Wednesday April 3, 2019 Edition

ECCIMA, The Oracle Today partner for 30th Enugu Int’l Tradefair

By FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU

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he Oracle Today newspaper is the official partner of

Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (EACCIMA), organisers of the 30th Enugu International Trade Fair, which comes

up on April 5--15, 2019.

By this arrangement, The Oracle Today becomes the Official Newspaper of the Fair and will, as such, provide its

teeming readers with all necessary information about the Fair—from participants, officials and leaders of ECCIMA, international visitors and

exhibitors, places of interest in Enugu, hotel accommodation to the significance of the Fair at a time of economic downturn such as the country

is witnessing now.

According to a brief on the chamber, the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Ag-

The racle Imoswims in debts VOX POPULI SACRUM

WEDNESDAY April 3, 2019

www.oraclenews.ng

ISSN: 2545-5869

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Today

VOL.4 No.12 N200

Five years of Obiano: Of promises, expectations and disappointments •P9

•Okorocha borrowed N60bn from Zenith Bank •Imo owes 112bn - Debt Management office •Monthly external debt deductions - N53m •Monthly domestic debt reductions - N89m •P2

Debts, poverty challenge new government •P13

Rohr reveals real reason for Mikel’s continued absence for Eagles •Imo State governor- elect, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha greets Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, at a function in Owerri

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•P35

Atiku won the presidential election, Cleric insists

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The Oracle Today Wednesday April3, 2019

NEWS

By Collins Ughalaa Despite vehement denials, the outgoing Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha will leave a staggering amount of debt and angry creditors for his successor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha. Old men and women who served Imo State meritoriously are still being owed gratuity, some for upwards of 20 years.

Pensions have also not been paid to any retiree in the last 15 months while some civil servants are owed up to 10 months salaries.

The total indebtedness of Imo State is about N112 billion. About N52, 664,688.55 is deducted monthly to service external debts, while N891, 341, 617. 92 is deducted monthly to service domestic debts. This is a huge debts profile for a state that earns less than N500 million monthly from internally generated revenue (IGR).

The state’s total IGR for 2017 was N6,850,796,866.07. Its foreign debt in 2017 stood at $62, 848, 235 only, while its domestic debts for the same period stood at N84, 785, 160, 471. 66 only.

No doubt, the economic condition of Imo State dominated the political discourse in the state during the political campaigns.

From one campaign rally to the other, even during town hall meetings, the issue reverberated across the state. There were wild claims that the state was indebted to the tune of over N350bn, but the state government under Governor Rochas Okorocha would not take it.

The Governor had stated categorically that his government had not borrowed money from the commercial banks and was, therefore, not indebted to any bank. He claimed that his critics were jealous of his numerous achievements, saying that they were embarrassed how he managed to raise money for his projects.

The 2019 political season was not the first time the issue of the state’s indebtedness was raised. In 2013, the issue that the state government was heavily indebted dominated the political discourse. This forced the government to issue a press release on the 10th of January, 2013, saying: “The attention of the government of Imo State has been drawn to the report of the detention of the Commissioner for Finance, Deacon Chike Okafor and the Accountant General of the state, Mr. George Eche by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The report also alleged that both government officials were arrested for obtaining a 40 Billion Naira loan from Zenith Bank on behalf of the state government. The allegation in its entirety is false, unfounded and another campaign of calumny designed to divert attention from the probe of the former PDP administration in the state. We make bold to state categorically that the government of Imo state under His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha never obtained 40Billion Naira loan nor misappropriated the state funds as alleged”.

Also, in a report on Vanguard newspaper of March 15, 2017, the Okorocha government insisted that it had not borrowed money from any bank. In the report captioned: “My govt. has not borrowed a dime from any bank — Okorocha”, the news-

Imo swims in debts paper reported that “Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has said that his government has not borrowed from any bank, stating that opponents of his government have been talking about his borrowing from banks because of the numerous projects his administration has executed”.

In a report by www.punchng. com on March 18, 2019, captioned: “My govt. has not borrowed a dime from any bank – Okorocha”, the Governor said that his government had not borrowed money from any bank.

Reporting a media meeting with the Governor, the medium wrote: “While briefing journalists at his private residence in

Owerri, the Governor said: ‘My opponents have been imagining that I have borrowed money to do all that my administration has achieved in five years. The truth of the matter is that this government has not borrowed any money. For posterity reasons, this government is not owing any bank or person any amount except for the bailout fund that N100 million is being deducted from the source monthly. Any subsequent government that comes and says that Rochas borrowed is a criminal one’”.

However, The Oracle Today has reports the Okorocha led government has allegedly borrowed over N60bn from Zenith Bank alone.

Zenith bank statements of account and loan agreement documents tendered before the High Court of Imo State in suit number HOW/545/2017 and HOW/28M/2019 between Uche Njoku (Judgement Creditor/Applicant) and the Attorney general of Imo State (Judgement), Director of Public Prosecution (Debtors/Respondents) and Zenith Bank PLC (2nd Garnishee/ Applicant) in an “Affidavit to show cause of the 2nd garnishee”, which were obtained by The Oracle Today in Owerri, debunked the claim that the state government under Okorocha has not borrowed money from the banks and thus not indebted to any bank might not be true.

Referring to the statement of loan account, the deponent, Uche Njoku, said in paragraph 7 of his affidavit that the state government is “heavily indebted to the 2nd garnishee (Zenith bank PLC) to the tune of N19, 768,342,576.57 (Nineteen Billion, Seven Hundred and Sixty-Eight Million, Three Hundred and Forty-Two Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventy-Six Naira, Eighty-Seven Kobo)”.

The affidavit also reveals that on September 3, 2015, Zenith Bank PLC had offered the Imo State government a credit facility to the tune of N10bn (Ten Billion Naira).

According to the letter of Offer Of Credit Facility addressed to the Governor through the state Ministry of Finance, the Bank said: “We are pleased to advise that the management of Zenith Bank PLC has approved a credit facil-

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•Igwe Orachili Na Nawgu HRH Igwe George Okaa Onwuogu (Middle). Flanked from left Chief James Achu Obijiaku (Ijele Uwa Nile) Lolo Stephanie Obijiaku (Nkpuruobi Ndi Igbo) From (Right) Nonyelum Igeuge (Ada Si Mba) and Ebelechukwu Ogbonnaya (Ugo Si Mba)during their conferment of Chieftaincy titles at the Igwe Orachili palace in Nawgu Dunukofia Local government area Anambra State.

Photo Oliver Udeogu

9000 fresh Students of UNIZIK receive direction from Prof Ahaneku O ver 9000 newly matriculated students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka have received direction from the Vice Chancellor of Unizik, Prof Joseph Eberendu Ahaneku.

Prof Ahaneku enjoined them to stay away from cultism, certificate forgery, examination malpractices and other deviant behaviours during their academic stint in the institution.

He spoke during during the 2018/2019 matriculation ceremony of regular and Continuous Education Programme (CEP) at the convocation arena of the University.

He further noted that payment of school fees and attendance of 75 per cent lectures in all courses remains crucial for successful

graduation of students, stressing that deviant behaviours such as exam malpractice, armed robbery, rape, among others would not tolerated in the university.

Prof Ahaneku informed the fresh students that such misconducts and crimes are punishable by expulsion from the university, even as he enjoined the students to take their studies seriously. He encouraged them to avoid all associations that capable of jeopardising their future, even as he stressed that the university has provided the students with friendly environment for development of character and learning.

Prof Ahaneku whose tenure is ending by June 2019 said the

institution enjoys full accreditations in all the 107 programmes across the 14 faculties in the university, adding that the institution have linkages with universities across the world to facilitate academic programmes development, teaching/research and staff/student exchange.

His words: “We provide welfare facilities, as you may have been told during the last orientation, to further enhance the congeniality of the university’s learning environment.

“These facilities include a work-aid scheme to assist indigent students who attain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.50; a Group Personal Insurance and well-equipped

hostels”, he assured.

Earlier in the orientation exercise, the Special Adviser to the Vice Chancellor on Academic Matters, Prof. Charles Esimone, reminded the students about the need to attend lectures regularly and to make 75% attendance, pointing out the importance of students registering their courses as major criteria for taking examinations in the university.

On his part, the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Stan Udedi, applauded the students for turning up in their numbers, and wished them a smooth stay in the university. He also cautioned the students not to dress indecently within the university community.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION Lagos Govt opens resettlement camp for victims of building collapse Stories by VICTOR NZE

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S part of efforts to provide succour to victims of the collapsed and demolished buildings on Lagos Island, the Lagos State Government has reiterated its readiness to accommodate affected residents at the State Relief/ Resettlement Centre Igando in Alimosho Local Government Area.

Speaking during a tour of the Resettlement Centre in Igando at the weekend, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, stated that Governor Akinwumi Ambode has approved that those affected as a result of the ongoing demolition of defective buildings be resettled at Relief Centre in line with international best practices.

To this end, Bamigbetan stated that the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency’s Resettlement Camp/Relief Centre is ready

to accommodate no fewer than 500 displaced persons from Tuesday, March 26.

He declared that the exercise is part of the State government’s efforts to ensure that the effect of loss on the victims is mitigated to the barest minimum.

Also speaking the General Manager of the State Emergency Management Agency, Adesina Tiamiyu, said that the camp would be open for three months after which the government would review the need for an extension.

Tiamiyu said further that a medical team would arrive at the Resettlement Centre later today (Monday) to ascertain the health status of those affected, while the Igando General Hospital will handle referrals from the Camp.

The Igando Resettlement Camp has facilities to provide relief for affected victims, including those living with disabilities.

Late Ogar: No cover-up in investigations – IGP

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NSPECTOR General of Police, Acting IGP M.A Adamu has ordered a comprehensive and speedy investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the late Ogar Jumbo, an Assistant Superintendent of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

While condoling with the family, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, friends and professional colleagues of the deceased, the IGP reassures them

that everything humanly possible will be done to ensure that justice prevails in the case.

He equally enjoins that the NSCDC along with the family of the deceased, may, for the purpose of transparency, nominate any medical doctor of their choice to witness the autopsy, at the appropriate time and venue.

The IGP therefore calls for calm from the family and friends of the deceased and the entire public, reiterating that the case will not be swept under the carpet.

ANA Poetry Prize gets $1, 000 endowment from Shehu Sani

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MBRELLA body of writers in the country, the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) announced, Monday, that its annual Poetry Prize, already advertised for this year 2019 cycle of literary Prizes, has received an endowment of $1,000 from Senator Shehu Sani.

Sani, the senator representing Kaduna Central at the National Assembly, is an author, playwright, human rights activist who has been a long-standing benefactor of the association.

A statement released by the ANA Public Relations Officer (South), Wole Adedoyin, quoted Senator Sani as expressing his desire to jerk up the prize money from N100,000 to $1,000 for a po-

etry collection (Published and unpublished) for works ‘that evoke or denote peace, tolerance, social justice and egalitarianism.’

By this endowment, the winning literary work for 2019 will be rewarded with the sum of $1,000.

It would be recalled that the poetry prize has been one of the most rewarded monetarily of ANA prizes over the years when it was endowed by Cadbury for $1,000 and later $2,000 before it was rested in the late 2000s.

Consequently, the award has now been renamed to the ANA/ Shehu Sani Poetry Prize.

Meanwhile, the association has also restated that deadline for the submission for any of the ANA literary prizes as earlier advertised remained 31st May, 2019.

•President Muhammadu Buhari received the report from PTAC Chairman, Mr. Bismarch Rewane during the presentation of report of the Presidential Technical Advisory Committee on the Implementation of the National Minimum Wage (PTAC) at the State House, Abuja

CAN urges FG to tackle killings, kidnappings in Taraba

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and serial killings and today, religious leaders especially Christian leaders have become targets.

“For instance, the CAN Chairman of Garin Dogo zone, Rev. Mark Jack was kidnapped and killed on 26 January this year and the Vice Chairman of CAN in Lau, Rev. Shawulu Ishaya was attacked and injured in his house on March 20 by armed Fulani militia and is currently receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital in Jalingo.”

While condemning these dastardly acts in the area, Fr. Muke called on security operatives to carry out intensive surveillance of Babagasa, Lushi, Gwaire and Abbare communities where he alleged that killer squad of Fulani herdsmen have found a safe haven

and are freely launching attacks.

Rev. Ishaku Amah the Pastor in charge of CRC-N Lau in an interview with journalists said the herders had taken over their farms as grazing fields and called on the government to intensify efforts to ensure the return of peace in the area.

On his part, Rev. Jonah Shavah who said the issue was not purely a religious issue noted that out of the over 15 people taken hostage since the beginning of the year, two Muslims were also victims.

Shavah called on the government and security agencies to root out the criminals to enable the people return to their homes as the farming season approaches.

ANO State governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Salihu Sagir Takai and other Kano State govurnatorial candidates signing the accord peace in B. U. K on Wednesday. Photo Sani Maikatanga Forty-two political parties in Kano under the aegis of Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) in the state have rejected the re-

sults of the re-run governorship election of March 23.

They alledged that the process was characterised by gross irregularities.

The state CUPP chairman, Mohammed Abdullahi-Rahi, made the position of the group known while addressing a news conference in Kano on Tuesday.

He alleged that the supplemen-

did not do very well at the polls due to some identified challenges.

The communiqué called for closer relationship between the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party and leaders of the party in the South East for better performance in future elections.

“We commend the decision of the NWC in inaugurating a power sharing committee to ensure fair and equitable distribution of federal appointments and balance of power in the three tiers government.

“This will ensure that the six geopolitical zones of the country are carried along in accordance with the Federal Character principle,” it stated.

The group called on Nigerians to give the president the needed support as he strives to re-engineer the economy and place it on a path of sustainable growth.

The event, which was the first of such conference, was attended by majority of the APC members that participated in the poll across the zone.

tary election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was marred by violence, over voting, intimidation and voter disenfranchasement.

According to him, thuggery and voter-intimidation were reported in almost all the polling units where the re-run election was conducted, with reports of loss of lives, open vote-buying and other electoral malpractices. ”It was clear that the level of violence recorded during the March 9 election that led to cancellation of results of some polling units is by far less than what was recorded during the March 23 election, yet the electoral body turned a blind eye on the happenings by accepting and announcing the results. ”We are at this juncture, debunking the illegitimate declaration of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as governor-elect in the just concluded March 23 re-run elections in Kano due to gross irregularities and electoral fraud committed before, during and after the elections.”

HRISTIAN Association of Nigeria, CAN in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State on Monday called on the State and Federal Government to stop incessant killings and kidnappings in the area.

At a press briefing in Jalingo, the CAN Chairman of Lau Local Government Area, Rev. Fr. Sunday Muke said the level of insecurity in the area had reached a stage where people were no longer sleeping in their homes for fear of being attacked or kidnap.

“We are calling on the State and Federal Government to urgently address the wanton killings and kidnappings in Lau. “For the past two years, there have been records of kidnappings

42 parties in Kano reject results of supplementary election

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Appointments: Forum of Southeast APC state assembly candidates urges balance

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ORUM of House of Assembly candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South East wants the Federal Government to ensure balance of power and appointments in the next dispensation.

The forum made its position known in a communiqué issued on Tuesday in Enugu, at the Conference of 2019 South East APC House of Assembly Candidates.

The communiqué was signed by the Coordinator of the group, Mr Onyedibe Toochukwu; the Public-

ity Secretary, Mr Jude Okpor; Secretary, Mr Chiedozie Confidence; and others.

The group, in the communiqué, congratulated the party and President Muhammadu Buhari for a successful outing in the general elections.

It appealed to the federal government to ensure that the interest of the South East was protected in the formation of the new government.

The forum, however, stated that it was sad that the South East

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The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

NEWS

300-level Unizik student found dead in Anambra From Pamela Eboh, Awka

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300-level undergraduate of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik), Awka, Anambra State was last Friday found lying lifeless at the Commissioners’ quarters area of Awka behind Anambra Government House It was gathered that while her eyes was allegedly gorged, her underwear were also removed from her remains.

According to a witness who resides in the area, he said the student whose name he simply gave as Pauline was dropped off dead by a yet to be identified person on the roadside of the commissioners quarters.

He noted that the true cause of her death has not been ascertained adding that the corpse has been taken away by the police His said, “She was found dead without her underwear and two eyes at a junction before Demonstration Primary and Secondary School, Commissioners quarter, Awka close to GRA phase 3 Agu Awka, a suburb of the state capital.

“My advice is for these girls to be mindful of the kind of men they go out with; they should be mindful of these flashy-car- carrying men in town because all that glitters is not gold”.

According to him, the death is one in many deaths recorded among students of the university.

Confirming the incident The State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Haruna Mohammed said investigation was ongoing to ascertain circumstances surrounding the incident.

Ban on revenue collection in Anambra still in force – Commissioner

By Oge Onyeanusi, Nnewi

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bout 75 suspected illegal revenue collectors are to face prosecution on Anambra state for defrauding the State government of millions of naira, accruing to it by way of internally generated revenue (IGR).

The suspects were arrested at different locations in Onitsha by the Anambra task force on collection of illegal tolls, stealing and extortion.

Parading the suspects before the newsmen in Onitsha, State Commissioner for Commerce, Trade, Industry and Wealth Creation, Dr

Christian Madubuko who restated that said Government had placed a ban on the collection of revenue in the state, said these criminals have defrauded Anambra of millions of naira.

“They brandish various fake authority payers purported to be issued by the state government. I want to state clear that Anambra state government has not authorized anybody to collect revenue on her behalf. They have their pay masters and we are picking them one after the other.

“These criminals have made Anambra state unsafe, chased Out our

customers and investors. How can you come to the market, buy your goods put it in a vehicle or Keke napep and these hoodlums would be tasking the trader at every point and collecting various sums of money to the unsuspecting trader thereby giving the state government bad image. ‘’We want to sanitize the state and make sure that we use the tax payers money and the revenues accruing to the state to develop the state.

We have a purposeful government whose policy trust is to build an enviable state that would be the first choice of the investor destination in

Over taxation killing businesses in Onitsha -- Ezeonwuka

By Oge Onyeanusi, Nnewi

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Save education sector from total collapse – Cleric urges FG

• (From left): Asue Ighodalo, Chairman, Sterling Bank, Adepoju Aderounmu, Head, Banking Operations, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Segun Bankole, Head, Corporate Communications and Brand Management, Sovereign Trust uxiliary Bishop of Onitsha Catholic Insurance Plc and Chief Babajide Olatunde-Agbeja, Executive Chairman, Boff & Co. Insurance Brokers at the Archdioceses, His Lordship, Most cocktail of the 7th Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc Open Golf held in Ibadan over the weekend.

Rev Dr Dennis Isizo, has posited that the worst tragedy that would happen to any society is the collapse of its educational sector.

Bishop Isizo who was speaking at the Sacred Heart Church, Nteje, Oyi LGA of Anambra State during a visit recently, maintained that the only lasting legacy From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia “The role of IPAC is to advise, stands for and should not mistake the society can leave for its generawork in collaboration with all rel- IPAC for another thing. So anybody tion is qualitative education that would bia State chairman of All evant agencies as well as the gov- who says he is a politician and does stand the test of time.

Progressives Grand Alliance ernment in power; we advise them; not know the role of IPAC in NigeHe extolled the exemplary leadership (APGA), Rev. Augustine Ehie- where they are doing the well, we rian politics, I think is lacking knowlof parents and guardians of students mere, has defended his visit to the congratulate them; where they are edge somewhere and needs to upthe Association of the Sacred Heart state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, not doing well, we advise and offer date his political knowledge,” the Group School Nteje led by Barr. Emeka stressing that he has not defected suggestions. That is the role of IPAC, APGA chairman said.

Aghaonu and advised them to always to the ruling Peoples Democratic to make sure that the people are He maintained that his leading strive to invest in the education of the given good governance, dividends IPAC to meet with Ikpeazu does not children whom he said are leaders of Party (PDP) in the state.

Shortly after the 2019 governor- of democracy. IPAC also works in translate to his jettisoning the positomorrow. ship election, Abia State chapter collaboration with INEC to ensure tion of his party on the outcome of In his speech, the Vicar and Principal the 2019 governorship elections in of the Sacred Heart Group of Schools, of the Inter Party Advisory Council peace, fair and credible elections.

“IPAC is not an opposition party. I the state.

Rev Fr John Chinedu Nnaemeka said (IPAC) led by Ehimere paid Ikpeazu a “My position remains same as that the return of schools to the mis- courtesy visit at Government House, am the state chairman of IPAC and since our elections, IPAC, under my APGA State Chairman and it has not sionaries by the Anambra State govern- Umuahia.

During the said visit, IPAC con- leadership has not visited the gover- changed. I have not changed my ment is the one legacy that other states should emulate, sustain and encourage. gratulated Ikpeazu for his landslide nor officially. stand from that of the party. Rev. He said sustaining good legacy in- victory at the polls and advised him “And so, politics over and elec- Ehiemere as IPAC State chairman is cludes effective teaching and learning to run an inclusive government in tions over, IPAC members said the not same as Rev. Ehiemere of APGA. environment, staff welfare, provision the state. governor or the governor-elect has So, when I am performing these of books and other equipment required However, that visit, coming after to be congratulated and visited offi- roles, I have to be very careful in for the growth and development of APGA had vehemently rejected the cially since our election and that was my choice of words. IPAC is not an education at all levels. outcome of the Abia governorship what we did,” Ehiemere narrated opposition party. We play our roles In his speech, the Chairman, Parent- contest and threatened to chal- when asked what transpired during there. When I come back to play my teachers Dialogue of the school and a lenge it in court, has drawn a bar- IPAC’s visit to Ikpeazu. role at the party, I also play my role legal luminary, Mr Emeka Agbaonu, ap- rage of criticisms against Ehiemere.

“But unfortunately, many politiand that role, my position, is cerplauded Anambra State Governor Willie Many APGA faithful and even cal illiterate started unconstructive tainly, the position of APGA in the Obiano for providing adequate security members of other political parties environment in Anambra State for all perceived him as a sell-out on ac- criticisms about our visit. What we concluded election and I have not did, at the national level, it has been changed,” he said. sectors to thrive. count of the IPAC visit. Many have done. IPAC at the national level, has APGA governorship candidate, Dr Aghaonu, a philanthropist explained that the church, school and the family even called for his resignation as congratulated Buhari, and some Alex Otti, had in a joint Press Briefing with his All Progressives Conother states as well. are indispensable in the training of the APGA State chairman.

Apparently defending himself “So, I don’t see any big deal in it. I gress (APC) counterpart, Dr Uche children.

He thanked the Parish Priest and the during a popular radio audience am the APGA State chairman, I am Ogah, hours after the governorship Vicar for remembering the teachers in participation programme, Open still in APGA and I have not defected poll result was officially announced

by Prof. Benjamin Ozumba, rejected the Sacred Heart Group of Schools, de- Parliament, in umuahia Tuesday, to PDP,” he added. scribing the gesture as pure humanitar- Ehiemere described those criticiz“Anybody who is a well-educated the result and said they will chaling him as “political illiterates,” who politician would know what IPAC lenge the result at the tribunal. ian service. were ignorant of the role of IPAC.

From Okegwo Kenechukwu, Awka

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line with the mission and vision of Anambra state government under Chief Willie Obiano.”

He charged the traders and general public to arrest anybody suspected to be acting as agent of the state government revenue collector, adding that the ban on the collection of any form of revenue in Anambra state is still in force.

Dr Madubuko said the task in a joint task for Ndi Anambra and everybody should join hand with the Obian’s Administration to transform the state to an enviable height.

APGA chairman defends visit to Ikpeazu, brands critics ‘political illiterates’

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ollowing the directive by the Anambra State Government suspending ticketing, tolling, dues or levies in the state till further notice, chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka (Ogilisi Igbo) has advised residents and visitors of Onitsha to stop making payments to touts and hoodlums.

Ezeonwuka who spoke to journalists on the suspension placed on ticketing, tolls, dues or levies by the State Governor Chief Willie Obiano himself told the members of the general public to stop making payments to those touts and hoodlums ‘who parade all manners of tickets and block them on the road or in the markets until the suspension is lifted.’

Chief Ezeonwuka who is a member of the Board of Trustees BoT of APGA and Special Assistant to Governor Obiano on Security and Vigilante Service appealed to commercial drivers and visiting traders from across Nigeria and West African countries who usually come to Onitsha to buy goods to stop making payments to touts and hoodlums until the State Government makes a statement to announce and indicate what to pay for or what not to pay for with regards to ticketing.

Ezeonwuka noted that one Mrs Gloria from Niger Republic who came to buy goods at Onitsha Main Market paid over N8,000 to two different sets of these touts and hoodlums at two different points in Bida road and Owerri road plus the ones they collected while she was coming out from the market for no reason backed by authorities from State.

“They collected over N8000 from one person, so do you know how many people they may have collected such money from their hands in one day, two days and six market days in a week? These market leaders and cabals are raking billions of naira to the detriment of the State Government but their cup has filled up. Nobody will give them that chance to continue to milk the State”.

Ezeonwuka cautioned the market leaders and the cabals against ganging up to fight the Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Wealth Creation Hon Madubuko for his efforts to sanitize the State and get it rid of activities of illegal revenue agents warning that attempt to cook lies and false information against the Commissioner before the Governor will be resisted using the instrumentalities of Ogilisi powers.

“People should cooperate with government and stop road side trading because it is very dangerous and unsafe. The other tamer crushed road side traders at Upper Iweka. This is not a matter being poor or not, poverty is not a criterial to disobey government directives or law. All over the world poor people are subject of law and authorities so why should the case of Anambra be different” he asked.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

NEWS 10 NAUTH staff members in police net for fraud, forgery From Pamela Eboh, Awka

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en staff members of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Traching Hospital, NAUTH, Nnewi are currently in police net for alleged N15m fraud.

The institution accused them manipulating its Automated Billing and Account Method in connivance with four staff members of a consulting firm (Health station) for the Automated Billing and Accounting Method who have also been handed over to the police.

Information has it that two of the NAUTH staff members and 4 staff members of Health Station has already been arraigned by the police at Nnewi Magistrate court while three were cleared of the allegation.

Addressing journalists in his office at Nnewi, the Chief Medical Director, CMD, of the hospital, Prof Anthoby Igwegbe said the automated billing method was introduced by the management of the Teaching hospital in 2012 to minimize fraud He said that the system which is being powered by “Health Station” on Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement has been enhanced to avoid future occurrence.

Igwegbe explained that “Health Station” as an organization does not collect revenue for the medical institution but made an application available to the hospital which permanently solved the problems associated with fake receipts.

He added, “At a time in the his-

tory of this hospital, all manner of receipts were flying around here, some of the receipts in use in those days even looked more original than the hospital’s original receipts and in the process huge sums of money was lost to the fraudsters.

“The automated billing method has been working effectively for the hospital until this year when our partner employed some bad eggs who connived with our staff to defraud the system. The fraud was discovered three weeks ago. After the incident, the company carried out a system auditing and discovered that it was their staff who manipulated the system.

“Their management is not taking it lightly with the staff suspected to be at the centre of fraudulently manipulating the system. The suspects have been charged to court on two count charge of fraud and forgery.

“We have set up a committee to investigate the level of involvement of our staff and at the end of the day, the ones found culpable would be dealt with in line with the existing civil service laws. The management of NAUTH has zero tolerance to fraud, that is why we introduced the system.

“The management is taking further steps to prevent criminal manipulation of the system in the future.’

The CMD observed that the quick discovery of the plot to defraud the hospital helped to checkmate the dealings in the hospital before greater damage is done.

Group advocates equal rights in political appointments, governance for women

By Oge Onyeanusi, Nnewi

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group has frowned at what it described as inadequate participation of women in Nigerian politics which, it says, has distanced them from governance.

At a seminar organized in Nnewi, Anambra State, the group, Shoulder for Gender Support and Development Initiative, raised the advocacy for equality in political representation and governance.

The event held with the theme: Balance for Better, concluded that it could only get better, if women are actively involved in the electoral and political process.

Speaking, the Executive Director of the Initiative, Mrs Chioma Okeke said the seminar ex-rayed causes and consequences of gender inequality, adding that it is a call to action for driving gender balance even across the world aimed at addressing social, economic and political shortcomings that women face from completely fulfilling their aspirations.

She enjoined women to come out from their shells and join the cause of reaching out to more women so that they could be encouraged to believe in themselves, speak out on issues that affect them and take positive steps towards greatness in order to attain a balanced world “because we are convinced that the better the balance, the better the world.”

One of the resource persons at the event, Mazi Jerry Udochu said it was widely believed that mar-

ginalization of women in political participation and decision making processes had been responsible for the exclusion of the interests of women in governance and development paradigms.

He identified control of entry into executive and appointive offices, political party mechanism, issues of indigenship, security and undemocratic party processes as some of the reasons for low participation of women in politics.

Mazi Udochu noted that control of entry into elective and appointive offices is largely male dominated affair, in the hands of political party leadership and their financial benefactors.

He said low socio economic status of women had given rise to persistently low recognition for and participation of women in governance.

Udochu who is also project director of the initiative said justice demanded that women should not be sidelined in politics as they constituted almost half of the country’s population.

“It is unjust when their voice is not heard and when they are not part of decision making bodies. Organizations who claim to represent the population or a community are only legitimate, if they involve women and include their concern in decision-making processes,” Udochu noted.

He insisted that women and men should have equal rights, voice, responsibilities and opportunities in societies, at work and in the home.

• Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan commissioning EcobankPay zone at Amu Market, Palm Avenue, Mushin, Lagos on Tuesday while traders and merchants in the market look on

Ihedioha to prioritise youth empowerment, food production, commerce

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mo State Governor-elect, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, says he will give priority to youth empowerment, food production, commerce and tourism.

Ihedioha made this known at a capacity building workshop organised by the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) for farmers and traders in Owerri.

According to the governor-elect, 70 per cent of the youths who are unemployed need to be positively engaged, stressing that some of them had taken to certain vices as a result of hardship and unemployment.

The programme had the theme: “Training and Sensitisation: Tracking of Farmers Manifesto Commitment.”

Represented by Mr Damian Ezeagu, a fish farmer and a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Ihedioha said he would create an agriculture revolution in Imo to create wealth.

He said that to achieve this, some hectares of land in Ngor Okpala, Mbaise, Ohaji Egbema and and other local government areas with vast land for agriculture, would be utilised.

The governor-elect said that his government would focus on agriculture, trading and tourism and asked for the support of organisations such as NANTS because government could not do it alone.

National President of NANTS, Mr Ken Ukoha, said that prior to the 2019 general elections, the association had thought of ways of holding politicians accountable to their promises.

“We all agreed that as traders and farmers, we have always been shortchanged by political parties and their members who have always taken advantage of the low level of the consciousness of our constituency and frequently used and dumped us during elections by buying over our votes and disregarding us in the scheme of things when it matters

most.

“We further noted that our constituency constitutes the largest voting population in Nigeria, and should therefore have been calling the shots by holding political actors accountable to good governance,” he said.

Mr Ogbonnaya Oji, the Chairman of NANTS, Abia State Chapter, who represented his National President, Ukoha, said that the association consciously developed two critical demand documents- the Farmers Manifesto and the Traders Charter of Demands.

He said the charter articulated their challenges, concerns, interest and priorities as bargaining documents with which they negotiated with political actors.

According to him, the had engaged on advocacy visits to some of the state actors and their parties, endorsing the manifesto and charter of demands and in exchange, he said they voted them.

Ukoha said that having achieved the initial plan, the next step was to see how we can mobilise ourselves in tracking the commitments with a view to holding these politicians accountable.

“We have gathered to be trained and equipped with the capacity to track these commitments so that our efforts and resources committed to this project would not be in vain,” he said.

NANTS president identified his members’ challenges to include illegal seizure of goods of their members and ‘overtime cargo’ by the Nigerian Customs Service.

Others, he said, included the pursuit of a credible and predictable trade policy for the country’s growth, the harmonisation of taxes and to ensure the association is integrated into the

From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

again coming to the rescue, stressing that the people of Osun didn’t make any mistake in voting for the PDP because of the party’s legacy of infrastructure and human capital development Governor Okowa while commending the judiciary for upholding the sanctity of the peoples mandate, thanked Osun people for their support to the PDP and Senator Adeleke.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate our party the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and our candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke on our hard

membership of the Board of more than 60 trade and agriculture related agencies and parastatals of the country.

President of Centre for Agricultural and Climate Change in Lagos, Mr Innocent Azih, said in his paper on “Tracking Implementation of Policy Commitments for Farmer Manifesto” that the tracking framework hinged on goals, outcomes, outputs and activities by the farmers.

He stressed the need to facilitate access to market opportunities and incentives to farmers as well as provision of market infrastructure to reduce wastage.

Azihb said the training was to equip the farmers with skills to engage state actors to commit to what they could do to the farmers and traders in the state.

“It is to track the delivery of the manifestoes and the charter by the government . It is to make the policy makers responsible and to implement the charter,” Azih said.

Chairman, Imo State Chapter of NANTS, Mr Don Chris Okere, said the programme was a follow up to an earlier programme of the association meant to engage politicians to adhere to the Farmers’ Manifesto and Traders’ Charter.

“Our leaders now know our challenges. By this training, we want the farmers and traders to follow up and track the leaders into fulfilling what is contained in the two documents,” he said.

Some participants said they had learnt a lot from the training, especially on climate change.

They said they were now well equipped to train others and track government into supporting agricultural growth for the benefit of Nigerians and Imo in particular.

Adeleke’s tribunal victory, triumph for democracy — Okowa

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elta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has congratulated Senator Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on his declaration by the Osun State Governorship Elections Petitions Tribunal as winner of the 2018 Osun State Governorship Election.

Governor Okowa in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Aniagwu on Friday in Asaba described Adeleke’s victory at the tribunal as “triumph over anti-democratic forces”.

He lauded the judiciary for once

earned victory at the Elections tribunal today. Osun State, her friends and neighbours waited with baited breath for this favourable judgment, adding “The Tribunal’s affirmation of your election is a fulfillment of the clearly expressed wish of the people of your dear state.

“The judgement of the tribunal in this case is a victory for our democracy and a reaffirmation of the divine mandate freely given to you and the PDP by the people of Osun State and commended the Tribunal for ensuring the sanctity of the people’s mandate,” he said.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

NEWS

Red Cross distributes 24 wheelchairs to disabled persons in Anambra

By IBE NWACHUKWU

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he Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), Anambra State Chapter, has distributed about 24 wheel chairs to some disabled persons in the state, as part its Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR).

Distributing the wheel chairs to the beneficiaries, the out-going state chairman of NRCS, Justice Paul Obidigwe (retd), said the gesture was in furtherance of its articulate, integrated and consolidated field actions, as well as rapid response to emergency situations and humanitarian compassion.

Obidigwe who was a former Chief Judge of Anambra state, noted that cataloguing the activities of NRCS here in the state would not be actualized because the activities of the state latent society is too numerous and too voluminous to be fully compended and catalogued within its four years action-packed activities.

Also speaking, the state ViceChairman of the society, Prof. Peter Emeka Katchy disclosed that NRCS would procure more wheel chairs for the vulnerables as, according to him, they have just discovered that the chairs could not go round the needy.

Some of the beneficiaries com-

mended the NRCS for its prompt and quality services to the vulnerables and prayed God to reward them abundantly.

The distribution exercise which was part of activities marking their 28th Central Council/Annual General Meeting (AGM) with a theme: “forward march to next level of humanity”, was witnessed by the traditional ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Kenneth Orizu and representatives of the police, Immigration, Prisons, fire service and other para-military organizations in the state.

The NRCS also conducted an election during which Prof. Peter Emeka

Katchy, Vice-Chairman of Red Cross in the state was elected as the new state chairman, while His Lordship, Magistrate Rita Nzekwu emerged as the state Vice-Chairman, among other executive members.

In his post-election speech, shortly after the newly executive members were sworn in by the outgoing state chairman, Justice Obidigwe, the newly elected chairman, Prof. Katchy appointed Obidigwe as a life members of the state Red Cross.

Katchy disclosed that his administration would embark on a number of outstanding projects for the Red Cross and increase the tempo of its

Electoral violence: Bayelsa Govt’s panel diversionary -- Lokpobiri

MKO’s death ended Africa’s fight for reparation -- Imoke From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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From Clem Onyemaechi, Yenagoa

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inister of State, Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri has dismissed the Bayelsa Government Commission of Enquiry on 2019 election violence as ploy to divert attention.

In a statement issued by his Media aide, Lokpobiri described his invitation by the panel as a ploy to divert the attention of the people of the state from the real issue of poor governance by Dickson administration in the past seven years.

According to the minister, the said panel was illegal as it is strange to the extant laws governing election, the Electoral Act and the Constitution.

The minister stated that the concern of the impoverished people of Bayelsa is how to reconcile hug resources that accrued to the state under Dickson’s leadership.

Lokpobiri advised the governor to account for his stewardship by explaining to Bayelsa people how he expended the huge financial accruals to the state, which stands N1.4 trillion.

The minister said, “As we speak, the money that has accrued to the State has increased to N1.4 trillion and there is nothing to show for it.

Let Dickson give proper account of this.

“Let Dickson forget about the so called commission of inquiry and give proper account of how this money has been spent. This is also a wake -up call people of Bayelsans that this is an attempt by Dickson to divert attention from the real issues of corruption and deliberate impoverishment of our people.”

“Bayelsa people should begin to interrogate Dickson concerning the volume of money that has come to the state, including the bailout funds, the loans, as well as the domestic and foreign loans. The people should try to match it with the projects and what is on the ground. That is what Bayelsans want to know.”

The minister explained that governance was serious business beyond appearing before the press and talking about frivolous issues and making false claims that has little or nothing to do with accountable governance.

rapid response to flood, fire and accident disasters which had always become a recurring decimal in the history of Anambra state in particular and Nigeria in general.

In a spontaneous response, Obidigwe said he was accepting the appointment based on his mutual love for the Red Cross and its activities as it concerns assistance to humanity and he commended them for the high level of cooperation they accorded him during his tenure as the state chairman and urged them to replicate the same level of cooperation to the new executive.

• (From left): Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Hussein Adamu, General Manager, RB West Africa, Dayanand Sriram; Chairman, RB West Africa, Chief Olu Falomo, during the MoU signing between Dettol and Ministry of Water Resources on Thursday, March 14th 2019 for Dettol Clean Naija Program Launch in Abuja.

Prelate charges Bishop on church expansion From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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ethodist Prelate, His Eminence, Dr. Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche, has charged the new Bishop of Uturu Methodist Church Nigeria (MCH), Bishop Rt. Rev. Best Enyinnaya Okike and all the Ministers working with him to ensure the rapid expansion of the diocese.

Kanu who gave the charge while inaugurating the Uturu Diocese of MCN at Methodist Cathedral of All Saints in Ukwunwangwu, Uturu, Isuikwuato local government area of Abia State, said they could achieve the expansion through giving the people, the undiluted word of God. Inauguration of the Uturu diocese came after over 100 years of existence MCN in the area. The ceremony also featured the enthronement of Okike as the pioneer Bishop of the diocese and presentation of the Diocesan Lay President, Elder Ikpo Uche Macmillan.

“The essence of creating a diocese is to ingrain the word of God in the heart of the people, training people to grow in uprightness,” the MCN Prelate said, pointing out that “the word of God is the key to success

and growth in the things of God.” Kanu told the clergy to work hard so as to achieve the goal of the church. “Okike and the ministers brought to Uturu, if you complain about non-payment of salary, you are lazy. The tool to grow the Diocese of Uturu is the word of God. We have not sent ministers here to come and wear dress. If you are a Reverend and you are not productive, you are suffering from morbid idiotic idiosyncrasy.

“If Uturu remains static in the next few years, then the ministers are not performing, they should plant churches for expansion. The essence of creating a diocese is to bring the word of God closer to the people… I am expecting you to train Methodists to become a special generation,” Kanu said.

Preaching on the theme: “Knowledge of the word of God is key to success and untainted Christian life,” which text was taken from the Gospel of Luke, 4:1-13, the Prelate explained that Jesus overcame Satan’s temptation because he was conversant with the word of God. “Jesus internalized, appropriated and made use of the word of God as his guide because he was not stupid or ignorant and escaped being a

victim of stupendous ignoramus,” he said stressing that a child of God who does not have the word of God as his guide would go as stray.

Okike, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to God for his elevation, promising to work harmoniously with other ministers to grow Uturu Diocese while requesting for the prayers and support of the Methodist faithful in the diocese.

A former Archdiocesan Lay President, Sir Dr. Jonas Nwachukwu Ibeaja, said in an interview that he was happy to be alive to witness Uturu becoming a diocese and commended non-Methodists who he said God used to make their dream come true.

The Methodist faith came to Ututru in 1910, metamorphosing from one man’s House Fellowship, Local Church Circuit and now a full-blown diocese which was approved by the 46th/11th Biennial Conference of the Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN) held in August last year at Aba. The Conference also elected Rt. Rev.Best Enyinnaya Okike as the pioneer Bishop of Uturu Dioceses comprising Uturu, Wesley, Jerusalem and Freeman Circuits carved out from Diocese of Okigwe, Archdiocese of Okigwe.

urator of the Slave Museum Calabar Enya Imoke has lamented that the fight for reparation for slavery suffered by Africans ended following the death of the Pillar of Sports in Africa, Chief Moshood K.O Abiola.

The curator noted that what Africans suffered in the hands of Europeans exceeds what the Jews suffered but unlike the Jews who received reparation, Africans have not been recompensed for what they suffered.

Enya made this known in Calabar as part of activities to the International Day for the Remembrance of Victims of Slavery and Trans-Atlantic Trade.

The theme for this year’s event is: “Remember slavery: the power of the art for justice”.

The day which is commemorated annually on March 25 to raise awareness of the struggle and to empower those who have been affected by slavery charged youths to stay back and develop the country rather than seeking greener pastures in Europe.

According to him, “The late Moshood Abiola was the only person who started the fight that Africa should be given reparation for what it suffered from the Europeans if the Jews could receive reparation from Germany for the murder of Jews during the Second World War. “Abiola started the fight and died with it and since he died nobody has brought up the matter for Europe to pay reparation to Africa for the lives lost during the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade”, he said.

Enya said contrary to what obtained in the past when Europeans came to Africa to capture slaves, it was no longer the Europeans coming to Africa to ship slaves to plantations abroad but Africans has given themselves as slaves to Europe.

He said today our young girls and boys go abroad to work as prostitutes and do all sorts of odd jobs that were detrimental to them.

“See what Nigerians are suffering in Libya and when most of them are repatriated, they come with just their t-shirts and shorts and start life all over again.

“If you are here and work patiently, you will achieve success, it is a gradual process because not even Rome or America where our youths want to run to were built in a day.

“Our leaders are not even helping matters because they are not willing to learn and there bad leadership is actually a major factor pushing many of our youths out.

According to Enya, Nigeria was not doing enough to remember what it went through during the era of slave trade and called on Nigerians to be conscious of its history so as not to repeat previous errors.

The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

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The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

NEWS

Late Gabriel Okara added value to society -- Ex-Gov Sylva

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former Governor of Bayelsa , Chief Timipre Sylva, on Tuesday described the demise of the literary giant Gabriel Okara as a moment of deep and contrasting emotions.

This is contained in a statement issued by Julius Bokoru, the Media Assistant to Sylva in Yenagoa.

Sylva said that the Okara family believed the octogenarian poet lived a worthy and fulfilled life and his demise should not be overtaken by mourning, but by celebration of a life well and completely lived Sylva said that as a keen fan, admirer and friend of Gabriel Okara, he studied the poems of the Nigerian Negritudist (As termed by literary scholars) in his undergraduate years and beyond.

“Particular, is the poem Call Of The River Nun which is one of the most aesthetic and philosophical portrayal of the complex, but natural relation of life and death.

“Piano On Drums, on the other hand, like it must have been for millions around the world, was an artistic guide in navigating the maze of culture shock at various points of earlier years.

“A colossus has passed, but not without leaving prints on the sands of time and setting standards for literary and intellectual excellence.

“Okara’s passing is not one to mourn, it is for celebration and for pride and for the marking of a platinum point in cultural mileage.

“Our regards must go to the Okara family for presenting Bayelsa, Nigeria and the world with such a titan who added value to all our lives,” Sylva said.

The Bayelsa government, had on Monday, announced the passage of Okara who was aged 98 and declared three days of mourning for the literary icon.

The state government directed that flags in the state would fly at half mast for the three days.

113 suspected cultists, car snatchers nabbed in Anambra From Pamela Eboh, Awka

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nambra State Command on Monday paraded 113 suspected cultists arrested at different points in Anambra state.

Parading the suspects at the command headquarters in Amawbia, the state commissioner of Police, Rabiu Ladodo said the arrests were made by the Command’s Special Anti-Cult unit between March 11 till date.

He said that 45 of the suspects were charged to court, 35 screened out, while 33 others were still under investigation.

Ladodo reeled out exhibits recovered from the suspects to include; one browning and locally made single barrel pistol, 7 live ammunition, axe, daggers, machetes and some quantities of dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.

Also paraded was a gang of robbers who specialized in car snatching.

The Commissioner said that a total of eight vehicles were recovered from the suspects.

According to him, one 42 years old Chukwuezugo Paul from Asaba in Delta State was nabbed when police operatives attached to the Command Special Anti-Cult unit went on investigation to Asaba.

He added that following a discreet investigation, his accomplice and gang leader, Michael Obinna, aka Mayor” was also arrested.

Ladodo said: ‘The same syndicate robbed a woman of her Toyota Venza car at gun point.”

2019 General Elections shoddy, replete with lapses -- TMG From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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local observer group has advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to commence immediate preparations for the 2023 general elections with a view to addressing all detected lapses that marred the 2019 general elections.

The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), after monitoring the recently concluded general elections in Abia State, returned a verdict of retrogression in the conduct of the 2019 polls, declaring that it was worse than that of 2015.

Deputy Coordinator of TMG which monitored the polls in Abia, Mr Richard Okoro, lamented that the

expectations of the group that INEC would build on the success it recorded in the conduct of 2015 general elections were not met.

“If we were to score INEC, we will score them 60 per cent. We were not well impressed by what we saw.

We had expected to see INEC that has improved from what they were in 2015.

“We were surprised to observe that most of the challenges that they had in 2015 which we thought they should have proffered solutions to move forward, they were still embedded in same issues such as logistics where materials arrived very late; security issues and so many others,” Okoro said in a telephone interview with The Oracle

Today.

He said that logistics was critical to smooth and successful conduct of free, credible polls; and where there was issue of logistics, polling ends late and there would be little or no time allowed for collation to follow due process, thereby creating room for manipulation of results.

“INEC should find a lasting solution to its logistics problems during elections. Elections cannot be starting by 1 or 2 p.m and you expect the polling to be smooth and credible,” he said.

Apart from logistics, the Abia Deputy TMG Coordinator identified non-compliance with electoral guidelines, double standards and inadequate security, among others,

• (From left): Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo when the latter presided over the National Research & Innovation council (NRIC) Meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tuesday.

Irregular migration: Go after cartels – Okowa tells security agencies

From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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s a way to stem the surge in irregular migration cum human trafficking, Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has advocated that security agencies should go after those who spread deceitful stories to lure innocent Nigerians.

The governor made the call when the Director General of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Dame Julie Okah-Donli paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba.

According to the governor, “we are very disturbed with the number of persons involved in irregular migration; most of them travel oversee

because they have been told stories how rosy it is out there and in most cases, these persons find themselves in countries where their economies are not better than that of Nigeria.”

“Security Agencies should look out for those who are carrying out the deceitful messages, they may be operating as cartels or what do you call it? When they stop deceiving people, irregular migration will reduce,” the governor said.

“We have a lot of youth engagement programmes, training and empowering our youths but, it is unfortunate that number of people who want to seek greener pastures abroad is still high; we want to appreciate you, NAPTIP for what you are

doing, we want to assure you of our cooperation for irregular migration to be reduced,” Okowa stated.

Earlier, Dame Okah-Donli had in an address, said, “the problem of human trafficking and irregular migration have become of great national concern, especially with the large number of Nigerians trapped in sexual and labour exploitation in various African and European countries, apart from the hundreds that continue to die in the Sahara desert and the Mediterranean sea.”

She stated that she was in Asaba to seek the assistance of the Delta State government to curb the twin menace of human trafficking and irregular migration.

“Some will say they are collecting one emblem, levy, or one ticket levy or the other; but the union has no stake in all their actions,” he said.

According to the union’s scribe, Ikpeazu has promised to look into the issue of touts who subject commercial drivers to multiple levies in the state.

He described the activities of such toll collectors as illegal, as they were not authorised to do so by the union.

Kalu said that the union had taken steps to rid Abia roads of touts

by ensuring that the union members put on their uniforms while on duty, and called for the cooperation of motorists with genuine union workers.

NAN reports that persons collecting tolls cause traffic gridlock and obstruct travellers’ movement on many roads in Abia.

In 2018, touts chasing a moving vehicle led to an accident that claimed the life of a pregnant woman and two other passengers of a tricycle in Aba, resulting in the state government taking action against them.

Fulfil your promise on touts, Abia NURTW urges Ikpeazu

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ecretary, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Abia Chapter, Mr Lazarus Kalu, Tuesday urged Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu to get touts off Abia roads in his second term, in fulfillment of his promise Kalu made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Aba. “We do not want these touts on the roads anymore; we have told the governor to look into this and curb the menace of these touts who disturb motorists on the roads.

as factors that marred the conduct of the 2019 polls.

Okoro said that INEC failed to publish names of their Returning or Collation Officers, especially those drawn from the university community, at least, seven days before the election which would have given room for public scrutiny of such adhoc staff who he blamed cuased many problems for electoral umpire.

He also accused INEC of applying double standards, decrying a situation where the commission says that elections should be conducted using card reader only for it to be discovered that many sections failed to abide by such directive..

“If you say you are using card reader, for any elections to hold, then you must stick to that. You cannot use card readers in South East and then in North Central and North East, you cannot use card readers.

INEC has to be firm in their decision,” he said.

He said INEC permitted the use of the military in the Niger Delta region during the polls which was against its guidelines, adding that in 2015, the returning Officer for Abia North claimed that he announced the result under duress and INEC paid deaf ears but withheld Governor Rochas Okorocha’s Certificate of Return in 2019 following a similar claim by the Returning Officer of Imo West Senatorial District. ” This is the same INEC judging two similar cases with different decisions. These are issues of worry and concern.” he noted.

He also said that TMG observed that vote buying went on freely under the nose of Police officers deployed to election duty, attributing the development to inadequacy of unarmed security officers as there were only one or two Police officers in polling booths with large number of voters.

“We saw where vote buying was taking place under the nose of these security agents and because they were one or two, they cannot effectively effect any arrests, so the vote buying was still going on under their nose,” he said.

He equally noted that assurances by the Abia Resident Electoral Commission, Dr Joseph Iloh that every polling unit would be given two additional card reader while generatint sets have been provided to recharge them to guard against malfunctioning did not materialize.

When we visited the INEC REC in Abia, he told us that every polling unit will be provided with two extra card readers, making it three so that if one fails, the other one will work.

But we discovered that it was not so, that there was only one card reader and once that one is not working, there is no extra card reader. He also told us that there were generators that will charge that card readers; most of them we saw failed and the battery could not last,” he said.

He therefore advised INEC to work on the identified grey areas by foreign and local observers and even the electoral body itself.

“You don’t expect in 2023 to be having the same issues. We had expected that INEC should have used one step ahead of the election of 2015. But unfortunately, 2019 seems to be worse than 2015 elections,” he said.

POLITICS

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The Oracle Today Wednesday March 27, 2019

Five years of Obiano: Of promises, expectations and disappointments From Awka, the Anambra State capital, Correspondent PAMELA EBOH writes that Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano, Akpokuedike Aguleri, came into office with a ‘bevy’ of promises, sparking a lot of expectations from the indigenes of the State and non-indigenes alike who felt delighted at the possibility of another workaholic ruling the State for another number of years. But, five years down the line, the question many ask is, has Obiano delivered on his promises?

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here is a popular saying that a promise is a debt. In political circles, that statement appears is often taken with a pinch of sault as most promises made by politicians during campaigns end up in the dump. Indeed, it is generally believed that most promises made by politicians are empty statements made primarily to water the ground and curry favour from the electorate.

Like every other state, Anambra State has had its fair share of those unfulfilled promises since the rebirth of democracy in Nigeria. Some of these promises were made out of mischief and borne on the wing of political exigency; it’s often like, just ‘tell them what they want to hear and get their votes.’

Some others were made out of pressure to satisfy political godfathers and minstrels while yet some others were borne out of selfishness on the part of the leader in question.

Like every other political figure that has blazed the trail of Anambra political jungle, Governor Willie Obiano came on board from the banking industry with his a unique bag of promises.

On assumption of office, he presented to the public the image of a clean persona, an American returnee with the magic wand to turn Anambra State into the Dubai of Africa.

Part of his roadmap to achieving that goal was the construction of three flyover bridges along the Enugu/Onitsha Expressway, improving on power generation so the state could have constant power supply, installing streetlights, building a cargo airport, making Anambra State an oil producing state and, lately, providing shuttle buses to replace motorbikes (Okada), security (nightlife), attracting high calibre investors to come and invest in the state, etc.

With five years down the political journey and with only three years left to hand over the baton, the question one may ask is, has Obiano lived up to his promises?

According to a political analyst, Emmanuel Nwobi, the governor has done too little to compare with what his predecessor, Peter Obi achieved. “We expected him to up the ante but he could not do that,” Nwobi said.

Out of the many promises he made, only the flyover bridges, streetlights and improved security of lives can be said to have been achieved.

“What exactly has Obiano done apart from the three flyover bridges which to me are not necessary? If you talk of adding beauty to the road, well that can fly but other than that, it’s simply a monument of cement.

What’s the need of building a flyover bridge that big lorries cannot ply? Then you talk of the terrible gridlock it causes at aroma end on a daily basis.

“It would have even been better if the money spent in building those flyover bridges was used to construct a new and bigger market to relocate the eke Awka market.

The location of that market needs to be looked into; it is a mess and hawkers now use half of the road to display their wares, making that area impassable most of the time,” Nwobi added.

Though the flyover bridges was a project promised and done as quickly as promised, the same cannot be said for the cargo airport Umueri and the improved power supply in the capital city. Despite the media and photo album hype, the cargo airport project remains a project only on billboards.

The location for the airport remains a ghost of itself after the initial clearing of the area.

Feelers have it that as much as the governor wants to get the airport up and running, transport owners have prevailed on him not to go ahead with the project as it would adversely affect their business.

According to an inside source who spoke to our Correspondent on condition of anonymity, “His Excellency has a listening ear and there are people he cannot afford not to listen to. A lot of big shots came to him as soon as he made that pronouncement that he was going to build a cargo airport in the state. Based on those visits, he soft-pedalled but there’s no way he can come out to say that to Anambra people. Same thing happened in the case of okada ban. Motorcycle dealers ran to him to drop the idea or witness the crash of their means of livelihood.

That was exactly why okada was not banned in some parts of the state like Nnewi, Ekwulobia, etc.

However, former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka during the governorship debate for Anambra State governorship election in 2017, described the airport project as a subterfuge saying that there is no way an airport can be built in the state.

Chidoka said: “I totally disagree with the airport proposal. Anambra does not need an airport for $2.2 billion when the Federal Government used $500 million to build four terminals.

“How can the Federal Government borrow $400 million from the Chinese and put its own $100 million to build four terminals with repayment of $12.5 million every quarter and Anambra government alone invited the Chinese to build an airport project for $2.2 billion How much will it be paying at that amount?

“How much does Lagos International Airport cost us? What we will do is to build a small airport and grow it organically. Airport is the runway, not terminal building or cargo shed,” he said.

He said the airport project needed basic infrastructure, which was necessary to enable the facility grow according to the forces of market.

Chidoka added: “The whole passenger flow in Nigeria’s airport is between five and six million passengers annually. What will be the share of Anambra from that traffic?

“Heathrow Airport grew from terminal one to terminal two and now terminal five.

There is no traffic study for the proposed airport; no passengers data too. They said it would be a cargo airport and fuel dump.

Where is the fuel and refining capacity for Jet A1 here?

“Let us come down from this high horse.

There is no five-star hotel in the whole of South East zone because the economy has not supported it. Why telling us then that you want to build a five-star hotel in Aguleri

•Obiano Airport?”

Recall that in April 2017, Governor Willie Obiano flagged off the Anambra International Cargo Airport Project for the cost of $2.2bn.

During the flag-off event, the governor projected the airport as one that will stand the test of time. According to him then, it will not just be an airport, but an airport city project (Aerodrome) as it will feature a fuel dump for airplanes and plane maintenance section.

His words: “This means that planes around Nigeria will stop over for refuelling and maintenance at Umueri here.

“The project will attract at least 5,000 direct and indirect jobs for ndi Anambra, and the good thing is that it is financed 75 per cent by a Chinese company, Sinoking. It will also feature a 5 Star hotel too.”

Obiano gave a 24-month duration for the completion of the airport but with a few days to April and two days down the line, there is no sign of an airport project going on anywhere, neither is there any lying anywhere, waiting to be commissioned for use.

As for improved power supply, there are allegations that it was actually realised (clandestinely, they say) at the governor’s hometown where the villagers are allegedly said to be enjoying steady power supply.

Obiano has on several occasions hailed himself as the lion in the jungle; the only governor that has garnered several awards both home and abroad for standing out among the rest, but like rain which falls and dries out in no time, awards come and go but legacies stand the test of time.

Apart from the improved aesthetic view of the Enugu/Onitsha expressway and the street lights that adorn the city at night, the expectations of Anambrarians were that Obiano would give a facelift to some aging roads in the state, but rather than do that, the government adopted what many have described as half measures or patch-patch

work, to fix the roads to the detriment of road users as the patch wears out in no time. Most of the roads in the state are suffering the wear and tear of flood and erosion menace and cannot possibly be saved by mere patchwork.

Security for which the governor had earlier received multiple awards has since become lax as crimes and criminalities are gradually making their way back into the capital city and environs.

Apart from cult rivalry, which has left a lot of blood in its trail, there is also the issue of bag and phone snatching. Lately, people have become too afraid to stay out of their houses beyond 7pm. For example, a lady who doesn’t want her name in print was recently attacked at Udoka Estate junction by three men at gunpoint. She was not only stripped of her phone, her bag was also taken away. Also, a 25-year old lady was recently stabbed around Emma Nnaemeka area in Awka while doing her early morning run. She was allegedly stabbed by one of the two boys that confronted her after she failed to hand over her phone to them.

It was learnt that she was left in the pool of her own blood after the stab until passersby came and took her to the hospital where she later died. Similar incidents of bag and phone snatching have also been recorded in the commercial city of Onitsha.

Leadership is like a race: only time and service can determine the place of the leader long after he/she is gone. While some are utterly tucked in the bag of history after they have left the corridors of power, others remain as role models on the sands of time for generations to come.

While some political pundits are of the view that Obiano deserves backhand ovation, some say he broke the grounds and impressed but only time can define his place in the political canvass of Anambra.

10

The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

NEWS

ECCIMA, The Oracle Today partner for 30th Enugu Int’l Tradefair

• President of Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Sir Emeka Udeze (c), addressing press conference, DG ECCIMA president, Sir Emeka Okereke (r).

Photo: NAN

Continued from Pg 1 riculture came into being in 1963 with the late legendary Dr, Nnologha Okeke of the Eastern Medical Centre, Enugu, fame as its founding President.

This year marks the 30th year the Chamber has been successfully organising Trade Fairs in Enugu.

Titled ECCIMA IN PERSPECTIVE, the brief on the Chamber further explains that the major objective of the Chamber is to promote and protect commerce and industry and represent the business community, especially within the areas of its domain, on issues affecting commerce and industry, mines and agriculture.

It is prided as being in the forefront of the Chambers of Commerce in Nigeria and its voice receives due attention on issues affecting commerce and industry.

Indeed, its motto ‘Economic Growth Through Investment in Industry and Agriculture’ is reflected in its continued positive response to the challenges posed to economic growth, development and stability.

It is worthwhile to note the effort of the Chamber towards the economic integration of the Eastern States, its immediate satellite domain.

In this direction, it has strongly motivated the formation of the Eastern Chambers of Commerce Forum. The Forum today has positioned itself to collectively tackle issues that are detrimental to the promotion and development of commerce and industry in the Eastern States and, indeed, Nigeria.

Apart from the organisation of the annual Enugu International Trade Fairs, the Chamber

•Vice President Trade Fair, ECCIMA, Barr. Jasper Nduagwuike

is primarily concerned and involved in rendering services to its members and the business community through various strategies.

ECCIMMA encourages and promotes the cause of chamber movement in nurturing the city Chambers of Commerce, especially East of the Niger.

It engages, through correspondence and contacts, communication with other chambers of commerce throughout the globe. It believes and plays leading role for the sanitation of business practices and transactions world-wide.

The Chamber, with astute and dynamic leadership, a Governing Council as well as devoted full-time staff, has been able to live up to its challenges in meeting its social responsibilities, especially on matters that

border on commerce and industry.

Additionally, ECCIMA has continued to improve on its infrastructure and services to members. The Chamber publishes periodicals in order to communicate effectively with its members and other publics.

The Chamber has also continued to make effort towards improving the services it renders to members and society.

Currently, the Chamber is working closely with the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), Washington DC to enhance and improve on the capacity of its members as well as other affiliates/ associations The Chamber is also currently developing its multidimensional facility building

•ECCIMA’s Sir Emeka Nwandu

project, which will go a long way to chart a new course and bolster its capacity to play outstanding and prominent role in the Organised Private Sector and in business and economic development in particular.

Although ECCIMA has commendably broken the jinx by hosting Fairs at its Permanent Site, it is yet to start enjoying the much-needed prime infrastructure that ought to be in place for this very important economic event.

At the moment, the facilities that have been completed by the federal government are the police post, toilet building, restaurant building and the plant house, among others.

It is hoped that the Chamber would be reimbursed the expenses it incurred on some facilities it completed, which are

fundamental to the hosting of the Fair, with understanding reached with the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment.

In the light of the foregoing, the President and Council Pharm Sir Emeka Udeze and his Council Members have appealed to the to the Federal Government once more through this medium to intervene by setting out adequate fund and awarding the contract to a competent contractor to complete the development of the Permanent Site, Enugu International Trade Fair.

Alternatively, the Federal Government should hand over the development of the complex to the Chamber to chart the course and drive the development in order not to jeopardise the hosting of the Fair.

11

The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

Interview

‘Ugwuanyi merited his reelection’

Let’s start with the just concluded elections in Nigeria; am sure you people over there followed events of the elections.

What is your take on the outcome of the Nigeria polls generally?

We followed the elections and personally I am happy that Nigerians came out massively to participate in the elections.

That is a huge boost to democracy in the country. Let me quickly inform you that I am a card carrying member of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Orba Ward 1 at Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, so as such I was interested in the victory of my party at all levels by winning the Presidential election and retaining the governorship seat in Enugu, my home State. However, let me express my disappointment at the failure of the PDP to win the Presidential election and also express my joy for the reelection of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in Enugu State. I had my fears that the bandwagon effect of the victory of the national ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Presidential election would turn out to jeopardize the chances of Governor Ugwuanyi’s reelection in Enugu but that was not to be. Permit me to say that Governor Ugwuanyi deserves his reelection in Enugu because he worked for it. His achievements in security, road construction work all over the State, adequate payment of workers and pensioners, improved development in education and health sector, improved housing development, youth empowerment drive and the atmosphere of peace and friendliness in the State speak volume for him and I am happy that the people deemed right enough to give him the mandate to complete his second tenure like his predecessors did.

Your party, the PDP is waging protest against the outcome of the Presidential election and has gone to court to challenge the result as announced by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). How do you look at that?

I can say that the PDP as a champion of democracy in Nigeria for the past 20 years is experienced enough in the process of elections, so the party can kick against the process if it is not genuine. As an experienced party, PDP knows what it takes to contest and win elections in Nigeria. Prior to the elections, PDP sold a good manifesto to Nigerians which includes the promise to yield to the clamour for restructuring of the country and consequently Nigerians accepted the party, so expectedly PDP with the message of restructuring did wonderfully well at the polls but the result didn’t go down well with the party, so the party is protesting. Such protest is welcome all over the world in so far as it is free from violence.

Unlike what is obtainable over there in the U.K., elections in Nigeria always attract condemnations, protests and petitions in court. In your opinion, what do you think that people should do to be able be to have good elections in the country?

People are mature and experienced in politics, so they know what is right or wrong. People know the process, so when the process is not genuinely followed and is tampered with and compromised, you see them reacting sometimes in anger, so that is why they go to court and file petitions. The truth is that there are lapses in the Nigerian system that give room for irregularities such as ballot box snatching and mutilation of results. The lapses emanate from the fact that people who are mature and experienced appear not inter-

• Enugu lawyer in UK says governor worked for his ‘second coming’ •Seeks his atten¡tion to ‘marginalised’ wards Toms Chukwuemeka Ugwu is a native of Orba in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State and a practicing lawyer in the United Kingdom (UK), who is passionate about the development and progress of his home State. To this end, he is always interested in the pace of development and progress with in the State as a whole and in his community in particular, with a view to finding ways to contribute his quota to the well-being of the people. In this interview, the lawyer who is also a card-carrying member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Orba Ward 1, who doubles as the Chairman of Enugu State Professionals in Ireland and the Chairman of Nsukka Welfare Association in Ireland and UK, speaks on the just concluded elections in Nigeria, the way forward for democracy in Nigeria and particularly his expectations from Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who has been reelected for second term in office.

•Barr Toms Chukwuemeka Ugwu

ested in doing the right thing, so the solution lies in the people’s interest to do the right thing. Some of us over there expect Nigerians to adapt to the digital system of running things. For instance, adapting electronic means of transmitting election results from the polling unit to the collation centre makes ballot box snatching irrelevant and mutilation of results will die.

So, the solution is for people to accept to do things in the right.

Let’s come to Enugu State. What do you expect from Ugwuanyi’s second missionary journey to the Government house? Which area would you like him to focus more?

First of all it, is good for the governor to consolidate on the performance that earned him the mandate of the people for a second term in office. Let the security situation remain intact as ever, let road construction work go on in top gear. Let

the prompt payment of workers’ and pensioners’ salaries and gratuities suffer no interruption. Let what he is doing in education, health, housing, skills acquisition programmes for the youth continue and let the peace and friendly atmosphere of life in Enugu remain intact, these are my expectations in the first instance. Second, I would say that as a member of the PDP at the grassroots level for now, my interest is in rural development, so I know the plight and the feelings of the people at the grassroots level. And as such, I have the observations that some electoral wards in Enugu are suffering from marginalisation by other wards. In most cases some wards have produced local government chairman, commissioner, SSA and Board members almost from 1999 while some wards are yet to produce even SA or board member since 1999. So, I want to draw the attention of His Excellency to the situation of things among electoral

wards in the State when he is sworn in for his second term in office. Three, let him in his usual friendly attitude extend the hands of fellowship to the opposition and accommodate them in his administration and ensure all inclusive leadership in the State. These are what I expect of him in the second term.

In 2017, you aspired to be the Chairman of Udenu Local Government, now what is your next line of action towards realising your political goals?

Well, the most important thing is that PDP my party has retained the throne in Enugu State, so I think my movement as you said depends on my party and where the party may consider me fit enough to serve. As a lawyer and a leader out there in the U.K., I think I have the capacity and the experience to give a good amount of myself in any platform I find myself.

12

The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

FOCUS C Africa in the digital era – hype an Africa be digitally transformed? This poser was thrown by Nigeria’s former Minister of Communications Technology, Dr. OMOBOLA JOHNSON at the Conference of Ministers in Marakesh, Morroco, which held from Wednesday, March 20— Friday, March 22, 2019. Dr. Johnson who posed this question in a lecture delivered at the Economic Commission for Africa’s (ECA) (www.UNECA.org) annual Adebayo Adedeji Lecture wondered what really was the problem hindering Africa from breaking forth into the digital age. The lecture focused essentially on the question of digital transformation in Africa.

Former Nigerian Minister for Communications Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson, delivered the UN Economic Commission for Africa’s (ECA) (www.UNECA.org) annual Adebayo Adedeji Lecture at the Conference of Ministers in Marrakech.

Held in memory of the Nigerian scholar Adebayo Adedeji – arguably one of Africa’s leading proponent of regional integration – the lecture focused essentially on the question of the hype or reality of digital transformation in Africa.

“There is enough evidence that Africa can be digitally transformed. But what is holding us back? asked Dr Johnson when she delivered the lecture to ministers and a host of experts attending the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Conference of Ministers.

As the world-wide-web celebrates 30 years, its inventor Tim Berners-Lee told a Nigerian audience recently that the country represents both the present and future of the web, when you look at how it is impacting lives in Nigeria, but also across the continent.

Adedeji was the ECA’s 3rd and longest serving Executive Secretary (1975- 1991). He is renowned and admired for his relentless calls for Africa to move away from conventional ideas of international trade and economic development. He is also credited with championing calls that led to the creation of ECOWAS. It is also widely accepted that his ideas form part of the pillars on which the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is anchored.

Economic experts agree that, in the current environment, the success of this continental trading bloc will hugely depend on digital technology, tools and skills.

Johnson cited a number of success stories across the continent and how they have used technology to provide services to the hitherto less cared-for or under served, but said that many challenges remained.

“Affordability is an issue: the internationally agreed target is for 1gb of data to cost no more than two per cent of the average national monthly income. In Africa this currently stands at 8.76%, compared to 3.5% in Latin America or 1.54% in Asia. And the latest affordability reports show that this has increased over the past year,” she said.

She also noted disturbing tax trends, both on digital infrastructure and utilization taxes, which although seductive, can often have unintended consequences, such as increasing the cost of digitisation and curbing its transformative impact.

She said there was an urgent need to strengthen the infrastructure and fibre network.

Currently when connecting Cape to Khartoum, she said, the connection will take them via London, New York, San Jose and Tokyo to arrive in Khartoum 409milliseconds later.

She also decried how most of Africa’s connections are via undersea cables connecting through Europe or elsewhere.

“It is the private sector that can solve this issue,” she said, “…but they also need to be supported and incentivized.”

“When you recognize these challenges and accept that there is a lack of scale amongst our start-ups, it could be argued, therefore, that this digital transformation we speak about might be hyped. But the increased ownership of mobile phones and those that have access to it is having a true impact,” she stated She added that many companies across different sectors are using tech to transform their sectors from energy, to agriculture to

or reality, by Omobola Johnson

•Omobola Johnson’ healthcare.

“But it’s work in progress,” she further stated, urging governments to be more supportive and develop a long-term digital strategy. “We also need to be more innovative in our financing mechanisms to allow VC to borrow at low rates and help scale up innovators.”

She mentioned the urgent need to develop a pool of skilled talent that can turn the continent into the world’s digital talent pool in the same way that China became the world’s factory, through a large labour force and targeted government policy.

Invited to respond to the lecture, Tawanda Sibanda, partner at global consultancy McKinsey, looked back at the predictions they made in their Lions Go Digital report to assess progress.

In the five years since the report was released, the results have been mixed, he said. They had estimated that by 2025, digital transformation could raise GDP by 8% by 2025 and make $300bn of economic impact across health, education, retail, agriculture and financial services.

Despite certain metrics being ahead of schedule – smartphone penetration for example – this has not translated into macroeconomic numbers as would have been expected. The percentage of banked for example, has only increased from 26% to 33% in those five years.

Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN) in 1958 as one of the UN’s five regional commissions, ECA’s (www.UNECA.org) mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its member States, foster intraregional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa’s development.

ECA also provides technical advisory services to African governments, intergovernmental organizations and institutions. In addition, it formulates and promotes development assistance programmes and acts as the executing agency for relevant operational projects.

Made up of 54 member States, and playing a dual role as a regional arm of the UN and as a key component of the African institutional landscape, ECA is well positioned to make unique contributions to address the continent’s developmental challenges. The ECA is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with offices in Rabat, Lusaka, Kigali, Niamey, Yaoundé and Dakar.

The 52nd session of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (www.UNECA.org/ cfm2019) took place at the Palmeraie Golf Palace in Marrakech, Morocco. The Commit-

tee of Experts commenced on Wednesday, March 20 and ended on Friday, March 22, 2019. The ministerial segment of the Conference of Ministers will took place on Monday, 25 and Tuesday, 26 March 2019.

The twentieth session of the Regional Coordination Mechanism for Africa (RCMAfrica) and side events will took place on Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24 2019 at the same venue.

Shortly after her appointment as ICT Minister by former Presdient Goodluck Jonathan, Omobola Johnson was determined to achieve results, a situation that propelled her into putting in motion specific policies and legislation relating to the development of the ICT sector including, National ICT Policy of August 2012; National Broadband Plan 2013-2018 of May 2013; and Guidelines for Nigerian Content in ICT of November 2013.

She established a number of initiatives in line with the ministry’s mandate in order to fast track the development of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. Her office set-out to facilitate the buildout of a robust, and cost-effective broadband network aimed at increasing internet penetration within the country.

These guidelines were submitted in 2013 to the then president, Goodluck Jonathan, to facilitate the accelerated rollout of broadband infrastructures that includes a connected national backbone, regional rings, metro rings and fibre optics to increase broadband penetration from 6 percent to about 30 percent by 2018.

In her bid to ensure quality of service within the telecoms industry, Johnson, within one year, also took proactive steps to tackle the challenges militating against service quality delivery in the country. In collaboration with the Ministry of Works and various state governments, her ministry was able to come up with new ‘Right of Way’ guidelines that ensured good service quality delivery within the industry. Her smart states initiatives significantly reduced Right of Way fees, and standardized state levies and taxes on ICT infrastructure. The ministry also collaborated with the Ministry of Environment to provide guidelines that will address the

deployment of base stations required for wireless data and voice transmission.

Her ministry ensured the migration of all governments Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to the .gov.ng domain. Her ministry also developed a Government Service Portal and government contact centre to facilitate easy access to government information in an effort to digitize the way the civil service works and to increase transparency and accountability in Nigeria. Johnson was able to set her goals by building her plan around 4 pillars: This initiative was aimed at speeding up the building out of communications infrastructure so that all Nigerians have access to good quality and affordable, high-speed telecom and internet services.

Through the universal service provision funds, her ministry did a full mapping of the country’s network coverage to establish clusters were it is uneconomical for network providers to operate in. 200 of such clusters were mapped, and about 645,000 people in those clusters have been provided with internet connectivity.

With the USP funds in co-operation with the state governments, the network infrastructure was subsidized to make these clusters, mostly in the rural areas, economic viable for the Telcos to begin operations there, providing voice and internet connectivity.

Through NCC, her ministry was able to supervise the licensing of Infrastructure Companies, InfraCos, to provide efficient wholesale bandwidth services on a non-discriminatory, open access and price regulated basis as well as provide metropolitan fibre and transmission services. It also facilitated increased investment in ICT infrastructure with the licensing of 2.3 Ghz spectrum in March 2014 and another 2.6Ghz auction by first quarter of 2015.

Johnson planned on connecting half of the country’s population to 3G mobile broadband services in 2015. The government is aiming to complete Phase One of a wireless broadband infrastructure upgrade and expansion project, which is part of the National Broadband Plan (2013-2018), by yearend.

13

The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

FOCUS The challenges facing Nigerian shippers are too many and from different directions. Apart from the issues of infrastructure in Nigerian ports environment that have impacted negatively on trade facilitation locally, importers have had to contend with the surcharges imposed on them by shipping agents who are acting on the dictations of multinational shipping lines under different conferences involved in movement of goods from one continent to another. Although imposition of surcharges in itself is not out of place as certain situations demand for this, what is worrisome is the tendency for the shipping agencies to fail to vacate them when the need arises. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) provides for surcharges by liner conferences who are made up on individual shipping lines from different continents involved in shipment of goods worldwide. But UNCTAD provision makes it clear that these surcharges are supposed to be temporary and subject to cancellation when the situation is normalized. In the Nigerian environment, there are instances in which shipping lines impose surcharges without justification. For instance, in September last year, some shipping lines, including CMA CGM had given a notice to introduce a congestion surcharge of $400 per container. In a notice, the shipping line had said “Port congestion at Lagos ports, Nigeria, is currently increasing our operational costs and generating severe service disruption for several weeks”. The surcharge was to take effect October 15 last year but for the timely intervention of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC). Yet, the shipping agencies are not done, as they are again drumming for the introduction of more surcharges.

As NSC moves against illegal surcharges by shipping lines...

Maritime journalist FRANCIS UGWOKE writes on moves by Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) to curb a whole lot of illegalities routinely committed by shipping lines. tained a permanent imposition of the charges on helpless shippers.

He said what is worrisome is that even incidents of piracy that have nothing to do with Nigeria are given different colorations in what is targeted at placing a surcharge on cargoes coming to Nigeria.

He added, “Everything that happens, even if it is in Togo or Benin Republic, it is attributed to have taken place in Nigeria.

Even local infractions like somebody just enters the ship illegally even without weapons, it is reported as incidence of piracy. But that is not piracy, it is probably robbery incident. Piracy is total command of the ship on the high sea”.

Surcharges by liners Among the surcharges that have been identified as prevalent in Nigerian ports in different colorations according to the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) include peak season surcharge (PSS); extra risk insurance (ERI)/carrier security fee (CSF) surcharge; congestion surcharge (CS); freight tax surcharge (FTS); operations cost recovery (OCR); low sulphur surcharge (LSS); B.A.F (bunker adjustment surcharge) and C.A.F. (currency adjustment surcharge).

Negative effect As the ports economic regulator, the NSC believes that most of the surcharges are not justifiable and negative to trade. The fear being expressed among stakeholders is that the surcharges if allowed to take place will affect traffic flow of cargoes to Nigerian ports. And this is considering the neighbouring ports surrounding Nigerian ports in the West and Central African sub-region. Nigeria had competed over the years with neighbouring ports for the transshipment hub. Such surcharges will further worsen the situation and many Nigerian shippers may be forced to use neighbouring ports like Cotonou and resort to smuggling through the various porous border routes.

The Director, Special Duties, NSC, Mr. Tahir Idris said the surcharges are built into the freight costs from parent companies. But he expressed concerns that the shipping agencies often ignore to suspend the surcharges even with the knowledge that the situation which justified their imposition has changed.

Tahir said, “it seems to be permanently being deployed as it is mostly built into the freight cost from parent companies”.

He explained that the surcharges are fees collected by shipping companies in addition to freight rates prevailing in Nigerian seaports.

He explained, “There are about eight

•Hassan-Bello2

or more surcharges imposed on Nigerian ports. The UNCTAD provisions in its Article 16 of the code stipulate that surcharges imposed on cargo moving to and from a particular port shall be regarded as temporary and likewise shall be increased, reduced or cancelled subject to when the situation in the port changes.

“But what we have observed is that, we hardly witness a total suspension of these surcharges as was intended to be a temporary measure, designed to bring equity in the recovery of some unexpected costs increases or losses. It seems to be permanently being deployed as it is mostly built into the freight cost from parent companies”.

Global Shippers Forum In a bid to stop the shipping lines from

the continued exploitation of Nigerian shippers, the NSC leadership said it will take the matter up with the Global Shippers Forum (GSF) which is an apex association of shippers councils all over the world. As a member of the African Shippers Council (ASC), Nigeria will report the matter first to its parent body which will then take up the matter to the GSF. The Forum has a way of checking the excesses of shipping lines operating in different continents of the world. Speaking on the surcharges, the Executive Secretary, NSC, Mr Hassan Bello described them as unjustifiable.

Bello explained that while some of the charges were supposed to be temporary, reduced or cancelled as allowed by UNCTAD and as the situation in the ports changes, the shipping lines have main-

Stakeholders’ Reactions Worried about the effect of the surcharges on cost of shipping and to the final consumers, freight forwarders are of the view that except the ports economic regulator moves fast in checking the shipping lines, Nigerian ports will become unfriendly. Former President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) Dr. Eugene Nweke said the shipping lines are out to inflict economic woes on shippers and should not be allowed to have their way. Nweke said the shipping lines fail to understand the effect on the importers and their customs agents who he said will pass the cost to the final consumers. He urged the ports economic regulator to stop the shipping lines and their agents in Nigeria. Nweke recalled that it was the NSC that stopped the first planned surcharge that would have taken effect in October last year, adding that the decision of the NSC to take the matter to the GSF through the African Shippers Council (ASC) was a welcome development. He argued that there is no situation now that calls for surcharges by shipping lines.

Nweke said, “there are conditions spelt out by UNCTAD for surcharges. The NSC should ensure that these conditions are followed by shipping lines”. Similarly, a maritime lawyer, Mr Kasa Opara also kicked against any surcharge being proposed by shipping lines. Opara said that in the first place the shipping agencies collect as much as N60,000 administrative charge on all 40-foot container despite the contract of affreightment entered between the shipping line and the importer for which freight charge had been paid abroad before the goods left for Nigeria. He said that it was only the NSC as the ports economic regulator that will be able to stop the shipping lines from taking advantage of the helpless situation of shippers in Nigeria. “It is only in Nigeria that these shipping lines want to try their luck on certain surcharges and am happy that this is being resisted by not just the freight forwarders but also the leadership of the Shippers Council”, he said. Opara said what most shipping lines coming to Nigeria do is to test the waters with illegal charges and enforce it permanently if not challenged. “It is only in West Africa and particularly Nigeria that they try this nonsense, but am happy that the NSC has risen swiftly against them”, he added.

•Ugwoke, journalist, writes from Apapa..

14

The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

Crime

Police rescue abducted girl, reunite with family Stories by VICTOR NZE

A

FIVE-YEAR old girl, Aisha Ibrahim who was kidnapped March 16, this year at Ibudu 1 Area, Warri, Delta State by unknown persons was rescued unhurt by the Police at Bukan-Kwatu, Lafia, Nasarawa State.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer Force Headquarters, Abuja, ACP Frank Mba, Aisha Ibrahim was reunited with her father “Mr Ibrahim Abdulmalik” of Gibori Street, Ibudu Market, Warri, Delta

State on 20th March, 2019 at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The obviously elated father was exclaiming “I thank God o! I thank Police o! I have even lost hope! I just received a call I should come to Force Headquarters to collect my pikin!” as he showered encomiums on the Nigeria Police Force for the intense follow-up which led to the quick rescue of his daughter who was kidnapped while returning from school on the said day.

On receipt of the information, Police detectives from the Force

Headquarters, Abuja, acting on the directives of the Inspector General of Police, Acting IGP M.A Adamu, swung into action which led to the arrest of the suspects and rescue of the victim.

The two suspects are Abdullahi Abubakar ‘m’ 30yrs and his mother, Mrs Jummai Salihu 62yrs old, both of Bukan-Kwatu, Lafia, Nasarawa State. Abdullahi Abubakar the principal suspect, who is wellknown to the family of the victim, under the pretext of helping the victim to cross the road, abducted her and took her from Warri, Delta

State to Lafia, Nasarawa State where he kept her with his mother (second suspect) while he contacted the parents of the victim for ransom.

The suspects have made useful statements to the Police on the roles they played in the kidnap of young Aisha. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other persons, particularly one Inusah Ibrahim ‘m’ 58yrs of No.7 UCC Road, Hausa Quarters, Warri, Delta State, connected to the crime.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Acting IGP M.A Ad-

amu, has observed that parents and guardians should be aware that most criminal harms done to children, including child stealing, child trafficking, rape, defilement, abduction, kidnap and others, are usually carried out by persons they are familiar with.

He therefore advised that Parents and Guardians should pay close attention to their children/ wards especially on their movements to and fro school in order to prevent any untoward situation that might endanger or bring the children to harm’s way.

Police arrest three for ‘humiliating’ nude woman in viral video

T

•A cross section of suspected criminals arrested and paraded by the Kano State police command at the Bompai Police Headquarters in Kano, last Thursday for dealing in various hard drugs (Kwaya) such as Cocaine, Indian hemp, suck and die, solution, tramadol tablets and other intoxicating injectable drugs, as well as various forms of weaponry like sticks, knives, cutlasses, from February to this month.

Kano police parade 54 for dealing in hard drugs, arms

K

ANO State Police Command has paraded a total 54 suspected criminals it arrested in the past two months at various notorious spots in the state.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer for the command, DSP Haruna Abdullahi, the suspected were arrested in connection with dealing in various hard drugs such as Cocaine substances, Indian hemp, suck and die, solution, tramadol tablets and other intoxicating injectable drugs.

Others, he said, include various forms of weaponry like sticks, knives, cutlasses, swords and other unconventional locally made machetes.

All the arrests were made from February 28.

Some of the items including hard drugs recovered from the suspects are: (1)Tablet Exol 5 -39000 tabs (2)Tablet Sycozines 5 – 21000 tabs Injection Diazepam – 166000 Bottles (4)Injection Tranzile -7000 Bottles (5)Injection Tramadol – 2150 (6) Injection Ejon Merinetin – 8000 (7)Injection Nart phenobartil – 180 (8) Injection penzozine – 40 (9) Injection Voltean – 14 (10) C0cadamol Tablet – 1600 (11) A sack containing used drugs “The suspects confessed to the commission of the crime while effort is being intensified to arrest their accomplices and arraign them before the court for

prosecution,” said Abdullahi.

Continuing, the Kano police spokesman said: “Culpable Homicide, March 2, one Salisu Muhammed of Yakasai Quarters Kano stabbed his football coach one Mustapha Musa with a knife at Yakasai quarters Kano. The victim died on the spot and the suspect together with an exhibit of knife was promptly arrested investigation is in progress.

“On the 28th February 2019, one Muhammed Abdullahi ‘m’ of Hotoro qtrs Kano, a distributor of Cocaine substance was arrested in Hotoro area. 4 wraps of the Cocaine was recovered from him while investigation is in progress.

“On March 5, a raid was conducted at

some black spots inside Sabongari area, 13 suspects were arrested and the following exhibits recovered from them; 12 cartons containing 720 cutlasses, 1 bag and 700 wraps of Indian hemp, 1 Tricycle, and 3 packets of rubber solution.

“On 1st March 2019, the duo of Mujahid Abubakar of unguwan Shanu Katsina, Katsina State and Iliya Garba of Mazangudu Village, Gabasawa LGA Kano were arrested at Sabon Gari Market were arrested for dealing in the bulk sale of hard drugs in the Market. The following Intoxicating were recovered from them. The suspects will be charged to court for prosecution immediately investigation is completed.”

HE Police Command in Anambra has arrested three persons allegedly involved in production and circulation of a viral video where a nude woman was humiliated.

SP Haruna Mohammed, the Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed this in a statement entitled “Conspiracy, Blackmail, Deprivation of Liberty and Assault Occasioning Harm” issued in Awka on Saturday.

Haruna said the victim, Ogochukwu Okafor was lured by her Facebook friend, Ifeanyi Azotani to his house in Amawbia, Awka, only for a woman who claimed to be his wife Tochukwu Azotani emerged and locked her in the toilet.

He said the alleged wife, who was with her friend Ogochukwu Nwankwo returned four hours later with a cane and opened the bathroom door.

The PPRO said the suspects demanded the sum of N60, 000 from the victim or have her humiliation video pushed to the internet.

He said the suspect’s friend, Nwankwo stripped her naked and flogged her severally while the principal suspect was busy videotaping the incident and thereafter pushed her out from the compound naked.

The police spokesperson said the complainant alleged that the principal suspect, Tochukwu, called her on phone the following day and demanded for N60,000 or they would post her nude video on the internet.

“Consequently, When the complainant refused to pay the money as requested, the principal suspect actualised her threat and posted the naked video to the internet and since then the video went viral,” he said.

Haruna said the scene of incident had been visited by detectives attached to the Central Police Station, Awka adding that the suspects would be charged to court for prosecution after investigation was concluded.

Enugu police arrest 11 armed robbery suspects, recover guns, ammunition

C

OMMISSIONER of Police in Enugu state, Mr Suleiman Balarabe, said the command arrested 11 armed robbery suspects in different parts of the state in the last one month.

Balarabe said this on Friday at the command’s headquarters in Enugu, while briefing newsmen on the activities of the command in the last one month. He said that the police recovered seven locally made pistols, one AK 47, 38 live ammunition and 45 live cartridges from the suspects.

He gave the assurance that the command would sustain its fight against crime and criminality, adding that it would make the state uncomfortable for criminals.

Balarabe said that on March 14, the police arrested a Fulani man for allegedly being in possession of one local pistol, one AK-47 and 28 rounds of live ammunition.

He said that the suspect was nabbed when he reportedly attempted “to injure” one Joseph Anyansi of Amankpo Farm Settlement at Ukpabi area of the state.

He said that the suspect was helping operatives of Adani Division in their investigation and would be charged to court after the investigation. The police boss also said that on March 20, at about 11 a.m. the police arrested two suspects, one Fidelis Nwancho and Onyekachi Odo, for unlawful possession of some firearm.

He said that the command recovered three locally made pistols, five rounds of 9mm live ammunition, 25 live cartridges and one Sienna Bus, with Reg. No. NLE 339 YD from them.

He said that the suspects were arrested during a stop-and-search operation at Nsude community, along Oji-River Road near 9th Mile,

while two members of the gang escaped.

Balarabe said that on March 9, the police also arrested one Emmanuel Uchechukwu at the Independent Layout axis of Enugu metropolis, while he was robbing his victims with a toy gun.

He said that the suspect was cooperating with the police investigators and that he would soon be charged to court.

He also spoke on the reported kidnap of a reverend father on March 11 along Nsukka Road, saying that the command arrested three suspects in Port Harcourt in connection with the incident.

He said that the suspects had made confessional statements, admitting their involvement in the crime.

The police commissioner said that the command recovered one AK-47, one SMG sub-machine gun, one pump action gun and one berretta pistol from the suspects.

15

The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

BU$IN£SS

•Energy •Finance

•Stock

•Insurance

•Aviation

•e-Platform

Debts, poverty challenge new government

•Tourism

Energy

NLNG-7 project sparks new wave of industrial activity P17 Insurance

Embrace technology in business – Expert urges underwriters Nigeria’s public debt trend under the Buhari government $m

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

A

CBN Exchange Rates March 26th, 2019 Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central (NGN) Selling(NGN)

US DOLLAR 305.95 POUNDS STERLING 404.2211 EURO 346.3048 SWISS FRANC 307.9827 YEN 2.7786 CFA 0.425.0246 YUAN/RENMINBI 45.5687 RIYAL 81.5801 S/A RAND 21.1771 DANISH KRONA 46.3785

306.45 404.8817 346.8708 308.486 2.7831 425.7192 45.6437 81.7135 21.2117 46.4543

306.95 405.5423 347.4367 308.9893 2.7877 426.4138 45.7186 81.8468 21.2463 46.5301

Atiku’s 41.2%. Analysts at FocusEconomics stated in a report that the margin might be too wide to close at the court, arguing that it would be unlikely that the court would overturn Buhari’s victory.

The result of the presidential election has addressed one part of investors concerns.

During his campaign, Atiku had advanced plans to shake the foreign exchange market and change out the management leadership of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

He also pledged to sell dowm state interests in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and allow it run as an international national oil company (INOC) in the status of peers like Norwegian Statoil (now Equinor), Malaysian PETRONAS, Brazilian Petrobras, and Saudi Aramco.

The policy plan implied that the two powerful institutions in the government’s revenue channel, the CBN and NNPC, would have seen greater administrative and financial autonomy to enable them be more efficient. The two institutions also hold several deals with international investors whose businesses might have been caught up in policy and process transitions.

Besides, the tenures of both the Governor of CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele; and Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru; are up by June. Thus, and Atiku presidency would have smoothly eased them off instead of the ongoing rumours that President Buhari is being lobbied to retain both.

So, Abubakar Atiku’s victory would have entailed significant shift in economic policy, introducing changes in the management of the exchange rate and driving drastic reforms in the petroleum industry. Investors see disruptions associated with Atiku’s economic plans as risks that have been addressed.

Abubakar subsequently challenged the results in court; however, given Buhari’s solid victory, it is unlikely the outcome will be overturned.

Thus, despite the trade of allegations and legal fireworks over the credibility of the election, business planners and investors have started throwing up concerns about the direction of the economy under the emerging dispensation.

Analysts advise that policy conti

COMBINATION of huge national debt stock and massive profit taking by portfolio investors in the country join to lay agenda for the incoming government despite raging bickering over the processes that determined the outcome of the 2019 elections.

With declaration of incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari winner of the election on February 27, analysts and economic advisory consultants with briefs on the Nigerian environment are sold that there will be no major changes in the policy environment, neither nay major shift is expected in the processes of transacting business with the state.

The presidential election between incumbent President Buhari of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came with high pitched intrigues that sparked tension and clashes.

Investment advisory consultants and country analysts, including Moody’s, Wood Mackenzie, FocusEconmics, Quartz and others

had chorused ahead of the election that a tight race was inevitable given the high popularity of the opposition party and its candidates. And the political race was driven by two parallel economic policy propositions that saw policy of state-controlled economy of the APC stridently challenged by enterprise-led economic plan from the PDP. Whereas incumbent Buhari has flaunted the advantages of policy continuity if re-elected, Alhaji Atiku vigorously advanced options that would entail drastic policy changes in government to deepen private sector led economic growth.

Public interest and mass support on both sides guaranteed polling hitches. New figures that emerged after the conclusion of suspended national and state elections showed that over 300 people were killed during the sparks of violence that marred the polls, over 2000 are arrested in connections with election violence and many more, including political heavy weights are still detained.

At the end, the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) declared that Buhari won with a comfortable 55.6% of the votes against

P19

Travel

Ten countries colour francophone week food fair in FCT P23 Equity & Capital Market

SEC approves rules on Green Bonds in readiness for derivatives trading P26

Cont’d on Page 18

Stock Market Highlights As At 26TH march, 2019

Summary

ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE EQUITY CAP BOND CAP S/N FBNH ACCESS UBA TRANSCORP VITAFOAM

31,038.86 3,457.00 143,708,411.00 N1,682,047,214.34 N11,671,134,741,711.73 N10,637,033,075,723.30

Coy (By Volume) 29,655,762 16,340,831 11,750,577 9,101,148 8,097,296

5 Top Gainers

Symbols Last Close MOBIL N167 DANGCEM N188.5 CADBURY N9.9 UNILEVER N38.5 DANGFLOUR N11.1

Value(N)

5 Top Losers

N243,267,889.40 N106,050,126.00 N91,022,926.05 N11,251,702.37 N31,963,276.88

PRESCO NB ETI PZ UBN

N68 N69.5 N13.5 N10.5 N7.05

Current Change N170 N190 N10.85 N39 N11.45

%Change 3 1.80% 1.5 0.80% 0.95 9.60% 0.5 1.30% 0.35 3.15%

N64.5 N67 N13.05 N10.2 N6.9

-3.5 -5.15% -2.5 -3.60% -0.45 -3.33% -0.3 -2.86% -0.15 -2.13%

16

The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

BUSINESS

Tony Elumelu Foundation announces 3,050 entrepreneurs for 5th cycle

By JEROME USHAKANG with Agency Report

T

ONY Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has directly funded 1,000 entrepreneurs and an additional 2,050 beneficiaries supported by Foundation’s partners.

TEF, the leading African philanthropy committed to empowering African entrepreneurs, Friday announced 3,050 African entrepreneurs, drawn from all 54 African countries, selected to join the fifth cycle of its $100million TEF Entrepreneurship Programme.

The announcement was made at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, following a presentation of the selection process by Accenture Development Partners.

This year, over 216,000 applications were received, an increase from last year’s 151,000. Nearly 90,000 were submitted by female entrepreneurs, an increase of 45 percent, illustrating the Foundation’s strategy to achieve greater gender balance.

The selected Entrepreneurs will each receive non- refundable $5,000 of seed capital, access to mentors, and a 12-week business training programme, directly focused on the needs of African entrepreneurs.

According sources close to TEF, Prospective entrepreneurs will gather at the TEF Entrepreneurship Forum on July 26 – 27 2019, and is expected to be the largest annual gathering of African entrepreneurs and the entrepreneurship ecosystem on the continent.

“Every year, we face an almost impossible task, to select 1,000 entrepreneurs from the hundreds of thousands that apply.

“Our entrepreneurs are hungry to effect change. We know we are only scratching the surface, we see the depth of entrepreneurial talent, that all of us, – government, business indeed African society, must harness to transform our economies and livelihoods. We must rally together

to empower them and accelerate the change we want on the continent”.

Speaking at the event, Her Excellency, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, the wife of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, commended the Programme’s impact on the continent, charging the selected entrepreneurs to contribute to the advancement of the African continent.

According to her:“Indeed,I am confident that these Tony Elumelu entrepreneurs will inspire deep confidence and be of immense value not just to Nigeria but to the entire continent,” Also speaking,the incoming CEO, Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu, said:“The Tony Elumelu Foundation entrepreneurship programme has successfully empowered 7,520 entrepreneurs in its first five years of the 10- year programme. Marking the fifth anniversary of the 10-year programme, this year’s selection includes 2,050 entrepreneurs, supported by the foundation’s partners in addition to the foundation’s annual commitment of 1,000, bringing the total number of entrepreneurs empowered by the foundation to date to 7,520. “last year, we launched TEFconnect – the digital networking platform for African entrepreneurs and open to all – to further democratise the access to opportunities for the thousands of entrepreneurs that cannot directly benefit from our entrepreneurship programme. This further demonstrates our commitment to empowering our entrepreneurs and our belief that entrepreneurship holds the key to unleashing the true potential of the African continent.”

Meanwhile, the Foundation’s growing list of partners includes the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Federal Republic of Benin (Seme City), the Anambra State Government, Indorama, the Government of Botswana and the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Mr. Tony Elumelu launching fifth circle entrepreneurial programme... recently.

•Mr. Tony Elumelu launching fifth circle entrepreneurial programme recently

Extend Dematerialization of shares to Unlisted Companies – CMC

T

HE Capital Market Committee,( CMC), is advocating the dematerialization of shares of unlisted companies following the success recorded by the dematerialization of shares of listed companies in the Nigerian capital market.

This was part of the deliberations at the first quarter CMC meeting held in Lagos over the weekend.

Acting Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, (SEC), Ms. Mary Uduk who

GTBank, Zenith generates over N300bn from e-business fees

G

lion from electronic fees. This was a 4.2 percent decline compared to the N71.7 billion achieved in 2017.

Meantime, an overview of Nigeria’s e-payment industry revealed that it is fast growing, with billions of transactions taking place monthly.

According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s electronic payment market (which is made up P.O.S, mobile payments, internet web, and e-bills), has a transaction value of about N426 billion per month. Consequently,Nigerian Banks see this as an area of incremental rev-

enue and have invested billions in this segment of the financial services sector. The CBN has also played its part by pushing banks to support its financial inclusion policy.

Also, several Fintech startups have also made inroads into the financial services space as they all jostle for a growing industry with seemingly huge opportunities for everyone.

Thus, a peep into the results of banks provides an idea into how huge the industry is. Fintech companies are also valued based on the potential fees they can earn from transactions.

Debts, poverty challenge new government

UARANTY Trust Bank Plc (GTBank) and Zenith Bank Plc, two of Nigeria’s biggest banks, have recorded a total of N377.6billion for the financial year ended December 31, 2018.

Details of the performance of the two banks showed that GTBank made a profit of N193 billion while Zenith Bank Plc achieved N184.6 billion for the fiscal year ended December 2018.

The banks were able to achieve this on the back of a rather slow economy, while most businesses struggled to grow topline revenues.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics(NBS), a major contributing factor to both companies’ revenues and bottom lines is the money they earned from their electronic products. Electronic products, for most banks, refers to income from online transfers and transactions using a mobile phone application and such others.

Specifically, in 2018, Earnings keep rising as Zenith Bank reported total fees of N20.4 billion from their electronic product, compared to N14.1 billion in 2017.

On the hand, GTBank,generated a total of N9.5 billion in 2018 compared to N7.4 billion in 2017.

However, Zenith and GTBank fell behind the likes of FBNH and UBA in terms of earnings from the e-business market segment.

In the previous year, the five biggest banks in Nigeria — First Bank, UBA, GTBank, Access Bank, and Zenith Bank collectively referred to as FUGAZ — made a total of N68.1 bil-

briefed newsmen on the outcome of the meeting, said this is necessary in a bid to further deepen the market.

Uduk said it was acknowledged that the Dematerialization exercise was successful, however, the implementation of this initiative was restricted to shares of listed companies. Consequently, the CMC is advocating for the extension of the exercise to shares of unlisted public companies as this would enhance liquidity and ease market processes, enhances market dynamism, and decision making in securities investment, among others.

According to Uduk, “Dematerialization is the process of converting physical shares into electronic format. The Investor surrenders his physical shares and in turn gets electronic shares in his de dematerialization account.

“The advantages of dematerialization are many: it enables the investor to trade at any time without necessarily passing through the bottlenecks of verifying the share

Continued from P 17

nuity based on governments Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) upon which Buhari is expected to maintain policymaking.

But there are concerns on other programmes in which analysts are losing hope. The government’s initial mantra for anti-corruption, fight against insecurity and economic improvement currently appear to have little audience.

Buhari’s victory means that a move towards a free-floating exchange rate regime is unlikely, while the conduct of monetary policy, regardless of whether Emefiele’s term is renewed, is expected to remain largely unchanged.

Irrespective of his victory at the

polls, huge debts confront the new Buhari government. The country public debt stock stood at $73.21 billion or N22.43 trillion in the third quarter of 2018, the Debt Management Office posted in its last report.

And since 2015 when he came to power, Buhari’s annual budgets have run on deficits, making borrowing a major fiscal component of his economic management processes.

According to FocusEconomics, the country’s petroleum industry is also “in dire need of upgrade as mismanagement, lack of investment and systemic corruption have hindered from developing it to its full potential.”

Furthermore, despite growth accelerating and hitting an over three-

year high in the final quarter of 2018, the economy is yet to recover fully from the 2016 recession, triggered by the 2014 crash in oil prices.

In addition, unemployment has surged to 23.1% in Q3 2018 from 9.0% when Buhari first took office in 2015, while inflation remains stubbornly high, coming in at 11.3% in February, despite tight monetary policy conditions.

Widespread poverty, with almost half of the population living in extreme poverty, and rampant inequality exacerbate the country’s woes.

Thus, although no radical changes to the policy environment are expected, bold action will be required to take Nigeria “to the next level”, as Buhari promised throughout his campaign.

certificates any longer, because the shares are now domiciled with CSCS, he can give a mandate to his broker at any time and the broker accesses the Exchange that same day and trade for him.

Uduk also stated that the market advocated for the Commission to take strong actions against Company secretaries who aid the trade of shares of unlisted public company outside a SEC recognized platform as required by the law.

“The market was also informed of some successes recorded thus far in the regularization of multiple share subscription. Through this exercise, some Nigerian investors in Diaspora have been able to consolidate their shareholding accounts. Similarly, several local investors with numerous accounts have also been able to consolidate their investments.” She added.

The Acting Director-General said, “We therefore enjoin the general public to take advantage of this initiative to regularize their shareholding accounts before the December 31, 2019 deadline. We crave the indulgence of the ladies and gentlemen of the press to sensitize the public on this initiative.

We continue to seek the support of the media and the collaboration of the entire market as we strive to build the capital market of our dreams”.

The CMC was mainly established to serve as a medium for exchange of ideas among market stakeholders as well as for feedback to SEC on how to continuously improve the market activities and regulation.

It is an industry-wide committee comprising members of the commission, representatives of capital market operators and trade groups and other stakeholders.

The CMC meets every quarter to deliberate on various issues affecting the market and other policy matters.

17

The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

ENERGY

NLNG-7 project sparks new wave of industrial activity

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

A

FRICA’S biggest gas liquefaction and export company, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, has concluded plans to churn out new contract packages exclusively for service and product suppliers that operate in the Nigerian business environment.

The new job opportunities packaged in the Nigerian Content Plan for its upcoming Train-7 project are expected to reinject vibrancy in the upstream, midstream and downstream segments of the industry where players have decried long period of activity lull associated with policy shifts and fiscal crises in the industry.

The company whose shareholders are about to sign final investment decision (FID) on a $4.0 billion or N1.44 trillion seventh liquefaction plant has already worked out value packages that would spur a flurry of business activities in the country.

Working in liaison with the industry local content regulator, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), the company declared that it made clear and robust provisions to set new standards and reach higher levels in pushing attainment of the aspirations of the theNigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act. Managing Director, Mr. Tony Attah, led the representatives Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Shell, Total and Eni to sign the Nigerian Content Plan for the Train-7 project with the NCDMB. Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr Simbi Wabote, an engineer, outlined the job packages planned for local execution under the Nigerian Content Plan of Train-7 to include 100 percent engineering of all non-cryogenic areas of the project.

He added that the project sets new level at 55 percent total in-country engineering man hours. The new limit, he said, exceeds the minimum level stipulated in the NOGICD Act, adding that the high local engineer-

ing man hours was reached in line with the resolve of the parties to push beyond the boundary of limitations.

Mr. Wabote declared that the Nigerian Content Plan of NLNG Train-7 also provides for 100% in-country fabrication of the condensate stabilization unit, pipe-racks, flare system, and non-cryogenic vessels.

He said site civil works on roads, piling, jetties, and others would also be delivered by local contractors.

“There will be 100% local procurement of all low voltage and high voltage cables, all non-cryogenic valves, protective coatings, and all sacrifice anodes,” he stated, adding that 70% of all non-cryogenic pumps and control valves would also be assembled in-country.

Other spin-off opportunities listed by Mr. Wabote include logistics, equipment leasing, insurance, hotels, office supplies, aviation, haulage, and many more.

With the increased number of trains in NLNG, there is also huge scope for local businesses to build capabilities in the maintenance of LNG plants especially in the area of cryogenics, he pointed out.

“At its peak, the project will provide direct, indirect, and induced employment of over 10,000 workers,” he added.

“I also want to highlight that the Train-7 project attracts other upstream gas supply projects required to keep the LNG train busy. Somewhat stranded gas fields in the shallow and deep offshore in the area could also become economical with this addition of Tran-7.”

Mr. Wabote stated that Train-7 project would open opportunities for utilization of local goods and services in addition to enhancing and developing new capacities and capabilities for the local supply chain.

To bring the opportunities closer to Nigerian businesses, he testified that the management of NLNG and NCDMB had jointly organized workshops in Abuja and Port Harcourt to showcase the size of opportunities availed by the Train-7 Project.

He stated that opportunities are

available to local companies playing across various areas including engineering, fabrication, construction, installation, and commissioning.

In providing further details, Mr. Attah said the project which is also conceived to grow Nigeria’s gas liquefaction capacity by 35 percent from current 22 million tons per annum (mtpa) to 30 mtpa holds a parallel ticket to deepen Nigerian Content and raise value for the local economy significantly higher than what was achieved in the previous NLNG projects.

Mr. Attah described the economic values associated with local execution of the jobs “as manpower and economic development plan for our nation,” adding that the company would continue working with NCDMB on the commitment to utilize all business opportunities from the project to deliver utmost value for the Nigerian economy.

He said NCDMB and NLNG would collaborate on “operationalization” of the plan to ensure that value added opportunities for Nigeria are indeed maximized and project delivered to meet international standards of quality and safety.

He said Train 7 would solidify NLNG’s position as leading and reliable supplier of LNG, reinforce the company’s comparative and competitive advantage in the global LNG market and increase the country’s revenue and foreign investment profile.

“This is in addition to moving the nation’s economy from being oil-based to becoming a gas-based economy to be reckoned with globally,” he stressed.

Pointing at opportunities of increased financial contribution to the country, Mr. Attah recounted that NLNG Limited has in 19 years generated more than $100 billion in revenue, paid over $16 billion dividends to the federal government through NNPC, bought $13 billion feed gas from the country and paid $6.5 billion in taxes.

He noted that a 35% increase in NLNG’s production capacity will further boost the country’s GDP significantly, earn government more

financial contributions and boost operations commerciality of gas producers in the local petroleum industry.

Mr. Attah also noted that NLNG was the first in the petroleum industry to sign service level agreement with the NCDMB to shorten contracting cycle, cut cost of projects, and improve compliance with the Nigerian Content Act 2010.

In rolling out the company’s corporate profile on Nigerian Content development, Mr. Attah declared that Nigeria LNG has stayed on course with this aspiration to develop and harness local businesses, talents and potentials, since it commenced operations 20 years ago.

He said the company supported groomed few local service providers available during its early days in operation. He said NLNG assisted in enhancing the galvanizing capability of Dorman Long Nigeria Limited and NigerDock Nigeria Plc. He also said the company assisted Nexans Kabelmetal to increase its low voltage electrical cables manufacturing capability; and assisted Nigerian Foundries to improve their processes for the manufacture of trench gratings and manhole covers.

“Today, Nigeria LNG boasts of enabling the export of Nigerian-made goods. This was achieved through its Nigerian Content plan for the building of its latest 6 LNG Carriers in South Korea; an effort that enabled the training of over 600 Nigerian Youths in ship building; earned our country foreign exchange and placed participating Nigerian companies including Berger Paints PLC, Paints and Coatings Manufacturers Nigeria PLC and Nexans KabelMetal Ltd, Vina Furniture and I.O Furniture companies on the exporters list in our country.”

Also speaking at the event, the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Gas and Power, at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNCP), Engr. Saidu Mohammed, expressed the corporation’s commitment to support any project that would encourage production and utilization of natural gas for the benefit of the

nation.

He said the signing ceremony was important as one of the major processes to bring the Train 7 project on board.

He lauded the management of the NLNG on the Nigerian Content initiatives it has taken in the operations of its business and called for greater local in the fabrication of facilities.

Commenting on the corporation’s interest in the signing agreement, he said that the Train 7 project was in line with NNPC’s vision of prioritizing the use of natural gas to the greater benefit of Nigerians.

“Apart from being 49 per cent share holder in NLNG, we are more interested because it will enhance the development of gas in the country. Bringing the gas to this Train 7 would involve a robust gathering system that will connect trunk lines from offshore to the hinterland, looking beyond NLNG to domestic market, which will open up a flexible system that allows us to swing gas either way, depending on need.

“This implies that if NLNG is not running, the gas meant for it can be sent to the local market, and when the local market has difficulty in getting the gas consumed, same can be sent back to NLNG,” he stated.

He added that NNPC’s 49 per cent share in the NLNG meant more dividend to the corporation, even as he advised other partners in the project to provide every support to ensure realization of the project.

“My fellow shareholders, please let us continue to provide the necessary support that NLNG as a company requires and always remain compliant with what we are signing today”.

After a review of NLNG’s intervention in Nigerian Content development through the patronage of local goods and service, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr. Simbi Wabote, declared: “I call on others to copy this model of partnership and contribute their bit to the sustainability of Nigerian oil and gas industry.”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

ENERGY

Nigeria battles to support budget with oil revenue •200 kbd capacity still unavailable Stories SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

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ITH developed capacity to produce nearly 3.0 million barrels per day (3.0 mbd) of petroleum liquids, Nigeria is still battling to produce steadily at daily average of 2.3 mbd to comfortably generate cash to support the 2019 federal budget.

Following uncertainty and rising concerns over the production numbers from the petroleum industry, the Senate Committee on Finance weekend grilled the top officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on the capacity availability for production estimates.

While assuring the legislators that government could still muster the estimated output from the operating companies, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) stated that significant production capacity was still not available to contribute physical barrels to gross national output.

The country’s current production levels vary according to source, but production data declared by industry operators according to facility capacity show that Nigeria pumps at about 2.1 mbd, 200,000 barrels per day below the numbers projected in the 2019 budget.

Out of the 2.1 mbd cumulative liquid production from the country, about 500,000 barrels per day consist of condensate. This puts the actual crude oil barrels at about 1.6 mbd, close to the country’s production quota at the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Nigeria is a key member of OPEC. OPEC countries and another 10 non member producers had agreed in December to cut oil production by 1.2 mbd from January for an initial period of six months to help balance the market and support prices.

Under the current accord, and based in reference production level of 1.738 million bpd, Nigeria was limited to a quota of 1.685 mbd.

And with a condensate production of 500,000 barrels per day, the country’s gross production comes to over 2.1 mbd.

Last February, Nigeria posted production of 1.88 mbd of crude oil after output from Egina deep-

water field flowed in, pushing gross production to 2.38 mbd.

According to numbers from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources Nigeria’s crude oil production including condensates fell to 1.999 million bpd in January from 2.081 mbd in December.

Besides, enquiries by The Oracle Today also showed that Nigeria is yet to fully utilize developed oil production capacity of nearly 3.0 mbd despite pressing cash need to fund the federal budget and meet key development targets.

A presentation by the industry regulator, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), at a recent conference in Abuja showed that total production capacity have gone up to over 2.9 mbd in the nation’s pursuit to grow production to target 4.0 mbd.

According to the presentation delivered on behalf of Director of DPR, Modecai Ladan, the nation has a broad range of aspirations for the petroleum industry, including an exploration target to grow reserves to 40 billion barrels, development target to raise output to 4.0 mbd, and to increase local content to 70 percent.

All the targets have missed the first deadline in 2006, second deadline in 2007 and third deadline in 2010; the industry is now working on the next deadline in 2020.

Emphasis is on production numbers which form the basis for allocation of production quota at OPEC. Higher production capacity and increased OPEC quota translate to more oil revenue for the government’s annual budgets’ Petroleum income accounts for 95 percent of the country’s total foreign exchange earnings, over 80 percent of total funding support to government’s annual budgets and nearly 70 percent of total national resource export.

This makes Nigeria resource dependent while the economy remains mono-cultural on petroleum.

Despite it status as Africa’s biggest oil producer, Nigeria is currently deep in domestic and foreign debts, and is still struggling to meet production target of 2.3 mbd in order to adequately fund the 019 budget which is based mainly on returns from oil and gas export.

Group General Manager in

charge of corporate planning and strategy, Mr. Bala Wunti, told members of the Senate Committee on Finance that efforts are currently focused on meeting the 2.3 mbd target for the 2019 budget.

The committee was presented with position status of the NNPC to meet the funding needs of the 2019 - 2021 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), the action documents that provides compass for government’s economic policy implementation for the three years under plan.

Mr. Wunti who delivered the presentation for the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, stated that improved secu-

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Kiev, Ukraine, on 27 February, 2019, having adjudged Nigeria to have attained “Satisfactory Progress in implementing all EITI requirements.”

The report said: “Nigeria is the first Anglophone African country and one of the seven countries within the EITI community to have attained this status so far.’’

The global extractive industries transparency watchdog explained that the laurel was a milestone for Nigeria and a clear recognition and appreciation of the invaluable role of NNPC. NEITI stated: “We particularly note and commend the increasing collaboration and cooperation from NNPC and its subsidiaries and the new wave of reforms which

He explained that the production target of 2.3 mbd was a combination of liquid hydrocarbon production comprising crude oil and condensate. He noted that the OPEC quota only covers crude oil production.

He further explained that with Nigeria’s condensate production was between 400,000 to 600,000 barrels per day, pointing out that Nigeria would be in position to pump more crude oil without violating OPEC quota.

He also stressed that the NNPC’s mandate on the MTEF was on the key thematic indicators of Production Volume, Crude Oil Price and Unit Crude Oil production Cost.

•Tony Attah, NLNG’s MD/CEO, and Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary, NCDMB, sign-off the NC Plan for NLNG’s TRAIN 7 Project. They are flanked by Saidu Mohammed (NNPC) and Sadeeq Mai-Bornu, Deputy MD, NLNG.

PHRC braves into quality race

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HE Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) has featured into the quality radar of the International Standard Organization (ISO) under which it would now take the challenge of driving efficient quality systems.

Group General Manager in charge of the Group Public Affairs Division of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, stated

EITI scores NNPC on transparency LOBAL resource accountability initiative, the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) has conferred the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) with highest discloser status Corporate spokesman of the corporation, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, stated weekend that the recognition was conveyed to the corporation in a letter endorsed by Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Waziri Adio, on behalf of EITI. According to the document which was also made available to the press, the decision to confer the award on the NNPC was reached at EITI’s Board meeting in

rity in oil bearing communities as a result of sustainable community partnership would create the stable business environment for rapid production recovery in the Niger Delta.

He pointed out that despite existing production capacity of over 2.5 mbd, security situations in the areas of operation has made it difficult to optimize production capacity.

He however clarified that targets were to meet combined crude oil and condensate production of 2.3 mbd, saying that Nigeria was conscious of its production limits under quota allocation from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

your organization exemplifies by the monthly disclosure of operational and financial data of the National Oil Company.’’

It pledged to work with the NNPC to ensure that it continues to sustain its leadership as champion of transparency.

Commenting on the development, Dr. Baru, said the global recognition was a testament to the far reaching reforms his Management was carrying out in the corporation to inculcate probity and accountability in all tiers of its operational value chain.

He stated that the NNPC would sustain its adherence to transparency and accountability, saying the corporation was committed to full disclosure of its activities.

weekend that PHRC Limited was awarded the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) certification, the first by any refinery on the African continent.

The refinery is a subsidiary of NNPC. Mr. Ughamadu stated that with the certification, the refinery would now have to keep going through various audits by Bureau Veritas (BV) to ensure that its quality management system was reviewed and standardized based on the streamlined process and improvement plans.

The ISO 9001:2015 specifies requirements for a quality management system when an organization needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

It also shows that the organization aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

Mr. Richard Omale, Managing Director of 3FM Solutions, a Management Consulting Company whose outfit conducted the

QMS assessment, announced the milestone during a staff town hall meeting with the NNPC Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru.

Omale, who presented the certification to the GMD said: “PHRC has a lot to gain from sustaining its ISO certification. Apart from belonging to a global movement for improved standards, the certification would provide senior management with an efficient management process and set out areas of responsibility across the organization, among other benefits”.

According to the Consultant, people doing business with the organization would also have the confidence that they are working with a reputable organization that does not only have documented processes and procedures but also pays attention to continual improvement.

Dr. Baru, in his speech, congratulated the workers of the refinery on the feat and charged other NNPC subsidiaries to update their certifications in line with global standards.

“ISO Certifications don’t last forever. The onus is now on you to redouble your efforts and ensure the sustenance of this certification,” the GMD told elated staff during the meeting.

19

The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3 2019

INSURANCE & PENSION

Embrace technology in business – Expert urges underwriters Stories by VICTOR NZE

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ANAGING Director, ARM Life Plc, Steve Alangbo, has urged other industry practitioners in the country to embrace technology in the underwriting business, as, according to him, it can transform business practices.

Alangbo made the appeal during his presentation as guest speaker at the Association of Registered Insurance Agents of Nigeria (ARIAN) 2019 yearly national conference, investiture and general meeting in Lagos.

Speaking in is paper titled: “Retail Insurance and Digital Transformation”, Alangbo described how technology would help make insurance agents more relevant, foster huge premium generation and enhanced service delivery at a seamless process in the country.

He urged agents to help their

offices initiate easy ways of paying premium and settling claims, adding that digital technology has helped to transformed business practices.

Alangbo further implored agents to esteem good service delivery, stressing that one dissatisfied customer could make an organisation lose more than 20 others who would have buy insurance.

Special Guest, Dr. Oladipo Bailey, who was represented by his son, Babajide Bailey, applauded agents for their commitment towards taking insurance to the grass roots and urged them to do more in educating the public on the need to secure their lives and properties with insurance.

Remarking, President of the Association of Registered Insurance Agents of Nigeria (ARIAN), Ademola Ifagbayi disclosed that the group aims to transform insurance

industry as it targets 10,000 registered members across the country tasked with wooing Nigerians back to the underwriting business.

Ifagbayi said during the association’s 2019 yearly national conference, investiture and general meeting in Lagos, that insurance agents

across the federation are now determined to enhance the nation’s insurance input in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by taking advantage of the social media platforms to reach out to the uninsured in the country.

Chairman of the event, Dr.

Olufemi Ogunlowo, urged agents to create value for the insuring public, adding that until people begin to see the equivalent value of what agents are selling, there would not be growth in the industry.

Registered workers on pension scheme hit 8.4m in Q4, 2018 – NBS

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ATIONAL Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said the number of registered workers under the pension scheme in the fourth quarter, 2018 hit 8,410,184 compared to 8,136,202 registered workers in the second quarter, 2018.

NBS said this in its “Pension Asset and RSA Membership Data Q4, 2018” released on its website.

The bureau said that the Pension Fund Asset, under management as at fourth quarter 2018 stood at N8,637 million as against N8,323million in the second quarter , 2018.

According to the report, the Federal Government (FGN) Bonds have the highest weight percentage of 52.49 of the total pension fund assets.

This, the NBS said was closely followed by treasury bills with 19.37 per cent weight and local money market securities with 8.21 per cent weight.

It said foreign money market securities had the least with 0.04 per cent weight in the period under review.

It said participants within the age range 30-39years had the highest percentage composition closely followed by participants within the age bracket of 40-49years and 50-59 years.

It further said participants above 65 years had the least percentage composition.

In arriving at the report, NBS said data was supplied administratively by the National Pension Commission and verified by the NBS.

•A cross section of members of the Professional Insurance Ladies’ Association (PILA) during their courtesy visit to the office of NEM Insurance and received by the Deputy Managing Director, Executive Director & DGM (Corporate Services), Wednesday.

Premium Pension appoints new Independent Director

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OARD of Premium Pension Limited has appointed Professor Nat Ofo as an Independent Director.

He succeeded the former Independent Director, Mrs. Mosun Belo-Olusoga, who retired from the board after completing her tenure.

Nat Ofo is a Professor of Corporate Law and Governance at the Department of Business Law, Col-

Old Mutual commits to gender equality

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NDERWRITERS, Old Mutual has restated its commitment to promoting gender parity at all levels, just as it assured of its support for women in its employment towards achieving career goals.

Speaking on the occasion of the International Women’s Day, Marketing and Customer Executive of Old Mutual, Alero Ladipo, said the desire for a balanced society, informed the company’s move to launch the Old Mutual Women’s Network (OWN), an initiative established to enhance healthy engagement among women and create a mentoring and empowering work environment.

“We must understand that women are pivotal to societal growth and are an integral part to the success of any unit. As an organisation, we have put adequate policies and processes in place to deepen equal gender participation in decision making at every leadership cadre across the Old Mutual Group,” she said.

According to her, Old Mutual is a place for women to work in Nigeria and across our group internationally and understand that women at all levels add extraordinary value to the enterprise.

“They are capable of making smart decisions that can propel

wealth creation, hence their contributions to growth has to be in focus in setting strategies and business agenda. I believe that to promote a gender-balanced society, the woman must be able to attain financial security like their male counterparts.

“In light of this, no financial plan better empowers a woman than an insurance plan. In the insurance space, all genders are equally insured with the same expectation in terms of compensation, which allows for a balanced society and further propels women to achieving greater goals,” she said.

Citing vehicle insurance, for instance, Ladipo added that an in-

sured female car-owner, who is incidentally involved in a road mishap is confident that her insurer will come through for her and with her insurance policy, the damages to a third party will be effectively repaired.

She noted that for mothers who have dreams for their loved ones, irrespective of class or status in the society, can procure a unique savings plan that can not only help them realise their dreams, but also provide certain guarantees, where a beneficiary will not be shortchanged or prevented from reaching an educational goal.

“Such plans also afford them access to money in case of surprises or other emergencies,” she added.

lege of Law, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State. He joined Igbinedion University, Okada, from Nigerian Breweries Plc (a subsidiary of Heineken N.V. of The Netherlands) where he occupied Middle Management and Senior Management positions in the legal, finance, supply chain, human resource and company secretarial functions during his 14-year career at the company.

While he was the Company Secretary/Legal Adviser of Nigerian Breweries Plc, he was also a Director of NB Registrars Limited (a then subsidiary of Nigerian Breweries Plc).

He is a Fellow and the immediate past President of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Admin-

Tax reform, digitisation key to financing development in Africa – Report

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FRICA must digitise and broaden its tax base,economies, prevent further deterioration of fiscal and debt positions, as well as aim for double-digit growth to achieve the United Nations 2030 global goals (SDGs), and the African Union Agenda 2063, according to the 2019 Economic Report on Africa released, Sundayat the Conference

A&G Insurance to pay 2-year insurance proceeds to 30 clients

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& G Life Insurance Plc on Monday promised to start the payment of investment claims, which matured since 2017, to its clients in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia, from the first week of April.

The Director of Operations of the company, Mrs Folashade Olafisoye, who said this at the Aba office of the company, however, blamed the delay in the payment of the claims on some impediment arising from the challenges be-

tween the company and the insurance regulatory body.

She said, “From the first week of April 2019, the Aba clients of the company will begin to receive their policy proceeds without any further delay.”

She also said that the company was still settling the huge liabilities and financial challenges inherited by the company after acquiring BAICO Insurance in 2009.

She said that the “mix-up”, resulting in the delayed payment of

istrators of Nigeria and remains a member of its Governing Council; a member of the Board of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA); a Fellow of the Institute of Directors (IoD) Nigeria and a member of its Executive Committee (ExCo).

He is the author of the Amazon Bestseller: Independent Directors: 111 Frequently Asked Questions Aptly Answered.

The appointment of Prof. Ofo to the Board of Premium Pension Limited is expected to deepen the already sound corporate governance culture of Premium Pension Limited, a licensed Pension Fund Administrator which started operations in 2005, with current Assets Under Management standing at N621 billion.

some clients, including Aba clients, had been uncovered and being fixed to enable payment to begin.

Meanwhile, it was learnt that no fewer than 30 other policy holders in Aba were being owed since 2017.

The company, which offers life and non-life insurance policies, was still collecting premiums for fresh policies.

It is the official insurer for Abia State Auto-Reg Vehicle Insurance policy.

of Ministers.

This year’s Economic Report on Africa, a flagship publication of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) focuses on fiscal policy. Government revenues account for 21.4%, insufficient to meet countries’ development financing needs.

“The Report identifies several quick wins in Africa’s pursuit of additional fiscal space to finance its accelerated development,” Vera Songwe, the ECA’s Executive Secretary stated at the launch. “[It also] focuses on the instrumental role of fiscal policy in crowding-in investment and creating adequate fiscal space for social policy, including supporting women and youth-led small and medium enterprises.”

But, a decade away from the SDG, she added that “African countries continue to search for policy mixes to help accelerate the achievement of the SDGs. However, for many countries, financing remains the biggest bottleneck with implementing capacity a close second.”

The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

ISSN: 2545-5869

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racle www.oraclenews.ng

Today

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VOX POPULI SACRUM

EDITORIAL Assassins On The Rampage T

he news coming out of Enugu State in the his parish, St. Mark Catholic Church, Obinofia Whoever sees something should say somelast one week is one drenched in the blood Ndiuno in Ezeagu LGA, Enugu State, on March thing. of innocents. In different parts of the state, 13.

The media should endeavour to report updates people wept uncontrollably over the assasEvildoers appear to be on a rampage not just in of investigations into assassination cases. It is sinations of a Catholic priest, a university Enugu but across Nigeria. This week, another not enough to break the news or quote police teacher, and a nursing sister – people with cleric was kidnapped in Kaduna, a state curspokespersons vowing to be “on top of the the highest credentials in matters of moralrently embroiled in inter-communal wars that situation” or to “commence investigations ity. have claimed hundreds of lives in the past one into the matter”. Kept on their toes, the police Most heartrending has been the murder of the month. Needless to mention states like Borno, would be able to unravel murders. And, in fact, head of nursing in the Federal Psychiatric Zamfara and Taraba; or states like Rivers, Imo, crime rates are rising because of the failure of Hospital, Enugu, Dr Mary Amadi. Hoodlums Kano, Delta and Kwara where scores perished law enforcement agents to detect crimes and in a navy blue vehicle trailed the PhD and on account of fraudulent elections. No state in punish offenders. What is difficult, for instance, mother of two and shot her repeatedly as Nigeria is safe anymore. in unravelling those who murdered a Catholic she was entering her compound last ThursUnsolved murders have always constituted herpriest? Or those who paid assassins to get Dr day. Although she was still conscious when culean tasks for those charged with maintainAmadi out of the way? A visit to the priest’s she was taken to Parklane Hospital, she ing law and order as well as securing life and parish or the nursing sister’s workplace would eventually succumbed a few hours later. property in the country. On each occasion, the yield leads. The family members of the victims A day earlier, gunmen suspected to be herdspolice make promises of finding the killers but may also have necessary information. It is men had waylaid and killed a senior lecturer fail to achieve tangible results. always good for everyone to have friends they at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Dr But the best way of checking crime is prevention. can confide in.

Nnamdi Ogueche, as he was returning from All manner of security agencies exists in this In the past, it was not common to see a human a peace meeting between Fulani herdsmen country, and each is sustained by public funds. corpse in the streets of Nigeria. And where it and his kinsmen in Uzo-Uwani, Enugu State.

Yet, hardly does one find a dedicated official in was seen, it was almost always that of a crimiHe was also the administrative secretary of any of the agencies. All that matters to many nal. Nowadays, the corpses seen belong to Uzo-Uwani local government. is the fight for the budget or allowances to be law-abiding people. What does this show? Our Just before the news of Dr Oguche’s murder received for a job not even done. When one society is dying. There is no hell more terrible came the news that the decomposing body lodges a complaint with the police, for inthan a place people constantly live in a state of of Rev. Fr. Clement Ugwu had been found in stance, the complainant is expected to pay for fear. It is ironic that the more government alloa bush. The cleric had been kidnapped from the cost of investigation. Police extract money cates money to defence and security, the worse from complainants and suspects unthe crime rate becomes. der different guises: writing paper, pen, transport fare, bail, “happy weekend” and the like. Police and Our Vision other security agencies should not TO BE among the top five newspapers in Nibe underfunded, however. geria and, in due course, the Numero Uno; Nollywood often shows scenes to be a newspaper of records that effectiveof evil people contacting “professional” assassins at certain spots and ly caters to the information needs of all segments and sections of the Nigerian society negotiating for the elimination of as well as all social classes and cultures. Estheir targets. Of course, the scripts sentially, we want to be a responsible corpofor home videos are written based rate citizen, a commercially viable, properly on reality. Many cities harbour evil organised media business, which meets its people who commit all manner of crimes for a fee. Is it not the job of an obligations to society, government and the workforce. agency like the Department of State Services (DSS) to identify hotspots, Mission infiltrate the criminal gangs, and WE INTEND to contribute to the developmake arrests promptly? How often ment of an inclusive Nigerian society, with a have the secret police busted crimes view to getting rid of the dark sides of our without announcing their exploits national life (slothfulness, greed, corruption, in the media? Security agents should nepotism, totalitarianism, etc); to continually stop waiting for reports before they engender and sustain national debates that tackle the evil people disturbing the would ultimately lead to the enthronement peace of law-abiding Nigerians.

Nigerians, for their part, should learn of healthy national values--hard-work, justice, equity and fairplay, transparency, good govto be their brother’s keeper. Crime ernance, resulting, in themselves, the egalirate was not high in the past probtarian Nigerian society of our dream. We will ably because people were united in give voice to the voiceless and at all times, fighting crime then. Landlords must strive to be balanced, objective, honest, truthshow interest in the kind of tenants ful and fair to all sides; so that through The they have. Neighbours should watch Oracle Today, our people, the Nigerian peothe lifestyles of their co-tenants and ple can see a bright light at the end of what investigate their sources of income. has been a very dark tunnel. And we shall do Armed robbers, hired assassins, all this in absolute trust in God who blesses terrorists and other criminals are good intentions. human beings who live in our midst.

21

The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

OPINION Enugu killings: Where are the police

By DONS EZE

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wo prominet indigenes of Enugu State – Reverend Father Clement Ugwu, Parish Priest, St. Mark Catholic Church, Obinofia Ndiuno in Ezeagu Local Government Area, and Dr. Nnamdi Ogueche, a Senior Lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, who doubles as Administrative Secretary of Uzo Uwani Local Government Council, killed by unknown gun men in just one week, and the Police Command in Enugu State has no answers. All we hear is that “we are on top of the situation”.

Father Clement Ugwu was abducted from his parish around 9.00 pm on Wednesday, March 13, 2019, shot and taken to unknown destination. Frantic efforts to locate him proved abortive, while the kidnappers were said to have demanded N50 million, and later reduced it to N20 million.

The badly decomposing body of the Reverend Father was found somewhere in the bush one week later by some locals, who promptly alerted the Church authorities. Perhaps, the man might have bled to death, without assistance, or was killed instantly by his abducters. Nobody knew what exactly happened. The body was recovered and interred immediately at the priests’ burial ground at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu.

A very disappointed Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev. Callistus Onaga, recalled how, for three times, he personally visited the Police in Enugu, asking for urgent action to rescue the cleric, but they kept on

telling him that they were “on top of the situstion”, that they were “closing in on the kidnappers”.

But there we are, it was not even the police that found the lifeless body of the Reverend Father, but the local people. Where then was the assurance by the Police that they were closing in on the kidnappers and that the priest would soon be rescued?

In the case of Uzo Uwani Council Secretary, Dr. Ogueche, he was killed by suspected herdsmen who ambushed the vehicle which he was travelling with along Olo – Umulokpa Road at about 5.00 pm on Wednesday, March 20, after he had attended a meeting in his village, Adaba.

The vehicle was said to have been attacked, and the occupants jumped out to run for safety, but the assailants pursued them and shot Dr. Ogueche at close range, and he died.

These two disturbing incidents happened in just within a period of one week and the police could not make any arrest. All you keep hearing is that “investigations are going on”, for how long, and what were the outcome?

It is possible that some criminal elements, even outside Enugu State, are seriously threatening the once very peaceful state, or that the police in the state are not doing their job. Every day you keep hearing of one violent death or the other from different parts of the state, and the police do not seem to be doing much to stem the tide.

May be these bandits have taken advantage that our policemen are only interest-

ed in stopping motorists, in particular, Keke NAPEP and Okada riders, at their emergency created road blocks, where they rip off these poor fellows of their hard earned money, to strike, abduct and kill innocent citizens.

I wonder why a Reverend Father would be kidnapped and huge sums of money expected to be paid as ransom before he is released. Where would the priest get the money? In the Catholic Church, the priest is not a sole administrator or General Overseer sitting on top of the Church’s money. He is more of a supervisor, coordinating the activities of the parish. He is not even a lone signatory to the parish account, but one of the signatories.

In any case, which Catholic Parish in Enugu State could afford even up to N10 million which is not already committed to one project or the other, not to talk of the parish in the rural area, like the one where Father Clement Ugwu was kidnapped and killed?

There is no doubt that there is rising crime wave in many parts of Enugu State and both the police and other security agencies seem not to be doing much to check this menace. Fulani herdsmen are everywhere with their cattle. They destroy not just farm crops, but also kill innocent citizens in the process.

We therefore suggest an urgent convocation of security meeting by those concerned, to thoroughly examine the serious security threats in the state with a view to the country, and we want it to remain so.

•Eze, a veteran journalist and columnnipping them in board before it is too late. ist writes for donseze.wordpress.com Enugu used to be one of the safest states in

The vehicle was said to have been attacked, and the occupants jumped out to run for safety, but the assailants pursued them and shot Dr. Ogueche at close range, and he died.

These two disturbing incidents happened in just within a period of one week and the police could not make any arrest. All you keep hearing is that “investigations are going on”, for how long, and what were the outcome?

“

Ndigbo Should Change Focus, Use Strengths

By NICKY OKOYE Dear Igbo Leaders

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hat I have experienced recently with the way the Igbo nation responded to the just concluded elections is unbelievable: the unity displayed, the dedication and the collective commitment to support Atiku and Peter Obi was world-class.

It says a number of things. First is that the Igbos are indeed very united. Secondly, it shows that the Igbo nation can be mobilized if there is a strong and focused direction guided by formidable leadership.

There are enough seaports in Nigeria; we should focus on building a rail link between Port Harcourt or Warri and Onitsha.

That’s all. Then this rail line will link up to the rail connecting all seven states (including Delta and Rivers).

Or we can dredge the River Niger up to Oguta or Onitsha to complement an in-country seaport, whichever is cheaper

“

However, that MOBILIZATION must be in a tangible direction.

For some strange reasons, which I cannot understand, the leadership of Ndi-Igbo ( and here I mean the social leadership such as Aka Ikenga, OHANAEZE NDI-IGBO, Ndigbo Lagos etc.) do not take the drive to stimulate investment at home as seriously as they should. The political leaders are not as serious either. And so both segments of Igbo leadership pay lip service to this drive for investment in the south-eastern part of Nigeria; once in a while they host one or two business meetings or investment conferences and then it’s back to business as usual. Nothing happens afterwards, there is no follow-up. Everybody goes to sleep.

Then, whenever there are ethnic troubles in the north or in Lagos as we experienced at Okota or Oshodi recently, everybody remembers the south-east needs investment and the agitation starts to get Igbos to make investments back home. Once the trouble is over, the agitation dies down. As I expect, it will die down in a few days even as this most recent incident blows over.

If investing in the south-east is taken as seriously as the Igbo nation took this last election, the Igbo can mobilize over $4 billion in four years from our own people and from other private sources coming from Igbos and friends of Igbos across Nigeria and across the entire world. And this $4 billion can be leveraged to over $12 billion. I don’t think any of the states in the south-east will get this kind of money in 20 years from their FAAC feeding bottle.

These funds can cover: a rail link for all the states to carry goods and people a new modern city in Anambra a world-class medical village at Awgu Enugu, beside UNTH a few industrial estates — one mega industrial estate in Nnewi, one at Aba and one at Abakiliki, Ebonyi State substantial investment in ultra-modern 21st-century education facilities as well as 21st-century

logistics facilities sited in each state A super world-class technology innovation centre, which would prepare our young people in skills such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, digital connectivity, autonomous mobility and lots more.

These are all bankable projects that will target the world as their market. Already, technology companies from Germany are recruiting Igbo technology talent from UNN directly — it’s happening, it’s uncoordinated and below the radar of our political leadership.

The mass migration back east would be smooth and swift once the investment starts pouring in. We do not need to have a vice president or a president to accomplish this. And whereas restructuring of Nigeria is a desired political goal in the future, it will not be necessary to wait for this. We can get off our asses, roll up our sleeves and GET TO WORK to put our region on the map with or without restructuring of Nigeria.

Nobody should bother talking about a new seaport at this time; it would be a waste of money. There are enough seaports in Nigeria; we should focus on building a rail link between Port Harcourt or Warri and Onitsha. That’s all. Then this rail line will link up to the rail connecting all seven states (including Delta and Rivers). Or we can dredge the River Niger up to Oguta or Onitsha to complement an in-country seaport, whichever is cheaper.

We can also raise another $600 million for the second Niger Bridge ourselves. I am very surprised we still want the federal government to do this for us. The project is bankable and can pay for itself. A joint venture between Anambra State and Delta State could make this happen. And even if the Sovereign Wealth Fund claims they have put all the money aside for the second Niger Bridge, we should still raise our counterpart funding and buy the entire project

off the federal government and its Wealth Fund.

There is nothing stopping this other than the lack of political will.

My advice to the Igbo leadership (both social and political): Let your professionals help you to define a direction and a viable future for all our children. Let’s change our focus and use our strengths. Let’s stop crying, whining and complaining.

Complaining is not a strategy!

Best regards

• Dr Okoye is on: Twitter: @nickyokoye Instagram: @nickyokoye Facebook: Dr Nicky Okoye

THE GROUP Managing Editor/COO Felix Oguejiofor Abugu Deputy Managing Editor/COO Sopuruchi Onwuka Chairman Editorial Board Igwebike Mbanefo SE/SS Editor Odogwu Emeka Odogwu Acting BDM Kelechi Nze Head, Graphics & Designs Nnamdi Alex Chukwu Circulation Manager Felix Oti

The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

HEALTH I Therapies for breast Cancer: Therapies of choice & drugs n the recent times, research studies have looked at the possibility of avoiding radiation therapy for women age 70 and above with an estrogen receptor positive (ER) early stage tumour or for those women with a small tumour. In overall, these studies show that radiation therapy reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence in the same breast, compared with no radiation therapy. However, radiation therapy does not lengthen women’s life, neither does it grantee long life for women diagnosed or treated before of breast cancer. For younger ladies 40 to 60, radiation therapy is a welcomed development.

Radiation therapy is the use of high energy x-ray or other particles to destroy cancer cells. Radiation oncologists often recommend this therapy as a means of treating cancers. Most times, it works.The most common type of radiation treatment is external-beam radiation therapy, which is radiation given from a machine outside the body. There is intra-operative radiation therapy, the one given using a probe in the operating room. Radiation therapy can be given by placing radioactive sources into the tumour-called brachytherapy. Although the research results are encouraging intra-operative radiation therapy and brachytherapy are not widely used.

A radiation therapy regimen or schedule usually consists of a specific number of treatments given over a set period of time.

Radiation therapy often helps lower the risk of recurrence in the breast. In fact, with modern surgery and radiation therapy recurrence rates in the breasts are now less than 5% in the 10years after treatment and survival is the same with lumpectomy or mastectomy. If there is cancer in the lymph nodes under the arm, radiation therapy can as well be given to the same side of the neck or under arm near the breast or chest wall. Radiation therapy can be given before or after surgery. Neodjuvant radiation is the radiation therapy given before surgery to shrink a large tumour, which makes it easier to remove the cancer cell.

Adjuvant radiation therapy is given after surgery; most commonly after a lumpectomy. But in mastectomy is not necessary.

In the past, use of older equipment and radiation therapy techniques, women who received treatment for breast cancer on the left side of the body had a small increase in the long-term risk of heart disease.

Modern techniques are now able to spare the vast majority of the heart problems from the effects of radiation therapy. After a lumpectomy, standard radiation therapy is external-beam radiation therapy given Monday through Friday for 5 or 6 weeks.

This includes radiation therapy to the whole breast the first 5 to 6 weeks, followed by a more focused treatment to where the tumour was located in the breast for the remaining treatments. This focused part of the treatment is called a boost, is a standard for women with invasive breast cancer to reduce the risk of a recurrence in the breast.

Women with Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) can also receive the boost. For women with a

low risk of recurrence, the boost may be optional.

After a mastectomy, for those who need radiation therapy, it is usually given 5 days a week for 5 to 6 weeks. Radiation therapy can be given after reconstruction. Newer regimens that shorten the length of standard radiation treatment are also in use. In a method called hypo-fractionated radiation therapy, a higher daily dose is given to the whole breast so that the overall length of treatment is shortened, 3 to 4 weeks. Large studies show that women with early-stage breast cancer who received the therapy have shown equal cure rates, equal and very low risks for complication and equal or better appearance of the breasts 10 years after treatment when compared with standard radiation therapy. Hypo-fractionated radiation therapy can be combined with a boost to the tumour site either during or after the whole breast radiation treatments. However, women with special situations or a low-risk tumour could reasonably choose not to have radiation therapy and use only systemic therapy.

Systemic therapy is treatment taken by mouth or through a vein that gets into the bloodstream to reach cancer cells wherever they may be in the body. There are 3 general categories of systemic therapy used for early stage and locally-advanced breast cancer: Chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and targeted therapy. Each treatment is described below in more details. Treatment options are based on information about

HEALTH

With Dr. JOHN

NWABUEZE •Calls only: +234-8127227226, Email: ogudoben@gmail.com

the cancer and overall health and treatment preferences for the patient.

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells, usually by ending the cancers cells ability to grow and divide.

Chemotherapy is prescribed by medical oncologists, doctors who specialize in treating cancer with medication. Systemic chemotherapy gets into the blood-stream to reach cancer cells throughout the body. Common ways to give chemotherapy include an intravenous (iv) tube placed into a vein using a needle, an injection under the skin-subcutaneous or into a muscle, intramuscular (im) or a pill or capsule that is swallowed orally. Chemotherapy may be given before surgery to shrink a large tumour and make surgery easier, called neoadjuvant chemotherapy. It can also be given after surgery to reduce the risk

of recurrence, called adjuvant chemotherapy. A chemotherapy regimen or schedule usually consists of a specific number of cycles given over a set period of time. Chemotherapy can be given on many different schedules depending on what worked best in clinical trials for that specific types of regimen. It may be given once a week, once every two weeks, called dose-dense, once every three weeks, or even once every four weeks.

There are many types of chemotherapy used to treat breast cancer. The common drugs are: Capecitabine (xeloda) carboplatin (paraplatin) ciplatin (platinol) Docetaxel (Docefrez, Taxotere) Epirubicin (Ellence) Flourouracil (5-Fu, Adrucil) Protein-bound paclitaxel (Abraxane) Vinorelbine (Navelbine) etc. A patient may receive a drug at a time or combinations of different drugs given at the same time. Research

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has shown that combinations of certain drugs are most moer effective than single drugs for adjuvant treatment. The following drugs or combinations of drugs can be used as adjuvant therapy for early-stage and locally advanced breast cancer: Ac (doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide) AC or EC (epirubicin and cyclophosphamide) followed by T (doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide, followed by paclitaxel or docetaxel or reversal process).

CAF (cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin and 5-Fu); CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fu); TAC (docetaxed, doxorubicin and cyclophamide) etc.

Therapies that target the Human Epidermal Growth Factor (HER2) receptor may be given with chemotherapy for HER2-positive breast cancer therapy. An example is the antibody trastuzumab. Combination regimens for HER2-positive breast cancer may include: ACTH (doxorubicin, cyclopphospamide, paclitaxel, trastuzumab) TCH (docetaxel, carboplatin, trastuzumab) TH (paclitaxel, trastuzumab) TCHP (docetaxel, carboplatin, trastuzumab, pertuzumab) etc. The side effects of chemotherapy depends on the individual drug(s) used, the schedule and dose used. The side effects in some cases include fatigue, infection, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, loss of appetite and diarrhea. These side effects can go in a while.

Hormonal therapy also called endocrine therapy, is an effective treatment for most tumours that test positive for either estrogen or progesterone receptors (called ER-positive) or PR Positive. This type’s of tumour uses hormones to fuel its growth. Blocking the hormones can help prevent a cancer recurrence, and death from breast cancers when used either by itself or after adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy . Hormonal therapy can be given before surgery to shrink the tumour and make surgery easier. Tamoxifen is a drug that blocks estrogen from binding to breast cancer cells. And Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) decrease the amount of estrogen made in tissues.

Targeted therapy is a treatment that targets the cancer specific genes, protein, or the tissues environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival. These treatments are very focused and work differently than chemotherapy. This type of treatment blocks the growth and spread of cancer cells and limiting damage to health cells. Presently, many research studies are taking place now worldwide to find out more about specific molecular targets and new treatments directed at them.

•Dr. John Nwabueze Calls only: +234-8127227226, Email: ogudoben@gmail.com

The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

Travel & Hospitality

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Ten countries colour francophone week food fair in FCT Stories by VICTOR NZE

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EN countries participated at the French francophone week’s international food fair, which ended last weekend, in the FCT. The week-long event had programmes line up to showcase the French culture which was to enlighten guests about their cultural celebration.

Other programmes for the week included; film screening of both partners and French movie, Good French dinner at different locations in the FCT, lectures of languages in Nigeria and the interaction outside the country.

Teachers’ competitions and lastly the concert. The week activities commenced from March 18 to March 23.

The countries that participated at the food fair are; Ivory Coast, Nigeria had two stalls to showcase some of its cultural heritage through food, then we have Belgium and Mali.

Others are; Argentina, Switzerland, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Burkina Faso and Cameroun.

Remarking, Ambassador of Argentina to Nigeria, Maria Del Car-

men-Squeff, said that this was the first time she was attending the francophone week food fair.

She added that her country’s food stand Argentina had ` Pastelitos and Empanadas De Carne’ Pastelitos is made with sweet fried pastry filled with papaya jam.

While, Empanadas de Carne is pastry made with wheat flour and filled with minced beef meat and onions, it can be baked or fried, and we have red wine to go with it.

“Today is an important day because this will be the first time, we are presenting two dishes in a fair in Nigeria.

“Since we came at the fair, we have had a good reception and people like our food and wine, judging that Argentina is known for producing wine,’’ she said.

President of the French Club in the French Institute Abuja, Eunice Kazeem, said that this was her second time of attending the food fair organised by the institut.

“It has been an interesting experience because is a collection of different French cuisine from francophone countries to celebrate their anniversary. So Nigerian being the host country it is necessary for us to have our own stand, so what they do here is Nigerians around

Delta thrills Lagos inflight passengers with fresh flavours, others

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S part of Delta’s continued investment in the customer experience, the airline has committed to seasonal refreshes for its onboard menus, this spring.

This means that even the most frequent of travellers has something new to look forward to in-flight, in addition to familiar favourites that customers have come to know and love.

In the latest seasonal menu refresh, Delta One customers can look forward to reinvigorating flavours that help usher in springtime.

Starting March 1, customers traveling between Lagos and the U.S. can enjoy selections including, spring-inspired dishes like Bourbon Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon with warm lemon scented potato salad and haricots verts and Roasted Chicken Breast with herb butter, okra, tomatoes, plantains and rice.

As part of the airline’s popular pre-select meal programme, customers confirmed in the Delta One cabin will receive an email from Delta three days prior to their flight, asking them to pick their first choice meal.

Delta’s new spring meals will be complemented by a selection of wines curated by Delta’s Master Sommelier, Andrea Robinson.

Andrea’s spring lineup includes regionally sourced wines chosen to perfectly pair with the latest menus on all Delta One flights between Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the U.S. To view Andrea’s full spring wine selection, click here.

Main cabin between Lagos and the U.S. will have upgraded meals featuring new appetizers and salads and including entrées of Afri-

can Chicken with spicy red sauce and Roasted Beef with bredie sauce. Menu cards will also be provided to every Main Cabin and Delta Comfort+ guest, which include details on the in-flight food and beverage offerings plus timings for each meal.

Customers connecting onto U.S. domestic flights can enjoy complimentary snacks. Delta will introduce two new snack options this spring – Squirrel Brand almonds and Cheez-It crackers. These options will be served in addition to the airline’s beloved signature Biscoff cookies and gluten-free KIND Dark Chocolate Chunk Bars.

Starting this month, Delta will begin boarding new premium tea selections from Pure Leaf for Delta One customers to sip and savour in-flight. Flavours will include English Breakfast, Green Tea with Jasmine, Peppermint Herbal Tea and Earl Grey.

Pure Leaf teas will also be available on the ground in Delta Sky Clubs starting May 1, where customers can find even more flavours to love – like Chamomile, Chai Tea, Ginger with Orange Blossom and Black Tea with Berries, as well as the four in-flight flavours.

In addition to providing a great taste for customers, Pure Leaf teas align with Delta’s industryleading sustainability strategy.

Every Pure Leaf product uses tea from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ tea estates from around the world.

Delta will also introduce Lipton, one of the world’s best-selling tea brands, starting this month for customers seated in Delta Premium Select, First Class, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin.

to come and test different food of francophone countries.

“And for francophone country to come and test Nigerian cuisines too and it has been so interesting to see the turnout. We have on display `Ofada Rice and Beef Sauce’ a delicacy of Abeokuta people in the western part of Nigeria’’, she said.

Similarly, Baba Aliyu, a Student of Institut francais Abuja, said his

experience at the institute and the week celebration has been interesting because he could interact with other people apart from students.

“The French culture is a culture that is full of fun and in having fun we make new friends and I have met new people and new friends.

“The food fair is great because it is an opportunity to test food

from different countries, because I know that some of these meals, I won’t have the opportunity to test them. If not for today I won’t have had the opportunity to test them because we all know that is expensive.

“Also, is nice to see representatives from these countries to come and display their food for us to experience,’’ he said.

•Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe flanked by Commissioner for Arts and Culture/ Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osaze Osemwegie-Ero, State Director for Arts and Culture, Moses Obakpolor, veteran film producer, Lancelot Odua Imasuen and Special Assistant to state Governor Godwin Obaseki on Arts and Culture and some management staff of the Council during the World Press Conference organised at the instance of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) to flag off publicity campaign for the 2019 edition of NAFEST to hold in Edo state.

Okowa makes case for preservation of African languages •Launches Ika Bible translation

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ELTA State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has called for the preservation of African Language.

The governor made the call, weekend, at the public presentation cum dedication of the Holy Bible written in Ika language.

The event took place at the Cathedral Church of Ascension, Boji Boji Owa, Ika North-East local government area of Delta State.

According to Governor Okowa, “it has become very common to see parents communicating with their children in pidgin English rather than their mother tongue.

With the Ika Bible, we are making progress in the preservation of our language and the spreading of the word of God in Ika language,“ he

said.

While congratulating those who made it possible for the Bible to be translated in Ika language, Governor Okowa asserted, “it is important that we teach our children how to speak, read and write in Ika language.”

Primate of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh in a sermon at the event, thanked God for the several ways He is assisting Nigeria and congratulated Governor Okowa for his re-election victory.

He observed that the implication of having the Holy Bible in Ika language is that it will make the Ika people to know God well, make the Ika people to come back to God through His son, Jesus Christ,

‘NewGen ISS not specific to Nigeria alone’

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HE International Air Transport Association (IATA) has clarified that NewGen ISS (New Generation of IATA Settlement Systems) is not a programme that is specific only to Nigeria.

IATA in a statement signed by Linden Birns – Plane Talking, Advisor to IATA, Sub-Sahara Africa said that it represents the modernisation of the IATA Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) used by more than 50,000 IATA-accredited travel agents around the world.

NewGen ISS is being rolled out progressively to all 180 BSP markets. IATA noted in its statement that it worked collaboratively with travel agent representatives to introduce NewGen ISS, adding that forums such as the Passenger

Agency Programme Global Joint Council (PAPGJC) and Agency Program Joint Councils (APJCs) enabled IATA’s travel agent partners to contribute to the development of NewGen. The body outlined the the benefits of NewGen ISS to strengthened protection against fraud through an enhanced risk management framework for travel agents. Furthermore, NewGen ISS offers travel agents three levels of accreditation, which allows them to choose the level that best matches their business model.

The new accreditation models are making it easier for local Nigerian travel agents to become IATA-accredited through a lighter option (GoLite).

among others.

The Bible is the manual which God gave to man on how to worship him, adding, “God speaks and acts and the proper reaction of human being to the words or actions of God is to worship Him.” “When God speaks to you or He appears in your life, the reaction is to worship Him, rejoice for what God has done for you with your heart, dance like David did,” the Primate said, adding that with the translation of the Bible in Ika language, God has spoken to the people of Ika nation.

He asserted, “the most important aspect of having the Holy Bible in Ika language is evangelism; it is very very important that wherever you find yourself, no matter your profession, preach the word of God, win souls for Christ.”

Chairman of the Board of Trustees to Ika Bible Project, Bishop Augustine Iweriebor in an address, said, “we are here to set a landmark which generations yet unborn in Ika nation will make reference to, stand upon as a bedrock for further spiritual enhancement and make claim to as a means of both local, national and international identification; the Ika Bible dedication is epoch making event which has both physical and spiritual dimensions; since the language of the people of any ethnicity is a major pivot which the culture and the custom of the people rest upon, the Ika Bible will help in this regard, as well as preserve the language for posterity.

While disclosing that the Ika Bible translation started in 1999, Bishop Iweriebor thanked those who contributed to the successful translation of the Ika Bible.

The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

Money t0 States

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Federation-Account-Allocation-Committee (FAAC) Feb. 2019

The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

Money to LGA’s

Federation-Account-Allocation-Committee (FAAC) Feb. 2019

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The Oracle Today Wednesday March 27, 2019

EQUITY & Capital Market SEC approves rules on Green Bonds in readiness for derivatives trading • Hosts maiden Award night Stories by JEROME USHAKANG

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HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the rules on Green Bonds, and would in the nearest future endorse the rules on derivatives trading.

The Commission took the decision after intensive deliberations at the first quarter meeting of the Capital Market Committee (CMC) for 2019 held last Thursday in Lagos, aimed at rapid development of the capital market sector.

Briefing newsmen on discussions and resolutions taken at the CMC meeting at the weekend, Acting Director-General of the SEC, Ms Mary Uduk said, “This week stands out as a memorable one in the Nigerian capital market as it witnessed the Commission hosting its first Awards Night on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, themed committed partnership: capital market and economic development, to recognize individuals who have partnered with the Commission to work in various Technical Committees towards achieving the initiatives in the SEC 10-year Capital Market Master plan.”

Uduk also disclosed that the capital community equally had the third in the series of its Budget Seminar where the role of the capital market in effective budget implementation was discussed.

“The year 2019 promises to be an interesting one for the Nigerian capital market as we shall undertake a review of the 10-year Nigerian Capital Market Master Plan.

This review is intended to align the master-plan with current realities on macroeconomic, political and market development fronts.” The SEC Acting DG, added.

Uduk told Journalists that they had a successful CMC event as discussions at the meeting featured

updates, presentations from technical committees, Safe Regulatory Organizations (SROs) and observer groups on various capital market activities. A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting stated that: The Commission has made progress in attempting to resolve the issues around transmission of shares related to the estate of deceased investors. It revealed that the process has commenced with the Lagos State Probate Registry and the Commission, with the support of relevant stakeholders, shall carry out an engagement/enlightenment programme for the probate registry.

The Commission will also direct Public Companies to grant its representatives and Registrars at Annual General Meetings (AGMs) Meetings, to address shareholders on the benefits of distributing annual reports electronically.

In addition, the Financial Literacy Technical Committee has developed and included financial literacy contents on dedicated web pages on the SEC website. The Commission encourage investors to utilize these pages to learn more about the capital market.

“As part of our efforts to ensure successful implementation of the complaints management framework, the Commission has ensured that all Trade Groups are duly registered. The Commission therefore is working on institutionalizing periodic meetings with the Heads of Trade Groups to define their roles and address their challenges. “The communiqué stressed.

It also stated that the capital market community recognizes the importance of the E-IPO project to improve issuance processes and encourage more investor participation. The draft framework for its implementation has been devel-

Acting DG, SEC, Ms. Mary Uduk middle and top officials of the commission at q1 CMC meeting in Lagos oped and presented at the CMC meeting. The SEC has exposed the framework and rules guiding the eIPO and stakeholders now have up till Friday, March 29, 2019 to review and send their suggestions for improvement.

It also observed that the existence of a harmonious relationship between the Commission and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is very vital to the development of the Nigerian capital market. To this end, a technical committee would be constituted to address mutual issues of concern between the Commission and the CAC. In addition to the resolutions reached by the CMC, members held discussions on other pertinent issues in the Nigerian capital market. These include; Engagement between the Commission and CBN on margin lending which has since commenced. However, delibera-

tions are still ongoing on the inclusion of Bank shares in the margin list.

The market wide committee on identity management and account validation for transactions in the capital marketwas enjoined to fast track its activities. In furtherance of this initiative, the Commission is to engage the CBN to facilitate the validation process through NIBBS. . It was acknowledged that the Dematerialization exercise was successful. However, the implementation of this initiative was restricted to shares of listed companies.Consequently, the CMC is advocating for the extension of the exercise to shares of unlisted public companies.

This would enhance liquidity and ease market processes.

The market also advocated for the Commission to take strong actions against Company secretaries

NSE places full suspension on Diamond Bank shares

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HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has placed full suspension on trading in the shares of Diamond Bank Plc on its floor with effect from Wednesday, March 20, 2019, preparatory to delist, following acquisition by Access Bank Plc. The Exchange in a statement said the suspension is also required to prevent trading in the shares of the Diamond Bank in order to determine the Bank’s shareholders who will qualify to receive the Scheme of Merger consideration.

Another reason according to the Nigerian Stock Exchange is that the suspension of Diamond Bank’s shares follows a court sanction of the Scheme of Merger between the bank and Access Bank Plc. Diamond Bank obtained the court sanction of the Scheme on Tuesday March19, 2019, being the effective date for the scheme. The merger process was near its concluding stage last week, after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) both granted the banks final approval to merge.

The shareholders of the banks have earlier on March 5, approved the merger between the two banks, at an Extra Ordinary General Meetings (EGM) held in Lagos.

Commenting on the merger, Ac-

cess Bank Group Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer, Mr Herbert Wigwe, told the shareholders at the EGM that the merger with Diamond Bank will enable Access Bank to inherit a bank with 17 million retail customers and the most viable mobile payment platform. He said that the expected revenue and cost synergies were material and promises as well as significant long term value.

According to him, the bank, after the merger, would attract more opportunities such as trade finance from international partners.“With the final merger of both banks and

the status of the resulting entity as ‘the largest bank in Africa’s largest economy,’ this greatly bolsters the bank’s brand, opening doors of opportunity both in local and international markets,” he said.

He said the merger was expected to produce the largest banking group in Africa based on its number of customers with more than 29 million customers.“The resulting entity which will maintain the brand name Access Bank, but with Diamond Bank colours, will have more than 29 million customers, 13 million of which are mobile customers,” he

said.

The GMD stated that the bank would be a continental force with presence in 12 countries, 3,100 ATMS and nearly 32, 000 Point of Sale.“As a continental financial force, it is set to attract more opportunities such as trade finance from international partners seeking multinational lenders with local intelligence,” he said.

However, some financial analysts are of the view that both banks are poised to offer the best banking experience in Africa. When the merger eventually takes effect in the second quarter of this year.

and Treatment of Default Filing, Rulebook of The Exchange which provides that: “If an Issuer fails to file the relevant accounts by the expiration of the Cure Period, The Exchange will either send to the Issuer a “Second Filing Deficiency Notification” within two business days after the end of the Cure Period; or suspend trading in the Issuer’s securities; and notify the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Market within twenty- four hours of the suspension.”

According to the NSE, Thomas Wyatt Nigeria Plc which was one of the suspended companies, has now filed itsoutstanding Interim Financial Statements to the Exchange.

The Exchange said, “In view of the submission of the Company’s outstanding financial statements and pursuant to Rule 3.3 of the Default Filing Rules, which provides that: The suspension of trading in the Issuer’s securities shall be lifted upon submission of the relevant accounts provided The

who aid the trade of shares of unlisted public company outside a SEC recognized platform as required by the law.

To showcase the immense potentials of the commodities ecosystem to the economies of sub-nationals, the Commission, in collaboration with the commodities ecosystem implementation committee, is planning activities to sensitize members of the Nigerian Governors Forum, especially now that general elections are over. To this end, an international conference is being proposed to hold in September 2019, with experts from within and other jurisdictions expected to be in attendance.

The market was also informed of some successes recorded thus far in the regularization of multiple share subscription. Through this exercise, some Nigerian investors in Diaspora have been able to consolidate their shareholding accounts. Similarly, several local investors with numerous accounts have also been able to consolidate their investments.

Meanwhile, the capital market community therefore, enjoins the general public to take advantage of this initiative to regularize their shareholding accounts before the December 31, 2019 deadline. We crave the indulgence of the ladies and gentlemen of the press to sensitize the public on this initiative.

The CMC meeting is a periodic gathering of stakeholders in the Nigerian capital market where critical issues and robust discussions are held and decisions are taken concerning developments in the Nigerian capital market.

... Lifts suspension on trading in Thomas Wyatt shares

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he Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has announced the lifting of suspension placed on the trading in the shares of Thomas Wyatt Nigeria Plc. The company was suspended on November 1, 2018, and it was reported in a Market Bulletin with Reference Number:NSE/RD/LRD/ MB01/18/11/01 in which Dealing Members were notified of the suspension of six listedcompanies for non-compliance with Rule 3.1, Rules for Filing of Accounts

Exchange is satisfied that the accounts ofThomas Wyatt Nigeria Plc comply with all applicable rules of The Exchange “.

Accordingly, The Exchange shall thereafter also announce through the medium by which the public and the SEC was initially notified of the suspension”, Dealing members are hereby notified that the suspension placed in the trading of the shares of Thomas Wyatt Nigeria Plc was lifted on Wednesday, March 20, 2019.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

Love and Living

...With Ireto Temofeh

MODEL OF THE WEEK

LOVE NEWS

Husband repeatedly stabbed wife’s lover after she taunted him saying ‘He’s better in bed than you’

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Name: Dammy Tel: 08125936432 • If you want to be our next ORACLE GIRL, e-mail or forward your photos/data to ireto007@yahoo.com. Call 07031028714.

ODD NEWS

Expert says using lemon or lime can ruin your drink A drinks industry expert has revealed how to make the perfect gin and tonic Sam Carter from Bombay Sapphire, said ginger and mint are perfect ingredients.

He revealed that lemon and lime soaked in water can make the G&T ‘musty’ Many of would be outraged if our G&T was served without a slice of lemon or lime.

But according to a gin expert these garnishes should be avoided at costs when it comes to making the perfect gin & tonic. Sam Carter, a senior ambassador at Bombay Sapphire, told Business Insider that the citrus fruits add ‘mustiness’.

The expert, who has 22 years experience in the drinks industry, said the perfect ingredients for a gin & tonic are actually ginger and mint.

According to Carter, lemon and lime that has been sitting around in water can ruin the taste of your drink.

He said: ‘It just adds a real fusty, mustiness to it.’

Carter advises that ginger, which should be put in the glass first, and a spring of mint are the perfect addition to a G&T because they ‘pull on two of the botanicals in the gin’.

He also said the perfect mixture is one part gin and two parts tonic, and the more ice the better.

jilted husband repeatedly stabbed his wife’s lover in front of crowds in a shopping centre after she told him his love rival was better in the bedroom.

David Barrow, 46, had followed Nicolette Barrow, his wife of 19 years, to a secret rendez-vous with her lover Jason Earle at a shopping centre in Bristol.

He confronted the pair and was about to walk away when Mrs Barrow said ‘He’s better in bed that you, deal with it.’

Barrow then repeatedly stabbed Mr Earle, causing damage to his liver.

Onlookers at the busy shopping centre in Cribbs Causeway said Barrow appeared to be punching Mr Earle and to have forgotten he had the knife in his hand. After the attack he was seen repeatedly headbutting a wall.

At a hearing at Bristol Crown Court, Barrow, who has two teenage children with his wife, was jailed for fourand-a-half years after he admitted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The court heard the Barrows had been married for 19 years when Mrs Barrow, 43, met Mr Earle over the internet and the pair started an affair.

They met in secret, sometimes even at the family home in Patchway in Bristol.

Peter Coombe, prosecuting, said on one occasion the Barrows, Mr Earle and his wife met at Strensham services on the M5 in Worcestershire to discuss what had been going on.

During this meeting Barrow said to Mr Earle: ‘It’s a good job this wasn’t two hours ago.

‘I would be banged up by now because I had a knife.

‘If I found you in my house you’d have been dead. I know everything about you. I know where you live.’

The Barrows decided to go to marriage counselling and Mrs Barrow agreed not to see Mr Earle while she and her husband tried to repair their marriage.

But the affair continued.

Barrow found out and bought a satnav and block of knives as he planned to warn off his wife’s lover.

He hired a car and on July 12 drove to Mr Earle’s home in Malvern,

Worcestershire, to confront him.

But he changed his mind on the way and began to make his way back to Bristol, the court heard. As he drove home along M5 he saw Mr Earle’s van overtake him and he decided to change course again and follow him.

Barrow called his wife to ask where she was and found he was at The Mall shopping centre at Cribbs Causeway, Bristol - where Mr Earle was also heading.

When the trio arrived at the busy shopping centre Barrow confronted Mr Earle who admitted he was meeting Mrs Barrow.

Barrow phoned his wife and she joined the two men before they each ‘exchanged words’.

He was just about to walk away when his wife insulted his prowess in the bedroom and he attacked Mr Earle.

Barrow lunged at his wife’s lover outside a Marks and Spencer store and plunged the knife into him. Some of the wounds were so deep his liver was injured and blood was found in his lungs.

Mr Earle was given life-saving treatment by a number of firefighters who were doing a charity event at the shopping centre before police and paramedics arrived.

Ian Kelcey, mitigating, said: ‘This is a truly tragic case.

‘Clearly this was an act completely out of character for this man, a man with no previous convictions who had led a blameless life.

‘He had been a hard worker within a major institution within this city, where he had been positively vetted to a high degree.

‘He was a family man, dedicated to his children and his wife. He had been told a tissue of lies. He was desperate to save his marriage and his family life with his children.’

Mr Kelcey added: ‘This [the comment about his bedroom prowess] really was what broke this man on that fateful Saturday morning.

‘He has lost everything that he strived for throughout the years. In short, he is a broken man who appears before you today.’

As well as the prison sentence, a three-year restraining order was imposed.

ROMANTIC JOKE ROGER!

And your enjoyment of your G&T can also be affected by your choice of glass, with a balloon glass being the preferred choice and a burgundy red wine glass at a close second.

These glasses allow the drinker to get their noses right inside them, giving them a good whiff of the drink - part of the enjoyment of a good G&T. Carter said the choice of tonic made a huge difference, and revealed that Fever Tree and Schweppes Cucumber Tonic were his favourites. Gin lovers were sent

into a frenzy recently when popular brand launched Premium Pink Distilled Gin & Tonic cans for £1.80 a tin at four major supermarkets in time for the first May bank holiday weekend.

Gordon’s Pink Gin, which launched last year, is said to taste of raspberries and red currants with a touch of juniper.

It has now been pre-mixed with Schweppes Tonic in tins, which are on sale at Asda, Morrisons, Tesco and the Co-op.

Roger is a hard worker, and he spends most of his nights bowling or playing volleyball. One weekend, his wife decides that he needs to relax a little and take a break from sports, so she takes him to a strip club. The doorman at the club spots them and says “Hey Roger! How are you tonight?” His wife, surprised, asks her husband if he has been here before.

“No, no. He’s just one of the guys I bowl with.”

They are seated, and the waitress approaches, sees Roger and says “Nice to see you, Roger. A gin and tonic as usual?”

His wife’s eyes widen. “You must come here a lot!”

“No, no,” says Roger. “I just know her from volleyball.”

Then a stripper walks up to the table. She throws her arms around Roger and says, “Roger! A table dance as usual?”

His wife, fuming, collects her things and storms out of the bar.

Roger follows her and spots her getting into a cab, so he jumps into the passenger seat. His wife looks at him, seething with fury and flips out on Roger. Just then, the cabby leans over and says “Sure looks like you picked up a bitch tonight, Roger!

28

The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

Relationships and Love Advice

My ex is back again with his sweet tongue

Love Search Women seeking relationship/ marriage Precious, Igbo, with great potentials, needs a genuine rich widower with two or three kids.

He must be a presentable, born again, educated man of 40 years and above for serious marriage.

07065658063.

Stella; 32; fair; from Enugu; living in Lagos; needs a clean rich man for a serious relationship: 08028003811.

Chiommy, very tall, fair, sexy, hippy, busty, needs a sugar daddy who will take good care of her and she will satisfy him very well. 09028379398.

Chinyere, 35, dark, single mum, humble, works, seeks a hardworking man from 38 years and above for marriage.09038028331.

Viky, 52, widow, working, Igbo, chocolate, average height, wants to get connected to a man of 53-60 years (not a divorcee) from any tribe.08036309809.

Humble, 40, needs a sponsor in her theology school. 09026452405.

Dear Love Doctor,

M

y name is Nneka. I’ve been in love with a guy for 3 years now. And he has started paying my bride price since the past one month. What I want in marriage is happiness and understanding, irrespective of if my husband is rich or not.

However, I’m not happy with his attitude at

present. He gets upset at the slightest provocation and keeps malice with me for one to two months.

I have begged him and advised him to change but he has refused. Now I want to quit the marriage for peace to reign since he doesn’t want my happiness.

Dear Nneka,

P

If you want to marry, learn to accept someone the way he is & be patient.

You can’t change his personality. Lovers who like keeping malice with their partners are usually either immature, extremely sensitive or the vindictive/ unforgiving type. If your man is very sensitive, stopdoing things that provoke him. Does he always act childishly? If he is childish, don’t rush to marry him because he may not bepsychologically ripe or mature enough for marriage.

One way to heal an immature male lover is by depending less on him.

When he sees that you’re independent (eg, you don’t ask him for money anymore), he will start behaving himself in order to win your love. Maybe he keeps malice with you because you always depend on him. Depend less on him so that he can respect you.Relationships are not generally built on changing people’s character. Rather, relationships are built on accepting people the way they are & learning to live with their faults, because no one

Funke, 44, needs a man (widower or divorcée) of 50-55 years for a serious relationship.08185083988.

Lora, graduate, works, HIV Positive, based in Jos, wants a HIV positive man of 35-40 years for marriage. 08090925014.

A single mother needs a responsible man for a relationship. 08140599563.

Love Doctor’s Advice: lease try to control your anger because anger makes people take rash decisions. What do you do that makes him keep malice with you?

Do you demand too much or offend him in some way? Or is your man simply acting childishly? It is assumed that before two people decide to marry, they must be compatible. If you’re not sure of your compatibility, why rush into marriage?

Three years is long enough to decide if you’re compatible or not to marry. Or have you endured for three years with him because he gives you money? I advise you to search your heart. Take time to search your heart & find out the reason you want to be with him. Most people go into relationships for one of four major reasons.

1.Love. 2. Lust. 3. Loneliness. 4. Financial or other benefit (eg, job, sponsor etc). Search your heart & find out the real reason you want to be with him. Then decide if you want to spend the rest of your life with him or not.

Rose, in Lagos, just rented a shop, needs someone to support her in starting a business.

08107458039.

is perfect.

The best way to address your man’s attitude of “keeping malice” is through communication. Call him & explain to him how much his attitude hurts you. Tell him that you love him & that if he values your happiness, he should stop hurting you through his attitude. Tell him that his attitude of keeping malice is the only issue that could affect your happiness if both of you marry.

If there is any other issue bothering you about him, now is the time to tell him & resolve it before marriage.

Explain the implications to him & stop doing anything that givesrise to such a negative attitude from him. Be patient with him, because people who act childishly are like babies. It would take time for them to grow up. But if you can’t take it anymore, tell his parents to talk to him.

Finally, try to control your anger so that your final decision will be based on reason & sound judgment.

Do you have advice on this problem? Please share your thoughts. Call 07031028714 or 08131161840. Email: ireto007@yahoo.com Do you have a marriage/wedding, birthday, anniversary or club or town meeting announcement to make? Call 07031028714 now!

E-Mail: ireto007@yahoo.com Go to foodstuffs. com.ng. Call Love Doctor: 07031028714, 08131161840.

Men seeking relationship/ marriage Uche, a graduate in Lagos, needs a kind woman or man to help him in his new business.

Text08131161840.

Divine, 36, wants a beautiful, highly educated, tall, fair, working class lady from 25-30 years for marriage. 09054199030.

Diamond Prince, 28, living in Lagos, needs a sugar mummy. 07069498904.

Emmy needs a mature lady or widow in Lagos for companionship. 08077821830.

Godspower, 33, tall, from Kogi, based in Abuja, wants a sugar mummy from 40 years and above based in Abuja, to satisfy her very well.

0810069625,07018735547.

Emeka, 54, in Lagos, needs an educated woman between 32-35 years for a wife. 08118482541.

29

The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

With Douglas Omoyooma

Why I’m passionate about the girl child – Chidinma Aaron, Miss Nigeria Current Miss Nigeria, Chidinma Aaron, has shared her passion for the girl child in a chat with Oracle Today. Chidinma, who emerged Miss Nigeria last year November after a keen contest where she trounced over a dozen girls to emerge the 42nd Miss Nigeria revealed that her pet project would revolve around the girl child.

C

urrent Miss Nigeria, Chidinma Aaron, has shared her passion for the girl child in a chat with Oracle Today.

Chidinma, who emerged Miss Nigeria last year November after a keen contest where she trounced over a dozen girls to emerge the 42nd Miss Nigeria revealed that her pet project would revolve around the girl child.

The graduate of Business Administration who also holds a certificate in Project Management and Customer Relationship Management said: “My pet project is on Girls Empowerment. And the reason is that I am passionate about the girl child. She is so vulnerable and I believe that she is an endangered species.

“It will be carried out under the Green Girl Project; a project the Miss Nigeria Organisation started three years ago. As the organisation believes in sustainable projects. With this move, I hope to see a country where our girls are more informed and better equipped to lead their best lives.”

As the 42nd Miss Nigeria, how did she feel when she emerged winner? “I felt super excited!” She says as she beams with smiles, “I was literally living my dream of being the 42nd Miss Nigeria that moment and the feeling was exhilarating! I believed that I could win but it was pretty tough though.

“Talking about my challenges, let me look back carefully. I wouldn’t say I faced challenges in camp. Rather, I would say I met situations that helped me grow and that was beautiful. In a boot camp that had 18 beautiful and intelligent finalists which I was graciously part of, my only competition was who I was the previous day,” she adds.

Born into an average Nigerian family, Aaron says she had all the basic things she needed to lead a lovely life growing up and she is grateful to her parents for the upbringing she gave her siblings and her.

“Childhood was fun and excitement!

Though we were middle class, my parents made sure my siblings and I had the best,” she recalled. “My parents have always been supportive of my dream to be a beauty queen. In fact, they they were awesome! Thankfully. for my looks, I believe I was blessed with the best of both worlds. However, looking closely my mother takes the cake. they were so

supportive. In fact, the greatest advice they gave me was ‘you’re a queen; you’ll always remain a queen, you’re blessed.

Always remember that.’ That resonated in me all through in camp.”

She has been Miss Nigeria for five months. How has the platform impacted her?

She picks her words carefully as she responds: “It has impacted me in a number of ways. It has made me a lot more self aware and has afforded me in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of some issues in our country and has led me to be more empathic in my dealing with individuals.

“I have learnt a whole lot put together actually. I would sum it up by saying that staying true to myself and giving my best to anything I do is the greatest joy and the key to happiness and fulfilment. My office as Miss Nigeria is really mostly me serving contrary to popular belief.

“I have been Miss Nigeria for some months now and I haven’t necessarily met a situation I would term challenging.

Unfamiliar situations are usually seen as challenges but I know they are only new situations that sometimes take making an adjustment in an area or two.

“Whether I make an appearance at an event, or I’m at an interview, or at the mall, I don’t necessarily feel different.

The obvious difference will be cameras flashing lights on the red carpet. I would say, I just do what I came for and remain myself. I treat my crown as an office that it is and carry out my duties to the best of my ability .

Now that she is a queen, what has changed about her? “Well, not a lot; to be honest. I’m myself, I grow everyday and in every way and I’m still approachable. I would say my words and actions are watched more now and affect people more now than before. This is given to the fact that I have gained popularity, therefore I’m more careful about these things.”

Role models and dreams “I have role models for different spheres of life. Some of my role models include Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama and my dear mom. My dreams can be summarised as wanting to have left a lasting positive impact on my country and in life.”

• Chidinma Aaron

30

The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

NEWS Delta traditional rulers congratulate Okowa on re-election From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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raditional rulers in Delta State have congratulated Governor Ifeanyi Okowa following his re-election, even as chief executive attributed the success story of his administration to peaceful kingdoms, which, according to him, has provided the enabling environment for his administration to deliver democratic dividends.

Okowa received the traditional rulers led by the Chairman, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council who is, the Obi of Owa, HRM Emmanuel Efeizomor II at Government House, Asaba at the weekend.

“I appreciate you, our traditional rulers for this visit, I thank you for your support for my administration; you have given us peace and the enabling environment which made us to work; your positive message to your people, our people over the years made victory at the elections easy and made the elections peaceful as the people came out with the sole purpose of voting for us,” the governor said.

The governor also addressed some of the issues raised by the traditional rulers, stating, “nobody has the right to appoint himself as a traditional ruler; you cannot be a traditional ruler over a kingdom that does not exist; i will not support illegality, there is a process of creating kingdoms and emergence of traditional rulers.”

Obi Efeizomor II had told the governor that they were in Asaba to congratulate him on his victory at the polls and prayed for him to take Delta State to the desired height.

Cleric insists on Atiku victory, says poll rigged for Buhari

By IBE NWACHUKWU

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eneral Overseer of the Mount Zion Faith Global Liberation Ministries Inc., a.k.a By Fire By Fire, Nnewi, Anambra State, Bishop Abraham Chris Udeh has maintained that the results of the 2019 Presidential Elections announced in favour of President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was flawed.

Bishop Udeh insists the wishes of and aspirations of the entire Nigerian electorate were shortchanged as he feels the result would have been in favour of Buhari’s major rival, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to Bishop Udeh: “The emergence of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is by God because we waited upon God for 40 days praying and fasting

for God to raise someone that will challenge Buhari. Whosoever that prophesied that Buhari is the will of God is a false prophet. Imagine a whole church suspended their activities and engaged in a 40-day prayer and fasting and afterwards Atiku won in all polling units but Buhari won through rigging and someone will say that it is the will of God, the thunder of God will strike that person and he will meet his water loo”.

Bishop Udeh further thundered: “If the election that produced President Muhammadu Buhari is allowed to subsist, Nigeria would be in for another four years of despotic and militarized rule”.

The Bishop prayed God to emancipate Nigeria from the hands of “bloody killers and land claimers otherwise known as Fulani herdsmen.”

He alleged that some Northern

leaders and others knew that the election was rigged and still went ahead to congratulate the President.

“When will Nigeria be saved! Oh God!! Deliver us from the suppressing giant of the so called Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria. Let there be revolution for true democrats to be raised in Nigeria, not tribal personalities wanting to hold the nation at ransom.

“When shall we be free? Buhari has ruled for four years and thrown the nation into killings, wars, vandalism, tribal sentiment, starving and nepotistic administration, when shall Nigeria be free?

“I vividly recall that it was Buhari who overthrew the second democratic government of Shagari’s administration simply because the then Vice President was from Igbo tribe and this time again an Igbo man was

T

Gabriel Okara: ‘Africa has lost a literary giant’ – Obi

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Madrid Academy to be ready by May, says Wike he Real Madrid Madrid Football Academy in Port Harcourt will be completed and commissioned in May 2019, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has announced.

Speaking with journalists after projects inspection on Tuesday, Governor Wike said that the Academy would groom International football stars.

The Governor said that the project will create talented soccer players and manpower that will positively impact the economy of the state.

He said: “This project will be completed and commissioned before the end of May this year. As you can see, the facilities are almost set.

“This facility will create International soccer stars and develop the economy of the state”.

Governor Wike said contrary to propaganda by the opposition, the Real Madrid Football has been developed since it was initiated.

“Already 12 coaches are already in training in Madrid to work at at the Academy. This academy will help the state”.

He noted that so many soccer enthusiasts have applied for admission into the Academy.

Governor Wike also inspected the cinemas at the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park. The facility will be completed before May ending.

“This cinema will develop tourism across the region. We will build a five star hotel in Pleasure Park “, he said.

taken to be the running mate of Atiku Abubakar and their mandate was stolen to make sure that no Igbo man comes very close to the corridor of power.

“I declare that Islamics will take over British land. Jehovah when shall we be free from this marginalization.

Ojukwu my brother fought for the independence of the Southerners because we are being controlled by Fulani supported by the Britain. People are being killed every day. What happened during the past election in Rivers State and other States the military was used for election rigging and manipulation to shoot at sight.

The entire world saw it and were bribed. Who shall speak on our behalf oh Jah,” Bishop Udeh lamented.

• VC, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Prof Joseph Ahaneku delivering a speech during the school’s matriculation ceremony.

Lions Club donates N5m building to C’River School From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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s part of its 30th year anniversary in Cross River, the Calabar Atakpa Lions Club has donated a building worth over 5 million naira to a School in Cross River, the Government Primary School, Anantigha.

The school which is located beside the Calabar South Local Government Secretariat and proximate with the Cross River State University of Technology has been facing a lot of challenges as decrepit infrastructure has undermined effective teaching and learning in the school.

Speaking on the project and the basis for choosing the school for its intervention project, the President of the Calabar Atakpa Lions Club, Theresa Effa, said the intervention is borne out of their desire to contribute to humanity and also help improve the lot of our children.

She said the project was conceived to mark the association’s thirtieth anniversary and the school was chosen in view of its dire need for intervention so as to improve the lot of the pupils.

“It is a project that we conceived in the club to mark our thirty years anniversary in the service of humanity. The project I would say modestly cost us about 5.5 million but if you look at other hidden costs, you will find out that it is higher than that.

The budget for this project came basically from members of the club, their family members and close friend.

She said the club expects the management of the school to continue to maintain the building and protect it from theft expressing her faith that the project will stand the test of time for the benefit of humanity.

Also speaking, a past president of the association, Engineer Ekpenyong, Ekpenyong said the association is passionate for the improvement of humanity and projects like this and many others have been executed by the club as part of its contributions to societal development.

“We have been embarking on projects like these and even within the town, we have other projects like traffic stands. Atakpa does not mean the club is only catering for

the people around Atakpa. We are set out for service and cut across all parts of the state. For instance, we had a project at a leprosy centre in Ugep. We have better plans because we know that when we leave, humanity will always have its existence”, he said.

On her part, the headmistress of the school, Arit Essien told Oracle Today that the project will have a positive impact on their quest to provide a conducive environment for quality impartation of knowledge in the school.

“Before now, our children were not using it and it was leaking throughout. We pleaded with the Association to help us change the rear of the school which was before now improperly positioned and not conducive to learning and they have done that for us and we are very happy for them handing over the school to us.

“The building will be of much help to us because before now, we were under the rain and there were no doors, but right now we can sit comfortably there to learn without leakages during the rainy season”, she said.

ice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 23, 2019 election, Mr. Peter Obi, on Tuesday mourned the passage of renowned poet, writer and administrator, Dr. Gabriel Okara, describing it as the loss of an African literary giant.

“Gabriel Okara was not just a celebrated poet but, indeed, one of the greatest writers ever to come out of Africa. With his death, the continent has lost a literary giant,” Obi said in a statement issued by his media office.

He described Dr. Okara, who died on Sunday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, at the age of 97 as a rare breed. “Pa Okara was not just a poet and writer but also an accomplished administrator of men and resources. As Life Patron of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), he played a critical role in moulding the present and future generations of Nigerian writers,” Obi said.

He also praised the late Okara’s exemplary life of contentment and incorruptibility, noting that these are qualities needed to be imbibed by the present generation of Nigerians to get Nigeria out of the doldrums.

The former Anambra State Governor condoled Okara’s family, the Bayelsa State Government, the Ijaw nation and the Nigerian literary community, urging them to take solace in his rich legacies of hard work, excellence and probity.

Meanwhile, Obi has felicitated with Governors Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State and Samuel Ortom of Benue State, both of whom won re-election during last Saturday’s supplementary governorship elections.

“These victories, which I expected and which are well-deserved, are in recognition of the people’s love for our great party, the PDP, which has impacted positively on the lives of ordinary Nigerians and greatly enhanced Nigeria’s democracy.

“I heartily rejoice with our worthy electoral ambassadors – Their Excellencies Aminu Tambuwal, Samuel Ortom and Bala Mohammed,” Obi said Monday in a statement by his media office.

He called on Nigerians “to know that our democracy is in dire straits and that all must work hard to rescue it as that is the foundation to build the Nigeria of our dreams.”

31

The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

NEWS Extra I will step on Development fund tears Ekweremadu’s council apart toes to rebuild Imo - Ihedioha

By Collins Ughalaa

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he Imo State Governor-Elect, His Excellency Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha, on Sunday said that he will step on toes in order to rebuild Imo State, promising to dedicate his tenure to serving God and humanity.

The Governor-Elect disclosed this at St. Peter’s Anglican Church Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise LGA, during a thanksgiving service to mark his 54th birthday, saying: “only God can protect and guide us towards achieving the rebuilding of our state.”

Disclosing his plans to announce members of his transition committee, Ihedioha added that only a state that is entrusted in the hands of God could realize the desire of the people of Imo State.

He said: “It is a thing of great joy that God has led me through the years past. I am indeed humbled by the grace of God and his mercies in my life. He has shown me so much kindness and I must confess that I stand on a solid rock. He is my Solid Rock.

“Let me pledge, that as a soldier of Christ, I will dedicate my tenure as Governor to the service of God, promoting Him and humanity because it is only God that can protect and enable us to accomplish our desire to make Imo, a greater state”.

He assured that he is “committed to liberating our state”, noting that he will “strive to correct the ills in our state and make things work for the better”.

He said: “And in the course of it, I will step on some toes. I want to appeal to those that may be hurt, not to take it to heart but rather bear with us and accept it as a sacrifice in the rebuilding process. Our primary purpose is to get our state working again and I want to assure you that our government will give every Imolite, reasons to smile again.”

Ihedioha also spoke on his transition committee, saying: “By the grace of God, very soon I will announce my transition committee to evaluate the status quo and articulate our takeoff programmes when we are sworn in.”

He urged civil servants and other relevant stakeholders in the state to avail the transition committee useful information, stressing that “What we want to achieve is to institute a procedure, a due process by which activities will run smoothly, where we can practice democracy in the true sense of it. So much damage has been done to the state and so the expectations are very high.”

While seeking the partnership of the people, he urged them to feel free to counsel him rather than condemn him. “Rather than condemn for condemning sake, I urge our people to please feel free to tell me those things you think we can do to get things right. I assure you that I will be a listening governor.”

He promised to set up a Bureau to look into the issues of unduly sacked teachers who still have a lot to offer the state, even as he frowned at the level of mismanagement of the finances of the state.

...As community accuses P-G, traditional ruler of sleaze, sends SOS to Gov Ugwuanyi From CHUKS EZE, Enugu

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duma-Achara, a community in Aninri Local government Area of Enugu, the council area of the Deputy Senate President, Prof Ike Ekweremadu, is currently embroiled in stormy controversy over allegation of sleaze.

Members of the community are alleging that the President-General (PG), Town Union of the community, Pius Ani, in connivance with their traditional ruler, HRH Igwe Murphy Chukwu, had misappropriated the sum of N5 million community development fund.

The protesters said the disputed fund was N5 million, first tranche (of N10 million that the state government is disbursing to all autonomous communities in the state under the Visit Every Community Initiative (VEC), to carry out development projects of choice). But according to them, while other communities had utilised theirs judiciously and awaiting the second tranche, theirs had allegedly, gone into private pockets.

Rising from a crowdy peaceful protest along major roads in the community, the villagers called for the intervention of the state governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in the matter, and urged him to help them depose both the PG and the traditional ruler for peace to reign in the

community.

In his speech during the exercise, youth leader of the community, Livinus Mba stated that the protest was a prelude to a more determined peaceful demonstration to the government house, if their leaders failed to render satisfactory account of the said development fund.

While further accusing the PG and Igwe of high-handedness and selfcenteredness, among others, stressing that they had always shortchanged the community whenever monies were given to the community by either government and donor agencies. He also alleged that the leaders had embezzled about N10 million and N5 million respectively which the community had received from some international agencies in in the past.

“We are protesting because we do not like the way our leaders are treating us in this community, particularly out PG and our Igwe. There is nothing that the government or donor agencies give us that reaches to us.

“So, this is an SOS (Save our soul) to our governor to come to our rescue because we ae tired of their continued misappropriation of community funds. We want the government to help us to remove them and put sincere leaders for us,” he said.

Mba further alleged that the PG

had banned them from forming any youth organization just to prevent them from asking questions or checkmating the activities of the leaders, pointing out that they had had enough of his high-handedness.

“We want the governor to know that the money that he had given our community with good motive, had fallen into wrong hands Let the governor help us to recover the money from them so it can be put to good use.

The youth leader’s positions were corroborated by several other speakers who unanimously called for the removal of the traditional ruler and PG, respectively.

They said that part of their grouse against the accused leaders was that both of them reside outside the community, adding that they want them changed because they are cannot be there for the people in event of dire emergency situations when leaders are needed most. It was gathered that while the traditional ruler allegedly, resides in Enugu capital city, the PG on the other hand, is said to be living in Asaba, Delta State.

Several youths and elders who spoke to our correspondent said that the community had unanimously agreed to use the fund to repair feeder roads in the community ahead of the rainy season, but that

• President Buhari with NIQS President QS Obafemi Onashile as he receives in audience Leadership of Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors at the State House, Abuja on Tuesday

IFAD-VCDP trains 60 youths on farm machinery management in Awka

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nternational Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has trained 60 youths from three states on farm machinery management in Awka.

State Programme Officer, Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), IFAD, Mr Nnamdi Aguncha, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Onitsha on Tuesday.

NAN reports that VCDP is an intervention programme financed by IFAD for rice and cassava production.

Aguncha said the youth, selected from Anambra, Ebonyi and Ogun states converged on Awka for the training to boost rice and cassava production in the country..

According to him, IFAD –VCDP

wants to encourage youths to go into farming, especially the production of rice and cassava.

“The workshop, which centered on practical demonstration of the various ways of using the simple farm implements, is to reduce drudgery and to encourage youths to take up agriculture as a business.

“We conducted a survey in 2018 where we discovered that the population of youths in agriculture under the VCDP was low.

“So we looked inward and discovered that farming was tedious for them; and so, we decided to introduce some machinery to attract and support them,” he said.

He said the youth were being trained on use of equipment like

threshers, power tillers, de-stoners, harvesters and manual/mechanical transplanters, among the 20 different farm implements.

“We intend to support them with these machineries to create jobs for them and to use the machines to render services that will lead to increased production of rice and cassava.

“The trainees will step down the skills acquired to others when they returned to their base,” he said.

He said IFAD-VCDP will support the youth with 70 per cent cost of any implement chosen by any group that had made available their 30 per cent matching grant.

Aguncha expressed hope that the training and support would rekindle youths’ interest in agriculture.

they were taken aback when their leaders suddenly started mobilizing them to carry out manual repairs on the roads, instead.

A woman leader in one of the villages, Felicia Ashi, woman leader, also bemoaned the development.

She confirmed to journalists that there was general agreement that the money would be used to grade their roads.

According to her, “I was surprised to see our men doing the road with shovels, diggers and hoes, afterwards. I think the money has been embezzled by our leaders, and we need government’s intervention over the matter. The only thing that will bring peace is for those holding the money to bring it out and use it to develop our community”.

An octogenarian in the community, Chief Matthew Okoye, told journalists that the people were not happy with the community leaders.

According to him, “the truth is that this community is not happy with our leaders. There are several allegations of embezzlement, lies and insincerity levelled against them which they need to clear”.

While pointing out the importance of transparency in leadership, the former community leader urged the accused individuals to prove their innocence to save their names, or apologize to the community and make amends, without delay, if they were culpable.

Okoye, explained that he had chaired the Oduma-Achara Improvement Union, in 1984, pointing out that transparency was his watchword at the time. According to him, the present town union had started as Oduma-Achara Traders Union, many years back, and later transformed into Oduma-Achara Improvement Union, which he had led, before it finally metamorphosed into the present Oduma-Achara Town Union, stressing that the current controversy over community development fund was both shameful and disappointing.

When contacted, in separate telephone interviews, both the town union president and the traditional ruler denied the allegations and absolved themselves of any wrongdoing. Both had initially declined comments insisting that they do not talk to the press over the phone.

But when prodded, itemizing all the allegations that had been levelled against them by their people, they decided to speak up and in unison, said the money was used judiciously. They even invited reporters over to the community to hear their side of the story and as well witness what the controversial money had been expended on.

But surprisingly, on arrival at the community, as scheduled, (at about 3pm on Sunday, March 24, 2019), neither the traditional ruler nor the PG took several calls that were put through their lines. Oduma-Achara community is a distance of about 30 kilometres from the city centre.

Meanwhile, it was when a local vigilante in the area accosted the reporters that it was discovered that the duo had been ignoring their calls, thereby suggesting that they probably had no strong defence over the allegations levelled against them. The vigilante personnel had called the PG with his phone to determine whether the journalists were actually at the community on his invitation. The PG had taken the security man’s call at once and confirmed his knowledge of the visit but barred the man from disclosing his location to the journalists.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

NEWS Extra FS Initiative inaugurates scheme in Anambra

Anambra HOSCON: Court gives monarch, national body 2-month grace to settle crisis

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C

By Oliver Udeogu

armers Support initiative an international non-governmental Organization (NGO) based in the United Kingdom, seeking welfare of farmers in sub Saharan Africa countries and the Asia has been inaugurated in Anambra State.

The event was held on Thursday, at Aguleri, in the Anambra East local government area of the State.

The African International Director of the Organization, Mr Ikenna Offor, in his remark stated that the FSI was a registered organization in the United Kingdom and in Nigeria with Its area of coverage spanning fourteen countries of the world including Nepal in Asia, and thirteen other African countries namely Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Benin Republic and the rest.

According to Offor, the FS Initiative first began operation in Africa in Nigeria, knowing there was no way poverty eradication will be talked in Africa without mentioning Nigeria which is the most populous nation in the continent. That was held last year in Badagry Lagos State, after its inauguration in Abuja at the Raw Materials Research and Development Centre in 2008, with the then Minister of Agriculture Dr Abba Numa as the Special Guest of Honour.

He further said that Nigeria has one of the world’s highest economic growth rates, averaging 7.4 % as released recently by the World Bank, while stating as unfortunate, the nation’s inability to develop her economy, in spite of its massive wealth, plenty of natural resources and huge population, saying that her level of poverty is totally unacceptable hence the need for the FSI to come to the aid of the extreme poor in the society, by giving them assistance, in order to improve their living standards.

According to Mr Offor, the Farmers Support Initiative focused on providing Information, training, advocacy and logistical assistance to farmers where necessary, while covering the interest of all categories of farmers namely- Subsistence, Peasant, Small, Medium, Large and Super large, including would be farmers in the society, remains its priority.

On his part, the representative of the State Governor Chief Willie Obiano in the person of the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture in the State Hon Afam Mbanefo, promised to convey the message of the NGO to the governor, to see on how the State government could assist in the scheme, to ensure that extreme poverty is eradicated in the State.

Among the dignitaries at the event, were Prof. C.P.E. Omaliko, Engr Emeka Okeke , High Chief Benedict Adamaechi, Comrade Ikechukwu Chukwumaije, Mr Humphrey Udonidu, Barr. Mrs Anuli Ogbala, Mrs Ify Uzoka, Mr Austin Okafor and a host of others.

The event held under the distinguished Chairmanship of Chief Chika Okpala, popularly known as ‘Zubrudaya,’ was in collaboration with the Anambra Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture and Anambra State Ministry of Agriculture.

By IBE NWACHUKWU hief Magistrate court sitting at Otuocha in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra, presided over by Godwin Ibemesi has given the national body of Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON) and its Anambra state Elders Council two months within which to resolve the crisis among the two factions of HOSCON in the state.

The court specifically mentioned Tuesday, June 4, this years as the day the national body of HOSCON and the state Elders Council would come back with a written report of their out-of-court settlement on the matter or otherwise.

He however warned against any form of intimidation or coercion of the matter in the resolution of the matter, adding that the court is expecting a sincere, focused and pur-

poseful settlement of the matter.

This ruling came as Mrs. Joy Igboka, the Assistant National Finance Secretary of HOSCON arrived the court yesterday with a letter from the National Chairman of HOSCON, Prince Mike Emuh, requesting the court to give the national body time to settle the matter between the two factions of organization in the state.

Also, the traditional ruler of Ifitedunu community in Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state, Igwe Emeka Ilouno who incidentally is the Chairman of Elders’ Council of the state chapter of HOSCON arrived the court and requested it to give them some time to resolve the matter because according to him, HOSCON has its own internal mechanism for resolving internal crisis among the members.

Factional leaders of HOSCON in the state had lodged a complaint to

the state police command alleging that the state Chairman of HOSCON, Anthony Chiokwe had fraudulently obtained money from some of them, under the pretence that he would make them directors in a modular refinery coming on stream in the state.

Consequently, the police arrested Chiokwe and arraigned him before the court where he was granted bail few weeks ago.

In the six-count charge No. MAN/25c/2019 Commissioner of Police Versus Anthony Chiokwe and others now at large, the police prosecution alleged that Chiokwe, as Chairman of Anambra state chapter of HOSCON and other still at large had on February 17, 2018 conspired with others at large and committed felony by obtaining money under false pretence from some individuals.

The prosecution further alleged

• (From left): Founder/CEO, Channels TV, Mr John Momoh; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Mrs Yewande Sadiku; Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC, Dr Demola Sogunle; and Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Mr Yinka Sanni, at the Blue Women Network event held by Stanbic IBTC, in Lagos, to commemorate the International Women’s Day

FCE (T) Umunze admits 2000, cautions against cultism

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he first internal Provost of Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Dr Mrs Tessy Okoli has received the new students of the College 2018/2019 Academic year during the 30th NCE, 8th Degree and PDE joint matriculation excise for newly admitted students of the college in grand style.

Okoli warned the students to desist from all forms of cultism since there is no room for cultism, examination malpractices, indecency and all forms of unruly behaviours by students in the college.

The Provost who addressed a press conference shortly after the Matriculation said her appointment as first internal Provost of the College brought relief to the College community adding that she has served in various capacities in the college in the last 26 years she joined the College.

“The college frowns at the sad development where young ladies live together with male students in off campus residential areas. We must put a stop to cohabitation of male and female students, since it encourages immorality and constitutes a distraction to academic work. The college has good and spacious hostel accommodation for students where surveillance and

security is guaranteed.

“We do not tolerate bribe-formarks, often called ‘sorting’. We do not tolerate any form of indecent harassment of students. I implore lecturers and students to apply their hearts unto wisdom and avoid the pursuit of vanities that will only bring misery and regrets at the end”.

She said staff welfare would be her priority since a motivated workforce is for a better and effective service delivery, adding that the college would not abandon its core mandate which is the NCE as over 1000 were admitted into NCE this session.

Also, Digital Provost and a future Vice Chancellor informed that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has approved the College as a Center of Excellence for JAMB Computer Based Test (CBT) center for UME exams.

The center, according to the Provost, would complement the College Micro Teaching Lab to train students on ICT tools. She said the college has an E-library with over 10 Million e-book resource.

Contributing, the Chairman, FCE (T) Umunze Governing Council, Hon Philips Shekwo lauded the new Provost, Okoli in her short time in

office describing her as ‘an amazon in tertiary education management and administration.

Speaking at the occasion, the Vice chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof Joseph E. Ahaneku, thanked the entire management of the college for the good work they have been doing.

Ahaneku, represented by the Dean, Faculty of Education, UNIZIK, Prof. Nkechi Esomonu, reminded the students that one of the things that makes Nnamdi Azikiwe University tick is her excellence in almost everything. He however advised students to participate actively in everything required to do in school to be successful.

He maintained that the students belong to Nnamdi Azikiwe University having found the college good enough to host the students of UNIZIK. He further stressed that UNIZIK supervises the teaching at the college as well as moderate their exam questions and degree results.

Also speaking, Executive secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Prof.

Bappa-Aliyu Muhammadu charged the students to take their studies seriously as they are the leaders of tomorrow.

that the accused person had on July 17 and August 3, 2018, defrauded one Joseph Obidigwe of N1,570,000, adding that on April 3, 2018, he equally defrauded Anene Onyilegbe Greg of N500,000.

It was further alleged that the accused person also defrauded Ugochi Nwaonuma of her N485,000, Ekwos Josephat of N2,750,000 and Innocent Ezeh of N350,000 respectively on separate dates, thereby committing an offence punishable under Sections 8 (a), 1 (a) and 3, 2 (a) and 3 (a) of Advance Fee Fraud and other related offences Act. 2006.

Ex-PDP guber aspirant optimistic of Atiku’s victory in court

By Theo Rays, Onitsha

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chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ex governorship aspirant of the party, in Anambra State, Chief Zeribe Ezeanuna, has expressed optimism that his party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will succeed in his bid to upturn the result of 2019 presidential election through the Courts.

Speaking to newsmen in Onitsha recently Ezeanuna lauded Atiku for his courage to challenge the declaration of Muhammadu Buhari of All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of 2019 presidential election He said: “I am very optimistic that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will succeed in the court based on the huge evidence available. If he is successful in presenting the evidence, I believe he will win regardless of the bias of the Nigerian Judicial system.. People like me always run to the court because that is the last hope of the common man. I have contested four major elections and gone to four tribunals and also gone to appeal court in all the four elections I contested.

I will continue to encourage people to keep going to the court to seek redress which is the only hope of a common man” Continuing he said “we must not because of bias system we find ourselves and be discouraged from going to court. Whether the Judges were appointed and controlled by APC led government, we must continue to push the envelope of justice.

Let the judges continue to either decide to do right thing or do injustice.

Any action for redress in the court without picking arms is good for Nigeria”.

Hon. Zeribe condemned in a very strong term the involvement of the military during the election to the extent that they hijacked collation of results in Rivers State during the Governorship and House of Assembly election.

He described the role of the military and actions of APC government in the election as a flagrant breach of “constitutional democracy” He appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow Atiku to inspect the election materials as directed by the Court, explaining that for the INEC to deny Atiku access to election materials was clearly an intentional act because they want to deny him evidence to prove his case.

Ezeanuna called on the National Assembly to look into the power invested on the INEC, arguing that INEC powers should be devolved for greater efficiency in managing Nigerian elections.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

NEWS

Falana disagrees with Buhari over allocation of oil blocs

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resident Muhammed Buhari has been told that allocation of crude oil blocs to international oil companies (IOCs) and individuals is unconstitutional and should be stopped.

This is contained in a letter sent to the President by human rights lawyer and senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Mr Femi Falana who said allocation of oil blocs should henceforth be to the federal and state governments.

Falana explained that the situation in Nigeria is that those who got oil blocs were becoming richer than the country.

According to him, such individuals and IOCs make more money than Nigeria in the business.

Falana in the letter sighted by

•Says over oil blocs to IOCs, individuals illegal •Wants federal and state govts to handle oil blocs •Says IOC, individuals make more money than Nigeria newsmen added: “By allocating oil blocks to a few individuals and corporate bodies the federal government has violated Section 16(2) (c) of the Constitution which provides that “the economic system is not operated in such a manner as to permit the concentration of wealth or the means of production and exchange in the hands of few individuals or of a group.”

“By merely collecting huge rents the oil block owners become stu-

pendously rich while the federal, state and local governments depend on loans and bailout to pay salaries and carry out basic infrastructural development of the country.

“Thus, by allocating oil blocks to a few individuals and corporate bodies the federal government has violated Section 16(2) (c) of the Constitution which provides that “the economic system is not op-

erated in such a manner as to permit the concentration of wealth or the means of production and exchange in the hands of few individuals or of a group.”

“Therefore, pursuant to article 22 thereof which has imposed a duty on the federal government to freely dispose of the wealth and national resources of the nation in the exclusive interests of the Nigerian people, we urge your excel-

Imo swims in debts

lency to desist from allocating oil blocks to a select group of Nigerians and foreigners.

“In view of the foregoing, we urge your excellency to restrict the allocation of oil blocks, including marginal fields to the federal government and the governments of the 36 states of the federation.

“This request is in line with Section 16 (1) (b) of the Constitution, which has mandated the Nigerian State to “control the national economy in such manner as to secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen on the basis of social justice and equality of status and opportunity.”

ECOWAS, EU commit to strengthening cooperation Economic Community of TAS)heWest African States (ECOWand the European Union (EU)

Cont’d from page 2 ity for your state as requested under the following terms and conditions”.

According to the letter which was signed by the Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, the Accountant General, Stella Udogwu and the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Osigwelem Charles, on November 11, 2015, the credit facility will be “Excess Crude Account Backed Loan”, with a tenor of 120 months or 10 years, and the purpose is “To finance the recurrent expenditure and infrastructural projects in Imo State” at 9% interest rate.”

The Bank, according to the document is to take “One hun-

dred and twenty (120) equal and consecutive monthly repayment of N126,675,773.75 covering principal and interest to be deducted at source as a first line charge by the CBN against Imo State government’s monthly Statutory Allocation (FAAC) Account”.

The affidavit also shows that the state government on 1/9/2015 had got a credit facility of N20, 214, 950,000.00 (Twenty Billion, Two Hundred and Fourteen Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira).

“The offer of N20, 214, 950,000.00 (Twenty Billion, Two Hundred and Fourteen Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) Term Loan under the CBN Salary Arrears Bailout

Scheme, together with all the terms and conditions has been read and is hereby accepted on behalf of Imo State Government”, read the document signed by the Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, the Accountant General, Stella Udogwu and the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Osigwelem Charles, dated 1/9/2015.

The affidavit also shows that the state government in a letter signed by the duo of Accountant General, Stella Udogwu and the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Osigwelem Charles on 26/1/2016 and 01/03/2016 respectively, accepted the offer of N10bn credit facility from the Bank on behalf of the state government.

have reaffirmed commitment to strengthening their long-standing mutually beneficial partnership building on the impressive achievements and lessons learnt.

This was the thrust of discussions when the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Gen. Francis Behanzin led an ECOWAS delegation on a courtesy visit to the office of the Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Ketil Karslsen, in Abuja on Friday, 22nd March 2019.

Commissioner Behanzin, on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission’s President Jean-Claude Kassi Brou, expressed ECOWAS’ gratitude to EU member states and governments for their support over the years in various areas of development, including peace and security, trade, anti-terrorism and fight against piracy, peace-keeping and consolidation of democracy and good governance in West Africa.

“We are grateful for the EU support, especially in the area of peace and security because without peace and security there will be no development,” the Commissioner noted.

In this regard, he mentioned the ECOWAS Missions in Guinea Bissau (ECOMIB) and The Gambia (ECOMIG) and the need for support of the mandate of the Missions.

The ECOWAS Commissioner also cited the conduct of series of elections by ECOWAS member States as another challenge. While acknowledging the EU support in the deployment of ECOWAS election observation Missions to member states holding elections, Gen. Behanzin reiterated the urgent need for the reduction of the cost of elections through an operationalization of a planned regional electoral material depot.

On the way forward, he called for support for the strengthening of ECOWAS’ institutional capacity in order to maximize the benefits of its partnership with the EU and other development partners.

In his response, Ambassador Karlsen noted the excellent partnership between the two organisations, and lauded ECOWAS’ leadership role in regional peace keeping through the work of the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department, taking into account the African Union’s Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) initiative.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

NEWS Obiano to inaugurate fish feed production plant in Onitsha March 30

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ov. Willie Obiano of Anambra will inaugurate a multimillion naira fish feed production plant in the commercial city of Onitsha, on March 30, to boost fish business in the state.

Managing Director of the Anambra Fisheries and Aquaculture Business Development Agency (FABDA), Mr Emeka Iloghalu, made the disclosure at a news conference in Onitsha on Tuesday.

The private plant is owned by Grand Cereals, a Nigerian integrated foods company that produces and markets consumer food products.

Iloghalu said that when inaugurated, the plant would commence production of 2,500 metric tonnes of fish feeds monthly.

He said the plant was an investment attracted by the Gov. Willie Obiano’s administration to ensure

steady supply of fish feeds and strengthen the state’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.

According to him, it will assist the government achieve its aims in fish production.

Iloghalu said the state government signed the contract with Grand Cereals in April 2016 for a steady supply of fish feeds for the state’s value chain fish feed production programme.

He said Obiano’s vision was to see Anambra become the most visible state with viable aquaculture in West Africa with an effective, efficient and high growing fisheries value chain.

According to him, it is part of efforts by Obiano’s administration to establish fish companies across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.

PUBLIC NOTICE THE INCORPORATED TRUSTEES OF DAN-CHUKS FOUNDATION This is to Notify the general Public that the above named Foundation has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

The Trustees are as follows: Mr. Daniel Uzoigwe---Member/Chairman Mrs. Joy Uzoigwe---Member/Secretary THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE FOUNDATION ARE: 1. To provide financial help/charity to the less privilege.

2. To award Scholarship, give bursary awards and provide educational aids to students at all levels eduation.S 3. To assist and provide medical aids to the poor.

4. To educate and create political and social awareness.

5. To take active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral education and sensitization.

6. To Organize and promote sports competitions and take active part in other Youth programmes.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 Days of this Publication.

Obinna Nnaka Esq. Applicants’ Solicitor,Obinna Nnaka & Co. Christomex PlazaNo. 151 Nnewi-Okigwe Expressway Nnewi 08035460176

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as MANAH BENEDICTA now wish to be known as DARA-MIKE BENEDICTA. former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

I formerly known as HOPE CHINWENDU IGWE now wish to be known as MRS HOPE CHINWENDU NWOKORO. former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

I formerly known as ONUCHUKWU PERPETUAL UCHE MARIANDER now wish to be known as NWAGU NNEORA MYSTERY. Born on 17/07/1980.

Former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note

I formely known and addressed as IKEH NGOZI CHIDINMA now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. ELOCHUKWU NGOZI CHIDINMA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note.

I formerly known as EZE NGOZI CHINWEOLU now wish to be known as ONYEKWERE NGOZI CHINWEOLU PRECIOUS. former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

I formerly known as EBUKA EMMANUEL now wish to be known as CHUKWUEBUKA MEDOBI EMMAN former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

• Air Peace Chairman/CEO, Mr. Allen Onyema (left) and Head of Training, Capt. Ndubisi Ekwempu (right) decorating Mr. Oluwasegun Fatonade with his new rank of captain at the airline’s corporate headquarters in Lagos on Monday.

UNIZIK VC lectures 9000 fresh students on direction

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ver 9000 newly matriculated students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik), Awka have received direction from the Vice Chancellor, Prof Joseph Eberendu Ahaneku.

Prof Ahaneku enjoined them to stay away from cultism, certificate forgery, examination malpractices and other deviant behaviours during their academic stint in the institution.

He spoke during the 2018/2019 matriculation ceremony of regular and Continuous Education Programme (CEP) at the convocation arena of the University.

He further noted that payment of school fees and attendance of 75 per cent lectures in all courses remains crucial for successful graduation of students, stressing that deviant behaviours such as exam malpractice, armed robbery, rape, among others would not tolerated in the university.

Prof Ahaneku informed the fresh students that such misconducts and crimes are punishable by expulsion from the university, even as he enjoined the students to take their studies seriously. He encouraged them to avoid all associations that capable of jeopardising their future, even as he stressed that the university has provided the students with friendly environment for development of character and learning.

Prof Ahaneku whose tenure is ending by June 2019 said the institution enjoys full accreditations in all the 107 programmes across the 14 faculties in the university, adding that the institution have linkages with universities across the world to facilitate academic programmes development, teaching/research and staff/student exchange.

His words: “We provide welfare facilities, as you may have been told during the last orientation, to further enhance the congeniality of the

university’s learning environment.

“These facilities include a work-aid scheme to assist indigent students who attain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.50; a Group Personal Insurance and well-equipped hostels”, he assured.

Earlier in the orientation exercise, the Special Adviser to the Vice Chancellor on Academic Matters, Prof.

Charles Esimone, reminded the students about the need to attend lectures regularly and to make 75% attendance, pointing out the importance of students registering their courses as major criteria for taking examinations in the university.

On his part, the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Stan Udedi, applauded the students for turning up in their numbers, and wished them a smooth stay in the university. He also cautioned the students not to dress indecently within the university community.

Okara’s exit, colossal loss-- Ex-President Jonathan

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ormer President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has condoled with the Gabriel Okara family, the Bayelsa State government as well as the literary world over the demise of foremost poet and novelist, Pa Gabriel Imomotimi Okara, who died at the age of 97.

In a message of condolence he personally signed, Dr. Jonathan described the exit of the literary giant as a colossal loss to the Ijaw nation,

the country and the African literary community.

A statement by Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, his media adviser, noted that the former President further extolled Pa Gabriel Okara as a great man of arts and wit, whose legacies permeated the field of humanities and statesmanship.

It said: “The death of a loved one, no matter his age, brings grief to our heart and tears in our eyes, but we

must take solace in the fact that Pa. Okara lived a long and glorious life.

“He was a pioneer voice in modern African literature, a consummate journalist, a seasoned administrator and a statesman who lived a life worthy of emulation.”

Dr. Jonathan also prayed that God will continue to bless members of the Okara family, and grant them the fortitude to bear his exit.”

By Oliver Udeogu

Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th of March.

The annual Dominion business summit usually holds in the months of March and September every year and usually a period the Church interact with members of the public on their business wellbeing and impacting good moral on them which they in turn apply in their day to day businesses.

The event lays emphasis on business sincerity when dealing with clients. This is in such a way that there will be no room for suspicions, during business transaction with one client or another.

Speaking on the programme, the Onitsha District Pastor Emmanuel

Nwachinaemere regretted the lack of trust in the business community today, which is as a result of sharp practices by people who want to make quick money while in return, delivering substandard or poor services which do not commensurate with the amount paid by the client.

‘Such attitude is bad because the person may end up cheating himself in the long run when people do not trust him anymore. This is what our Senior Pastor and founder Paul Igwe has been preaching over the years.

When businessmen are upright they get God’s divine favour and as such lifted to a higher level, more than they had expected’’.

Dominion Faith Int’l ministry holds quarterly business summit

T

he Onitsha district of the Dominion Faith International Ministry located at Nkpor Old road Onitsha, Anambra State was a beehive with activities during the business summit held by the church on

I formerly known as IBE CHINYERE now wish to be known as MRS. IZUOGU CHINYERE former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

SPORTS •Gianni Infantino

Rohr reveals real reason for Mikel’s continued absence for Eagles Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

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UPER Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr has revealed the real reason Super Eagles’ Captain, John Obi Mikel has continued to be absent in Eagles duties.

According to the Franco-German football tactician, the former Chelsea star is having a knee problem which will enable him to combine both club and country duties at the moment saying once the Anambra State born midfielder recovers, he will be free to return for national team duties.

In Rohrs’ word: “A ‘little problem’ with John Obi Mikel’s knee is keeping him out of the national team frame,” Gernot Rohr has revealed.

It is recalled that since the Super Eagles’ exit at the group stage of the 2018 World Cup last summer, team’s captain Mikel has yet to receive a call-up and, thus, absence from the game against Seychelles last Friday means he missed out on the entire 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification series - having pulled out of the opening Group E loss to South Africa in Uyo back in 2017.

The midfielder’s stock has risen ever since his switch from Tianjin Teda in the Chinese Super League to English Championship side Middlesbrough, contenders for a Premier League spot.

And due to such form, his exclusion from the 23-man squad to face the Pirates and Egypt friendly rose many eyebrows.

But Rohr has moved to defend his action, stating that the 31-year-

old is not fit enough to mix club and national team duties, leaving ‘the door open’ for the return of his captain.

“Obi Mikel is playing well at Middlesbrough and he is doing well now, but there is still a little problem with his knee and it is not the moment for him to come back to the team in these conditions,” Rohr said during a pre-match conference.

“There are so many games for him to play for Middlesbrough.

They are fighting for a promotional playoff spot. And he told me it’s not the right time to return. But if Obi Mikel is very fit and has the motivation, if he shows that he is better than the other people we have, the door is open.”

Also, Rohr ruled out going in the way of countryman Joachim Low, who absolved three senior members of the German national team of their duties, thus, forcing them to retire.

Bayern Munich trio Thomas Muller, Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng were the victims, with Germany set for a new cause after disastrous World Cup and Uefa Nations League outings.

“I’m not like Joachim Low, who announced that three players are out of the German national team because you never know what might happen. There could be injury or loss of form,” he added.

“We are watching what is happening and we hope he can come back one day because we need experience. We now have more young players than the last list.”

You’re not worthy of Argentina shirt, Maradona tells Messi, others

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FTER Taking a cursory look at the present crop of players that peopled Argentina national team, the La Albiceleste, Argentina legend, Diego Maradona has come out to give his verdict by saying that both the team captain and his teammate are not fit to wear the Blue and White shirt of the national team.

This is coming just as Messi’s returned to the national team in a game against Venezuela which was quite uninspiring, since they crashed out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia last summer.

Maradona slammed the underperforming squad, claiming the country’s class of 2019 are not fit to wear the shirt.

Having reached the World Cup final in 2014, the Albiceleste have endured a rather humbling fall from grace.

They could only muster a last-16 showing on a global stage last summer, with eventual winners France proving too strong for an unorganised side on Russian soil.

Jorge Sampaoli paid the price for those failings with his job, while talismanic skipper, Lionel Messi opted to take in a self-imposed break from international duty.

The Barcelona forward was welcomed back into the fold for a friendly date with Venezuela, but was unable to provide much inspiration in a 3-1 defeat which also saw him pick up a knock.

Messi will now play no part in a meeting with Morocco Tuesday, and Maradona claims those left behind are an embarrassment to the collection of iconic figures; who have gone before them.

The 1986 World Cup winner said when asked if he had watched the game against Venezuela: “I prefer not to watch horror films but I don’t know how the inept bunch, who are in charge of Argentina thought they were going to beat Venezuela.”

Maradona added on those at Lionel Scaloni’s disposal: “It hurts me because I feel Argentinean to the core, but with the generation of players like (Oscar) Ruggeri, (Gabriel) Batistuta, (Claudio) Caniggia... the current team don’t deserve to wear the shirt and those players had it tattooed on them.

“We’d give our lives to see the back of (Claudio) Tapia, who has no idea what he’s doing.”

Tapia has been president of the Argentinean Football Association since 2017, but has found himself on the receiving end of regular outbursts from Maradona.

Maradona added of the man supposed to be steering the Albiceleste towards a bright future – starting at the 2019 Copa America: “I feel sorry for the Argentinean people, who continue to believe in this liar, and I feel sorry for the players who have to take the consequences when the

•Coach Gernot Rohr and his Captain John Obi-Mikel.

Okocha wants Mikel back in Eagles

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MMA OKOCHA, elder brother to Super Eagles legend, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has sent a message to Gernot Rohr, saying that Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel remains relevant to the national team due to the quality he brings to the team.

Mikel Mikel In truth, the national team has toiled to produce satisfactory chemistry in the middle of the park in the absence of the mercurial midfielder and the former Super Eagles star yearned to see him return quickly in the team before the tournament proper.

He went ahead to compare him with current Ballon d’Or holder, Luka Modric whom he faced at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and lauded his efforts to match up with the Real Madrid star and the Argentine midfielders.

“Look at how he performed against one of the best midfielders the game has seen at the last World Cup, he stood his ground against Luka Modric and co. and it was just unfortunate he didn’t get enough quality support from his fellow midfield players for us to come away with a better result against Croatia.

Against Argentina, he did very well too,” Okocha recalled.

“At present, we do not have many creative players in the team’s midfield and that is sad. Take a look at our midfield in that game without him. Versus Seychelles, most of them were just there.”

On Levante winger, Moses Simon who made his first competitive appearance since missing out on the World Cup on account of an injury. , he said, “The guy they brought late on Simon was really impressive.

He looked determined unlike his peers.”

I’m still one of best, even if Spanish Press want to kill me – Courtois

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HIBAUT Courtois insists he is still one of the world’s best goalkeepers and has accused the Spanish media of wanting to “kill” him.

The Real Madrid man gifted the ball to Denis Cheryshev to score after being caught in possession during Thursday’s Euro 2020 qualifier.

Although two Eden Hazard goals eventually helped to secure a 3-1 win, Courtois’ error has led to further questions over his form this season.

The former Chelsea star has failed to impress in his first season at the Santiago Bernabeu and was dropped for Keylor Navas in Zinedine Zidane’s first match back in charge against Celta Vigo.

Navas was the incumbent starter for three Champions League runs under Zidane, but was benched in favour of the Belgian when he signed from Chelsea this summer.

However, the 26-year-old Courtois has no doubts over his abilities de-

spite Thursday’s error.

“I still consider myself one of the best, despite the Spanish press wanting to kill me,” he said, according to El Espanol.

“I feel very strong. I’m calm because I train well and play well.

“It was a small mistake, but that’s the life of a goalkeeper. Despite that, afterwards I stayed calm and played my game.”

Belgium are set to face another Euro 2020 qualifier on Sunday when the Red Devils, who finished third at

last summer’s World Cup, take on Cyprus away.

Following that match, Courtois will return to Real Madrid, a club that currently sits third in the league, two points behind second-place Atletico Madrid and 12 points behind league-leaders Barcelona.

Next up for Real Madrid is a clash with Huesca on Sunday as the club focuses on a strong league finish after being eliminated from the Champions League by Ajax and Copa del Rey by Barcelona.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

SPORTS Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

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T was a 7 goal thriller on Sunday, as Enugu Rangers who crashed out from this year’s CAF Confederation Cup at the group state of the competition penultimate week, taught visiting Remo Stars of Sagamu a bitter soccer lesson as they handed them a 5-2 defeat in a seven goal thriller in the Match Day 12 fixture ongoing 2018/19 Nigerian Professional League (NPFL).

The Flying Antelope were the first to concede first, via Remo Stars’ Bright Akpojuwewo who scored from a corner kick but the Flying Antelope rose to the occasion to show the stuff they are made off and at the end of the day, they scored five passed Remo Stars even as the visitors equally scored another passed Rangers to bring the final score-line to 5-3 in a seven goal thriller the highest so far this season.

The victory in the match played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu moved Rangers to the third position in the league’s Group A, with 15 points from six matches.

It was Ifeanyi George who drew the home team level in the 34th minute, before Godwin Aguda put Rangers in front in the 44th minute from the penalty kick spot after a handball infringement.

Aguda made it 3-1 for Rangers in the 49th minute after a defensive blunder, while Ajani Ibrahim increased the tally to 4-1 in the 61st minute.

Chidera Ezeh gave Remo Stars a lifeline to come back in to the game when he nodded into his own net in the 83rd minute.

But Michael Uchebo dribbled past two defenders to shoot into the right hand corner of the post to make it 5-2 minutes later to erase hopes of a comeback.

Rangers taught Remo Stars soccer lesson Speaking with newsmen after the match, Rangers’ coach Olugbenga Ogunbote said he was excited with the result and that their determination to win the match was what saw them through.

“Even when we conceded a goal early in the match, we never thought of losing because we always believed in 90 minutes of action.

“The visitors’ early goal brought out the best in us and, knowing fully what it means to win at home, we just had to go for it.

“However, Rangers cannot slip up at home because that is where we need to make up points and we want to utilise our chances at home.

“We are growing in scoring and today we scored six goals as we put five past the visitors and one into our net,’’ he said.

The coach however pointed out that the scoreline showed that they have started getting the needed goals.

“I wish it continues this way, even at away matches, because winning a match is all about scoring.’’

Ogunbote was optimistic that the current level of officiating in the league would be sustained for his team to get positive results from their away matches.

“We know that we are going to prosecute about three away matches from today (Sunday) and that is where we will begin to know our stand in the league,” he said.

Meanwhile, all efforts to get the visiting club officials to talk to the media proved abortive as they refused to honour the mandatory post-match briefing.

Caster Semenya: United Nations criticises ‘humiliating’ IAAF rule

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LANS to classify female athletes by their testosterone levels “contravene international human rights” says the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Olympic 800m champion Semenya, 28, is challenging the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) over its bid to restrict levels of testosterone in female runners.

The UN called the plans “unnecessary, humiliating and harmful”.

The IAAF said the motion given to the UN contained “inaccurate statements”.

Under the IAAF rules, female athletes with naturally high testosterone levels would have to race against men or change events unless they took medication to reduce those levels.

The regulations will apply to women in track events from 400m up to one mile and require that athletes have to keep their testosterone levels below a prescribed amount “for at least six months prior to competing”.

The issue was discussed at the UN Human Rights Council’s 40th session in March, at which delegates asked for a detailed report to be put together for a future meeting.

In the meantime, the body put on record its “concerns” with the IAAF proposals.

The council said it wanted governing bodies “to refrain from developing and enforcing policies and practices that force, coerce or otherwise pressure women and girl athletes into undergoing unnecessary, humiliating and harmful medical procedures in order to participate in wom-

en’s events in competitive sports”.

Writing in the British Medical Journal, experts recently claimed the IAAF’s regulations risked “setting an unscientific precedent for other cases of genetic advantage”.

Speaking in June, two-time Olympic champion and three-time world champion Semenya called the rule “unfair”, adding: “I just want to run naturally, the way I was born.”

The IAAF intended to bring in new rules on 1 November 2018 but the subsequent legal challenge prompted that to be delayed until the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) had ruled on the matter.

That ruling was due on 26 March but Cas has postponed it until next month.

A win for Semenya would see her free to continue competing the way she has always done, but a loss means the South African athlete could end up not competing altogether, competing against men or having to take medicine to lower her hormone levels.

Semenya has previously been asked to undertake gender testing by athletics chiefs, but no results have officially been made public.

Testosterone is a hormone that increases muscle mass, strength and haemoglobin, which affects endurance.

How has the IAAF responded to the UN’s motion?

In a statement provided to BBC Sport, the IAAF said “It is clear that the author is not across the details of the IAAF regulations nor the facts presented recently at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

•Enugu Rangers International FC

Amuneke makes history, guides Tanzania to 1st AFCON qualification in 39 yrs

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ORMER Super Eagles’ assistant coach and Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) Under-17 World Cup winning coach, Emmanuel Amuneke Sunday made history as he guided Tanzania’s Taifa Stars to their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification in 39 years.

The Imo State born former Super Eagles’ and Barcelona B Team winger led Tanzania to defeat the Cranes of Uganda 3-0 at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.

It was the Cranes’ their first de-

feat of the qualifying campaign, with their clean sheet flushed down the drain in the process.

Goals from Simon Msuwa, Erasto Nyoni and a sublime header from Aggrey Morris secured Tanzania’s berth at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt after putting up an inspiring performance.

Amuneke’s charges finished second in Group L with eight points, five behind leaders Uganda who have already qualified for Africa’s biggest football showpiece event.

The other Group L fixture be-

Badminton Federation release list of players to camp

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HE Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) have invited no fewer than 30 players, compriseing of 16 men and 14 women in preparations for the All Africa Senior Badminton Championship.

Francis Orbih, the President, BFN who made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the competition was scheduled to begin in Port Harcourt, Rivers on April 22, 2019.

He said that of the number invited, all were in camp except star player, Tosin Atolagbe who was unavoidable absent due to some family issues.

Orbih added that fair opportunities were given to all top and upcoming players from within and outside the country to turn up at the camp.

He gave the names of invited male players as: Anu Opeyori; Godwin Olofua; Clement Krobakpo; Eneojo Abah; Habeeb Bello; Kayode Mope; Aliyu Shehu; Gideon Babalola; Segun Idowu; Tunde Bankole; Ahmad Balarabe Umar and Daniel Christopher.

The women lists are: Dorcas Adesokan; Deborah Ukeh; Tosin Atolagbe; Funke Aiyenugba; Ruth Ebere; Augustina Sunday; Peace Orji; Amen Christopher; Ramatu Yakubu; Zainab Alabi; Aminat Ilori and Sofiyat Obanisola

Players for trials (men) are: Adeyemi Odelabi, Funsho Opeyori, Yunusa Momoh and Isaac Minaphee while Mariam Oke would participate in the women trials.

“The All Africa Senior Championships is made up of two separate tournaments: the Mixed Team event holding from April 22 to April 25.

“The Individual Championship would hold from the April 26th to April 28,” Orbih said.

He said that all stakeholders should be rest assured that he would leave no stone unturned to ensure fair participation for all players in the country.

“Understandably, much as I would love to see more players invited to camp, there is of course a limit to the number that can be accommodated.

“Other players will have their own opportunities as soon as will be expedient.

“The camp is under the supervision of the head coach of the senior national team, Benjamin Orakpo, assisted by the two assistant coaches of the team, Susan Ideh-Agboola and George H. Shita.

“The technical and coaching crew has the mandate of preparing, shaping and fine-tuning the players eventually selected for utmost performance at the upcoming championships,” Orbih said.

tween Cape Verde and Lesotho ended in a goalless draw, as they finished on six points and five points.

It meant they occupy the third and fourth positions in the group.

Both Uganda and Tanzania join hosts Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco, Mali, Algeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Cote d’ Ivoire and Angola as some of the qualifiers.

The rest are Tunisia, Cameroon, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Burundi, Benin, South Africa, Kenya, DR Congo, Guinea, Mauritania and Namibia.

The draw for the biennial men’s football championship of Africa will take place on April 12 at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) headquarters in Cairo.

The 24 qualified teams from the 12 groups will be seeded into four pots based on the CAF National Team Rankings, with the teams drawn into six groups of four teams.

The 2019 AFCON will be held from June 21 to July 19.

Dalung in ‘Cloud 9’ over Nigeria’s Cricket World Cup ticket

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INISTER of Sports and youth Development, Barrister Solomon Dalung is ‘Cloud 9’ over the country’s Cricket World Cup as the country is qualifying for the Cricket World Cup for the first time.

Hon. Dalung has therefore, congratulated Nigeria’s U-19 Cricket Team, the Junior Yellow Greens for picking the country’s first ever spot at the Cricket World Cup after topping the weeklong qualifying series held in Windhoek, Namibia on Saturday, March 23, 2019.

Nigeria defeated Sierra Leone with two wickets in a tension soaked encounter that was the highlight of the weeklong run of victories against Africa’s Division one Cricket powerhouses including Namibia, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.

Dalung said that the qualification has proven that Nigerian sportsmen and women can do exploits if given the right support to compete.

Nigeria record the required total of 139 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 44.2 overs in what could be described as the best performance in the tournament.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

SPORTS

Belief, hard work, gave us AFCON elusive ticket – Amuneke

By MADUABUCHI KALU with agency report

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ORMER Super Eagles pacy winger and Tanzania coach, Emmanuel Amuneke has attributed their ability to secure Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ticket for the first time in 39 years to self believe and hard work by his players’ saying their work ethics and belief are responsible for the uncommon achievement.

The Emmanuel Amuneke tutored boys humiliated their much fancied opponents, the Cranes of Ugunda, who are group leaders 3-0 at the National Stadium on Sunday to finish second in Group L. The victory in Dar es Salaam propelled the country to the continental stage for the first time since their debut appearance in 1980.

And the Owerri Imos State born Amuneke, the 1994 African Footballer of the Year and 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning coach, described the ‘tough’ feat with Tanzania football as an honour.

“It was an honour to have been given the opportunity to achieve great things with Tanzania football and I’m proud that what we

set out to do as our first objective has been met,” Amuneke wrote on Instagram.

“Qualification for the 2019 AFCON was always going to be a tough task but the hard work and belief the team had got us through.

Now, we plan for Egpyt 2019 AFCON,” Amuneke wrote.

The former Barcelona forward also matched a Nigerian record as the second person from the country to lead another team to the Africa Cup of Nations after late Stephen Keshi’s feat with Togo.

Meanwhile, football enthusiasts in Ebonyi State are celebrating the Taifa Stars qualification for the 2019 AFCON with Amuneke as the helmsman.

Desmond Ome, Ebonyi Football Association secretary, congratulated Amuneke for the feat, noting that it was achieved through dint of hard work.

“The victory was achieved because the players, officials and the Tanzanian FA members keyed-into Amuneke’s hard work mantra.

“He made it clear from the onset that the AFCON qualification was his target and sought the collaboration of relevant stakeholders to achieve the feat,” he said.

Pinnick differs with Rohr on Eagles

By MADUABUCHI KALU

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MAJU Melvin Pinnick, the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has disagreed with the Technical Adviser of the national team, the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr, over the latter’s comments that Nigeria is not one of the favourites to win the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Egypt.

The Oracle Today Sports recalls that Rohr had disclosed that Egypt and Morocco are the favourites to win the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Rohr said: “We are not among the favourites to win the Nations Cup trophy and it would be stupid for me to believe that we are going to win it.

“So, I am very optimistic that we will do very well and challenge for the cup, but the main favourites are Egypt and Morocco.

“Morroco are currently number

one in Africa going by the latest FIFA ranking. Also, Egypt will be playing at home, with a large home crowd behind them.”

However, while reacting to Rohr’s comments, Pinnick said he was expecting Gernot Rohr’s men to go for the ultimate prize at Egypt 2019.

“When you have a child and prepare him for an exam, your expectation is for the child to excel and that is the same expectation I have for the Super Eagles at the upcoming Nations Cup in Egypt. I expect them to go and compete for the trophy, nothing more, nothing less,” Pinnick was quoted by AllAfrica as saying.

“My expectations are not overreaching because they are amongst the top four countries on the continent, which if they play to their best strength should guarantee them a place in the semifinals and from that position, the cup is within their reach”.

Nigerian coaches proud of Amuneke – Siasia

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ORMER Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia, has lauded his ex-national teammate, Emmanuel Amuneke, for guiding Tanzania to Africa Cup of Nations ticket 39 years after appearing at the finals.

Siasia said with this feat, Amuneke, who last handled the Flying Eagles, had proven that Nigerian coaches ranked among the best in Africa and as such should be given the honours they deserve.

He frowned at a situation where the Nigerian sports administrators did not accord local coaches the respect they deserve.

The former Super Eagles striker said if Nigerian coaches were offered 10 per cent of what is paid to their foreign counterparts, sky would be their limit.

“I am tasking the head of the Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Pinnick that if he gives Nigerian

coaches what he offers to foreigners, the Super Eagles will go as far as the quarterfinals at the World Cup finals,” he explained.

Sia-One as he is fondly called said Amuneke’s feat came after the one recorded by their ex-team mate and captain Stephen Keshi with the Togolese national team.

“Congratulation Amuneke, you have made all of us proud and I wish you the best at the Nations Cup come June,” the former Lagos University Teaching Hospital LUTH striker said.

Amuneke was appointed head coach of the Tanzania national team in August 2018 with the immediate task of ensuring their qualification to the 2019 AFCON. On March 24, he delivered on that, with an emphatic 3-0 win over Uganda on the final matchday inside a packed National Stadium in Dar-es-Salaam.

Zidane wants Perez to break transfer record with 20-yr-old signing

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•Tanzanian Chief Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke

FIBA World Cup group tough – Diogu

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KE DIOGU, D’Tigers’ captain has described that the FIBA Basketball World Cup draw pitching Nigeria against Russia, Argentina and South Korea as a tough one.

“We feel very good with our draw.

In order to get respect worldwide, the road we must travel through is Europe meaning we have to play the best European teams to get the respect Africa deserves,” he said.

Diogu, having competed at the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympic Games and 2017 FIBA Afrobasket tournaments, will be looking forward to making his debut for Nigeria at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China.

D’Tigers’ coach, Alex Nwora, had stated after the draws that only the best hands would be selected for the 2019 FIBA World Cup for men. The 2.03m (6ft8in) power forward has been a dominant force for Nigeria, scoring in double-figures in all but 2

games and is one of the most experienced players in Nwora’s team.

“All these teams are a threat. We can’t take any of them lightly because they all have the ability to beat us. Argentina is one of the best in the world as is Russia so we have a very tough task in front of us,” Diogu said.

“It’s the biggest stage for me. I’ve never played in the World Cup so I’m extremely excited to be a part of this and the guys want to make sure we do something special that the continent has not seen.”

According to the tournament schedule released by FIBA on Monday, D’Tigers will start their campaign against Russia on Saturday, August 31 before taking on Argentina on September 2 in Wuhan.

Their final group game will be against South Korea on Wednesday, September 4, 2019.

EAL Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane, has advised the club’s president, Florentino Perez, to make a world record transfer offer for Paris Saint-Germain forward, Kylian Mbappe, this summer.

Zidane was reappointed as coach at Real Madrid after the Spanish La Liga giants sacked Santiago Solari a few days ago.

The Frenchman will be in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu for the rest of the season and three more seasons until 2022.

France Football reports that the 46-year-old believes that Real Madrid’s squad is in need of huge investment and wants to bring in a new superstar, with Mbappe as his first choice.

The report claimed that the Los Blancos are already preparing to make an offer of around €280million (£240million) to land the 20-year-old at the end of the season.

•Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid Coach

I still want to achieve 2 things in football – Mourinho

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ORMER Chelsea and Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho, has disclosed that he still want to achieve two things in football for him to be satisfied as an accomplished football manager. According to him the two things that he wants to achieve are winning the Champions League and a league title again.

The Portuguese it is recalled has been out of job since being sacked by Manchester United last December.

Since then, Mourinho has claimed he has rejected “three of four” offers to return to management.

Despite overseeing United’s worst ever start to a Premier •Mourinho •Ike Diogu League season before his dismissal, Mourinho still believes he can be a success at the top level again.

“I have in mind to win a fifth UPER Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, has finished the 2019 Africa league and a new Champions Cup of Nations qualifying series, as the top scorer.

Ighalo who plays for Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua, finished League in a third club,” he told Canal+. with seven goals.

Mourinho won the Champions The Nigerian front-man netted one more goal than Fiston AbLeague with Porto in 2004 and dul-Razak of Burundi, who scored six.

Inter Milan in 2010, but failed to Ighalo bagged one against Seychelles, a brace against Libya, a hat- repeat the feat with Real Madrid trick against Libya, and one against Seychelles in the final rounds to or Manchester United. move top on the list.

He has also not won a league Eagles head coach, Gernor Rohr, will be banking on Ighalo to title since his 2014/2015 Premier make an impact in this year’s competition, after Nigeria missed out League triumph with Chelsea. on the last two tournaments in 2015 and 2017.

AFCON qualifiers: Ighalo finishes as top scorer

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The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

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39 The Oracle Today Wednesday April 3, 2019

2019 Poll Rigging and our Professors faux pas (2)

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s people hail Igini and Ezeonu, curses and criticisms have been heaped on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

In fact the People’s Democratic Party’s Lagos Central Senatorial candidate, Sunbo Onitiri among others called on Yakubu to resign for giving Nigeria the most “fraudulent, compromised and scandalous” elections Nigeria ever had in the history of her democracy. The voter apathy was sequel to confidence lost on INEC under Prof Yakubu.

Ridiculously, Southeast Based Coalition Of Human Rights & Democracy Organizations, SBCHROs; a coalition of more than 23 human rights and democracy organizations asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to begin to initiate the process of registering and recognizing the Nigerian Army as a political party by name, the Army Political Party of Nigeria (APPN)”, so that it could formally join the league of the Nigerian registered political parties.

This is sequel to its ridiculous engagements during the just concluded polls. The Nigerian Army recklessly engaged in electoral shenanigans.

The statement was signed by Messrs Emeka Umeagbalasi, Aloysius Attah, Jerry Chukwuokoro, PhD, Justice Chidi, PhD, Prof and Ms Chidinma Evan Udegbunam. The group decried the complete engagement of the Nigerian Army in the brazen brigandage, thuggery and other forms of electoral partisanship and robbery played out in the just held shambolic polls of 2019 .

Why would INEC add “inconclusiveness” into electoral lexicon when there are glaring injustice in such a lexicon to favour the ruling party? Why would INEC suspend elections in Rivers state even when the APC did not field candidate? And why would the Nigerian Army meddle in that electoral process? Why would a Deputy Governor of Kano state, Nasiru Gawuna of APC tear election materials and INEC declares election inconclusive?

Why turn the wishes of the masses in some states, unnecessarily delay results already known from poling units for alterations to occur in favour of a political party? Why declaring results from Sokoto, Bauchi, Plateau and Adamawa, where PDP was coasting home to victory “inconclusive”? Is this not pure partisan against the oath of your office Mr Yakubu?

Why then were the results from Ogun, Lagos, Borno, Kwara, Kebbi, Katsina, Gombe, Niger, Jigawa and others where APC “successfully” won easily declared even with glaring shortcomings?

The behaviour of some of the returning officers were like they awaited for an instruction from the Presidency via the INEC Chairman to declare results before they do, is this supposed to be so? Results from polling units already known would be delayed for hours if not days until the rigging is perfected?

Has the Nigerian Army under Lt Gen Tukur Buratai as COAS, debased and departed from professionalism, non-partisanship?

Is there a compromise by the so called International observers who were mute in front of grave injustice to the people of Nigeria?

In

CORNUCOPIA

By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu Telephone number: 08060750240

E-mail : odogwuchampionawka@yahoo.co.uk INEC must not act funny with the wills and wishes of Nigerians on 23rd March, 2019 in the states still declared inconclusive or suspended when results are already known from polling units?

This is because, the winning Political parties would have been declared winners as done with Ogun state Governorship election result with Dapo Abiodun of APC with 241,670 votes to defeat Adekunle Akinlade of APM who polled 222,153, leaving a margin of 19,517 votes? Why wasn’t the election inconclusive even with the cancelled votes more than the difference?

The same applied to Orji Uzo Kalu of APC who scored 30,201 votes and Mao Ohuabunwa of PDP who scored 20,801 votes with cancelled votes of 38,526 more than the difference in their figures and more than the winner’s votes?

So why the inconclusiveness in Kano, Bauchi, Sokoto, Benue, Adamawa and Plateau states PDP was holding sway? INEC Chairman , Prof Yakubu has got some bashing and wrong prayers against him and family by Moslems and Christians alike even pagans , but was he perturbed?

The Vice Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in February 23 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has drawn the attention of the international community on the militarisation of elections to the extent of taking a collation centre to a military location and denying international observers access which he said “is clearly unacceptable and a grave breach of democratic norms”. Is this not clear compromise by the Army in democratic process?

Obi was right because the six states where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the governorship election inconclusive were where PDP was cruising to victory before the process was halted. Has the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) become shameless in its desperation to retain power as it has become brazen in perpetuating it’s rigging agenda? Why waste billions conducting elections where lives were lost and wishes of the people subverted? What would the Judiciary do? We say that the Judiciary is the place for last hope of the common man, but are the Judges already compromised?

What went wrong? Any hope in our Election Tribunals?

Elections were held in 29 States with APC wining 13 states and the PDP wining 9 states. Then 6 states were declared inconclusive and 1 state suspended by INEC. Desperation is the root of the electoral crisis, suspension of election results and declaration of elections inconclusive hence Senate

•Man running away with election ballot box President , Bukola Saraki against permutations congratulated his opponent from the APC and wished his people from Kwara state well but Senator Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom and Rt Hon Rotimi Amechi, Transport Minister among others continued to intimidate their people leading to deaths. All the people manipulating Nigeria for their selfish interests should be blamed for this mess in our nascent democratic mission.

How would one describe the sudden transfer of Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Wakili to Zamfara and replaced him with CP Balarabe Sule because CP Wakili resisted rigging and insisted on free, fair, popular and credible poll in Kano State, yet President Muhammadu Buhari is hailed as corruption beacon?

Is this not an undue interference with the electoral process by the ruling APC? And I ask, what legacy of free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria is President Buhari boasting to leave Nigeria with in 2019? Is INEC a branch of APC and Buhari’s federal Government?

What happened in Edo state, and Osun state appears to be set à la carte for Governor Umar Ganduje’s Kano? Shall the protests in Kaduna state against INEC changing the will and wish of the people with fraudulent election results yield fruits in the tribunal?

Of what benefit was the N250Bn

approved to INEC to conduct the 2019 general elections. Was it not a waste? The hate speeches was it worth it? Why would our Professors be caught pants down with electoral malpractices? Why would academic be involved in rigging of election, yet they punish students who engage in exam malpractice.

What impetus do they have?

Why would University lecturers particularly Professors engaged in 2019 General elections not reject being used to rig elections? Is INEC a scam? NYSC members and others who served as Adhoc staff had their lives risked even though they lobbied to be engaged, while most of the academic had their reputation rubbished.

What happened during the 2019 election is a reflection of what some parents even do with their children who are champions of social media particularly Facebook in their private schools by buying marks to ensure they come first in their class, influence JAMB scores through special centers and even placing them on jobs they did not merit. How would our Professors rusticate students who engage in malpractice as Vice Chancellors, Provosts and Rectors when they have been identified as harbingers of election rigging in 2019 elections?

This is indeed our Professors faux pas!

But any hope for end to this madness called electoral rigging

and manipulation? When would the real votes count even when they said there is no perfect democracy?

Why can’t we go electronic voting?

We all use ATM cards with minimal error margin, so, why can’t small machines like the POS machine for voting be invented for each of the polling units and end this roguish voting method in Nigeria.

If the ATM and the POS could keep records and display on request, why can’t we use a similar machine for our voting with people voting from anywhere in the country in the designated polling units with days of opening and closing of voting?

This methodology would end the uselessness of some corrupt people engaging in the electoral processes as it would end the unscrupulous acts of some Professors engaged as Collation officers, Returning Officers and Armed personnel as well as Corps members to mention but a few.

Why would the Emir of Sokoto appeal to the PDP’s Presidential flagbearer , Alhaji Atiku Abubakkar and his running mate , Mr Peter Obi not to go to court? His alleged words: “If you go to court you will win but there will be war and Nigerians will be massacred. Please accept the results as the will of God”- Sultan of Sokoto to Atiku Abubakar.

Probably the war may start from Sokoto as the APC and INEC are busy perfecting how the inconclusiveness of the election should be at their advantage at all cost. Why can’t our votes count?

And why won’t an aggrieved go to the court? Is going to courts now a taboo? Is self-help now better than what is lawful and constitutional rights in a democratic process?

Atiku and Obi got Nigerians with their restructuring and based on results from polling units, Atiku and Obi won hence a personality like Sultan of Sokoto was appealing to Atiku not to go to court because the sham called 2019 General elections would be upturned in Atiku’s favour.

For me, against the faux pas by our Professors, the rightful winner should be declared now by the Tribunal and Buhari should accept the verdict but should the Judiciary with threat of EFCC raids and suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen decides to compromise, posterity has a way of catching up on those who cheat the process for their selfish ends.

Atiku should not die like MKO Abiola in pursuit of his mandate but nobody should threaten Nigerians with war because an aggrieved is towing the part of honour in settling his grievances. With the Osun State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory declaring Ademola Adeleke, candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), winner of the 2018 governorship election in the state, there is light at the end of the tunnel for the hardworking Nigerians who were intimidated after voting their choice candidates.

•Odogwu Emeka Odogwu is a known Journalist, Editor and famous Blogger, as well as Social Media Entrepreneur, publisher and Conversationalist @ www. odogwublog.com among others.

Phone Number: 08060750240 E-mail : odogwuchampionawka@ yahoo.co.ukOdogwu

WEDNESDAY April 3, 2019

The

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racle Today

VOX POPULI SACRUM

ISSN: 2545-5869

Salvaging the university of Nigeria

A

t the behest of two first-time visitors to Nigeria, some professional colleagues and I organized an expedition last week. The expedition took us to Nsukka, the hilly Savannah town located at about eighty kilos north of Enugu, in Enugu State. The choice of Nsukka was unmistakable. Having heard and read so much about the importance of Nsukka in the history of Nigeria, the foreigners simply wanted to go to Nsukka to experience her allure and enchantment.

For us Nigerian professionals, the expedition was a perfect excuse to rest our tired bones in a quite humble town of Nsukka. All work and no play, they say, makes Jack a dull boy. A life lived all day in a chaotic Lagos traffic jam amid the sound of electric generator is not worth living.

For me in particular, I needed to go to Nsukka to breathe the fresh air as the air in Lagos is somewhat “contaminated”. The foreign journalist was dying to embrace the literary tradition of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). He has read Christopher Okigbo, the Nigerian poet who died fighting for the independence of Biafra.

So once we were convinced that the trip was worthwhile we wasted no time in arranging our passage to Nsukka. The lawyer drove some of us in his luxurious car, while others accompanied the Electrical Engineer in his car. The journey was smooth and uneventful. No police harassment and extortion along the Expressway. On arriving at the UNN, we climbed the hills overshadowing the University. Upon coming down from the hills, we went to the house of a renowned UNN professor. Since the Igbo kola nut neither speaks nor understands the English language, kola nut was broken and eaten ith the most moving Igbo proverbs which included Egbe belu Ugo belu nke si ibe ya

GUEST COLUMNIST

Sonnie

EKWOWUSI ebena nku kwa ya (Let the Eagle perch, let the Kite perch and if anyone prevents the other from perching may its wings break).

The two foreigners were edified watching the solemn traditional ceremonies which preceded the breaking of the kola nut.

Eating of kola nut over, Prof and his wife who is also a UNN Professor feted us with the most delicious utara and ofe onugbu, ukwa, yam, vegetable soup and dry fish and Nsukka palm wine. The Nsukka palm wine was undiluted. For obvious reasons, we preventing our two drivers from partaking in the palm wine drinking Thereafter we went on a sight-seeing on campus. It was in the course of this that it fully dawned on me that the UNN has become decrepit. For example, most of the building housing the different Faculties and Departments looked so unkempt and unmaintained. It was obvious that the buildings have not been repainted since they were constructed about 55 years ago.

The lecturers’ quarters on Dr. Marguerite Cartwright Street and other streets were completely worn out due to lack of repair.

The roof of the apartment of our host had caved in, an indication that the apartment leaks during rainfall. Seeing what used to be the famous UNN Sports Stadium

In short, the UNN environment we saw last week looked so drab and uninviting.

One wonders what has happened to all the projects that are reportedly going on at the UNN. or Sports Complex in complete ruin, I almost started crying. How can the UNN authorities allow weed to overtake their Sports Stadium? Even the comparatively newly-constructed Nnamdi Azikliwe Library has started experiencing wear and tear.

In short, the UNN environment we saw last week looked so drab and uninviting.

One wonders what has happened to all the projects that are reportedly going on at the UNN. It was even reported at a time that Business Mogul Mike Adenuga jnr had offered to build N600 million Sports Complex for UNN. And in 2012 the UNN Vice-Chancellor was quoted in the press as saying that the UNN had spent over N400 million on infrastructure.

Unfortunately in 2013 there was a counter report that the UNN was burdened with a lot of abandoned projects. The University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC) is no better. On entering UNEC one sees a University squirming in pain owing to wear and tear. Manuwa Hall, Marriere Hall, Mbonu Ojike Hall, Kenneth Dike Hall, Lady Ibiam Hall (Babylon) had probably not been re-painted for a very long time. At UNEC students learn and study under very degrading and inhuman conditions. The decrepit toilets ooze out with suffocating odour. We were greatly shocked when we visited two Professors living in what serves as the University lecturer quarters.

Practically most of the apartments in the quarters were worn out. In fact the buildings looked like pre-Nigerian Civil War buildings. The louvre blades and louvre glasses to the apartments were all broken down leaving the apartments in a very miserable state.

Therefore beyond this nauseating university politics, the Federal government should approve a Direct Emergency Fund for the renovation and the upgrading of the decayed infrastructure at the UNN. Since University education, unarguably, is one of the fundamental benefits of human civilization, it is no luxury for the government to invest heavily in it. On its part, the UNN Alumni Association

•The Vice-Chancellor- Professor Benjamin C. Ozumba and the picture of Nnamdi Azikiwe Library UNN Nsukka

The Oracle Today is published by The Oracle Newspapers Limited. Head Office: 116 Awka Road, Onitsha. Lagos Office: 25 Remi Fani-Kayode Street, GRA Ikeja. Abuja Office: 1st Floor, Plateau House, Central Business District, Abuja, FCT. ISSN: 2545-5869 Email: oracletoday2016@yahoo.com, Twitter: @oraclenews.ng Facebook: oraclenews.ng@facebook.com Website: www.oraclenews.ng Advert hot lines: 09078310060, 09061836916. Editor: FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU.