod Capital; Shirley Somuah, Investor at Cardinal Stone Partners; Seun Abolaji, Creative Director at Wilson’s Juice Company; and Tunde Kehinde and Ercin Eskin, Cofounders of ACE, SLA said.

According to the organisation that helps young African women achieve their professional dreams, the entrepreneurs on the accelerator programme will have the opportunity to pitch their businesses at an investor Demo Day in October and compete for N2 million investments from She Leads Africa along with other business support services.

Create A Clear Vision For Your Business, And Then Stick To It

By Adeo Ressi THE Lean Startup movement has changed the global startup landscape over the last few years, providing a simple methodology for resource-constrained companies to quickly learn from their customers, iterate their product development, and ultimately create products that people want. As a result, Lean Startup principles are a key component of the Founder Institute curriculum.

However, in practice, many startup founders misinterpret one of the key principles of the lean startup: “the pivot”.

“A pivot is a change in strategy, not vision” – Eric Ries This definition sounds simple enough, but most people screw it up in practice because they don’t know (or care) about what “vision” truly is. What’s more, if you were to do a Google GOOGL -0.15% search on “company vision”, all you will find is a litany of convoluted HR and corporate communication-focused definitions. In other words, definitions that have nothing to do with a small startup.

However, forming a clear vision for your startup is perhaps the most important early thing an entrepreneur can do. Here is the simplest definition I can give you for “startup vision”: A startup’s vision is their interpretation of what the world will look like in the future, and how their venture will be part of this future.

As Eric Ries and all Lean Startup practitioners will tell you, your strategy to carry out your vision (your “mission”) should change - whether due to customer feedback, learning from experiments, market forces, etc. That is the definition of “the pivot”, and it is one of the key reasons why startups can outmaneuver and beat the large and slow moving corporates.

However, your startup’s vision CANNOT change. If it does, that’s not a “pivot” – that’s a new company.

Let me explain.

When you create a company, you basically have nothing – “vaporware”, as I like to call it. All you have is your vision: it is why you start the company, and why you spend countless nights working on it when you could’ve been [insert fun activity with family/friends here].

This vision is also what you used to “sell” early team members and co-founders to devote their time and lives to the company, investors to devote their money to the company, journalists to write about the company, and maybe even your reluctant spouse to allow you to start it?

My point is, once you have established your company’s vision, that vision becomes greater than you. It is now your enterprise’s “North Star”, and it should guide each and every decision your company makes. Your vision is the embodiment of your brand, and the reason your company exists.

All the trials and triumphs of building a business – delivered to your inbox.

With the vision in place, your company has your target, and your sole job as a founder now becomes articulating that vision, rallying people around it, and figuring out the right strategy to achieve it (your “mission”).

If you keep changing the target, it becomes near impossible to hit.

“Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion.” - Jack Welch Is it hard to create a clear vision, and then stick to it? You bet. In fact, it is much easier to abandon your vision than it is to grind it out and achieve it – that is precisely why so many companies fail.

The companies that succeed and endure are almost always the ones that created a clear vision, and then stuck to it.

Or, you can change your vision and start a new company. It’s your call.

Ressi, who writes about entrepreneurship and how to grow startup ecosystems, wrote this article for forbes.com

26

Monday, 15 August, 2016 CBN Exchange Rates

Open Market Operations

Date

Currency

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

Date

Currency

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

8/12/2016 US DOLLAR

309

309.5

310

POUNDS STERLING

402.5961

403.2476

403.899

EURO

346.5126 347.0733 347.634

SWISS FRANC

317.8685

YEN

3.0534 3.0583 3.0632

CFA

0.5062 0.5162 0.5262

WAUA

430.3752 431.0716 431.768

YUAN/RENMINBI 46.5563

RIYAL

82.3846 82.5179 82.6512

SDR

430.8078 431.5049 432.202

318.3829

46.6321

318.8972

46.7078

Date of Auction 8/1/2016 Security Type OMO Tenor Maturing On 353 Day

7/20/2017 Subscriptions (N mn) 120638.68 Tot. Successful (N mn) 97,438.68 Net Sales (N mn) 97,438.68 Range of Bid Rates 18.5000

- 20.0000 Successful Bid Rates 18.5000

- 18.5000 Marginal Rate 18.5 True Yield 22.5312

8/1/2016 OMO

NITTY as @ August 11, 2016

Government Securities 7/29/2016 OMO

7/28/2016 OMO

185 Day 279 Day 364 Day 2/2/2017 5/4/2017 7/27/2017 81564.83 92512.43 156655.7 72,898.33 62,977.43 65,032.93 72,898.33 62,977.43 65,032.93 17.5000 18.0000 18.0000 - 18.5000 - 19.0000 - 20.0000 17.5000 18.0000 18.0000 - 18.0000 - 18.0000 - 18.5000 18 18 18.5 19.8071 20.8717 22.6853

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

Tenor 1M

Rate (%) Change (%) 14.8965 -0.1▼

2M

15.4858 -0.66▼

3M

16.4897 -0.23▼

6M

18.6188 -0.25▼

9M

19.2956 -0.72▼

12M

21.3886 -1.06

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

Lending rates to remain high as moves to lure foreign flows intensify

N

IGERIA’S interbank overnight lending rate which jumped to 23 per cent on Friday from its 10 per cent previous close, is expected to remain high as the Central Bank continues sale of treasury bills at higher yields to lure foreign investors.

Traders said that Commercial banks on Friday were paying for treasury bill purchases and a foreign currency intervention, thereby reducing the amount of naira in the banking system.

This week, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will auction treasury bills worth N62.44

billion at the primary market, viz: 91-day bills worth N32.44 billion and 182day bills worth N30 billion.

The outflows will be more than offset by inflows worth N133.50 billion in matured bills, viz: 220-day bills worth N100.42 billion and 224-day bills worth N33.08 billion.

“However, we expect pressure on financial system liquidity due to anticipated bond auction. Hence, we anticipate rise in interbank lending rates,” dealers at Cowry Assets Management Limited told Nigerian Tribune.

The Central Bank has been offering treasury bills at high rates to attract offshore flows

into Nigeria, which has been hit by the fall in oil prices, prompting foreign players to flee bond and equities markets.

“The Central Bank is trying to drive the economy with bills and bonds that is why they are offering securities at such high yields,” one trader said.

The regulator raised N256 billion in six-month bill on Friday, N206 billion naira more than it had planned to issue, and at a higher yield of 18 per cent to soak up naira liquidity and attract foreign investors back to the country.

It also intervened on the currency markets after the naira hit an all-time low of N353.75 on the interbank market on

Friday. By close, the naira was trading back at N310.

Traders say banking system liquidity has been in debit for more than a week as the Central Bank continues to drain cash to support the currency.

But it opened with a credit of N84 billion on Friday due to Treasury Bill maturities, they said.

Nigeria plans to raise 110 billion naira in local currency denominated bonds on August 17. The latest bond issue would be coming as the government steps up measures to raise $1 billion, about N315 billion, from the international market to also support its borrowings for 2016 budget funding plan.

Deposit Insurance to cover 99% of depositors of PMBs in Nigeria —NDIC THE Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) on Friday reviewed its Maximum Deposit Insurance Coverage (MDIC) for Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs).

In a move which the corporation hopes would cover 99 per cent of depositors of the PMBs in the country, the MDIC has been reviewed from N200,000 to N500,000 per depositor.

The NDIC said the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, had also approved the extension of Differential Premium Assessment Ssystem (DPAS) to the PMBs. In calculating the applicable premium, NDIC uses 40 basis points as the premium base rate before the add-ons for banks under the DPAS and a flat rate of 50 basis points to compute the premium payable

by PMBs and Microfinance Banks as applicable in 2014 for example.

In a statement signed by H. S. Birchi, Head, Communication & Public Affairs of the corporation, the approval was granted to emphasise the need to ensure that all deposit money banks (DMBs), PMBs and mortgage finance banks (MFBs) adhered strictly to

sound risk management practices and entrench compliance to the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) approved code of corporate governance standards.

“As part of its statutory functions as a deposit insurer, Section 20 (2) of the NDIC Act

2006, empowers the Corporation’s Board to periodically review the maximum deposit insurance coverage for licensed banks and other deposit taking financial institutions in accordance with changes in deposit structure, income levels and in line with global best practices,”

the NDIC said.

The corporation explained that the MDIC review was carried out through studies and surveys aimed at ascertaining the adequacy or otherwise of the deposit insurance coverage level for insured institutions in the country.

Forex woes: Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund set for launch IN order to assist its clients in dealing with loss of wealth as a result of the sustained pressure on the naira, Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited, a member of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, is introducing into the market, Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (SIDF).

This, it said will provide retail and institutional investors the opportunity to seek exposure in attractive dollar denominated securities to serve as a devaluation hedge as well as to optimise returns on investments.

The SIDF brings to eleven the number of Funds managed by the company. Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited, the largest asset management company in Nigeria, said the need to spur the preservation and appreciation of wealth necessitated the Stanbic IBTC

Dollar Fund.

“We believe that even in these volatile times, the fund will foster the diversification of portfolios and investments in currency terms, which in turn would help in the preservation and appreciation of wealth for investors,” said Mrs Bunmi Dayo-Olagunju, Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Asset Management.

“This new fund makes a welcome addition to our focused range. We’re very delighted to launch the Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund, and have every confidence that it will meet our investors’ expectations,” Dayo-Olagunju added.

The fund will be accessible to both retail and institutional investors who have a preference for investing in dollar-denominated securities. In addition,

the fund will ensure payout of coupons received to unit holders as distribution annually or as determined by the Fund Manager. The unit holders will be given the choice to either have their distribution paid to their designated domiciliary accounts or to re-invest same in the fund, the company said.

“As the market leader in Nigeria, we are aware of our responsibility to continuously provide unparalleled solution and services to Nigerians in a very cost effective and timely manner. The launch of the Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund demonstrates Stanbic IBTC Asset Management’s commitment to help Nigerians professionally manage various financial securities and assets, while ensuring maximum benefits,” Dayo–Olagunju said.

Nigerian Tribune

Money Market Review

LAST week, the Nigerian interbank money market moderated following the maturity of 192-day treasury bills worth N415.51 billion, 92.66 per cent higher thantheN113.68 billion that matured in the preceding week.

Consequently, Nigeria Interbank Offered Rate (NIBOR) for overnight funds, one month, three months, six months and 12 months tenor buckets mellowed to 19.33 per cent (from 20.04 per cent), 17.07 per cent (from 17.24 per cent),18.82 per cent (from 19.27 per cent) and 20.33 per cent (from 21.65 per cent) respectively. In the same vein, against the backdrop of boost in financial system liquidity, Nigerian Interbank Treasury Bills True Yields (NITTY) decreased for most maturities on the back of bargain hunting activity yield on one month, three months, six months rose to 14.90 per cent (from 15.82 per cent), 15.52 per cent (from 17.07 per cent) and 17.18 per cent (from 19.12 per cent) respectively.

However, yield on12 months bill rose to 23.54 per cent (from 22.43 per cent).

Foreign exchange market The Nigerian foreign exchange market witnessed sustained depreciation of the Naira against the U.S. Dollar in all segments of the market as foreign currency supply remained inadequate. Dealers at Cowry Assets Management Limited attributed this to a 0.51per cent week-on-week decline in foreign exchange reserves to $25.90 billion as at Wednesday. Despite a total trade of $13.13 million at the interbank market segment largely attributable to Central Bank intervention on Tuesday and Thursday, the local currency depreciated at the interbankforeignexchangemarketby0.34 per cent toaverageN319.5/$.

Similarly, despite sales by authorised dealers to Bureau De Change operators, the naira depreciated, on average, against the green back at the Bureau De Change and the parallel (or “black”) market segments by 1.70 per cent and 1.67 per cent to average N387.75/$ and N394.75/$ respectively.

In the current week, Cowry Assets Management analysts expect gradual rebound of the naira at the alternative market segments as BDCs continue to source forex cash from the banks.

Bond Market In the just concluded week, Over the Counter (OTC) FGN bond market witnessed sustained bargain hunting, resulting in appreciation in bond prices for all maturities.

The 20-year, 10 per cent FGN JUL2030 bond appreciated by N0.61 (yield decreased to 15.23 per cent); 10-year, 16.39 per cent FGN JAN 2022 paper gained N1.49 (yield fell to 14.81 per cent); the7-year, 16.00 per cent FGN JUN2019 bond gained N1.15 (yield decreased to 14.93 per cent); while the five-year, 15.10 FGN APR 2017 paper rose by N0.42 (yield declined to 19.52 per cent).

At the London Stock Exchange, traded FGN Eurobonds also appreciated on resumed bargain hunting activity, the five-year, 5.13 per cent JUL 12,2018 bond and the 10-year, 6.38 per cent JUL 12, 2023 bond lost $0.66 (yield fell to 4.26 per cent) and $2.05 (yield fell to 6.40 per cent) respectively.

This week, Debt Management Office will issue Federal Government bonds (all reopening) worthN110 billion, viz: five-year, 14.50 per cent FGN JUL 2021 debt worth N40 billion; 10-year, 12.50 per cent FGN JAN 2026 bond worth N30 billion; and 20year, 12.40 per cent FGN MAR 2036 paper worth N40 billion.

“We expect to prates to mirror last primary market auction rates in line with CBN’s drive to keep rates high as incentive to attract Foreign Portfolio Investors,” the assets management company stated in a note to investors.

27

Monday, 15 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Mobile payment: Heritage bank launches ‘Pay Attitude’ for easy connectivity

I

N the bid to continually give her customers a vast variety of payment solution options, Heritage Bank has launched the Pay Attitude mode of payment.

The Pay Attitude is a Chip and Pin tag-type contactless solution based on Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which converts a customer’s mobile phone

handset to an NFC device and links the handset to the customer’s debit or prepaid account plus ePurse account, enabling the subscriber or customer to debit their accounts for different payment transactions.

According to a statement from the bank, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mr Ifie Sekibo, said that Pay At-

titude was included as part of the bank’s collection of payment solutions because of its plus functionality, which guarantees subscribers the confidence and comfort of successful proximity or contactless payment for goods and services at merchant locations at all times, notwithstanding problems or challenges of telecommunication or unavailability of

network of the merchant or customer’s bank.

The Managing Director said that such transactions are authorised offline up to the value of plus functionality that the customer subscribed to with the bank.

Sekibo listed the benefits of Pay Attitude as zero percentage transaction failure for the holder; instant issuance at the branches

and agent locations; protection of issuers and holders against fraud and unauthorized usage because of its Chip and Pin feature and it suits the lifestyle of mobile phone users and it is convenient for retail transactions by tapping the phone against the PoS terminal.

He added other benefits as Mobile Network Operator (MNO) Neutrality, which

makes it usable on any phone network; handset neutrality, ensures an automatic conversion of handsets to NFC compatibility, making it compliant with all phones and interoperability, which makes it possible to be used across different bank platforms and agents leveraging the switching and shared service capabilities of unified payments.

Financial inclusion: Salary earners get a boost with Unity-Max

From left: Head, Agri-Business, Unity Bank Plc, Sabiu Sani; General Manager, Abuja and North Central, Bonaventure, E. Okhaimo; Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdullfatah Ahmed and Chukwudi Okonkwo, also of Unity Bank Plc, when a team from the bank paid the governor a visit at the Kwara State Government House, in Ilorin, recently.

Licensing of international money transfer operators still open —CBN THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said it has not foreclosed the licensing of interested players in the International Money Transfer Operations space in Nigeria.

According to the apex bank, in spite of its transparency in the licensing of International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) in Nigeria, some persons have continued to allege that the Bank has stopped the licensing of interested IMTOs in the country.

The bank in a notice on Thursday, therefore calls on interested applicants to forward their requests for licensing to the Director, Trade and Exchange Department of the CBN, in line with the CBN Guidelines on International Money Transfer Services in Nigeria (2014), which among other things, specifies the minimum technical and business requirements for various participants in the international money transfer services industry in Nigeria.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria remains committed to providing an enabling envi-

ronment for international money transfer services in Nigeria. It is, however, important to emphasise that a prospective player shall first obtain the requisite licence to operate in Nigeria as an IMTO,” the bank said.

It should be remembered that the CBN recently instructed licensed local cor-

respondent money transfer operators in Nigeria to stop dealing with unlicensed International Money Transfer Operators. It thus, warned Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora to beware of the unwholesome activities of some of the unlicensed International Money Transfer Operators in Nigeria.

This sparked speculations among industry watchers that the suspension may not be unconnected with failure of these operators to have minimum net assets of $1billion set by the bank.

The CBN guidelines specify that any company offering Mobile Money transfers

must have minimum net assets of $1bn and have been operating for more than 10 years.

This warning the apex bank said has become necessary because of the activities of some unregistered IMTOs, whose modes of operation are detrimental to the Nigerian economy.

NDIC reviews maximum deposit insurance coverage PMBs THE Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has been granted approval for an upward review of its maximum deposit insurance coverage (MDIC) from N200,000 to N500,000 per depositor for primary mortgage banks (PMBs) and the extension of differential premium assessment system (DPAS) to the PMBs. According to a statement by the corporation signed

by Hardi Birchi, its Head, Communications and Public Affairs, the approval, which was granted by the Hon. Minister of Finance,

Kemi Adeosun, in a letter dated August 4, 2016, emphasized the need for the Corporation to ensure that all the DMBs, PMBs and MFBs strictly adhere to sound risk management practices and entrench compliance to the CBN approved code of corporate governance standards.

The statement added, “As part of its statutory functions as a deposit insurer, Section 20 (2) of the NDIC Act 2006, empowers the Corporation’s Board to periodically review the maximum deposit insurance coverage for licensed

banks and other deposit taking financial institutions in accordance with changes in deposit structure, income levels and in line with global best practices.”

The MDIC review is carried out through studies and surveys and is aimed at ascertaining the adequacy or otherwise of the deposit insurance coverage level for insured institutions in Nigeria. The outcome of the most recent survey that was conducted in August, 2015 revealed the compelling need for the upward review of the

current MDIC for the PMBs from N200,000 to N500,000 per depositor.

The survey also revealed that the MDIC increase would cover 99 per cent of depositors of the PMBs in Nigeria.

The adoption of DPAS in assessing the annual premium payable by PMBs will promote better risk management in the banks in line with international best practises. Presently, over 120 countries across the globe have adopted DPAS as an objective method of insurance premium pricing.

UNITY Bank has introduced a current account product, Unity-Max, for employees of organisations in its bid to widen the base of products for financial inclusion targeted at salary earners in corporate organizations, multinational corporations, FMCGs, government parastatals, MDAs as well as SMEs. Unity-Max is designed to assist various categories of employees with financial planning in form of target savings, investment as well as accessing facilities at concessionary rates.

The product is targeted at fixed income earners, from junior staff to executives, as the account empowers them to access various forms of financing to meet needs even before the next pay-cheque.

For medium to large organisations, Unity-Max accounts also come with a specially designed Verve debit card that can be cobranded with the organisation; the cards can be designed with the identity card and passport photograph of the customer.

The product is packaged to cater for all cadres of salary earners from across the segment in the public and private sector. Part of the initiatives to empower income earners is the flexible conditions for accessing benefits of the product.

As a bundle offering, holders of the account are also able to access their account through Unity Bank’s e-business platform such as robust internet banking and Unity Mobile to enjoy even greater electronic convenience.

Unity Bank recently relocated its head office from Abuja to Lagos to deepen its offerings for financial inclusion in the retail market.

28

Monday, 15 August, 2016

BRANDS &

Nigerian Tribune

with Akin Adewakun

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

APCON and the unending search for leadership

F

OR practitioners in the nation’s Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) firmament, nothing could be more frustrating. Putting a council that would run the affairs of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) in place, still remains a mirage, more than a year after the previous one was dissolved by the present Information Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, a development many believe is gradually bringing the advertising practice to its knee.

Nothing, therefore, echoed the corporate feelings among practitioners today, than the utterance of the newly-elected President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Mr Kayode Oluwasona, during a visit to the nation’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibajo, in his office, in Abuja, recently.

Oluwasona had told the Vice President that the inability of APCON to have a new board in place was fast becoming an embarrassment to members of the nation’s advertising fraternity, with the practice getting increasingly bruised by the day.

Oluwasona, who led some members of the association’s board to the Vice President, stated that the dissolution of the Governing Council of APCON by the Federal Government, about a year ago, had over-exposed the industry and made it impossible for the regulatory body to deliver its goal of decent, responsible and progressive advertising in the country.

While many people believe that Oluwasona was actually talking to the wrong office by going to the Vice President since his words should have been directed to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, it was, however, obvious that the AAAN boss was echoing the minds of the nation’s marketing communications practitioners.

For instance, since the APCON’s Council was dissolved, just four months as against a standard tenure of three years stipulated in the APCON Laws, regulations of advertising practice in the country has been at a standstill, a development many have attributed to the non-compliance of some communication materials to the basic requirements.

One of the evidence of such incapacitations is the failure of the committee, saddled with the responsibility of regulating advertising on the social media to take off, months after its inauguration.

“The intention of setting up such committee was to regulate advertising practice on social media, since it was becoming increasingly glaring that a huge chunk of communication materials is passing through this channel, but how would the committee perform without a council in

place? Interestingly, what it means is that the regulatory body continues to suffer continuous financial hemorrhage by losing revenue that would have accrued to it by properly regulating social media ads,” argued a practitioner, who would not want his name in print.

Perhaps what makes this worrisome is the fact that for the past three years, there had been no council in place to continue with the industry reforms of Lolu Akinwumi, the former president of the apex regulatory body.

For instance, prior to the constitution of the Udeme Ufot-led council dissolved more than a year ago, APCON had been without a council for almost two years, a period many believe provided a fertile ground for the unwholesome political

campaigns of 2015.

And while Ufot’s announcement as the next chairman of the council was received with so much expectations from the industry stakeholders, this was, however, shortlived few months after when the dissolution of the council was effected by the incumbent Minister of Information.

What makes this worrisome was the fact that Ufot had hit the ground running, with a firm commitment to continue from where his predecessor had stopped.

Besides, not a few in the industry, have also attributed the failure of the regulatory body to implement the recently-gazetted reform of the industry to the nonexistence of an APCON council that would have seen to its effective implementation.

But many have however, wondered why

an industry that controls over N100 billion annual advertising spend has failed to elicit the respect and recognition of the state.

For instance, according to a report produced annually by mediaReach OMD, a specialist media company that provides media planning, buying, control and inventory management services, the total advertising spend for 2015 alone was put at N97.9 billion, a N4.8 billion growth over the N93.1 billion documented in 2014, as total media spend.

“For me, government has never hidden its disdain for the practice, going by its body language, right from day one. For instance, how come governments at the three tiers still find it comfortable enlisting the services of quacks to prosecute their jobs, when it is obvious that the law of the land actually frowns at this?” argued Cole, a marketing communication practitioner, while making his input on the subject.

Interestingly, this much was also corroborated by the AAAN boss, in his appeal to the Vice President, during the association’s visit to the nation’s number two man.

“It is pertinent to note that while our advertising laws and regulations allow for only APCON licensed organisations to practice advertising in the country, even government patronises unlicensed agencies, which operate under different fictitious titles,” the AAAN boss had argued.

Curiously with the parlous state of the nation’s economy which has continued to have its biting effects on every sector, with the nation’s advertising clan not immune, and the inability of advertising fraternity to get a leadership that will effectively pilot its affairs, it is obvious that there is no end in sight yet to the pains of practitioners.

And more worrisome is the fact that the wait for such leadership might turn out be an endless one, at least for now.

Alcatel embarks on product roadshow across Nigeria AS part of its plans to increase visibility and further endear the brand to its teeming consumers this year, Alcatel has announced the commencement of its 2016 roadshow which would see the the brand visiting ICT markets, shopping complexes and tertiary institutions across the SouthWest and South-South parts of the country.

The month-long roadshow, according to the brand, is aimed at showcasing the full range of Alcatel’s affordable devices to consumers.

Speaking on the roadshow, Regional Director, Alcatel Nigeria and Central Africa, Nick Imudia, stated that the initiative would avail Nigerians the opportunity to benefit from the price review recently carried out by the company on some of its premium products.

“At Alcatel, we take pride in the fact that we have reduced the price points for premium products. Our devices are stylishly designed and packed with premium features but come very affordable.

“We want to give Nigerians the opportu-

nity to experience the rich features of our product line- up, which is why we are taking it to them in their own spaces,” he stated.

According to him, the Alcatel range is designed in a way that it has something for everyone, from entry-level to premium devices, with the consumers getting real value for their money.

The roadshow, which kicked off in Lagos recently with product experiences and activations in some parts of Lagos, would move to neighbouring Ogun and Oyo States in the following weeks.

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Nigerian Tribune

Twinpine marks anniversary with mobile trends report

From left, Marketing Director, FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria, Tarang Gupta; President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Professor Ngozi Nnam; Forensic Psychiatrist, Dr Adegboyega Ogunwale; representative of Lagos state commissioner of Women Affairs & Poverty alleviation, Mrs Alaba Fadairo and chief Marketing Officer, Royal FrieslandCampina of Netherlands, Mr Aj Van Triest, during the Launch of Peak456 brand in Lagos, recently. PHOTO; SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

Access Bank upgrades to PayWithCapture 5.0

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CCESS Bank has announced the launch of a new application, PayWithCapture 5.0, an online banking platform designed to further ease the hassles usually associated with online banking in Nigeria.

Describing the new offering as a way of expanding the frontiers of banking in the country, the bank’s Chief Executive Officer/ Managing Director, Mr Herbert Wigwe, stated that the new Paywithcapture 5.0 is an improvement on a similar application, Paywithcapture 3.6, introduced last year.

He explained that the new offering had become imperative despite the unique features of the earlier version, because of the increasing sophistication of today’s banking public in the country and the need for the bank to be in tune with the customers’ want.

The bank’s chief executive described the new application as one of the ways of deepening financial inclusion in the country, since the application allows Nigerians, from even the remotest part of the country to avail themselves of the opportunities of sending and receiving money, even without even without an internet facility.

“The fact that the application does not require an internet facility for one to use it gives room for a lot of Nigerians in very remote areas to send or receive money, unlike the regular online banking applications hitherto in use.

“Last year, we introduced the Paywithcapture 3.6 and we believe it had met our expectations going by the response it generated from the banking public, especially when it recorded more than one million downloads and over 37,000 merchants.

“But this new application will avail customers with new experience. It is going to change the belief of many about banking in Nigeria,” he stated.

He assured customers of the application’s security, noting that this had been tested in different countries across the globe before its introduction here.

According to the bank’s chief executive, the latest version, PayWithCapture 5.0, comes with additional features that enable customers to transfer funds from one bank account to another, while it has also been upgraded for users to experience the many benefits on larger screens.

Besides, he explained that PayWithCapture 5.0 users can also set up a savings’ club through PayWithCapture. Savings Clubs,

commonly known as Ajo or Esusu to enable them save jointly with friends towards a common goal as the funds can be pooled and rotated among all members of the group.

The bank’s Head of Digital Banking, Adeleke Adekoya, explained, “We heard about the issues and complaints our customers had on the old app. With this new version, we have tried to resolve them all.”

AS part of the preparations to mark the fifth year anniversary of Twinpine, Africa’s premium mobile marketing company, the management has indicated its decision to unveil Nigerian mobile trends report and programmatic offering to commemorate the occasion.

The digital agency in a statement, explained that the mobile trends report highlights the Nigerian mobile space over its five years in operation.

Established by a team of young enterpreneurs, whose ages are below 30, the company was conceived with a vision to help brand and businesses get more value from the mobile devices, a primary channel that connects Africans to the world.

Speaking on the milestone, Twinpine co-founder, Oduntan Odubanjo, said the organisation had evolved with the fast changing mobile technology space to grow from a mobile advertising network to become a mobile monetisation and intelligence platform.

“While we started out educating brands on the benefits of mobile marketing, building mobile sites for publishers and serving banner ads on them, today, we help publishers and content providers earn more revenue with innovative advertising and payments solutions whilst helping businesses unlock more value from mobile with big data,” he said.

Sharing his remarks on this achievement, Twinpine CEO, Deji Balogun, said the agency had been instrumental to the mobile transition of several publishers and brands on the African continent.

“This leadership is set to continue as we invest in more intelligent and automated mobile marketing products and services tailored for Africa,” he added.

Over 500 Nigerians benefit from Livity Africa’s digital marketing training NOT less than 500 Nigerians were trained free of charge in the art of digital marketing at the recently held #DigifyLagos event, organised by Livity Africa in conjunction with Google.

According to the Programme Manager Nigeria, Livity Africa, Florence Olumodimu, the training is part of Google’s vision to train 1,000,000 people in Africa on using digital skills for personal and business development.

She added that the aim was to deliver free digital marketing skills training to Nigerians of different socio-economic classes in line with the country’s vision to equip its youths with digital skills, in order to enhance their employability.

Olumodimu disclosed that between February 2016 and July 2016, over 13,000 individuals in Nigeria had benefited from the initiative, with the basic understanding and skills on what digital marketing and how it can be used for business, school and life in general.

“The Digify Bytes Digital Marketing training aims to help participants stand out from the crowd and provide better career opportunities for the future.

“The digital age is expanding into all areas of our lives and it is not just those who work in the information technology sector who will need to be aware of this change.

“In the modern workplace, digital marketing skills are highly valued, as it helps businesses understand and reach customers of which they had little or no access to in the past. Hence our decision to support this ini-

tiative,” she stated.

All past attendees of Digify Bytes programme took part in activities ranging from the #DigifyClinic, #DigifyChallenge #Games, #MeetUp, #Networking, to a #Tweetathon.

NBC tasks youths on creativity Unveils Coca Cola Bottle Competition NIGERIAN Bottling Company Limited (NBC), has flagged off the Coca-Cola Glass Bottle Competition, at the Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) in Lagos, with a charge to the nation’s youths to embrace creativity and innovation in whatever they do.

The competition, which has the overarching objective of driving creativity and engagement among youths, was formally unveiled with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NBC and Yabatech.

The Coca-Cola Glass Competition entails creating three-dimensional artworks, using empty 35cl and or 50cl Coca-Cola glass bottles.

It is conceived to create glass art to celebrate the Coca-Cola Contour Bottle.

The competition which is open to students in the Faculty of Art, Design and Printing of Yabatech, according to NBC’s

Legal, Public Affairs and Communications Director, Mrs Sade Morgan, is a unique way of supporting environmental sustainability, recycling and youth empowerment, while connecting with communities on shared values.

While noting that the Competition would go a long way in driving youth engagement within the academic environment, Morgan also added the competition would also create an opportunity for the youths to demonstrate deep creative thinking to produce an art master piece.

The Rector of Yabatech, Dr Margaret Ladipo, while addressing stakeholders at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, said that the Coca-Cola Glass Bottle Competition came at an auspicious time, especially when there is a need to bridge the gap between industry and the academic environment to produce world class, self-reliant graduates.

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Ondo guber: I have right to support candidate of my choice, Tinubu tells Abayomi Bola Badmus - Lagos

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ATIONAL leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, has said that he reserved the democratic right to support any of the party’s aspirants gunning for the Ondo State governorship seat in the forthcoming poll.

He said nobody, whatsoever, had that right to deny him and other APC members the right to talk on who should the party present for the race in the best interest of Ondo people.

Tinubu, who is a former governor of Lagos State, said this on Sunday in reaction to a letter written to him by an aspirant, Dr

Tunji Abayomi, who accused him of supporting another aspirant, in spite of the close relationship both had together.

The APC national leader, while describing the letter by Abayomi, who is a lawyer and an activist, as woefully misplaced and inappropriate, said he wondered if Abayomi, the complainant, would have raised a complain if the support he asked for had been given to him.

Tinubu, while frowning on the letter, reminded Abayomi that “one cannot seek equity without having done equity.

“In writing the letter, you appear to have been bitten by a bug that often blinds the objectivity of a man.

You have been bitten by an ambition that you fear you shall not be able to realise.

“In your pursuit of office, you have sought my support and influence. When you sought that support, you thought it proper and democratic to do so. If I had signalled my support for you, I am sure that you would never have written this letter alleging that I was undermining the democratic will of the people. You would have been pleased with me, I suppose.

“However, because that support has not been forthcoming, you fear that the support you wanted may now go to a rival candidate.

In your judgment, my support for you would have been democratic. Should I

support another, then, that same support is considered dictatorial and unfair,” Tinubu said.

“Your position is more undemocratic and unfair than what you accuse me of.

Your words attack me for being undemocratic when in reality your heart attacks me for not giving you what you want,” he said.

The former governor, therefore, called on the APC governorship aspirant to shift focus from him as he had no vote to deliver, saying his attention rather should be how to fight for majority votes and support of his people in Ondo in the coming governorship poll.

“Instead of fighting me who is but one man with

From right, Senator Teslim Folarin, Chief Yekini Adeojo and Senator Rashidi Ladoja, at the burial of Alhaja Sadikat Abebi Folarin, held in Ibadan, on Friday.

APC leadership in dilemma over choice of candidate in Ondo Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

INDICATION emerged on Sunday that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was at a crossroads over the choice of its candidate for the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State.

The aspirants were at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja last week for screening, where the party leadership narrowed down the ticket to four or five of the 25 contenders.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that five out of the aspirants dazzled members of the screening committee, headed by the Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

The aspirants were Olusola Oke, Jamiu Ekungba, Rotimi Akeredolu and two others.

The committee was said to have tabled the option of picking one of them as the standard bearer of the party, but the issue of trust was raised by members.

According to a chieftain of the party, who spoke to the Nigerian Tribune, on anonymity, the committee tabled before the APC national leaders four options in picking the party’s candidate.

The first option was to allow all the 25 screened aspirants to go into the primaries to test their political strength and whoever

emerges will become the party’s candidate.

They also suggested that the ticket should be zoned to the North and advised all the aspirants holding elective positions to step out of the race.

The fourth option was to pick a particular aspirant (names withheld) and shop for a deputy for him, but most members of the committee frowned on this, saying deputy governors are mere figureheads.

The source said: “These were the options tabled before Asiwaju but it seems he is considering giving all the aspirants a level playing field to test their strength and popular-

ity and whoever emerges should become the party candidate.”

He disclosed that another contestant told the committee to guard against imposition, while reminding them of what led to the loss of the 2012 governorship election in the state.

“He warned the party against imposition and said any attempt to impose a candidate on the party could spell doom for us,” the source said However, he said “whichever option the party leadership settled for, I am assuring you that the party’s candidate will be unveiled after the August 27 primaries.”

no vote, you should be fighting for votes and support. Your letter to me was woefully misplaced and inappropriate. Still, I wish you the best and may democracy and the people’s will prevail above all else,” Tinubu said.

On the claim by Abayomi that he was the one that prevailed on Tinubu to throw his political weight behind President Muhammadu Buhari as APC presidential candidate, Tinubu said nothing like that happened, saying he trusted his own political counsel more than Abayomi’s and that he had numerous other advisors whose advice he weighed more than the lawyer-cum activist.

Olubadan,

Ladoja, Omisore others shower encomiums at Senator Folarin’s mother’s burial THE Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji; former Oyo State governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja and former deputy governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, were among the dignitaries present at the funeral of the mother of Senator Teslim Folarin, Alhaja Sidikat Abebi Folarin.

Alhaja Sidikat Folarin, aged 98, died last Thursday and was buried on Friday, according to Islamic rites.

The Olubadan of Ibadan, represented by Chief Lekan Balogun, advised the Folarins to remain strong and sustain the enduring legacy of their mother.

Another representative of the monarch, Chief (Mrs) Abosede Abiodun, also admonished the children to love one another and avoid division.

While leading the prayers at the event, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Agbotomokekere, said that “death is inevitable.”

He implored people present to make an impact while they are still alive.

Senator Ladoja, accompanied by his wife, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Olayinka Ladoja, described the late matriarch as a virtuous, loving and compassionate woman.

Dignitaries present at the event include Seriki Adinni Musulumi of Yoruba land, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo; former deputy governor of Oyo State, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Atilola Maroof.

Nigerian Tribune

Arrest of lawmaker’s killers: Oyo Speaker lauds police

By Nurudeen Alimi

THE speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Honourable Michael Adeyemo, has lauded men of the Nigeria Police for their timely response to the gruesome murder of Honourable Gideon Aremu, which led to the arrest of suspected killers.

In a letter of commendation he personally signed and addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Oyo State Police Commissioner and officers of the force, Adeyemo noted that the police had conducted themselves as competent and well-trained professionals.

The speaker described the feat as very rare and outstanding.

Honourable Adeyemo, on behalf of other members of the house, also thanked and congratulated all the officers directly involved in the investigation.

The speaker also commended the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, for acting swiftly by ensuring that the perpetrators were smoked out of hideouts.

Lagos/Ibadan expressway: Ogun to compensate owners of structures OGUN State government has promised to give adequate compensation to owners of structures that could be demolished as a result of the ongoing green Ogun project, aimed at creating setback along LagosIbadan Expressway, for ease of traffic.

The Chairman ‘’Green Ogun” team and Commissioner for Forestry, Chief Kolawole Lawal, made this known during an interactive session with stakeholders at OPIC House, Isheri, in Ifo Local Government Area of the state.

Lawal said that those with approvals for their structures would be compensated while those that built illegally would have their buildings demolished in line with the government stance on doing things right.

The chairman said “apart from beautifying the road, other amenities such as rest points for commuters in between journeys, trailer parks and pedestrian bridges will be constructed to forestall the knotty gridlock and incessant motor accidents that characterise the road.”

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NLC warns against increase in fuel pump price Olatunde Dodondaw---Lagos

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HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has cautioned against any increase in pump price of the premium motor spirit (PMS) otherwise called petrol.

Addressing journalists after the Central Working Committee (CMC) meeting in Lagos, on Sunday, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba, warned that the union would resist any attempt by marketers or the Federal Government to review upward the pump price of petrol.

According to him, “we are now justified when we opposed the initial increase in the pump price of petrol.

Purchasing power of Nigerians has reduced drastically following the initial increase in petrol price per litre.

“We said it will worsen purchasing power of the workers. This is now coupled with non-payment of salary, non-payment of pension and gratuity.

“Our position still stands and every attempt to increase it will be resisted vehemently. We will mobilise our sister unions and affiliates.”

Following non-availability of foreign exchange for importation of petrol, rumours have been making the rounds that marketers may increase pump price of petrol anytime soon.

Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), otherwise called diesel, the Nigerian Tribune learnt, has risen above N200 per litre because it is fully deregulated. Petrol has been

partially deregulated because government still controls the price band at which the product must be sold.

Major marketers are selling petrol at N145 per litre while the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Retail and other marketers are selling the product between N138 and N143 per litre.

Kerosene is also being sold

at above N200 per litre because it is also fully deregulated.

However, non-availability of foreign exchange, according to a source, may hinder marketers to import, thereby creating scarcity of the product, which may later lead to increase in pump price of petrol.

Moreover, the labour union also urged the gov-

ernment, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to obey the court order which had directed that electricity tariff must revert to the old rate as against the current over 40 per cent increment in tariff being paid

by Nigerian workers.

It said disregarding the court order by government agencies is illegal and a sign of impunity.

From left, Channel Sales Manager, Afromedia Plc, Mr Wole Adesina; Coordinating Director, Osun State Ministry of Information, Mrs Femi Esho; Associate Director, Afromedia Plc, Mr Femi Olaiya; Permanent Secretary, Osun State Ministry of Information, Mrs Olajumoke Bello; Director of Finance and Administration, Mrs Biodun Oni and the Director of Field, Research and Documentation, Mrs Biola Kolawole, during a visit by Afromedia team to the ministry.

New Ombatse: Maku accuses Al-Makura of plot to indict him Godwin Agwam- Lafia

THE national secretary of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and former gubernatorial candidate of the party in the 2015 general election in Nasarawa State, Mr Labaran Maku, has raised the alarm over plots by the state governor,

Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, to indict him over the emergence of the new Ombatse cult group in the state.

Maku, who raised the alarm in a press statement signed and made available to newsmen through electronic mail, alleged that Governor Al-Makura was determined to malign his reputation

over his (Maku’s) recent criticism of his government.

“On Wednesday, August 3, 2016, Governor Al-Makura invited traditional rulers to a meeting and made me the topic of discussion, accusing me of sponsoring crisis in the state.

“Shortly after, a member of the House of Assembly,

moved a motion on the floor of the House, alleging the emergence of a new Ombatse group with alleged plans to attack some communities in the state.

“Subsequently, there have been rumours that some Eggon youths are to be arrested and used to accuse me of being the sponsor of a

ple the Nigerian economy, not to kill military.”

The group, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Brigadier-General Mudoch Agbinibo, and made available on its website on Sunday, said the two arrested vandal suspects that were

paraded by the Nigerian Navy in Warri, on Saturday, were not its members.

“Any criminal arrested is now a NDA member. Since we (NDA) started the struggle, none of our operatives has been arrested.

“All those in detention

in the name of NDA are not part of NDA, the world should know this,” he said.

The group warned elders from the region, who had promised President Buhari to arrest the spate of militancy in the region in 30 days, to watch their back.

We can defeat army if they come to the creeks —Niger Delta Avengers Ebenezer Adurokiya-Warri

Members of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) have declared that it is not hard to defeat the Nigerian Army in a combat if they agreed to relocate from their cosy offices to the creeks, where activities of economic sabotage is actually taking place.

The group also cautioned elders of the Niger Delta region to tread softly with the proposed dialogue with the Federal Government.

“The reason behind military harassment of towns and villages in the Niger Delta is because the NDA has not confronted the Nigeria military in battle.

“We are not scared in confronting you.

The creeks of the Niger Delta belong to us, so defeating the Nigerian military is not hard for us,” it said.

The group, however, added in a disjointed English that “We have made it clear on many occasions that our business is to crip-

No room for laxity in military, A ­ rmy chief warns THE Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai, has charged personnel of the army to be committed and keep fit always, saying there is no room for laxity in the military.

Buratai gave the charge while addressing 200 cadets of Regular Course 63, who had concluded their training, shortly after inaugurating the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) base camp in Jos. He also reminded them that the military had done the country proud, saying they must be ready to continue to make the military proud.

“I want to tell you that

in the military, there is no room for laxity. Whatever we do, we must do it with precision and a deep sense of commitment.

“One thing that is associated with the military, apart from discipline, is exercise to keep fit always.

“I expect you to be at the top at all times, physically,” Buratai charged.

The Chief of Army Staff stressed that with current security challenges in the country, especially insurgency in the North East; officers and men were expected to be committed, precise and physically fit.

“The reality is that in the North-East you will encoun-

ter unexpected ambushes and, indeed, IEDs – Improvised Explosive Devices, where the Boko Haram terrorists operate.

“You must be conscious of these threats in the theatre and wherever you operate at the end of your training here.

“And after being commissioned, I am sure some of you will find your way to the North-East. So, you had better make up your mind.

“You are going to be relied upon as commission officers, you must maintain that standard of discipline, you must remain physically fit, no room for any laxity,’’ he told the cadets.

new Ombatse group,” Maku said.

According to the former information minister, the police commissioner in the state had summoned him for interrogation over his role regarding the emergence of the new cult group that had hatched a plan to attack Asakio, on Saturday, August 13.

He explained that “at the command’s headquarters in Lafia, I was informed that I was invited in order to respond to some information of an alleged fresh plot by a new Ombatse. I was asked if I was aware of the plans by the new Ombatse group and I made it clear that I had no knowledge of either a new Ombatse group or plans by them to cause violence anywhere in the state.”

“That I am Eggon is not a reason for anyone to set me up because I speak out about the crisis of governance in my state,” he said.

When contacted over his response to the accusations, the special assistant to the governor on media and publicity, Ahmed Tukur, urged Maku to face his issues with the security and stop looking for public sympathy.

He said the police drilled Maku for four hours, and that they are constitutionally permitted to act in that order. He added that the issue of the re-emergence of the Ombatse cult group was raised by Maku’s representative at the state House of Assembly.

Embrace peace, NYC president tells youths Isaac Shobayo -Jos

PRESIDENT of the Nigeria Youth Congress (NYC), Dr Yakubu Shendam, has called on youths in the country to shun acts that could cause violence and disunity, saying as leaders of tomorrow the overall development of the country lies in their hands.

Speaking with newsmen in Jos, Dr Shendam, who said most of the crises in the country were perpetrated by the youth, charged them to embrace peace and refrain from acts capable of causing disorder and promoting crisis, adding that Nigeria is in urgent need of peaceful atmosphere to address the myriad of economic problems facing the country.

“Most of the crises in the country are perpetrated by the youth. Youths constitute the largest in the country , they play very important role in the progress of the country, and are mostly affected when there is crisis as they are brainwashed into carrying arms to perpetrate violence against their country in the name of religion and ethnicity, forgetting that they are future leaders.”

Group wants NAICOM crisis resolved A professional group has called on well-meaning Nigerians, financial regulators and the Federal Government to wade into the crisis between management of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the staff members, under the aegis of Almagamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational service Employees (AUPCTRE).

The group, under the name, Committee of Concerned Finance Professionals, said the alleged financial recklessness of some top executives of the management of the commission and other lingering issues that degenerated into the crisis early this year, had not yet been resolved. It stressed that the brewing crisis was having a relapse.

In a statement by the chairman and secretary, Gabriel Anitekhi and Yussuf Gindinrin, respectively, the group alleged that there was no mutual working cordiality amongst staff and management of the commission.

It accused the management of faulting the earlier agreement reached with the union.

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FG begins sanitising civil service, set to offload irregular recruits Clement Idoko - Abuja

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HE Federal Government has commenced weeding out some irregular recruits employed into the Federal Civil Service (FCS) through unauthorised appointments in the last few years.

Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Mrs Joan Ayo, who made this known, said the ongoing staff audit by the commission, had revealed some irregular and unauthorised appointments, which, had been declared null and void A statement by the Assistant Director, Press and Public Relations, Dr Joel Oruche, on Sunday, in Abuja, said Ayo disclosed this in a goodwill message at the 2016 Public Service Week, held in Abuja, recently.

She said the staff auditing was aimed at fishing out irregular appointees and delisting them from the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

Niger gov raises the alarm over proliferation of small arms in rural communities Adelowo Oladipo - Minna

NIGER State governor, Abubakar Bello, has raised the alarm over proliferation of small arms and light weapons in rural communities in the state.

The governor called on individuals or groups of people in possession of illegal firearms in the state to surrender them within seven days to the appropriate authorities, adding that grave consequences awaited individuals and groups of people who failed to surrender such illegal firearms.

He said this at the weekend, in a state-wide broadcast on the recent security challenges in some communities of Bosso Local Government Area of the state, just as he disclosed the composition of a judicial commission of inquiry into the recent military/communal clash in the council area.

He bemoaned the invasion of some villages in the state by cattle rustlers, kidnappers and armed robbers as well as other nefarious activities being committed by criminally- minded people “We must rise now to fight this menace. To achieve this task successfully, we must pay attention to what happens in our homes, villages and communities. We must ensure the security of our environment by reporting any suspicious movement or activities around us to security agencies,” he said.

The FCSC chairman said the action was necessary because the appointments were not properly backed by any vacancy from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) and, as such, were not budgeted for.

Ayo added that the appointments were also in gross violation of the federal character principle.

She, however, said that declared vacancies from the OHCSF would soon be ad-

vertised.

She assured all qualified Nigerian youths who, prima facie, qualify that they would be given the opportunity to compete for the limited but available jobs; while selection would be strictly based on merit within the context of principle of federal character.

The chairman, who spoke extensively on the core values of the public service, stressed meritocracy as one of the public service core

values had made it imperative for recruitment into civil service to be merit -based.

This, she said, was subject to meeting certain standards such as prescribed minimum educational qualifications, satisfactory performance in the qualifying examination and (or) at interviews, among others, without prejudice to the principle of federal character.

She said the FCSC would ensure that promotion and

discipline were reviewed to meet the increasing demand of the time.

She disclosed that procedure for accelerated promotion had been clearly defined and spelt out in the new revised guidelines to motivate civil servants towards enhanced productivity.

Ayo, who called for attitudinal change among civil servants, stressed the need for them to imbibe the core values of the nation's founding fathers.

Akwa Ibom State governor, Udom Emmanuel (left), exchanging pleasantries with the General Superintendent, Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor Williams Kumuyi, during a programme at the Deeper Life Bible Church, Ayobo, Lagos, on Sunday.

We've started refunding money to EFCC —Benue majority leader Johnson Babajide - Makurdi THE majority leader of Benue State House of Assembly, Honourable Benjamin Adayin, has said members of the state assembly have started refunding money to the Economic Financial and Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Speaking to newsmen at the weekend, in Makurdi, the state capital, Adayin said the money being refunded was the sum members collected in lieu of the Prado Jeep the contractor who handled the supply of the vehicles could not supply due to variation in the contract sum.

The majority leader dismissed the claim that N750 million was misapplied by the assembly in connection with the supply of vehicles meant for members, adding that the total sum of the contract was less than N400 million He said the supply of Prado Jeep at the time the contract was awarded was N12.5 million but was jerked up to N14.5 million which prompted the contractor to ask for variation, but noted that, "as members who have the interest of our people at heart, we decided to opt for cars of our choice at a maximum of N10 million per

member."

“Incidentally, someone reported the case to EFCC and we were invited. When we presented the issue, the anti- graft commission faulted the procedure and advised us to refund the money each of us collected.

The money is expected to be returned to state coffers while the state government would add to it and supply the Prado Jeep to members.

“There is no element of fraud here, so, we were surprised when the media bandied the house as corrupt.

What we did was for the interest of the masses, we have started returning the money to EFCC and the moment this is concluded, the state will have to provide members with the Prado Jeep.”

It will be recalled that 20 members of the assembly were recently arrested and detained by EFCC on the

manner their official vehicles were handled.

Adayin dismissed the insinuation that the assembly, as a result of the crisis, would likely change the speaker, adding that, "there is no element of truth in all these and the speaker has been carrying everyone along in the activities of the house. In fact, he has displayed rare leadership qualities that has endeared him to all the members, opposition inclusive."

Developed nations achieved economic prosperity through SMEs —NDE boss

By Lanre Akinmoladun

THE acting Director-General, National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mr Kunle Obayan, has said most developed nations achieved economic prosperity through the development of small and medium scale enterprises.

Obayan disclosed this last week, at a training programme organised by the Oyo State NDE for unemployed graduates, entitled: "Start Your Own Business (SYOB)."

Inaugurating the oneweek training programme, held at the Development Policy Centre, Agodi, Ibadan, the NDE acting Director-General, who was

represented by Mrs Joyce Yarnap, explained that the training was borne out of the desire to expose unemployed graduates to the benefits of self-reliance through entrepreneurship.

The training, according to the director-general, also sought to guide participants in their choices of business ideas.

“I am sure you are aware that statistics of unemployment in Nigeria is high. It is also important to note that more universities are emerging, which means more graduates would be turned out to join the already saturated labour market,” he said.

In his welcome address, the state coordinator of

NDE, Alhaji S. A. Awosanya, noted that “today’s graduates have a mindset of going into wage employment,” which he said was no longer available, adding that “there is the urgent need for value re-orientation from wage employment to self employment which will ultimately lead to self-reliance.”

Also speaking, the Head of Department, Small Scale Enterprise (SSE), Mrs Oluwatoyin Ayelagbe, said the department was primarily designed to inculcate the spirit of entrepreneurship, creativity and self-reliance in the unemployed graduates and other Nigerians with a view to assist them set up their own businesses.

Kwara gov inaugurates committee on infrastructure fund Biola Azeez - Ilorin KWARA State governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, has inaugurated an implementation committee for the newly launched Kwara State Infrastructure Development Fund (IF-K), with a charge to create a programmed funding plan for all ongoing and new projects across the state.

Speaking during the inauguration at the Government House, Ilorin, at the weekend, Governor Ahmed described IF-K as a stand-alone funding scheme, which offers a reliable funding window for capital projects.

He said in view of the current economic realities, it was imperative for the state government to devise alternative funding options to meet its obligations and carry out developmental projects for the benefit of the people.

Governor Ahmed disclosed that IF-K would be managed by trustees who are independent of the state government, adding that capital projects executed under the scheme would also be inspected by independent project assessors, in order to ensure that contractors comply with required project standards.

Ocholi's replacement: Kogi senator appeals to Buhari Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja

THE senator representing Kogi Central senatorial district at the National Assembly, Ahmed Ogembe, has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari, to consider a replacement for the late Minister of Labour and Employment, (State), Mr James Ocholi, in order for the state to develop like others The last minister from the state, Mr Ocholi, died in a road accident with his wife and son on his way from Kaduna to Abuja, in February.

Ogembe, in a statement said “death is an inevitable end to which all mortals must bow one day. The people of Kogi State and the entire country at large cannot feel the pain of the death of Ocholi enough, it is a burden we would bear for long.”

He added that in spite of that, life must continue as well as the administration of the country and appealed to President Buhari to appoint a credible and capable person from the state as a minister to fill the vacant position, in order for the state to have a sense of belonging.

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Monday, 15 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

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Monday, 15 August, 2016

No going back on PDP convention —Committee I’m not aware —Sheriff From Leon Usigbe, Jacob Segun Olatunji and Tunde Ogunesan

C

HAIRMAN of the Publicity SubCommittee of the expanded Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Convention Planning Committee, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, has said nothing will stop the August 17 convention of the party taking place in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

He invited all stakeholders of the party to come out en masse to give a new lease of life to the party.

In a statement issued in Abuja, at the weekend, Ugochukwu debunked the misconception that the convention had once again been postponed, advising members to disregard such rumour.

In an obvious reference to information insinuating the rescheduling of the convention, Ugochukwu observed that the only recognisable interim executive of the PDP by law, empowered to organise a convention, was the one led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi.

He cited the tacit recog-

nition of the Makarfi committee by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the only lawful interim apex leadership of the PDP and the recent judgment given by a high court in Port Harcourt, restraining the security services from interferring with the forthcoming convention to buttress his argument.

According to him, the Makarfi Caretaker Committee had worked very hard to achieve its mandate of organising a consensually agreed convention within 90 days from the date of the rescheduled event.

The earlier convention, hosted at the same venue, on Saturday, May 21, had put in place a caretaker committee to steer the affairs of the party on an interim basis.

That convention mandated the interim committee to organise a fresh convention within 90 days, to put in place a substantive national working committee, the highest executive organ of the party, to steer its affairs on a sustainable basis.

Ugochukwu used the opportunity to express the party’s appreciation to gov-

ernors elected on the platform of the party, for their continued support to ensure the sustenance and survival of the party.

He singled out for special appreciation, the Rivers State governor, Mr Nyesom Wike, for his generosity and conscientiousness in hosting two critical conventions of the party within the short span of three months, despite the current economic crunch.

Meanwhile, claimant to the office of the national chairman of the PDP, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has said he is not aware of the plan by the party to have its repeat national convention in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

The convention organised by the National Caretaker Committee led by Senator Makarfi comes up on Wednesday, to elect new members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

It is a follow up of the May 21 convention at the same venue, which removed Sheriff from office and set up a national caretaker committee.

The convention is com-

ing against futile effort to reach a common ground between the caretaker committee and Sheriff, who had continued to insist that he is the national chairman of the party till 2018, despite the confirmation by a high court judgment of the caretaker committee as the authentic leadership of the PDP. The latest meeting convened by party stakeholders to resolve the lingering leadership crisis met a brick wall on Saturday, as Sheriff demanded that the national caretaker committee be dissolved.

The party has now decided to ignore Sheriff and go ahead with the convention in the Rivers State capital.

However, Sheriff has written off the convention, saying he would go ahead with his own plan of “fixing” the party.

Speaking to the Nigerian Tribune on phone, on Sunday, Special Assistant to Sheriff on Media and Publicity, Inuwa Bwala, said Sheriff was not interested in the convention, as he was busy doing other things.

He said the former Borno State governor was watch-

Edo 2016: APC, PDP clash over campaign billboards Banji Aluko - Benin City AHEAD of September 10 Edo State governorship election, political tension in the state is being heightened by allegation of destruction of campaign posters and billboards by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A statement on Sunday, by the campaign organisation of the APC candidates, Godwin Obaseki, alleged that the PDP was mobilising thugs under the guise of protesting local government workers to commence the destruction of posters and bill boards of the APC candidate.

The statement, signed by the Director-General of the Godwin Obaseki campaign organisation, Osarodion Ogie, also said that many of the billboards and posters of Godwin Obaseki around Sapele Road and Ikpoba Hill were destroyed by the agents of the PDP between Friday night and Saturday morning.

Ogie said: “We are alerting security agents to watch out for these people because we are ready for a peaceful election. They intend to coerce us into violence, but we will

not. Edo will be calm for this election, because we have no opposition.

“PDP leaders should be warned. They must stop destroying our posters for the interest of peace. They should know that nobody has monopoly of violence, but we will continue to remain calm, because victory is sure.”

The PDP has, however, washed itself clean of the APC’s allegation, pointing out the proliferation of the posters was working in its favour, while insisting that it was the APC that had started to intimidate its supporters and leaders.

A statement signed by the party’s Director of Publicity, Chris Nehikhare, accused the APC of using police to arrest some youths, who attended a rally organised by running mate to its governorship candidate, John Yakubu and orchestrating plans to arrest PDP leaders on the eve of the election, among other allegations.

He said: “PDP has no reason to destroy APC posters as the proliferation of the posters is another sign of government’s insensitivity to the feelings of Edo people, who have been denied salaries and allowances be-

cause government was preparing for an elections.

“In the light of the foregoing, Edo State chapter of the PDP wishes to reassure its members, supporters and the general public that we are committed to a peaceful election in Edo State, the same way we did last year, which gave us the victory in the presidential election.

“Our campaigns across the state have been very successful and our message of changing the ‘change’, youth empowerment, end to double taxation and lack of patronage of local SMEs has given the people hope.”

...LP launches governorship campaign in Benin THE Labour Party (LP), on Sunday, in Benin, launched its campaign for the Edo September 10 governorship election.

Pastor Amos Areloegbe, the governorship candidate, who addressed supporters at Agbado Primary School, said the party would cater for the elderly.

According to him, “we will build homes to accommodate them as it is done in other climes of the world.

“This gesture will make life comfortable for them, rather than leaving them to

their fate in their old age,’’ he promised.

Areloegbe also promised economic growth, youth empowerment and agricultural development, which he said would be achieved within a space of two years.

“If I cannot deliver on my promises to make life meaningful for the people of the state after two years as the governor of the state, you people have the power to vote me out,” he said.

His running mate, Mrs Jane Osagie, who also spoke, promised soft loans

to women to enable them set up businesses of their choice if her party won the governorship election.

Osagie said attention would be given to ensuring the safety and sustainability of the environment.

Mr Kelly Ogbaluo, the state party chairman, said the party would guarantee economic growth if voted into power.

Ogbaluo also debunked the rumour that the party had collapsed its structure for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

ing to see if Makarfi would succeed in his objective, but declined to say whether he would attempt to stop the convention.

He said: “We don’t have to be reacting. He is doing his convention, we are doing some other things. They are putting us on the defensive and that will not sell.

“We are not part of it, we don’t know about it and we will not even comment about it.

“Let’s just wait and see whether he will have his way.

“We are fixing the party.

We are trying to bring aggrieved members on board so that we can move the party forward.”

When pressed on what Sheriff might do next, Bwala stated: “I said we are not going to react to any convention, because it is not our business. We are not going to be on the defensive. They should react to our own.”

When asked when the Sheriff faction would organise its own convention, he said “when we want to have our own convention, we will call you.”

Adeniran urges delegates to vote for most credible candidate

Ahead Wednesday’s national convention of the PDP to elect its national of-

ficers in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, one of the aspirants to the post of the national chairman of the party, former Minister of Education, Professor Tunde Adeniran, has urged delegates to the convention to consider his unblemished record of public service and unbroken years of worthy service to the party in making their decision about the next national chairman of the party.

The former Ambassador to Germany said the party required a leader, who had no personal baggage to be able to function effectively in opposition and upstage the ruling party in the various elections leading to the 2019 general poll.

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communitynews Ede raises the alarm over alleged annexation of its land to Osogbo 36

oluwole ige-osogbo

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HE Federation Council of Ede Descendants Union, has accused Governor Rauf Aregbesola of annexing part of Ede community to Osogbo.

Addressing a press conference in Ede, the president of the union, Mr Niyi Adebayo, maintained that: “Aregbesola recently directed the General Manager of Osun State Capital Development Authority to rename all government establishments, settlements and communities, in fact all areas within the capital territory as Osogbo”.

According to him, “this is the crux of the matter and this is why we are calling the attention of the general public to the decision of the Osun State government to ignite the suppressed tension in the state through its obnoxious and biased decision to annex a large part of Ede North Local Government Area to Osogbo in disregard for the consequence of such volatile policy.

“Ede community views the directive as a slap on our collective integrity and an attempt to cause confusion and tension in

Madagbahin community pleads with LASG over provision of amenities by yejide gbenga-ogundare

PEOPLE of Madagbahin community in Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State have appealed to the state government to come to their aid and provide them with basic amenities while bemoaning the lack of infrastructural facilities, especially roads in the community.

The traditional head of the community, Chief Babatunde Raji, while calling for government intervention, stated that the state of roads in the agrarian community had hindered economic and social activities, adding that past administrations in the state did not consider the community in its development projects.

“The most painful aspect of it is that of electricity which has become a thing of the past here.

There is no potable water, no health centre and school for our children. We are appealing to the state government to come to our aid. We are solidly behind Governor Akinwumi Ambode’s administration,” he said.

Monday, 15 August, 2016

the state. Moreso, such a directive has never been implemented since 1991 when Osun was created.

It does more harm than good.

“This amounts to robbing Peter to pay Paul.The

people of Ede should not be treated as second class citizens to glorify Osogbo.

The existence of capital territory does not essentially confer on Osogbo the legitimacy to submerge or annex the neighbouring

Ede community.

“There is nowhere in the Osun State Capital Territory Development Authority Edict No 1 of 1991 which stipulates that names of towns and villages within the capital

territory should change to bear the name of the capital city.”

Reacting to the development, the Director, Bureau of Public Communication and Strategy to Governor Aregbesola,

Mr Semiu Okanlawon, said: “The governor has not given any directive to the General Manager of Osun State Capital Development Authority to rename all government establishments under its jurisdiction as Osogbo.

“The accusation is false and baseless. There is nothing like the directive you are talking about.

Aregbesola has not issued such directive.”

Maiduguri residents demand drainage system KayodeBodunrin-maiduguri

A deplorable and neglected road at Fodacis area in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of Oyo State. PHOTO: PETER OYEBANJI

Oyo govt to immortalise Fajuyi at Lalupon community by yejide gbenga-ogundare

OYO State government has put machinery in place to further immortalise the first Military Governor of Western region, the late Colonel Francis Adekunle Fajuyi, by constructing a memo-

rial park and garden in Lalupon area of the state.

This is a follow-up to the promises made by the Senator Abiola Ajimobiled government during the just concluded activities organised by various groups in Ibadan to mark the 90th posthumous birthday of Adekunle Fa-

juyi.

Commissioner for Information, Youth and Tourism, Toye Arulogun, made this known recently, adding that the monument and park would be constructed at the very spot where he was killed in Lalupon.

It will be recalled that representatives of the state

Lawmaker commissions boreholes in Oshodi communities chukwumaokparaocha-lagos

THE lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Special Duties, Honourable Olusola Sokunle, has commissioned nine boreholes in Oshodi, assuring residents of more projects in the constituency.

The lawmaker, who commenced the commissioning at Ishola Daniel Street, stated that the water project was to partly fulfill his campaign promises.

He asserted that soon after he resumed as the legislator representing the constituency, he did a survey to identify the major problem facing the constituency and discovered that over 70 per cent of residents lacked access to potable water.

He added that every resident of Oshodi is the owner of the boreholes, urging them to use the facilities with care so that they would last long.

The lawmaker also urged government at all levels to invest more in the provision of potable water, stressing that the provision of such social amenity should not be left in the hands of private individuals.

He assured the residents that he would facilitate state projects, declaring that more roads would soon be rehabilitated in the constituency by the state government.

“Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has done well in terms of road reconstruction and rehabilitation in our constituency. I know of Brown Street and Igbeyinadun Road rehabilitation which were facilitated by

me when the state government asked about their state. There are other nine roads in our constituency which will also be rehabilitated. I know work will start soon,” Sokunle said.

Speaking at the commissioning, the Regent of Oshodi, Alhaji Biliaminu Akinola, stated that the borehole project was executed at the right time, as residents of the constituency had suffered lack of access to potable water for the past 16 years. He stated further that he was happy that the lawmaker was fulfilling his campaign promises.

Akinola also called on residents to make conscious efforts to maintain the project, while urging the Federal Government to quickly solve the problem of power supply facing the country.

government had, during a visit to the site where the former governor and a former Head of State, MajorGeneral Aguiyi Ironsi were assassinated during the bloody coup of July 1966, in the company of the traditional rulers of Lalupon, highlighted the virtues of the late administrator.

Arulogun, who led the delegation, reiterated that the gesture became imperative to further celebrate the gallantry and selflessness of the former military administrator displayed at the face of death, which projected the virtues of honour, bravery and loyalty.

He explained further that paying the supreme price was a no mean feat, noting that although a previous administration in the state had immortalised the former governor by naming a road after him, the opportunity presented by the availability of the spot where he and his supreme commander were killed 50 years ago, is not just a divine but golden one that the present administration will not allow to slip by.

“The Oyo State government has, therefore, taken the onus upon itself to further honour the worthy patriot to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his death,” he said.

RESIDENTS of Maiduguri Metropolitan Local Government Area of Borno State have called on the state government to provide drainage systems to check flooding, which engulfs the area anytime it rains.

Some of the residents, who spoke with Community News, said they were tired of using buckets to drain flood water from their homes and shops whenever it rains.

A resident, Mohammed Abubakar, said there was need for the government of Alhaji Kashim Shettima to take the issue of drainage seriously because it is a major poblem in the state capital instead of leaving it to the local government.

He called for construction of massive drainage from Gudumbali, Shuari through Bolori down to Baga Road.

Community News learnt that due to the presence of clay soil in Maiduguri, water hardly sinks whenever it rains resulting in flooding with the exception of some GRAs that have good drainage systems.

“We are tired of incessant flooding. We want Governor Kashim Shettima to do something about it. They behave as if nothing is happening while we are expected to continue to sleep on top of water every rainy season, it’s annoying.

“We really do not understand why there has not been any deliberate effort by the government in the last 40 years to give us proper drainage. It is only massive drainage systems that can stop the flooding we experience every year,” he said The General Manager of the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA), Nasiru Surindi, blamed the flooding mostly on the careless attitude of residents, who throw wastes into the gutter, including plastics.

37

Monday, 15 August, 2016

foreig naffairs with seyi gesinde

08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

Men stand in floodwaters in Livingston Parish, Louisiana, on Saturday.

PHOTO: TUTTI VICKNAIR

Historic Louisiana flood won’t end anytime soon —Governor

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OUISIANA Governor John Bel Edwards called the widespread flooding spawned by the region’s pounding rain across the southern part of the state a “truly historic event” that won’t be over anytime soon.

The rain battered the parishes around Baton Rouge and is expected to move west, he said at a news conference Saturday.

There are record levels of flooding and cresting along rivers and creeks that will affect homes, roads and driveways, he said.

“This is a major disaster,” the governor said. “This is an ongoing event and we are still in the response mode.”

At least three people have died so far as a result of the flooding sweeping through

south Louisiana, officials said.

The body of a 30-year-old woman was recovered Sat-

urday afternoon in St. Helena Parish, Michael Martin, the chief of operations for St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s

Office, said The woman was travelling with her husband and mother when their vehicle was swept away by the flood. Her mother and husband were rescued.

Officials have not released the name of the woman.

She is the second known flood victim in St. Helena Parish. Samuel Muse, 54, of Greensburg died when his vehicle was submerged Friday after a portion of Highway 10 collapsed at Darlings Creek, CNN-affiliate WAFB reported.

“At this time, troopers believe that Muse attempted to drive through high water and his vehicle was swept off the road,” the Louisiana State Police said.

Yemen: 10 children killed in attack on school AT least 10 children have been killed and about 30 injured in an air strike on a school in the stronghold of Yemen’s Houthi rebels, according to a medical aid group.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said on Saturday that the victims were aged between eight and 15 and attended a school in Haydan, a region in Yemen’s north-western Saada province.

The Houthi-run Al Masirah TV broadcast what it said was the aftermath of the attack.

A video it released

showed children with head, arm and leg wounds with blood-covered faces.

Mohammed AbdelSalam, a Houthi spokesman, blamed the Arab coalition of bombarding the school.

There was no official comment from the coalition, which has been carrying out an air campaign against rebels in Yemen in support of exiled President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi for nearly 15 months.

otherNEWS Visitors relax naked at the terrace in London.

PHOTO: NOWTV

London opens first naked sun terrace THE United Kingdom’s first nudist terrace will open in London this week in a bid to encourage visitors to take off their clothes as they take in the sights.

The 60ft high terrace, in Parliament Square, offers spectacular views of some of the city’s main attractions, including Big Ben, the London Eye and Westminster Abbey.

Visitors can make sure to sun themselves during the city’s upcoming heatwave next week, while enjoying a refreshing drink at the open air bar.

It seems the terrace is part of an emerging nudist craze that is sweeping the capital

- opening just a few weeks after London’s first naked restaurant.

More adventurous visitors will also be able to enjoy a work out in the nude, with a round of swing-ball or a bounce on the trampoline.

The rooftop was set-up by NOW TV to promote the launch its new “contractfree Combo”.

Gidon Katz, Managing Director of NOW TV, said: “As a nation, it seems we’re increasingly avoiding being “tied down” in life.”

He added: “We’re going to keep breaking away from traditional conventions; firstly contracts, and now clothes.”

Hundreds protest heroic burial plan for former Filipino dictator HUNDREDS crowded a park in the Philippines on Sunday to protest plans by President Rodrigo Duterte to bury former leader Ferdinand Marcos in the National Heroes’ Cemetery.

The demonstration in Manila was held to protest the decision to re-inter Marcos, the dictator who ruled the Philippines with an iron fist for two-and-a-

half decades. His preserved body is currently in repose

in his hometown of Ilocos in the north of the country.

Protesters display placards to kick against the burial of former dictator, Ferdinand Marcos, in a National Heroes Cemetery in Philipines.

PHOTO: CNN

Swiss train attacker, one victim dead A 34-year-old woman who was injured in an attack by a knifeman on a Swiss train has died in hospital, police said on Sunday.

The attacker, a 27-yearold Swiss man, also died on Sunday, they said.

Five other people were hurt when the man set fire A criminal investigation is under way but police have not yet established a motive.

PHOTO: AFP

to the train and stabbed passengers in the attack on Saturday. Two of them, including a six-year-old child, are in a serious condition.

Police have said that, as yet, there is no indication of a political or terrorist motive for the attack.

The attack occurred around 14:20 (12:20 GMT) as the train was approaching Salez station, between the towns of Buchs and Sennwald.

Several dozen passengers were on board at the time.

In a statement (in German), St Gallen cantonal police said video evidence from inside the train showed the attacker, armed with a knife, pouring out a flammable liquid.

Six people - including the attacker - were injured.

The seventh injured person was a man on the platform who pulled the burning attacker off the train.

Organisers said that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) guidelines disqualify Marcos from receiving a hero’s burial: citing a clause that states “personnel who were convicted by fine judgment of an offense involving moral turpitude,” were disqualified, according to a statement released by the coalition.

The crowd gathered despite intermittent but heavy rain to listen to speeches by prominent activists, politicians and victims of Marcos’ brutal crackdowns on dissent during a 20-year period of martial law, CNN said.

The location of the protest was significant — a park honouring Lapu-Lapu, the warrior recognised as the Philippines’ “first hero” for his uprising against Spanish colonial occupation in 1521.

Opponents content it is the victims of Marcos’ regime who should be honoured in the cemetery, a shrine to “martyrs, heroes and upstanding Filipinos who served the country with courage and dignity,” the statement said.

Thousands of civilians were forced to shelter on UN premises during fighting in July

UN okays Juba troop deployment as South Sudan objects THE United Nations Security Council has authorised a 4,000-strong regional protection force for South Sudan’s capital, Juba.

These African troops will have a more robust mandate than the 12,000 UN soldiers already in the country, BBC reported.

South Sudan’s government has said it opposes the move, despite the UN resolution threatening an arms embargo if it blocks the new deployment.

Fighting between rival forces in July left hundreds of people dead less than year after a peace deal was signed.

The UN force struggled to keep civilians safe as more than 35,000 people rushed

to its base in Juba.

More than 100,000 South Sudanese have now fled to neighbouring countries in the wake of the latest unrest, the UN refugee agency says.

Unlike the peacekeeping force in place, the African force, which will be under the auspices of the UN mission, will be able pro-actively to engage those threatening civilians.

But it is not clear how the mission will be able to go ahead without South Sudan’s co-operation.

The US-drafted resolution says it will “use all necessary means, including undertaking robust action where necessary, and actively” patrol to enforce peace.

38

Monday, 15 August, 2016 Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

Rio Olympics Special

Rio Olympics Special

Okagbare crashes out

Nigeria’s super heavyweight boxer, Ajagba through to q/final Stops Nigel Paul in round one NIGERIA’S sole representative in the boxing event of the R i o 2016 Olympic Games, Efe Ajagba, is through to the quarterfinals.

Ajagba qualified for the quarter-finals in emphatic style as he knocked out Trinidad and Tobago’s Nigel Paul in round one to progress into the last eight.

Ajagba, who told PREMIUM TIMES before going to Rio that his mission was to end the 20-year medal drought that has plagued Nigeria in boxing at the Olympics, will now face Ivan Dychko from Kazakhstan in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.

A win for Ajagba against

N

Dychko will see him guaranteed at least a bronze medal.

The last time Nigeria won a medal in boxing at the Olympics was in Atlanta 1996 when Duncan Dokiwari won a bronze medal.

Ajagba, who won bronze at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland and gold at the 2015 All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville, is hoping to be the next boxer to have an Olympic medal around his neck.

Ajagba

Okagbare

IGERIA’S sprint queen, Blessing Okagbare crashed out in Rio Olympics 100m semi-final, as she placed 3rd in her heat with a time of 11.09seconds.

Her time was not good enough to get her into the finals as one of the fastest losers.

Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson, 24, stunned fans to race to gold in the women’s 100m finals, clocking an impressive time of 10.71seconds to dash teammate ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce’s dream of becoming the first ever woman to win three consecutive 100m titles at the Olympics.

...As Jamaica’s Thompson wins 100m gold JAMAICA’S Elaine Thompson won the women’s 100m at the Rio Olympics as two-time champion ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce had to settle for bronze.

Thompson, 24, took the title in a time of 10.71 seconds, just 0.01 seconds outside her personal best.

Compatriot Fraser-Pryce, 29, who was attempting to become the first woman to win three successive golds in the event, finished third in 10.86.

USA’s Tori Bowie won the silver medal in 10.83.

Dutch star Dafne Schippers, second behind Fraser-Pryce at the 2015 World Championships,

finished fifth in 10.90.

Thompson said: “When I crossed the line and glanced across to see I was clear, I didn’t know how to celebrate.”

Fraser-Pryce said: “What I’m most happy about the 100m title is staying in Jamaica. I’m on the podium with my training partner.

I’m proud of Jamaica.”

Britain’s Desiree Henry, 20, failed to make the final after finishing fourth in 11.09 in her semi-final, while Asha Philip was eighth in 11.33 in her race.

“I guess it wasn’t the Olympics ending I was really hoping for in terms of trying to make the final,” said

Henry.

“But I’m proud of myself for growing as an adult and believing that I could run up against these girls and really trying to make it to the final.”

Team-mate Philip said:

Phelps wins 23rd Olympic gold medal THE United States closed the Rio Olympics swimming competition with a final dominating flourish, sweeping the medley relay events and sending Michael Phelps out on a triumphant note.

The women’s 400-meter

Mikel targets gold for Dream Team CHELSEA star Mikel has restated Nigeria Olympics team’s resolve to win Olympic gold 20 years after the original Dream Team recorded such a feat in Atlanta, just as he was refunded the cash he paid to free the team from a Sao Paulo hotel.

“We are all very excited reaching the semi-finals but the ultimate is the gold medal and as the coach has said, we are still taking it one match at a time,” said captain Mikel, who scored Nigeria’s first goal against Denmark for Nigeria to go on and win 2-0 and qualify

for the last four.

“My objective here, as with each of the other players, is to win the gold medal.”

The Chelsea star revealed they have tried to put behind them all the drama and controversies that have surrounded the team lately.

“In truth, there have been a lot of challenges, but every time we go onto the field, we forget about everything and make sure our fatherland comes first,” he said.

“We have done that so far and we will continue to do that, but we

need more motivation.”

“Football is the biggest unifying factor in Nigeria today. From Mr President to the average Nigerian you have made everyone proud.

“I am humbled by your efforts, your commitment, your patriotism.

I want to assure you that your sacrifices will not be in vain.

“Aside whatever the NFF have for you, we will as much as possible make you happy, if only you will be patient with us. Today, with your performance, I am convinced that you will get that gold.”

“I’m not doing as well as I want to be doing, but I’m still at the Olympics and I’ve made a semi-final.

“I am bitter inside because I came here to at least run a personal best.”

Mikel

medley relay was first, and the American quartet of backstroker Kathleen Baker, breaststroker Lilly King, butterflyer Dana Vollmer and freestyler Simone Manuel delivered an emphatic victory in a time of 3:53.13. Australia came up second with a time of 3:55.00 to take silver and Denmark rounded out the podium one-hundredth of a second later.

The men’s medley relay followed with its own moment of glory, maintaining an all-time perfect Olympics record in the event when the U.S. has participated. Double gold medalist Ryan Murphy led off on backstroke, followed by Cody Miller on breaststroke, Phelps on butterfly and Nathan Adrian swimming the freestyle leg.

39 tribunesport

Monday, 15 August, 2016

Walcott (middle) is cut to the ground for a penalty by a challenge from Liverpool’s Alberto Moreno (right) in the 28th minute. PHOTO: DAILYMAIL

Mourinho leads Man Utd to victory at Bournemouth

Again, Arsenal loses season opener at Emirates Stadium

By Nurudeen Alimi

A

RSENAL Football Club of England again lost its opening match of the 2016/2017 English Premier League (EPL) season at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday after suffering a 4-3 defeat in the hands of visiting Liverpool.

Tribunesport recalled

that Arsenal lost the 2015/2016 opener 0-2 to visiting West-Ham United when goalkeeper Petr Cech misjudged Dimitri Payet’s free-kick to allow Cheikhou Kouyate to nod in the Hammers’ first. After the break, Mauro Zarate finished from 20 yards after being given the ball by the Gunners defence.

In Sunday’s match against Liverpool, Theo Walcott fired in the first goal for the Gunners in the 31st minute moments after missing a penalty.

Philippe Coutinho pulled one back with a brilliant free-kick before Adam Lallana fired in after the break.

Coutinho poked in his

...We were not ready for new season —Wenger ARSENE Wenger has admitted his Arsenal team were not ready for the start of the season.

Wenger, in a post-match interview revealed his side

were not prepared physically.

He said: “We are bitterly disappointed.

“We are physically not ready. We have to be ready

next week because we go to Leicester.

“We have been a bit unlucky with the injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel.”

second and Sadio Mane slammed home, before Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored a great solo goal and Calum Chambers headed in.

It was billed as the best game of the Premier League opening weekend and more than lived up to expectations.

After quite a dull 30 minutes, Alberto Moreno’s second defensive mistake lit the flame for the encounter that followed.

It was the second half that will long live in the memory. Four of the five goals were exceptional.

There was Lallana’s chest

control and strike followed by a 19-pass move finished off by Coutinho. Mane then capped off an impressive debut with a goal reminiscent of his strikes at Southampton - driving at the defence before a fierce finish.

And substitute Oxlade-Chamberlain then produced a delightful cameo when he dazzled the Liverpool backline and then slotted past Simon Mignolet.

Chambers’ header left Liverpool wondering whether a great win would become ‘what could have been’ - but they hung on.

JOSE Mourinho made a winning Premier League start as Manchester United manager with a comprehensive opening victory at Bournemouth.

Juan Mata, who was substituted after coming on in last week’s Community Shield, opened the scoring with a tap-in after Simon Francis’ error.

Wayne Rooney headed the second before Zlatan Ibrahimovic marked his United league debut with a goal from 25 yards.

Adam Smith scored a consolation goal for the Cherries.

United were without world-record £89m signing Paul Pogba through suspension, while midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan started on the bench, with Mata preferred.

As starts go, this was a highly satisfactory day for United - the Mourinho era began with a solid victory at a ground where they came unstuck under Louis van Gaal last season.

United started slowly and did not register a shot on target until a Rooney effort produced a comfortable save from Artur Boruc in the 27th minute.

Yet it was job done once the visitors opened the scoring with a messy goal and added two more in the space of five second-half minutes to put them in a commanding position.

Mata looked unhappy when he was replaced 30 minutes after coming on at Wembley against Leicester last Sunday but the Spaniard was all smiles as he got Mourinho’s reign up and running.

Boruc made a fine block from Mata after Francis’ under-hit back-pass but the rebound bounced off Francis into the former Chelsea player’s path and he tapped home.

Dream Team good for gold —Dogara THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, who assured the team of his support when they threaten to boycott the quarter final encounter against Denmark, has hailed the heroics of the the team for their 2-0 win against Denmark.

Speaking after watching the Nigerian side put down

Denmark in the gruelling quarter final duel, Dogara, said the Nigerian spirit was on display in the encounter.

“We pleaded with the team not to boycott the quarter final match and here we are in the the semi final, we can go all the way and win the gold medal as was the case in Atlanta 96’. We are about

to do it again”.

Dogara called on all Nigerians to line behind the team as they seek to make the country happy under difficult economic times.

“I believe that the can do it spirit of the average Nigerians is pushing the team to the highest level and no team can stop us”. he declared.

Ibrahimovic in action for United against Bournemouth on Sunday. PHOTO: DAILYMAIL

SIDELINES Stating that he had not received any salary in the last five months, Nigeria’s

NO 16,567

MONDAY, 15 AUGUST, 2016

I

have just read in this newspaper and other ones that the Buhari regime wants to relaunch his WAI (War Against Indiscipline) Brigade (see, for instance, page 5 of Nigerian Tribune of Tuesday, 09 August, 2016).

This WAI Brigade was one of the high achievements of his seventeen months’ reign as a military Head of State and despot of our country in the early 1980s, precisely from 1983/84 to when the gaptoothed General usurped him. If his WAI Brigade was relevant then, it certainly is curiously an un-wanted diversion of our curiously current times.

As bad and as disorderly as our current times are, I will not stick out my tongue and say that ours is a Republic of Indiscipline. What I will say and say again and again is that we are presently living, as we have never lived, in a Republic of Poverty. Simply put, I am saying that this Buhari regime has locked and caged us in a Republic of Poverty. And whatever acts of indiscipline we witness everywhere about us in the land today we must blame on the poverty this regime has unleashed on the land. Thus the war we need, the war we want, the War Brigade we want is the War Against Poverty (WAP) Brigade.

All of us must fight this war - beginning from the presidency. In fact, the president must lead this war beginning with his establishing and launching of a war against poverty brigade. But I am merely building castles in Spain. Phew!

All our current damning disgrace derives from poverty. If you have not given thought to the subject, if you are not giving thought to the subject, kindly try to do so now as I have done and as I am still doing. Poverty is the greatest disease, the greatest ailment in our world, in our country. Clearly, it is the greatest, the worst persistent illness to man – in fact, it has ever been. While other climes have made - and are making – concerted efforts to save themselves from poverty, ours is plunging us day by day into the pit and pit of grinding poverty. Indeed, the Republic of Healthy Change we envisaged through this president’s pre-election promise has turned out to be a Republic of Poverty. I

N150

Dream Team coach, Samson Siasia, lamented last Friday that the NFF and the Sports Ministry had been treating him and his team like “street kids”. The team nearly missed its first match and the players have not been paid their allowances. By treating a team which has so far brought comfort to Nigerians amid the general despair in the country with such utter contempt, are the authorities saying that Nigerians do not deserve even momentary happiness?

in&out with Tony Afejuku

08055213059

We want war against poverty may be repeating myself, but you must see and accept my repetition as a repetition intended to be an effluent of the poverty that President Buhari has brought us through his change effluvium. Before his effluvium crushes and sinks us further we must equip ourselves with efflorescence that will stand us in good stead.

You must take what I am saying seriously.

You see, our parliamentarians understand what is at stake. It is for this reason that they, primarily at least, are doing all the seemingly dirty things that they are doing in parliament. Those of them who only yesterday were church rats and roaches don’t ever want to remember their yesterday. Their present circumstances of greed and budget-padding must be sustained and be improved upon day by day. They must never know poverty again. And their children and the children of their children must never ever know poverty. Never! They must defend and keep this sacred vow till earth changes its colour, till this planet is no more this planet, till Nigeria becomes Nigeria in a different planet and location.

So we must never blame our thieving parliamentarians and presidencynologists who are engaging their own war against poverty the best way they can. They are fulfilling their own role in history, in our

history of resistance against poverty that they must subdue totally and eternally according to their gospel of stomachpadding. This is why one of them has just informed us that budget-padding is not an offence, is not corruption. Maybe I should agree with him and say that budget-padding is a new brand of stomach-infrastructure.

But we know too well that this kind of stomach-padding that has been in existence in all the branches of our governments perhaps before this regime came into being has more than consigned the average – or more than average – Nigerian to the depth of wretchedness that has mocked his wretched flesh. We must not allow this to be or to continue. We must not be too poor to resist the knaves and scoundrels

Poverty is the greatest disease, the greatest ailment in our world, in our country.

who are too undisciplined to resist their kleptomaniac throats, eyes, ears, tongues, bellies and skins. What do you think?

Of course, we must admit that the kind of poverty currently in the land can induce one to do many unimaginable things – like selling one’s child and relation in order to live or survive or to kill anyone to do rituals for evil money or whatever – but we must brace up to conquer it and its master(s). All of us, including pensioners that have been devastated by poverty, all of us including all jobless persons who are too devastated by poverty to do this or that, all of us regardless of our current status, all of us who have been driven to the extremities of the current condition must assert ourselves against crushing Buharism. Be deceived no more.

In fact, it is time to offer our resistance against further deceptions and their acts. I see that we are on the threshold of another Republic. Indeed, may we in the full light of day enjoy the virtues of change in a Republic of Real Change that drives from our country the vile cruelty of poverty and its harms and crushing pains and inhuman excesses. And we all know the champion(s) of the very cruelty currently plaguing our land. We must live to redeem ourselves and alter our cruel circumstances. We need a new narrative of retrieval.

Sports ministry refunds Mikel Obi’s $4,600 EXCITED about the qualification of the Nigeria U23 team for the semi finals of the Men’s Olympics Football Tournament Rio 2016, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports has again assured players and

Mikel

officials of the team that they will be given all that is due to them, just as the ministry has refunded to Captain Mikel Obi the $4,600 he paid for the team in São Paulo on their way to Salvador.

Dalung

Goals by Captain Mikel Obi and Aminu Umar shut out Denmark and saw Nigeria reach the tournament’s last four.

Addressing the players and officials after the 2-0 defeat of Denmark in Saturday’s quarter final match in Salvador, the Sports Minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Chinyeaka Ohaa, said: “I am happy to be a Nigerian, because in spite of all the challenges, you have taken the world by storm; you have by your performance given happiness to more than 160 million Nigerians. Football is the biggest unifying factor in Nigeria today. From Mr. President to the average Nigerian you have made everyone proud today.

“I am humbled by your efforts, your commitment, your patriotism. I want to

assure you that your sacrifices will not be in vain. Aside whatever the NFF have for you, we will as much as possible make you happy, if only you will be patient with us. Today, with your performance, I am convinced that you will get that gold.”

Responding, Captain Mikel Obi said: “We want to thank you for your fatherly support. In truth, there have been a lot of challenges, but every time we go onto the field, we forget about everything and make sure our fatherland comes first. We have done that so far and we will continue to do that, but we need more motivation.”

EPL RESULTS

Bournemouth Arsenal

1 Man Utd 3 Liverpool

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