Wednesday August 1, 2018 Edition by oracle

Ozubulu church killing – One year after

EACTIONS to the 6 August 2017 shooting at Ofufe Amakwa, Ozubulu, in Ekwusigo Local Government of Anambra State, proved that Nigerians could still be shocked. The contrary narrative is that they have “seen it all”, so nothing shocks them. Nigerians remain human, and mostly humane. IT is almost one year after that shooting. More have died. More

The Oracle Today Comment

have been killed with brutalities that cannot be imagined. Yet the shocks of people being slaughtered, as is becoming common, or being shot, took a new dimension with Ozubulu. It was different, it was alien to these parts, but hap-

The

VOX POPULI SACRUM

pened, making the point that nothing is impossible. AS if to prove that there was a newness to all the killings, people rose in condemning it. They asked that something should be done to avert what could be a trend. They

WEDNESDAY August 1, 2018

wanted the killers to be unveiled and punished. They wanted to be sure that everyone agreed that the killings in Ozubulu went a step beyond the expected even in a setting where absurdity was becoming normal.

TO many of them, it was unthinkable that criminals could invade a church, shooting worshippers. Many consider places of worship sacred, hallowed, and deserving respect due the Almighty at all times. Many violations of places of worship in Nigeria have not changed the opinion of most Nigerians about reverence for the

racle www.oraclenews.ng

ISSN: 2545-5869

Cont’d on page 24

Today

VOL.3 No.30 N200

Declare AIDS drug National project, Ezeibe urges FG From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

he inventor of the Nigerian medicine for the cure of HIV/ AIDS, Prof. Maduike Ezeibe, has called on the federal government to cast doubt aside and take over his invention as a national project with a view to commercialis-

Cont’d on page 2

•Asks govt. to fund research, commercialise drug •Describes N300k grant as ‘important validation’ of his work •Patients from Jamaica, Malaysia, Cameroon, Nigerians flood clinic

NASS crisis: Defections may cripple APC From CHIDI UGWU, Abuja

T was expected, yet when the defections in the Nation’s Assembly handed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the majority that the All Progressives Congress (APC), has held since the 2015 general election, the subtlety belied the various dramas. The two leaders of the National Assembly best applied different ploys to achieve their push to tilt the political games that have been in the works for weeks, to their advantage. Although practically everyone was playing the game, no one seemed to know the other’s joke. It emerged Tuesday morning that the police had blocked access to the residences of the Senate President Dr. Olubukola Saraki and Deputy Senate President Dr. Ike Ekweremadu.

Page 19

Both were wanted by security agencies for immediate interrogations over pending cases with the police--Saraki for the Otta robbery incident and Ekweremadu for alleged money laundering. Why Tuesday? News had been swelling that at Tuesday’s session, Saraki would admit defecting members of APC to PDP or, in his absence, Ekweremadu would perform the role. A security siege to their homes and the National Assembly was to ensure that the session did not hold. It didn’t work. The police were to discover that Saraki was not home, but proceedings had commenced at the Senate, with Majority Leader, Senator Lawan elected to preside. There were moves to impeach Saraki who gained the senate presidency against the wish of APC leaders.

Cont’d on page 2

•New Senate majority leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio (right), Senator Dino Melaye and others jubilate shortly after Melaye and 13 other Senators defected from APC to PDP at the Senate plenary on Tuesday

UNIZIK students protest Pg 47 over deaths at medical centre

Dangote Cement stakes N50b bonds for trading on FMDQ

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

NEWS

...HIV/AIDS drug national project, inventor urges FG Continued from Pg 1

ing the drug. Ezeibe, who made the call in Umuahia during an interview with The Oracle Today in the Abia State capital, identified doubt as the biggest challenge to his ambition to ensuring a HIV/AIDS-free world. Authorities of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), were the first to drop the hint that a lecturer in its fold had discovered the cure for HIV/AIDS early last year. Having received the green light from his employers, Ezeibe, in an interaction with newsmen on February 1, last year, confirmed his invention with a narration of how his research into how to develop a medicine to manage diarrhea in sheep and goats resulted in the great breakthrough—the discovery of the medicine for the cure of HIV/ AIDS, something that had eluded

scientists globally. The Isiala Ngwa North, Abia State-born egghead who studied Veterinary Medicine at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and graduated in 1986 with distinctions in Veterinary Public Health and Animal Health and Production, joined the services of the university as a Graduate Assistant in 1992 The Oracle Today gathered that between 1992 and 1994 when Prof. Ezeibe was researching for his Masters Degree at the UNN, he wanted to develop a medicine to manage diarrhea in sheep and goats. Prof. M. U. Adikwu, present Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja, a pharmacist, introduced Aluminum-magnesium silicate (AMS) to him, for trial as anti-diarrheal agent. On learning that molecules of AMS are made of Nanoparticles, which are electrically charged (positively and negatively charged ends)

Ezeibe reasoned that the mineral (AMS), which is an approved medicine might be effective as antiviral medicine because viruses are electrically charged too. So, he changed his efforts from developing anti-diarrheal medicine to developing antiviral medicine. Since deposits of AMS do not exist in Nigeria but the country has large deposits of Aluminum silicate and Magnesium silicate, the young scientist had to react the two other approved medicinal-minerals to get the Nigerian Medicinal synthetic Aluminum-magnesium silicate (MSAMS), an invention has not been faulted by anybody in the world. Furthermore, since AMS is not absorbable, to make the medicine get into blood for circulation to all parts of the body, Ezeibe formulated Dextrose monohydrate (Glucose®) into the MSAMS, to provide active transport for the electrically charged

Nanoparticles. Blood circulates the Nanoparticles to all organs/tissues of treated patients so that they use their negatively charged surfaces to mop HIV (positively charged) and their positively charged edges to destroy infected cells, including the “sanctuary cells” (negatively charged) where the viruses hide. By the time Ezeibe made his invention public, he had already cured 10 HIV patients with the drug, he said. But, the federal government slammed the Professor of Clinical Virology and Head of Department of Veterinary Medicine, MOUAU, for not getting “ethical approval” before treating humans with the drug. Subsequently, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, ordered investigation into Ezeibe’s claims. But, the issue was almost swept under the carpet but for Ezeibe’s

•Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Ahmed Lawan adressing journalists after a close-door meeting with the APC National Working Committee (NWC) led by the National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole at the Party’s National Secretariat on Tuesday evening.

NASS crisis: Defections may cripple APC Continued from Pg 1

would not allow him leave home.

Various versions of how Saraki got to the National Assembly, accepted defecting APC Senators and within hours Senator Lawan descended from acting Senate President, Majority Leader, to Minor Leader, would be an interesting investigation for investors in politics and the power game. Some say he arrived in a weather beaten car, driving himself and thereby beating the security cordon around his house. Another version, according to a source who described his version as “authentic” was that Saraki arrived at the National Assembly by 3am on Tuesday. While the signatures for his impeachment were being gathered, he was in the National Assembly. When the police discovered that he had escaped, the next story was that it was Saraki’s security that blocked access to his house. Saraki’s supporters had floated the story that he would not honour the police invitation because the blockade on his residence

APC loses 14 Senators, 13 to PDP, one to ADC. Meanwhile, another drama was unfolding at the House of Representatives. Yakubu Dogara, the Speaker, arrived to a rousing reception. Members, 32, were waiting to return to PDP, 4 to ADC. He received them. The celebrations continued as the two leaders of the National Assembly continued to burden APC. Later, Saraki was to pay a solidarity visit to Ekweremadu. Nobody is sure about the next phase of the endless drama. Saraki has not moved fully to PDP. Dogara is in the game. The fluidity of the National Assembly is the latest headache of APC. It appears to be getting full reprisal for similar damage it did to PDP going to the 2015 elections. With party primaries commencing in August, the loss of the National Assembly is a big blow to APC. Its members have accused the party of deserting internal party democracy, the same com-

plaints they had against PDP, to which many are returning. Adams Oshiomole, APC Chairman, tries to make light of the defections, but he is being hit by the numbers and the calibre of those departing. A belated meeting between Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, whose successor in Kano, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, is denying space in Kano, may not halt the slide of APC. On his part, Oshiomole had indicated a coming battle with members. His media-celebrated angst with Labour Minister Dr. Chris Ngige is instructive. Oshiomole has threatened to expel the Minister from the party unless he inaugurated the board of the Nigeria Insurance Social Security Trust Fund (NISTF), a parastatal of the Ministry of Labour & Productivity. Ngige reminded Oshiomole that he took orders from President not the party Chairman. Oshiomole is not impressed. An investigation into NSITF was Ngige’s delay for delaying the inauguration, but Oshiomole alleges that Ngige was interested in running the place

without a board. More changes are expected in the coming days. Some politicians have grown in their confidence that they can win elections on platforms of their choice. They want to exploit them. Details of how the alliances the parties are having would work are not yet certain. Some politicians are getting concessions to safeguard their seats going into the primaries. Pictures of how the 2019 elections could go, would be clearer after party primaries in August. APC’s reactions to its hold on power would be seen in the coming days. Meanwhile the Senate has adjourned seating till September 25, allowing members to participate in party primaries. PDP expelled Buruji Kashamu on Monday, so he is partyless at the moment. Saraki the smart guy. The presidency knew that Saraki is planning something huge, so the police invited him over the

Cont’d on page 47

insistence that the federal government should investigate the veracity of his claims and leave aside ethical issues, insisting, however, that he, indeed, observed ethical processes in his journey of discovery. According to him, ample tests were carried out using animals, while doctors of the treated patients were involved. When the federal government was not forthcoming in carrying out its investigations, Ezeibe rushed to the senate, appealing to the apex lawmakers to prevail on the relevant agencies and ministries to investigate his claims. Late last year, an inter-ministerial committee with members drawn from the Ministries of Health, Science and Technology and other relevant agencies was set up and it came up with the recommendation that Ezeibe should be assisted financially, possibly through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, to carry out further work on his research. That was the first level of recognition by the federal government. The second came last month when the federal Ministry of Science and Technology gave Ezeibe a N300, 000 grant at a ceremony the ministry organised in Abuja to recognise and encourage Nigerian innovators and inventors. Enquiries by The Oracle Today show that the researcher is yet to access the money. However, patients from across the world, including Jamaica Malaysia, Tazania, Cameroon and Nigerians living at home and in United States of America and England, are daily streaming to Ezeibe for treatment. He said millions of naira is required to conduct more clinical trials in the last phase of his research, a stage he feels the federal government should step in to assist and take over the production and commercialisation of MSAMS. Ezeibe believes that the Nigerian HIV medicine, which is also used to treat cancer and potentiate other drugs has the potential to fetch the country more foreign exchange than crude oil. He also believes that doubts that such an invention could come from a black man are responsible for the foot-dragging by the federal government, stressing that time has come for the federal government to fully embrace his invention since the inter-ministerial committee found merit in his claims. “Results so far show the medicine reduces HIV viral load and increases immunity (CD4 count). People have been on the treatment for more than one year without adverse effects. These are enough. It is only a matter of time for each patient to recover,” he said. According to Ezeibe, “the biggest challenge the invention has is lack of confidence by some people who do not believe that a Nigerian could have found cure for viral diseases. They doubt the invention because they do not believe that viruses are electrically charged but virologists know that every virus has either a net positive or a net negative electrical charge.” “The problem,” he continued, “is that we are still in doubt that we have achieved what those we see as our superiors could not.” He said he is capable of going into commercial production but maintains that it would serve humanity and national interest better should the federal government recognise and take over the production of MSAMS on a commercial scale. “Government should announce to the world that we have found HIV\AIDS- cure and then make it available to the world,” he added.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

â&#x20AC;˘Sunday Okpe (m) Dede Uzor A. Uzor (r) & Barr Onwuemekai during the event ,

By Oge Onyeanusi Group, Human Rights Defenders of Nigeria, has honoured the Anambra State Commander of

the Federal Special Anti Robbery Squad (FSARS), Mr. Sunday Okpe, a Superintendent of Police (SP) for his giant strides in policing. The ceremony, which took place

at Awkuzu, the Anambra State Headquarters of the Federal Special Anti Robbery Squad (FSARS) attracted members of the human rights group led by its national

The Oracle Today

Wednesday August 1, 2018

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION FG clamps down on airlines, airport managers over flight delays, cancellations By VICTOR NZE

N a bid to address the recurring issue of flight cancellations and delay by airlines operating the country, the Federal Government through its aviation regulatory agency, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) told both airlines and airport services firms to live up to their responsibilities or face the law. This declaration was made at the just concluded stakeholders’ forum organised by the NCAA at its office annex, in Ikeja, Lagos, Tuesday, where the regulator addressed 13 International airlines, 8 domestic airlines, and Airport operators – the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as well as the Bi-Courtney Aviation Services. NCAA, which said it waded into the recurring incidence of cancellations/ delays also told the operators to always disseminate timely information to passengers on flight status while airport owners should ensure the functionality of their facilities. The forum also gave the airlines leeway to always request for reimbursement of expenses incurred from third parties/service providers with whom they signed Service Level Agreements (SLAs) as stipulated by the Nig. CARs Part 19. “Against this backdrop, all airlines are therefore warned to always adhere to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs 2015) and Passengers Bill of Rights in their dealings with passengers. Passengers must get value for their money “While the NCAA and FAAN are do-

ing everything to resolve all the issues enumerated, flight delays and cancellations will not be acceptable,” read the statement by NCAA signed by the General Manager Public Relations, Mr. Sam Adurogboye. Airline operators during the forum, enumerated the challenges that caused majority of delays and cancellations among which are epileptic fuel supply, need for improvement in infrastructure at the airports, unruly passengers and traffic along airport road etc. Reacting, management of the NCAA and FAAN assured the operators that all these challenges will be tackled very soon. The 16-point resolution reached at the meeting include that: a. Airlines should be realistic in their flight planning/schedules; b. Airlines should always disseminate on time information to passengers on flight status; c. Airlines to ensure they provide right to care to passengers in times of delays/cancellations in line with the Nig. CARs 2015 Part 19; d. NCAA/FAAN to liaise with FMTA to replace fuel hydrants if the old ones will cost a lot of money to be fixed and the supply points should be connected to the airports Other resolutions include: e. FAAN/ airport operators/owners to ensure facilities at the airports are functional (lightings, carousels, cooling systems and others); f. FMTA to liaise with PPMC on fixing the underground pipeline layout from Apapa to Lagos airport to minimize surface transportation of fuel g. FAAN should beef up security at

Apapa gridlock: Lagos suspends approval for development of tank farms

AGOS State Government has announced the suspension of approval for development of tank farms in Apapa as part of its renewed effort to restore sanity completely as well as fashion out immediate and long term solution along the Oshodi-Apapa corridor and prevent a repeat of the chaos caused by containerized trucks and tankers parked on the road. Rising from a closed door meeting with stakeholders in the maritime and transport sectors, including Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Shippers Council, Tank Farm Owners, Department of Petroleum Resources, Security Agencies and Clearing and Forwarding Agents, held at the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja and chaired by State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the State Government also resolved to accelerate and complete work on the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Trailer Park in Orile within the next one month. The State’s Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Ladi Lawanson who briefed Government House Correspondents on the resolutions reached after the meeting which lasted for over three hours and said all stakeholders had resolved to work together to bring back sanity on the Apapa axis and would therefore not hesitate to sanction recalcitrant operators who flout the resolutions going forward. Lawanson, who was joined at the briefing by the Managing Director of NPA, Mrs. Hadiza Bala-Usman, Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello and other stakeholders, said that a Security Task Force has been constituted

by the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government and would work continuously for 30 days to bring sanity to the roads, while shipping companies sanctioned for noncompliance on utilisation of holding bays in the ports have been extended by five days. He said that to also cushion the effect on the traffic experienced by motorists in the area, the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing would immediately commence palliative measures on bad portions on access roads. “The Department of Petroleum Resource (DPR) is to ensure that Tank Farm owners comply with holding bay requirements, while trailers not called upon and found trampling will be impounded and sanctioned in Lagos. “With immediate effect, Lagos State Government suspends the approval of Tank Farms and the Government is going to accelerate the completion of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Trailer Park and it should be ready within a month,” Lawanson said. The State Government also directed that all truck and tanker owners must be duly registered and well regulated by their unions, adding that the unions would be held accountable for their adherence to extant rules and regulations. “The Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) in collaboration with the Lagos State Government will going forward license trailer parks whereby only trucks housed in those designated parks will be granted access. Furthermore, tank farms without adequate loading bays within the next 30 days will be sanctioned.

•From right: Minister of Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu with his Niger Republic counterpart, Mr. Foumakoye Gado, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the Niger-Nigeria Hydrocarbon Pipeline and Refinery Project at the State House in Abuja, Monday, while Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Mahamadou Issoufou of Nigeria and Niger, respectively, look on. the airports to prevent unlawful interference; h. Airlines’ representatives should be available to testify whenever cases of unruly passengers are referred to the Nigeria Police Force. i. The representative of FAAN Management to ensure that action is expedited on the upgrade of lighting on Runway 18L/36R (MMIA); j. Airlines and airport operators should maintain constant Communication k. Airlines should always request for

re-imbursement of expenses incurred from third parties/service providers with whom they signed Service Level Agreements (SLAs) as stipulated by the Nig. CARs Part 19.; l. FAAN to ensure that the CCTV cameras are always operational; m. Airlines’ inputs should be considered in the design/ construction of airports to avoid a repeat of the mistakes of the past. Others are: n. Airlines should devel-

op responsive crisis management systems and file their Operation Disruption Manuals with NCAA as required by law; o. Domestic airlines/operators encouraged to enter into interlining arrangements; p. Requests from stakeholders/airlines for the provision of 24 hours operations at daylight airports should be forwarded to FAAN backed with economic realities on a sustainable level.

Lagos fixes August 27 date for screening test into public schools

AGOS State Government has announced that the screening test for students seeking transfer to public secondary schools will hold on Monday, 27th August, 2018. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Adebunmi Adekanye who made this known recently, said that interested applicants should obtain a clearance slip from the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary’s Office for the school of choice in other to make the process a lot easier. In her words, “Applicants should contact the District of choice for clearance before payment. Forms can be obtained and returned to the office of the Tutor- General/ Permanent Secretary of the Education District of the applicant’s choice for a non-refundable fee of Five Thousand Naira (N5,000), payable at any Skye Bank Branch Account No: 4030010449, Agency Code: 4280000 and Sort Code: 32534/4040043”. She stated that the payment and collection of forms will commence on Friday, 20th July, 2018 while submission will close on Friday, 17th August, 2018. “Applicants for transfer into J.S.S 2 class are to attach 2nd and 3rd term promotion examination results of J.S.S 1 class and those seeking transfer into S.S1 will attach their Basic Education Certificate Examination (B.E.C.E) Number”, she added. The Permanent Secretary requested all applicants to attach evidence of three years tax payment

of their parent or guardian, photocopy of LASRRA Identity Card and receipt for the application form to the submitted forms. Adekanye revealed that Screening Test will be conducted in the Six Education Districts on Monday, 27th August, 2018 by9:00 am prompt, stating that parents of successful applicants will be noti-

fied through text messages sent to the phone number supplied by them. She, however, noted that since admission is subject to vacancy in the proposed school, applicants are advised to seek clearance at the District Office of their preferred school before paying for the transfer form.

37 Reps leave APC for PDP, ADC

O fewer than 36 members of ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the House of Representatives, Tuesday, defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC). Thirty-two of the number moved to the PDP and four to ADC. Another member, Mr Emmanuel Orker-Jev from Benue, renounced his membership of the APC but did not disclose the political platform he was identifying with. The four members of the party who crossed to ADC were all from Oyo state. The drama started at about 1.25 p.m. when the Speaker of the House, Mr Yakubu Dogara, announced that some members had written to him indicating that they had defected from the APC. They cited the break-up of the ruling party into factions as one of the reasons for dumping it. The members from Oyo state, who defected to ADC are Sunday Adepoju, Olugbemi Samson, Taiwo Michael and Olasupo Abiodun. Those who moved to PDP are:

Garba Umar (Kano), Olayonu Tope (Kwara), Ahmed Garba (Kano), Kabiru Marafa (Sokoto), Zakari Mohammed (Kwara) and Abubakar Amuda-Kanike (Kwara). Others are: Ali Madaki (Kano), Hassan Saleh (Benue), Ahma Pategi (Kwara), Mark Gbillah (Benue), Shehu Usman (Kano), Aminu Shagari (Sokoto), Nuhu Danburam (Kano) and Atunwa Abdulrazak (Kwara). Also on the list are: Salisu Zakari (Bauchi), Hassan Omale (Kogi), Rufai Chanchangi (Kaduna), Abdulsamad Dasuki (Sokoto), Sani Zoro (Jigawa), Benjamin Okolo (Kogi), Sani Rano (Kano), Dickson Tarkighir (Benue) and Funke Adedoyi (Kwara). The defected members to PDP also include: Bode Ayorinde (Ondo), Bashiru Salihu (Sokoto), Barry Mpigi (Rivers), Nasiru Sule (Kano), Segun Ogunwuyi (Oyo), Lawal Rabiu (Kaduna), Musa Adotsamiya (Kano) and Emmanuel Udende (Benue). Members of the APC led by Leader of the House, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, objected to the defection, but the speaker overruled them.

The Oracle Today

Wednesday August 1, 2018

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

Nigeria doomed without rule of law – CJN Onnoghen From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

HIEF Justice of the Federation, Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, GCON has stated that the country is doomed without the rule of law and charged judicial officers to remain steadfast in the buildup to the next general elections. Justice Onnoghen made this call in Calabar during the commissioning and official opening of an ultramodern Court Of Appeal Complex, Calabar. The Chief Justice who was accompanied by the President of the Court Of Appeal, Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa as well as the Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade told judges to remain firm no matter whose ox is gored and always be mindful of the fact that the society depends on justices and the decision they make. “I use this opportunity to still call on judicial officers in the country to remain steadfast to their oath of office, the constitution of the country and continue to remember that without the rule of law, the society is doomed. “Hold firm to the wheels of justice and ensure that when cases are placed on a scale, whichever weighs more should be where the judgment should go. It does not matter whose ox is gored because the society depends on us and that decision you have to take. The society survives

APC statement on Ortom ‘hypocritical’ – Benue Govt

By VICTOR NZE

ENUE State Government has described as ‘hypocritical’ a statement credited to the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Benue State in which it claimed that the party raised issues of governance with Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, following which he gave himself red card. A statement signed by Mr. Terver Akase, the Chief Press Secretary to State Governor, Samuel Ortom, described the report as ‘hypocrisy of the highest order.’ “We find the statement as hypocrisy of the highest order. It is on record that APC in Benue State has on many occasions, passed vote of confidence on Governor Ortom as a result of his performance. “We challenge APC in Benue State to bring out facts to back their claim that they had faulted the performance of the Governor. We equally challenge the party to make public evidence regarding their claims that bailout funds and Paris Club refund were diverted. “While Governor Ortom appreciates the platform which APC gave him to offer service to the people of Benue State, it is regrettable that the same party has now turned to demonize him for obvious selfish reasons.”

because you are courageous enough to tell whoever is wrong that you are wrong”. He said this is the time politicians are warming up with all sorts of gimmicks and tactics and plants and the judicial officers should be ready to do justice to all manner of persons without fear of persons or ill will. He said the edifice is poignant for him because as a young lawyer he travelled to Enugu for several cases from Calabar because of the absence of an Appeal Court in Calabar and he can recollect that a number of lawyers had accidents and died on the journeys to Enugu and the presence of the court in Calabar will help mitigate these. In his response, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Senator Kanu Agabi who spoke on behalf of the profession commended the judiciary for standing firm and helping shape the country through their decisions over time which has helped prevent anarchy. He emphasized that the best arm of the government is the judiciary and their courage, intelligence and hard work have continued to sustain the country. He stressed that without an independent judiciary to enforce the rule of law, it will not be long before the elected officers cease to remain in office. “By sound judgments, the judges and justices have immortalized themselves. The monuments that we build

will all one day be erased even this court of appeal will one day cease to be. There is no structure standing in the country today that will not one day be demolished and not the judgments of our court. “The decisions of our courts are shaping the country and by these, the judges have demonstrated their

SSOCIATION of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED), says that Nigeria may not have stable power supply in the next five years except the challenges confronting the sector are addressed. According to the Executive Director, Research and Advocacy of ANED, Mr Sunday Oduntan, disclosed this at a news conference in Lagos on Tuesday, there are challenges inhibiting power sector efficiency and they include liquidity gap of N1.3 trillion, lack of improved generation due to mismatched electricity pricing. “Lack of much needed investment in transmission and distribution network and rising energy theft among others. Except these

of constructing the facility could make volumes of reading materials. She commended judicial officers for their steadfastness despite the challenges of operating in the previous building particularly when it was gutted by fire and expressed appreciation to the former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke for donating a land for the facility.

•From left: Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Ladi Lawanson; Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello; State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; and Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Mrs. Hadiza Bala-Usman, briefing Government House Correspondents after a closed door meeting with stakeholders in the maritime and transport sectors, including the NPA, Nigeria Shippers Council, tank farm owners, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) security agencies as well as clearing and forwarding agents, which held at the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja and chaired by Ambode.

Kebbi commences disbursement N100m interest-free loans to women

EBBI State Government has begun the disbursement of 100 million naira interest-free loan to women groups to engage in profitable ventures for sustainable economic empowerment. A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Abubakar Mu’azu Dakingari explained that under the scheme every women would receive N15,000.00 interest free for self-enterprise. Launching the programme at Bulasa, Birnin Kebbi, Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu said women empowerment was the best option of poverty alleviation in view of the role of women in the upkeep of the family. He commended the State House of Assembly for approving money for the scheme assuring that his administration would increase the money subsequently to One Billion Naira if the need arose to empower the people economically. The Governor directed all the wives of local government chairmen in the state to be active participants in the implementation of the progarmme to ensure success and refund of the money in accordance with terms of agreement. The initiator of the programme and wife of the Governor, Dr. Zainab

Atiku Bagudu had earlier commissioned a multipurpose warehouse for women empowerment at Dakingari headquarters of Suru Local Government. Speaking at Bulasa, Dr. Zainab pledged that disbursement of the fund would be sustained for wider coverage. She commended the partners Eleganza Company for their support to the programme and urged local governments to ensure success of the scheme. Dr. Zainab said eight

challenges are addressed, we may not have stable power supply in the next five years,’’ he said. Oduntan said that the illiquidity in the sector must be prioritised because the sector could not afford to collapse. “If the power sector collapses, many banks will collapse because in 2013 during privatisation, only one Distribution Company obtained foreign loan, others took loans from local banks in dollars. Privatisation was based on 30 per cent equity and 70 percent loan. “The model was borrowed from New Delhi, India and it is working as we speak. If it is successful in India, why is it not working in Nigeria,’’ he added.

local government areas have been selected for the pilot scheme. They are Sakaba, Danko-Wasagu, Birnin Kebbi, Ngaski, Bunza, Arewa, Augie and Bagudo Local Governments. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Tsahara Bawa Ribah, commended Dr. Zainab Atiku Bagudu for introducing the programme and gave an assurance that her Ministry would implement the scheme to successful completion. In her vote of thanks, Hajiya

Jamila Baba from Koko/Besse Local Government assured the Governor and his wife that the money disbursed to the benefitting women would be judiciously utilized in profit making ventures. Also, Hajiya Hajo Abdullahi Zuru coordinator of the programme, said warehouses have been commissioned to store materials, such as coolers, textile materials, chairs and food flask as well a the disbursement of cash to selected women as pilot programme.

tion of 15 senators into the opposition party, the PDP Reps broke into dance, singing “ooo my home, oooo my home, when shall I see my home.” They also chanted “Dogara Dogara Dogara” to welcome the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara. It would be recalled that fifteen senators of the All Progressives Congress (APC) defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tuesday. They announced their movement to the PDP in a letter to President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, which was read at plenary on Tuesday. The defectors include Dino Melaye (Kogi-West), Barnabas Gemade (Benue North-East), Ibrahim Danbaba (Sokoto), Shaaba Lafiagi (Kwara North) and Ubali Shittu (Jigawa North-East). Others are: Rafiu Ibrahim (Kwara South), Suleiman Hunkuyi (Kaduna North), Isa Misau (Bauchi Central), Monsurat Sunmonu (Oyo Central), Soji Akanbi (Oyo South) and Usman Nafada (Gombe North). Also on the list are; Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano Central), Suleiman Nazif (Bauchi North), Olanrewaju Tejuosho (Ogun Central) and Abdulaziz Nyako (Adamawa Central). Citing Section 68(1G) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the defectors said “we hereby inform the Senate that we, the undersigned are changing our political affiliation from All Progressives Congress (APC) to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “We thank you for your exemplary leadership.”

They said that their action was after due consultation with their constituents and stakeholders in their constituencies. Reacting to the development, Senate Leader, Sen. Ahmad Lawan, said “the APC, our party certainly has its own internal challenges. “But, Mr President, we all know how much effort he and other stakeholders have put into addressing the issues that bedevil this party. “The disagreements do not translate into factions. I therefore feel that our senators of the APC do not have to move to any other party. I also believe that because the issues are under serious discussions by the major stakeholders of this party, I will urge that the announcement be quarantined. “Very seriously, this matter should be stepped down until we exhaust all the opportunities,” Lawan said. In his remarks, Saraki said “as you know and have seen that the seat beside you is empty. “As we speak, the Deputy Senate President cannot get out of his house. He is under siege. This morning, I could not also leave my street as well, all by efforts of some people that believe that today’s sitting must not hold because some members want to move or defect. “It is not something that has started today; it will not end today; people have gone, they’ve come back. But this kind of action does not allow for what you are saying. You are speaking as the leader of the Senate, who has been here for many years.”

PDP Reps celebrate as 15 APC senators defect

EMBERS of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in House of Representatives celebrated, Tuesday as news of the defection of 15 senators from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to PDP was announced. Earlier, the PDP lawmakers, who converged on the lobby of the National Assembly, vowed not to allow a leadership change in the Senate. Some of them even threatened to break into the Senate Chamber to forcefully stall any attempt to change the leadership of the Red Chamber. However, as soon as news filtered from the Senate about the defec-

Nigeria may not have stable power supply in 5yrs – Discos

capacity and disposition to save the country from anarchy. They are proving that that is indeed the third arm of government”, he said. In her welcome address, the president of the Court of Appeal, Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa said the edifice which was supposed to take twelve months took twelve years and the challenges encountered in the course

Oduntan decried the prevalent non-reflective tariff and called on the government to prevail on the military, Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) to pay for energy consumed. According to him, MDAs owe about N72 billion and the military has refused to pay since August 2017, when the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola say the Federal Government will settle all legacy debts by MDAs. “Afterwards, nothing has been paid by the military. It is important to also state that the mismatch in electricity pricing has resulted into inability of the Discos to settle their obligations to the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Traders (NBET).

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1 2018

NEWS

Anambra lists priority areas in Ogbaru council By IBE NWACHUKWU

etermined to develop all parts of Anambra state before the expiration of Governor Willie Obiano’s second tenure in 2022, in fullfilment of his second term campaign promises, the state government has listed some of its priority projects in Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state. Some of the projects included the upgrading of the decayed Ossomala General Hospital, equipping of Health center at Ogwuikpele, rehabilitation of the dilapidated Ossomala – Mputu- Umunankwo- Ogwuaniocha Road and the completion of the Ogbaru Local government legislative complex. Others are the completion of perimeter fencing of the local government secretariat, erection of the proposed new administrative block, reconstruction of dilapidated school structures at Okpoko, as well as controlling of flood from the Power Mike Sports complex to OkotiOdekpe community, among others. State Commissioner for Works, Marcel Ifejiofor who disclosed this yesterday during an assessment visit to some of the project sites in the areas, stated that project execution must strictly be concentrated on projects that require serious attention and on areas of the peoples dire need in order to ensure that it would give a human face and to upgrade living standards. Conducting the Commissioner round the facilities during the visit, Chairman of the Local Government Council, Comrade Arinzechukwu Awogu noted that he met a whole lot of problems and challenges in the area on assumption of duty, adding that the condition of the above mentioned facilities are in sorrowful condition to the extent that they directly affected the entire people in all the 16 communities of the council area. According to Comrade Awogu, “These problems ranged from flood menace, decayed community and Government structures, Schools, Hospitals, lack of access Roads and having a single Road network”. The council boss stated that it was the pitiable conditions of these facilities that triggered him into beckoning the state government for assistance. He lauded Governor Obiano for responding swiftly to his peoples cries for help by approving a huge amount of money for the execution of the projects and for attracting a federal Government agency known as Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) to Atani community, the local government headquarters to ameliorate their ugly situation. He expressed optimism that Ogbaru, an agrarian and river-rine council area of the state would soon be developed like other Urban Council areas to compete favorably with its contemporaries, elsewhere in the country.

I formerly known as GLORY EFFIONG EBONG now wish to be known as MRS. GLORY JOHN SIMEON. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

2019: Why I lost to Ikpeazu in 2015 – Otti From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia pened simply because he didn’t want to plunge the state into crisis. “I have invited you here today ormer Governor candidate of the All Progressives Grand Al- to inform you that come 2019, I am liance (APGA) in the 2015 elec- offering myself yet again to reclaim tions, Dr. Alex Otti has declared his the mandate you gave me in 2015. intention to contest the Abia Gov- And I want to encourage you to be ernment House seat for the second steadfast because what happened time on the same political platform. in 2015 was daylight robbery,” Otti This is also as the former manag- told the sympathetic crowd. ing Director of Diamond Bank, also “I came to contest in 2015 to resexplained the reasons why he lost cue our people from the Pharoahs the 2015 poll to incumbent Gov- of Abia; and because the Pharoahs ernor, Okezie Ikpeazu, saying the are still there, I cannot retreat, I PDP ‘stole’ his mandate. cannot surrender. The Pharoahs of Otti who declared his intention, Abia must obey, they must come Friday at Ngwa High School play- down; they must let our people ground in Aba, said he took up the go.” He dismissed views that he lost in challenge to oust Ikpeazu and the ruling People’s Democratic Party 2015 because APGA faithful did not (PDP) ‘because of his resolve to res- protect their votes, instead allegcue Abians from bondage.’ ing that the Returning Officer was During Friday’s declaration, Otti threatened at gun point to accept insisted that Abians freely gave results he had earlier cancelled. him their mandate in 2015 but that According to him, former Publicthe PDP stole it, adding that it hap- ity Secretary of PDP, Olisa Metuh,

and the then sitting governor, Chief T.A. Orji, along with other PDP faithful, masterminded the ‘stealing of his mandate.’ “They wrote results in two major local governments: Obingwa where they allocated 82, 000 votes and 45,000 votes in Osisioma to their candidate. We caught them and when we raised the alarm, those results were cancelled. “At this point, there is a man who currently goes about with collar in his neck, his name is Olisa Metuh and the sitting governor then, (Chief) T.A.Orji and other PDP bigwigs bombarded the collation centre; they broke into the collation centre and took the Returning Officer and intimidated him. “They threatened him at gunpoint and the man panicked and reversed himself. I have forgiven Olisa Metu because he has apologized to me.” He said he did not want to set

Abia on fire that was why he refrained from confronting the PDP when they were allegedly carrying out the rigging at INEC headquarters in Umuahia. “They stole our mandate in 2015 because we didn’t want to place Abia people at risk because we knew when they were doing it. I should have gone there with this crowd. How many people did they have in PDP? But I didn’t want to put our people at risk, I didn’t think it was worth the blood of any Abia person. I still believe so that we shouldn’t lose our lives because of election,” he said. Presenting Otti to the crowd, a former National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, described him as trustworthy and experienced to pilot the affairs of Abia. Umeh who is the Senator representing Anambra Central, said Otti was ‘humane’ and would not indulge in squandermania but would rather serve the people faithfully.

Flooding: NEMA lists 14 Anambra councils as high risk From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

• Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu with his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, at a grand declaration ceremony tagged; “Honour Beyond Words,” held for the Governor at the Aggrey Memorial Primary School, Ibom Arochukwu

Enyimba Economic City Design ready as Ruyi Group emerges major investor From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

bia State government has expressed happiness with the progress being recorded in its drive to establish the Enyimba Economic City (EEC), saying that the design for the city has been completed, even as many investors have indicated interest to be part of the project. The private sector-driven Enyimba Economic City is an integrated Industrial City that would provide dedicated services. It is sitting on 9, 800 hectares of land in the three local governments of Ukwa East, Ukwa West and and Ugwunagbo and would be connected by interlinking roads, seaports and rail line and would be private sector-driven. Afrexim Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Chinese Ruyi Group, the largest global textile manufacturing industry have indicated interest to be part of the project. Briefing newsmen on the progress made so far in realizing the project, Special Adviser to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu on Job Creation, Mr Chinenye Nwaogu, disclosed that $1.3 million was spent on the EEC design.

“We have done the design and we are now on the phase of marketing the design to get big industrialists to come and set up their industries in that industrial city,” Nwaogu said. “The entire city is divided into zones, including the Oil and Gas zone, industrial area, textile and garment area, the education hub, leisure parks, entertainment parks and the health village, among others,” he said, adding they are all fully integrated. He said the EEC location was chosen because of its proximity to Owaza in Ukwa West which has the biggest gas deposit is in Nigeria for ease of power generation. According to him, EEC is also located between the Onne and Ibom Deep seaports as well as Port Harcourt, Owerri and Uyo airports, all within one hour distance. He also said that the project management has applied to the federal government to concession to it, the Enugu -Port Harcourt Expressway, adding that they were working with a British construction firm to manage and rebuild the expressway because it cut through the city. The management has also been

given the approval to construct a dual carriage road from Owaza to Onne because of those who would be involved in shipping. On power supply, Nwaogu explained that Ruyi Group which has emerged the major investor would invest $2.5 billion in Geometric Power Ltd to ensure that uninterrupted power supply to EEC, adding that an agreement to that effect has already been signed. He said that efforts were in top gear to get the federal government to confer the EEC with the status of a free trade zone which would allow it operate its own administrative structure without the encumbrances in order to attract more investors. He said the EEC would be institutionalized with a law to be passed by the Abia State House of Assembly so that it would not be subjected to any undue interference by any administration in the state. “This project will create jobs in millions. It will redefine the economic, social and technological landscape of Abia State and, by extension, the entire country because a lot of exports will happen from there,” Nwaogu said.

igerian Hydrological Services Agency in conjunction with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have listed 14 councils in Anambra state as high risk areas prone to flash flood disaster this year. The councils areas include Aguata, Anambra-East and West, Njikoka, Idemili North, Ogbaru, Anaocha, Ayamelum, Dunukofia, Orumba-North and Onitsha-North and and Onitsha South. The Acting Director General, Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Mr Olahinka Ogunwale, made the startling prediction in Awka, while presenting a paper on the 2018 Annual Flood Outlook at a sensitization workshop. The acting DG, who was represented by the Director in charge of Engineering Hydrology in the Agency, Mr. Clement Nze, called on the state government and NEMA to intensify efforts to mitigate the outbreak. Ogunwale described the high alert button as inevitable, hence the need for early preparation to reduce a severe impact. He also called for residents’ attitudinal change towards the environment. He listed major factors that contribute to recurrent flood disaster in the state as overflowing of rivers, high intensity of rainfall, improper urban planning and flood plains, as well as indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the water ways.” The Anambra State Commissioner for Public Utilities, Mr. Obi Nwankwo, in his presentation urged residents to avoid practices that would encourage flooding. He noted that “The state government through the Ministry of Environment, Beautification and Ecology has embarked on massive desilting of drainages as well as partnering the World Bank in recovering of lands from erosion as part of its efforts towards preventing the recurrence of flood as witnessed in the state last year.”

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1 2018

NEWS

Okorocha’s APC faction elects state exco From COLLINS UGHALAA, Owerri

faction of Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) loyal to state Governor, Rochas Okorocha and known as “Ndi Agburu Anyi”, meaning, “People of our tribe” Monday elected members of the State Working Committee (SWC) in the midst of heated controversy and unresolved legal and leadership tussle. Delegates from across the 305 wards of the state were at the Imo International Conference Center (IICC) and elected the following state officers of the party: Daniel Nwafor (State Chairman), Mr. Bisike Chinaka (State Deputy Chairman), Hon. Ireagwu Obioma G. (State Secretary), Hon. Angela Orji (State Assistant Secretary), Hon. Asika Geoffrey (State Vice Chairman Orlu Zone), Nwoke Chidi (State Vice Chairman Okigwe Zone), Barr. Okechukwu Ozuzu (State Vice Chairman Owerri Zone), Barr. Victor Ogbonna Amadi (State Legal Adviser), Barr. Kelechi Uzowulu (State Assistant Legal Adviser), Mrs. Stella Ekeledo (State Treasurer), Hon. Amasiatu Casmire (State Assistant Treasurer) Hon. Udemba Obi (State Financial Secretary) Hon. Kenneth Egwuom (State Assistant Financial Secretary), Hon. Kenneth Emelu (State Organising Secretary). Others include: Hon. Osuagwu Obi (State Assistant Organising Secretary), Hon. Onwuasoanya Jones F.C. (State Publicity Secretary), Hon. Anselem Obiukwu (State Assistant Publicity Secretary), Hon. Dr. Oby Oguzie (State Welfare Secretary), Hon. Maxwell Okenze (State Assistant Welfare Secretary), Hon. Uloma Mathew (State Auditor), Hon. Kenneth Abarulo (State Assistant Auditor), Lady Theresa Ohanuba (State Woman Leader), Hon. Chinyere Uwandu (State Assistant Women Leader), Hon. Ajaelu Roding (State Youth Leader),. Others are: Hon. Chidi Uneze (State Assistant Youth Leader), Hon. Paschal U. Nze (Physically Challenged Leader), Hon. Philip Amagba (Orlu Sen. Youth Leader), Hon. Ifeanyi Okoroafor (Okigwe Sen. Youth Leader), Hon. Ohale Johnson (Owerri Sen. Youth Leader), Hon. Prisca Durueke (Okigwe Sen. Women Leader), Barr. Ijeoma Igboanusi (Orlu Sen. Women Leader), Hon. Ego Ibeh (Owerri Sen. Women Leader), Hon. White (Ex-of-

ficio), Chief Pat Abil (Ex-officio), Hon. Ibe Ijeoma (Ex-officio), Kyrian Okorie (Ex-officio). In his speech, the new State Chairman, Hon. Daniel Nwafor, said the door is open for all party members who had strayed or those intending to join the party afresh. He also revealed plans to immediately commence a healing process for the party by constituting a reconciliation committee to bring back all strayed members of the party. “I will want to borrow the words of our dear President, Muhammadu Buhari: ‘I belong to nobody, but I belong to everybody.’ I will run an open door, all inclusive administration as the State Chairman of our great where every party member shall have equal rights and opportunities to aspire legitimately according to the Constitution of our great Party”, he said. Meanwhile, Governor Okorocha, speaking at the congress said that “Imo APC has become a case-study. When we brought this party, the opponents gave us all sorts of names but we remained steadfast. Today some of those who gave us such derogatory names have finally came into the party. And they didn’t come to help but to scatter”. He noted that the “last time when the congresses were about to take place, they stole the materials meant for the exercise. The congresses could not hold again. Nigerians saw there was no congress in Imo. Both the court, INEC, security agencies, and others said there was no congress. “In the face of all these faultless facts, the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party led by a very decent man Comrade Adams Oshiomhole directed that the aborted Clcongresses should now be held in Imo. We had had the Ward and Local Government Congresses and we are here today for the State Congress”. “We want to commend our National Chairman and members of our National Working Committee for ensuring that internal democracy in our party is upheld. We are very proud of being members of the APC for this singular act. Mr. Chairman of Congress Committee, you can see since your arrival that the State is very peaceful. That’s to tell you the story that this party is united in Imo State,” Okorocha said.

I am tested, trusted -- Ohakim to Imo people From COLLINS UGHALAA, Owerri

ormer Imo State Governor, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim has said that Imo people do not need an inexperienced person for governor in 2019, noting that what is needed is ‘someone who has been tested and trusted with governance to be able to perform and salvage the situation in the state.’ In a statement on Sunday, Ohakim who is running for the 2019 governorship of Imo State for one term only under All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) said that the state needs a credible and experienced leader for governor in 2019. He assured that he was presenting himself for the 2019 governorship in order to recover the futures of the children, adding that he is the most experienced hand. “For my children, for your children,

for the survival and future of Imo State, I, the most experienced hand, Ikedi Godson Ohakim, present myself to you. Let’s join hands and fix Imo for our future generations. Let’s take Imo State back to the Hands of God”, he said. “When you go to the hospital over a serious health issue, you don’t ask for a student doctor rather you look for the senior consultant. “When you go to the mechanic’s workshop for an engine problem, you don’t ask for the apprentice whose training is limited to losing knots and bolts at the instruction of his master, rather you seek the attention of the Head Engineer. “The same applies in every aspect of our lives if we want the best. You always look for the person with experience, not the greenhorn,” Ohakim said.

• Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right); with the new Commander, Edo Sector Command, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anthony Oko, during a courtesy visit by the Sector Commander to the governor, at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State Capital

Non-metering: Ozalla-Obosi consumers win suit against Enugu Disco

esidents of Ozalla-Obosi Community in the Idemili North local government area in Anambra State have won a suit filed against the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) over the distributor’s alleged ‘outrageous electricity bills and illegal disconnection against the electricity consumers in the area.’ The residents led by Chief Chukwudi Mbanuzuo and other stakeholders of the community hin the suit against Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, at the Ogidi High Court. Presided over by Justice E.C Nri-Ezedi, the court granted the residents of Ozalla-Obosi electricity Consumers the following prayers they sought against the Enugu Disco. That E.E.D.C has no powers to impose outrageous and arbitrary

estimated electric bills on the consumers; That E.E.D.C has no powers to order for the disconnection of the electric lines of the consumers in the area; That Electricity consumers in Ozalla-Obosi are not under any obligation to pay for an outrageous and arbitrary electric bills being imposed on them by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (E.E.D.C). The court also granted: That the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) is hereby ordered to meter the buildings of electricity consumers in Ozalla-Obosi in accordance with the directives of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) decision dated on the 24th day of January, 2017; That E.E.D.C should not impose any form of electric bills against the electricity consumers in Ozalla-Obosi until their houses are

metered with prepaid meters as directed. Addressing the residents and the electricity consumers of OzallaObosi following the court judgement, the President-General of Ozalla-Obosi Community, Chief Emeka Esotu described the court verdict on the reliefs sought by the electricity consumers in the area by the Ogidi High Court as ‘a welcome development being expected by the people, who have for a long time been exploited by the agents of the E.E.D.C as a result of non-metering of their buildings and the attendant outrageous and arbitrary electricity billings to the consumers.’ He, therefore, advised them to remain calm and law-abiding until ‘all the anomalies are corrected as ordered by the court.’

By OGE ONYEANUSI, Nnewi

Dunukofia Federal Constituency; Hon. Lawrence Ezeudu, member representing Dunukofia in the state assembly; Hon. Uchenna Umerie, Caretaker Chairman for Dunukofia LGA; among others. Prince Dr. Emeka Eze chaired the occasion. Remarking, Prince (Dr.) Emeka Eze, pointed that Dunukofia people, irrespective of political affiliation, will rally round Senator Umeh in the 2019 general polls to ensure his victory, adding that Umeh, from all indications, is not representing APGA or Anambra Central alone but the entire Igbo race; thus, the dire need for all and sundry to give him support. Earlier in his address of welcome, the Dunukofia Coordinator for the SVUSG, Hon. Ifeacho Chinedu, said that since Umeh assumed office as senator barely five months ago, he has shown tremendous commitment towards his legislative du-

ties, such that has never been witnessed before in Anambra. He assured Senator Umeh of the resolve of the support group and entire Dunukofia people towards ensuring his continued stay in the senate beyond 2019 by ensuring that the senator wins all the polling booths in the council area; adding that the group has all it takes to ensure Umeh’s victory at the polls. National President of the support group, Uche Oduche, said that every well-meaning Anambrarian should support Umeh because of his strides in repositioning APGA and giving Ndigbo a pride of place. The Hon. Dozie Nwankwo, Hon. Uche Umerie, Hon. Lawrence Ezeudu, among other stakeholders, who spoke at the event eulogized the good qualities in the life and representation of Senator Umeh; and pledged their resolve to support his ambition.

Umeh Support Group inaugurates Dunukofia chapter

s build-up to the 2019 general election gathers momentum, supporters of Senator Dr. Victor Umeh, under the aegis of “Senator Victor Umeh Support Group” (SVUSG) have carried their campaign to Dunukofia Council Area with the inauguration of National Patrons and Patronesses as well as National Ambassadors of the group; for the purpose of making the re-election of the senator a complete success in 2019. The event which held at the Ukpo Market Square, alst weekend, attracted politicians including Dr. Nkem Okeke, Deputy Governor of Anambra State; Senator Victor Umeh, Prince Arthur Eze (represented); Prince Uche Oduche, National President of SVUSG; Hon. Dozie Nwankwo, member of the House of Reps for Anocha/Njikoka/

The Oracle Today

Wednesday August 1, 2018

News

FG sets aside N30b for NDDC to offset debts From INI BILLIE, Uyo

HE Federal government has set aside N30 billion for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to pay off the debt it owes contractors. Speaking, Tuesdayin Ikot Ekpene at a rally for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and the governorship bid of of the NDDC chairman, Mr. Nsima Ekere, Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang said the FG has made a special provision for the agency to ensure the quick completion and commissioning of projects abandoned by NDDC contractors apart from the statutory allocations to the commission. Enanag who represented President Buhari said the president was spurred to empower the NDDC so as to deliver on the infrastructure and human capacity development of people in the Niger Delta. He expressed satisfaction over the performance of Victor Ndoma Egba’s and Nsima Ekere’s led NDDC, noting that the federal government has awarded the sum of N11billion for the remaining lot of the Itu/Calabar high way in addition to an initial N54billion awarded for the same project. “Federal government made a special provision of N30billion for payment of debt owed contractors by the NDDC for the outstanding jobs done so that they can be com-

pleted and commissioned for the welfare of Niger Delta and Akwa Ibom people. “The federal government has awarded the sum of N11 billion for the remaining lot so that the greater portion of it could be captured while the outstanding area could be designed for procurement,” he said. He noted that the federal government through the Ministry of Transportation has sped up the process for the construction of Ibaka deep sea port in Akwa Ibom state. He added that this was achieved with the cooperation of the Akwa Ibom state government through the infrastructure regulatory commission procured on Public Private Partnership model. Also speaking, the Managing Director of NDDC, Mr. Nsima Ekere thanked the people of Ikot Ekpene senatorial district for the solidarity rally in his honour and that of the president. He mentioned the projects the agency had executed in the state to •Director, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) National Laboratory, Mrs Mba and Assistant Director, Mr include: Ibakpan road, old Itu road, Okon, with State Epidemiologist, Mrs Patience Uke, during a courtesy visit to the Dr Lawrence Memorial Hospital Hospital road in Abak, renovation of and General Hospital Calabar on Monday to assess the capacity of the labs to diagnose Cholera and CSM. schools, provision of desks, benches and writing materials to schools, electricity and water projects. Emphasising that the NDDC is an interventionist agency that is not in ROSS River State Commis- breaching the peace among neigh- State, has also been able to transcompetition with any state governsioner for Information and boring communities, pointing out form the agricultural sector from ment, Ekere promised to bring the Orientation, Mrs. RoseMary that the Governor Ben Ayade-led dividends of democracy to the peo- Archibong, has tasked the Igbo administration is hugely committed peasantry to technological and agple of Akwa Ibom when he takes Community in Cross River State to to promoting peaceful co-existence ricultural tourism; an achievement, Mrs. Archibong emphasized, has over as governor of the state. make efforts to intervene in the per- with all her neighbouring States. amassed international investment ennial communal crises that have The Commissioner expressed and won President Buhari’s accobedeviled some boundary commu- overwhelming delight in the Igbo lades for the State. nities of Cross River State and their Community’s gesture as well as their Mrs. Archibong charged the group Igbo neighbours. preparedness to partner with the to be prepared for the imminent Mrs. Archibong gave the charge Government of Cross River State, economic extravaganza that would when a delegation of the Igbo Com- especially in the area of economic beckon at the actualization of the and landmark achievements re- munity in Calabar paid her a courte- development. Deep Seaport, adding that the Sucorded as a front burner in tour- sy visit in her office recently. Mrs. Archibong noted that given per Highway, which is an evacuation ism development in Nigeria. Decrying the incessant com- Governor Ayade’s business-mindedThe Commissioner said it was munal skirmishes between Izzi in ness, he will find the Igbos as effec- corridor of the Port, will enhance pertinent to state that, the Delta Ebonyi and Ukelle in Cross River tive partners that would engender a commercial activities in the State. On security, the Commissioner State Government, led by Sena- State, which is one among many more robust economy for the peonoted that the Governor’s establishtor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, as part other communal crises; Mrs. Archi- ple of the State. ment of a community surveillance of his SMART Agenda has identi- bong quipped that as neighbours, The Information and Orientation fied tourism as a tool for peace it is pertinent for peace and good Boss further maintained that with group called ‘Home Land Security,’ other security agencies are and unity to boost the socio- neighbourliness to be maintained all the economic and industrial activi- among not resting in their resolve to guareconomic development of Delta between the two States, emphasiz- ties going on in the State and given anteeing the safety of lives and State ing that no development can thrive the Igbos’ industry and business acu- property, while calling on residents Mr. Emmanuel expressed hope in the face of crisis. men; “who else should seek partner- of the State to also assist security that this visit will help to strengthThe Commissioner enjoined Igbo ship with the State order than the agents with useful information that en the relationship between the leaders in the State to regularly in- latter?” will aid in ridding the State of vices. two States and open new areas terface with their home States on She further stated that Governor Earlier in his remarks, the Presthe need to shun all vices capable of Ayade, apart from industrializing the ident-General, Igbo Community, of mutual collaboration. Calabar Branch, Prof. Emeka Okwueze, hailed Governor Ben Ayade’s visionary leadership disposition and From INI BILLIE, Uyo in anti-party activities, adding that consulted my people, they agreed sought to partner with the State the party and its leaders were not that it is not good to be an orphan. Government in its resolve to bring ORMER representative of Uyo supportive of his political ambition When a party has a leader who is economic development to its citiFederal Constituency in the Na- in the past and truncated him in fallible, that party can displace the zens and residents of the State. Prof. Okwueze stated that the tional Assembly, Hon. Bassey that regard. candour of integrity but when a Igbo Community is very enthused Etim, has said the PDP is made up of He further said the PDP is a failing political party is an orphan like the corrupt leaders. party that would not go far and that PDP, and a very disadvantaged or- and excited about the activities of Speaking Tuesday in Uyo after de- more defections to the APC should phan with very bad and allegedly the Governor Ben Ayade adminisfecting from the Peoples Democrat- be expected as manifested in the corrupt leaders, that political party tration, especially in the giant industrialization and agricultural strides ic Party (PDP), to the All Progres- number of party members that is extremely disadvantaged. recorded so far. sives Congress (APC) party over the joined him to defect to the APC. “I cannot see the PDP going far. President-General, who branded weekend, Etim said the quantum “The PDP is the only party whose That is why I resolved to join APC of criminal allegations against the former chairman is on exile for four and we went there with teeming, Cross River as ‘the Project State’ beof the many projects littered leaders of the PDP is enough for a years. The current chairman is on card carrying members of PDP who cause across the State, expressed amazeperson to quit the group. trial, whether he appears in court or decided to destroy their member- ment at Governor Ayade’s ability in He noted that the party is dis- not, for the fact that Jide Omokere ship card in the open. In the coming prudently managing the State’s readvantaged to have its past and says that he gave him some money weeks, you are going to see more sources, especially in the area of regpresent leaders at the national level which up till now, it has not been defections because the thing is like ular payment of salaries amid lean on trial for corruption, adding that countered by saying it is not true. cancer, it is going to affect the en- funds from the Federation account. being known for integrity, he decid- It therefore means there is a prob- tire PDP. People have discovered The Igbo Leader further called on ed to align himself with a party that lem with the PDP. So for me as Mr that it does not pay to stay in a one Governor Ayade to expedite action had a credible leader, a quality the Integrity, being among them is very man show party. It is a protest, it in ensuring that the Bakassi Deep APC and its leader, President Mu- dangerous. is a revolution because it is a party Seaport is brought to fruition, pointhammadu Buhari possesses. “I was looking for a party that that if you need anything, you have ing out that Cross River State would He denied insinuations that while would have a leader that has integ- to go to Godswill Akpabio,” he said. soon witness a turnaround with the he was still in the PDP, he engaged rity, I discovered this in APC. Having Port in place.

Live in peace with C/River communities – Commissioner charges Igbo

Delta moves to understudy C’River in tourism development

N the effort to enhance its tourism potentials, the Government of Delta State, has sent a team to Cross River State, on a fourday study tour to understudy her tourism sector and the strides made so far. Welcoming the visitors from Delta State Directorate of Culture and Tourism, at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Development, the Commissioner, Mr. Eric Anderson, said “On behalf of Cross River State, “we are honoured that you choose to make us a case study, regarding tourism. For a state synonymous with tourism, you can be assured that you have not made a mistake.” “With his initiative for continuity , the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prof. Ben Ayade, has invested intellect, finance and innovations into our tourism sector. Also, vision and hard work on the part of past administrations has put us on the world tourism map”. He said. Anderson, added that just as Cross River has been able to explore and is still exploring the value chain of tourism, the Ministry is ready to assist them do the same with their tourism sector. In his address, the Commissioner, Delta State Directorate of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Chinye Bazim Emmanuel, who was represented by his Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Umukoro Priest Angalaere, thanked the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Development for conceding to his request for them to understudy her tourism sector, saying it is borne out of the State’s success story

PDP, party of corrupt leaders – Ex- A/Ibom lawmaker

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

POLITICS

‘We can power entire Why I am running for South East, others House of Reps – Owelle with wind energy’ Mbaso Pg 12 Pg 10

Ikpeazu’s sadness over workers’, pensioners’ salary arrears

n governance, one thing is certain: people must criticize or commend your actions or even inactions. For the Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, the latter is the case at the moment: his administration is in the eye of the storm for its failure to pay salaries as at and when due. The governor has brought about infrastructural rebirth with his “caterpillar revolution”, which has seen roads in Aba modernized and so- lidified w i t h cement pavement technology;

strive n

• Assures that genuine workers will not be owed In Abia State, the topical issue of discuss wherever a crowd (big or small) is gathered, is non-payment of salaries to Abia civil servants and pensioners. Government, on its part, has occasionally tried to clear the air on the issue. When Abians converged at the International Conference Centre on May 29, to celebrate the 2018 Democracy Day, again, the arrears of salaries owed workers and pensioners in Abia State dominated the interaction between the people and the governor, who seized the occasion to offer elaborate explanations on the issue of salary arrears and made a solemn pledge to work assiduously to clear the backlog. BONIFACE OKORO, takes a look at the issue and efforts by the governor to make good his administration’s obligations to workers and pensioners in the state. make agriculture the mainstay of the local economy, with special regard to the oil palm revolution which has seen him flagging off the distribution of two million high-yielding Tenera Oil Palm seedlings. His forays into education, commerce and industry, which have been made the cornerstones of his administration are well advertised and effective. To this end, giant strides have been made towards taking Abia to the world through the administration’s vigorous and unrelenting campaigns for patronage of Made-in-Abia goods and services. These, needles to say, have ensured that SMEs in Aba are up and running against the backdrop of constant electricity supply in Ariaria International market for months

on end now. To complement this, the governor is promoting human capital development by sending Abians to China to be trained in automated shoe production. The ambitious Abia Economic City is unfolding. Agreement has been signed for establishment of modular refinery in Abia. Industrialisation of Abia is just waiting to happen, thanks to the vigorous efforts the governor has put into governance. However, the issue of salary arrears owed workers and pensioners has tended to dwarf these achievements. And, naturally, it is the one area everyone has zeroed in on to the extent that it is stoking anti-government sentiments. Many are using it to threaten the re-election of the governor come 2019. Chief Emeka Alozie, a pensioner from Arochukwu Local Government Area, while interacting with newsmen in February this year, expressed sadness at the ‘poor’ treatment of pensioners in Abia by the Ikpeazu administration, vowing that many pensioners would vote stand against Ikpeazu’s come-back bid in 2019. Indeed, last year witnessed a lot of pressure on the government to clear the arrears of salaries workers and pensioners in the State. They protested in several manners, marching through the streets, sitting and blocking traffic along the roads. One of such protests led by Dr Emmanuel Okparanta, chairman of the Abia State Civil/Public Pensioners Association, was held on November 15, last year. The pensioners, who were clad in black attires, marched through Aba Road to the Government House in Umuahia, to protest against what they described as government insensitivity to the suffering of their members, claiming that they were being owed over 20 months pension arrears and 18-year gratuities.

Today, we feel betrayed by the same administration which bluntly refused to grant us audience for dialogue on the pension/gratuity matters

“

On December 6, last year, the mainstream pensioners led by Comrade Chukwuma Udensi, staged another protest round the major streets of Umuahia, House of Assembly and Government House. They said the protest became an easy option because their requests for audience were rejected, adding that they showed solidarity for about the two years Ikpeazu’s election was being challenged in court. “Today, we feel betrayed by the same administration which bluntly refused to grant us audience for dialogue on the pension/gratuity matters, in spite of our many calls,” Udensi said. “We are tired and dehumanised; we are gradually being exterminated out of existence while our children are being forced into all sorts of slave labour” the NUP leader added, lamenting that various ultimatums issued by the union were not complied with. Just last week, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) 2015 governorship candidate, Dr. Alex Otti did an open letter to the governor, urging him to show empathy and pay Abia civil servants and pensioners. However, Abia State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Uchenna Obigwe, during this year’s Workers’ Day celebration, presented what appeared to be a more accurate picture of the backlog of arrears owed workers in the state. Addressing the May Day rally at the Ibeku High School playground, Obigwe said: “Local government areas are in salary arrears of four months; secondary school teachers, five months; primary school teachers two months; ASUBEB four months; ABSUTH, Aba six months; Health Management Board, six months, Abia State Polytechnic, 9 months. The same situation prevails in Abia College of Health Science and College of Education Technical Arochukwu.” It should be noted that government has paid some months since that period, thereby reducing the tally. Obigwe also noted that gratuity was last paid in Abia State 16 years ago and advised the state government to set aside N150 million monthly to offset the arrears. Several meetings have been held to Cont’d on page 13

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

BOLD & BLUNT

‘We can power entire South East, others with wind energy’ Engineer Omeh Sebastine Chinonye is the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Hybrid Micro Machines Products Ltd. In this interview with CHUKS EZE, who visited his workshop in Enugu, Omeh reveals that his company has carried out a successful research and development of wind turbine as a source of alternative energy, adding that it is currently seeking cooperation, partnership and patronage from government, organisations and well-todo individuals in order to commercialise the product for public use. Fondly referred to as ‘Nigeria’s Michael Faraday,’ Omeh explains that “wind energy is cheaper, durable, eco-friendly and has very low maintenance level, as opposed to electricity generation by gas”, adding that Hybrid is currently partnering Enugu State government through the Ministry of Science and Technology, to develop wind farms to power certain facilities in the state, such as street lightings, as a pilot scheme, in line with the move by the Ugwuanyi administration to power the state through alternative, safe, and ecofriendly energy. Excerpts… What is your business all about? Hybrid Micro Machines Products Ltd is engineering company with a lot of versatility. We are into research and development and fabrications. We are also into fabrication, repair and production of broadcast/communication equipment and into power engineering, such as the one we are currently partnering with the Enugu State government, which is wind turbine, for alternative source of energy. We had done over five years’ research in that aspect, with very advanced success, and we are using this medium to call on collaborators to join us in the struggle. We have reached a comfortable stage where we can proudly bring out products that can effectively help alleviate the power problem of this country. How endowed is Enugu State in terms of wind energy resource? Enugu state is well favoured in terms of wind energy prospects. Going by the analysis we got from the wind map, about 33.66 per cent of Nigeria’s land mass have wind energy potential of above 100 Watts per square meter, which is great. And Enugu is

•Cheaper, durable, eco-friendly wind turbine can run for 30 years with minor or no repairs, says Engr. Omeh, renewable energy expert •Says his company, Hybrid, now has own locally made branded radio transmitter; to launch branded energy-powered broadcast equipment soon

•Engineer Omeh one of the states that are comfortably covered by that area. Do you think that Enugu State government can fund wind turbine production? The state can conveniently fund the project without the revenue profile of the state shrinking such that would affect other government projects or engagements. You just have to start from somewhere. In fact, if it is handled appropriately, Enugu State can turn into energy-producing state, in no distant time. It is a business that the government would enjoy – make revenue from it, create employment from it as well as use it to solve a lot of social problems. It is a goldmine, which should not be neglected. With availability of funds, how long would it take Hybrid to produce wind turbines and deliver them at full functional level? We have already finished the research work, which is where the main job is. We are now into development. We have carried out a lot of successful investigations, scrutiny and what have you and our turbines are already working. So, with availability of resources, what we need is to do is to produce the ones that would be deployed for the masses to enjoy. It does not take much time to produce; all we need are the facilities. However, we do not expect the govern-

ment to just dish out money for nothing. What we are looking at is collaboration. For instance, the State Ministry of Science and Technology has opened up for sensitisation, and if we get the needed support, we will collaborate with the ministry and put up a pilot wind farm and use it to power certain firm or infrastructure, such as a community, street light or any infrastructure of choice, as a kind of demonstration. By doing that, the masses would realise that the thing can work for real and then get interested. When that happens, investors will come; blue chip companies will come in and get interested. It is said that seeing is believing, more so when investors – individuals, corporate organisations or government – come in, they will also see that there is money in the business. Do you have the capacity to mass produce the product, assuming you get several demands? The technology is already working, as I said, and we demonstrated it at a recent workshop organised by the Enugu State Ministry of Science and Technology. It is just like when you finish cooking, you need to dish out the food for people to enjoy, and you need certain basic cutlery to dish out the food. But in addition, if people do not get assurances that your dish is sumptuous,

they would not come, especially when you are a first timer. So, we are seeking partnership with the government, to do demo stations, first. Government, individuals or organisations such as school, church or firm, could say, for instance, do a pilot station for so-so infrastructure, or facility, let us see first. By that, we can do small stations to power, maybe school, rural community, firm or church, as the case may be. We can do that, as a beginning, so when people are convinced that it is working, as I said earlier, we continue to progress. Government can even start up a kind of joint venture production and begin to export to other states or even countries around Africa, in the long run. From your research, what other states, especially in the South East, are potentially viable for wind energy exploration? I stated earlier that 36.6 per cent of Nigeria’s total land mass has comfortable wind energy potentials. But when you come to the South East, Enugu State enjoys most prospects. But speaking holistically, a lot of states in the North West, North Central, North East and parts of South West, especially Lagos coast – are the cardinal points that have good wind. Are there any hindrances to the project,

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

BOLD & BLUNT

•New blades produced by Hybrid at the research centre we have the components and capacity – the know-how and materials – to put transmitters in shape whenever the need arises for either maintenance or repairs.

•45 Mtr turbine tower at the centre

We choose not to disclose the source to some customers because, from experience, when you disclose the source to some of them, rather than commend your effort and be proud of it, they start making annoying, discouraging comments. But there was a certain customer who was highly impressed and proud of us when I told him we had locally produced the equipment that we supplied to him

“

for instance the so-called ‘Nigeria Factor;’ official bureaucracy, or existing laws? Yes, those are some of the impediments, but a lot of efforts are being made to address them. At least, we now have Public Private Partnership (PPP) energy production; we have Private Energy Production. And in some cases, wind energy does not involve grid, you can use it to power estate, communities and other facilities that we had mentioned earlier. So, I do not think that much of the restrictions will stop the venture. What other researches have you done successfully, apart from wind turbine? We have done research in broadcast industry, and we have produced a number of FM transmitters for several radio stations across Nigeria. We are also working on renewable energy-powered broadcast equipment that would be out very soon. So, the core areas that we are currently concentrating on are broadcast and power. We actually started with broadcast and we have produced sev-

eral component parts for broadcast application. We have gone further to produce full branded transmitter. We now have own brand of transmitter, at Hybrid, that we produce locally. These are being used in many radio stations in the country, as we speak. Very soon, we will also unveil to the public, our branded renewable energy products for the broadcast industry. With that, managers of broadcast firms would cease to have headache over resources to power their transmitters and other equipment with gas. The renewable energy products will take care of that. We understand that wind turbine could run for up to 20 to 30 years with minimal maintenance; is your branded transmitter as rugged too? No, transmitters do not run for such a long time because they contain some kind of elements that fade faster. Unlike wind turbine that can last for so long a time, as you noted, an average transmitter can last for about five to ten years before major repairs. But

During the controversy over turn-around maintenance of the nation’s refineries, you were quoted as having indicated that your company had the capacity to fabricate the so-called critical but out-of-market, obsolete equipment needed for the job; is that still the case now? O yes! We have even carried out a lot of such rescue jobs in the past, especially in the broadcast industry. Even as we speak, we are discussing with a particular ministry to help them reproduce out-dated tractor equipment and we will solve the problem as soon as the deal is perfected. We produce hard-to-find components and just send to our clients without telling them the source, and they would never know they were locally produced by us, in Enugu here. But in several cases, we told them after a while, and they were startled. Our problem in this country is that a lot of people usually feel biased and begin to lose confidence once they learn that you made a product by yourself, and locally for that matter. A customer once hired a German firm to install equipment for his company, and it failed after just a year. They searched everywhere for replacement but failed, until they were directed to us. We requested for the spare part and they gave it to us. We fabricated it in our workshop here and sent back to them. That was over five years ago and the part is still working as we speak. We choose not to disclose the source to some customers because, from experience, when you disclose the source to some of them, rather than commend your effort and be proud of it, they start making annoying, discouraging comments. But there was a certain customer who was highly impressed and proud of us when I told him we had locally produced the equipment that we supplied to him. So, as regards that refinery, if the authorities could give us the obsolete equipment in question, we would be pleased to rescue the refineries; that is if they still have such challenges. How tall is Hybrid’s vision and how far have you gone towards getting there? Our vision is tall, indeed, but our major obstacle is the so-called Nigeria Factor, which you had earlier alluded to in one of your questions? It is so difficult to pull through in this country because you have to do everything by yourself. As I mentioned previously, we have spent several millions of naira, we are still spending, to fund our researches, with no returns, yet, there is no official encouragement, at least a perk on the back. But we are not relenting, though, because our vision is to save this country from being a dumping ground for all sorts of inferior, and most times, harmful products, because we are a consuming nation. That is our driving force because the current situation in the country is not good for posterity. So, for us at Hybrid, we consider it worthwhile,

whatever we pass through while striving to rescue Nigeria out of her consumer-nationsyndrome state, and our inferiority complex. It is really discouraging that our people tend to appreciate Chinese products that are so inferior to our local products. But we will continue to whither the storm because it is a struggle that must be won. Are there other storms that you have been contending with, as an indigenous research and development engineering company? There are several of them, and the most demoralising challenge is our attitude. Government never shows interest in either sponsoring research or partnering with researchers. What you usually find is this, ‘Do it yourself’ attitude. And that is why we are pleased and thankful to the administration of Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for at least, showing interest in what we do. That alone is a huge encouragement. Our people love to be slaves; we do not like things that are Nigerian. The commonest Nigerian looks down on anything that is Nigerian, and it is very wrong. Another challenge is our economy. Our economy is poor and things have continued to worsen by the day. Why should we go to China to acquire products that we produce in better quality here? Patronise us, get the best service and grow our economy, at the same time. That is what we expect from our authorities and citizens. For instance, we, at Hybrid, are urging the government to set up pilot wind farm, which is not for free. We are simply saying, come and partner with us, we will do it and you use the energy to power, for instance, your street lighting project, instead of running diesel. But some officers in charge would prefer to continue running diesel so they can continue to make financial gains. The question is: is that the way to go, if we really mean well for our country and state? It is certainly not and it is unfortunate. What is your take on the volume of generating sets that flow into Nigeria from overseas on daily basis? It bleeds my heart each time I think about the number of all sorts of hazardous generating sets that flood this country. I do not totally blame Nigerians because they have to find a means to power their appliances and keep life going, in the absence of effective public energy supply authority. And it is unfortunate that day-by-day, rather than improving, we are going further down. So, my advice to government, well to individuals and corporate organisations also, is that they should gear up and partner with us so we can face our energy challenge head-on. There is a global clamour for shift to clean, renewable energy to address the plague of strange diseases, global warming and climate change, which largely resulted from pollution. So, let government and all citizens join efforts, shun immediate personal gains, so we can save our nation. Our efforts, money and other investments will never be in vein but rather, steps towards progress.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

INTERVIEW

Why I am running for House of Reps – Owelle Mbaso •Ex APGA boss in UK says APGA stands as best option for Ndigbo

Owelle Onyeka Mbaso is a politician from Anambra State who initiated the move to organise the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the United Kingdom (UK). Consequently, he rooted a branch of APGA in UK that was recognised by the late national leader of the party Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. That feat perhaps earned him a political appointment as the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano on Political Matters. Like other politicians, he wants to use the opportunity offered by the 2019 general elections to move to the next level. He is aspiring to occupy the seat of Nnewi North/Nnewi South/ Ekwusigo Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives APGA. In this interview with THEO RAYS, he speaks on his vision for his constituents, his capacity todeliver and the reason Ndigbo should pitch their tent with APGA in 2019 What was the motive behind the rooting of APGA in the UK? Myself and other Igbo sons and daughters in London, Ireland and other parts of UK deemed it right enough to support the party under the leadership of our political father and Ikemba Nnewi, the Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, and spread the message of APGA across board with a view to mobilising support for the party, which has a passion for the progress of Ndigbo. We mobilised support for the party and for Anambra State government under the party. At one point we attracted learning materials mostly books for primary, secondary and tertiary institutions to the government of Anambra State to boost education in the State among other things we did. Why do you want to go to Federal House? I want to go to Federal House of Representatives because it is my democratic right to do so and I am convinced within me that I have the capacity to attract quality dividends of democracy to my constituents not based on deceit. I am convinced within me that I am competent enough to drag issues with my colleagues on the floor of the House in favour of my constituents. More so, I have enough contacts to attract foreign investors that will assist in providing jobs for the youth and aids to combat erosion menace, which has become a thorn on the flesh of communities in my constituency. I will also use other opportunities in the House to help attract employment and other empowerment measures for my constituents such as skills acquisition and scholarship schemes as well as sourcing soft loans to get women and youth into

subsistence activities. In a nutshell, I intend to go to Abuja to serve my people and l made it clear in my manifesto that I will organise town hall meeting every six months as an avenue to always relate with my constituents. How do you explain your capacity and experience heading to Federal House considering the fact you have not held elective position before now? Some people might say you have to start with State House of Assembly… I was born in a political family. My father Hon Linus Mbaso held elective position as a House of Assembly Member representing Nnewi Division in the Old Anambra State House of Assembly 1979-1983. I attended Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) Onitsha for my secondary school and later travelled to London where I graduated at the Prestigious Middlesex University, Hendon Campus London, with B.Sc in Information System and Management in 2009. I have several certificates in other developmental courses. I am the founder of APGA in the UK, which the late national leader of APGA and Biafra Warlord Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu duly recognized. I was pioneer Chairman of APGA UK for four years. I am a Senior Special Assistant to Gov Obiano on Political Matters. I am married with children. I chose to contest for House of Representatives ahead of House of Assembly because it is the turn of Ekwusigo to produce the next member to represent our Constituency at Abuja. Nnewi North and Nnewi South have taken their turns. We have a zoning formula and our leaders must respect that arrangement. The experience that I have gathered on my sojourn to the UK and in all courses and positions that I mentioned earlier give

• Owelle Onyeka Mbaso

me an edge and I believe I am more exposed and more qualified among all other aspirants from my constituency. How much do you know your constituency? What could come out as the main challenge facing your constituency or constituents and how do you intend to salvage them? I am the SSA to the Governor on Political Matters. The office gave me the opportunity to visit all wards in Anambra State and not only my Federal constituency. Reports of the visits have helped the government to be well informed about the situation of things with the people. And myself too. So I know where it is itching the people and as I said earlier on, I will organise Town Hall meeting every 6 months and then I will set up a 15-man committee, one person from each town. The committe members will report the challenges facing the towns at the town hall meeting. I believe that with what we receive at Abuja for our constituency projects, there must be a solution to the problems. People are facing many development challenges. In my constituency the major challenge is erosion menace and infrastructure and I can attract the people that will assist my constituency to solve the problem. I am aware that we need construc-

tion of more access roads in rural area where we have famers to enable them transport their farm produce to the urban areas and the cities and I am sure I will impact on the roads. Ahead of 2019 general elections, where would you like Ndigbo to pitch their tent? APC or PDP coalition with R-APC and 37 other political parties? Ndigbo should pitch their tent with APGA and then use APGA to negotiable interest from the bargain of 2019. You have to start somewhere. Ndigbo should start with APGA by giving the party block votes in 2019 and make sure that the Senators and Reps from the South East zone are all elected under our great party. The South East stands a better chance to push for dividends of democracy at Abuja if we have Senators and Reps under APGA in the National Assembly. APGA stands as the best option for Ndigbo. APGA bequeaths Ndigbo the original political nomenclature as the progressives we are. And going by the manifesto of our great party, Ndigbo won’t do badly if we decide to throw our weight behind it. So, my position is that Ndigbo should pitch their tent with APGA and use the party as a starting point or rallying point and then use it to go for negotiations into the mainstream of the national game.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

POLITICS Ikpeazu’s sadness over workers’, pensioners’ Cont’d from page 9 find solutions to the lingering salary arrears palaver, all to no avail. Clearing the salary backlog, which seems to portray the governor and his administration as inhuman, has remained a hard nut for the government to crack. But the problem predates this administration. Commissioner for Finance, Mr Obinna Oriaku, revealed on August 17, 2017 at Kolping Society, Umuahia that the Ikpeazu administration inherited N39 billion in salary and pension arrears at inception. “At the inception of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, states were asked to sum up their total obligations by way of pensions, gratuity and salaries. Ours came to a total of about N39 billion,” Oriaku said. The hopes of clearing the arrears from the take-off of this administration fizzled out when the federal government gave Abia only N14.2 billion. According to Oriaku, after that initial intervention, while Abia’s monthly wage bill averages N2.2 billion, the state’s allocation kept dwindling to the extent that it got to an all-time low of N1.6 billion while local governments allocation equally hit an all-time low of N1.2 billion against monthly wage bill of almost N2 billion comprising N900 million for local government workers, N700 million for primary school teachers and about N320 million for local government pensioners. The state has intervened with bailout fund and Paris Club Refund to clear the arrears. Oriaku said Abia receiveed the first tranche of Paris Club Refund of N10.6 billion and committed N5.8 billion of it to salaries and pensions. Abia expected N14 billion in the second tranche, prompting the governor to promise to clear the entire backlog when the fund arrives. But Abia received a paltry of N5.7 billion which was wholly committed to salaries and pensions payment in July 2017. The hiccup in clearing these arrears is attributed to the civil service system, which, allegedly, is thriving in endemic corruption, salary padding and illegal recruitment of workers. For instance, Oriaku said that last July, a staff audit carried out in secondary schools revealed that over 131 teachers who were supposed to have left the system six years ago were paid N496 million. Being a new comer, Ikpeazu, at his inauguration, promised to pay salaries on or before 25th of every month. That has not been fulfilled since it was made. Many are holding it against him. And he faced the hurdle just from the start. On May 29th, he narrated why he has been unable to fulfill that promise. “In 2015, when I came to serve here, the first salary bill that was brought to this government was N2.7 billion. And that month, we got about N1.7 billion from FAAC. So, we managed to scratch and scratch and scratch.” He embarked on verification measures and asked workers to present their Bank Verification Numbers. Two months later, the initial wage bill of N2.7 billion crashed to N2.1 billion, meaning that fraudulent workers pocketed about N600 million monthly. Ikpeazu told the audience that he also received a petition, which showed that a Director of Finance in one of the ministries, had corresponding to his name for that month N5 million. Upon interrogation, the man claimed that there are workers in Arochukwu, Ohafia and Umunneochi who cannot

•Gov. Ikpeazu come to Umuahia. Therefore, he collects their salaries and takes them to them at their various locations. “So, I came up with an entirely different paradigm. What I do in Abia State is not salary payment. The bible says a worker deserves his wage. So, you must be a worker before you deserve your wage. No amount of blackmail or pushing me about or propaganda will make me do what I am not minded to do because if I throw away N600 million every month, sincerely speaking, I will not sleep. The easiest way to kill me is to steal N600 million from this government every month; I can’t survive it,” he said. In the search for solution, the governor said he was also careful not to punish the innocent and that is why this government embarked on all kinds of verifications. “This is my way of saying to them that this government will make efforts, by the special grace of God to clean out whatever outstanding there is but we will also continue to verify the status of each and every one of those people that claim to be teachers because we are aware that some people are overseas and they are enjoying salary in the Abia State Civil Service. “So, these things must be taken into account because if you want the blessings of God, you cannot use your left hand in institutionalizing crime, encouraging it, playing politics with it, and then with your right hand, you are begging and asking for blessing,” he said. Ikpeazu said he is not a happy man because, as a son of a teacher, he doesn’t enjoy his sleep when teachers and other civil servants are not paid. He revealed that the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs and the local governments have been mandated to continue with the verifications

and to pay workers whose identities and position in the civil service has been established. “My assurance is that as long as I establish that you are a worker, and that your identity is known, I know you will receive your pay because I will feel bad if you are not paid,” he assured. On the plight of the pensioners, Ikpeazu attributed it to an unworkable system instituted by civil servants. “I have a burden. Yesterday, I had a meeting with the leadership of pensioners and they are being owed. And those people, some of them are 70, some are 80. “For crying out loud, they deserve to be treated fairly and better. But all of us have put hands together to make sure that we punish them. The problem now is that no worker wants to retire because they know that that place they want to retire, they have spoilt it. “That is why I keep extending things (service period), and as long as I am extending, I cannot employ new people. If the workers had, by themselves, made the pension environment beautiful and enjoyable, everybody will want to rest, after all, retirement is rest. And now, they have made that place a cesspool and they don’t want to go there,” he lamented. He reiterated his resolve to weather problem, but said it will demand sacrifice from all stakeholders. “We need to get it over with, but we need to crack the egg in order for us to prepare the omelet that we desire,” he said. True to his promise, the governor has met with the leadership of NUP in the state. At the June 19, 2018 meeting in Government House, Ikpeazu tabled a plan that would ensure regular payment of

pension and settlement of inherited outstanding and made a detailed presentation on the financial status of the state to the pensioners. “Having taken time to study the issues that led us to where we are today, we are ready to carry out a combination of actions that will ensure that we clear the outstanding, most of which pre-dated my administration, and put in place a sustainable regime of regular pension payment that will make it difficult for even future administrations to owe pensioners,” he said. The governor who pleaded for understanding and time to enable him execute the plan he presented to the pensioners, assured that pensioners would receive “three payments every two months until the outstanding is cleared.” He also promised to look into the issue of gratuities, as presented by the pensioners, and stated that with every new receipt of Paris Club refund, he would personally ensure that pensioners were given a fair share. Chairman of Abia NUP, Comrade Udensi, lauded the governor, saying that the pensioners have confidence in the ability of the governor to solve the pension payment problem. The Ikpeazu administration should do all it could to offset the salary arrears because it has become a one-point campaign issue against the government. Trouble is that even as the governor is striving to solve the lingering problem, many would grumble that he is doing so for political benefit as elections are close by. But no matter the views people may hold, the governor should do everything possible to clear the arrears for three major reasons: as a matter of obligation, to satisfy his conscience and give the families affected a new lease of life.

The Oracle Today

News

Wednesday August 1, 2018

Residents groan as flood wreaks havoc in Asaba From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba Education Board (SUBEB) office complex, Women Affairs Primary HE over three hours of heavy School as well as some private busirains, Tuesday, in Asaba, the ness offices on Okpanam Road that Delta State capital, has left also houses many public offices and residents reeling difficulties as a banks. substantial area of the metropolis At the secretariat housing the ofis now under severe flooding. fices of Establishment, Post Primary The flood currently ravaging Education Board, (PPEB), Fire Servsome parts of the State capital as- ice, part of the Ministry of Informasumed a frightening dimension on tion, Delta State Rural Development Thursday evening when a part of Agency among others, civil servants the major roads which include Jesus were seen crowded at the main Saves Road, Direct Labour Agency gate of the secretariat as they could (DLA) Road, Leo Okogwu Road, not gain access to the building. Agric Road, Okpanam Road, Junior Sunday Nwugo, a business man Staff Quarters area and many oth- who owns furniture store at Nnebers were taken over by flood, which isi road, said he was amazed at the on many occasions, cut away por- level of flood despite the draintions of the city from others, hence age channels initiated by Governor leaving residents in the area wailing. Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration. As the rainy season intensifies, He accused Governor Ifeanyi several parts of Asaba are begin- Okowa of paying lip service to the ning to wear horrible look. Most incessant flooding in the state capiroads in the State are now flooded tal. and impassable. Major roads in “The Okowa administration Asaba, the Delta State capital, have claimed that the State government been taken over by the recurrent had released N100 million to the flood that ravaged the city since contractor handling a construction the heavy downpour which began of diversion drainages to accomon Thursday. Vehicle users, tricycle modate the flooding on Okpanam riders and pedestrians have been Road and other locations during groaning as the flood has remained heavy downpours, but we are not a perennial challenge in the State seeing the impact. At the moment capital. my business is grounded because DLA Road which is one of the my customers cannot access my worst hit and one of the major shop” roads in the city, was said to have A food vendor at the House of Asbeen awarded on several occa- sembly Quarters area spoke with sions to some prominent sons of The Oracle Today on condition of the community but has remained anonymity explained that anytime abandoned leading to residents in it rains, anyone caught on the way the area paying through their nose would have a lot of stories to tell as to access their homes in the flood. his experience would be extremely The rain started around 4 pm on painful for him to bear. Thursday and lasted over three “The painful aspect of it is that the hours. Eyewitnesses said the State damaged road is along the State secretariat, Delta Broadcasting House of Assembly complex and Service, (DBS), State Security Serv- the quarters where the members ice Road, Okpanam-Ibusa Road, are housed. One can now imagine Junior Staff Quarters Road, State how they navigate their way either Universal Basic Education Board, to the chamber or back to their resi(SUBEB), and former legislative dence.” quarters, among others, were subAll over the city of Asaba, the merged by the flood. story is the same. Most residential Although, residential apartments areas are cut off during the raining and office buildings were not com- season. Most of the buildings get pletely submerged,The Oracle To- submerged and dwellers begin to day observed that some people lament their plight. While some resiwere bailing water from their hous- dents wept, many others expressed es. optimism that the flooding will be a Residents of the capital city were thing of the past when the drainage jolted by the flood particularly as some of them could not access their offices. Most workers stayed away from work in areas well-known for ESIDENTS of Amazor and excessive and perennial flooding. Aghoro communities of Some of the popular offices floodBayelsa have urged Shell Peed include the State Universal Basic troleum Development Company

channels are completed. Monday Ezeudu, a community leader in Asaba expressed optimism that residents of the Delta State Capital Territory is sure to heave a sigh relieve as the Delta State Government is currently addressing the perennial flood concerns with a massive drainage project to free the Direct Labour Road Corridor and other adjoining roads from flooding even as the rains are being anticipated. Meanwhile, the Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Hon John Nani, has told the people of the State to be patient, saying that the Okowa led administration has taken strident steps to check the perennial flooding in the state.

Reacting to the flood, Nani, assured that the challenge of flooding in Asaba and its environs will soon be a thing of the past. He appealed to residents to be patient as the State government is doing everything possible at tackling the problem. He expressed worry over the level of flooding whenever it rains, saying that the State government is not relenting in its effort at finding a lasting solution, hence the renewed commitment to completing the comprehensive drainage project in Asaba. In a related development the State Commissioner for Works, Mr. James Augoye, has said that people should not expect total result

•(From left): President of the Appeal Courts, Justice Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa, Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, and the state Deputy Governor, Prof. Ivara Esu, at the Government House prior to the commissioning of the new Court of Appeal Complex in Calabar, Tuesday.

Flooding: Bayelsa embarks on desilting of drains

From CLEM ONYEMAECHI, Yenagoa

AYELSA State government has taken steps to avert flooding in the state capital of Yenagoa. To this end, the state Ministry of

Environment has deployed swamp buggies to clear the drains and canals that were blocked by indiscriminate dumping of refuge by residents. State Commissioner for Environment, Ebipatei Gabriel Apaingolo

Bayelsa communities urge speedy investigation of oil spill

PHC coordinators in C’River councils commit to healthcare

RIMARY Health Care Coordinators in the eighteen Local Government Areas of Cross River State have vowed their commitment to the success of the Cross River State Health Insurance Scheme. The pledge was made at the venues of the 6-day workshop for focal persons and Third Party Administrators of the scheme. According to Mrs. Alice Odey, who spoke on behalf of the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Agency, Dr. Betta Edu. Speaking at the occasion, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, Chief Godwin Iyala maintained that the scheme is designed to put more money in the pocket of every Cross Riverian who enrolls in the scheme. Iyala also maintained that the scheme will revamp the primary

health care centers in the State as capitation allocated to the PHC Centres would better guarantee service satisfaction to patients and contentment on the parts of service providers when funds are well managed. Presenting a paper on Health Insurance as a vehicle for making progress towards UHC, Dr. Sylvester Akande of USAID (Health Finance and Governance) HFG Project Nigeria, reiterated that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a “must achieve” in Nigeria if all States would emulate the example of the Government of Prof. Ben Ayade which has shown strong political will in ensuring that the scheme got launched in May 2018. On his part, the State Co-ordinator of USAID Health Finance and Governance Project, Nigeria, Mr. Ibiam Azu called on all levels of healthcare providers to see health insurance as a means to settle health challenges in times of lack and desperation.

in flood control in this year’s rainstorm in Asaba. The Commissioner, who stated this in Asaba during a chat with newsmen over the recent surging flood, noted that until the channelling of rainstorm is properly achieved especially with the construction of drainages on Okpanam road and other parts of the capital city, the state will still experience same flooding like that of last season. The drainages, he explained will be completed in February 2019. Meanwhile, the drainage construction of DLA, Jesus Saves that cuts across Agric is 80% completed as well as DBS road, 40%, the commissioner noted.

(SPDC) to speed up its Joint Investigation Visit (JIV) to areas affected by a recent oil spillage. It would be recalled that the oil leakage, which occurred on May 17 at an oilfield operated by the SPDC, affected Amazor and Aghoro communities in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa. In separate interviews on Tuesday, some of the residents of the two communities said in Yenagoa that the spillage initially affected Aghoro 1 and 2 communities. They said that the oil leakage later extended to other neighbouring communities such as Amazor, Wisdom City Zion and Donseimor, adding that it also affected fishing settlements like Odonpou Gbene, Motibor Gbene, Iwaye, Tuke, Ayagbazu and Tutu, among others. Chief Itoko Edwin, the traditional ruler of Amazor, said: “Hastening the JIV processes would go a long way to avert more damage by the spillage in our environment.’’ He said that the on-going SPDC

investigation of the incident was rather slow, adding that some of exhumed pipelines had blocked the waterway. Edwin said that the blockade caused by the Trans-Ramos oil pipelines had made it difficult for the residents to access their farmlands and market. Similarly, the Oil and Gas Producing Areas Enlightenment and Empowerment Initiative (OGPAEEI), a civil society organisation, called on SPDC to fast-track the JIV processes in order to assuage the plight of the people of the area. Mr Agbai John, a resident of the area who is a member of the JIV team, told NAN that the preliminary findings indicated that the oil leak could be attributed to corroded pipelines. Speaking on the issue, Mr Bamidele Odugbesan, the Media Relations Manager of SPDC, said that the company’s spill response operations were being hampered by rains and swampy terrain of the area.

who disclosed this to journalists in Yenagoa said the state by its geographical location in the Niger Delta Region is prone to yearly flooding hence the current effort to avert imminent crisis that might be occasioned by flood. He said on assumption of office he discovered that the only way to check flooding is to open up the canals that criss cross Yenagoa and its neighboring communities until a comprehensive drainage system is carried out to connect the entire Capital City. The Commissioner further stated that the Ministry of Environment will not relent in its sensitization of the public on the need to be environmental friendly and avoid dumping of refuse into the drains especially plastics product. He also warned against erecting buildings on water channels and drains, saying government will not hesitate to demolish any building that violates Yenagoa Master Plan. “ It is not everything government has to do for us, we need to help ourselves to avoid blocking the drains” he posited. Apaingolo used the occasion to applauded the Director - General of the Bayelsa State Environmental Sanitation Authority ( ESA ) Chief Robert Enogha for the regular and constant evacuation of refuse dumps despite the dwindling finances from the Federation Account Allocation Committee ( FAAC ) to the state.

The Oracle Today

Wednesday August 1, 2018

News

Naval personnel arrested for stealing Tompolo’s transformer

From EMMANUEL OGOIGBE, Warri

EN of the Nigeria Police Force from the “A” Division in Warri have nabbed a Naval Personnel, Lance Corporal Usman Shaibu and two others for allegedly stealing a transformer belonging to jetty of ex-leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (a.k.a, Tompolo, near the Chevron Clinic in Edjeba Community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. The naval personnel alongside a driver of a Mercedez Benz self-loader, Okugbe Lucky and his conductor, Chime Chukwuka were arrested at about 7pm on that fateful day, Sunday It was learnt that two other Naval Personnel, Staff Sergeant P O Ekon and Sergeant L S Elijah who were allegedly involved in the criminal act escaped and are on the run. Lance Corporal Usman Shaibu with two of his colleagues on guard duty at the Jetty were rounded up by the Police based on information that they were stealing items from the yard to sell to unknown buyers. The Naval Personnel with the connivance of his colleagues allegedly brought in the driver and conductor with a Mercedez Benz with Registration Number: (Edo) XE 763 BEN to carry the transformer from the yard for sale. They had already succeeded in carrying the transformer with the self-loader and were at the point of leaving the yard, when the Policemen rounded them up.

In the process, Staff Sergeant P O Ekong and Sergeant L S Elijah escaped leaving Lance Corporal Usman Shaibu with the two others to their fate. Our correspondent learnt that apart from the transformer the police caught the suspects with, another transformer is already missing from the yard. The Police under the watch of CSP Kelvin Zuokumor have mounted an intensive search for the fleeing Naval Personnel with a view to prosecuting them in accordance with stipulated laws. The transformer allegedly stolen are part of the properties seized by the Federal Government two years ago. The younger brother of Ex-Niger Delta Freedom Fighter, Hon. George Ekpemupolo confirmed the report of the theft. According to the former Warri South-West Council Chairman said: “They arrived at about 6:45pm. I was called by somebody at Chevron Clinic saying he saw people entering Tompolo’s yard with self-loader and that I should come and confirm if we have sold the things in the yard. I immediately called the police and when we got there, they were already carrying the transformer. “The Naval Personnel, Lance Corporal was arrested with the driver and conductor of the Selfloader. The Naval pleaded that we take the matter easy with him but I insisted he should be arrested and taken to the Police Station for questioning and prosecution.” Comrade Paul Bebenimibo, Media Consultant to Tompolo who regretted the incident said that

CAN cautions Presidency, NASS on anti-democratic actions

RESIDENT, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Samson Ayokunle, has called on the Presidency and the leadership of National Assembly not to do anything capable of threatening the survival of Nigeria’s democracy. Ayokunle made the call in a statement signed by Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, Special Assistant (Media and Communications), to the CAN President, on Tuesday in Abuja. The call was in reaction to the Police actions of barricading the official residences of the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu in the early hour of Tuesday. He urged the presidency to be wary of actions capable of affecting or truncating the democratic institutions adversely. “We express grave concerns over the poor handling of police’s invitation to the President of the Senate and the alleged plan by the EFCC to arrest his deputy over alleged money laundry. “The Christian umbrella body condemns in strong terms the way and manner the Police were deployed in subjecting the leadership of the National Assembly to needless embarrassment and harassment,” he said. Ayokunle noted that with every sense of responsibility that the only difference between democracy and dictatorship is the

presence or absence of the National Assembly. “CAN needs to remind the Nigeria Police that once a suspect has been invited to any of its offices, the best international practice is to exercise patience until the invitee fails to honour such an invitation,” he said. He said the Nigeria Police were supposed to be neutral in order to ensure the survival of democracy. “We call on both leadership of the National Assembly and the Presidency to stop acting in a manner that constitutes embarrassment to the nation. It is needless to remind the legislative and executive arms of government to work in synergy for the interest of our nation’s democracy,” he added. The senate president, it would be recalled, was invited by the police to give more statement on his alleged involvement in the Offa robbery saga that led to the death of over 30 people. “It is in line with the above that you are requested to report to the head of the Investigation Team at the Intelligence Response Team at Guzape Junction, Asokoro Extension, Abuja on 24th of July, 2018 at 8a.m for further investigation on the matter.” In a response, Saraki described the invitation as a mere afterthought which was designed to achieve political purpose.

property worth billions of Naira has been stolen from the yard since the Navy occupation of the yard. Bebenimibo stated that they have reported these stealing to Government top Hierarchy but they turn a deaf ear until now. During interrogation at the Charge Room at the A Division Police Station, Lance Corporal Usman Shaibu confessed to have committed the crime. Lance Corporal Usman Shaibu who disclosed the names of his

fleeing colleagues said they were going to sell the stolen transformer at the rate of seven hundred thousand naira, N700,000. Contacted, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammed Mustafa confirmed the report saying, “The Naval Personnel is in our custody.” While noting that the matter is currently being investigated, CP Mustafa said the Police are trying to get the Military particularly the Nigerian Navy into the matter.

“Yes. It’s confirmed the arrest of a Naval Personnel. But he is in our custody.” The Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Delta, Commodore, Ibrahim Dewu said the Navy is trying to confirm the report the report. Commander Dewu said, “We are trying to get all the details. You have to exercise patience and let me get back to you Sir.” In a text message, Commander Dewu said, “We cannot comment until investigation is completed.”

•Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during National Defence College Participants Strategic Report Presentation, at the State House, Abuja.

PDP chieftain urges NASS to facilitate state police bill From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

HIEFTAIN of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Delta State governorship aspirant, Chief Sunny Onuesoke, has appealed to members of the National Assembly to facilitate the passage of State police Bill into law. Onuesoke who made the appeal during a workshop on creation of States police said considering recent level of threat to public security across the country, taking recourse to State Police seems a more attractive option, adding that the centralised policing system in the country has not really been effective and it is only logical that we consider other plausible options. He argued that to properly address the security question in the country, we need to tackle the touchy issue of State Police, stressing that the current centralized police structure in the country will continue to limit the capacity of States to effectively address security issues. “Aside the well accepted philosophy that policing is essentially a local matter, every crime is local in nature. Hence, it is only rational to localize the police force. No matter its form, crime detection needs a local knowledge that State Police can better provide. “Let’s face the fact. Nigeria is too large and complex to be policed centrally. In an ideal federal system, the issue of State police should not be a contentious matter, after all, in the First Republic, there were regional police and local police existing side by side the federal police. If we are really se-

rious about overcoming current security challenges in the country, we need to re-examine the issue of State Police more earnestly and objectively,” Onuesoke posited. The PDP Chieftain maintained that if State police formations come into existence it would be more penetrative and wide spread as well as more community-friendly relative to the NPF, stressing that since State governments now bore a reasonable percentage of the platforms and other logistics elements, it made sense for them to be constitutionally allowed to establish, fund and operate police formations. Onuesoke who disagreed with the argument in some quarters that State Police is nothing but a recipe for anarchy as it could lead to abuse of power, argued that the reality, however, is that the present centralized policing arrangement has, over the years, equally been subjected to limitless abuse by the central authority. “As a matter of fact, agitation for the creation of State Police should not be viewed as a partisan or an anti-Federal Government crusade. Neither can it be said to be the handiwork of mischief-makers or rabble-rousers . State Police is an important component of true federalism and emblem of authority of governance, since sovereignty is divided between the central authority and federating state authorities,” Onuesoke argued. Onuesoke observed that the killings in the country, corruption in police and oppression of the common man continued mainly because the federating states were not constitutionally allowed to recruit, train, and equip enough manpower for the security of lives and property of citizens in their states.

“The internal security of Nigeria depends on one man or woman, who sits in Abuja as the InspectorGeneral of Police. Nigeria is the only federated state practicing centralized police system. I pray members of National Assembly should pass the blll on time to put an end to the atrocities and oppression going on the country,” Onuesoke stated.

Police deny laying siege to Saraki’s house

IGERIA Police Force said it would not hesitate to use all instruments of law to ensure that the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, honoured its invitation. This is also the police denied laying siege to the residence of the Senate President, as reported. The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, on July 23, invited Saraki to report to the Head of Intelligence Response Team (IRT) on July 24 at 8 a.m. in Guzape, Abuja, over the recent Offa robbery. It would also be recalled that armed robbers attacked five commercial banks in Offa on April 5, during which 17 persons, including policemen and a pregnant woman were killed. “The Senate President must honour Police Invitation; otherwise the force will not hesitate to use all the instruments of the Law to ensure compliance with the law,” he said. The Force Spokesman, acting DCP Jimoh Moshood, who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, said that Saraki was being expected to report to the police. Moshood said the invitation was aimed at the president of the senate to make more clarification following his indictment by five suspects in the robbery.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1 2018

NEWS

Anambra Govt moves to reclaim criminals’ hideouts By IBE NWACHUKWU

nambra state government has concluded arrangements to acquire all lands suspected to be criminal hideouts in the state, for overriding public interests ranging from driving all the criminals out of the state, sanitizing the environments and keeping them clean . Against this backdrop, the state government has concluded plans to convert an open space lying fallow at the New Auto Spare Parts Market, Nkpor, near Onitsha into a commercial motor park as part of the war against criminals in the state. State Anambra State Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Uchenna Okafor, (a.k.a. Wiper) who disclosed this, Monday, at the news auto parts market, while briefing the traders, said apart from waging the war against criminals in the state, government

was of the view that converting that open space into a motor park would serve as part of sanity and beautification of the environment, all for overriding public interest. Okafor who described as untrue, false and unfounded, the allegation making the round that the state government has forcefully taken over the landed property of the Traders at the Nkpor New Auto Motor Spare parts market located along the Onitsha/Enugu Expressway, Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area, maintained that apart from pushing away criminals, sanitizing and beautifying the environment, converting the space into a motor part would equally fetch the market a percentage of revenue accruing from the part. “We are not fighting for your land, neither are we trying to forcefully grab your land. We are not interest-

ed in your land. According to the survey plan, the land remains your land. We have not shown any interest to take it and if we need it your Chairman and executives have no power to sell land to government. I know it is the opposition that is saying that the state government has taken over your land. Every government has opposition. “To buttress my point, let me recall that the former Governor of the state, Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige while opposing this Governor Willie Obiano’s regime, said that the fly-over bridge at Awka, built by Governor Obiano was collapsing because it was not built to standard and as such that motorists should not make use of it to avoid death but up till today the bridge has not collapsed and vehicles are still plying on it and that is opposition in action. “Government has the power to

revoke any land in the state in the overriding interest and pay compensation if need be or relocate the owners to another place. So, wherever we think criminals use as hideout we go and beautify the place. Therefore, in this your land we have plan to construct a park in it. We are not going to erect any structure there. Our target is to sanitize it, sack criminals, maintain orderliness, beautify it, install lights and ensure cleanliness,” the commissioner said. He commended the executives of the traders led by Chief Elysius Ozorkwere for the warn reception accorded him, adding that he is a good leader who has the interest of the traders at heart. Earlier in his speech, the chairman, Chief Ozorkwere commended the Commissioner for making out time to be at the market despite his tight schedules and recalled that

Foundation gives free medicare in Awka

Abia Gov’s wife builds market for Isiala Ngwa South community From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

By IBE NWACHUKWU

ife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu, has explained that her motive for building markets across rural communities in the state was to enhance commercial activities, improve the income of rural families and boost the economy of the state. Mrs Ikpeazu made this known during the inauguration of a new market built through her Non-Governmental Organisation, the Vicar Hope Foundation Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area. She used the occasion to also distribute gift items, including clothing, cash and equipment worth millions of naira to indigent women to assist the beneficiaries to start up micro-scale businesses. Mrs. Ikpeazu said the programmes carried out by her NGO was extended to all classes of people, adding that the newly inaugurated market brings to 10, the number of markets her NGO has built across the state. According to her, the markets were designed to provide a commercial hub for rural farmers and traders to do business in conducive and rewarding environments, noting that it has enhanced economic activities within the communities where these markets are sited. She recalled that recently, her NGO inaugurated and equipped 50 trainees who had graduated from its Springboard Skill Acquisition programme being run in collaboration with the National Directorate of Employment. So far, 400 people in rural communities have benefitted from this training; and thanked stakeholders for being part of the success story. In their separate comments, Chairman of the occasion and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Obinna Oriaku, and Chairman of Isiala Ngwa South LGA, Chief Ifeanyi Isikaku, both eulogized Mrs Ikpeazu and her Vicar Hope Foundation for building the market and empowering hundreds of women. They assured her of the support of the people of the area towards her programmes and the second term bid of her husband, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu. A representative of the women, Mrs. Gold Agu, praised the wife of the Governor for her magnanimity towards womenfolk.

what they suffered in trying to regain the land was terrible and at a time, prayed God that there would not be any riot. He disclosed that they had earlier written series of petitions to the state government intimating it about the encroachment of some land speculators, adding, “we the market traders were very bitter because of the encroachment that also resulted in the bid for the fence to near collapse. If it is our land but government is interested, let us discuss terms because we cannot fight the government”. Ozorkwere however expressed satisfaction that the Commissioner has cleared the air especially in recognizing that the land belongs to the traders and that as owners of the land, their interest will be protected when the project is completed and the park becomes functional.

• Former Vice President and presidential hopeful under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar (l) with the Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku when the ex-VP Atiku with his campaign team and was hosted by the EXCO chambers in Jalingo, the state capital.

Anambra lists priority areas in Ogbaru council By IBE NWACHUKWU

Okoti-Odekpe community, among others. State Commissioner for Works, Marcel Ifejiofor who disclosed this yesterday during an assessment visit to some of the project sites in the areas, stated that project execution must strictly be concentrated on projects that require serious attention and on areas of the peoples dire need in order to ensure that it would give a human face and to upgrade living standards. Conducting the Commissioner round the facilities during the visit, Chairman of the Local Government Council, Comrade Arinzechukwu Awogu noted that he met a whole lot of problems and challenges in the area on assumption of duty, adding that the condition of the above mentioned facilities are in sorrowful condition to the extent that they directly affected the entire people in all the 16 communities of the council area. According to Comrade Awogu, “These problems ranged from

flood menace, decayed community and Government structures, Schools, Hospitals, lack of access Roads and having a single Road network”. The council boss stated that it was the pitiable conditions of these facilities that triggered him into beckoning the state government for assistance. He lauded Governor Obiano for responding swiftly to his peoples cries for help by approving a huge amount of money for the execution of the projects and for attracting a federal Government agency known as Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) to Atani community, the local government headquarters to ameliorate their ugly situation. He expressed optimism that Ogbaru, an agrarian and river-rine council area of the state would soon be developed like other Urban Council areas to compete favorably with its contemporaries, elsewhere in the country.

o fewer than 243 persons, including male and female adults, as well as youths have received free medical check-ups and treatments courtesy of the Onyemaechi Hope for the Helpless Foundation, a non-governmental, voluntary and Christian organization fighting for the healthcare of the less privileged ones in the society. The free medicare which took place at Umudunu Village Hall, Isuaniocha in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra state, according to the foundation, also benefited about 57 children between the ages of six months and five years. Coordinator of the foundation, Kennedy Onyema Okenwa, in his remarks at the event, noted that they are into free malaria tests and sensitization, distribution of long lasting insecticide nets, free HIV/AIDS tests, as well as general medical counseling and advice. According to Okenwa, “a lot of people have been subjected to acute hunger, pains, shortages and various degrees of hardships as a result of challenges, hazards and troubles of life. These people need our love and care and as such, we need to rally round and assist them as much as we can, for the sake of God and humanity” He however commended those he identified as volunteers and partners for their efforts so far at ensuring the success of all their free medical and counseling activities which took place at intervals in various parts of South East region and urged them not to relent in the same service of God and humanity.

I wish to clearly state that the name on my BVN OKINUDILI OKOLI was wrongly spelt. My correct name is OKWUDILI OKOLI all document bearing my former names remains valid general public, Diamond bank and CBN take note. I formerly known as MISS IGWENAGU GLORIA NKEIRUKA now wish to be known as MRS IGWENAGU-OKAFOR GLORIA NKEIRUKA. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Lands & Urban Development Enugu state & general public take note

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

BU$IN£SS

•Energy •Finance

•Stock

•Insurance

•Aviation

•e-Platform

Nigeria ICT future: Alarm sounds on local capacity, internet inclusion

• This country must build indigenous capacity if its people wish to be successful and relevant in global technology value chain By ISAIAH ONWUANUMBA

HE gathering of Nigeria’s largest technology forum, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), in Ibadan were unanimous that the time is now for Government to come up with right policies to entrench local capacities in Information and communications Technology (ICT) for job and wealth creation among young population in the land. According to the National Bureau of Statistics’ national youth survey report, there are nearly 70 million people in the 15 to 35 age bracket in 2016. Yet, over half of these these ICT enthusiasts are unemployed while majority are underemployed. And this massive young population offers the nation a rare human capital and Government could use ICT to empower them for create jobs and generate revenue for the country. Nigeria, report says, loses approximately $2.8bn annually from the importation of ICT goods and services, including massive $1bn spent annually on software imports. Locally manufactured or assembled computers represent less than eight per cent of all the computers used in the country. This underscores the need for Nigeria to stop this massive wealth repartriation and come up with local solution to local problems through well crafted policy for idea generation and innovation, and Nigeria apex technology agency said it is doing alot to reverse the trend. Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has said the nation must build local capacity to solve problems to be relevant and successful in IT. NITDA DG, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami was speaking on day two of the ongoing 27th National Conference organised by Nigeria Computer Society at International Conference at University of Ibadan, in Oyo State. “if you want to be successful in IT you must build capacity locally. Use local innovations to solve local problems.” According to him, this way the country could create a technology value change, a formidable tech ecosystem with many suppliers and consumers, with many innovators for national growth development. “Nigeria loses a significant

Buying(NGN)

Deepwater fiscals: Investors to unlock 1.3 mbd, 1.5 BcfdP18 Why ICT local content quality is our priority – Dr. Pantami P22

Travel

• SOURCE: Internet World Stats amount of foreign exchange annually from the importation of ICT goods and services. A large proportion of this is spent on software imports. We are working hard to reverse this trend and indigenous ICT businesses, including the many who are members of CPN, stand to benefit greatly from a local content policy that encourages the development of local ICT products and services’, adding, this must change.” He explained that to this end the Agency has trained over 740 persons in digital technology and deployed 86 digital learning centres across the federation. NITDA embarks on Regulation, Capacity Building, Local Content Development, Digital Job Creation, E-Governance, Cyber Security, and Digital Inclusion as pillars of its 4-year Roadmap. NITDA’s vision, he said, is to be Nigeria’s prime Agency and catalyst for transforming Nigeria into a knowledge-based and IT-driven economy. Strategic partnerships with leading institutions like NCS are necessary to ensure sustainable development in the sector. “The process of developing an ICT sector as diverse and complex as ours is quite daunting. However, the potential benefits of developing such a critical sector would result in benefits that far outweigh the challenges. A well-developed ICT sector will significantly improve any economy. It will reduce capital flight, create jobs, generate revenue and help to position Africa as a producer of world-class ICT products and not just consumer of such products.”

Central (NGN) Selling(NGN)

US DOLLAR 304.85 POUNDS STERLING 400.6034 EURO 357.4061 SWISS FRANC 307.4634 YEN 2.7407 CFA 0.5232 WAUA 426.1623 YUAN/RENMINBI 44.896 RIYAL 81.2847 SOUTH AFRICAN RAND

Energy

e-Platform

CBN EXCHANGE RATES JULY 24TH, 2018 Currency

•Tourism

305.35 401.2604 357.9923 307.9677 2.7452 0.5332 426.8612 44.9701 81.418 22.5664

305.85 401.9175 358.5785 308.472 2.7497 0.5432 427.5602 45.0442 81.5513 22.6034

However, NCS has advised tGovernment to urgently come up with new national ICT policy that would include large population of the country into the global internet ecosystem. President of the NCS, Prof. Adesola Aderounmu Nigeria stands to benefit in many ways if her approximately 200 million people are internet included. “I would like to advise Federal Government to quickly formulate a new national Information and Communication Technology ( ICT) policy that will incorporate digital new inclusion as a pivotal factor for driving our socio-economic and political development,’’ he said. According to him, the new policy should cover ICT infrastructure, broadband Internet, Fibre optic communication and local content prioritization. Aderoumu explained that to bridge digital divide, access, affordability and application are three key areas of action require quick attention. He said, “Access has to do with speed, Internet access being available to all members of society such that people who cannot afford the digital technologies can do so for free in public places. Application implies that digital technologies and services are usable by people with varying levels of digital skills and abilities, including people with disabilities. For overall sustainable national development, nobody should be left behind. Our Correspondent gathered that Local Content Development and Promotion was chosen as one of the pillars of NITDA’s Roadmap because of the importance of indigenous

entrepreneurs to the growth of the sector. We al,sothat the Federal Government issued Executive Orders #3 and #5 to support the development of local content in the country and we are supporting the Federal Government in the enforcement of these orders. On the one hand, we are creating a market for our local OEMs by ensuring that government institutions give a preference to local products in their procurement process. On the other hand, we have also increased the level of regulation of these OEMs to ensure that they meet global best practice standards and provide readily accessible aftersales support for their customers. Government, according to NITDA, is currently developing an Enterprise Architecture for the Nigerian government and have a draft Nigerian Interoperability Framework (NeGIF). We are reviewing the .gov.ng process and have significantly shortened the registration turnaround time from 2 weeks to 24hrs. E-government is an enabler for productivity and efficiency in government and we know that an IT-enabled public service will provide better service for the citizens. The need for effective capacity building efforts cannot be over emphasized. We have enabled thousands of our youth to improve their capacity in leading areas of ICT and have helped them to develop their entrepreneurial skills using ICT. We have supported the development of the startup and innovation ecosystem through our subsidiary, the Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Why we moved to resolve NATOP crisis – FTAN

P26

Insurance

Insurance model not sustainable – Ist Bank chief tells operators P28 Equity & Capital Market Osinbajo tasks capital market operators on economic growth P30 Money Market

Fixed income, currency markets record N17.2tr turnover in June P31

Stock Market Highlights As At 24th JULY, 2018

Summary

ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE EQUITY CAP BOND CAP ETF CAP

S/N

36,455.24 4,551.00 378,698,700.00 N4,418,224,535.72 N13,205,932,116,905.38 N10,076,217,563,330.70 N6,378,852,128.93

Coy (By Volume) Volume

MEDVIEWAIR TRANSCORP ZENITHBANK FBNH ACCESS

100,006,000 45,500,654 42,715,866 36,013,731 20,510,427

5 Top Gainers

Symbols Last Close Current Change NESTLE N1430 N1450 CCNN N24.9 N26 CUSTODIAN N5.55 N6.1 CUTIX N3.3 N3.63 GUARANTY N38.8 N39

Value(N)

Five Tope Losers

N210,513,200.00 N54,289,927.39 N988,524,386.95 N332,346,191.30 N205,873,109.70

BETAGLAS PRESCO WAPCO NB PZ

N81 N66.15 N32.5 N108 N16.8

N72.9 N59.55 N29.25 N105.5 N15.15

-8.1 -6.6 -3.25 -2.5 -1.65

%Change 20 1.40% 1.1 4.42% 0.55 9.91% 0.33 10.00% 0.2 0.52%

-10.00% -9.98% -10.00% -2.31% -9.82%

The Oracle Today Wednesday Augusst 1, 2018

BUSINESS

Telecoms Issues: NCC, state agencies brainstorm at Abuja

•NCC says Stakeholders Engagement Meeting with relevant state agencies in charge of Telecoms matters is critical to solving key issues the $70 billion industry By ISAIAH ONWUANUMBA

HE Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) announced weekend that it held a national stakeholders forum on ‘’Optimizing the Benefits of Telecoms Infrastructure in Nigeria’’ on July 17th 2018 at the NAF Conference Center and Suites, Abuja. The apex industry regulator added that the aim of the forum was to provide interactive practicable dialogue of ideas that will deepen the social and economic benefits of a sane telecom environment and equally proffer solutions to the challenges of Right of Way and multiple

taxation to the industry. In his welcome address, Mr Sunday Dare, the Executive Commissioner (Stakeholder Management) stated that, to underscore the critical importance of this Forum, a brief historical background must be done. The Nigerian telecoms industry was liberalized in 2001 and these ushered in new players, new foreign and local investors as well as widespread networks and more efficient services. He noted that, ‘’the industry quickly grew and created more opportunities for economic development and induced multiplier effects on national development. Looking at the

central role that telephony and data services – especially mobile services – play in our everyday lives, it is hard to imagine how we were able to function before 2001” While delivering the keynote address, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, emphasised that since the fullfledged commercial mobile commu-

nications started in Nigeria in 2001, stakeholders have been grappling with the myriad of challenges which negatively impact quality of service experience in our communications networks. Professor Danbatta noted, ‘’these challenges are generally termed as ‘Ecosystem issues’, and they manifest in frequent disruptions of the

operation of telecoms infrastructure; very high and often discriminatory fees for rights-of-way and other permits’’. Participants at the forum included representatives from different states across the federation, Heads of Agencies, Consultants and other Stakeholders. Mr Paul Usoro, SAN, a legal practitioner gave a lecture on the ‘Legal Framework for Telecoms Infrastructure Rollout’ while Prof. Abiola Sanni, a tax Consultant gave a lecture on ‘Harmonization of Taxation/Regulation on Telecoms infrastructure’ at the forum.

N10bn cutback: Stakeholders commends NITDA for technology procurement regulation

•NITDA Saved over N10bn for Federal Government in one year

ATIONAL Information Development Agency (NITDA) has said it saved federal government over 10 billion naira through regulation and developed standards and guidelines for different aspects of the ICT sector. DG of NITDA said the Agency has put the necessary machinery in place to ensure compliance as compliance with boost efforts towards saving costs and expanding digital inclusion agenda of the Government. The efforts are yielding results as the Agency has saved over N10billion for the Federal Government in the past one year. This was contained in a goodwill message by the Director General of NITDA, Dr. Isa Pantami, to the Nigeria Computer Society, NCS, 27th National Conference, taking place in Ibadan, Oyo State. The DG said that as the clearing house for Information Technology Projects in Nigeria, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the government now come to us for the clearance of their ICT projects.

The DG who was represented by the Director of IT Infrastructure Solutions (ITIS) Department of the Agency, Dr Agu Collins Agu, said that the efforts were to eliminate duplication, ensure there is value for money and that the projects are sustainable. “All the MDAs have been provided with a copy of the template and the IT clearance process will help in building standardized IT infrastructures as well as efficient IT systems and services. It will reduce the cost of IT investments and will ensure commensurate value is derived from every IT investment. Eventually, these efforts will spur innovations and enhance MDAs responsiveness to their obligations. …Through this clearance process we have saved the government over N10 billion within the last year. The process has also enabled us to support the development of local content”, he said. The DG regretted that Nigeria loses a significant amount of foreign exchange annually from the importation of ICT goods and services.

•Esosa Biremo, Product manager, Diamond Bank plc; Kenneth Ukanwa, Technology Advisory, KPMG; Karimot Tukur, Head, Consumer Banking, Diamond Bank Plc; Gamillius Anyanwu, Head, Surveillance and Enforcement Department, Consumer protection Council (CPC); and Osita Ede, Head, Mass Market, Diamond Bank Plc during the DiamondXtra quarterly draw held in Lagos.

Glo stakeholders in Lagos, P/Harcourt, Abuja, S/East bag gifts worth million

LOBACOM has announed that its dealers and enterprise customers in the country have been having tremendous fun on the bill of Nigeria’s foremost telecommunications brand, Globacom. The fun train has berthed in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Enugu, dishing out sundry high-octane entertainment, sublime music, ribcracking, stress-bursting jokes and

Israel Embassy Reps visit NCC

TEAM comprising Barnea Hassid, Director Africa Department II, West and Central Africa, Nadav D. Goren, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Israel Abuja and Florence Osuji, Senior Economic Officer, Embassy of Israel Visits Professor U. G Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman/ CEO of Nigerian Communications Commission. In his opening remarks, Hassid informed the EVC that they have come to discuss areas of collaboration and interest to the Commission, importantly cybersecurity and how to address issues of cyber crimes which results from convergence of Internet devices, hacking of online financial transactions and channels of electronic transactions, online impersonation and terrorism which utilizes internet to connect members globally. Hassid further stated that the Embassy has met with the Nigerian Governors Forum and discussed matters of importance that require Government attention and bilateral agreements between the two countries. Professor Danbatta, while welcoming and commending the team for the bilateral relationship between the two nations, and call for collaboration in the areas of ICT stated that the Commission will welcome any

partnership to mitigate challenges of Cyber crime, security and privacy matters in the app sector of the telecom ecosystem to address impersonations and safety nets to manage online media database. The EVC further stated that one of the Commission’s 8- Point Agenda is focused on facilitating broadband penetration and ensuring 30% penetration by end of 2018. Danbatta noted that this will bring

unprecedented developments and growth in the telecoms sector but will produce challenges due to innovative applications that will require expertise and networks professionals to handle. Mr. Hassid in his concluding remarks has offered to provide training to staff of NCC tailored on the collaborative areas and will invite Professor Danbatta to be the guest speaker at the event.

anecdotes as Glo celebrates its highly esteemed dealers and enterprise customers. The company is appreciating its critical stakeholders for their loyalty and support over the years. Dealers and Enterprise customers in the South West were the first to taste the goodies at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja. On hand to welcome the guests were two iconic comedians, the Bishop of Osusu Ministry, Gordons (Godwin Komone) and Seyi Law (Lawrence Oluwaseyitan Aletile) supported by a one-man band, Aka Melody, who put guests in a relaxed mood for the event. Globacom’s Chief Retail Officer, Mr. David Maji welcomed them to the event on behalf of Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr., Chairman of Globacom. The juju music maestro, King Sunny Ade (KSA) surprised the guests by making a cameo appearance at the event. KSA who looked resplendent in his

all-white attire quickly mounted the band stand and sang “Call me…0805 is my number dial” as an appetizing performance to the stakeholders who pulled out their phones to record the rare entertainment gift Glo offered them; an exclusive KSA performance just for them! The prestigious Abuja Sheraton Hotel was the venue of the appreciative party for Glo stakeholders in the North. King Sunny Ade was again on hand to give the guests a time of their lives. To provide additional entertainment, MC Tagwaye alias “Mr. President”, Gordons and Acapella joined forces with KSA, making the event one to remember for a long time to come. All the guests were presented with one plasma television set each while lucky dealers who participated in the raffle draw won cash gifts ranging from one million naira, five hundred thousand naira to two hundred and fifty thousand naira cash prizes.

Meanwhile, food inflation rose by 12.98 percent year on year in the review period, lower than the 13.45 percent year on year recorded in May. Notably, the highest increase was recorded in the prices of bread and cereals, fruits, vegetables, meat, oil and fats, fish, milk, cheese and egg, and potatoes, yam and other tubers. However, on month on month basis, food inflation increased again at a faster pace of 1.57 percent, compared to the 1.33 percent recorded in the previous month. Core inflation was 10.4 percent year on year during the review period when compared to 10.7 percent in May.

Similar to the observed trend in the previous month, the highest increases were reported in the prices of fuel and lubricants for personal transport and transport equipment, vehicle spare parts, dental services, books and stationeries, domestic and household services, hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishment, paramedical services, hospital services, garments, tobacco, actual and imputed rentals for housing, and passenger travel by road. On a month on month basis however, the core index increased at a faster pace of 1.03 percent, 5 basis points above the 0.98 percent reported in May.

NBS says inflation rate drops for 17th consecutive time By KAYODE OGUNWALE

IGERIA’S headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) which measures inflation has extended deceleration to the seventeenth consecutive month. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in June 2018 inflation report released on Monday, shows that headline inflation was 11.23 percent year on year in June, moderating from 11.61 percent year on year in May. On month-on-month basis, the headline index increased by 1.24 percent against 1.09 percent in the previous month. The percentage change in the av-

erage composite CPI for the twelve months period ending June over the average of the CPI for the twelve months period was 14.37 percent, showing 0.42 percent points lower from 14.79 percent recorded in May. In the same vein, the urban inflation eased by 11.68 percent year on year in June from 12.08 percent recorded in May, while the rural inflation rate also eased 10.83 percent in June from 11.20 percent in May. On month on month basis, the urban index rose by 1.24 percent in June, up by 0.14 from 1.10 percent recorded in May, while the rural Index also rose by 1.23 percent in June, up by 0.15 percent from 1.08 percent rate recorded in May.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

BUSINESS

Dangote Cement stakes N50b bonds for trading on FMDQ

By KAYODE OGUNWALE

ANGOTE Cement Plc, Africa’s largest cement producer N50 billion Nigerian Commercial Paper (CP), was admitted on the trading platform of FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange. The fund listing was the largest CP issuance by a non-financial institution, the Dangote Cement Plc N50 billion Series 1 & 2 CP Notes under its N150 billion Domestic CP Issuance Programme. Following the resuscitation of the Nigerian CP market by FMDQ in 2014, transparency, price discovery, liquidity, efficient quotation processes, amongst others, have been established in the market, paving the way for issuers and investors to effectively and sustainably meet their funding needs, as well as contribute to the development of the nation’s debt markets. Welcoming the guests to the listing ceremony, Directorate Head, Capital Markets, FMDQ, Ms. Tumi Sekoni, commended the issuer and sponsor of the issue for achieving this milestone, noting that their decision to raise funds from the debt markets was testament to the restoration of confidence in the Nigerian CP market, which had been marked by an extended period of dearth of activ-

ity, significantly weakened issuer interest and diminished investor confidence. She further commented that the issuance would encourage other corporates and commercial entities to effectively tap the potential burgeoning CP market to finance their short-term funding needs, thereby adding more depth and breadth of the Nigerian debt capital markets (DCM). She concluded by adding that the quotation of the CPs would undoubtedly pave the way for the establishment of a globally recognised non-financial corporate benchmark for the Nigerian CP market, owing to the associated rating and reputation garnered by the Dangote conglomerate and encouraged the issuer to continue to tap the debt markets to ensure the actualisation of the desire for a corporate benchmark in the Nigerian debt markets. Group Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Joseph Makoju, during the issuer’s special address, stated, “this is the largest Commercial Paper issuance of any Nigerian company and we are delighted to list it on FMDQ, which has significantly contributed to the development of the domestic debt capital market in Nigeria. By promoting transparency, governance, integrity

and efficiency in the CP market, FMDQ is encouraging issuers like ourselves to explore alternative funding sources in the Nigerian capital markets.” Delivering the Registration Member (Quotations) remarks, Executive Director and Head, Debt Capital Markets, Mr. Kobby Bentsi-Enchill, reaffirmed Stanbic IBTC Group’s commitment towards contributing to development of a world class capital market in Nigeria. “The domestic capital markets are gradually deepening and growing in sophistication, as prospective issuers become aware of the various financing options available to them via the capital markets. This is evidenced by the decision of Dangote Cement Plc

to tap the CP market, being their inaugural issuance in the Nigerian DCM. At Stanbic IBTC, we partner with our clients to deliver holistic, innovative and cutting-edge financial solutions that help them to achieve their funding objectives. In doing so, we are able to bring the full weight of our franchise to support our clients, enabling them to achieve a transformed business and customer service experience.” Managing Director/CEO of FMDQ, Mr. Bola Onadele. Koko, whilst giving the closing remarks, applauded the issuer for the remarkable step taken and commented that, “the entry of the Dangote Group to the Nigerian DCM, will not only re-ignite the ap-

petite of local and foreign portfolio investors in the debt markets but is a very welcome development, as the criticality of the implementation of the Basel III regulations framework to strengthen the risk management of banks lays credence to the urgent need for financial market participants (corporates, governments etc.) to effectively tap the debt markets for their funding needs. He further commented that FMDQ shall continue to promote market development in collaboration with the stakeholders, to make the markets within its purview globally competitive and well aligned to support economic growth and development for the benefit of the citizenry.

Wema Bank to boost capital ratio with N20bn bond

EMA Bank is planing to raise N20 billion of debt next month as part of measures to boost its capital adequacy. The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Mr. Ademola Adebisi, stated this during an analysts’ call last eecently. “We need to enhance our funding. The bank is in the process of raising Tier II and the offer will be opened in August”, he said. The debt raise is the second tranche of a N50 billion bond program. The bank said it has appointed parties for the offer and aims to boost its capital ratio to 15 percent before year-end. The turn around chief executive of the bank, Segun Oloketuyi, retired from the commercial lenders last month after almost a decade at the helm of affairs in the bank. Oloketuyi was named Chief Execu-

tive Officer of Wema Bank in June 2009, with the task of returning the Bank to profitability following the 2008 banking crisis which saw the collapse of many banks. The lender recently reported a 28.8 percent increase in its profit for halfyear ended June 30, 2018. Profit for the bank grew from N1.2 billion in June 2017 to N1.6 billion in June 2018 on account of a 526 percent boost in net trading income and a N12.5 million or 2.5 percent decline in personnel expenses. The financial statements released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed that the profit before tax increased to N1.8 billion as at June 30, 2018 from N1.4 billion in the same period of 2017.Other highlights indicate a marginal decline in interest income of N25.4 billion in the period under review as against N25.5 billion in the corresponding period of 2017.

By JEROME USHAKANG

nary shares worth N214 million were traded. It would be recalled that on May 24, 2018, Medview sent a notice to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), intimating it of a planned investment by Avmax, a Canadian firm. The airline hinted that this would enable it to expand its fleet. But till now Meadview Airline has not said anything about the proposed investment by Avmax, a Canadian firm. However, the high volume of traded shares by the company in recent times is raising eye-brows and people are reasoning, are these legal transactions or insider dealings? Meanwhile, NSE rules mandate companies to disclose when trades amounting to five percent or more of their issued share capital takes place. At the moment, Medview has a share outstanding of 9.7 billion, thus indicating that the investor had acquired about 3.58 percent of the company’s issued shares. An overview of figures from

•Ms. Patience Oniha, Director General, Debt Management Office (DMO); Mr. Oscar Onyema OON, Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Hon. Ibrahim Usman Jibril, Minister of State for Environment; Mr. Edward Kallon, United Nation Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria during the listing of Sovereign Green Bond by DMO at the NSE in Lagos.

NIPCO pledges good return on investment to shareholders

By KAYODE OGUNWALE

IPCO Plc has reaffirmed commitment to offering good returns to its shareholders through consistent dividend payment following improved performance of the company for the year ended December 31, 2017. Chairman, NIPCO, Chief Bestman

Medview Airlines: Legal transactions or insider dealings?

ARKET watchers and analysts are wondering why in the past few days, Medview Airlines Plc has witnessed heavy trades in its shares. Not that the company’s shares cannot be sold in higher volumes, but when a penny stock that is a little above N2 per share in value suddenly begin to sell in millions, certainly it would arouse suspicsion. For instance, Medview Airlines Plc whose share value is N2.14 kobo each, as at July 23, 218 offloaded about 350 million Ordinary shares worth N728 million in the last seven trading sessions. Specifically, on Monday July16, 2018, a total of 100,001,380 shares valued at N198, 379, 058 were traded in 7 deals. On Thursday, 19th of July 19, 50,000,000 shares valued at N102,245, 000 were traded. On Friday, July 20, 100,000,004 shares valued at N214,000, 008 were traded in 4 deals. Whereas on Monday July 23, a total of 100,000,001 million Ordi-

the company’s 2017 annual report showed that the two largest individual shareholders were: Abdulmohsen Al-Thunayan, a Saudi prince with 3,510,000,000 shares or 36 percent of issued share capital. Muneer Bankole, the founder with 3,858,000,000 shares or 40 percent of issued share capital. The company closed flat at N2.14 in yesterday’s trading session. Year to date, the stock is up 7.54 percent. According to results for the first quarter ended March 31,2018, Gross revenue depreciated sharply from N7.6 billion in 2017 to N3.5 billion in 2018. Profit before tax also declined sharply to N264 million in 2018 from N745 million in 2017 . Profit after tax also fell from N691 million in 2017 to N210 million in 2018. Med-View Airline Plc was incorporated on August 11, 2004, as a Private Limited Liability Company and by a special resolution, became a Public Liability Company on December 18, 2015. The company was listed on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on January 31, 2017.

Anekwe who disclosed this in his address at the company’s 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Abuja reiterated the steadfastness of the board to continuously propel the management to greater heights. He noted that the firm’s commitment to its shareholders is hinged on providing good yield on their investment stressing that inspite of the challenging operating environment, the board resolve to maintain the same level of dividend as in the previous year. NIPCO’s turnover for the 2017 financial year grew by 35 percent from N170 billion in 2016 to N205 billion, profit after tax rose from N1.8 billion in 2016 to N2.1 billion in 2017. The board therefore recommended a cash dividend of 300kobo amounting to total dividend payout of N563 million which was unanimously approved by the shareholders. Chief Anekwe noted that the company’s footprint in the industry is getting stronger and deeper with the recent acquisition of ExxonMobil’s 60 percent equity in Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc through the subsidiary, NIPCO Investments Limited In his own comments, Managing Director, Mr Sanjay Teotia said the future is bright for the company despite the challenges in the downstream sector stressing that management would continue to place emphasis on transforming the firm’s systems and processes to deliver

meaningful value to stakeholders. “We are not oblivious of the fact that to achieve the foregoing, we must improve on our core competencies and exploit business ventures and opportunities”, he stated. The MD stated that management would remain focused on pursuing major targets inclusive of growing NIPCO market share in petroleum products marketing as well as increasing the visibility of its retail outlets across the country. Sanjay expressed the company’s resolve to continue to align with government in providing access to LPG as cooking fuel at affordable rates stressing that the technical commissioning of the largest sphere in Africa by the company in 2017 is a pointer to the organization resolve to deepen domestic gas utilization He said, “Our gas stations remains first choice outlets as consumers are assured of clean energy for cooking at the right quality ,quantity at very competitive rates.” The MD noted that this feat was also acknowledged by the National Association of LPG Marketers (NALPGAM) who gave an award to NIPCO as the 2017 best LPG marketing company of the year. The NIPCO helmsman said the company is upbeat of improved performance taking into consideration the organization highly motivated and skilled employees as well as excellent customer service delivery across its business lines.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

ENERGY

Deepwater fiscals: Investors to unlock 1.3 mbd, 1.5 Bcfd

...Disputes still rage over cost • GMD NNPC Dr. Maikanti Baru

• MD Total Exp. Nigeria Ltd. Mr. Nicolas Terraz

•MD Mobil Producing Nig. Ultd, Mr. Paul Mcgrath By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

Whereas the light end of the development projects involving less risks and moderate budgets have been driven successfully under novel joint venture funding arrangements, the bigger projects that command higher risks and deep pocket investments have stalled. Our checks on the list of projects sanctioned for commissioning between 2010 and 2020 showed that FID on major deepwater development projects have stalled. And except for Total which has faithfully continued with its asset development plans in the country, other multinational players that are currently active in the deepwater have displayed investment apathy. Some of the integrated oil and gas development projects activated in the period include the Chevron driven Sonam onshore field development that would pump 30, 000 barrels of condensate and 215 million standard cubic feet of gas per day. There is also the second phase of the Shell operated Gbaran Ubie onshore field development that targeted 20, 000 barrels of condensate and 800 million standard cubic feet of gas per day. Thanks to introduction of alternative Joint Venture funding, Shell is also pushing the twin onshore gas development projects for 110 million standard cubic feet of gas per day. The Forcados Yokri Integrated project aims for 65 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, while the Southern Swamp Associated Gas project would pay 45 million standard cubic feet of gas per day. Whereas major milestones in the development of the integrated oil and gas fields are celebrated with the euphoria of new funding arrangement and renewed fillip in compliance to domestic gas obligations, the major oil companies pulled

back from the brinks of FID on deepwater projects where fiscal terms that govern investment commerciality are in contention. Although Total has progressed with its hat trick deepwater development plan, the French major is never out of tune with other members of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Organized Private Sector (OPS) in demanding pan-industry agreement on fiscal environment as basis for deep pocket investments in the country. The company is enjoying massive attention from the whole country on its ongoing $16 billion Egina deepwater field development project mainly because the project which promises some 200, 000 barrels of oil per day remains the only project of that magnitude in the Nigerian petroleum industry for nearly a decade. Others are yet to scale through FID, including the Shell operated Bonga Southwest and Aparo deepwater development project which was originally planned to start producing 225,000 barrels of oil and 15 million standard cubic feet of gas per day by 2020. The company which leads protests against fiscal inconsistency in the country also pulled down planned Bonga North development earlier proposed to deliver 100,000 barrels and 60 million standard cubic feet of gas per day. Italian Eni and Aglo-Ductch Shell are working with NNPC to reach FID on Zabazaba and Etan deepwater fields projected to pump at the rate of 120,000 barrels per day by 2020. The conversations about ZabazabaEtan development, it was gathered, follow anticipation of imminent resolution of fiscal disputes in the emerging PIFB. ExxonMobil is also not active with existing plans for three deepwater development projects envisaged to increase production by 230,000 barrels per day. The company’s Satellite Field Development Programme was planned to come on stream as from 2020 with 80,000 barrels per day but no progress has been made on the FID.

‘ In separate but coordinated response, the company chief executive threw it back at the minister to address fiscal discontents, security issues, political agitations and government debts as part of government’s roles and obligations towards addressing cost environment ,

Also, the American supermajor is yet to decide project timelines and budget estimates for development of operated Bosi deepwater field expected to deliver 140,000 barrels per day and 260 million standard cubic feet of gas per day from deep offshore. The company which is also the country’s offshore industry champion has been unable to spark discussions on development of operated Uge deepwater field which was earlier planned to start production of 110,000 barrels and 20 million standard cubic feet of gas per day by 2020. Chevron is also silent of development plans for operated Nsiko deepwater field which has projected estimate for production of 110,000 barrels of oil from the deep offshore by 2020. The OPTS which hosts most of the biggest investors in the Nigerian oil and gas industry had warned in 2010 that the right level of investments Nigeria requires from the industry to achieve her economic aspirations would not come unless there was agreement on fiscal components of the PIB. After vehement disagreement tied down the bill for about 10 years, the current session of the National Assembly has in following advice from industry analysts split the omnibus bill into four components to enable passage of less contentious sections of the new law. The legislators have since passed the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) and progressed activity on Petroleum Industry Administration Bill (PIAB), Petroleum Host Community Bill (PHCB) while the controversial Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill (PIFB) queues last. At the Nigerian Oil and Gas (NOG) conference and exhibition hosted in Abuja early in the month, key investors that control over 80 percent of Nigeria’s oil and gas production restated their position on fiscal incentives for investments. They took time to reemphasise issues of fiscal contracts in the industry, enabling operating environment, increasing cost of criminality on operations, long contracting cycles, bankability of gas-to-power investments and security of personnel and assets. In maintaining the position of the players, Managing Director of Chev

EDERAL government may have started yielding grounds in the lingering disagreement with groups of private players in the industry over fiscal terms that govern commercial operations, just as competition for global investment funds get tougher with new petroleum plays across the continent. The new development will pave way for multinational oil companies that dominate deepwater operations to unzip their purse for continued development projects capable of producing cumulative 1.13 million barrels of oil per day (mbd) and about 1.5 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day (Bscfd) However, while inroads are visible in resolution of fiscal disputes, new gaps are developing between policy drivers and operators over distribution of roles in addressing social and political risks that build cost in the operating environment. The convergence between public and private interests on the components of the emerging fiscal and policy frameworks, The Oracle Today gathered, is part of the deliberate measures by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to spark off a new wave activity in the nation’s deepwater petroleum play where exploration and field development activities have stalled over the disputed Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, who delivered a presentation on the state of the industry at conference in Abuja, declared that government and commercial investors are reaching a common position on the different components of the highly controversial PIB in order to encourage more investments in deepwater exploration and development. With the exit of the traditional cash call in funding onshore and shallow water activities operated under joint venture arrangement with oil companies, and use of the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) model in deepwater operations, Dr. Baru stressed, private sector funding has become critical in realizing government’s economic targets and development aspirations through petroleum industry investments.

He said the nation’s export revenue and domestic energy demand projections currently require massive investments in deepwater exploration and development as well as rehabilitation, upgrade and expansion of existing facilities and infrastructure for gas production, processing and distribution. For Nigeria to grow reserves to 40 billion barrels by 2020, Dr. Baru stated, investments are required for 3.0 billion barrels of new reserves every year. According to him, the figure includes reserves replacement of 1.0 billion barrels per annum and another 2.0 billion barrels in reserves addition. He declared that government was working on terms for new deepwater developments, adding that the corporation has reached a Heads of Agreement with investors on the development of Bonga Southwest and Aparo deepwater fields operated by Shell. Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachinkwu, had in February stated that Nigerian was expecting investment of over $45 billion in deepwater development, saying that the $16 billion Egina deepwater development has provided significant impetus in offshore development activity. However, The Oracle Today reports that most of the Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) that spiked hopes of return of deepwater field development activities fell off the table following disputes over the implementation of the existing 1993 production contracts that spurred the first phase of exploration investment in the terrain. Before the freeze of investments following fiscal disputes, multinational companies that operate major onshore and offshore production assets in the country had lined up some 12 field development programmes that promised to deliver additional 1.125 million barrels of oil per day (mbd) and 1.5 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day (Bscfd) to cumulative national production.

Continued on P 21

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

ENERGY

Power distributors disown Fashola’s N800b debt claim

...Blame illiquidity on regulatory failure

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

HE lingering liquidity crisis in the nation’s electric power sector is bound to worsen following widening position gaps between distribution companies and government over resolution of growing debt overhang among investors in the commercial arrangement. Besides, the impending burst in the sector threatens quake effect in the domestic money market where most of the investors in the sector borrowed funds to finance asset acquisition deals with the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) during the privatization of the sector. The illiquidity follows inability of the power distribution companies to defray over N800 billion worth of invoices regularly served them by government deal brokers in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) as the value of power supplied them from generating companies. But the distribution companies, apart from declaring that the bulk of the unpaid invoices served traditional debtors including government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) that form the most rascally customers, also pointed out that the bill showcases the scale of tariff imbalance and disparity between open market price for power and prevailing regulated price. The electricity distribution companies under the aegis of Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) dismissed claims by the Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, that they owe the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET) whopping N800 billion. Spokesman, Chief Sunday Odutan, who was reacting to statements credited to the minister, said debt claimed by the minister does not have foundation in the prevailing tariff structure approved by the government for im-

plementation in the industry. According to him, the commercial arrangements that suppose to support efficient operations in the industry rapidly ran into liquidity problems because government failed to provide the foreground for bankability of growth projects in the downstream end of the chain. Chief Odutan said government failed in providing commercial incentives for investments. He listed other disappointments from government to include failure to provide payment guarantees to generation companies, inability to implement the Transitional Electricity Market (TEM) to phase out NBET and inability to effect periodic tariff review to reflect cost of production, cost of operation and adequate margins. He declared that growth in the industry is impaired by thin transmission capacity that makes impossible for all the 11 distribution companies to received more than 5000 megawatts of electricity supply hour (MW/h) even when generation capacity exists. He said that government has instead resorted to distorting market evolution arrangements to cover its failures. He pointed at acute power generation and transmission capacity impediments in the system as the major growth impairment, explaining that total volume of electricity available for distribution is always too paltry to solve the need of over 32 million homes sharing less than 5000 megawatts of electricity. Chief Odutan also pointed out that the low volumes of power available to distribution are acutely insufficient to yield appreciable revenue to meet huge production cost, operations cost and transmission tariffs under the prevailing regulated market rate. In calling on the government to live up to its commitment and obligation tom players in the industry, he said the system plunged into a commercial mess due to politicization of issues

•From left Head Corporate Communication Ikeja Electric. Mr. Felix Ofulue; Chief Technical Officer Ibadan Electric Mr. Ade Ayileka; Executive Director Research and Advocary ANED Mr. Sunday Oduntan and Head Corporate Communication and Branding Ibadan Disco Mrs. Angela Olarenwaju, during the Press Conference by ANED to Response on the Statement made by Minister of Power, Works and Housing on the Significantly. that required diligent intervention. The companies accuse government of altering timelines in the market evolution arrangement; a situation they say has resulted in gaps between actual market value of supplied power and the prevailing market tariff approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). He also accused the minister of failing to lead the discharge of government’s obligation to the industry as outlined in the privatization agreement, adding that Mr. Fahsola had instead taken to media briefing to demonize the distribution companies instead of addressing acute capacity shortage in the upstream end of the industry. “We are also left wondering whether such demonization of the DisCos is camouflage for the absence of the effective policy leadership that is desired for implementing the enabling environment that is necessary for the viability and sustainability of NESI?” the companies said in a statement.

The Oracle Today reports that ANED accuses government agencies in the power sector of failing in regulation, interventions and facilitating payment of electricity bills by MDAs under existing commercial arrangements. On the other hand, Ministry of Power insists that the distribution companies owed government refund from supplied electricity, arguing that the companies have failed to clear over N800 billion in debts to Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET) which brokers electricity supplies between generation companies and distribution companies. Chief Odutan said efforts to engage the government agencies overseeing the sector were thwarted by application of force by the ministry in addressing disagreements with distribution companies, lamenting that ANED members were thrown out of the last sectoral meeting for publishing appeals for MDAs to pay their electricity bills. He said inconsistency of policy, inefficiency of regulation and intru-

sion of government in commercial operations were major issues in the sector. He warned that the nation’s banking industry would be at risk if all the distribution companies collapse like in the case of Yola Distribution Company whose investors have been unable to recover their capital from BPE after declaring force majeure. He said major banks in the country are robustly exposed to the Discos in equity and cash loans, warning that the economy might take a blow if investors in the power sector decide to pull out en masse. In blaming government for the liquidity crisis in the sector, Chief Odutan said the privatization model operating in Nigeria has been successfully run in other developing countries like India. He wondered why government officials in the country are not bothered about the impact of the liquidity mess in the sector on the reputation of the country as credible investment partner.

According to him, multinational companies with interests in Nigeria also have investment calls from over 80 other countries where they operate. He made it clear that oil companies cannot manage social and political risks in the operating environment, stressing that instability in the Niger Delta form key cost catalyst in the industry. According to Mr. Okunbor, the industry is pumping huge cash into provision of asset security in the country, adding that government must establish a new normal by resolving investors’ concerns about the operating environment. Pointing at the PIFB, Mr Okunbor said new fiscal terms should encourage FIDs on new projects, adding that Shell was working on the budget calculations for Bonga Southwest and Aparo deepwater development. He said industry groups are also collaborating with government to ensure that past contract disputes are resolved. He made it clear that future projects would be as attractive to investors as the fiscal terms that would govern commerciality. He revealed that industry leaders and policy drivers had held extensive consultations on fiscal terms, pointing out that convergence has been reached between commercial investors and NNPC over the shape of the emerging PIFB. Dr. Baru confirmed at a separate session that government was collaborating with the industry to achieve

new fiscal framework that would lead to new phase on deepwater development projects, adding that focus was returning to deepwater fiscal terms that guarantees win-win situation for existing and new investors in the industry. He said government was conscious of regional competition for industry investment capital and has evolved a risk and reward approach to spur exploration. He explained that investments are also required to position the domestic gas market to meet projected demand of 8.0 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day (Bscfd) in the next five years, pointing out that gas supply from joint venture operations has since escalated from previous 1.5 Bscfd to current 5.0 Bscfd. He stated that target for joint venture gas supply would be 7.5 Bscfd by 2020. To meet the target, government is working to achieve investment closure in three critical projects expected to deliver some 3.5 Bscfd by 2020, he said. On gas distribution infrastructure, Dr. Baru said government has already delivered about 600 kilometers of gas conduits to existing maximum demand centres that comprise mainly of power generating stations at location remote from oil production sites. He added that public and private funds are being mobilized for the $2.8 billion Ajeokuta-KadunaKano (AKK) pipeline and the second loop of the Escravos-Lagos Gas Pipeline.

In making case for investors in the gas programmes, Dr. Baru said domestic gas supply must be driven by incentives for players, adding that a well articulated commercial arrangement for the national gas reticulation is captured in the Nigerian Gas Masterplan. On lingering joint venture debts, Dr. Baru said various alternative funding agreements with oil companies and service providers would translate to additional barrels that would yield the funds with which government would pay its debts. The Oracle Today reports that whereas the key investors appear to roll smoothly with NNPC, they are miles apart with the Minster of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, over operating cost. The minister had in a presentation in Abuja set $15 as per capita production cost for a barrel of crude oil in the country, threatening to deny sanction for projects whose cost projections exceed the threshold. He blamed the operating companies for community disturbances in their areas and dismissed explanations advanced by company executives as untenable. But in separate but coordinated response, the company chief executives threw it back at the minister. They challenged Dr. Kachikwu to fix fiscal disagreements, security issues, political agitations and government debts as part of government’s roles and obligations towards addressing cost environment.

Deepwater fiscals: Investors to unlock 1.3 mbd, 1.5 Bcfd

Continued from P 2o

ron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Jeff Ewig, reminded government of the fierce competition for limited investment funds across the globe, saying oil firms are increasingly selective of fiscal environment. He made it clear that the much awaited PIFB must provide the right fiscal environment for commercial operations. He added that fiscal policies must also provide needed drive in gas production. While pointing at the company’s $1.2 billion Sonam project and drilling campaign in the deepwater as symbol of the company’s commitment to enduring business in the country, Mr. Ewig stressed that the right fiscal framework was still needed to translate Nigeria’s deepwater opportunities to projects. He reminded government that Nigeria still faces the challenge of mobilising investment funds for development of deepwater gas infrastructure to facilitate evacuation of resources from remote marine production sites to onshore processing facilities. Managing Director of Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) Unlimited, Mr. Paul McGrath, called for certainty in the operating environment, saying that commercial investment decisions thrive on certainty of terms. He said the required investment in industry infrastructure in the country must be based on outlook for com-

mercial returns. He said Nigeria must provide certainty of contracts for investments in the next generation of industry infrastructure to happen, adding that incentive balance must be correct for long term investments in the industry. He described Nigeria’s sedimentary formations as hydrocarbon super-basin with huge potentials for massive investments. He pointed out that fiscal certainty was required to unlock the potentials and transform them into tangible investments. “Fiscal certainty is required for unlocking potentials in the industry,” he stressed. He said the OPTS has had robust discussions with the National Assembly consultants on fiscal reforms in the industry, adding that time has come to give effect to the discussions. He pointed out that concerns are high in the industry over past issues that still needed to be resolved. Managing Director of Total Exploration and Production Nigeria (TEPN) Limited, Mr. Nicolas Terraz, called for feasibility and sustainability for industry investments, saying NNPC should be able to forge pan-industry collaboration in development of costly industry infrastructure. Chairman of Shell companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, urged government to boost investment confidence in the country by addressing security, sanctity of contracts and long contracting cycles.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

e-Platform

Why ICT local content quality is our priority – Dr. Pantami

•DR. ISA ALI IBRAHIM “Sheikh Pantami” is the Director General and CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). In this Special Interview with Isaiah Onwuanumba and select IT journalists at a conference in Ibadan, the Robert Gordon University trained former lecturer of Islamic University of Madinah said Nigeria local content providers must meet international best practices and produce the quantity and quality required in the industry. Excerpts: Local content quality: why it matters

E want to protect and promote Nigerians who are into local content. But we want to ensure value for money. We want to ensure that the quality is a world class one because there is a lot of complaints about quality of hareware and softward developed as local content. So we are working with stakeholders to insure we develop the quality. We want to ensure that suppliers meet international best practices. For example, the Original Equipment Manufacturers or OEMs, we invited them for a stakeholders meeting in Lagos. I asked them one question, what do you need? To make you more effective, so that you can produce the quantity and quality required. They raised their observations and we are working on that; and we told them that we are willing to enforce the law and we are enforcing it even now bit by bit, but the only challenge we have is that of quality because there are many complaints by those who patronize the local equipment. They gave us their assurance. Nigeria loses a significant amount of foreign exchange annually from the importation of ICT goods and services. A large proportion of this is spent on software imports. We are working hard to reverse this trend and indigenous ICT businesses stand to benefit greatly from a local content policy that encourages the development of local ICT products and services. Local Content Development and Promotion was chosen as one of the pillars of our Roadmap because we understand the importance of indigenous entrepreneurs to the growth of the sector. We already have Local Content Guidelines and are actively enforcing them. We have issued guidelines for government websites and are currently supervising the repatriation of all government regulated and generated data. We insist no hardware or software imports We have always maintained that a significant part of the work must be done in Nigeria. We have told them, the suppliers - you are not allowed to import any part, hardware of software or assembling as long as we have people that can do it in Nigeria. In fact we asked them to establish service centers starting with Abuja and Lagos. So that whoever purchases their product if there is a challenge the person would go to the service centre and they will fix it, most of them as of now they don’t have it, if it is difficult for you, you an come together, and establish one and simply put your desk there. So that any complaint may be reported to the officer and he would refer it to you. You can jointly come and do it. These are all about local content development. Daunting Local content promotion The key is promotion is is not easy. We have been monitoring MDAs budgets, as long as we see

any of their budget we ask them to come to NITDA seek for clearance, because we serve as clearing house for all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) budgets, when the come as one of the requirements for we ensure that certain percentage is dedicated to local content. So you are not allowed to import those things which can be produced locally, but those ones they don’t have the capacity to do or we don’t have it available, we allow you to import or go ahead with the project. And we established a standing committee with economic and financial crimes commission, whenever we see any breach of these law, then we report to them, and they will investigate the project. Why you siphon money to purchase something internationally while the country has the capacity to produce it, because most of them do not want to do anything with Nigeria, they want to do something internationally so that from there they would be able to get something there so that is the way they siphon money, but with that EFCC, they support us to ensure. We are currently developing an Enterprise Architecture for the Nigerian government and have a draft Nigerian Interoperability Framework. We are reviewing the .gov.ng process and have significantly shortened the registration turnaround time from 2 weeks to 24hrs. E-government is an enabler for productivity and efficiency in government and we know that an IT-enabled public service will provide better service for the citizens. The need for effective capacity building efforts cannot be over emphasized. We have enabled thousands of our youth to improve their capacity in leading areas of ICT and have helped them to develop their entrepreneurial skills using ICT. We have supported the development of the startup and innovation ecosystem through our subsidiary, the Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship. We are succeeding, saving money The essence of all that is to save government money. Within one year through this clearance we save over ten N10 billion for the government. Through that way we have found out that certain things cannot be justified. We ensure there is quality and anything that is redundant, we technically know is inserted for another mission, not the sector, we strike it out. There was a case where we save N3.2 billion from a single budget and we reduced it and it scaled through but without clearance, that additional N3.2 billion would not be accounted for.

‘

ess will help in building standardized IT infrastructures as well as efficient IT systems and services. It will reduce the cost of IT investments and will ensure commensurate value is derived from every IT investment. Eventually, these efforts will spur innovations and enhance MDAs responsiveness to their obligations. In IT development you always develop IT using IT professionals, computer Scientists, Computer Engineers and many more. They are IT professionals, while you regulate the sector, by deploying ICT lawyers, if you have IT lawyers around, then you can regulate the sector, so that is why we introduce ICT as a course in our universities, so that the countr can produce many people who can regulate the sector and write many legal documents, on behalf of the sector, set standards, guideline, framework, and even policies, for ICT adoption, deployment and usage all over the country. One of the issues I talked about regarding the issue, I said that the agency is developing some policies that will make it more effective to regulate the sector like cloud policy, e-government inter-operability framework, intellectual right property, and many more. •DR. ISA ALI IBRAHIM

ital inclusion. Wide area network has been provided to higher institutions, virtual library to higher institutions, capacity building centres, knowledge building centres, computer job creation, all of them are part of digital inclusion, it is all about providing facilities and the skills, to operate. Cyber Security There have been many stories on foreign news channels about how a number of countries unwittingly fall victim to espionage as a result of the ICT products and services that they utilize. We want to ensure that this does not happen in Nigeria and we intend to achieve this by strengthening our capacity to respond to cyber threats. A Cybersecurity department was created to focus on this sector. We have been proactive in securing the Nigerian Cyberspace and this ensured that the Wannacry Ransomware and similar global threats did not affect us in Nigeria. We are also currently embarking on a massive cybersecurity awareness programme across the country. We have had engagements with most of the MDAs as part of our effort to promote Government Digital Services. Some of our activities include the training of CEOs of these MDAs in emerging areas of ICT. A workshop was recently organized for MDAs on the IT clearance process. As part of our efforts, we have also entered into partnerships with key parastatals like the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation.

You are not allowed to import any part, hardware or software or assembling as long as we have people that can do it in Nigeria

Digital Inclusion priorities On digital inclusion the whole idea about digital inclusion is to make ICT available to people and give them the skill to utilize it, all the policy standards ad policies of NITDA and all our interventions is all about dig-

‘

Strenthening regulation At NITDA we believe that proper regulation makes development easier to achieve. As such, we renewed our emphasis on regulation and developed standards and guidelines for different aspects of the ICT sector. In addition to this, we have put the necessary machinery in place to ensure compliance. As the clearing house for Information Technology Projects in Nigeria, MDAs of the government now come to us for the clearance of their ICT projects. We do this to ensure that there is no duplication, there is value for money and that the projects are sustainable. NITDA is collaborating with other universities like University of Lagos, Danfodio University Sokoto introduce ICT law as a course for Master up to PhD level, because of the fact that we do not have a course of ICT law in our universities in Nigeria. And all regulatory agencies in Nigeria require ICT lawyers to come and work for them because the mandate of NITDA if you look at it critically centres around two fundamental issue, One IT development, two IT Regulation. Proper regulation makes development easier to achieve. As such, we renewed our emphasis on regulation and developed standards and guidelines for different aspects of the ICT sector. In addition to this, we have put the necessary machinery in place to ensure compliance. As the clearing house for Information Technology Projects in Nigeria, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the government now come to us for the clearance of their ICT projects. We do this to ensure that there is no duplication, there is value for money and that the projects are sustainable. All the MDAs have been provided with a copy of the template and the IT clearance proc-

StartUP Friday Startup Friday project is an initiative of the NITDA but executed by our subsidiary office, the Office for ICT Innovation and Entreprenuership, and as you are well aware, is aimed at identifying and developing indigenous talent in the sector. Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship, was established by the Agency to drive programs and policies that support ICT development, develop, establish and support ICT innovation hubs, Information Technology parks and community enterprise hubs across Nigeria while, collaborating with the private and public sectors at both federal and state levels on programs that support entrepreneurship and commercialization. As we all know, ICT is the global driver of all aspects of the economy. Additionally, we are aware of the harsh conditions in securing white collar jobs in the country so it has become apparent for the government to focus more in building technology entrepreneurs. A developed indigenous ICT ecosystem will help the country to diversify its economy from oil. Like I have always said, data is the new oil. With the two local content related Presidential Orders, we need to focus on locally produced innovations for our local market. NITDA intends to encourage and support ICT entrepreneurship and promote it as an attractive career option for the theming youth. For StartUP Friday, the aim is to spark up the entire spirit of the youth. The startups will be taken through various topics such as the legal side of startups, digital marketing, startups business models, funding opportunities for startups, regional ecosystem integration, motivational speech and the business side of startups. I enjoin participants to pay keen attention to these topics as they are discussed because it plays a major role in the success of your startup.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

e-Platform

Urgently incorporate digital inclusion into National ICT Policy – NCS Advises FG •NCS says time is now for central Government to make ‘connecting individual citizen with Internet’ a national policy By ISAIAH ONWUANUMBA

IGERIAN Computer Society (NCS) has advised the Federal Government to urgently come up with new national ICT policy that would include large population of the country into the global internet ecosystem. President of the NCS, Prof. Adesola Aderounmu said this today during a well address at the ongoing 27th National Conference organised by the Society at international Conference centre, University of Ibadan. According to him, Nigeria stands to benefit in many ways if her approximately 200 million people are internet included. “I would like to advise Federal Government to quickly formulate a new national Information and Communication Technology ( ICT) policy that will incorporate digital new inclusion as a pivotal factor for driving our socio-economic and political development,’’ he said. According to him, the new policy should cover ICT infrastructure, broadband Internet, Fibre optic communication and local content prioritization. Aderoumu explained that to bridge digital divide, access, affordability and application are three key areas of action require quick attention. He said, “Access has to do with speed, Internet access being available to all members of society such that people who cannot afford the digital technologies can do so for free in public places. Application implies that digital technologies and services are usable by people with varying levels of digital skills and abilities, including people with disabilities. For overall sustainable national development, nobody should be left behind. Aderounmu described the conference as timely because a IT deployment and development in Nigeria continues to grow, experiences and benefits of IT and internet have not been widely spread. The Conference which starts today will run through Thursday 19th of July, 2018, at International Conference Centre University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, under the theme “Digital Inclusion: Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies”. The conference focuses on important issues related to the theme and sub themes such as: Poverty Eradication and Job Creation in the rural Economy. Other topics are Internet and Broadband for All, e-agriculture, e-health, eeducation for inclusion: Software

and Local Content. Digital Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The conference has in attendance high profile dignitaries from government, private and educational sectors, as well as from the international and global IT environment are already seated. In his presentation, the Conference Committee Chairman, Mr Jide Awe said the year’s conference focus on how best to apply digital solutions to development and the role expected of professionals and stakeholders to enable transformation through innovation. He said progress has been made in the area of ICT’s feature as driving force of innovation and efficiency which is behind improvement in productivity, growth, job creation and the opening of new forms of governance and citizen engagement. However, benefits of digital technologies are not evenly distributed creating concerns due to multidimensional factors. Awe explained that exclusion is where many lack access to digital infrastructure and the benefits it offers due to affordability and other issues hence, the need to address the causes. Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi while declaring the conference open said the state is the intellectual capital of Nigeria. He said his administration has transformed the state to a knowledgeable based through a tripods of development put in place to re-

store the state’s glory. According to him, the aim of the tripods is to transform, reposition and restore Oyo State into a full modern society. He noted that Oyo State should develop on the foundation of peace and security which his administration in now transforming into infrastructure. The Governor said the pyramid has transformed into implementa-

HE grandmasters of data, Globacom, has unveiled an initiative tagged Smartphone Festival aimed at giving unbeatable value to its customers who desire to own various categories of smartphones. The company is making the offer in partnership with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including Samsung, Nokia, Huawei, Infinix and Techno, among others. With the Smartphone Festival, Glo customers will be able to get smartphones of their choice at the best price from any Gloworld shop across Nigeria. In addition, each smartphone purchase will come with six months of free data, extended warranty, screen guards, memory cards and phone covers, among many other freebies. Globacom said customers will also be entitled to free recharge

card or voice bundle on every purchase just as they will enjoy personal attention and first-class customer care service. A statement from Globacom’s head office said the offer was conceived as a way of encouraging numerous customers to own

tion in the areas of education, egovernance and security. He said, “We believe that we should be knowledge driven, knowledge is a structured information that leads to skill which eventually leads to ability and capability. “The leaders of tomorrow are not those who cannot read or write but, those who are ICT compliant. Hence, the state creation of technical university.” He said the state has partnered with ICT firms to deploy CCTV in major areas in Ibadan and will be extended to other parts of the

•L-R Glo Brand specialist, Alaka Chidiebube; ace comic, Victor Osuagwu; Veteran Actress, Patience Ozokwor; CEO, AA Wills, Sir Wisdom Okoro; Vice Chancellor, Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT), Prof. Luke Anike and Glo Brand Specialist, Ifeoma Onyedumekwu, at a Glo Stakeholders Forum held in Enugu on Friday.

Glo unveils Smartphone Festival, offers customers freebies T smartphones of their choice so as to be able to harness the immense benefits inherent in the communication tool. . J “The offer is consistent with our commitment to meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations,” the company said.

the banks can check online just the same way they can check for your ATM card online to see whether the person exist in the system or does not exist in the system,” the DG said. according to him, NIMC started enrolment in 2012 so far Nigerians enrolled in 2012, 2013, their cards have been printed. The ones we are printing are the 2014. As much as possible, card issuance is based on first come, first served basis. In the printing that is 99% is first come, first served and as we want to deemphasize the card

Smartphone Festival will hold every two months and will last for 15 days. Globacom customers who wish to avail themselves of this offer are required to walk into any of the company’s retail outlets nationwide to pick any smartphone of their choice.

N10bn cutback: Stakeholders commends NITDA for technology procurement regulation •NITDA Saved over N10bn for Federal Government in one year

towards saving costs and expanding digital inclusion agenda of the Government. The efforts are yielding results as the Agency has saved over N10billion for the Federal Government in the past one year. This was contained in a goodwill message by the Director General of NITDA, Dr. Isa Pantami, to the Nigeria Computer Society, NCS, 27th National Conference, taking

because if we focus on it we won’t be able to capture everybody and also we can just present this number now for any of the government service. The government services have been outsourced to the private sector to perform so all of them are mandated to accept the national identification number. Aziz explained that verification is ongoing, “but we provide for everybody, any entity that wants to verify currently like the banks have been connected. The public services like police have been connected. So they

can verify a person, but harmonization and interconnection so far that is ongoing. The ones we have been working with has been BVN based on the Central Bank Governor’s directives and they have pushed about 15 million records to us which we have so far processed about 12 million records.” Speaking further, he said NIMC is harmonizing very well with the BVN because their product, their standards are capturing the 10 fingerprints. It captures four fingers at the same time.

Banks now accept National Identification Number for transactions – NIMC ATIONAL Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has annnouned that banks and other financial institutions now accept National Identity card number from registered individual for transaction purposes. NIMC DG, Mr. Aliyu Aziz, said this while speaking to ICT Watch recently, adding, the imperatives of national identify number [NIN] and its advantages to eliminate fraudsters and ghost and more. “You can reel off your national identification number by heart and

state as part of efforts at improving security in the state. Ajimobi informed that the state has implemented biometrics in the civil services which has helped to curb ghost workers while automation of civil services has also impacted productivity in the state. NCS is the umbrella body of all IT professionals and organizations in Nigeria, with more than 20,000 members and major interest groups (ISPON, ITAN, ISPAN, WiTSoN, ITSSP, AITP, NITPCS) as well as one hundred thousand Student body- NACOSS.

place in Ibadan, Oyo State. The DG said that as the clearing house for Information Technology Projects in Nigeria, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the government now come to us for the clearance of their ICT projects. The DG who was represented by the Director of IT Infrastructure Solutions (ITIS) Department of the Agency, Dr Agu Collins Agu, said that the efforts were to eliminate duplication, ensure there is value for money and that the projects are sustainable. “All the MDAs have been provided with a copy of the template and the IT clearance process will help in building standardized IT infrastructures as well as efficient IT systems and services. It will reduce the cost of IT investments and will ensure commensurate value is derived from every IT investment. Eventually, these efforts will spur innovations and enhance MDAs responsiveness to their obligations.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

ISSN: 2545-5869

EDITORIAL

www.oraclenews.ng

VOX POPULI SACRUM

Ozubulu church killing – One year after Cont’d front page 1

Almighty, generally understood in our various religions as our Maker. HOWEVER, criminals are what they are – criminals. They are experts in exploiting situation. They know that while approaching the Almighty, many entirely entrust their security to Him. They lower their guards. They expect that enemies would understand that all quarrels should be cast aside once enemies are before the Almighty. VIOLATIONS that stemmed from religious terrorism could be understood. The parts where the violations are found are known. Attacks of places of worship in those areas, because of their frequency and the fact that causes of such nature take such courses, are seen as collaterals of the war against terror. NOBODY expected Ofufe Amakwa, Ozubulu, hardly on the map until the incident, to have attained global prominence, notoriety, in matters of uttermost disrespect to the Almighty. The area is peopled with lovers of the Almighty, who exhibit their gratitude to their Maker in their magnificent places of worship, and their dedicated presence there. THE shot worshippers at St. Philip’s were at an early morning mass, an indication of their commitment to their God. There was more. The place they worshipped, dedicated to the Almighty, only last May, but re-

quiring cleansing less than three months into its use, stood as tribute to the Great One. NONE, young or old, could remember an incident of anyone attacked people in church, whatever the differences, in these parts. A church was a place to settle a dispute, if there was any. August 6 changed all that – St. Philip became a place where a dispute was settled(?) in ways that were unimaginable. And in one flash new disputes ensued. SOME have dubbed it Murder in the Cathedral, parodying T. S. Elliot’s 1935 verse drama based on an eye witness’s account of the 1170 assassination of the Archbishop Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral. WHAT was the role of the killed in a dispute that was between businessmen, as some would call them? How did the church become the choice location for settling a dispute in a manner that shunned everything a place of worship represented? Can there be any justification for the intensity of the brutality that was unleashed on worshippers at St. Philip’s? FEW questions are being asked. Fewer answers are available. The consequences of the shooting at St. Philip’s include implications that may be lost in the treatment of the issue as a “normal” criminal activity. Some say it took a long time coming. Others speak of the inner dealings that resulted in the shooting in ways that exhibit gross ignorance of their complicity in criminal activities, since they knew about those activities, but kept quiet. AFTER initial complaints about the attitude of the police, they stepped into action, making arrests. There had been doubts about what the police would do with the information that people were providing. WE still suggest some. The investigation and persecution of whoever are involved in the St. Philip’s shooting, should focus on justice, which would be justice to the victims and the community. Justice would include measures that would see to safer neighbourhoods and the notice strongly served that criminals would face the law. IF the shooters at St. Philip’s contemplated that the law could catch and kill them, would they have acted? If they had no assurances that if caught, their sponsors would rescue them, would they have signed up for the attack? A GREAT part of what is wrong is that we have used decades enthroning impunity. There is hardly any difference between lawlessness and lawfulness, particularly as the public watches the high, the mighty, and the connected, trample on the law. Their actions destroy the law, establishing new orders where the law acts after confirming that suspects are powerless. CRIMINALS have long learnt to align with power. They buy various layers of protection. They endear

themselves to society through burnished philanthropic acts. Once the public gets the confusing signals of criminals associating with authority, it becomes circumspect about its judgment of the criminals. IN many Nigerian communities, questionable characters are lords. They are to be found wherever there are vestiges of authority since any link to authority, no matter how tenuous, can be stretched to launder their status. THERE is no confusion about what happened at St. Philip’s. A crime took place. People were killed. The proof is everywhere. While the focus is on why they were killed is important - it is more important - to invest resources in apprehending the killers, so that they can lead to their sponsors. Arrests and prosecution of the killers, not just suspects, would be steps to closing in on the beneficiaries of the dastard incident. IF there is no decisive dislodgement of the gang that perpetrated the killing, the authorities would have been emboldening others to act, either in reprisals, or in furtherance of new crime locations. Beefing up security around churches is not a solution, as the measure would simply expose other places to attacks. THE trial in court is moving as fast as the pace of the wheels of justice determine. The case appears to be at its easiest stages. There are still doubts whether the security agencies acted fast enough in ensuring that the culprits were all arrested. ST. Philip’s, Ofufe Amakwa, Ozubulu, today stands as the metaphor for unbridled criminality. We cannot wait to see the authorities turn the scorn, taunt and threat to opportunities that mark a new metaphor - crimes would be punished, always. The waiting has already taken one year.

Our Vision

TO BE among the top five newspapers in Nigeria and, in due course, the Numero Uno; to be a newspaper of records that effectively caters to the information needs of all segments and sections of the Nigerian society as well as all social classes and cultures. Essentially, we want to be a responsible corporate citizen, a commercially viable, properly organised media business, which meets its obligations to society, government and the workforce.

Mission

WE INTEND to contribute to the development of an inclusive Nigerian society, with a view to getting rid of the dark sides of our national life (slothfulness, greed, corruption, nepotism, totalitarianism, etc); to continually engender and sustain national debates that would ultimately lead to the enthronement of healthy national values-hard-work, justice, equity and fairplay, transparency, good governance, resulting, in themselves, the egalitarian Nigerian society of our dream. We will give voice to the voiceless and at all times, strive to be balanced, objective, honest, truthful and fair to all sides; so that through The Oracle Today, our people, the Nigerian people can see a bright light at the end of what has been a very dark tunnel. And we shall do all this in absolute trust in God who blesses good intentions.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

OPINION

Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed and lessons

By CHIAGOZIE UDEH & OSELOKA H. OBAZE

ood governance exemplars in Africa continue to evolve, even if slowly. An African country, Ethiopia, has the youngest democratically elected Head of State on the continent and he also happens to be one of the 20 youngest Heads of State in the world. Africa should be proud. Yet it seems Africa failed to take sufficient notice. In the past 18 months, Africa has seen 15 leadership changes averaging approximately one per month. One of the remarkable transitions was in Ethiopia. Its run-up was not seamless, but the end result is predictably remarkable. Ethiopia’s leadership evolution started with the former Prime Minister, H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, who decided to step aside in the aftermath of mass protests on the streets of Ethiopia and evident failure to quell the restiveness, despite deploying various drastic measures. In surrendering power, he yielded to the voice of reason and democratic dictates. In stepping aside, Desalegn was cognizant of the fact that such gesture had the capacity to create the political and conciliatory space required to bring about new solutions and certainly stem the bloodletting and wanton killing of Ethiopian defenseless civilians from Oromo ethnic stock, who would not stop protesting. By resigning, the former Prime Minister gave Ethiopia a new lease of life to move forward. In comparative terms and given African realities, he deserves credit. After all, when last did an African Head of State willingly resign from office? Robert Mugabe and Jacob Zuma remain very awkward examples. Desalegn’s leaving stokes the embers of effective succession planning amidst conflict. Inevitably, the question became who will replace him? Who will the nation accept? Who had the capacity and persona to quell turmoil and rally the nation to reconciliation and healing? The lot fell on Dr. Abiy Ahmed, who was chosen by the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) coalition, as its Chairman with 108 of 180 possible votes. Ethiopia’s ruling party is made up of four ethnic parties includ-

ing Oromo Peoples’ Democratic Organisation, (OPDO), Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM); the Southern Ethiopian People’s Democratic Movement (SEPDM) and the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Indisputably, with Abiy Ahmed’s emergence, Ethiopia struck the proverbial gold and netted four giant birds with one cage. First, Ahmed is of the Oromo ethnic stock, which has been at the root of the anti-government protests. The Oromos are the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia constituting about 34% of the country’s 100 million population, but have never ruled the country. They have accused the government repeatedly of neglect and humiliation. Now, their son, who interestingly was the chairperson of the Oromo Peoples’ Democratic Organisation (OPDO), is now the Prime Minister. Psychologically, his emergence ought to solve at least half of the problem, or nothing else will. Ahmed is a pacifist thrown up by conflict. He is also a paradox. In him, Ethiopia has her first Muslim Prime Minister who, interestingly, hails from a home with a Muslim father and a Christian mother. Suffice it to say that while he checks off on both boxes, he had consistently identified with his Muslim roots. This latter disposition underlines his broad acceptability. But there’s more to his bona fides. Ahmed arrived at his new job, well schooled and with the requisite expertise. He served as a former Minister of science and technology under Desalegn, he just completed his doctorate in peace and security from Addis Ababa University in 2017 and comes from a military/ intelligence background where he last ranked as a colonel in the Ethiopian army. Add to that the fact that he speaks fluent English and three Ethiopian languages, you find sufficient expertise written all over him. He possesses the skill and grit that is of immediate need to Ethiopia. Also, you have a Prime Minister with all this expertise at 42. He’s dynamic, energetic, thinking and the youngest on the continent. He is well-equipped to drive an already progressive Ethiopia to the next level. Ethiopians must be beating their chest in cheers to such a win. There is much for Nigeria to learn if she truly yearns for a way forward. Hardly in our national

history have we been as divided along ethnic lines as we are today. There are alleged cases of ethnic cleansing going on in some States including Benue, Taraba and Zamfara under the watch of the government yet, the troubling silence from quarters that should defend justifies Nigerians’ suspicion of conspiracy. Nigeria is not officially at war but the number of deaths recorded from killings by Fulani herdsmen in the last three years is more than enough casualties for most wars. In the face of these, and with the latest killings in Plateau State, President Muhammadu Buhari continues to give credence to criticisms that he is incapable of finding solutions to Nigeria’s problems. Even changing cabinet members or appointees who have failed in their responsibility seems too arduous. Increasingly, there is pressure for the President to resign both from those who mean well and those who are purely politicking. However, if the President truly cares about Nigeria, he knows the choice to make. For Nigerian youths who are getting ready to contest elective positions on the basis of the Not Too Young To Run bill, allowing them to do so now that the bill have been passed into law becomes imperative. Age is not necessarily the problem. It’s about competence and experience. Look at Ahmed. He served previously as Minister and led his own party before becoming the Prime Minister. He was close to power and understood the challenges; now his experience is evident in his reforms. He’s taking the bold step of putting a limit to the tenure of Prime Ministers, which was hitherto unchecked. There’s great optimism in Addis Ababa that the right man is on the saddle. Look at Emmanuel Macron: he served first as Minister; formed and led his own party with which he became the President. We witnessed his meetings with President Donald Trump a few weeks ago in the U.S. He bossed it despite being 32 years younger than Trump. If you’re serious about taking back your country, chat little about age on Facebook and go to work. Form your party or join existing ones. Reform them to suit modern ideologies and lead them. Stay genuinely close to power. Fight for the Youth Minister position to be truly yours first. Fight for

a percentage of National Assembly positions in your party. Slowly, you will take over. Nobody will hand you power; there’s no free lunch anywhere. Being young will never win you an election; there must be a story to your youth that stands you out, something that clearly defines you and that can easily predict what the future will be with you. You must be strategic, fellow young people. A look at Ethiopia’s party structure reveals something interesting. In all the parties, there are four ethnic/regional parties that form the coalition. Leaders of each party stand the chance of becoming the next Prime Minister. In the Nigerian context, that should mean there will be a leader for the Northern group in APC, PDP and all other parties, same for the Middle-Belt, South-East, South-South and South West. With the regional leaders, you already know who is likely to emerge as the President and begin to fight early if that choice will not do the country any good. It does not look like a great example but it reminds us of one thing: we can’t escape restructuring for Nigeria to become functional. Ethiopia looks set to continue in its development trajectory especially in infrastructure. Despite the protest against the previous government and Internet shutdown, the country continued to implement its development plan, building top infrastructure for its cities. Every visit to Ethiopia, offers one the chance of encountering incremental development, especially in infrastructure. Recently, Ethiopia opened Africa’s first energy plant that converts trash into electricity. It will incinerate 80 per cent of Addis Ababa’s waste and supply electricity to 30 per cent of its households. It will also recover 30 million litres of water and averting the release of 1.2 million tons of carbon emissions. It was opened casually. The Prime Minister didn’t even attend. Such a project in Nigeria will leave the Presidency on the brink of inviting God to physically attend the lavish commissioning. Ethiopia is leading; Nigeria, when will you Arise? •UDEH is a Research Associate at Selonnes Consult Ltd; OBAZE is MD/CEO Selonnes Consult Ltd. Awka.

Ekiti poll: Why PDP should accept outcome

By Ehichioya Ezomon

“Y

ou can’t beat a child and ask them not to cry.” But that’s exactly what many Nigerians, particularly members of the victorious All Progressives Congress (APC) in the July 14 Ekiti governorship election, have urged the defeated supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to do: take the loss in good faith. Perhaps, those on the winning side do not realize the extent of the wound the defeat has inflicted on the psyche of the PDP members, who had written off the APC as destined for annihilation at the poll that they labeled as a “referendum” on the APC administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, and a predictor of the 2019 general elections. They had foretold, as seers would, that the APC candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, a former governor of the state, would meet his “final” political waterloo. Recall that the incumbent, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, also a former governor, defeated Fayemi in 2014 in the 16 local governments. Basking in his “Winning Formula” of 16-0, 16 of 16 or 100% of 100 (meaning PDP concedes no seat to APC or any other party), Fayose had led the party to maintain that streak in subsequent elections until the upper Saturday. Thus, you could imagine the earthquake that occurred in the PDP camp when the APC didn’t only win 12 of the 16 local governments, and got the mandatory one-quarter requirement in the entire state, but also defeated Governor Fayose in his Irepodun/Ifelodun local council. No wonder the irrepressible “Peter The Rock” was tongue-tied for good 48 hours before he took to Tweeter last Monday, to attack his usual target: “The President should bury his head in shame for using the police, army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and INEC to snatch the mandate given to Olusola (PDP candidate) and deliver it to Fayemi ‘whom Ekiti peo-

ple rejected,’” he wrote, adding, “On this Ekiti election, President Buhari demonstrated truly that he is not a democrat, but a dictator and fascist per excellence.” Fayose’s vitriolic simply complemented the PDP national spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan’s description of the poll as “a daylight robbery, a brazen subversion of the will of the people and a direct assault on our democracy.” Not to be outdone, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, who was in the shadow of Governor Fayose throughout the campaigns, did not mince words, declaring: “This is the most audacious electoral robbery of our recent history. It shall not stand. By the grace of Almighty God and your (Ekiti people’s) support, I will pursue and regain my mandate.” As you read this piece, members of the PDPled Ekiti House of Assembly have gone on a three-month “holiday” to protest the election results and alleged harassment of Governor Fayose and their members by security agencies. Meantime, as goodwill messages poured in for the APC and Governor-elect Fayemi, two differing memos, one congratulatory and the other consolatory, came from former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, respectively. Obasanjo, an anti-APC/President Buhari crusader, nonetheless, penned a personally-signed missive, which reads in part: “You (Fayemi) will agree with me, no doubt, that the outcome of the election broadly reflects the choice of your people, who have, by their conduct, visibly demonstrated that they cherish you and will do their utmost to make you succeed... You have fought and won the election and deserve to savour the victory.” Observers were quick to infer that the “beautiful letter” by Obasanjo, a reputed repudiator of official failures, and purveyor of warnings and predictions, was a dig at Governor Fayose,

who has trolled him for over a decade. So, for defeating Fayose, Fayemi has suddenly become Obasanjo’s “friend,” going by the dictum, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Conversely, Atiku, a presidential aspirant of the PDP, ostensibly joined his party in chorusing alleged official manipulation against “an excellent candidate (Olusola) in the governorship election,” even as he advised party members that all hope was not lost. “As narrow as Fayemi’s victory might have been, irregularities notwithstanding,” the PDP supporters in Ekiti should “remain peaceful, orderly and cooperate with the party at the state and national levels, as they determine the next steps,” he pleaded in a statement. The watching public had expected Atiku to urge the PDP to accept the outcome of the poll, the same way he had asked the APC to prepare to accept defeat in the contest. Mid June, on a visit with members of the PDP Governorship Campaign Council to Ado-Ekiti, Atiku told the APC: “We are satisfied that the PDP is prepared for this election. We hope that the APC will accept the outcome of the election. They should be democratic for the first time. We have seen how democratic they are, but for the first time in 2015, we had an opposition party taking over from the ruling party; we expect them to do the same.” Well, Atiku was only reinforcing the aphorism, “One good turn deserves another.” Still, he was right as regards the 2015 presidential election, which the incumbent, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, lost to the opposition candidate, General Buhari, who Jonathan conceded to and congratulated. As Dr. Fayemi and the APC have triumphed at the Ekiti poll, why won’t Atiku ask the PDP to accept the result, and for Governor Fayose (and Prof. Olusola) to congratulate the Governorelect, as he (Fayemi) did to Fayose in 2014?

Indeed, in his post-election speech, Fayemi reminded Fayose about that gesture, and hoped it would be extended to him. From all indications, that may be a forlorn hope, as the PDP members head to the courts, to seek to overturn the declaration by the INEC last Monday, July 15. •Mr. Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria.

THE GROUP Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Ikeddy Isiguzo Editor Felix Oguejiofor Abugu Deputy Editor/Head, Lagos Bureau Sopuruchi Onwuka Abuja Bureau Chief Tony Ailemen Head, Graphics & Designs Nnamdi Alex Chukwu Business Manager Kelechi Nze Circulation Manager Felix Oti

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

Travel & Hospitality

Why we moved to resolve NATOP crisis – FTAN Stories by VICTOR NZE

RESIDENT of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Alhaji Saleh Rabo has said that his group opted to move in and settle the squabble among members of the National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) because of the importance of that industry to the growth and development of tourism in Nigeria. While noting that the tourism sector industry cannot develop under such acrimonious atmosphere, Rabo said this also informed his and stakeholders’ decision to call the warring parties to a peace meeting to find common ground towards an amicable resolution of the contentious issues tearing the tour operators apart It would be recalled that FTAN had initiated a peace meeting among the contending parties to the conflict that had threated the existence of NATOP which started as result of disagreements over the association’s recently conducted elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Jos, Plateau State. The meeting held at the FTAN secretariat, in Abuja on the sidelines of its AGM and had the following members of the FTAN Reconciliatory Committee present: the FTAN President and Reconciliatory Committee Chairman; Chief Tomi Akingbogun, FTAN ex-President; Stephen Isokariari, NANTA BOT Chairman; Alhaji Aliyu Badaki, the HATMAN President; Ugbor Vincent, HOPESEA President, and John Likita Best, Plateau State Tourism Board and Membership Secretary FTAN. The NATOP executive members present were: Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, NATOP BOT Chairman; Hajia Bilkisu Abdul, NATOP President; Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha, NATOP Treasurer, and Mallam Kabir Malan, NATOP BOT Member. Representing the contending parties were: Mr. O. Jemi-Alade, NATOP BOT Member; Mr. Abiola Lawal; Efetobor Awhana; and Chike Osuagwu At the meeting, Rabo said the development of the tourism Industry in Nigeria is hinged on the coop-

eration and peace existing among tour operators as they are considered as one of the determinants of success in the tourism industry in Nigeria. The reconciliatory committee after looking at NATOP’s constitution recommended the following: Mr. Efetobor should assume the office of the Publicity Secretary; Mr. Lawal Abiola should accept the position of an Ex-Officio while Mr. Abiodun Sanni will be on the Board of Trustees of NATOP. The Committee Chairman added that the executive should meet and decide whether to continue with the present executive council for the next two years or call for another early election, adding that FTAN shall be invited to such meetings and that the minutes of the meeting shall be submitted to FTAN for follow-up. On the controversial N10 million donation by the Plateau State Government to NATOP, it was established that there was no such development. Sheraton hotels celebrate World Lasagna Day with 50% discounts Sheraton Abuja Hotel has announced a variety of offers geared towards celebrating the World Lasagna Day. International Lasagna Day is a Holiday commemorated annually to celebrate one of the most quintessential Italian dish. Lasagna is a popular Italian delicacy, which has become an attraction at its Luigi’s Italian Restaurant inside the hotel. “Lasagna is a delicious traditional Italian delicacy that often brings our patrons to our Luigi’s Italian Restaurant to indulge and connect. “We offer varieties according to each customer craving; from chicken lasagna to vegetarian lasagna with a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, parmigiana-reggiano and béchamel; each totally delivers a unique and delicious blend of textures and flavors to each menu. According to General Manager of the Hotel, Nouman Irshad, the Abuja Sheraton will offer 50 per cent discounts as well as complimentary drinks for guests on the World Lasagna Day, in addition to the delicacy being prepared according to the guest’s preferences.

Russia extends ‘visa-free’ entry for tourists to year end

HE Russian government has extended its “visa-free entry” policy to all foreign visitors with “fan ID” cards for the World Cup 2018 to cover the rest of the year. The “fan ID card” which permitted ticket-holders to enter Russia during the World Cup had initially been due to expire on July 25, 2018. Russian President, Mr. Vladimir Putin also said that foreign supporters who currently have ID cards will be able to benefit from multiple entries into Russian Federation without a visa until the end of the year. Despite high diplomatic tension between Moscow and the Western countries, world football officials and personalities as well as world leaders have lined up to praise Russia’s hosting of the tournament. The Russian leaders revelled in Sunday night’s dramatic match after French players lifted the trophy for 2018. The final game was watched by Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron and

Croatian President Kolinda GrabarKitarovic. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev wrote on social media “A marvellous final! France are champions. Russia has organised the best World Cup.” Putin also said Russia could be “proud” of its hosting of the football World Cup, adjudging it a success “in every respect” after Sunday’s final. Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Russia-2018 Arkady Dvorkovich said that 2018 FIFA World Cup is a huge driver for tourism development in Russia as the World Cup ticket allows millions of fans to enter Russia. Russia staged its first-ever FIFA World Cup, which kicked off in Moscow with a remarkable opening show at Luzhniki Stadium on the evening of June 14. Selecting 11 host cities to be the venues for the matches of the 2018 World Cup, the matches were played at 12 stadiums. A total of 64 training grounds had been constructed prior to the World Cup championship.

“In making Lasagna day much more enriching, Sheraton Abuja Hotel will be offer guests 50 per cent off each baked Lasagna alongside a complimentary soft drink on the 29th of July 2018. If you purchase two Lasagnas on that day you equally get a free lasagna any day of your choice. “Food enthusiasts who come from a long tradition of homemade lasagna are welcome to a romantic setting where our chefs will be available to make that complicated lasagna recipe right before your eyes. “At Sheraton Abuja Hotel, we go beyond to ensure that every moment you share with us is an unforgettable one that brings people together as they share those mem-

ories,” enthused Irshad. Similarly, the Sheraton Lagos Hotel has invited all lovers of fine Italian dining to celebrate world lasagna day at their Italian Restaurant – La Giara. According to chief chef of the hotel, Johan, at La Giara, Sheraton Lagos is inviting everyone to buy 2 lasagnas and get one free at the cost of N7,000 only. The La Giara Restaurant is known for serving the tastiest lasagna in town and is expectant that all lasagna lovers will not be disappointed. “The reason our lasagna is so tasty is because great care is taken when picking out the ingredients that go into it. From the freshly picked tomatoes to the superb ground beef, it is no wonder that

our guests find this dish particularly yummy. We hope to show everyone that lasagna is really one of the best dishes out there,” said Chef Johan. The chef has 2 main lasagna recipes on offer that day will be Lasagna al forno with beef ragu and mushroom and spinach lasagna for the vegetarians. “There will also be options of beverages that go along perfectly with lasagna to make the experience complete. We are certain that everyone will keep coming back for more. “The Sheraton Lagos looks forward to having all food lovers and enthusiasts come together to celebrate one of the oldest pastas in the world in a fun and loving way,” said the chef.

•Chief Executive of African Aviation Services Ltd and President, African Business Aviation Association (AFBAA), Mr. Nick Fadugba (l) presenting the award for Most Socially Responsible Airline to Dana Air Representative, Ijeoma Oke during the 22nd League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) which held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Poor infrastructure, bane of Nigeria Tourism – Murray-Bruce

OUNDER of Silver Bird Group, Sen. Ben Murray-Bruce, has posited that unless Federal Government fixed the infrastructure problems bedeviling the tourism industry in the country, tourist investors were wasting their money and time. Murray-Bruce who was delivering his Keynote Address, during the 2018 Tourism and Hospitality Forum organised by the Institute of Directors (IoD) in Lagos, listed the infrastructure problems to include lack of public toilet, security, good hotels and securing a Visa into Nigeria The forum held under the theme; “Domestic Tourism as a Catalyst to the Growth of Nigerian Economy.” Murray-Bruce also used the forum to narrate how some tourists were arrested by the Police for taking pictures on Lagos road. “Government has to educate Nigerians that tourists taking pictures in their country is not a crime. Destination is not the problem, we have tourist sites like Ogudu Cattle Ranch, Yankari Game Village, but how do you get to the place without security, public toilet and good hotels. “It is hard to get visa into the country, you have to pay many agencies and the Muritala Muhammed Air-

port is in bad shape,” he said. The Senator urged the government to fix the infrastructure challenges, adding that it would cost the country more for not fixing it. “It will cost the government nothing much to fix these challenges for examples tell your immigration officers to fix visas on time. “Educate Customs officers to be nice to tourists, allow tourists to take picture of interesting places, taxi drivers should be nice and hotel operators too, then build public toilets on roads leading to tourist sites,” he said. On his part, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, said a well-developed tourism sector had abundant and robust potential to drive and sustain economic growth. “We know that across the world, especially in Africa, countries like Egypt and Kenya thrive in tourism and Nigeria has potential advantage due to our size of population. When you have a good population, this is the key factor that can drive tourism. “We are a nation of 36 states and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. Can you imagine if people are moving en mass throughout the country to witness a festival or to visit a tourist site. Apart from gener-

ating revenue, it will afford different people from different backgrounds to interact and learn different cultures,” he said. Muhammed, who was represented by Director, Business Development and Event Management, National Theatre, Lagos, Mr Abiodun Abe, said countries were looking for an alternative to oil. Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr Biodun Jaji, Chairman, IoD Tourism and Hospitality Committee, said Nigeria needed sustained PublicPrivate Partnership efforts and investments for the development of domestic tourism over the next 10 to 20 years. Jaji said that government and tourism stakeholders should pursue the sustainability of the growth of the industry in the country. “Tourism’s economic activities effectively improve the livelihoods of the people through income generation, employment creation, improved infrastructure and increased government revenue. “The theme of this year forum is therefore very apt. It is our hope that the erudite papers, discussions, networking and communiqué from the forum will make some contribution to the further growth of the domestic tourism in Nigeria,” he said.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

AVIATION Qatar Airways to run Nigeria Air …As FG leverages on expanded BASA

Stories by VICTOR NZE

NDICATIONS are rife that the Federal Government will hand over the newly-established national carrier, Nigeria Air, to Qatar Airways to manage and operate, as the Gulf state-owned airline may emerge the preferred bidder in the event of an open bid process. With the completion of the new name and logo unveiling by the Minister of State Aviation, Hadi Sirika, at the just-concluded Farnborough International Air Show in the United Kingdom, including an official announcement of a December 19 take-off date for operations, all trails point to Nigeria exploiting the contents of an expanded BASA with Qatar to invite the already established Gulf state carrier to manage the national carrier, from fleeting to routing of operations. The postulations surrounding the Qatar Airways take-over is on the strength of a late February, 2016 state visit by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Kingdom of Qatar to meet with Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad al-Thani with Nigeria signing agreements with Qatar on the protection of investment and avoidance of multiple taxations. According to Senior Special Assistant on Media to the President, Garba Shehu, the other agreement on Bilateral Services Agreement, BASA ‘bears the imprint of Nigeria’s ambition of transforming into the international travel hub for West-Africa’s 400 million people.’ Shehu disclosed further that the Qatari Emir gave a prompt directive for support and collaboration with Nigeria on the plans to restart a national airline and a further development of airports infrastructure. With the operation model of Nigeria Air still shrouded in secrecy, and source of funding in the same direction, economic experts have expressed doubts over the sustainability of the carrier in the face of the present business climate of the aviation industry in the country. This is also as many have questioned the source of funding or grounds for sustainability against the backdrop of the fact that the project was not appropriated for in the 2018 budget signed into law at the second quarter of this year. The experts also picked holes in the Federal Government’s purported meeting with aircraft manufacturers on the sidelines of the just-concluded Farnborough International Air Show in London, saying the aircraft being ordered may already be in the hangar of the preferred airline managers awaiting delivery, as Boeing and Airbus do not respond to small orders like the volume the Nigerian government may be requesting, let alone for older aircraft types like the A330 range. As it is, the Nigerian government is easily making it hard for stakeholders to believe it is genuinely determined to take keen steps towards setting up a national carrier under best global practices, considering that the Outline Business Case Certificate granted it to commence startup also bars it from managing it. In the same way as many also wonder at how the reported $300 million commitment translates to a 5 per cent equity stake it plans to hold in the new carrier. This then leaves open speculations that the expanded BASA with Qatar is about to be activated by the Nigerian authorities.

Many also posit that the $300 million commitment is expected to cover the cost of name and logo design, said to have been handled by a Bahraini firm at a cost of $500, 000. According to Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, the proposed airline will gulp $8.8million preliminary cost and $300 million as takeoff cost, while also stressing that the Federal Government is not fully funding the airline as it has adopted midwifing it via the option of a Public Private partnership, to deliver a national carrier that would stand the test of time and be world class in operation and management. According to Sirika, Nigeria will receive the first set of five airplanes for the airliner, December 19, adding that the proposed airline will make profit in three years after operations. Receiving the Outline Business Case Certificate of Compliance for the establishment of the airline from the Director General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Mr Chidi Izuwah, the minister, penultimate weekend, said the milestone was a testament on how far the project had gone. “We will make the investments and follow the business plan through private sector management. “We intend to get a 30 aircraft market in five years. But we will begin with five aircraft on the day of launch,” said the minister. Sirika explained that the government would step in to cover the funding gap at the onset and ease out thereafter, adding that government would not get involved in the management of the national carrier. He said Nigeria’s population of over 180 million people is huge enough to support aviation, adding that the airline would take advantage of Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) that the country had with over 70 countries, as well as the African Single Air Transport Market and will be the best player if the government gets it right. On his part, Director General of ICRC, Izuwah, said the presentation of the Certificate of Compliance was an official green light to proceed with the procurement process, further explaining that government would bring its contribution to kick-start the airline, adding that the amount of equity the partners would hold would determine government contribution. According to him, start-up cost over the next three years is about $300 million, but pre-startup is $8.8 million. “The rest of the investment will be equity injection which will happen in tranches because you do not need all the monies at once. External capital injection also depends on the profitability of the airline. “This is a bankable business, and the government will get a strategic partner who will invest in the national carrier and when we get through the bidding process, more facts will emerge. The government will have to spend the pre-start-up cost like the brand name, the office and other start up. It will be a world class airline with domestic, regional and international operations,” he said. However, the Outline Business

•(From left): Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Zakari Sabiu, Ministry of Transportation, Minister of State Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, Capt. Bob Hayes and DG-infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Chidi Izuwah in a group photograph shortly after unveiling the new name and logo of the National Carrier “Nigeria Air “ at justconcluded Air Show in Farnborough, England, last Wednesday. Case Certificate by the ICRC bars the Nigerian government from involvement in the administration of Nigeria Air, which rules out direct management of the airline by the government, and paves the way for an outside firm to move in. “This certificate is granted on the condition that the Federal Government demonstrates her commitment to leverage private sector capital and expertise towards the establishment of the National Carrier through the provision of an upfront grant/Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to fund aircraft acquisition/start-up capital. The FGN also agrees to zero contribution to airline management decisions and zero management control by the government. Any attempt to impose government control over the management of the Airline invalidates this certificate and the entire process. “In view of the fact that the mitigating conditions for the project may change over time, this Certificate is valid for 12 months from the date indicated below. This certificate is therefore issued to enable the Ministry commence an international open competitive bidding process to procure a world-class strategic investor to manage, operate, maintain, and invest in the National Carrier,” the certificate read.

Describing the assurances by Sirika that Nigeria Air will make profit in three years after operations, as ‘mere patriotism,’ experts have further countered the minister’s statement, positing that the domestic environment makes such claims improbable, even as others say the exploits of some African carriers should serve as pointer to what lies ahead for Nigeria Air. According to investigations, only Ethiopian Air has broken even, a feat the carrier only achieved in the last four years, while other top airlines like South African Airways, Kenyan Airways, EgyptAir are neck deep in millions of dollars debt in spite of their governments’ support. In the case of RwandAir, the East African carrier is said to have never audited its financial report. A Nigerian carrier may not be a wise investment, but farming out the project to Qatar Airways may also help in cutting losses that now stares Nigeria Air in the face as its enters the competition with other carriers either on the domestic front or international market. Chairman, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Captain Noggie Meggison, said: “Nigerian airlines are at a disadvantage to other African Airlines that are largely government owned and heavily subsidised. For instance, South African Airways got on the average about $350m yearly in the past decade; Kenya Airways got about $600m in 2016, while RwandAir has never published its financial results for over a decade. Yet they will be competing against Nigerian airlines with private finance at 28 percent “Nigerian airlines are subjected to multiple charges, taxes, levies and fees. On the average, we pay about 37 different charges that come under the guise of statutory levies and taxes to sustain a staff strength of about 18,000 staff of the various government agencies compared to most African carriers who pay a fraction in their countries to support a staff strength of less than 500. “Airlines in Nigeria pay high prices for JetA1 due to high taxes compared to some other countries where VAT and taxes in JetA1 have been abolished to their local carriers and some of them have local pro-

‘ A Nigerian carrier may not be a wise investment, but farming out the project to Qatar Airways may also help in cutting losses that now stares Nigeria Air in the face as its enters the competition with other carriers either on the domestic front or international market ’ With Qatar Airways leveraging on the expanded BASA with Nigeria, the airline is expected to focus on international operations using the Nigeria Air carrier with direct international flights using the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos as main hub, and stop-overs at the Aminu Kano and Nnamdi Azikiwe international airports in Kano and Abuja, respectively. The Port Harcourt airport is expected to follow when the facility is ready for operations. In addition, while strictly international operations could be viable, domestic and regional operations for the national carrier has been declared a business gamble.

duction of subsidised fuel”. In the same vein, Chairman, Air Peace Nigeria, Barrister Allen Onyeama, posited that much of the problems of the indigenous carriers challenges at the international market stems from the fact that the government does not offer any form of protection for the local operators. Onyema, who was speaking during the just-concluded 22nd League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) Seminar, while also insisting he was not against the Nigeria Air project, maintained that government has a duty to create a level playing field for all competitors to operate in. “ASKY was established in Togo and their population is not as many as Lagos yet they are flying into Nigeria and other countries meaning their market is not Togo. Yet when we (Air Peace) wanted to go there, we were given approval in Nigeria only to get there and we were told we cannot fly. I went to the media and also threatened to file legal action and then someone comes to me and says don’t go to court? This is supposed to be where the country stands up for the airline but no. Eventually when they decided to give us the approvals we need to fly them, they charge $5000 landing. And yet we say we are protecting our own. Up until now, we are not flying into Côte d’Ivoire because of their ludicrous charges, yet Air Côte d’Ivoire flies here. So how have we protected our airlines from being fleeced? ”If you say it (Nigeria Air) is a national carrier and it is private investors driven, are you not saying it is just investors like me, Alhaji Bankole (Medview CEO) and other investors? So you are simply saying that government is just supporting another private airline? I do not have a problem with the national carrier per se it is welcome but it must not be given any undue advantage over other airlines as the owners are investors too. Now, as this airline is coming on stream are they going to take routes already allocated to other airlines and give it to this carrier? These are the things government has not told us,” said Onyema. While a Qatar Airways take-over and management of Nigeria Air may solve some of the concerns expressed by aviation stakeholders over the national carrier project, some other issues already raised could equally shake-up the industry, but for all the wrong reasons.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

INSURANCE & PENSION

Insurance model not sustainable – Ist Bank chief tells operators Stories by VICTOR NZE

IGERIA’S insurance industry has been challenged to prepare for the next generation of consumers and talents, by embracing change and responding to the economic, social and technological needs of the insurance space. This is also the Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Ibukunle Awosika, noted that the insurance model as practiced in Nigeria today is not sustainable. Stakeholders who spoke at the 2018 Presidential Valedictory Lecture to mark the end of the tenure of Funmi Babington-Ashaye as the 48th President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) said the industry must embrace new ways of delivering its services to meet the expectation and speed of the new generation of consumers, and talents. The lecture which was delivered by Funmi Babington-Ashaye had as its theme; ‘Insurance and Generation Next- Meeting the Needs of Stakeholders’. Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Ibukunle Awosika, who chaired the event said insurance model today is not sustainable because reality is at the door and change is inevitable. “The industry will die if does not open itself to change and embrace the new space, stating that there are a lot of disruptors that are ready to take over the business and offer the same services the insurance companies or the brokers think they are offering, she said. She said the potential for growth is huge, as the industry is at the least of its capacity. “There is a bit of complacency in the industry, so you might not survive the next generation if people and technology come in with the new things they have, she stated. Babington-Ashaye, in her lecture

looked the fundaments of change for the industry, charting the future for the profession, as well as key defining factors. She said for the industry to catchup with the generation next, players in the business must leverage technology, adopt new ways of working, repackage products, and improve products and pricing strategy, as well as data mining. The insurance industry she further said, is at the threshold of its evolution in which developments in technology will significantly impact its products offerings, operations and the skill sets of personnel required to deliver value to the diverse stakeholders, in the near future, which will be dominated by generation next. “Given the declining inflow of new entrants into the profession, the fear of a talent gap in rife. We need to change the wrong perception by showcasing the career opportunities that exist, the product we develop, the risks we assume and the professional advisory services we provide, Babington-Ashaye stated. Panel discussants at the event include Wole Oshin, group managing director, Custodian Investment Plc; Yetunde Ilori, director general, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA); Muda Yusu, director general, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Eddie Efekoha, managing director, Consolidated Hallmark and deputy president CIIN. They all agreed on the need for the industry to bring flexibility and varieties in their offering, open up the sector for new talents, particularly from outside insurance, and improve on remuneration to make the sector attractive for generation next, enhance perception and increase trust. According to them, all of these will position the sector for sustainable growth and attractive for generation next.

Allianz Group completes take-over of Ensure Insurance

LLIANZ GROUP said it has completed the acquisition of 99.03 per cent of the shares in a Nigerian insurer- Ensure Insurance Plc, from its core shareholder- Greenoaks Global Holdings Limited (GGH). With this development, the Nigerian underwriter has become a subsidiary of a globally acknowledged insurer and asset manager, that boast of more than 88 million customer base. Ensure Insurance, which was acquired by GGH from Union Bank of Nigeria Plc in 2014 and at which time it was known as Union Assurance Company Plc, has since undergone a turnaround and transformation. The Allianz Group will breathe life into the Nigerian insurer’s operations, which offers life and non-life insurance services and generated 18.2 million euros in gross premiums written in 2017. The Allianz Group said it views Nigeria as a high-potential market in Africa with a strong regulatory environment and promising demographics. The Regional Chief Executive Officer of Allianz Africa, Coenraad Vrolijk, said: “We are pleased to

enter this fast-growing market through the acquisition of a solid financial player with strong local expertise. “This new step of development will allow us to leverage the strength of the Allianz Group and the expertise of the Nigerian team to provide high quality products and services to Nigerian customers in both personal and commercial lines. However, the Chief Responsibility Officer, of the firm, Owolabi Salami, added: “The consummation of this acquisition will be highly beneficial to our business and improve our service platform to our valued clients. “We are excited to harness the depth of technical competence that Allianz has acquired over the years of experience garnered through serving clients in various sectors. We are confident that this will position us for leadership in the local operating environment”. Allianz customers will benefit from a broad range of personal and corporate insurance services- property, life and health insurance to assistance services to credit insurance and global business insurance.

•(From left): Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, and Cooperatives, Olayinka Oladunjoye; Group Managing Director, Custodian Investment Plc, Wole Oshin; Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Ibunkun Awosika; President/Chairman of Council, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Funmi Babington-Ashaye; Director General, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Yetunde Ilori; Director General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Muda Yusuf; Ogun State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Aderenle Adesina, and Deputy President, CIIN, Eddie Efekoha, at the 2018 Presidential Valedictory Lecture by Babington-Ashaye in Lagos.

ARM Life Insurance pays N412m claims

RM Life Insurance said it paid a total of N412 million claims to policyholders to further underscore the company’s commitment to prompt settlement of payments and efficient customer services. The subsidiary of Asset and Resource Management Holding Company (ARM), has affirmed its commitment to improve productivity and profitability that would meet stakeholders’ needs across the country The company’s Executive Director, Femi Ogundeji, who spoke to The Guardian, at the weekend, said that the institution’s gross premium written has increased by 31.5% to N3.62 billion in 2017, from the N2.75 billion generated in 2016. Ogundeji said the sustained focus on growing policyholders fund, particularly in the individual life segment, the disciplined risk management practices and investment management strategies, enabled the company to return a profit before tax of N486.9 million for the year 2017, against N123.2 million in 2016, representing an increase of 295 per cent increase over the pre-

vious year. During the year, said it paid a total of N412 million claims to policyholders to further underscore the company’s commitment to prompt settlement of payments and efficient customer services. On the balance sheet side, total assets grew by 27% to N16.13 billion in 2017, from N12.71 billion recorded in 2016 underscoring the success of the company’s investment management strategy and culminating in 18% increase in shareholders’ equity to N3.23 billion, up from N2.75 billion achieved in 2016. As ARM Life progresses in its quest for leadership in the retail segment of the market, they remain mindful of the importance of building a sustainable business that will continue to engender the trust of our clients and, other stakeholders. The company is on course to launch new products specifically designed to provide insurance services for the retail segment of the market. Despite the challenges in the economy, the company highlighted huge opportunities in the insurance

Treat patients with respect, NHIS urges health workers

ATIONAL Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has urged health workers to treat patients with respect and dignity for easy access to health delivery. Executive Director of NHIS, Prof. Usman Yusuf, made the appeal in an interview with journalists shortly after 42nd Annual General and Scientific Meeting organised by West African College of Physicians WACP, Nigeria chapter in Kaduna. According to him, NHIS has done a lot of sacrifice to the country because of the funding it gives to hospitals. He said that the scheme had improved access to many patients across the country and increased funding to hospitals, stressing that hospitals should, therefore, treat

patients with respect and dignity as stipulated by the ethics of the medical profession. National Chairman of WACP, Dr Abel Nze-Onunu, said: “Nigeria is a country with a lot of resources both human and material, but yet to get it right in the health sector.” He added that the meeting was about examining the problems and challenges of the health sector in a scientific manner. On maternal and infant mortality rate, he said “we have done several studies in these two areas. These areas are one of the indices we used for human development in the world. Nigeria performed extremely low in these areas and one of the key reason for this conference and we are going to discuss about this extensively.”

space, which will be explored towards continuously increase values to all stakeholders. “We remain focused on the implementation of our strategic objectives, which we had previously shared with you. Some of the objectives are centred around product and service innovation to improve customer experience and to cater for their evolving needs; focus on digital transformation to improve operational efficiency; and increasing distribution channels and market reach,” he said.

Medview workers invite PenCom over unremitted pensions

OME former workers of Medview Airline have called on the National Pension Commission (PenCom) to intervene in payment of their pension entitlements. The affected workers said in Lagos on Tuesday that the airline stopped remitting their pension entitlements to their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA) since 2015 even when they were still working. They alleged that the company had since stopped paying their deducted savings and the company’s counterpart contributions to their RSAs. The workers said they had made several appeals to airline’s management which had refused to listen to their appeals. They said the refusal of Med View airline to pay their pension entitlements was a breach of the PenCom laws, hence the appeal for PenCom’s intervention. One of the staff who spoke to the NAN on condition of anonymity, alleged that the airline had also refused to remit deductions from salaries of Med View airline’s staff thrift and cooperative society. “The executives of the society cannot and would not demand for the society members’ deductions for the fear of being sacked. “Both the ex-staff and the present employees in Med View have more than 36 months,” said the aggrieved ex-staff of the airline.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

INSURANCE & PENSION

Kwara to commence registration for health insurance in August

Stories by VICTOR NZE

ANAGEMENT of the newly-established Kwara State Health Insurance Agency has disclosed that it will commence registration for the State Health Insurance Scheme in August. It would be recalled that the state Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, had, penultimate Thursday, in Ilorin, the state capital, officially launched the insurance scheme, to join about ten states of the federation which had also kicked off the programme. Speaking during the launch, the Executive Secretary of the Agency, Dr. Olubunmi JetawoWinter said that the registration exercise will hold for 90 days across the 193 wards of the State. Jetawo-Winter stated during the registration period, the agency will capture all baseline health information, and bio-data of all

residents, which she said, will form the bedrock of standardization of operations of the scheme. Jetawo-Winter added that the identification of the poor and special populations including people living with disabilities will also take place during the registration exercise. She noted that an insurance card would be issued to every individual registered under the scheme, and that enrolment would commence once the cards have been issued. According to her, with this card, coverage averages out to a little less than N25 per day. Continuing, Jetawo-Winter said that those registered will enjoy health benefits covered under the scheme such as maternal and child care services, emergency care services, minor surgeries, everyday ailments, chronic illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure, preventive health education, among other benefits.

Old Mutual appoints Deloitte as joint auditor

OUTH AFRICAN insurer, Old Mutual has appointed Deloitte as joint auditor alongside scandal-hit KPMG, it said,Thursday, an unusual move reflecting what it said were unresolved challenges related to its sole auditor for nearly two decades. KPMG’s South African unit is battling to restore its reputation after becoming entangled in a corruption scandal involving the Gupta family, who has been accused of using their links with former president Jacob Zuma to amass wealth. The Guptas and Zuma have denied any wrongdoing. “Old Mutual has been continuously engaging with KPMG International and KPMG South Africa on concerns regarding the ongoing challenges raised in their South Africa business,” Old Mutual said. “Until these challenges are resolved, Old Mutual believes it is prudent to appoint a joint auditor.” KPMG has been losing clients over the last year after its own inquiry found flaws in work it did for the Guptas and the national tax agency.

Its woes deepened in April after failing to spot a crippling hole in smaller lender VBS Mutual Bank, a collapsed bank in which it was also revealed two of KPMG auditors had undisclosed loans. Last month, KPMG unveiled plans to cut 400 staff and close small regional offices in response to a reduced number clients.

•(From left): Deputy Director General, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Uju Ndubuisi Chukwu; Chairman, Investiture Planning Committee, Sunny Adeda, and Vice Chairman of the Committee, Mr Bola Temowo, during the pre-investiture of Eddie Efekoha as the 49th CIIN President press briefing by the investiture committee in held in Lagos.

NAICOM moves to promote financial inclusion with NIIDP launch

N A BID to deepen financial inclusion in the country, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has announced plan to launch the Nigerian Insurance Industry Development Plan (NIIDP). Commissioner for Insurance (CFI) in Nigeria, Alhaji Mohammed Kari, disclosed the plan on at the opening ceremony of the 2018 National Insurance Conference in

Abuja. He said that the NIIDP would have financial inclusion as a major component which the country’s insurance industry would use to reduce the number of citizens that were financially excluded by developing friendly premium policies. “It was Christine Lagarde the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at the

eration and relatively well contained dividend distributions are likely to maintain risk adjusted capital adequacy within a strong range over the rating horizon. Key liquidity metrics remained at strong levels, with cash coverage of technical provisions registering at 1x (FY16: 0.9x), while the average monthly claims cash cover ratio equated to 44 months at FY17 (FY16: 24 months). GCR said it expects liquidity metrics to remain within a strong range going forward, supported by robust operating cash flow generation and conservative asset allocation. Sound competitive positioning is supported by the insurer’s

entrenched position in the market, with NEM holding an estimated 5.5 percent of total short term industry premiums in FY17. Strong brand visibility, coupled with established broker relations is expected to provide continued premium generative capacity, with the insurer likely to defend its current market position, the rating firm explained. It added that earnings capacity has been supported by consistent realised investment returns, although large fluctuations in underwriting results and fair value movements have induced a degree of margin volatility across the review period. “While note is taken of the stabilisation in underwriting margins over the past two years (FY17: 16 percent; FY16: 13 percent), earnings capacity might remain volatile over the medium term, underpinned by variable claims patterns and fair value movements. “The reinsurance programme reflects a moderately high level of counterparty strength, while maximum net retention per risk and event equated to a moderate 3.1 percent of FY17 capital (using the 2017 closing exchange rate). “Upward rating movement could follow strengthening of the insurer’s business profile supported by strong credit protection metrics. However, the rating will be sensitive to a sustained deterioration in key credit protection metrics and/or sustained weakness in operating performance,” GCR said.

GCR upgrades NEM Insurance rating

LOBAL credit ratings has upgraded the national scale claims paying ability rating of NEM Insurance Plc to A(NG) from A-(NG), with the outlook accorded as Stable. A statement issued by GCR explained that the rating, which remains valid until June 2019, was accorded based on the fact that NEM’s risk adjusted capitalisation is considered to be strong, supported by a sizeable capital base catering for the quantum of insurance and market risk exposures. In this regard, the ratio of shareholders’ funds to net earned premium (NEP) rose to a review period high of 99.5 percent at FY17. Sound internal capital gen-

Premium Pensions tops RSA funds in H1 2018 By KAYODE OGUNWALE

REMIUM Pensions RSA fund led the performance ranking of Nigeria’s RSA Pension funds for the first six months of the year 2018. This is according to analysis by Quantitative Financial Analytics, the Premium Pensions RSA fund earned a 1.25 percent return in June, to extend its year to date performance to 7.55 percent. ARM Pensions RSA, which led the pack last year, came second with 6.73 percent, while Crusader Pensions RSA and Stanbic IBTC Pensions RSA jointly took the third position with 6.22 percent. Every

RSA fund made positive return ranging from 4.86 percent recorded by AIICO Pensions RSA fund to 7.55 percent. This performance by Premium Pensions RSA is consistent with its 2017 performance, where it recorded 7.5 percent and a slight improvement over its 2016 performance of 6.11 percent for the first six months of the year. The 2018 performance so far is far below corresponding period performance for 2017 for most of the funds. For instance, by June 30th, 2017, APT Pensions RSA, which led the pack then, had generated a 12.59 percent return compared to its

2018 return of 5.02 percent. The same scenario goes for Crusader Pensions RSA whose 2018 midyear return of 6.62 percent is much lower than its 2017 midyear return of 10.31 percent. Though the performance is not as rosy as 2017, the NSE pension index did not do much better. The index which ended 2017 with a performance of 42.92 percent, only managed to generate 8 percent midyear return. The positive but unimpressive performance of pension funds so far in 2018 may not be unconnected with equity market volatility amidst the declining stock prices that have come to characterize most of 2018.

2014 International Forum for Financial Inclusion held in Mexico, who said “the poor do not have access to basic financial services such as payments savings and insurance. “Accessing financial services will help families increase investments and consumption, help in insuring against unfavorable events, thus reducing the poverty level during any occurrence,” he said. Kari said the loophole discovered by Lagarde had made Nigeria to launch the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) to reduce the percentage of adults that were excluded from financial services from 46.3 per cent to 20 per cent by 2020. The CFI said that work had been concluded on the plan with inputs from KPMG, a consulting firm, which would independently monitor its implementation to ensure each insurance arm is assigned responsibilities. “It may interest you to know that the plan has been presented to the Insurers Committee, a body comprising management of NAICOM, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of insurance companies.” He said that heads of insurance trade associations would be included to ensure that every player in the industry would be on the same page with NAICOM, the regulator. “I use this medium to commend insurance committee and KPMG for the good job on the NIIDP. “As we may be aware, financial inclusion is premised on the principles of equity like social cohesion and bridging the gap in income equality and inclusive economic growth and development. ” Kari said. Kari said that the NIIDP would have global objective which would have different dimensions with countries and institutions willing to develop models to suit their peculiar environment. “However, the insurance sector in Nigeria would effectively and efficiently navigate it to increase the number of policyholders while reducing the figure of the financially excluded, which are part of what the NIIDP contain.” he said.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

EQUITY & Capital Market Osinbajo tasks capital market operators on economic growth Stories by JEROME USHAKANG

HE Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has charged capital market operators and stakeholders to work harder to sustain growth momentum and to ensure it translates to development with positive impact on the lives of Nigerians. He expressed the urgent need for the nation to sustain its present growth, adding that investors should take advantage of government’s incentives and improved business environment, and availability of medium to long term capital in the form of bonds, equity and loans. Professor Osinbajo was speaking at the second Capital Market Stakeholders Forum held in Abuja Monday, organized by the National Assembly with the theme: “Capital Market as a Catalyst for Growth and Development”. He said that the necessity for stable long term funds for the actualisation of the vision of economic growth and development places the capital market in a unique and strategic position for which it must be prepared. The Vice President said the present administration introduced a number of strategies and policies which contributed to the exit from recession and remains committed to their continued implementation in order to achieve economic development. He was represented by the Director General, Debt Man-

agement Office (DMO), Ms. Patience Oniha. In her keynote address, Acting Director General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) , Ms. Mary Uduk said the Forum and its theme are very relevant and timely, given the pressing needs to grow the economy and also achieve sustainable development. Uduk emphasized that there is no doubt that the capital market can serve as a key catalyst for Nigeria’s economic growth and development, as it offers a credible platform for obtaining long-term financing. She said, “Economic growth can be seen as increase in the production of goods and services in a country, often measured by changes in real Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “However, she said that the concept of economic development is larger as it includes improvement in the quality of life and living standards of the citizens. These include improvements in literacy, health and life expectancy, better savings- investment culture as well as improved wealth distribution, housing and environment”. The Acting DG said there are many capital market instruments that can be used to stimulate economic development in Nigeria like bonds, equities and commodities. While saying that the Nigerian Capital Market has actually been serving as a catalyst for economic growth and development, but

Wema Bank set to raise N20bn bond

EMA Bank Plc has disclosed its intention to raise N20 billion through bonds offering in August, 2018. Acting Chief Executive, Ademola Adebise who revealed this to an online media has confirmed that the bank is in the process of raising Tier II capital, in a quest to boost its capital adequacy above its internal guidance of 15 percent from 14.3 percent. Adebise said, “This will be the second tranche of the bank’s plans to raise N50billion Tier II capital through bonds to enable it deepen its market penetration and profitability. Wema Bank had in the previous year November, 2017, informed the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) about its banking license which has been upgraded to National Authorisation by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). It would be recalled that in August 2016, Wema bank had issued a N20 billion bonds aimed at expanding its branch network. Similarly, the bank issued local currency bonds after scrapping plans to issue a $100 million sevenyear dollar bond because of currency risks. However, Wema bank is yet to end its dividend drought, though the bank’s Group Managing Director, Segun Oloketuyi, had promised shareholders that the bank will pay dividend soon. Meanwhile, the bank recently released its results for the half year ended June 30, 2018. Analysis of the half year results showed that Profit after tax also increased from N1.2 billion in 2017 to N1.5 billion in 2018, in the same vein, Profit before tax rose from N1.4 billion in 2017 to N1.8 billion in 2018.

However, Interest income depreciated marginally, from N25.4 billion in 2017 to N25.3 billion in 2018. Wema Bank share price is currently trading below N100 on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

•Vice President, Prof. Osinbajo

•Acting SEC DG, Mary Uduk

the largest in Africa by 2025. “It is also aimed at ensuring that the market contributes much more to the socio- economic development of the nation, particularly in facilitating capital-raising for sustainable development and transformation of key sectors” Uduk said. She said some of these initiatives include the e-Dividend payment,

Direct Cash Settlement, Dematerialization, Financial Literacy, Non-interest Capital Market, Complaints Management Framework, Liquidity Enhancement and Equity Listing Enhancement. Uduk expressed delight that already; each of these initiatives is contributing to the growth and development of the Nigerian capital market, and by extension, the economy.

HE Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) has promised to work with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in its desire to infuse Capital Market Studies (CMS) into the curriculum of schools in the

country. In order to meet its set goal, the Commission is already developing a curriculum on capital market studies as part of the financial literacy programme, geared towards boosting investment edu-

The winners will also be honoured with a Closing Gong ceremony at The Exchange. The schools of the top three winners will also be recognised and presented with prizes such as trophies, desktop computers and printers. The additional seven essay writers will receive consolation prizes, certificate of achievement and recognition at the awards ceremony. According to Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. Olumide Orojimi, NSE, improving financial literacy is important to the future of Nigeria. “Youths are an important stakeholder group as it relates to planning for a sustainable future as a nation and we must imbibe in them, good financial skills that will assure a secured and great future for them. The competition serves as an essential platform. As the premier multi-asset securities exchange, this is one of the ways we contribute to building a financial literate Nigeria that can access various financial inclusion offering available to them Since it’s commencement in year 2000. The NSE Essay Competition has inspired over 30,000 young People in over 3,500 secondary schools across Nigeria to showcase what they have learnt about the financial and capital markets. It provides an important opportunity for youths to engage in issues of importance to The Nigerian

economy. He noted that through this competition, the NSE has been able to promote financial literacy among young Nigerians, by encouraging them to learn how good financial decisions can better their lives now and in the future, and ultimately grow the economy. “We continue to be inspired by both the increasing number of participation in this financial literacy activation and the boundless imagination that the topics spur amongst the vast majority of the students. This year’s theme could not have come at a better time as the world prepares for a fourth industrial revolution that will be primarily driven by technology. This year’s competition hopes to spark exceptional thinking as our youths prepare to embrace a sustainable financial future that is technology will play a major role”. Entries submitted for the competition are graded by a team of examiners identified in conjunction with the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers at the first level. Successful writers will then proceed to the second stage by writing an in-person follow up essay on a related topic at any of the NSE branches closest to them. The final stage involved interviews at the NSE Headquarters in Lagos. This rigorous level of assessment is to ensure that only the best amongst equals emerge as winners.

cation. The President of CIS, Mr. Dapo Adekoje made the pledge during a meeting between CIS and Management of SEC in abuja. Adekoje commended the SEC on its investor education initiatives and assured that the Institute was willing to support any programme that would help deepen the market. The CIS President said, “We have visited some schools and realised that most students do not have elementary knowledge of the capital market. We believe that if Nigerians are aware early in life of the benefits of investing in the capital market that will increase the percentage of participation and also help to deepen the market”. In her remarks, Acting. Director General of SEC, Ms. Mary Uduk, said the Commission is open to any collaborative efforts that would increase financial literacy among Nigerians. “We are making progress with Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) on the development of the curriculum and we hope the introduction of capital market studies will start from the Secondary schools up to our tertiary institutions,” Uduk said. The 10 year Capital Market Master Plan requires SEC to inculcate the culture of financial literacy and specifically to introduce Capital Market Studies (CMS) into the curriculum at all levels of education and to encourage CMS as a degree programme in the tertiary institutions.

stressed that some potentials are still untapped. One major initiative to tap this potential she said was the development of a ten-year Capital Market Master Plan (CMMP) launched by the Commission in 2014. “The Plan has over 100 initiatives to spring–board the Nigerian capital market as one of the world’s deepest and most liquid as well as

CIS pledges to partner SEC on capital market studies

NSE declares 2018 Essay Competition open

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Monday announced the commencement of the 2018 edition of its ‘NSE Essay Competition’ for students in Senior Secondary Schools in all states of the Federation. The theme for this year’s edition is: “Discuss how technology can promote financial literacy and encourage investment habit among youths”. The Exchange said, this in line with its commitment to ‘building a financially savvy generation, aims at bringing the subject of technology to the fore and get young people to start thinking early on about how it can be applied to real life business situations. The NSE in a statement said that this year’s competition, which is supported by Jim Ovia Foundation, opened on Monday, July 16, 2018 and will close on Friday, October 05, 2018. According to the Exchange, the 2018 NSE Essay Competition, participants are required to email their typewritten entries, which should not be more than 1,000 words to essay@nse.com.ng. The competition rewards the top 10 winners out of which the top three will be presented with equity investments, University scholarship funds and personal Laptops/tablets at the Awards ceremony which comes up in October 2018.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

MONEY Market

Fixed income, currency markets record N17.2tr turnover in June Stories by KAYODE OGUNWALE

RANSACTION turnover in the Fixed Income and Currency (FIC) markets recorded significant improvement during the month ended June 30, 2018. The increment in value according to data sourced from FMDQ OTC amounted to N17.23 trillion, a 20.53 percent or N2.93 trillion increase when compared with recorded in May and a 36.49 percent increase year on year. Accordingly, the Treasury bills (T.bills) and Foreign Exchange (FX) segments jointly accounted for 79.35 percent of total turnover in the FIC market in June, representing a marginal increase of 3.44 percentage points from the 75.91 percent recorded in May. FX market turnover recorded the highest month on month increase, growing by 34.50 percent (N1.79 trillion), while unsecured placement/takings turnover recorded the highest month on month decrease, falling

by 42.54 percent to N0.03 trillion. The value of transactions in the FX Market settled at $19.80 billion in June, an increase of 34.04 percent ($5.03 billion) when compared with the value recorded in May ($14.77 billion). Liquidity flows at the Investors’ & Exporters’ (I&E) FX Window in June was $3.93 billion, representing a 38.59 percent ($2.47 billion) month on month decrease from the value recorded in May ($6.40 billion). So far, the total volumes traded at the Window year to date stands at $30.28 billion. Exchange rate for the Naira depreciated at the I&E FX Window, losing N0.35 to close at $/N361.32 from $/ N360.97 as at May 31, 2018, whilst also trading at a discount to the parallel market as rates closed the reporting month at $/N362.00 from 363.00 as at May 31, 2018. In June, the total turnover in the Fixed Income (FI) market was N7.85 trillion, representing a 19.73 percent (N1.29 trillion) month on month increase in turnover. The in-

FMDQ admits N10.69bn pioneer FGN Green Bond to its platform

LOBALLY, countries are resorted to mobilizing funds from the debt capital market to finance environmentally friendly projects to support development for the good of their citizenry. The federal government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Environment and the Debt Management Office (DMO), has taken a cue from other countries, listing the first green bond in the Nigerian debt capital market, the FGN N10.69 billion Series 1 5-year 13.48 percent fixed rate bonds due 2022 on FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange. The proceeds from the issuance will be used to provide access to electricity for 45 communities across the country, develop offgrid Independent Power Plants (IPP) for universities and create afforestation programs that aim to increase forest coverage through the plantation of seedlings to cover 131,000 hectares of land. Associate Executive Director, FMDQ, Ms. Tumi Sekoni, in her welcome address during the listing on the floor of the FMDQ OTC in Lagos last Friday, congratulated the issuer for the successful issue of the debut N10.69 billon 5- Year Green bond in the debt market. She highlighted that the bond would help address the nation’s infrastructure gap and environmental challenges in a sustainable manner to deliver prosperity for Nigerians and further deepen the domestic debt market by increasing the range of investible debt securities in the markets, invariably contributing to Nigeria’s development. She further reiterated the OTC Exchange’s commitment to continue to support the initiatives of the DMO towards the development of a highly liquid, deep and well-developed DCM in Nigeria. DirectorGeneral of the DMO, Ms. Patience Oniha, during the issuer’s special address, stated that, “the issuance of the nation’s first sovereign green bond further demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to the protection of the environment. Nigeria endorsed the Paris Agreement on Climate Change on September 21, 2016 and undertook to achieving

the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), aimed at reducing carbon emissions by 20 percent unconditionally and 45 percent, with international support, by 2030. These projects require funding and the issuance of the green bond, the proceeds from which are dedicated to financing environmental projects, signals the government’s commitment to funding the NDCs. According to her, the Debt Management Office worked with the Federal Ministry of Environment and other stakeholders to develop guidelines and operational procedures for the green bond and the issuance of the debut green bond. “The FGN has led this issuance, adhering to globally accepted standards and requirements, setting a precedence for other categories of issuers such as sub-national governments and corporates to issue green bonds. Further to the listing of this instrument, the DMO expects that trading will not only bring about climate change awareness but will also diversify the Nigerian capital markets and attract more investors”, she said. In his address, Minister of State for Environment, Mallam Ibrahim Usman Jibril, commented, “the listing of the FGN green bond enables the federal government deliver on program 47 of its economic recovery and growth plan. Managing Director/CEO of FMDQ, Mr. Bola Onadele. Koko, in his closing remarks, applauded the federal government, through the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Environment and Debt Management Office, for achieving the landmark, stating that this was yet another highly exemplary and indeed, positive step towards addressing some of the infrastructure and environmental challenges in the nation. He also commended the sponsor to the issue and Registration Member (Listings) of FMDQ for their concerted efforts towards ensuring the success of the issuance. He further reiterated that through consistent collaboration with its stakeholders, FMDQ shall continue to further deepen and effectively position the Nigerian debt market for growth, in support of the realisation of a globally competitive and vibrant economy.

crease in turnover was driven mainly by an 18.13 percent (N1.02 trillion) month on month increase in T.bills turnover, as it remained the major driver of liquidity in the FI market, accounting for 84.95 percent of the total FI market turnover, albeit 1.15 percent points lower than its contribution in May. Total T.bills outstanding as at June 30, 2018 stood at N13.76 trillion, representing a 1.75 percent (N0.24 trillion) month on month decline, driven by a net redemption of T.bills in the month of June. Conversely, total FGN Bonds outstanding increased marginally by 0.41 percent (N0.03 trillion) month on month to close at N7.83 trillion, suggesting the FGN refinanced some of its short-term obligations with longer term FGN Bonds while increasing cash liquidity in the market Trading Intensity in the T.bills and FGN Bonds markets increased from 0.41 and 0.11 in May, to 0.48 and 0.15 in June respectively, while Trading Intensity for T.bills and FGN Bonds in half year 2018 were 2.67 and 0.71,

compared to 3.75 and 0.79 in half year 2017 respectively. T.bills within the 6-12 months maturity remained the most actively traded, accounting for 28.28 percent of the total FI market turnover in June, despite decreasing from the 37.42 percent contribution reported in May Weighted average yields across the short, medium and long-term maturities on the sovereign yield curve increased by 0.72 percent points, 0.03 percent points and 0.16 percent points respectively, leading to a flatter sovereign yield curve from its shape in May. Yield spread between the 3-month T.bills and the 10-year FGN Bond increased by 3 basis points to close at a 132 basis points spread in June Consequently, turnover recorded in the secured Money Market (i.e. Repos/ Buy-Backs) was N2.32 trillion for June, representing a 4.70 percent N0.11 trillion month on month decrease from the N2.44 trillion value recorded in May and a year on year decrease of 33.98 percent in June,

compared to the 6.98 percent year on year decrease recorded in May. Similarly, Unsecured Placements/ Takings closed the month with a turnover of N42.66 billion, representing a 42.54 percent or N31.59 billion month on month decrease on the turnover recorded in May N74.25 billion and a year on year decrease of 68.23 percent N91.64 billion. Average overnight 7 and NIBOR 8 decreased by 11.12 percent points to close at 11.65 percent in June from 22.77 percent reported for May, suggesting an increase in liquidity in the inter-bank market, possibly driven by injection of cash in the market from the FGN’s activity in the FI market during the month. Also, total number of executed trades reported on the E-Bond Trading System in June was 13,101, representing a month on month decline of 5,969 in the number of executed trades, as total executed trades in T.bills and FGN bonds declined by 5,162 (31.15 percent) and 807 (32.32 percent) respectively in June 2018.

•Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Dr. Demola Sogunle; Independent Non-Executive Director Dangote Cement Plc; Mr. Ernest Ebi; Managing Director/CEO, FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange, Mr. Bola Onadele. Koko; Group Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Cement Plc, Engr. Joseph Makoju; Group Chief Financial Officer, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Brian Egan; and Executive Director/Head, Debt Capital Markets, Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited, Mr. Kobby Bentsi-Enchill; at the Quotation Ceremony for the Dangote Cement Plc N50 billion Commercial Paper notes, on FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange in Lagos.

First Bank commences Nigeria-China currency swap F IRST Bank of Nigeria has commenced the Nigeria-China swap deal. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Adesola Adeduntan disclosed this during an event themed ‘Deepening Sino-Nigerian Cooperation, having sealed a $2.5 billion (RMB 16 billion) currency swap with the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) in Beijing, China, the Central Bank of Nigeria, appointed First Bank of Nigeria Limited, alongside Stanbic IBTC, Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) and Zenith Bank Plc as the settlement banks for the bilateral currency swap agreement. The banks were appointed to be shouldered with the responsibility of settling the trade transactions between importers and exporters from both countries. In May 2009, First Bank emerged as the first Nigerian bank to have a representative office in China. Meanwhile, the CBN stipulated that 41 items banned in its 2015 circular on items not valid for foreign exchange, would not be covered in the recently signed bilateral currency swap between the country and China. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had last Friday launched the sale of

foreign exchange in Chinese Yuan (CNY) signaling the consummation of the Nigeria-China Currency Swap Agreement. The CBN acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, said that the sale would be done through a combination of Spot and Short Tenored Forwards. Okorafor added that the sale would be conducted through a Special Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) window. He explained that the window would be dedicated to the payment of Renminbi Denominated Letters of Credit for raw materials, machinery and agriculture. He said “due to the peculiarity of the exercise, CBN will not be applying the relevant provisions of its Revised Guidelines for the Operation of Inter-Bank Foreign Exchange Market, that is; the guidelines which direct that SMIS bids be submitted to CBN through Forex Primary Dealers. “The CBN will also not be applying the guidelines which provide that Spot FX sold to any particular end-user shall not exceed 1 per cent of the overall available funds on offer at each SMIS session.” On the bid period, Okorafor said

authorised dealers were requested to submit their customers’ bids from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on weekdays. He said that any bid received after the stipulated time would be disqualified. On funding, he said that authorised dealers were to debit the customers’ accounts for the Naira equivalent of their bids. He added that the CBN would debit authorised dealers’ current account on the day of intervention to the tune of the Naira equivalent of their bid request. Okorafor explained that there would be no predetermined spread on the sale of CNY by authorised dealers to end-users under the Special SMIS-Retail window. He said that authorised dealers would, however, be allowed to earn 50 kobo on the customers’ bids. He advised customers who were not willing to accept the settlement terms not to participate in the Special SMIS – Retail. He added that Forward Bids would be settled through a multiple-price book building process and would cut-off at a marginal rate to be disclosed after the conclusion of the Special SMIS Retail process.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1 2018

NEWS PDP stakeholders’ micro zoning favors Umahi, Okorie From CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

takeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi South zone have commenced the harmonization processes of presenting a consensus candidate in all elective positions in the 2019 general elections. At the meeting of Ebonyi South PDP stakeholders held at the residence of the former deputy governor of the state, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, all elective positions were retained in the various local government areas of the incumbent occupiers of the political positions. The arrangement favors both the state governor, Engr. David Umahi and the member representing Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal constituency, Hon. Linus Okorie. The stakeholders are shopping for replacement for the Ebonyi South Senator, Sonni Ogbuorji, who had defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). It was gathered that the governorship position was retained in Ohaozara while the Ebonyi South senatorial seat and the position of Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal constituency were also retained in Afikpo South (Edda) and Onicha council areas respectively. The meeting which took place across the three senatorial zones of the state which was said to have been initiated by the state governor, Engr. David Umahi, was a way of ensuring peace and unity in the party ahead of the elections. It was also gathered that all the resolutions of each of the zones would be communicated to the state governor for final adoption. A Source privy to the meeting said: “The governorship Ticket remains with Ohaozara LGA. The Senatorial Ticket goes to Afikpo bloc (Eda to be precise). Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo federal constituency ticket remains with Onicha LGA”. “Ivo local government would take it for OHANIVO Federal constituency in 2023, as Ivo LGA has taken three unbroken tenures at National Assembly positions; Ohaozara LGA has taken two tenures at National Assembly positions and Onicha LGA has taken two unbroken tenures at National Assembly positions”. Though the governor had maintained that most of the national and state assembly members would be returned, Umahi also added a proviso that there would be popularity rally tests for all contestants and any unpopular candidate would be dropped. As at the time of this report, stakeholders of Ebonyi Central and North zones were yet to agree on the zoning formular, as contestants were said have opposed any unified zoning arrangements.

I formerly known as MISS OKONKWO HELEN ORIAKU AND OKONKWO HELEN now wish to be known as MRS OCHIN HELEN ORIAKU. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

Women group to partner Anambra in enhancing academic standards By IBE NWACHUKWU

embers of Igbo Women in Diaspora, as American based non-profit organization have pledged to partner with the Anambra State government in the area of enhancing academic environment at the primary schools level in the state through the provision of educational materials and re-construction of some dilapidated buildings. President of the Association, Mrs. Eunice Onwunyi who made the pledge during an assessment visit to Good Shepherd Nursery/Primary School, Nri in Anaocha Local Government Area of the state, said the partnership was in tandem with the core aim of the organization which is creating a comfortable learning environment for the children. Represented by a member of the association, Mrs. Nkiru Udoji, Onwunyi said Good Shepherd Primary school had been chosen in the pilot scheme of the empowerment, adding that the association

was currently working assiduously to ensure that every school in Igbo land was well equipped. She also indicated the association’s willingness to assist in improving on the state of infrastructure in Good Shepherd Primary school, adding: “We are determined to elevate this school by our promise to look towards reconstruction of the dilapidated buildings and supply of some teaching aids. “All we need to achieve these is just a moral support from the state government in order to produce intellectual adults who would equally embark on similar journey that will create brighter future for upcoming generations. “Once we get the government moral support, we shall rally support from our sister Igbo Women Organisations and compassionate individuals to join Federal’s Government feeding programme to enhance the life of children”, she further pledged as she commended the Federal Government’s School feeding initiative which she said had

increased child nutrition and school enrolment among our children.” Urging the government to expand the programme to cater for more pupils, Onwunyi noted that although, Good Shepherd was not benefiting from the initiative, participating schools have so far visited indicated that the initiative had increased child nutrition and school enrolment. She recalled that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had launched the National Home Grown School Feeding (HGSF) programme in 2017 as part of a N500 billion funded Social Investment Programme which is aimed at supporting state governments to collectively feed over N24 million school children across the country. Responding, the Superintendent of the School, Rev. Cannon Reuben Okafor, who expressed happiness with the organization, said the school buildings were dilapidated. “You can see the old school buildings which accommodate over 700 pupils and 13 teachers, were built in

• Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu (l) meeting with Management of the Golden Guinea Brewery when he recently paid a working visit to the Umuahia factory of the company to see extent of work done already, Monday

Awka Constituency needs voice, FG presence – APGA chietain From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and frontline aspirant of the party for the Awka North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Godson Ezenagu has lamented over what he describes as ‘the absence of federal presence and a voice for the constituents in Abuja.’ Ezenagu in an interview in Awka, Tuesday, noted with sadness that despite being one of the key food basket of the nation, the Federal Constituency was ‘wallowing in intense neglect,’ forcing them to remain mere subsistent farmers. “Nobody seems to care. Those who had represented us so far had gone either to make money or seek relevance. “None had ever organized townhall meeting to seat with the constituents, account for their stewardship, to tell us what he had been doing or

feel the peoples’ pulse. To feel our heartbeats, know/understand our needs, challenges and or take note of them. “That’s why we lack access roads, water, electricity, hospitals and industrialization. Despite hosting the state capital, this constituency has been lacking in landmark federal establishments, instead what you see are a few makeshift structures dotting the area”, Ezenagu emphasized bitterly. A versatile widely travelled and experienced political technocrat, Ezenagu said he has a burning desire to make the required difference for the constituents. Describing himself as a square peg in a square hole, Chief Ezenagu said he lived in Kano for twenty-five years, Ibadan, Lagos, and others and as such would ‘adapt very easily without any time to waste trying to acclimatize, unlike others who spend as much as above a year trying to

settle down.’ On the zoning principle of his party, he said that fairness has bestowed the slot on Awka North zone, pointing out that all along it had been Awka South since 1999, thus: Chudi Offodile (1999-2005); Ossy Egwuatu (2005-2007); Emeka Nwogbo (20112015) and Anayo Nnebe (2015-2019). Noting that it was only in 20072011 that Chief Emmanuel Uchieze from Awka North represented the Federal Constituency, Ezenagu therefore, expressed the belief that ‘under natural law, justice, equity and good conscience it is now the God-given turn of the Awka North to go make the required difference. It was the only way to remove restiveness, agitations and bad blood in the nation’s polity.’ He also used the opportunity to commend the leadership savvy of the party’s national chairman, Dr Victor Oye, especially on his recent victory at the Supreme Court.

the colonial era and have all dilapidated, Cannon Okafor stated, adding, “We have made all necessary contacts both to the state government, NGOs and other spirited individuals to come to our rescue but none could help. Therefore, your visit today is like a dream come true and we ask God to strengthen the Women in Diaspora for embarking on this rescue mission”. Also speaking, the Palace Secretary of Nri traditional kingdom, Chief Chijioke Ifeka expressed the hope that when implemented, the empowerment programme by the Igbo Women in Diaspora would give facelift to the school.

Ban Okada in Nnewi, Ekwulobia -- Group to Obiano By OGE ONYEANUSI Nnewi

ighst advocacy group, the Campaign for Democracy (CD), through its National Publicity Secretary, Dede Uzor A. Uzor, has praised the initiative of the Anambra State government in restricting motorcycle operation in the state with the suggestion that the state government should extend the ban to the commercial cities of Nnewi and Ekwulobia; stating that the progress and success of the policy in Onitsha, Awka and environs have so far checkmated the influx of criminals; and have also introduced sanity to the state. Making the call in a chat with newsmen in Onitsha, Tuesday, Uzor contended that the demerits of banning Okada operation outweigh the gains of its operation. “We align ourselves with the position of the Anambra State government in disbanding Okada operation in the state. Years back, CD came up with a statement calling on the authorities to disband Okada in Anambra. “The reasons are due to incessant use of Okada to rub innocent citizens. 95% of trans-city robberies are carried out via Okada by hoodlums, who find it as a quick means of escape. Again, from statistics, there are high incidences of ghastly accidents resulting from Okada. Nine out of every twelve accident cases in public and private hospitals occur through Okada. The reason is that an average Okada man does not obey traffic rules, does not know his right from his left, does not have requisite education, and does not even have driver’s license,” he said. While disagreeing with the perception that the ban will accentuate crime rate, Uzor, who is also the chairman of Human Right Defenders, Nigeria, tasked Obiano to set-up mercenaries that will ensure that the policy take full effect in affected areas; and also to ensure that his promise to procure buses to help cushion the adverse effect of the policy is redeemed. “CD is not happy that up till now, government is yet to redeem its promise to procure buses to mitigate the effect of the recent policy. Our next fear is that the process of distributing the said buses may be marred with fraud. Government should therefore, make the process of accessing the said buses transparent, credible and on merit basis”, he concluded.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

Love and Living

...With Ireto Temofeh

MODEL OF THE WEEK

LOVE NEWS

So sweet! Jennifer Lopez slips into boyfriend’s sweatshirt as they head out with kids

ennifer Lopez, 48, and her 42-year-old boyfriend Alex Rodriguez looked like just any other family when they head out with Alex’s daughters Natasha. 12, and Ella, nine, and Jennifer’s twins Emme and Maximilian, nine, on Sunday. The Back Up Plan actress and the former Yankees shortstop took their big brood to the Whip ‘n Dip Ice Cream Shop in Coral Gables, Florida. The Jenny From The Block songstress retains primary physical custody of her children from her ex, Marc Anthony, while the former Seattle Mariners player’s daughters are from his relationship with Cynthia Rodriguez. During the outing, the mixed families all seem to get along well, laughing and joking as they head to the store for their chilled treats. A casually attired Jen appeared to be wearing her beau’s baggy hooded sweatshirt for the outing, while Alex matched his girlfriend’s colors with his own dark t-shirt. The Love Don’t Cost A Thing hitmaker rocked a striped, thigh-skimming minidress for the family outing that displayed the singer’s slim pins.

Lopez wore white sneakers and accessorized with a pair of aviator sunglasses and large silver hoop earrings. The Out Of Sight star wore a full face of makeup for the casual family day and her brunette locks were swept up into a high bun. Her sports star beau were a dark t-shirt with blue jeans for the family fun day. The 14 time All Star wore a pair of brown leather high tops and a pair of dark shades. For a recent Vanity Fair cover story on the couple, Alex said that he and Jennifer ‘are very much like twins.’ Adding: ‘We’re both Leos; we’re both from New York; we’re both Latino and about 20 other things.’ Later on Sunday, the man known as ‘A-Rod’ took to Instagram to post a pic of himself, ‘J-Lo’ and the rest of their respective families. Rodriguez captioned the post: ‘#MySunday. Ice cream in the afternoon and then home to catch @ sharktankabc! Tweet along with me during the show!’ The baseball player has been a guest on the reality TV series since October 1.

Name: SEYI HUNTER

• If you want to be our next ORACLE GIRL, e-mail or forward your photos/data to ireto007@yahoo.com. Call 07031028714.

ODD NEWS

Demi Rose flaunts her eye-popping assets for sizzling photoshoot

he has built a legion of Instagram followers thanks to her saucy displays. And Demi Rose once again sent her fans wild, as she shared very racy snaps to her social media platform for her style edit with online retailer, Missguided. The British model, 22, oozed sex appeal as she showed off her eye-popping assets in a dangerously low-cut top as she struck a series of sexy poses. Demi Rose has been posting snaps on Instagram of her edit with Missguided – and they are just as revealing as we would expect! The body confident star was clearly in her element as she got cosy on a chair for the photo, which saw her threatening to spill out of her perilously plunging top. The skimpy number was tucked into a tight mini-skirt, which showed off her enviably toned legs, which were clad in a pair of towering lace-up black boots. Wearing a pair of rimless glasses, Demi sizzled as she sported sleek tresses and an immaculate coat of make-up.

In another snap, where she donned the same ensemble from Missguided, this time flaunting her bodacious derriere as her locks flew to one side. Demi has been taking Halloween particularly seriously this year, after posing for a special ‘dress-up’ photoshoot. Channelling some very sexy superhe-

roes, Tyga’s ex ‘fling’ proved that there was nothing scary about her take on the spooky season. She was predominately clad in PVC, from sexy red to vampy black, as she seduced in behind the scenes shots she teased on her Instagram page. Demi has been busy with her flourishing career after becoming Insta-

gram famous, and told MailOnline in September that she has no time for her love life. ‘I’m happy being single, but if someone comes along he just has to fit in with my busy life, really. So who knows?’ she admitted. However Tyga’s rumoured ex Demi has now revealed she is using popular dating app Huggle, to find a new man. The underwear model rose to prominence after being romantically linked to rapper Tyga in May last year. The beauty was seen with the Rack City hitmaker, 27, in Cannes, while he was on a break from his Keeping Up With The Kardashians star ex girlfriend Kylie Jenner. Further discussing her love life with MailOnline, the brunette confessed she is still in contact with the rapper, although they are not together. She said: ‘I was quite known before I even met him. But I’m still referred to as Tyga’s ex… We still talk now and then, you know, just ‘how are you?’ and stuff.’ Mail Online.

Romantic Joke The Explorer An explorer goes into an undiscovered tomb for the first time, and in the center of the tomb there’s a lamp. He picks it up, and as he starts to rub the dirt off of it, a genie comes out of the lamp and says, “I want to know the person you hate the most.” The explorer says, “That’s gotta be my ex-wife. Why?” “I am a cursed genie. I will grant you three wishes, but whatever you wish for, your ex-wife will get double that amount.” “Okay, I wish for a billion dollars.” “Granted, but you ex-wife gets two billion dollars.” “I wish for a mansion in California with a swimming pool, and tennis courts, everything.” “Granted, and your ex-wife gets two.” “Now make your final wish.” The explorer walks around for a few minutes, returns to the genie with a stick, and says, “You see this stick? I’d like you to beat me half to death.”

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

True Confession

y name is Sandra and I’m 29 years old. A few years ago, I was at a sexy and wild party in Port Harcourt with a group of my friends when I bumped into Chris, a guy I’d had a serious crush on since secondary school but hadn’t seen in years. We ended up talking for most of the night. But after we’d had a few drinks, he excused himself to go to the bathroom. When I bumped into him a few minutes later, I suggested that he come home with me. He told me to take some more bottles of beer before we would go home together. At first I refused but he put pressure on me to drink more, and before I knew it I was really drunk. The next morning, I woke up with the worst hangover I’d ever had, and when I rolled over, I realized that I wasn’t with Chris at all -- I had gone home with his twin brother, Mike, whom I didn’t even know. I was really angry with Chris for playing such a cruel trick on me. I had always known Chris as a joker but this joke was too practical for my liking. Imagine having sex with a complete stranger whom you didn’t even meet before having sex with. I was shocked after realizing that I had gone to bed with Chris’ twin brother and not Chris himself. But somehow I had to secretly admit to myself that I really enjoyed the one night stand I had had with Mike. He had satisfied me sexually, and that didn’t happen to me often! When I took a good look at him, I loved his body because he was well built. And I felt that it would really be worth it to have an affair with Mike since I had really enjoyed having sex with him in the first place. I didn’t want to make the first move by suggesting to Mike that we have a relationship. But I was glad when he confessed to me that he had also enjoyed our night together so much. He apologized for taking advantage of me and asked for my forgiveness. I told Mike that I had forgiven him although I didn’t like the fact that we hadn’t been introduced to each other and therefore hadn’t even known each other before he went to bed with me. I was really disappointed in Chris for setting me up with his brother like that, but I didn’t want to make a case out of it because if I did, both of them would have been arrested and probably jailed, because strictly speaking, such an act could be regarded as rape since I hadn’t expressly consented to having sex with Mike before the act. However, I decided to let that matter rest. I accepted it as my destiny to meet Mike and when he asked me if we could date, I said yes from my heart because I knew that that was what I really wanted. Mike and I started dating and it was really fun and exciting. I regard those first days of dating Mike as the happiest moments of my life. Whenever I was alone, I daydreamed of the way Mike made love to me and I just couldn’t get him off my mind. I was like a flower and Mike was like a butterfly. We were stuck together! I was in love with him. And I couldn’t sleep at night without wishing he was by my side. I would turn and toss dreaming of Mike and wake up still thinking about him. I was crazy in love. I told Mike about my past. I couldn’t hide my past from him anyway because I thought he deserved to know. I honestly think that when you meet someone new in your life, that special person deserves to know your history, or rather, your story. You don’t need to tell him/her every single detail but at least you owe it to the new person in your life to tell him/ her what you’ve been through in life. I told Mike that I have been a victim of rape and heartbreak. I told him that when I was 17 a schoolmate forced himself on me. I didn’t know that I was pregnant with his baby because I was still a virgin then. The guy denied me when he found out that I was pregnant. And after my daughter was born, my mother moved us out of Lagos to Port Harcourt and I lost contact with the father of my daughter. I told Mike that I was lonely and needed the love of a man in my life, and he agreed to be my man. That was three years ago. And today, Mike and I are still together. Mike says that he never experienced love at first sight until the day he set his eyes on me. Whenever I tell him that I fell in love with him because of his sexy body, he smiles and looks so happy. Sometimes he says that I’m just teasing him or flattering him to make his head swell. But that is the truth. In life, I’ve come to realize that exercise is very important to beauty. Exercise makes a man look good. The truth is that my Mike is hot and sexy and that’s to a significant part because of his well built body.

‘I fell in love with him because of his body’

“ When I bumped into him a few minutes later, I suggested that he come home with me. He told me to take some more bottles of beer before we would go home together. At first I refused but he put pressure on me to drink more, and before I knew it I was really drunk. The next morning, I woke up with the worst hangover I’d ever had ” Here in Nigeria, women are the ones usually expected to maintain their shape, while men are allowed to grow pot bellies, erroneously thinking that it is a sign of wealth or good living. Although some men like fat women, a majority of fat women generally feel bad about their bodies and

think that they may actually be unattractive. I love my man because of the way he exercises and keeps fit and I wish all men were like that. I’m going to marry Mike not only because of his great body, but because I love him from the very depths of my being.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

Relationships and Love Advice

‘My husband can’t satisfy me’

Love Search Women seeking relationship/ marriage Sarah from Jos needs a HIV positive man of 35-40 years for marriage. 08090925014. Jezzy, 25, pretty, tall, sexy, in Lagos, wants a sugar daddy or mature man in Lagos. 09062373928. Victoria, 30, from Akwa-Ibom, in Lagos, tall, big, single mother, wants a tall, responsible, working or business man for marriage.08153598363. Busola, 43, tall, chocolate, with big breasts, living in Lagos, wants a mature-minded man for a relationship with benefits. 09090517882.

Dear Love Doctor, I have been married for 10 years now and for 7 years out of the 10, I have not enjoyed sex with my husband. He usually comes very fast and leaves me sexually frustrated. Now for the last three years, I had an arrangement with somebody who has been satisfying me, unknown to my

husband. I did it because I have tried everything to make sure my husband is able to satisfy me, including buying sex pills for him, but nothing worked. However, after seeing my spiritual director last week, he advised me to stop committing adultery and make another effort to make my hus-

band satisfy me in bed. My parish priest said that I shouldn’t give up. What do I do? Thanks, Angela.

Faith, 35, works and lives in Port Harcourt, needs a decent guy of 36-40 years. 09037846643.

Love Doctor’s Advice: Dear Angela,

think your parish priest has a point. Marriage is for better, for worse. It is a commitment to remain with your partner for life and help him address all his inadequacies. Committing yourself to one person for the rest of your life means you should never give up on that person. You need to keep trying to help your husband satisfy you in bed, except your husband is no longer willing to try. You’re there to encourage him. With your encouragement, he is likely to improve in his sexual performance. Here are some tips to help you help your husband satisfy you in bed: 1. Discuss with him.. Explain to your husband that you married him because you love him.. Therefore, your commitment to him goes beyond having sex. It is more about sharing lives. This explanation should lay a good foundation on which you can build on to improve his sexual performance. 2. See a doctor, sex therapist, psychologist, counselor or relevant professional. Book an appointment with a professional and go along with your husband to see him/ her. Professionals are well trained to manage such cases, so don’t hesitate to see a relevant professional to help you and your husband spice up your sex life. Through a complete medical examination which may include blood, semen and/or other tests, a doctor would find out the cause of the problem and help him get a solution. 3. Examine yourself to determine if you’re part of the cause. Don’t be surprised that you may even be a part of the cause of your husband’s inability to satisfy you in bed. For instance you may be overweight or have body odour, poor hygiene or anything that could turn him off sex. So you need to check yourself too to make sure that you’re not part of the reason your husband doesn’t give you all the sexual pleasure you want. 4. Make yourself sexually appealing to your

husband. The good news is that if you’re part of the cause, then you’re also part of the solution; because if you start making yourself sexually appealing to your husband, his performance in bed will improve. What kind of perfumes do you use? What kind of clothes do you wear in bed? Maybe you can start by buying new sexy perfumes and lingerie that can help you arouse your husband. 5. Avoid self-medication. When faced with sexual challenges, many people, out of ignorance, resort to self-medication. Some people resort to drinking medicinal substances or buying sexual performance enhancing drugs like Viagra without a doctor’s prescription. This is wrong and extremely dangerous to health. Please do not buy any so-called sexual enhancing orthodox or traditional medicinal substance for your husband to ingest without first seeing a doctor and getting the doctor’s advice. Be warned: Many of these so-called sex drugs contain dangerous chemicals and poisons (that can seriously harm your body system without you knowing). Self-medication kills. And self-medication is largely a result of ignorance. For instance, some men who have a history of high blood pressure are known to have died after using some drugs for the purpose of getting a harder and longer-lasting erection. Encourage your husband to see a doctor for a complete medical examination. Doctors are able to see many things about our bodies that we do not see. So never encourage your husband to engage in self-medication in order to boost his sexual performance. 6. Make sure he is free from stress, anxiety or other psychological or emotional pressure. Stress is a major factor that kills a person’s libido. For instance, if you have too much work to do, you’re likely to have a lower sexual desire. So make sure your man is free from stress. Help him to find out ways to manage stress in the office or workplace so that when he comes back home at night, he will still be able to ‘perform’.

Comfort, tall, dark, big, with a heavy backside and good in bed, living in Lagos, wants a man that can take good care of her. 08062720819..

Anxiety is also another thing to watch. If your man is too anxious to satisfy you in bed, he may just end up doing the opposite. 7. Encourage your husband to keep fit through exercise and a balanced diet. When last did your husband go to the gym or work out at home? Exercise will help both your husband and you keep fit and thereby boost your performance in bed. Through good exercise, your husband will shed unnecessary calories and improve his heart and body. Through regular exercise, he will also discover that he feels less stressed out. He will also happily find that he now has more energy to perform his duty of satisfying you in bed. Those are just a few of the benefits of keeping fit. Also, help your husband watch what he eats. Adopting a good diet program will help refresh his body and mind and lead to improved sexual performance. 8. Tell him what pleases you and help him find your g-spot. Have you ever told your husband what he can do to make you reach orgasm? If you haven’t yet told him what gives you maximum sexual pleasure and satisfaction, your silence is the main reason your husband can’t satisfy you! Therefore, you’re the main cause of your husband’s problem. For many women, oral clitoral satisfaction or sucking or ‘eating’ their private parts makes them reach orgasm. However, since every individual is different, what works for some may not work for others. Tell your husband what stimulates you, so that he can do it and satisfy you in bed. Don’t hesitate or feel ashamed about telling him, because you can’t be happy without sexual satisfaction. Help your husband find your g-spot or tell him what arouses you, stimulates you, or makes you come, for the sake of your own happiness. The above 8 tips will help you spike your husband’s sexual performance and leave you satisfied anytime, any day, anywhere. Good luck as you implement them!

Monica Ono, 35, beautiful, single mother of one, needs a handsome man of 38-41 years for marriage. 08036844539. Blessing, 33, from Imo, in Lagos, fat, busty, single mother, needs a matured man of 45years+ for marriage. 08025117116, 08053407885.

• Mature Singles Party is a romantic event for mature single men and women which will take place in December to help you find your Mr. Right or Miss Right. To register for the Mature Singles Party, call Diana on 08034033167. Call Love Doctor: 07031028714, 08131161840, 08077821830 for Counseling, infertility & Direct Hookup.

Men seeking relationship/ marriage Donald, 37, tall, dark, Igbo, handsome, in PH, needs a female lawyer or working class graduate lady between 24-34 years for marriage. 07014061373. Uche, in Lagos, needs a matured woman from 40 years and above for friendship. 08077821830. Adeola, 36, in Ilorin, needs someone that can help him realize his business aspirations for a relationship. 08032820002. David wants a beautiful, mature, working class lady for friendship. 07038485483, 08094063208.

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! Note: If you have fertility problems like childlessness, inability to conceive or get pregnant, miscarriages, fibroid, low sperm count, STDs, or need a male child or female? Call 07031028714, 08131161840.. Love Doctor can help you succeed in your marriage/ relationship.

Kenneth, 40, wants a responsible woman for marriage. 08143002139.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1 2018

NEWS Extra

NASS defectors mercenaries – Oshiomhole

ational Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiohmole has reiterated that he would not miss sleep for minute over Tuesday’sdefection of some members of the National Assembly from the party. It would be recalled that 15 senators on July 25 announced their defection from the APC to the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP). In a letter to the President of the Senate, signed by 14 senators, they indicated their intention to leave the ruling APC for the opposition PDP. Also 37 members of the House of Representatives formerly in the fold of the All Progressive Congress

(APC), dumped the party the same date and moved to the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) The Representatives in a letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara officially announced their defection during plenary on Tuesday. Oshiohmole, however, said the APC was not worried with the defection which he described as “mercenary activities’’. He said: “Well, my attitude is like I have told you before, as the National Chairman, I am committed to listening to very legitimate grievances and engaging all those who are aggrieved that we can see through their grievances.

“But I insist that I will not miss a sleep one minute over mercenary activities. “I had said and I want to repeat, this business of governance must be driven by men and women of honour. “If the only motivation is personal interest, what is in it for me, how many people have done xyz for, if that is the basis, the earlier those in this business of personal gains, the earlier they return to where they belong the better. “This party that I am privileged to chair is not worried at all, we are not disturbed. “But let me assure you, I am so happy that over time that water will fill its level.’’

According to Oshiohmole, the APC is a progressive party and all its members must subscribe to the values and ideals of a progressive party. “If indeed you belong to the extreme right, and you mistakenly find yourself in a progressive party, obviously that is not where you belong. “As soon as you realize that you can’t adjust to the requirement of progressive, which is people driven, people based, people oriented and you choose to return to the right wing where you know what the name of the game was, share the money, it is your choice,’’ he added. On the reported siege on the houses of the Senate President and Deputy Senate President by security

2019: Arochukwu endorse Ikpeazu for 2nd term

he clamour for Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to contest the 2019 Governorship election in the state has received further boost as the people of Arochukwu Local Government Area threw their weight behind Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and called on him to run for a second term in office. They made their stand known at a grand declaration ceremony tagged; “Honour Beyond Words” held for the Governor at Aggrey Memorial Primary School, Ibom Arochukwu. In his address, the chairman of the Central Organising committee, Sir Donatus Okorie, expressed appreciation to the governor for his developmental strides in the local government despite not winning in the local government during the 2015 general elections. He also commended Governor Ikpeazu for appointing many sons and daughters of the local government in his cabinet and administration. He however, drew the governor’s attention to some of the pressing needs of the area, especially the completion of the Abam-Arochukwu link road and sinking of boreholes at the Ututu Cottage hospital and Ututu Courts and Police Station. Okorie also informed the governor that the military personnel attached to Isu community have been withdrawn, thereby increasing the tension and security threat to the people of the area who were recently engaged in border clashes with their neighbors from another state. In their separate speeches, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Hon. Uko Nkole and other stakeholders praised the governor for his sterling performance in office and called on the people to ensure his re-election through the ballot in 2019. In his response, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu admitted that there is need for more development projects in the local government and assured that he will work with the representatives of the constituency to achieve that. He assured that other issues raised by the people would be tackled, especially ensuring that the boundary crisis involving Arochukwu, Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers states is decisively tackled to ensure lasting peace. The Governor also promised that he will ensure that the military personnel that were withdrawn are quickly restored to safeguard the people. Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, among other top government functionaries, accompanied to the Governor on the visit.

personnel, Oshiohmole said he was not aware of such incidents. He said: “When you are dealing with law and order issues I am not going to stand here and make comment on the basis of your own speculations, “I need to have the details. I am not into security apparatus, I do not understand how they operate but you also don’t want to accuse me of obstruction of justice, which a democracy requires. “So I am going to limit myself to my brief, namely issues that affect membership and the running of the APC. Just to reassure you, I am happy. “I have made this point long ago that with time, Nigerians will really have to be able to say, this is what this party stands for, this is what the other party stands for. “This thing that in the morning you will have breakfast with me, in the afternoon you are having lunch with python and in the evening you are having sugarcane with some other forces, “I think in the interest of our nation we need to simplify these issues before the electorate. Because, the confusion is that you have coalition of people whose ideas are not compatible.’’

SARS operative shot dead by policemen in Anambra By IBE NWACHUKWU

• Air Peace Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Allen Onyema (3rd left) receiving the airline’s IATA Operational Safety Audit renewal certificate from IATA Area Manager (South West Africa), Dr. Samson Fatokun at the carrier’s corporate headquarters in Lagos on Friday, while Air Peace Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide and Director of Flight Operations, Capt. Wellington Eyimina look on

Criminalize vote buying – INEC; denies rigging in Ekiti poll

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday called for criminalisation of vote-buying to stop the trend in the political system of the country. National Electoral Commissioner in charge of South-West, Mr Adedeji Soyebi, made the call in Abuja at the High-Level Post Election Roundtable on the 2018 Governorship Election in Ekiti state. “We need to work on people to stop selling their votes because it is their conscience they are selling;it means that money has become the determining factor of their choices. “As a country, we need to think about this and find a solution to it, we need to start talking about it because the process made it difficult for INEC to really have a say. “What happened in Ekiti state, if we are going to be very honest with ourselves is that, they did it so perfectly but very much distant from the polling units. “This is how it works, a voter walks into our polling unit after being verified and he or she casts his or her vote, that is where our relationship with the person ends. “Every form of vote-buying we are talking about- 80 per cent or 100 per cent- always takes place after the person has cast his votes,“ he said. He said that stopping vote-buying should be a collective responsibility,

adding that if there was no vote-selling, there would be no vote-buying. “When we talk about vote-buying, we forget that it is the twin sister of vote-selling because there is no buying without selling. “ Soyebi said that though INEC did a good job in conducting credible election in the Ekiti state, the only thing people remembered about the election was the issue of votebuying. The national electoral commissioner said that the menace had eaten deep into the political system of the country and needed to be stopped. “It makes it very difficult for the commission to really have a say because the moment the person casts his or her vote, he or she goes somewhere to collect his or her money.’’ He said that the commission had been talking about vote-buying since the Anambra election and would continue to do so through increased sensitisation of voters, through voter education for them to shun the act. Soyebi said that when it became impossible for politicians to snatch ballot boxes, they resorted to buying votes. National Commissioner in charge of Operations, Hajia Amina Zakari, said that INEC did not rig the election in any way because the same template it used in Ekiti state was what it had been using since the

Kogi governorship election. Zakari said that the major issue about the election, however, was vote-buying and inducement which had been since 2015. She said that N4,000 to N5,000 was alleged to have been shared for each of at least, 65,000 voters that voted in the Ekiti state governorship election. “Voters have gone commercial, so where do we begin, how do we get people to stop this, knowing that it undermines good governance. “It also touches the credibility of the elected, the credibility of the election and the country at large, so we need a rigorous calling to draw attention of security agents to it.’’ Executive Director, Youth Initiative For Advocacy Growth and Advancement (YIAGA), an NGO, Mr Samson Itodo, the said that the results declared by INEC during Ekiti state governorship election reflected the votes counted. Itodo said that though the election went well, there was need for INEC to address voter inducement, a development he noted had reached “astronomic and very embarrassing heights“ and undermining the country political legitimacy. He described the act as a mockery of Nigeria democratic process which needed to be addressed with critical input of everyone in the country.

he Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Awkuzu, Anambra state was thrown into a mourning mood, following the shooting death of one of the operatives by some policemen who mistook him for an armed robber. The incident, according to the source, occurred at Alor community in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state, home town of the incumbent Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige. According to the source, the deceased SARS operative whose identity was yet to be ascertained as at the time of filing this report, Tuesday, was said to have accompanied one of his colleagues to somebody’s residence for an arrest at about 4.30 a.m. The source stated that the SARS operatives were just handcuffing their suspect when an eye witness who did not know that they were policemen or SARS operatives alerted some nearby policemen attached to some personalities within the neighborhood, informing them that some armed robbers/kidnappers were trying to abduct someone. It was gathered that as soon as the policemen arrived the scene and saw the SARS operatives, they allegedly opened fire at once and gunned down the deceased operative, before his colleague identified themselves as SARS operative on special duty. The Officer-In-charge of SARS at Awkuzu, Sunday Okpe, simply told newsmen on phone Tuesday that the deceased operative was one of his subordinates. State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Haruna Mohammed (SP), also told newsmen on phone that he was not yet aware of the incident, adding that he would make some inquiries.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1 2018

NEWS I’ll attract projects to Ebonyi South if elected – Aspirant From CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

business mogul and infrastructure economist, Dr. Onuoha Nnachi, says if elected to represent Ebonyi South senatorial zone in in 2019, he would attract projects that would amount to 50 percent of the state’s annual capital projects at a minimum, saying he has a wide connection to make it happen. Nnachi who disclosed this in a chat with Journalists said the strides of Governor David Umahi in infrastructure development is one of the key propellants of his ambition to represent Ebonyi south senatorial zone in 2019, because of his burning desire to complement the Governor’s efforts. “If it was somebody else that is the Governor of the state, probably and mostly likely, I will not run the election. But I have seen something in His Excellency (referring to Governor David Umahi) “Remember I told you that globally I am recognized as Infrastructure Economist. And I have seen a man that has passion for infrastructure development. Not passion in the lips, not passion by words, but I have seen the things he has done”. “There are many things that come to mind when we say, we need to complement his efforts. The foremost thing I will tell him and anybody that cares to listen is that if I become a Senator of the Federal Republic, the volume of projects that I will attract to the state must be at least be 50 per cent of the entire state capital projects every fiscal year. “I cannot do less than that. What I am saying by implication is straightforward and simple: if the state says that they have capital projects of say N60bn, I will attract a project equal to N30bn. That’s 50 per cent of that or more. That is the minimum. “You may asked how that is possible? Some of the people that worked with me in different presidential advisory committees that I attended are today Directors and Permanent Secretaries. That relationship must be well harnessed and it must come from the points of authority. So, that is a foremost point to complement the efforts of His Excellency in infrastructure development; which I believe there is nobody local, national or international that has the capacity to do them”. He said rather than leaving the development of the state to Governor Umahi alone, there is need for those ‘who could complement the efforts of the Governor to get involved’; which he said was why he became interested in the senatorial seat to be able to have a better platform to offer his contribution. Nnachi noted that outside Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, every other person that had represented Ebonyi South senatorial zone, was given the position as a retirement compensation and that would not be possible in 2019. “Outside Senator Pius Anyim, every other Senator we have got from Ebonyi south has been retirement compensation and it cannot happen this time around”, he concluded.

I formerly known as EZE ROSELINE CHINENYE now wish to be known as ORJI ROSELINE CHINENYE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

2019: Enugu NSCDC trains 200 personnel on advanced arms handling, others

From CHUKS EZE, Enugu

he Enugu State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Steve Amoga, has disclosed that the outfit is set to train over 200 of its officers and men on advanced arms handling and other beef-up tutelage in preparation for the forthcoming 2019 general elections in the state. Speaking when the DULF Leadership Centre, Enugu, paid him a courtesy visit in his office, the NSCDC boss, explained that the training, which according to him, would commence by ending of July, is the fourth in the series since he took over the helms of affairs at the Enugu Command. He noted that the measure is to ensure that his command would not be caught napping in any manner,

both before, during and after the general election. He also pointed out that apart from election issues, he had always been in the business of organising scale-up training for his subordinates everywhere he had served, arguing that such was necessary to ensure that personnel sharpened their alertness at all times and acquired new skills, as well. He called on the government, at all levels, to ensure early deployment logistics to the corps ahead of the 2019 exercise to avoid any incidence of fire-brigade approach throughout the process and also during their day-to-day businesses. On the security and peace in Enugu State, Amoga said the relative calm atmosphere being enjoyed by citizens was largely due to peace and understanding that exist among the sister security agencies, on one

hand, and the political elites on anther. He thanked the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for his display of profound leadership skills, achievements of his administration, and his support to the Enugu NSCDC and appealed for more support to enable the command to achieve optimum efficiency. Earlier in his speech, the Executive Director of DULF Leadership Centre, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Mr Nkemakolam Ukwu, said their visit was for his foundation to get acquainted with Enugu NSCDC command. He added that it was as well to introduce the NGO and its services to NSCDC, and seek possible means of mutual cooperation. Nkemakolam, who was in the company of the Administrative Secretary of the training centre, Felix Enavwose, thanked the NSCDC boss

• (From left): Vice President Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Mr. Olatunde Amolegbe, President CIS, Mr. Adedapo Adekoje, Ag. Director General Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Ms. Mary Uduk and Acting Executive Commissioner Operations SEC, Mr. Isyaku Tilde during a meeting between SEC and CIS in Abuja

Tonto Dikeh, NAPTIP takes campaign against human trafficking to UniAbuja

ollywood actress Tonto Dikeh and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on Tuesday took the campaign against human trafficking to students of the University of Abuja. The campaign, which was well attended by several other celebrities, aimed at increasing the conversation around the menace especially among students. Speaking to newsmen on the sidelines of the campaign, DirectorGeneral of NAPTIP, Ms Julie OkahDonli, said the event created an opportunity for the agency to engage directly with undergraduates on the issue of trafficking in persons. According to her, a lot of youths have fallen victims in the past to human traffickers who exploited their ignorance on the issue. Okah-Donli, who was represented by the Director, Public Enlightenment, Mr Arinze Orakwue, said: “The Tonto Dikeh Foundation has ushered a very important week for the commemoration of the 2018 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. “The actress has provided platform for us to speak to one of the largest groups we are targeting. “Basically, the aim of the cam-

paign is to raise voices and increase the conversation around human trafficking which is a clear and present danger affecting our best and brightest minds, the youths. “The plan we have is to continue to push the frontiers of the conversation around human trafficking because, till today, a lot of youths are acting out of ignorance. “That’s why we are asking the whole society to get involved in this matter,” she said. Dikeh explained that she would focus her energy on undergraduates because it has been observed that most victims were unemployed fresh graduates who were enticed with prospects of securing high-paying jobs overseas. “We choose to focus on undergraduates because human traffickers exploit the unemployment situation in the country to lure youths who are fresh out of school with job offers overseas. “So, we have to educate them even before they leave school and also tell them about the pains, the dangers and the negative effects of human trafficking on our society and country at large. “Some people are ignorant and that’s why they were trafficked in the first place.

“We are also working closely with the student unions to set-up a NAPTIP club on campuses to ensure that the campaign is sustained beyond this event. “We want to drive the message against human trafficking to the streets, homes, communities as well as the nooks and cranny of Nigeria,” she said. Other celebrities who accompanied the popular actress to the campus campaign included Toyin Abraham, Bobrisky, Styl Plus and Halima Abubakar. One of the students, Mr Christain Christian said the campaign has opened his eyes to what human trafficking was. “I use to think that human trafficking only happens when someone is taken abroad for prostitution. “Now I know it comes in different forms ranging from kidnap, maltreatment of somebody, sexual abuse and so on,” he said. Another student, Ms Chinaza Omanu, also commended Dikeh with her team for enlightening students on human trafficking. She advised fellow students not to be enticed with money and be lured into prostitution by anybody, but make do with what they have.

and other top officers of the command, including its PRO, DennyManuel Iwuchukwu for according them warm reception and rapt attention as well. Abia Govt assures on implementation of primary healthcare programme Abia State Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu has assured that the Primary Health Care under One Roof (PHCUOR) programme would be fully implemented to address some of the health challenges of the citizenry. Sir Oko Chukwu who stated this while declaring open a high level stakeholders sensitization workshop on the implementation of PHCUOR programme held in umuahia said that it was in recognision of the importance of healthcare delivery in the life of the people that made Dr Ikpeazu led government to accord healthcare a top priority. He noted that the state primary healthcare act was enacted into law under his tenure as speaker of the state House of Assembly and described the conference as apt offering stakeholders’ opportunity to interface and ensure an effective and realizable primary healthcare under one roof. The deputy governor restated government commitment towards meeting its counterpart obligations as required by donor agencies and development partners in order to sustain their services in the state. He emphasisd the benefits and partnership from the programme and expressed it optimism that Participants at the workshop will come up with ideas on the way forward for a better healthcare service delivery in the state. Earlier in his address, State Commissioner for Health, Dr John Ahukanna said that PHCUOR is a policy for integration of all PHC services under one authority to reduce fragmentation in PHC management and services delivery noted that PHC services involved preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitation services provided at the head post health care centers and basic / health care facilities. Dr Ahukanna said that due to challenges and multiple management structures resulting to poor provision of services to a vast majority of the populace affected efficiency and utilization of PHC services. He further said that Abia has achieved 90 percentage of basic requirement in the implementation of PHCUOR and commended the state governor for his unprecedented interest in improving the healthcare and called on the stakeholders to support the movement to universal healthcare coverage. In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary Abia State Health Care Development Agency, Dr Chinagozi Adindu disclosed that PHCUOR will bring more fund to the state primary healthcare system and that Abia have been choosing as one pilots state to benefit from the federal government ‘#1.5 billion basis health care provision fund due to its performance. He said that states that implemented the PHCUOR programme would get 1% fund from the consolidated revenue for health as passed under the 2018 budget, attract more fund from development partners and reduce the pressure of PHC on the state and local governments.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

Entertainment With Douglas Omoyooma

I’m not a lesbian – Paschaline Alex

ctress, Paschaline Alex Okoli has denied reports that she is a lesbian. The star of Jeniffa’s Diary who found fame and stardom after she starred in College Girls stated that reports in the media claiming that she is a lesbian are untrue and should be totally ignored because as she puts it, they are all rumours.

he Anambra born actress said: “Like you said earlier, they are all rumours. They are not true; not true at all. They are unfounded.” Today, the gay life style is fast becoming popular in Nigeria to the shock of many, what is her take on same sex marriage? “No! I don’t think its right!” the actress quips. And talking about pre marital sex she has this to say: “I’m not a saint ooo but our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. St. Paul indicates that sin of the flesh is very serious.”

• Pascaline Alex

Nollywood Recalling how she made it to Nollywood, the entrepreneur cum actor continued: “My first encounter with Nollywood was in 2010 when I did waka pass in a movie directed by Kalu Anya and it starred the likes of Chika Ike among other actors. The movie was shot in Asaba, but at that, I was not ready to make it a career because I was still in school.” What is her take on the quality of movies being released today? “The government should invest in the entertainment industry. Like I have always said, we have good filmmakers. You see. it is not every movie that should be in cinema. Let the quality of the film match the hype they always give it. “Then, there is the issue of lack of funds. The government have not been supportive of the industry, most of the production you see out there are mostly self sponsored. “Another problem is greed! Some

individuals have the resources to make a quality movie but because they want to make enough profit, they would rather make a low quality movie in order to maximise profits. Not all Nigerian movies have poor picture quality and bad sound, there are exceptions. Some good and thorough movie producers are doing good works.” Are her parents supportive of her career choice? “Well, my mum believes in me a million per cent; she has always been there right from the very scratch. But my dad was not having any of it. The first time he knew about the movie stuff, he was mad at me but guess what, he has a daughter that is as stubborn as he is. The old man had to accept after much persuasion,” she says laughing. Movie production Today, many actors and actresses are veering into movie productions. Any plans to join the band wagon? “So far, 2018 has been so good. For now, nope; I have no plans f going into movie production. Well, maybe before the year ends or sometime in the future, somethimg might come up in terms of going into production. But for now, lets say I have not made a decision.” For a couple of years, she has been close to the crater of Jenifa’s Diary Funke Akindele, how would she describe her? “Wow! She is just an amazing woman.” Commenting on what makes a good actor she continues: “A good actor should be so convincing in a role that he can hold an audience captive and make them feel as if there is nothing but the story at hand.” Love life Is she currently in a serious relationship? “Yes! I am in a very serious relationship with God. Very serious and don’t bother to ask me when I will get married because I will only do that when the time is right. “And talking about my kind of man, he must be a man who will support me and encourage me to pursue my desires and dreams. A man that will make me feel comfortable expressing my thoughts and feelings openly to him without fearing his judgment or ridicule but can we leave relationship matters out of this?” Dreams “Well, I hope to have an acting school for young talents. I am very passionate about helping people with my brand.”

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

Entertainment Tank farm suspension: Daddy Showkey thumbs up Gov. Ambode

Stephanie Linus announces Season 2 of Make Me Fabulous

ctress, Stephanie Linus has announced the second season of her reality TV show, Make Me Fabulous which returns to TV screens on August 12 at 6pm on DSTV’s Africa Magic Showcase, Channel 151. Speaking, the atcres said: “When I saw how much of an impact Season one was, I knew we had to do this again. But we did it with a twist. Viewers would love the new direction the show has taken, but more importantly, we hope it touches their homes and marriages in a special way,” Stephanie

Linus said. In the first season of the show, 13 couples were treated to a lavish experience that was aimed at igniting their relationship. the second season would follow the exciting journey of 13 married couples. “Make Me Fabulous” will take these couples on a journey of transformation, giving them a chance to connect without distractions. In each episode, these couples bare their deepest challenges, share their high and low points, and enjoy a fab-

ulous experience. An expert style and beauty team, together with a luxury treat and fantastic prizes, are included to make their experience even more memorable. Speaking, the atcres said: “When I saw how much of an impact Season one was, I knew we had to do this again. But we did it with a twist. Viewers would love the new direction the show has taken, but more importantly, we hope it touches their homes and marriages in a special way,” Stephanie Linus says

Stop using me for publicity stunt – Daughter berates Charley Boy

harley Boy has been criticised by his daughter, Dewey Oputa who came out of the closet recently after declaring she was a lesbian in a social media post. In a bitter response to her dad’s claim that he had become an activist for LGBT rights, she described her dad as an opportunist when she posted the following message: “You blocked me on every social media platform. we event spoken

Lax features Wizkid in new single

ast rising singer, Damilola Afolabi aka Lax recently dropped a new single entitled Nobody, featuring Wizkid. Commenting on his new songs, Lax said: “I have a song called Nobody featuring WizKid. I also have about three singles that I’m pushing at the moment like ‘Gbefun’ and Gwaragwara. Gwaragwara right now is doing a lot. It has almost gotten to a million views on YouTube. It was inspired by a South African sound. Gbefun is also doing well at the moment.” Speaking also how he feels working in the studio with Wizkid, Lax added: “Being in the studio with WizKid is something really amazing. We recorded couple of songs, but decided to drop Nobody for now. The acceptance is amazing. I just got back from a UK tour in three cities and they were singing the songs word for word.”

in months and all of a sudden, you are supportive and typing paragraphs for the gram.” The post had gone viral because it contradicted Charley Boy’s earlier posts where he had declared that he was now an activist for LGBT rights following his daughter’s coming out of the closet. The eccentric grand dad had posted: “… I never back down. Now I reactivate my fight in defence of the LGBT

community. You know something? Openness may not completely disarm prejudice but is a good place to start. I am hoping that my support will be a show of strength to the Nigerian LGBT community.” Meanwhile, Dewy alongside her girlfriend have opened an Instagram page dedicated to their relationship in support of LGBT rights.

Kenneth Okonkwo unveils governorship posters

enneth Okonkwo is making good his plans of becoming the next governor of Enugu start by officially unveiling his governorship posters. The veteran actor took to his Instagram page on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, where he shared photos of the posters. He went on to caption one of the posters with a quote which dwelled on how he won’t be able to run for the highest position in the state without God. “Without God, I can do nothing but with Him, I can do all things because He strengthens me. Join the winning team. By the grace of God, I am the next Governor of Enugu State,” he wrote. This is coming a few months after the popular actor revealed to everyone that he would be running for the seat of the governor of Enugu state. A few months ago, precisely March 2018, Kenneth Okonkwo announced to fans and followers on social media that he wants to be the next governor

eteran galala singer, Daddy Showkey, has expressed his appreciation to the governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, for the suspension of tank farms. The Lagos State Government on Monday announced the suspension of approval for development of tank farms in Apapa as part of its renewed effort to completely restore sanity as well as fashion out immediate and long-term solution along the Oshodi-Apapa corridor and prevent a repeat of the chaos caused by containerized trucks and tankers parked on the road. Daddy Showkey took to Instagram on Tuesday to appreciate the governor for his good works and using his “position” to do what is best for the people while urging the governor to bring development projects to Ajegunle. Last week, the ‘Daina’ singer Daddy Showkey highlighted his frustration with the Federal government who he claims gave an unidentified man the right to park petroleum tankers in Ajegunle.

of Enugu state. The veteran actor who is known for his spontaneous acting prowess revealed his new intention via his Instagram page on Sunday, March 4, 2018, where he posted a couple of photos from his declaration event. According to the actor who is also a lawyer, in one of the posted photos, talked about how he had received blessings from the immediate past governor of the state, Sullivan Chime. “Just declared my intention to contest for the Governorship candidate of APC in Enugu State. It was heartwarming to receive the blessings of the immediate past Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Gov Sullivan Chime. To God be the glory,” he captioned the photo. Kenneth Okonkwo is one of Nigeria’s foremost actors who came into the limelight in the early 90s with his unforgettable role in the movie ‘Living in Bondage.’

• Showkey

Chika Ike now an author

ctress, Chika Ike has launched her new book entitled Boss Up. Speaking, the Anambra State born actress stated that the book reveals her success secrets, She said: “Boss Up is a 41 chapter book that covers some of the obstacles we go through in life. With Boss Up, I reveal a lot about myself. People say I always live my best life. I try to because life is short. Life is full of ups and downs. Life is a journey and you’re probably not going to live as long as you want so you have to embrace every moment.” She also revealed that the book won’t be complete without the story of her ex-husband. “I won’t talk about my life without talking about my ex-husband. It’s my journey and my truth. I went to Harvard business school and it was a lot for me because I was in the same room with professionals and intellectuals and it meant a whole lot to me. “In the book I also talked about the society because it plays a huge role. I also talked about family and the relationship. In Boss up, I exposed so much about my family. My father was a very good husband and a father to us, but I didn’t have a good relationship with him while growing up. That was when I realized that in this world you have to consciously fight for yourself, because at the end of the day, it you and you are alone.”

The Oracle Today

Wednesday August 1, 2018

News

Defections: Democracy taking shape in Nigeria – Wike

IVERS State Governor, Nyesom Wike has declared that the mass defections at the National Assembly indicate that democracy is now taking shape in the country. Governor Wike said that the ongoing defection of politicians from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shows the direction the country is headed in 2019. He spoke during the Celebration of 40 years of Legal Practice of Hon. Onueze Okocha (SAN) by the Okpo Club of Nigeria (Association of Ikwerre Lawyers Worldwide) and the Inaugural Okpo Club Awards which held, Tuesday. “Democracy is taking shape in Nigeria. I hope you are aware that the PDP has taken over the Senate. We are like going to take over at the House of Representatives “. Governor Wike described the day as a happy day, saying all Nigerians must continue to work towards a development oriented Government next year. On the Celebration of Chief OCJ Okocha, Governor Wike said that he deserves the honour of the people. “This is 40 years of successful law practice. I commend Chief OCJ Okocha for mentoring young lawyers to be worthy legal practitioners “. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Moses Wifa said that Chief

OCJ Okocha deserves the honour because he is a bridge between old and young lawyers. Former Rivers State Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia said Chief OCJ Okocha is a living icon who has contributed to the development of the state. In his remarks, Chief OCJ Okocha said he will remain committed to the promotion of access to justice and the rule of law. He assured that he will continue to join other lawyers and members of the bench to enhance the Independence of the Judiciary. The celebrant stated that he will always serve as an inspiration to others to joun the legal profession. A book titled: ‘Opening and Enriching the channels of Justice in the Nigerian Society”, written in honour of Chief OCJ Okocha was launched at the occasion. The book was reviewed by the Vice Chancellor of University of Uyo, Prof Enefiok Essien. The event attracted seasoned legal practitioners, politicians, traditional rulers and top government officials. Highpoint of the occasion was the honouring of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike with the Dr Obi Wali Prize for leadership by the Okpo Club of Nigeria. Other prominent awardees include: Former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili, Chief OCJ Okocha and Comedian, Julius Agwu.

Edo Govt slashes market levy by 40%

O boost the profit margin of traders in the state, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reduced by 40 per cent the levy paid in selected markets. Obaseki announced the cut when he received members of the Market Women Association led by Madam Blackie Ogiamien, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, in Benin City, Edo State. In a related development, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state have thrown their weight behind Governor Godwin Obaseki for delivering the dividends of democracy to the people. According to the governor, traders who would benefit from the cut are those whose businesses are not viable in Agbado, Oliha, Ogiso and Uwa markets in Benin City, the state capital, and declared that traders who were paying N5,000 before the announcement, will now pay N3,000. He assured market women that his administration has made double ticketing and touting history in the state, noting that he would give priority to Edo citizens on job creation. He said that in the coming months, the state government would ensure that power, water and sanitation issues receive the desired attention in all the markets within Benin metropolis. Obaseki said that traders who trade in densely populated areas would have access to health care services. He urged the traders to support his administration’s effort to eradicate child labour in the state by reporting suspected cases to the appropriate authority. Earlier, the leader of the trad-

ers, Madam Blackie Ogiamien, commended the governor for the steps taken to spread development across the state, adding that Obaseki’s governance style is worth commending. She lauded the governor’s resolve to address double taxation and touting which place much burden on the traders, noting that the gesture would increase their profit. The State Chairman of NURTW, Mr Odio Olaye who led other members of the union on a solidarity walk to the Government House in Benin City, commended the governor for what he called “the good work Obaseki has done within a short time in office,” and assured that members of the union are behind him. He urged those peddling falsehood to distract the governor to desist from the act and maintained that the governor deserved to be praised. The union leader said: “It is only those who are blind that will not see the good work you are doing. You are building roads, we are seeing the projects and our members are happy with you. We appreciate the good work you are doing with the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA), the vigilante group and the Public Works Volunteers (PUWOV) programme.” In his remark, the governor expressed appreciation to members of the union for their support and assured that: “My administration is determined to make life more meaningful for the average Edo person. My vision is to transform the economy and make the state viable for businesses to thrive. I have engaged contractors to rehabilitate and reconstruct roads across the 18 local government areas of the state.”

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike (l) with legal practitioner, OCJ Okocha during the Celebration of 40 years of Legal Practice of Hon. Onueze Okocha (SAN) by the Okpo Club of Nigeria (Association of Ikwerre Lawyers Worldwide) and the Inaugural Okpo Club Awards which held, Tuesday.

Obaseki assures FRSC of support, wants strong collaboration with EDSTMA

DO State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured the state command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), of support and collaboration in the management of road traffic and reduction of road crashes. Obaseki gave the assurance when he played host to the new Edo State Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr. Anthony Oko, who called at the Government House, in Benin City. The governor said that the state will collaborate with the FRSC on traffic management, noting that efforts will be made

to strengthen collaboration between the FRSC and the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) to ensure free flow of traffic across the state. He added that with the state’s status as a transportation hub, there is need for even stronger collaboration between the two traffic management bodies. Obaseki said: “I acknowledge the role the FRSC is playing to reduce road accident in the country. As a federal agency, the FRSC has the equipment and experience, which I will want EDSTMA to tap from.”

He assured the sector commander that the state government would assist the state command of FRSC to refurbish one of its offices, which was affected by rainstorm.The Sector Commander, Mr. Oko, expressed appreciation to governor Obaseki for the quick response in rehabilitating the Lucky Way Road, which has eased traffic gridlock experienced in the area in the past. Oko assured the governor that the Command would continue to work round the clock to ensure that roads in the state are safe for road users.

Asaba 2018: We are ready to host Africa – Okowa

S Asaba prepares to hosts Africa during the 21st Africa Senior Athletics Competition in August, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has assured of the state readiness for the competition. Governor Okowa, gave the assurance, Tuesday, when he paid an unscheduled visit to inspect the completion work at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, immediately after his resumption from a two weeks leave. At the stadium, he said that the state was ready to host the ath-

letes and visitors for the Asaba 2018 competition, stating that all the major works at the stadium have been completed. “We are ready to host the African Senior Athletics Competition, most of the facilities are ready and by Sunday, few days from now, all the facilities will be ready for the opening ceremony; I was happy that we had a successful African trial as it showed our preparedness to host the whole of Africa”, Senator Okowa said. The Governor, who was conducted round the facilities by the LOC Chairman, Chief Solomon

Ogba, enjoined Deltans in particular and NIgerians to turn up enmasse to watch the competition stressing that “as Deltans, we should be proud that we are hosting the whole of Africa, we should be proud and we expect Nigerians to turn up and cheer the athletes.” Governor Okowa had inspected the drainage project at Summit Road, Asaba and expressed satisfaction at the pace and quality of work, assuring that Asaba was ready to host hitch-free championship.

bringing the total number of defectors to 15. Thirty six members of the House of Representatives formerly in the fold of the APC also dumped the party and moved to the PDP. The Representatives in a letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, officially announced their defection during plenary on Tuesday. Daniel, who would not speak much on the defection saying he had yet to get the full details, however said that the more the merrier for the party, which looked forward to regaining power at the centre in 2019. The former governor, who is also the Director General of the Abubakar Atiku Campaign Organisation, (AACO) in the PDP, said that the former vice president remained well placed to win the presidential

ticket of the party. Daniel said that in Nigeria, the systems are still not strong enough and the nation needs a strong leader who can drive development in the country, which gives Atiku an edge. Asked of the reported negative stance of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to Atiku’s bid for the presidency over the years and the implication of this, Daniel said that the ex-president could always have a change of mind. According to him, if the former president backed President Buhari in 2015, he could also change his mind concerning Atiku, depending on the information at his disposal. “New things emerge and positions change. Maybe OBJ has gotten other information that may make him change his mind. Once upon a time he said that Buhari will not be President but he changed his mind,” he said.

Defections: We should be congratulated – PDP chieftain Daniel

ormer governor of Ogun State, Chief Gbenga Daniel, says the Peoples Democratic Party PDP) should be congratulated for the gains it made in the upper and lower legislative chambers of the National Assembly on Tuesday. Daniel, who spoke with newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday, said that the season of politics was in the air again. Asked of his reaction to the defection of members to the party in the National Assembly, he said, “I think you should congratulate us”. In a letter to the President of the Senate, signed by 14 senators, they indicated their intention to leave the ruling APC for the opposition PDP. Shortly after reading the letter, Saraki also announced that Sen. Murtala Nyako has also indicated his intention to leave the APC,

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1 2018

NEWS Extra Ugwuanyi approves purchase of 42 patrol vans for effective policing

nugu State Government says it plans to purchase no fewer than 42 patrol vans to reinforce security of lives and property in the state. Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi said this on Tuesday in Enugu during a civic reception in his honour by the GRA Enugu Neighbourhood Watch Association (GENWA). The state government had in February donated 22 patrol vans to the police command in the state. The governor, however, said that the state had approved the purchase of additional 42 in keeping with his administration’s resolve to secure the state. He said Neighbourhood watch Associations in the state would also benefit from the allocation of patrol vans. On the allegation that the GRA recreation centre was under threat by land speculators, the governor warned against any form of encroachment on the land. Earlier in an address of welcome, the Chairman of the association, Prof. Agu Gab, said the event was aimed at celebrating good governance in the state. He said members of the association were encouraged by the fact that the governor had within three years of his administration effected positive change in every aspect of the people’s lives. “Your administration has continued to record verifiable achievements with human face,” he said. Agu commended the governor for his passion in the welfare of public servants in the state as well as those of traders, artisans and students. He said residents of the GRA wanted to be part of the success story and would wish that the state government extend its massive infrastructural revolution to the area. “Many roads within the GRA have become so deplorable that residents find it difficult to drive to their homes,” he said. He said it was sad that contracts for the construction of some of the roads were hitherto awarded, work started but abandoned halfway. “This has caused erosion to threaten many buildings in the areas,” he said. He said GENWA being the first of such associations wanted to contribute to the security of lives and property in the state. Agu appealed for the donation of patrol vans to enhance effective participation in community policing in the area. He also appealed to the governor to intervene in the alleged plan by some land speculators to sell off the only recreation facility in the area. “The conversion of Polo Park to shopping mall has deprived the GRA community of a recreation centre,’’ Agu said. He said residents of the area irrespective of party affiliations had resolved to support the future political ambition of the governor.

I formerly known as MISS OKONKWO IFEOMA CHRISTIANA now wish to be known as MRS ONODUGO IFEOMA CHRISTIANA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

No referendum, no election in S/East -- IPOB From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

he Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) has said that past and present elections had never been to the benefit of the common man; as it had been serially manipulated by those it referred to as the “corrupt ruling class” which, it saidf, must be halted next year. Sending out a word of caution in its press statement made available to journalists in Awka, Tuesday, and signed by the Media and Publicity Secretary of the pro-Biafra group, Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB said that “elections in Nigeria has never benefited the common man since 1963. The age long manipulation of Southerners by the ruling Fulani caliphate in every election since 1963 in Nigeria is a strategy that has repeatedly occurred and

cannot be reversed unless we take the bull by the horn and stop the entire voting process in every election until our demand for a referendum is acceded to.” Seeing the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration as totalitarian, IPOB bemoaned the prevailing ‘humiliating disregard for constitutional protocol by the regime and APC, with reference to the ongoing treatment of lawmakers and senior officers of the legislature using by the police, DSS and the military’, saying that this ‘confirms what we have been saying all along, that in Nigeria voters card is almost valueless.’ Describing its demand as being very simple, IPOB want self-determination through a very peaceful and democratic process which is

referendum. Or the world would witness an avoidable cataclysmic implosion of Nigeria while the inevitable resultant tidal wave of black refugees heading to Britain, Europe and United States would follow. “IPOB is the only movement with the mettle, presence and clout to put a halt to the charade called elections in the South South and South East in 2019. The manipulation of electoral outcomes by the corrupt ruling class must be put to an end next year. This is a golden opportunity for all lovers of freedom and liberty to effect a positive and lasting change. “It is important we let every politician in Nigeria who doubt our resolve or feel that IPOB will bulge in its determination to boycott every election in Biafraland come 2019, to understand that they are dreaming.

“IPOB has proven and will continue to provide a platform for disenchanted and disenfranchised citizens- regardless of ethnicity and religion, who believe in the irreducibility of fundamental freedoms such as liberty, right to self-determination, free speech and right to peaceful assembly. “Voting in a bunch of hardened semi-illiterate people into power in Nigerian elections has never benefited anybody. Thankfully a majority of Biafran people have come to the full realisation that only a total and complete boycott of elections in South East and South South can disorganize Nigeria sufficiently enough to pave the way for a peaceful referendum to be conducted or they face the unpalatable option of a chaotic disintegration of the country.”

APC chieftain lambasts Umahi over comment on party leaders By CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

• The new state of Imo APC being inaugurated by the Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General of the state, Barr Nlemedim

Oshiomhole directive: Suspend Ngige now – Group demands From CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

ro-Buhari group, Initiatives for Demonstrating Change in Nigeria has vowed to embark on a protest against the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Senator Chris Ngige if he fails to obey the directive of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole. The group also called on the National Working Committee of the APC led by the chairman, Oshiomhole to suspend the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige for gross insubordination. The group also alleged that Ngige worked against the emergence of the former Edo State governor as National chairman of the APC, and yet still plotting to undermine the leadership of the national chairman. In a statement issued in Abakaliki, Monday, the National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Chinedu Ogah, described the reaction of the Minister as disrespectful and gross insubordination to the supremacy of the party. The coordinator also alleged that since the former Edo governor emerged the chairman of the party, the Minister had treated him with

much disdain which was capable of undermining the fortunes of the party. The group threatened that if the Minister did not retract the statement and tender an apology to the National chairman within three days, the group would protest against the Minister in all the states of the southeast zone. The group further lambasted the minister for not applying decorum and respect to the decision of the party’s leaders, which if implemented would have brought the Party in more limelight. “The Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige is a liability to APC in the country. In the southeast, he has not contributed anything for promotion and growth of the party. Ngige worked against Dr. Tony Nwoye in the last election and he was among the few leaders of the southeast who opposed the decision of the President, Muhammadu Buhari when Oshiomole was adopted as the consensus candidate for the election as National chairman of APC. “He conspired with other leaders and converged on Enugu where they pledged support for the reelection of the former chairman, John Oyegun. It is our common

knowledge that Ngige never supported or wanted the emergence of Oshiomole as APC national chairman. “We are giving the Minister, three days ultimatum to retract his statement and apologize to the National chairman. Failure to do that, we will protest against him in all the States of the southeast. The action of the minister amounts to gross insubordination to the supremacy of the Party. The non-constitution of some of the boards and parastatals have projected the ruling party in bad light which the New Party leadership wants to correct and somebody who has not contributed anything to the party is opposing the laudable directives”, the group said. It further called on the President to begin to ward off members of his cabinet who oppose the transformation bought to the party by the Oshiomhole’s leadership. The group therefore passed vote of absolute confidence on the Oshiomhole’s led National Working Committee of the party, urging them to remain steadfast and committed in repositioning the party for the optimum task of providing better leadership in the country.

chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tuesday, Chief Chima, fired back at the Governor of the state, Chief David Umahi, over his recent comment on some of the leaders of the party in the state. Chima described Umahi’s comment as “abusive and insulting.” He said that it was uncharitable and most unfair for the Governor to often describe the leaders of the party in bad light, as according to him, Umahi cannot measure up with them. Chima made his opinion known in a press briefing at the party’s secretariat located along Abakaliki/Afikpo federal road. Umahi had, while denying the reports trending in the social media that he had dumped the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the APC, said that he cannot join the party with the kind of failed leaders it has in Ebonyi. The governor said that some of the leaders have failed the state woefully and that he can never be on the same political platform with them. “Very worrisome is the fact that his utterances most often are vituperative and invective and centred on established leaders whose academic, social, economic, cultural and spiritual credentials are so largesized a shoe that his small legs cannot enter”, he said. Egwu said: “Many of the leaders of the party who included the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu; former governor of the state, Chief Martin Elechi; and Chief Chris Nwankwo among so many others are far better than Umahi in several ways”. Chief Chima said while Dr Onu was the governor of Abia State, his achievements within his short stay in office was remarkable and even more now as a minister. The APC chieftain advised the governor to stop deceiving the public with “his self-acclaimed friendship with President Muhammadu Buhari” saying it was “a notion which is more of a fiction than fact-based.” “You may therefore have become very friendly with every Head of Department under Buhari but not the President himself. It is not possible if you know Buhari very well when your lifestyle does not correspond to his as it is evidently the case with you”, he added.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

Crime ‘I killed only four persons’ Four in police net for stealing MTN telecom •20-year-old girl Eiye Confraternity killer squad leader confesses equipment ammunition was recovered. Stories by XAVIER NDAH

our suspected armed robbers said to be specialists in stealing telecommunication equipment have been arrested for vandalizing the MTN telecommunications in Lagos. The suspects according to the police were intercepted following information received from a credible source that MTN installation at Mowo, Badagry had been vandalized by four men suspected to be robbers. Police said from investigations the men are experts at stealing communication equipment. It was gathered that based on the information received the police reacted promptly to the information as the Command dispatched a decoy team to monitor the facility. “Their efforts paid off when they intercepted a white Mazda Bus with Reg No MUS 175 XW with five occupants in front of Arena Shopping Complex, Oshodi Lagos. Police gave their names as Monday Ogbonna, 40,Bamiji Akanni, 42,Sunday Odewale, 51 and Anthony Ibe,30. Commenting on the incident, Commissioner of Police, CP, Imohimi Edgal said the vehicle was searched and 16 pieces of inverter batteries were recovered from it. “Other exhibits recovered from the suspects are Mazda bus with registration number MUS 175 XW, white colour, Navy blue colour Toyota Hilux Van marked KTU 658 EW and 16 pieces of inverter batteries” he stated. The Cp said the suspects will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is over.

20 –year-old girl Maryam Abiola has confessed to the police for being the leader of a killer squad for the Eiye confraternity cult group in Lagos. The girl said she was being who was being paid N10,000 for each assignments explained that she has no feeling for doing such as she just take it as a normal job in as much as she was being paid for the services. The suspect who was arrested by police detectives attached to the Ilasamaja Police said she is a member of Eiye confraternity and also the amourer of the deadly group confessed to have personally killed four people. She further revealed that she is under oath administered to her by herbalist Adio Ogunremi, who is also being arrested by the police. It was gathered that they all work for the blood thirsty cultist, Sodiq Oyewunmi who is already in Police net. She also revealed that the box of arms was given to one wasiu who is now on the run. Commissioner of police, Lagos State, Imohimi Edgal said the suspect was arrested following an information received from a credible source that two rival cult groups were fighting in Alafia Area of Mushin. He said detectives from FSARS Ikeja swiftly mobilized to the scene where they arrested one Sodiq Oyewunmi and one Ihioma Emeka respectively, who were subsequently searched during which, two live cartridges and two locally made revolver pistols with 9mm

He said during investigation, the suspects Sodiq Oyewunmi confessed to be a member of secret cult group known as Eiye Confraternity. He further stated that during their cult activities, his brother named Waheed Oyewunmi was shot dead by the rival cult group called Aiye Confraternity led by the said Emeka Ihioma whom he alleged, pulled the trigger of the gun that killed his brother. Upon interrogation, Emeka Ihioma admitted to killing Waheed Oyewunmi during a revenge mission on Eiye members that allegedly killed one of their members by name Michael at Okomola area of Ilasan. Emeka Ihioma further stated that his group decided to kill Sodiq’s brother when all efforts to kill Sodiq failed. Also, investigation led to the arrest of one Adio Ogunremi of No 9 Godwin Omomus Street, Ilasan, a herbalist and one of the sponsors of Eiye Confraternity and one Abdulrasak Yusuf who is the amourer that keeps the guns and other dangerous weapons for the Aiye group. This also led to the arrest of the 20-year- old girl Maryam. Maryam said she fled her parents’ home from Abeokuta to Lagos in search of greener pasture and on her arrival she end up living with a group of boys at Ilasa and one of the suspect Sodiq said she does not need to work as she can join them in their business and get good money as reward rather than working for somebody for a meager amount. “Brother Sodiq said I have to join

•Maryma

them in Aiye and I joined them he took me to a native doctor who administer an oath on me that I should not reveal their secret he gave me something to eat and there after he taught me how to shoot a gun. He trained me for three days and I was taught to shoot a wall and since then whenever there is a job to kill he will release the gun with a picture of the person he wants us to kill and we succeeded killing four before I was arrested. “We are three of us who go for the killing and when we want to kill we dress in hijab and we hide or guns under our white hijab and once we enter any compound we fire or target and leave immedi-

ately, personally I have killed four and brother sodiq used to pay me N10,000 but give others N20,000. “My parent live in Abeokuta, Bro Sodiq is not my relation or boyfriend Segun who I live with is my boyfriend. Yes I am now feeling bad but before once they as me to go I will go because it is an order. I finished my secondary education at Grammer school Abeokuta. Other members of the group that kill are Wasiu and Segun we are three of us but I handle the gun Maryam explained. Police gave names of suspects arrested so far in connection with the case as Sodiq Oyewunmi ,24, Ihioma Emeka 25,Adio Ogunremi, 40,Abdulrasak Yusuf,32,Ironka Junior, 22,Segun Ademola,35,Anu Akinowo, 21, and Maryam Abiola the only woman in the group arrested, 20. Exhibit recovered from suspects are; two live catradges, two Locally made revolver Pistol, nine pieces of 9mm live ammunition. Police gave names of other cultists arrested during the period under review in other areas in the state as Ama Egwu,36,Chukwu Njokwu, 36,Joseph Oladayo, 27 ,Olasile Fasanya,28,Richard Eze ,27,Ayandibu Ayolare.32,Sulaiman Razaq,26 and Adeniran Yusuf, 25. Exhibits recovered from them amongst others are one double barrel locally made pistol and two live cartridges. Meanwhile Edgal said the suspect will soon be charged to court while the police have spread its dragnet to apprehend others on the run.

NDLEA celebrity club honours Lagos CP

Drug Law EnforceMasked driver ThementNational Agency, NDLEA, celebrity club has decorated the Commisrobs boss sioner of Police Edgal Imohimi with an award of excellence in illicit drug fighting in the state. A The club presented the award 32- year -old driver has been arrested by the police for allegedly robbing his master at gun point in his house. The suspect Solomon James was arrested when he invaded his master’s simply identified as Utchay Odims home at plot 382, Ademola Ajasa Street, Omole Estate, in Lagos. It was gathered that the suspect had forced himself inside and held the complainant hostage at gun point and to avoid being identified, the suspect masked his face with a woven material. He ordered the complainant to be face down and he tied his hands backward to disable him. Police said the suspect had started ransacking the entire house and demanded for the complainant’s ATM Card and the wife. Police said” the suspect had demanded for money but the suspect had no much cash with him. He tried to transfer money with the ATM but he could not due to network failure he became aggressive and asked the victim to surrender his car key and the original car document which he did. The suspect who also armed himself with a Gold-Circle Condom asked persistently for the victim’s wife, who was unavailable at that material time. He succeeded in robbing the victim of the sum of N 38,000 and car key, including his ATM card. “On receipt of the information, Police Operatives from Lagos State Command swung into action and mobilized to the scene. As soon as the

Cont’d on page 43

during an advocacy visit to his office during the week. Members of the club comprising the President of The Drug Salvation of Nigeria and coordinator of the group, Mr. Wilson Ighodalo, and top celebrities in the entertainment industry presented the award at the presence of the top police officers of the command Among those present was the president of the Directors of Actors Guide of Nigeria, DAGN, Mr. Fred Amata, popular actor, Mr. Victor Osuagwu and other producers and as well as actors well known in Nigeria. Speaking at the event, Mr. Ighodalo said that the essence of forming the club was to give back to the society and having celebrities campaign against drug abuse especially by the youths in the society. He regretted that many youths had become victims of abuse and when they see those celebrities talking to them, they will listen and leave the abuse. He noted that since Mr. Edgal took over as the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, he had been championing the cause; the club noted his contributions, agreed to honour and encourage him to do more. He told the police boss that the members had being going round across the states campaign-

CP Edgal and members of the drug club

ing against drug abuse despite their tight schedules because of the danger it posed to the youths and the nation. He assured that they will not relent in their efforts for a drug abuse free society. In response, CP Edgal thanked the group and noted the effect of drug abuse by the youths which posed serious danger in the society. He said that he had been championing the course because he was aware

of the consequences as it was when those drugs were taken that other vices were committed in the society. He promised that he will not relent and will support the group to ensure that the campaign was a success in the greater interest of the society. The president of DAGN, Mr. Amata, thanked the CP and spoke in the same direction about the effect of drugs abuse in the society. He

promised to continue the fight and enjoined other celebrities to join the club as a way of giving back to the society. Other speakers at the event spoke almost the same thing as veteran actor, Mr. Osuagwu, sought the support of everybody in order to rescue youths who had become victims and find ways of rehabilitating them to become useful in the society.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

Crime

Girl 19, stage-manages own kidnapped …demands N600,000 from father Stories by XAVIER NDAH

19- year- old girl has been arrested for planning her own kidnapped to collect money from her father, Police sources said the suspect was arrested following a petition from the father Adilewa Taiwo that her daughter Dorcas Adilewa was kidnapped by unknown hoodlums. The father a resident of No.3, Kosumi Lane, Bello-Ketu, Lagos we gathered had reported at Ketu police station that he was at Odogbolu in Ogun State attending a burial rite when he received a call from phone number 09057432362 telling him that, his daughter, Dorcas Adilewa ,was being held hostage by them and that if he does not want her killed, he should pay a ransom of N600,000 to secure her release. It was gathered that the case was immediately transferred to the AntiKidnapping Section, SCIID, Panti for discreet investigation. Police said “investigation into the case was immediately commenced and the phone number that was used by the suspects was geo-located to Ijebu-Igbo area of Ogun State. The O/C Anti-Kidnapping led his operatives to Ijebu-Igbo on July 12 at about 2200hrs and combed the area in search of the supposed victim till the following morning of july 13. While the search was ongoing at Ijebu-Igbo, the location of the supposed kidnappers changed on the morning of July 13, to Ikotun in Lagos and the search party had to move from Ijebu-Igbo to IKotun in Lagos to rescue the victim. According to the police, “when the fake kidnappers realized that, the Police were closing in on them, the supposed victim decided to call the complainant to inform him that she has been released, after he had deposited the sum of N8,000.00 in her UBA’s account number: 2087804991” the police said. It was gathered that when the said Dorcas Adilewa was arrested she confessed by revealing that, she actually planned with her friend, one Ifeoluwa

•Docas Adilewa(Left) and Ifeoluwa Ogunbanjo

Ogunbanjo who provided her with accommodation at No. 174, Adeboye road, Okesopin, Ijebu Igbo in Ogun State to hide and her phone was used in demanding for the ransom of N600, 000.00. The girl revealed to the police that she just wanted to extort money from the father. In a chat with The Oracle Today the girl exonerated her friend whom she used her mobile telephone to contact her friend’s father. “I planned this to help my mother to repay the loan she collected. The owners of the money are disturbing her and my father refused to help her even my uncle who is very rich and can help refused to help. So I planned the fake kidnapped to col-

lect money from him. I left Lagos to Ijebu- Igbo to make it look real, I am working at Key Bet and the money is not enough, even now I am not being paid. I went to hide in my friend’s house in Ijebu Igbo and use her telephone to be calling my father in Lagos. I had gone back when my father paid N8,000 into my account unknown to me that the police were already looking for me and I was arrested. Orcas explained. Meanwhile , her friend one Ifeoluwa Ogunbanjo who was sobbing bitterly pleaded that she knows nothing about the arrangement as her friend only went to their house as a visitor and she had no premonition of what she was up to. According to her, “she came to

our house and we welcome her as my friend and when she demanded for my phone to make a call I couldn’t refuse because she is my friend. I was wondering why she always go a distance to make calls not wanting me to hear her conversation not until now that the police came to arrests me. Please I don’t know anything about it; she has spoilt the name of my family. See what a friend can drag me into. This girl has killed me and my family, look at the shame. What will I tell my people? Commissioner of police,Lagos command Edgal Imohimi said investigation into the matter is in progress and on completion the suspects will be charged to court.

house to effect his arrest on the allegation of performing ‘FAKE’ miracles. He stated that after his arrest, he was taken to one hotel at Agege where he was detained and threatened to be killed if he fails to cooperate. He explained further that on the following day 5th June 2017, he was taken to bank where he was made to transfer seven million Naira to one of the operative’s account. On the receipt of the petition the AIG ordered Investigation into the case.

On the strength of Investigation it was revealed that no proper police procedure for Investigation was followed in Mr chukwudi’s arrest and that the four SARS operatives actually abducted the man from his house and Unlawfully detained him in the hotel under the guard of the suspects for personal gain. Who were subsequently found guilty during the orderly room trial for professional misconduct, corrupt practices and discreditable conduct were dismissed and consequently

charged to court on criminal charges of Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Unlawful Detention, Stealing, Intimidation and threatening violence. The Police Public Relations Officer of zone 2 command, CSP Dolapo Badmos while parading the suspects reiterated the AIG’S directive that the force will not tolerate any act of misconduct that undermines the value of International best practices of policing as she stated further that any police officer or men found guilty will not be spared.

Four SARS operatives dismissed

he Assistant Inspector General in charge of zone 2 command, AIG Adamu Ibrahim has upheld the recommendation of police disciplinary body that recommended dismissal of four policemen attached to Special Anti Robbery Squad Ikeja, Lagos (SARS). The four policemen who were dismissed and subsequently charged to court on offences of Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, Unlawful detention, Intimidation and threatening violence being the report of the Investigation carried out against them when one Mr Chukwudi Godwin Odionye popularly referred to as ‘Bishop’ submitted a petition against the four on 2nd day of May 2018. The policemen Sergent Adeoye Adekunle, AdeniraAdebowale’, Agbi Lucky, Odighe Hehosa all sergent were dismissed following a petition from a member of the public that on the 4th of June 2017, he was in his house around Alagbado Lagos when the four armed men stormed his

Masked driver robs boss Continued from Pg 42 suspect noticed Police presence in the compound, he jumped the fence to escape but was apprehended. The items so far robbed were recovered from him. During interrogation, it was discovered that he suspect was the complainant’s domestic driver whose appointment was terminated two month ago” the police said. In a chat with the Oracle newspapers, the suspect a native of Okrika in Rivers state said he stopped working for the man because he was owing him about N20,000. He said he went to the house to collect his salary and when he got there he met the master alone at home but was unable to say why he was armed and masked to demand for his money. “When I got there I ordered my master to lie face down or get killed and he obeyed. I tied the house girl with rope while I ordered the house help to tie his master, so I am not the one who tied the man. “When I entered the house I asked him , what he has for me , he said he had no sufficient money but he has N50,000 in his account which he can transfer for me and I agreed but there was no network and he was unable to transfer. He then said he had some money in the room and we went into the room he said he had money in his suit and when I wanted to remove the money he said that was his tithe and another money which I didn’t count but the money was not much. “I then asked for his car key because I needed to get away from the place quickly and I told him I will not steal the car but I will leave it at a point for him to pick. At that pint the police came” he explained. In a similar vein, police said a Police patrol team on Pin-Down Point received a distress call that, a Toyota Camry Car with Reg. No. BDG-306-FD with four occupants robbed a night club/bar in Ikoyi area at gun point. It was gathered that the robbers were alleged to have shot sporadically to scare people before escaping with their loots such as phones, gold jewelries and cash. The said vehicle with its four occupants was intercepted by the eagle eyed policemen on Pin-Down duty at Falomo Under Bridge. The gang hurriedly alighted from the vehicle with a black bag and took to their heels but the team chased after them and arrested one Stephen Joseph. Upon searching the vehicle, one Revolver Pistol and one black toy gun were recovered from the back seat arm-rest of the car where it was concealed. Commissioner of Police Lagos Command said “during interrogation, the said Stephen Joseph confessed that, four of them went out to rob at Lekki and a Police patrol team chased them inward Ikota Jakande area of Lekki and in the process the gang’s operational vehicle an unregistered Toyota Camry, red in colour, entered a ditch and the front side badly damaged due to over speeding. “As a result, the notorious gang went ahead to snatch another Toyota Camry with the above mentioned registration number with the intention of selling it and use the proceed to repair their damaged operational vehicle” he explained. According to him, investigation is on with a view to arresting other gang members still at large. He said other robbery suspects arrested during the period under review are Rasheed Yusuf,45, Sola Adeogun , a.k.a Otunba,28, Femi Adegbile,29, Johnson Ijiola,27,Ajayi John, 41, Ajayi Kamoru, 47, Wilfred Godonu,34,Saheed Sosanya and Segun Adeyemi, 25. Edgal said exhibits recovered include, one double barrel locally made pistol; Two live cartridges;One AK47 Rifle;Two Rifle Magazines; Sixty rounds of live ammunition; and four phones.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1 2018

NEWS Police nab over 7 suspected burglars, vandals in Abakaliki

he Police Command in Ebonyi says it has arrested more than seven house-breakers and vandals in different parts of Abakaliki. The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Loveth Odah, who disclosed this, Tuesday, however, declined to mention the names of the suspects arrested. Odah said the arrest of the suspects was part of the command’s efforts at strengthening its strategy on community policing. He appealed to residents of the state to support the efforts of the police at maintaining law and order by reporting the movement of suspicious characters in their localities. She also advised motorists to ensure the safety of their vehicles by parking them in areas where there was maximum security. Residents of the area have been complaining of frequent incidences of burglary and vandalism of their property.

Mr Ernest Ozuma, a Barber at Nkwogu street Abakaliki, said that his barbing salon was recently burgled. “I went to my shop last Friday to discover that it had been burgled and the tools carted away by the burglars. I suspect that the burglars knew my movements and might have studied the environment adequately before carrying out the act,” he said. A motorist, Mr Jerry Ofuokwu, said his car was vandalised by unidentified persons on Thursday. “The vandals carted away my battery and other items and the most painful aspect is that I regularly pay my security levies for the upkeep of vigilantes in the area. “I don’t see the need of maintaining the vigilance outfits when they cannot secure our property; the police should also increase its surveillance in various parts of the town,” he said.

Planned Third Mainland Bridge closure shifted to August

he proposed three-day closure of the Third Mainland Bridge for Investigative Maintenance Test earlier scheduled to last from July 27 to July 30 has been shifted to August 24 to August 26. Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, said on Tuesday the decision was taken after consultations with the Lagos State Government and other relevant stakeholders. Fashola said the date shift was done “in order to give succour and relief to the people of Lagos State and other inter-state road users and support the efforts of the State Government.” The Minister said he had directed the immediate deployment of trucks to the Apapa trailer park under construction which could accommodate about 300 trucks as part of efforts to decongest the Oshodi-Apapa Ex-

pressway. He said this was a short term measure while construction works for the shoreline protection of the truck park continued. “Also, the on-going palliative work on the sections of the Apapa-Oshodi Road, the on-going construction of the road leading to the Apapa Port from Ijora will soon be completed. “The main exit route through Tincan – Oshodi – Oworonshoki is under procurement for award. When completed, the project will enable free flow of traffic in the axis. “Also following the visit of the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, to Lagos in connection with the Apapa Port Gridlock, the Federal Government has said, as a short term measure, a call up system in the control of truck movement would be introduced,” he said.

THE ORACLE BUSINESS ARENA

• Commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Enugu State Command, Mr Steve Amoga (2nd right); Executive Director DULF Leadership Centre, Mr Nkemakolam Ukwu (right); Administrative Secretary DULF, Comr Felix Enavwose; and Public Relations Officer (PRO), NSCDC Enugu, Mr Denny-Manuel Iwuchukwu during a courtesy visit by DULF Centre on NSCDC in Enugu.

2019: CNPP adopts Onovo’s vision

onference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) South-West, Tuesday resolved to endorse Chief Martin Onovo, a 2019 presidential hopeful, as the face of the “New Nigeria”. The South-West Chairman of the CNPP, Alhaji Yinka Olona, disclosed this at the 2018 Summit of the conference, tagged: “Rebuilding Democratic Values in Nigeria”, held in Lagos. Onovo is a presidential aspirant on the platform of the National Conscience Party (NCP) Olona said that the CNPP recognised Onovo’s invaluable contributions to the growth of democracy and good governance in Nigeria. “Consequently, the entire members of CNPP in the South-West have resolved to recognise you as the face of the New Nigeria, in endorsement of your vision for the New Nigeria of our dream. “Onovo is a right man and he can do the job if given the opportunity. We are not, however, unmindful of the possibility of other people coming on board,” he said. The chairman said that the summit was organised to look at the nation’s democracy and how it could be moved forward. According to him, the conference will give its support to any presidential candidate that can stem the tide

of killings, promote rule of law and ensure economic prosperity for ordinary Nigerians. In his address, Onovo said that Nigeria’s problem was bad leadership. He said that the country had both human and material resources to create prosperity for its citizens. According to him, terrorism, poverty, corruption, abuse of power, unemployment, high crime rate, lawlessness, among others, however, remain drawbacks in the country. “Most compatriots yearn for new Nigeria. It is our duty as patriotic politicians to get a clear vision of the new Nigeria and ensure the realisation of that vision. “The vision of a new Nigeria is a united, developed, peaceful, prosperous and powerful country. To achieve this vision, we must get the right leadership. The right leader must be a new-breed politician that is patriotic, ethical, visionary and competent,” he said. According to him, such leader must come from the right geopolitical zone to prevent political domination, promote federal character, national unity and democratic representation. “If we get the right leadership in 2019, our super abundant human and material resources will be efficiently managed to achieve our vision of a new Nigeria. 2019 is the

immediate opportunity we have to give Nigeria the right leadership. ”Let us pray, register to vote, evaluate candidates, support, vote and defend our votes,” he said. In his remark, Chief Odunayo Aduloju, representing Malam Balarabe Musa, the National Chairman of CNPP said the conditions of the country saddening for him. “We need a leader that is detribalized, who cares for the people’s welfare and that will bring us out of insecurity; an energetic youth,” Musa said. In his keynote address, Dr Adegbola Dominic, representing Chief Olabode George, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said that CNPP could shake the country again if united. According to him, true democracy is the hope of country, as power and sovereignty belong to the people, not their representatives. George called for the practice of true federalism, saying arbitrariness of power must not be tolerated. “Civility, moderation and reasonable compromise are the lubricant for successful democracy. Citizens should work together for the good of all. The government should make laws that are good for everyone. Everyone should get same treatment,” he said.

CHANGE OF NAME I formally known as MISS PATIENCE AMANZE now wish to be addressed as MRS PATIENCE AJUONU, all former documents remain valid, general public please take note

I formerly known as MISS OBIDIEGWU FLORA CHINYERENWA now wish to be known as MRS OBIKWELU FLORA CHINYERENWA.All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Banks and General public take note

This is to certify that IBE JUSTINA NKECHI and THELMA NKECHI is one and the same person now wish to be known as Mrs NWABUISI JUSTINA THELMA NKECHI. All former documents remain valid. Banks Schools, Government agencies and general public take note.

I formerly known as IDRIS DANLAMI DAVID and IDRIS DANLAMI MUHAMMED now wish to be known as FARUNA DANLAMI DANIEL. Born on 17th day of September, 1996.All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note

I formerly known as EMENIKE NONYE SYLVIA now wish to be known as ANAGONYE SYLVIA-CALLISTUS NONYE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as Miss ANEDU OGECHUKWU NWANYIBUIFE now wish to be known as MRS EZECHI OGECHUKWU NWANYIBUIFE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as ONYEAKUSI EZE KELVIN now wish to be known as ONYEAKUSI EZECHUKWU KELVIN. All former documents remain valid,Banks and general public take note.

I formerly known as EZEH TOCHUKWU IFEANYI now wish to be known as MATHEW CHRISTIAN. All former documents remain valid,Banks and general public take note.

I formerly known as NWITE CHARLES now wish to be known as NWITE IBEABUCHI CHARLES. All former documents remain valid,Banks and general public take note.

This is to confirm and clarify that EZUGWU CHISOM CHARLES and EZUGWU CHISOM CHARLES PETER are one and same person, now wish to be known as EZUGWU CHISOM CHARLES PETER. All former documents remains valid. Banks and general public take note.

I formerly known as MISS CALISTA ONYEKACHI KANU now wish to be known as MRS CALISTA ONYEKACHI CHIZOBA INNOCENT O. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

This is to certify that my name was wrongly written as AGBO FIDELIS C instead of AGBOWO FIDELIS CHINWUDE. My correct name is AGBOWO FIDELIS CHINWUDE and my correct date of birth is 12th December 1969. All former documents remain valid. Union bank plc, First bank plc, other banks and general public take note

The Oracle Today Wednesday AUGUST 1, 2018

SPORTS

•Gianni Infantino

Mikel’s father opens up on frosty relationship with him

s .Says “I’ve not spoken with him in 5 years”

By MADUABUCHI KALU, with agency report

HAT would have made son not to speak to a father? On the other hand, what type of crime a father would have committed that would make his son not to like to talk or speak with him? These are some of the questions agitating the minds of millions of Nigerians particularly football fans and stakeholders. Well, this is the plight of the father of Super Eagles and Tianjin TEDA captain, John Obi Mikel, Chief Michael Obi, who was recently rescued from the hands of kidnappers somewhere in Enugu State. Pa Obi who could no longer bear the agony of not talking to his illustrious son broke the silence last week saying for the past five years, he has not been able to talk to son (Mikel) except during one of the Eagles’ World Cup matches when the phone rang and his wife (Mikel’s mother) picked it and informed him that it was Mikel. He explained that it was the only time in more than five years that he has spoken to him and in that occasion he prayed for him that he will succeed. Continuing, Pa Obi disclosed that the nation’s team captain Mikel had confided in one of his brothers that any time he wants to call him (their father), something tells him not to so. The septuagenarian disclosed that his relationship with Mikel is an issue confessing that they do not know what to do. Chief Obi made the startling disclosure while granting interview with Daily Trust newspaper: “My relationship with Mikel is an issue, but we don’t know what to do. It’s over five years now without a phone call from

•Mike Obi and father him to me. But he communicates with his mother,” Pa Obi began. “There is nothing I have not done to fix it. God has told me that I should not feel hurt. When we start to talk about it, I say, ‘Well, as long as I see him on TV, doing great, no problem’. “During the just-concluded World Cup, one or two days to one of their matches, we spoke. He called his mum, and she told me that Nchekwube (Mikel) was on the phone and I told him that God will see him through. I prayed for him. That’s it,” Pa Obi disclosed. Speaking further, Pa Obi disclosed how Mikel put him to shame when he first joined Chelsea saying that his people in Anambra State were very excited that God has blessed one of their sons and when he returned to Abuja, they prepared very well with the hope that he would come to their

hometown but Mikel snubbed them. According to Pa Obi, that Mikel behavior was a very shameful thing to him and his people. “When he first joined Chelsea, my people in Anambra were very happy that God has blessed their son, and when he came to Abuja, they prepared very well with the hope that he will come to our hometown. They even made some magazines. It was grand. But he didn’t come. It was a shameful thing to me, as a father. “He once told his brother that sometimes he picks his phone to call me, but something tells him not to. “Sometime last year, he was to bring his twins so that I could name them, he said he would. But he didn’t. His other colleagues frequent home, so I don’t understand,” the septuagenarian lamented. It is recalled that many people

hailed Mikel recently for being a patriot when he disclosed that four hours before Eagles World Cup match against Iceland, he was informed of the kidnap of his father but he kept it a secret and crossed his mind to represent the country. It is now obvious from the disclosure of his father that Mikel probably does not have love or regard for his father, hence there is no way he would performed the way he did on that match with such a news. Meanwhile, since he is communicating with his mother on regular basis, he should make effort to defy that purported voice that always tells him not to call his biological father, who paved the way to his being the star he is today by being the very first person to introduce him to the beautiful game of football by registering him to the Pepsi Academy in Jos. A word they say is enough for the wise.

Forget it! There will be no other me – Okocha By MADUABUCHI KALU

ORMER Super Eagles’ mercurial midfielder, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, has advised Nigerians to forget making a comparison of him and any other player in the national team saying it is disrespectful to the players they are comparing him to. He said instead of making such comparison, national team selectors and coaches should exploit the talents and uniqueness of individual players that are available to them. Okocha reckoned that no two players are the same while exploiting other qualities of the players at their disposal. “I think we have reached a stage where we should de-emphasize making comparison of players because there no two players that are same. “I think we are all gifted in our own ways. There can never be another Amokachi or Kanu or whatever. “We just have to accept what we have and encourage them to do the best they can for the country. I don’t think it is fair comparing two players because you can never get two

I was so devastated “I couldn’t look at a football” –Neymar

same players,” Okocha declared. Okocha’s declaration is coming on the heels of constant lamentation by Nigerians that since he exited the national team, the Super Eagles have yet to get a replacement in his mode as the national team midfield yearns for visionary and creative player in his mode. Some Nigerians have even gone to the extent of suggesting that he should return to the squad saying he still has a lot to offer the Super Eagles, but the Ogwashiukwu, Delta State born Eagles legend will not bulge to such insinuation saying that there is time for everything and his decision to retire from active football remains sacrosanct. It is recalled that Okocha represented Nigeria in three World Cups during his illustrious career that span almost two decades. His exploit in 1998 FIFA World Cup will not be forgotten in a hurry as he distinguished himself in France which earned him an African transfer record in $17.5million transfer to Paris Saint Germaine, the first of such transfer record by an African player. Okocha is currently the Chairman

of Delta State Football Association and a nephew to Super Eagles’ and Arsenal attacking midfielder, Alex Iwobi. The former Bolton Wanderers captain started his football career with the Flying Antelope in the Coal City of Enugu in 1990 before he moved to Germany to play for Borussia Neunkirchen before he switched over to Eintracht Frankfurt in 1992.

RAZIL superstar, Neymar has disclosed that he was devastated that after his nation’s quarterfinal defeat to Belgium at the World Cup he couldn’t look at a ball and didn’t want to see any of the remaining matches. “I wouldn’t go as far as to say I didn’t want to play again but, I didn’t want to see a ball, or to see any more football played,” 26-year-old Neymar told AFP in an exclusive interview on Saturday. The PSG forward was talking at his Neymar Praia Grande institute where the Red Bull Neymar Jr 5’s (five-aside-soccer) tournament was being played. Dressed in a sleeveless t-shirt, with his six-year-old son Davi Lucca sat upon his knee, the striker was however in a relaxed mood as he explained his post-World Cup blues. “I was in mourning, I was really sad about it, but sadness passes, I have my son, my family, my friends and they don’t want to see me moping around. I’ve got more reason to be happy than sad,” said Neymar, reflecting on his team’s 2-1 quarter-final defeat to Belgium. Asked about reports in Spain linking him with a transfer to Real Madrid the forward said “that’s all speculation from the press.” “The guys who come up with these stories seem to know more about my life than I do. I won’t respond to this type of question because nothing happened,” he scoffed. The Brazilian superstar, who moved to PSG for a world record 222 million euros ($264 million) last year, insists that the burden of expectation on his shoulders — whether with his club or country — does not weigh heavily. “No, all the great players feel pressure,” he said. “It’s true that when it comes to me, there are double standards. I have been aware of this responsibility, not only for Brazil, but also in club football, since I was 17, 18 years old. “I have prepared myself to handle this pressure and I know that when the results are not what they should be then that pressure increases.” Neymar has been hit by a barrage of criticism for theatrical rolling around after being fouled at the World Cup, but says he should have been better protected.

Leicester rejects £12m bid for Ahmed Musa

EICESTER City have rejected a £12m (N5.7B) bid from Saudi Arabian club, Al Nassr for Nigerian international striker, Ahmed Musa. This much was disclosed by Daily Mail of London. The Oracle Today Sports gathered that Leicester are keen on recouping the £16.6m they spent on bringing the Nigerian International to the King Power Stadium. Musa, 25, joined from CSKA Moscow in July 2016 for a then clubrecord £16.6m but has only made 21 Premier League appearances, scoring two goals.

It is understood that Leicester would want to recoup the majority of that outlay if Musa were to leave this summer. The Nigeria international spent the second half of last season back on loan at CSKA and his second goal against Iceland has been nominated for goal of the tournament at the FIFA World Cup. The former Kano Pillars star is not lacking in suitors after showcasing his talents at the 2018 World Cup in addition to his performance while on loan at CSKA in the second half of last season.

•H

The Oracle Today Wednesday AUGUST 1, 2018

SPORTS

Accommodate more people in Eagles’ set-up, Amoo charges NFF R

Bale cancels wedding ceremony

Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

ORMER Flying Eagles assistant coach and the immediate past Technical Adviser of 3SC, Fatai Amoo, has called on the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), to accommodate more people on the national teams’ set especially the ex-internationals. Amoo, who is not impressed with the Super Eagles’ performance at the just-concluded 2018 FIFA World Cup said the call has become necessary because having seen that the backroom staff of the national teams of Belgium, Croatia and the like when taking pictures at the end of the Mundial showed that most of the backroom staff were former national team players. “I would like to start by saying that there is need to resolve the current crisis rocking the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). This is not healthy for our football,” Amoo began. “I don’t want to dwell on the negative side of our World Cup participation. As far as I am concerned, Eagles did not leave up to expectation despite being in a very difficult group. “I believe that they ought to have made it to at least the 2nd round of the competition but they allowed Argentina to carry the day. That was a match that had they tarried

a while, they would have made it to the next stage of the competition because they only needed a point in that game,” Amoo explained. “That Croatia played in the final of the championship showed that they are a very good side. “The fact that Eagles conceded only two goals also showed that we even tried because Croatia handed two time world champions, destroyed Argentina 3-0,” Amoo explained. Continuing he said: “Now that the World Cup has come and gone, there is need for the authorities to emulate how other countries run their football. I mean, the authorities should look a way of accommodating more people into the national team set-up as it is done in other countries. “I was thrilled when at the end of the World Cup I saw a lot of people who trooped out to take pictures with the Belgian national team same with Croatia. That is the way it should be,” Amoo declared. “All those people who flock the Belgian and Croatian national teams during their picture shoots are former national team players. That is exactly what the NFF should have done for some of our former players. “Accommodate them and make them part of the national team set up. I believe that the national teams have the capacity to accommodate

2018 ITTF sanctioned ‘Challenge Nigeria Open’ gets record entries

VER 168 players from top table tennis playing nations have beat the deadline of registration for the 2018 ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open scheduled for August 8 to 12 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. These record entries came as a result of appreciable improvement in quantity and quality of the Table Tennis Championship Notable countries that have their ping pong players beat the deadline for entries include China, England, Denmark, Norway, Thailand, Slovenia, Iran and Mauritius. These countries will be making their debut at the Africa’s elite tournament which is also the second highest prize money tournament in the ITTF Challenge Series. Like 2017, Europe dominates the list of countries with 13 nations heading to Lagos and this include Norway, Russia, Scotland, Denmark, England, Slovenia, Italy, Hungary, Romania, France, Finland, Luxembourg and Netherlands will be gracing

•Gov. Ambode of Lagos

the $46,000 prize money tournament. China leads the Asia countries which include India, Iran and Thailand; South America has three led by Brazil while others are Colombia and Argentina. Nigeria being one of the superpowers in Africa will lead the continent , while others are Mauritius, Congo Brazzaville, Congo DRC, Ghana, Egypt and South Africa. The 2018 ITTF Challenge Nigeria Open will attract over 170 players which is an improvement to the 2017 edition which had 148 players. Meanwhile, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the tournament has unveiled its official website for the biggest table tennis tournament in Africa. According to the LOC, the website is www.ittfnigeriaopen.com is aimed to provide regular information on the tournament sanctioned by the world table tennis ruling body – International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). Aside the website, this year’s tournament would be live stream on twitter for its users across the globe. Earlier this year, ITTF and Twitter announced a deal to live stream the ITTF’s 2018 Challenge Series events to a global audience to complement ITTF’s current streaming platform – itTV. Nigeria Open being one of the ITTF Challenge Series events for this year will be live on Twitter handle all over the world. This deal between ITTF and Twitter was cemented after a successful live stream of the Slovenia Open which attracted over 200,000 viewers on Twitter.

EAL MADRID and Wales forward, Gareth Bale has reportedly called off his wedding to fiance Emma Rhys-Jones due to an ongoing family rift. The 29-year-old, who has dated his wife-to-be since childhood, was due to tie the knot in Italy this summer in a star-studded ceremony. Plans have been shelved for at least another year, however, which The Sun of London reporting that the decision is down to concerns regarding Bale’s fiance’s dad. Martin Rhys-Jones allegedly fell out with his daughter after moving in with a Russian florist half his age shortly after being released from a US jail, where he was serving six years for a £2m international fraud, and the pair wants things to die down before getting married. A source is quoted by the publication as saying: “There’s so much family turmoil right now. They are still very much in love but they’ve had a lot of issues to deal with.”

•Fatai Amoo more people than they are presently constituted,” You could see many people who are the backroom staff of these two teams, they were many and I can assure you that they are Meanwhile, the former 3SC technical adviser has frowned at the

exclusion of some talented young players to the Eagles squad to the World Cup. He explained that he is yet to recover from the omission of the Nwakali brothers (Chidiebere and Kelechi) from the Eagles’ World Cup squad.

FG restores Pinnick-led NFF to Glass House By MADUABUCHI KALU, with Agency Report

ORMALCY has been restored in the headquarters of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) the Glasshouse, following the directive by the Federal Government that the Amaju Melvin Pinnick-led faction should be restored to the office. This much was disclosed to News Agency of Nigeria by the General Secretary of NFF, Muhammed Sanusi when he spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) from his office in Abuja on Monday. In his words: “I am back to my office to assume my legal responsibilities with a clearance from the government,” he said. Also a source who spoke on condition of anonymity told NAN that

the NFF President would also resume his post after his assignments abroad. “I can assure you that the president will also resume his duties soon,” he said. It is recalled that the seemingly unending leadership crisis of the NFF took a new turn on July 2, when the Chris Giwa faction took over the glass house secretariat of the NFF citing a court judgment. The Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung had earlier ordered that the NFF should comply with the Supreme Court judgment that overturned the Sept. 30 2014 election of NFF president Amaju Pinnick. The court also ordered that the status quo be maintained at the Glass House. Dalung said the directive fol-

Zamalek seeks Egyptian citizenship for Nigerian players

GYPTIAN giants Zamalek will try to get Nigerian player Maarouf Yussuf Egyptian citizenship to allow him to stay with the team as they have reached the maximum number of foreign players allowed in their squad, capped at four. According to a statement on the club’s website on Sunday, Zamalek chairman, Mortada Mansour is examining the possibility of starting procedures for Egyptian nationality in Yussuf’s case. The 25-year-old midfielder has been playing with Zamalek since 2014. However, he has been in Egypt since 2011, playing for Ittihad El-Shorta whom he joined from his boyhood club, Kwara United. Zamalek already have four foreign players in the squad: Hamdi Nagguez of Tunisia, Kabongo Kasongo of DR Congo, Hamid Ahadad of However, the Whites may need

to offload Yussuf as they are in advanced talks to sign Tunisia midfielder, Ferjani Sassi. Earlier in July, the Egyptian House of Representatives approved amendments to the law on citizenship allowing foreigners who have bank deposits of at least EGP 7 million for five years in Egypt to be granted Egyptian citizenship.

lowed a written notification by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice requesting the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports to ensure compliance. However, Giwa said his assumption of office was in line with the ruling of the court on June 5, 2018. He claimed that the court had annulled the parallel election held in Warri by Pinnick and subsequently upheld his election as the substantive chairman.

Chelsea reject 3rd Barca bid for Willian

HELSEA have rejected Barcelona’s third bid for Willian, believed to be in excess of £55m, Sky Sports News understands. Barca made their latest bid for the Brazil international last Friday as they continue in their bid to bring him to the Nou Camp. Sky Sports understand the Spanish champions first expressed an interest in the 29-year-old three months ago and returned with a second bid of around £53m earlier in July. Willian, along with Chelsea’s Belgium duo Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois, has not travelled to Australia as he takes some time off after the World Cup. The forward was voted the Chelsea players’ player of the season last term but was believed to be unhappy playing under former Blues boss Antonio Conte and he was left out of the starting line-up for the 1-0 FA Cup final win over Manchester United in May. Jose Mourinho is interested in Willian, with United understood to have been keeping tabs on the situation since the end of last season. Barcelona have made the more recent running, however, although they continue to be frustrated in their pursuit of a player who has scored 44 goals in 236 appearances for Chelsea since joining the club from Russian side Anzhi in 2013.

The Oracle Today Wednesday August 1, 2018

NEWS

UNIZIK: students protest over deaths at medical centre

From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

cores of students of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka have protested over the death of one of their colleagues, Madubuobi, Chinedu Francis, who allegedly died from what the students described as the university’s Medical Centre’s “serial lousiness and toying with the lives of others that they are expected to take care of.” According to one of the students who asked for anonymity, the situation would have resulted in a breakdown of law and order but for the ‘tactful handling of the incident by the student leaders. Madubuobi, a 400-level student of the Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, was said to have collapsed at the weekend while playing basketball with other students. The eyewitness told journalists that when he was rushed to the medical centre, the

personnel instead of going down to work on him asked them to embark on prayers for his survival. He accused the medical centre of negligence. “The medical personnel at the university’s medical centre where he was rushed to while he was still gasping for breath didn’t do enough to save his life,” the eyewitness said. “I was inside the ambulance holding his foot and it was very cold; his eyes were already open. I was scared. I knew only a miracle could save him since he had no pulse. After wasting time asking for this and that, we were referred to the nearby Amaku Teaching Hospital where the doctors saw that it was already too late,” he added. The Committee of Faculty Presidents of the university had in a statement, described the incident as worrisome, saying it was the second time a student of the insti-

tution had died in similar circumstances at the university’s medical centre. “The events leading to his (Francis) death are extremely worrisome to students of this institution as it could happen to any one of us or our close friend,” the committee said in a statement. However, the university’s Director of Information, Dr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, in an official statement denied the alleged negligence on the part of the institution, saying the deceased was brought to the medical centre without pulse Ojukwu stated that the deceased was immediately taken to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Amaku where he was confirmed dead. He described the student’s death as sad and unfortunate. Said he: “The Management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka has received with great shock the painful and sudden demise of one

NASS crisis:

of our students, Francis Chinedu Mmadubuobi, a 400-level student of the Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing. The deceased slumped while playing basketball with friends on Saturday July 21, 2018...” But the students were quick to remind journalists that the incident was the second death in recent time at the university’s medical Centre due to inability of the personnel there to rise to the occasion at the moment of need. They doubted that there was any standby medical officer on duty at the Centre and or if any of the necessary first aid facilities were on ground, querying: “Why is it that once any challenging situation arises, the Centre is always caught napping as they end up running from pillar to post asking annoying questions until the person gives up the ghost”, the students pointed out.

Continued from Pg 1

New Senate look PDP 54 APC 49 ADC 2 APGA 1 Vacant seats 2 Offa robbery. Saraki announced yesterday that he shall honour the invitation and this morning, policemen cordoned off the residence of the pro Saraki senators , trying to stop them from coming to the National Assembly. Meanwhile, the pro Buhari senators had already started collecting signatures to impeach Saraki so the plan was to stop the pro Saraki senators and Saraki himself from coming to the National Assembly so that he can be impeached in absentia. But Saraki was too smart for them. He sent his convoy to the National Assembly and as security men blocked his convoy and were busy stopping stopping the pro Saraki senators, Saraki drove himself into the National Assembly on a personal rickety vehicle, sneaked into the Chambers of the Senate, presided over the senate, received fifteen senators of the APC who announced their defection to the PDP and adjourned plenary to September 25. By that time, everything would have been consolidated for the grand plan to stop the Daura tyrant.. With this, the APC is now the minority party in the senate and Saraki and his loyalists have averted a major coup that would have thrown him out today. It is expected that he shall announce his own defection anytime soon. Hehehe Brain always win.

Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa during an unscheduled visit to inspect the completion work at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, ahead of the 21st Africa Senior Athletics Competition scheduled for the Stephen Keshi Stadium in August

Akwa Ibom Govt to complete all ongoing projects – Commissioner

he Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Works, Mr Ephraim Inyangeyen, has assured that Gov. Udom Emmanuel would ensure the completion of all ongoing projects before May 29, 2019. Inyangeyen said this while speaking with newsmen on the activities of his ministry and road projects in Uyo on Monday. The commissioner said the State Government would continue to construct roads across the state in spite of the fact that elections were fast approaching. He said the governor’s belief was that infrastructural development drive industrialisation, hence the huge investment of the state’s resources on road construction. “Every project started by this administration will be completed before the end of its tenure. The governor believes that working for the people will give him support. “The Infrastructural drive of Gov. Udom Emmanuel is not political but to help him actualise his industrialisation policy. Therefore 2019 politics will not stop government from completing projects across the state,” Inyangeyen said. He said government had also reviewed its method of paying land compensation to residents as the old system was subjected to abuse. “The exercise was open to abuse in the sense that Estate Valuers handled everything up to the actual payment of compensation. “The governor after reviewing the method directed that we decongest the arrangement. “He directed that the ministry should carry physical verification of structures before actual payment of compensation. “Now payment of compensation in the ministry is transparent. Our books are open for verification,” Inyangeyen said. He assured residents that work on the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene road alleged to have been abandoned would be completed within the year.

Coal City Half-Marathon to restrict participants – Enugu Govt

Jonathan’s minister joins Cross River governorship race N F ormer Minister for Tourism and Culture, in the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, High Chief Edem Duke, Monday declared his intention to contest the Cross River governorship election in 2019 on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC). He made the declaration at his Ikot Edem Udo Ward in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of the state. Duke, a former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, said he joined the race to “salvage the state” because the PDP-led administration in the state had not lived up to expectation. “For over a decade, Cross River State was a jewel in the crown of Nigeria. But in recent years, all our efforts over time are now receding into history. “Therefore, there is need for us to rise up and see the possibility of enthroning true democracy and

restore the people’s paradise from the Hills of Obanliku to the Forest of Bakassi. “It is time for people of this state to rise up and salvage the situation; and that is why, I have come out to offer myself for this selfless service. “I have come out to be a steward of the people because the efforts to restore our state must be the responsibility of all well-meaning people of this state, ‘’ he said. The governorship aspirant said that talent, knowledge, training and experience were nothing if these were not put into achievements and the direction of human progress. He added that he would revitalize the “ailing tourism sites” and create new ones to make the sector thrive again if voted into power in the state. “I was the architect of tourism revolution in Cross River and I replicated the same thing at the national level as a minister.

“So, if given the opportunity to be Governor of Cross River, I will turn around the tourism fortunes once more. “I will revive TINAPA; Marina Resort; the Qua Falls and Obudu Ranch Resort will come back to life again. These are the pride of Cross River; we cannot continue to allow our natural heritage to die. “That is why I say, we must rise up and restore our pride as a state.’’ The former minister solicited the people’s support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in its efforts at rebuilding the nation. He, however, cautioned the APC leadership to resolve the crisis in its state chapter as it might affect the party’s chances in the 2019 election. “We must realize that, there is no time. Let us come together and build a bridge of trust among ourselves in the effort to take over the Diamond Hill Government House Calabar come 2019, ‘’he said.

o fewer than 3,000 athletes from across the country and beyond would be registered to participate in the first-ever Enugu City Half-Marathon tagged “Coal City Marathon’’, an official said on Monday. The Coal City Marathon will be the first-ever international half-marathon to be held in the entire SouthEast Zone. Enugu State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Joseph Udedi, said in Enugu that the marathon’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) had placed a restriction on the number of participants. “This was done in order to manage the number of athletes very well.’’ He also said the LOC had put in place prize money for the winners, with the first-place winner getting 3,500 dollars, second-place winner 3,000 dollars and third-place winner 2,500 dollars. “There will be prize money for the first 20 winners, as well as other consolation prizes,’’ Udedi said.

WEDNESDAY August 1, 2018

The

www.oraclenews.ng

racle Today

VOX POPULI SACRUM

ISSN: 2545-5869

Restructuring or Biafra, ‘new’ change is imperative GUEST COLUMNIST I t is not correct to say that the marginalisation of Ndigbo by the Buhari Administration is largely behind the agitation for the restoration of Biafra by members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). It is also not correct to say that the clamour for the restructuring of Nigeria by the leaders of southern Nigeria along with their Middle Belt counterparts was triggered by actions and or inaction of the Buhari administration. Both the agitation for the actualisation of Biafra and clamour for restructuring of the country started long before Buhari assumed office as President of the Federal Republic in 2015. What is absolutely correct is that the administration of Buhari enhanced the agitation for Biafra not just because of the well advertised marginalisation of Ndigbo but also for the apparent failure of the Nigerian system. It is also correct to observe that the apparent failure of the system under the present administration has massively boosted the clamour for the restructuring of the country. Several issues of man’s inhumanity to man such as killings by Boko Haram terrorists in Northeast and herdsmen across the country and other forms of insecurity, poor conduct of elections, high rate of unemployment, high rate of hunger, lack of developmental projects and, as earlier noted, nepotism have all combined to boost the agitation for Biafra and clamour for restructuring. For IPOB, there is no need keeping Nigeria one because things cannot work for the wellbeing and progress of the inhabitants of the country as obtained in other parts of the world under the system they find themselves. It is not just about Buhari; it is totally about the system of things. Like a voice crying in the wilderness, the pro Biafra groups are calling on Ndigbo to join hands and forces toward the restoration of Biafra as nothing can make the Southeast zone get its foot on the ground in Nigeria. Nothing can make Ndigbo realise their potential in the political entity called Nigeria going by the way things are going in the country. To be fair to IPOB, Ndigbo are not the only victims of our system’s failure. Other parts of the country are also suffering from the malfunctioning system in the country. In some cases, people in other parts of the country have greater number of poor people than there are in Igbo land. They have worse condition of things generally than Ndigbo. For instance, IPOB has, on a number of occasions, condemned the continued detention of former National Security Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Sambo Dasuki and a Muslim Leader Sheik El-Zakzaki despite court orders for their release. Nigeria is not springing out hope for a better condition of life for its inhabitants. The security situation is not encouraging and there are no measures to engender hope that it is going to be better tomorrow. There is nothing at hand to give the jobless citizens the hope that they might get jobs tomorrow. The chances of the hungry getting food on the table soonest are very lean, indeed. The worst is that the democratic system of governance, which the people believe and like so much is under threat. The recent governorship election in Ekiti where the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) was accused of outright rigging generated massive pessimism about the success of next year’s general election. The circumstances that surround the Ekiti governorship election and the outcome of the election portrayed the bad system of things in Nigeria in clear terms. The leadership of Ekiti for the past eight years or more

THEO RAYS

•Atiku revolves around Ayo Fayose and Kayode Fayemi. Ekiti is all about Fayose vs Fayemi or Fayose and Fayemi. Thus, the State cannot go beyond them. Under Fayemi who will take over the mantle of leadership after the expiration of Fayose’s tenure in October this year, Ekiti is unlikely to get the best from government house because of the circumstances surrounding Fayemi’s administration. At first Fayemi who has only one term of four years to spend having served before as governor for a term of four years will have to appeal to the whims and caprices of his political godfathers who facilitated his victory. He will have to pay back some funds and concede certain positions to the people that be. Second, he will face the legal fire works from the PDP, which has vowed to go to the election petition tribunal to challenge his victory. Thirdly, he will face the daunting task of delivering the State to APC for the re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019. Certainly it will take the larger part of four years For Fayemi to get out of these hooks and deliver dividends of democracy to Ekiti people. Similarly, at the national level, the situation is the same. The politics of who becomes the next President of the country revolves around Ex Army Generals and few civilians. Since the return of democracy in 1999, it has almost always been ex-general vs civilian in the presidential election. The politics of the presidency will strangle governance and development at least from now till the middle of next year. Then after the rain come the thunder. Observers say the 2019 election may make or mar the country and the chances of marring it appear far higher than the chances of making it. The fear of rigging is looming large. The fear of rigging as expressed by the nation-

•Kanu al chairman of the opposition party, PDP Prince Uche Secondus and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar cannot be taken for a granted. Following the result of election in Ekiti, Secondus threatened in his capacity as the national chairman of PDP that his party might boycott the 2019 election if there is no guarantee from the APC led government that the election next year is going to be free and fair. Secondus and PDP faithful believe that under a free and fair election APC will be trounced at the poll, thus the only option left for the ruling party is rigging. All said and done, the issue boils down to IPOB’s view that it is better for Ndigbo to pull out of Nigeria. In other words, it is better to break the entity called Nigeria and allow regions or tribes go their separate ways. To a large degree, IPOB is in order. There is no good reason for a right thinking person to continue to promote one Nigeria under the condition of the country. Nigerians are arguably the most vulnerable people in the world today. Nigeria has more number of internally displaced persons than any country in the world. Nigeria has more number of out of school children than any country in the world. Nigeria has a large quantity of poor people and larger quantity of unemployed people than most countries of the world. The failure to provide steady power supply, build a quality education sector, upgrade the health sector, agricultural sector and road infrastructure is a huge challenge to the citizens of the country. More Nigerians are languishing in foreign prisons than people from other African countries put together. Nigerians die in the Sahara Desert and high seas while in search of greener pasture in Europe than people from other parts of Africa. After the Russia 2018 World Cup, it took the intervention of Nigerian govern-

ment to airlift Nigerians who were stranded in Russia back home. How did they get to Russia in the first place. What about the leviathan called corruption? Is there any hope of any leader emerging from anywhere to fight and defeat corruption in Nigeria? The PDP is apparently desperate to reclaim the power back in 2019. What are the plans of the party to do better if it comes back on board? The party is banking of restructuring or implementing the report of the 2014 national confab conveyed under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. And the question is would the retired Army Generals allow the party be on its feet to serve the people? The masses in the East, West, North and South who are the victims of the woes bedeviling the world’s most populous black nation should hear the alarming siren being blown on the high way by IPOB. The leaders too should see the hand writing on the wall that no matter their effort, they cannot salvage Nigeria and put it on the right track for the desired development to be in place. The issues that are bothering IPOB are very glaring and if Nigerians really want to face reality as right thinking human beings, they should think beyond Nigeria. From the look of things, IPOB has a good case and efforts should be made to let people understand it. Observers say IPOB and its numerous followers should work hard to sell their idea to people in other parts of Nigerians not just Ndigbo as, according to them, the restoration of Biafra should be made easier when the people from various parts of the country as tribes or geopolitical zones see reasons to part ways with the entity called Nigeria to establish their own republics. An observer in Onitsha Chief Udobi Nwachi believes that those involved have to sell their idea by spreading information on what people should see or expect from another republic outside Nigeria. He said: “I’m over 70 now and I think am old enough to reason well. I have watched those involved in the Biafra struggle for several years and I have not seen any publication from them such as manifesto or blueprint on how they will provide Ndigbo with leadership under Biafra. Information and education are very important in any struggle. People can easily identify with a movement simply because of the information and education about things to come “Those of us who are traders wish to know what they have for us under Biafra. I mean how they will make our business better? Civil servants are clamouring for increase in wages, will they get it under Biafra? We have the problems of unemployment, cultism, banditry and kidnapping among the youth what are the plans of the pro-Biafrans for the youth? How do they plan to make the lives of the youth better? What are the plans for job creation under Biafra?” Continuing, he further asked: “What are the plans to fix electricity, fix the education system and make it better than what we have in Nigeria? What are the plans for health care delivery, rural development, road constructions, provision of potable water, development of affordable housing. What are the plans for sports development?” “What system of government do they intend to run Biafra with? What should be the standards for occupying leadership positions? What assurances do they have that leaders in Biafra are going to be better than what we have in Nigeria now? These are the things that could enhance the agitation among the people,” he surmised

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.