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Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

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VOL.4 No.44 N200

SOWORE: Lawyers urge citizens to save Nigeria

•Say action is scandalous •Ask judges to down tools in protest •Fear bleak future, return to dark ages •Citizens should emulate Pakistan, Hong Kong, France, others to save Nigeria •Activist calls for arrest of offending DSS officers

Kanu’s lawyer: ‘Anambra Buhari sacks Banire, appoints Police Command after my life’ Adamu as new •Petitions British High Commissioner AMCON I Chairman From PAMELA EBOH, Awka

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feanyi Ejiofor, lawyer to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has sent an SOS to Mrs. Catriona Laing, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, alleging that the Anambra State Police Command is after his life. He alleged that an order has been issued to arrest him dead or alive. Ejiofor was declared wanted by the Police last week after a crisis in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of the State that led to the brutal murder of two senior police officers. The IPOB lawyer, in a peti-

tion to the British High Commissioner to Nigeria reeled out his offence to include being the lawyer to Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB as well as his winning of virtually all charges filed against the group in various courts of competent jurisdiction in the country. While urging the High Commissioner to intervene immediately in the matter, he also called on the United Kingdom to intervene and prevail on both the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police to set aside the “wanted” declaration made against him. Ejiofor pledged to make himself available to the police if their intention is to investigate the allegations.even as

he also called for the setting up of an independent investigative panel to to look into the incident. Ejiofor further quantified the property destroyed in the fracas in his country home, Oraifite to the tune of N700m. The petition read in part: “Why is the Anambra State Police Command shielding itself or keeping mute over the mayhem its personnel, the military and other security agencies perpetrated in my ancestral home, including the burning of houses and other properties valued at over N700m as well as killing and maiming of unarmed, defenceless citizens? “Is the instant contrive

against me not inimical to the provision of Rule 24 of the Rules of Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2007, that placed a duty on Lawyers to represent their client(s) to the best of their ability within the confines of the law? “The only plausible offence I committed in the real sense of it is because I am the lawyer to Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB who have won virtually all frivolous charge filed against the members of IPOB in various courts’ of competent jurisdiction across the south-south and south-East states, including Abuja. “I make bold to state most respectfully Sir, that my thorough investigation and findings revealed that an order

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Teenager sets girlfriend ablaze over another lover

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

NEWS

SOWORE: Lawyers urge citizens to save Nigeria From CHUKS EZE, Enugu and IBE NWACHUKWU, Onitsha

s local and international condemnations continue to trail the recent invasion of the Federal High Court by the Department of Security Service (DSS), lawyers in Enugu State have urged Nigerians to rise to the challenge of salvaging the country. The trending court offensive had left the Presiding Judge, Ijeoma Ojukwu, scampering for safety, when the DSS operatives reportedly stormed the court to re-arrest the convener of #Revolutionnow, Omoyele Sowore, hours after they had released the activist following a court order.

In separate interviews with The Oracle Today, the lawyers described the action of the Secret Police as a crude and dangerous trend, urging Nigerian citizens to take the destiny of their country in their hands and take firm stand against executive recklessness. Former President of Nigerian Bar Association, Enugu Chapter, Professor Race Achara described the incident as disgraceful, adding that “it is a scandalous and incredibly unnecessary display of unprofessional assault on the foundations of our system of administration of justice.” Another Enugu-based lawyer and public affairs analyst, Barr Fabian Ugwuama, also condemned

the DSS action, noting that never in the history of Nigeria, not even under the worst military dictatorship, had any Nigerian government expressed such brazen assault and attack on the judiciary. “It is abominable and an abhorrence in its entirety. We no longer have rule of law but rule of men. What we have now is power coming from the barrel of the gun rather than rule of law,” he said. “That DSS action is a clear signal that Nigeria has, unfortunately, descended into a State of anarchy and the nation is descending deeper, by the day, into irredeemable catastrophe under the present administration. “It was under this same admin-

istration that the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly was desecrated by alleged government-sponsored thugs who shamelessly snatched the mace and took it away. “Nigerians went to bed after that incident as if nothing happened, till today. Why would they not carry out a repeat of similar action? What about the invasion of some judges’ homes by security agencies and subjecting them to embarrassment and public ridicule? Was it not under this administration? Did we not all go to bed afterwards as if nothing happened? What about CJN Onnohhen’s case? Did we not all go to bed? Now, tell me why they would such

incidents not keep recurring?” The lawyer, who further described the DSS controversial stroke as abominable and desecration of the hallowed chamber of the judicial organ, added that the action portends that the country is sitting on a time bomb and that anything could happen henceforth. “There can be no democracy where judges cannot be free to dispense justice in the court; there is no democracy when you do not respect the order of competent courts, when the federal government would be a complainant in a matter and the same court they took their case to would give an order and the same government would ignore the order,” he agonised. According to him, “the way out is civil disobedience.” “That is the option left for the judiciary. Let all the judges down tools and leave the executive go to court and become the complainant, the judge and everything. We cannot continue to operate a democracy where a president coughs and everybody catches cold; he sneezes and everybody paralyses,” Ugwuama lamented, adding: “That is not the intent and

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Kanu’s lawyer

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•Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (2nd right) with the Executive Secretary, Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. George Ugwu (right), and others, during the launch/flag-off of Meningitis Vaccination Campaign in the state, held at Abakpa Nike Primary Health Centre, Enugu East Local Government Area, yesterday

Buhari sacks Banire, appoints Adamu as new AMCON Chairman By VICTOR NZE

arely 48 hours after the ouster of the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) by President Muhammadu Buhari, following the non-renewal of the former’s tenure, the Presidency, has also announced the sack of Mr. Muiz Banire as Chairman of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). This is also as Buhari immediately replaced Banire, who also doubles as the All Progressives Congress (APC) legal aide with Mr Edward Lamatek Adamu from Kaltungo Local Government Area of Gombe State , whose appointment was announced on Tuesday, December 10. The AMCON appointment was disclosed in a letter forwarded to the Senate. Also, the letter was read by the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, during plenary. In the letter dated December 9, President Buhari urged members of the Red Chamber of the National Assembly to confirm Ada-

mu’s appointment. It reads, “In accordance with Section 10(1) of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Act, 2010; I hereby present Mr Edward Lametek Adamu for confirmation as Chairman of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) by the Distinguished Senate. “While hoping that this request will receive the usual expeditious consideration of the Senate; please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration,” read the letter in part. It would be recalled that Buhari also declined to extend the tenure of Fowler, the former FIRS chairman when it expired on Monday, December 9. President Muhammadu Buhari approved the composition of a new board for the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), subject to Senate confirmation. A statement signed by Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity), Garba Shehu, Monday, also disclosed that Bu-

hari nominated a renowned tax consultant, Muhammad Nami as the new chairman, to replace Mr Babatunde Fowler, whose term expired December 9. “The board is composed of a member representing each of the six geographical zones and statutory representatives from a select number of ministries and government agencies. “Chairman of FIRS, Babatunde Fowler, whose term of office expired on Monday, 9th December, 2019 is expected to hand over to the most senior director on the board, who will take charge, pending the senate confirmation of the new board. “These assets serve many purposes but are most significantly held to ensure that a government or its agency has backup funds if their national currency rapidly devalues,” read the statement. In addition, the letter contained the names of members of the board of the FIRS. Meanwhile, Buhari’s request is in accordance with Section 3(2) of the FIRS Act, 2007.

Other members nominated are James Yakwen Ayuba (North Central), Ado Danjuma (North West), Adam Baba Mohammad (North East), A. Ikeme Osakwe (South East); Adewale Ogunyomade (South West) and Ehile Adetola Aigbangbee – Member (South-South). Members of the board from Ministries, Departments and Agencies are Ladidi Bara’atu Mohammad (Attorney-General of the Federation); Godwin Emefiele (Central Bank of Nigeria), Fatima Hayatu (Ministry of Finance). Others are Maagbe Adaa (Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission); Umar Ajiya (Nigerian National Petroleum Commission), DCG T.M lsah (Nigerian Customs Service) and Registrar General (Corporate Affairs Commission). Meanwhile, the Presidency says this latest move is part of Buhari’s move to ensure the economy maintains its upward trajectory.

to arrest me dead or alive has been given. “It is pertinent to stress that being a law abiding citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a Legal Practitioner who firmly believes in the Rule of Law, I have no problem whatsoever making myself available to the Nigerian Police if indeed their intention is/was to investigate an alleged complaint, arrest and/or prosecute me if found culpable “I call on the United Kingdom, to intervene in the circumstance and prevail on the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian Police to immediately set aside the declaration made against me on the 3rd December, 2019, declaring me “a wanted person”, and to fully give effect to my fundamental human rights. “I further call on the United Kingdom, to prevail on the Federal Government of Nigeria to set up an independent Investigative Panel to investigate the incident that occurred at my ancestral home in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, on the 2nd day of December, 2019. “I finally crave the indulgence of the United Kingdom for a proactive oversight and intervention in the light of this obvious travesty of justice against me, in view of the extraordinary circumstances prevailing in the case”. In his reaction, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Haruna Mahammed said, Ejiofor’s allegation are baseless. “ He is lawyer; he knows what to do when police have declared any person wanted,” Haruna said. He urged the IPOB/Kanu’s lawyer to come out of hiding and defend himself if he has credible evidence saying: “It is not a hide-and-seek game as in the way he is doing it.”

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION Over 100m Nigerians lack identity, says DG NIMC D irector General, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Aliyu Abubakar said over 100 million Nigerians have no official identity. Abubakar made this known on Monday in Kaduna, in a paper on Importance of National Identity to National Building, presented during the 6th General Assembly of Northern Traditional Rulers Council. According to him, those with no identity comprised the poorest most vulnerable groups, including women and girls and less educated people among others.

He explained that inclusive and trusted identity system can help in empowering individuals and enhance their access to rights, services and formal economy. Abubakar added that it would also assist in generating reliable and continuous statistics to measure progress, support informed policies and enable the growth of digital economy. In his presentation on border closure, the Comptroller General, Nigerian Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), explained that the measure had curved smuggling of

prohibited items into the country. Ali also said it had raised the NCS daily revenue collection from N4 billion before the border closure to N6 billion. The NCS boss, who was represented by Comptroller Omiye Adesanmi, noted that smuggling of illicit drugs and weapons into the country had also drastically reduced. He explained that Nigeria has engaged Customs administrations of neighboring countries to comply with the ECOWAS protocol on transit of goods and persons, to protect Nigerian economy from the effects

of smuggling. Ali pledged to seek stakeholders support including the media to ensure that the desired objectives of the exercise were fully achieved. He urged Nigerians to patronise local rice and other goods, to boost the nation’s economy. Another presentation on “Northern Youths and the Challenges of Drug Abuse in Nigeria”, by the Chief Executive Officer, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Col. Muhammad Abdullahi (rtd), noted that the future of the youth in Northern Nigeria was

being threatened by the flow of illicit drugs. He lamented that the positive support, dedication, integrity and leadership that the region expected from the youths have vanished, as large part of the youth population have resorted to the use hard of drugs. Abdullahi called for massive education and enlightenment campaign across the country on the dangers of illicit drugs use, noting that ignorance and lack of adequate knowledge were partly responsible for drug abuse.

SARC: 60% of rape s urvivors in Nigeria involve children under 14yrs A

damning statistics have revealed that over 60 percent of rape victims in Nigeria are children between 0-14 years, while a further 15-20 percent survivors are boys. This was the disclosed at the 5th Network Meeting of Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Nigeria that ended on Friday in Abuja by the Country Director, Pathfinder International, Dr. Farouk Jega. The three-day event organised by the British Council’s Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) and funded by the European Union brought together relevant stakeholders to discuss the challenges, successes and learning in the establishment as well as implementation of SARCs in Nigeria. Jega who was represented by the Technical Adviser on Gender, Pathfinder International, Ms. Favour Adam’s, stated that SARC functions in higher capacity than all other hospitals in the country, as they treat, counsel and conducts follow up for the victims. He also said that he SARC service is very important because forensic examination provides evidence in court, it exposes the actions of rape also determining the manner and time of attack. On the damning revelations, he stated “that statistics collated at SARC shows that 60%of rape survivors are children from 0-14 years. “Also we gathered that not only girls are being raped even boys at a percentage of 15-20.” In the same vein, the Programme Director, British Council Security Justice and Conflict Programmes, Dr. Bob Arnot, revealed that over 10,000 Nigerian rape victims have passed through the SARCs for counselling and possible treatments in six years. According to Arnot, SARC has a strong data inbuilt of people who have sought help on sexual assault but it could only be useful if it is being put into use. “More than 10, 000 clients have gone through SARCs… which is a six years data of people who passed through SARCs in 15 states of the country,” he said. The Sexual Assault Referral Centre serves as a response gaps for victims of sexual assault with a total of 15 centers in Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Borno, Enugu, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, Niger and Yobe states. He added that in approaching

holistically the problem of sexual violence In Nigeria, the various Civil Society Organisations and other stakeholders must set aside institutional jealousy to allow the flow of collaboration. Earlier, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Ketil Karlsen, noted that Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a global pandemic that requires fundamental and coordinating actions to guarantee the safety and security of vulnerable women across the world. Karlsen reiterated that SARC initiative is very important and it will only to be effective if Impunity does not override the essence. He said “the role of SARC is very vital as they have preventive effect and this can only function if Impunity does not prevail. He stated that “the 16 days activism against gender based violence is an opportunity to put it at top political agenda as well as a need to have female leaders pursuing the right of women,as women rights are also human rights.” Programme Manager RoLAC Ms Priscilla Ankut explained that SARCs was created in order to address the cases of sexual assault, battery and all cultural harmful practices. Ankut stated that ” there is a need to address the issues of violence against women and SARC with legal back from the Violation Against Persons (VAP) prohibition act prosecution has been attained to some level. “But in order to reduce the level of Impunity of perpetrators prosecution has to be really addressed to be able to reduce the level of Impunity,as this is a major setback which led to the launch of the Sex Offenders Register. According to her, ”the Sex Offenders Register is a digital tool to register all sexual offence, service providers check, and serves as a background check for employers. She stressed the need for sensitization of survivors of sexual assault to encourage them tell their stories also the need for victims to be aware of available services. She said “to ensure that survivors get the support that they need, beyond that SARC ensure to strengthen accountability for sexual offenders which is very crucial. “Create an increase in awareness on see violation and available reporting channels which has result-

•Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde (second right) flanked by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during a commemorative walk organized by the agency to mark the International Anti-Corruption Day, Monday

ed to huge development from what it used to being past times.” Meanwhile, the Judge of the Kaduna State High Court and Chairman of Implementation Committee on Establishment of SARC, Justice Darius Hyet Kkobo , said Offenders have been prosecuted due to the forensic evidence provided. Kkobo added that cultural hindrances are giving way for justice to prevail, urging the offenders that

are yet to be apprehended to desist from these heinous act to avoid the wrath of the law. The SARC annual conference was being held to create a platform of exchanging ideas among various SARC in different centres and states to ensure a uniform approach to sexual assault. According to the Secretary Network of SARCs, RoLAC Programme, Ms. Oluwatoyosi Giwa, the Confer-

ence holds with a view to providing standardized training of personnel across board,promote strategy and garner support from government agencies and other relevant stakeholders. Giwa said the conference that held from December 4-6, 2019, with a view to brainstorming on best practices and technical support among members of the network.

yo State Manager of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mrs Iyabo Ojogbede, says the agency trained more than 500 entrepreneurs in the state in 2019 to improve their productivity. Ojogbede stated this in Ibadan on Tuesday while speaking on the agency’s activities in 2019.

She said there were numerous platforms provided for people in the state to enhance their businesses as well as boost economic opportunities. ”After the training, we do empower the entrepreneurs by giving them equipment to start their businesses. As for the existing businesses, most times they complain to us about their need for workspace.

“Even cooperative groups are catered for; we provide them with workspace through this programme called One Local Government One Product Scheme (OLP). We provide workspace, capital and equipmen to each cooperative we disbursed funds) to; we give 70 percent of loan and 30 percent grant for each cooperative and there is no interest on it. ”Through CBN’s Agricultural Business Small Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme loan, we have been training entrepreneurs in our agency,” she said. Ojogbede noted that most applications received for the CBN loan had been forwarded to NIRSAL Microfinance Bank saddled with disbursement of funds. She further stated that funds had been disbursed to about 55 percent of the applicants out of the 355 entrepreneurs that applied for loans in the state.

SMEDAN trains 500 entrepreneurs in Oyo O

PDP sweeps Adamawa LG chairmanship election P eople’s Democratic Party (PDP) has won all the 21 local government council chairmanship position in the Saturday’s LG elections in Adamawa. Chairman, Adamawa State Independent Electoral Commission (ADSIEC), Mr. Isa Shetima, who de-

clared the results on Sunday in Yola, said the result of councillors for the 226 wards had been announced at the local government levels. Shetima said the commission would give all the elected chairmen their certificates of return on Monday.

The Oracle Today wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

Indigenous firm to commission first made-inNigeria airboat, modular refinery M

G Vowgas Group will launch the first made in Nigeria fabricated airboat before the end of January 2020, the Managing Director, Mr Godwin Izomor, has said. Izomor made the disclosure, Monday, in after a tour of the fabrication yard in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. MG Vowgas Group is an Indigenous fabrication company dealing in Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (EPCI), servicing the oil, gas and Marine sector. He said that the company was working with the research department of the Ministry of Defence for the fabrication of the boat. He noted that everything about the airboat was constructed in the country. “Presently, we work with the research department of the Ministry of Defence to build the first made in Nigeria airboat. “The air boat has the capacity and speed of 100km per hour and it will use the propeller that is used for airplanes to power it. Between now and January we are going to launch it and we will be inviting the Chief of Army Staff to come and commission it,’’ he said. On construction of the made in Nigeria modular refinery, he said that the project would be top priority of the company in 2020. “We are concentrating as from next year, building the first modular refinery. That is one. Two, we are going to invest heavily with our partners in shipbuilding. “Our partner is considering whether Bonny has the land mass for that investment, and our investors are considering that too. “Then secondly, Brass has a lot of land for us to play with. We are going to compare which one is the best place suitable for us because we must reduce capital flight for us here in Nigeria,’’ he said. He appealed to the Federal Government to hasten the revival of Ajaokuta Steel Company to help in the fabrication and construction works in the country. “We make so much money but we import almost everything we use. We fabricate everything from steel. The steel we use today is imported either from China, Ukraine or Germany. “We cannot continue as a country, it’s a huge amount of money that is being shipped out of the country. “The annual expenses we use to import steel into this country are enough to set up another steel company in Nigeria. “So, we must encourage the Federal Government to make sure that in the next one or two years, Ajaokuta Steel Company is fixed to produce healthy sheet plates for our fabrication,’’ he said.

CSOs threaten mass action over DSS re-arrest of Sowore

coalition of over 200 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to investigate the Department of State Services (DSS) operatives, who violated protocol and embarked on a re-arrest of Omoyele Sowore inside a law court. During a media briefing on Monday, the coalition also demanded the release of Sowore and others being held without justification, eve as it charged the government to obey all outstanding court orders. It would be recalled that, barely

24 hours after being released as ordered by the Federal High Court, Abuja, some DSS operatives invaded the courtroom and held Omoyele Sowore hostage, after which he was taken into custody. According to the coalition, should the President Muhammadu Buhariled administration fail to comply with the demands, the group maintains that mass action and civil disobedience is imminent. “Two key issues are of concern to us, namely: Attack on Our Judiciary and Attack on Free Speech and Pattern of Silencing Dissent.

“In closing, we demand the following: “President Muhammadu Buhari to show accountability as President and Commander-in-Chief and address the nation on his commitment to the rule of law and human rights. “The release of all illegally detained persons by the DSS as revealed by Amnesty, Premium Times & Punch Newspapers in recent months. “That the government obey all outstanding court orders. An investigation of the officers who violated protocol and the circumstances leading to Omoyele Sowore’s 2nd arrest.

“The unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore per his bail terms. “If these five demands are not honoured within 14 days – we call on patriots to join us as we occupy the National Human Rights Commission offices across the country, as it is legally mandated to protect rights and it reports to the Presidency,” the statement by the coalition read. It would be recalled also that Sowore was first arrested by the DSS August 3, 2019 on allegations of plotting to overthrow the government using a planned #Revolutionnow protest.

Senate receives Buhari’s request for confirmation of new FIRS board he Senate on Tuesday received Thammadu a request from President MuBuhari for confirmation

•Benue State delegation to the UNESCO Convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Bogotá Columbia, comprising; Commissioner of Information, Cultural and Tourism, Mrs Ngunan Addingi; Professor Gowon Ama Doki, Dean of Arts, Benue State University, Makurdi; Mr. Louis Eriomala, Executive Secretary, National Institute of Cultural Orientation (NICO) among other of the country’s delegation defending the Kwagh-Hir Theatrical Performance for inscription on UNESCO

NDDC to resettle Niger Delta flood victims -Project Director

iger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it will do everything possible to resettle the over two million persons displaced by flood in the Niger Delta region. Executive Director of Project, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, gave the assurance while speaking with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja. According to him, 280 communities in the region were completely submerged by flood, adding that the communities had nothing going on for now. He listed the most affected states in the region to include Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Imo and Abia, saying that areas below sea level in the states were mostly affected. Ojougboh stressed that the NDDC could no longer sit and watch while the affected persons went through pains. He added that the commission was working to address the issue by doing everything humanly possible to ensure that persons in the affected communities were resettled and sent back to their homes. “You know that the rains had just stopped and the flood is receding, most of the indigenes of Niger Delta are now in Internally Displaced Persons camps (IDP) and will have to go back home. “When they get home, they will find their homes occupied by dangerous insects and reptiles, includ-

ing snakes, and their properties would have been damaged. “So we have to find a way of resettling them, these are the things the commission is looking at now. “We are not going to stop there, we most project into the future and find out how we can stop this catastrophe from happening every year, because every year, it is the same story and these are the issues in the Niger Delta. Ojougboh said the commission had started interfacing with the Ministry of Works and Housing to ensure that things were done according to statuesque, adding that the commission was now more focused to deliver on its mandate. Speaking on development in the commission, Ojougboh said it was currently going through reformation to ensure more participation between it and the ministry. He added that the commission had stabilised and functioning properly with a defined focus on delivering on its mandate. He further added that each department of the commission was now well repositioned for greater delivery of service to the Niger Delta people. He said most of the issues confronting the commission were being resolved, adding that it was now stable. Ojougboh further added that the commission was presently looking

at how it would honour past obligations and to identify genuine obligations. This, he said, was what the commission was presently working on, and how it could ameliorate the hardship of the people of Niger Delta region. According to him, the function of the commission and the Ministry of Works and Housing are intertwined, adding that it will work with the ministry to deliver its mandate. He, however, noted that one of the commission’s challenges was conflict between tiers of government with regards to contract award for road construction in parts of the country. “You go to some states, you find out that contract that had been awarded by the NDDC is also awarded by the state and Local Government. “And you go to some places, you find out that the NDDC is on a road, and the Ministry of Works and Housing is also on the same road. “We need to know where everybody is, so we don’t pay contractors twice for jobs that had been done. These are the areas where the ministry and the commission must cooperate and collaborate,” he said. He explained that such circumstances could be caused by genuine mistakes, saying that the way forward was to know who was where and know what was ongoing.

of Muhammad Nami as Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). The request, which was contained in a letter dated Dec. 9, was read at plenary by President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan. The letter reads: “Pursuant to Section 3(2) of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2007. “I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the Senate, the under listed names of nominees as Chairman and Members of the Federal Inland Revenue Service.” Those nominated by Buhari alongside the Chairman, Muhammad Nami North Central, were James Yakwen Ayuba, North Central; Ado Danjuma, North West; Adam Mohammed, North East; Ikeme Osakwe, South East; Adewale Ogunyomade, South West, and Ehile Adetola Aibangbee, South South. Representatives of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on the board were- Ladidi Mohammed, Office of Attorney-General of the Federation; Godwin Emefiele, Central Bank of Nigeria; (CBN), Fatima Hayatu, Ministry of Finance; Maagbe Adaa, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission; Umar Ajiya, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation;(NNPC) DCG Isah, Nigeria Customs Service, and Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission. The Senate had also received another request from Buhari seeking the confirmation of a newly appointed Chairman for Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). The letter dated December 9, reads: “In accordance with Section 10(1) of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) Act, 2010, I hereby present Mr Edward Lametek Adamu for confirmation as Chairman of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria by the Distinguished Senate. “While hoping that this request will receive the usual expeditious consideration of the Senate, please accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.” The Senate also at the plenary considered six bills for first reading. They were Companies and Allied Matters Act CAP C 20 repeal and reenactment Bill 2019 sponsored by Sen. Abdullahi Yahaya (APC-Kebbi), Electric Power Sector Reform Act

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

NEWS

Church spends N6.8 billion on social amenities From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

he Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints says it has spent about N6.8 billion ($188 million) on Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria in the past five years. A member of the National Public Affairs Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Ikpe George Nkanang, disclosed this at Umuahia Stake of the church during the launching of the 2019 Light The World One by One campaign, last Saturday. Light The World campaign is a 25step, 25 days charity acts and servicepacked series of global initiative of the Church geared towards inviting people, irrespective of religious affiliation, race, or tongue to act, serve and give, particularly to the needy, as Jesus Christ did. The campaign launch was performed by Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, who lit a candle. In his speech at the occasion, Nkanang said that the Church, through its humanitarian arm – the Church of Jesus Christ Charities - has impacted Nigerian lives to the tune of $188 million. He said part of the money was spent on the Amaeke Item water project, purchase of blood donation equipment, carrying out free eye surgery in Aba, provision of clean water and renovation of some structures in Abia Polytechnic, Aba. According to him, the church also constructed the Okpumuobo Road in Aba which also leads to Church located in the area, as well as the waterside bridge and embarking on a campaign against open defecation by providing water and toilet facilities to public institutions. He explained that the event was organized to enlighten the public and guide its members and non-members on how to observe the programmes and activities scheduled to hold from December 1 to Christmas day. To help light the world this Christmas season, he said the Church encourages people to, every day, think of someone they could help or invite and minister to them as the Savior did while on earth, one by one. He said that a simple act, big or small, could spread the light of Jesus Christ, adding, “this celebration inspires individuals, families, youth groups and congregations to emulate Jesus Christ’s example of service as is recorded in the holy scriptures.” Abia State Governor, represented by his Chief Of Staff (COS), Dr ACB Agbazuere, enjoined Christians to embrace, preach and live in peace with their neigbhours in their day-to-day dealings with others, in a manner that reflects the character of Jesus Christ. Ikpeazu also urged Christians to be fair with their neighbours and associates at work places in line with the injunctions of Jesus Christ which says “love your neighbour as you love yourself.” He commended the church for commitment towards the propagation of the Gospel of Christ in Abia State and Nigeria and urged Christians to start the transformation of the society through their behaviours. Earlier in his speech, one of the Area 70 Apostles, Elder Adeyinka Ojediran, from Lagos, explained that the programme ensures Christians use the first 25 days of December to visit, talk to, and ensure the less privileged enjoy the Christmas alongside others. Also, the Umuahia Stake President, Elder Samuel Ekpolo, stressed the need for peace building by helping the less privileged in the society. The occasion featured Christmas songs by the Umuahia Stake Choir.

Okowa, Gowon urge Nigerians to pray for country

overnor of Delta, Ifeanyi Okowa has urged Nigerians to continue to pray for God to turn things around for good for the country. Governor Okowa gave the charge in a goodwill message at a One Day National Prayer Rally for the SouthSouth zone, organised by members of Nigeria Prays with the theme : “Possessing the Land” in Asaba . The Governor who thanked the former Head of state and chairman of Nigeria Prays, General Yakubu

Gowon for his continued interssession for the betterment of Nigeria as a nation, noted that the initiative was impactful as Nigeria would be set on the path to glory.” “We must continue to trust God; and look unto God in our daily lives “he said . “It matters that members of this group are from different parts of this country and even as we leave here today, we must continue to pray for our country and God will heal our land. It is a message of

truth, a message of salvation, and a message of unity for our country, Nigeria” the Governor added. On his part the Chairmen of Nigeria Prays, General Yakubu Gowon, thanked the Governor for the support towards the programme in the State and also finding time to attend the rally. The One Day Prayer Rally featured interssession prayers for the security of the nation , leaders at all levels as well as intitutions and various sectors of the Nigeria nation.

• (L-R)President-General Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide, Olorogun Dr. Moses Taiga,Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori,Delta State PDP Chairman and Barr. Kingsley Esiso during the 88th Annual Urhobo National Day Celebration, at Urhobo Cultural center, Uvwiamughe-Agbahor Delta State.Photo:JONATHAN AWANYAI

End our pain, deliver quality job, federal lawmaker charges contractor From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

he federal lawmaker representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/ Ikwuano South, Chief Sam Onuigbo, has charged the contractor handling the reconstruction of Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene road to end the pain his constituents have endured by delivering quality job. Speaking at a consultative stakeholders meeting at the weekend in Ikwuano, Onuigbo noted that the poor condition of the road has remained a nightmare for his constituents and commuters, just as it has impacted negatively on the economy of the people for close to two decades. Traditional rulers, Town Union leaders, youth, women and political leaders from the three local governments that make up the federal constituency, as well as the contractors and representatives of Federal Ministry of Works attended the meeting. The lawmaker said he called the meeting to lay the foundation for a conducive environment for hitchfree execution of the project as the reconstruction work was about to commence. “I want to thank God for today because from 2015 when I was elected, we have been on the issue of this road which even long before I was elected has been a problem. “And that’s why today, I am happy we are having this gathering the es-

sence of which is just exactly what our people have said (our youth the traditional rulers, political leaders), that we assure the contractors of our maximum cooperation and support. “We want to work in a harmonious, cordial but very productive environment so as to help you deliver this road and end the pain and misery of people around this area, including those travelling to Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River and even up to Cameroun. “I want to urge the construction company to do their best to deliver quality work. We have suffered for a long time and let what we are getting as a reward for this long suffering, let it be a quality and enduring work for our people,” Onuigbo said. He urged the contractor to engage youths of the area in the course of reconstructing the road. He described the road as a vital infrastructure for the federal government and expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the award of contract for the reconstruction of the road and also thanked the Minister of Works and Housing for keeping to his word by getting the road to be awarded. Public Relations Officer of Hartland/Raycon firms handling the project, Mrs Grace Gbagi, speaking on behalf of the company, assured that the firm would deliver quality job. Gbagi said she was very pleased with

the meeting and enjoined people who may be aggrieved to approach the company for amicable resolution, rather than embarking on protests or blocking the road. A staff of the Federal Ministry of Works, Michael Ntuiogra, who represented the Comptroller of Works in Abia State, assured that the Ministry would ensure strict supervision of the project from the beginning to the end. He said that the road would be 15 metres wide (7.5 metres each side), adding that a firm has been engaged to enumerate affected structures for subsequent payment of compensation. Those who spoke at the meeting on behalf of the host communities included; the Transition Chairmen designate for Ikwuano and Umuahia North local government areas, Barr. Stanley Ojigbo and Comrade Lucky Akabuike, respectively; Eze Emmanuel Onwubuariri of Azueke Ibeku in Umuahia North, Eze Christopher Ejirika of Umuariaga community, President-General of Umuariaga, a former Majority Leader of Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Wisdom Ogbonna. They assured the contractor that they would create a peaceful environment for the construction of the road, which they said were very vital to them. “We will give you a peaceful atmosphere. There will be no intimidation or harassment of your staff,” Ojigbo told the contractors.

2023: Okowa calls for unity among ethnic groups in Delta

From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

overnor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has urged Urhobo people to unite and fellowship with other ethnic groups in the state to enable them to achieve the aspiration of producing his successor in 2023. The governor who made the call while addressing delegates at the 88th Annual Urhobo National Day Celebration organised by Urhobo Progress Union at Urhobo Cultural Centre, Agbarho, particularly advised Urhobo indigenes seeking to become governor in 2023 to do so in a friendly manner, saying that power belongs to God and He gives to whom He pleases. Okowa announced that the state government would spend N9.5 billion on the first phase of Storm Water Drainage project to address flooding in Warri and Uvwie areas. He also disclosed that his administration had concluded plans to embark on the construction of a bridge across Ewu River, which would provide access to no fewer than seven Urhobo communities. The governor added Effurun-Otor bridge project would be completed and inaugurated in the first half of 2020, and stated that 25-kilometre Okwagbe road project in Ughelli South Local Government Area had been completed. He said that more developmental projects had been earmarked for every part of the state in the dry season, noting that the projects were aimed at making life more meaningful for Deltans. He stated that Warri, Uvwie and Environs Development Agency was established to give impetus to the development of the area, adding that the agency had commenced the process of awarding contract for the first phase of the drainage project in Warri. Okowa stressed the need for “oneness and peaceful co-existence among various ethnic nationalities to enable government deliver on its development blueprint for the state’’, pointing out that the cooperation of all was needed in tackling lingering national security challenges. Describing the Urhobo Cultural Centre as a “centre for peace and development which is in line with our administration’s stronger Delta agenda’’, he announced N50 million donation for the completion of the centre. He urged well-meaning Urhobo sons and daughters to also contribute towards the completion of the project. On peace efforts by government in the Ogbe-Ijaw-Aladja crisis, the governor said that the decisions reached by the State Executive Council would be implemented and disclosed plans by his administration to build a model technical college for people of both communities. Earlier, President General of Urhobo Progress Union, Chief Moses Taiga, had in his address, emphasised the need for the people to speak with one voice irrespective of sociopolitical affiliations. He urged them to be united if they must achieve a greater, stronger and peaceful ethnic nationality. On 2023, Taiga said that it was imperative that the Urhobos produced the next governor of the state, and sued for unity, focus, coherence, harmony and support from other ethnic groups for the actualization of the goal.

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

NEWS Yuletide: Police ban use of fireworks in Enugu

olice Command in Enugu State has reiterated its ban on use of fireworks, knockout and bangers this Yuletide. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Ebere Amaraizu, who said this in a statement, Tuesday in Enugu, also noted that the ban was due to their explosives safety and security implications. He said: “Their usages are capable of diverting the attention of security agencies from knowing when things are going wrong in our environment. “It could also ignite an inferno when thrown either knowingly or unknowingly to inflammable materials in our environment and considering the dry season and its

associated situations.’’ According to him, the command is advising the public, parents and caregivers to warn their children and wards against the use of fireworks. The police spokesman noted that the command, in partnership with other sister security agencies and relevant stakeholders, had been directed by the commissioner of police to fish out violators. “Violators will be made to face the consequences in line with the relevant sections of the law. “The command further advises members of the public to be security conscious and law abiding,’’ he added.

Court sentences woman to death by hanging for burning co-wife, seven children to death By CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

or setting ablaze co-wife and seven children to death, State High Court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, has sentenced a woman, Mrs Agnes Nwefuru, to death by hanging. In a suit no.HAW/13C/2017, brought against the Agnes Nwefuru by Ebonyi state government, she was accused of setting ablaze the House of her co-wife, Felicia Nwefuru, which took her life and the lives of her seven children. The plaintiff contended that the accused also burnt her own house during the evil act as a cover-up. The plaintiff further accused her of removing all her belongings and that of her children and took them to a safe place outside the compound before committing the act. Recall that in 2017, eight mem-

bers of a family were burnt to death following a mysterious fire that engulfed their residential house around 3am at Ogboji community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. Two persons survived the inferno: their husband, Mr. Sylvanus Nwefuru and Miss Ukamaka Nwefuru, one of Felicia’s children. The fire razed the two hatched houses in the compound during the incident. Delivering the judgment, the presiding judge, Justice Uwabunkonye Onwosi, in about 2hrs judgment, declared that the plaintiff proved that the defendant was guilty of the murder charge preferred against her. “Nwefuru Agnes is found guilty of murder and is hereby convicted. The term of her sentence is that she be hanged by neck until she is dead”, the judge ruled.

Minimum wage: Ikpeazu approves joint implementation committee

bia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has approved the setting up of a joint negotiating committee on the implementation of the new minimum wage in the state. A statement signed by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, Monday, in Umuahia, said the joint committee is expected to conclude its work and submit report to the Governor on or before the 31st of December, 2019. Members of the committee include: Head of Service (Chairman), Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Permanent Secretary/Executive Secretary, Planning Commission, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Permanent Secretary, Establishment/Pension (Secretary), Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, Auditor General of the State, Accountant-General of the state, Joint Council Chairman (Labour spokesman). Others are: TUC Chairman, NLC Chairman, NUT Chairman, NULGE

• (From left): Governor of Delta, Ifeanyi Okowa with former Head of State and Chairmean of Nigeria Prays, General Yakubu Gowon, at the just-concluded One Day National Prayer Rally for the South-South zone, organised by members of Nigeria Prays with the theme : “Possessing the Land” in Asaba

Umahi, ex-lawmaker bicker over N80m legislative entitlements By CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

bonyi State Governor, David Umahi and the immediate past member representing Afikpo North-East State Constituency, Hon. Maria Ude Nwachi, are at each other’s neck following allegation and counter allegations about N80m legislative entitlements. Nwachi, had accused Umahi of withholding her statutory and privileged entitlements to tune of N80million including that of her aides throughout her four years tenure in the state House of Assembly. In a statement signed by the exlawmaker and shared on social media including in a timeline of her verified Facebook account, alleged that Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi in connivance with the leadership of the 5th Assembly led by Hon. Francis Nwifuru as the Speaker, denied her all her statutory and privileged entitlements including severance allowance to the tune of N80million naira. The ex-lawmaker who contested for Afikpo North/Afikpo South Federal Constituency in 2019 general election under the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN), but lost to the PDP candidate,Hon. Idu Igariwey, alleged that Umahi led administration humiliated her in all fronts throughout the end of the state 5th session of the state House of Assembly. She alleged that after she won under an unknown platform, Peoples Progressives Party (PPA) in 2015, following failed efforts to rig her out by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) controlled state government, they

shifted the fight against her to the chambers. She further alleged that she was slammed indefinite suspension severally on trumped up allegations without fair hearing, in an alleged deliberate efforts by Umahi’s led Government to subdue her for refusing to join the PDP. Nwachi said he had recently contacted Speaker Francis Nwifuru who is also the present Speaker of the 6th Assembly about the non-release of her entitlements amounting to N80m, but he referred her to Umahi. The Ex-lawmaker said she decided to make the matter public because she had sworn never to contact Governor Umahi about it again, but would go to court to seek redress. However, Governor Umahi in his reaction said the only truth in the Nwachi’s claim was that she was a lawmaker in the 5th Assembly, but maintained that no House of Assembly member’s allowance in Ebonyi State, whether in whole or in part, including salary, is close to the amount she alleged. Umahi who spoke through the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Uchenna Orji, maintained that the ex-lawmaker was not owed a dime as she alleged, but was merely putting to work a Ponzi trap she manufactured to decieve the unsuspecting members of the public. Umahi said the extant law required that any member on suspension was not entitled to legislative privileges within the period of such a suspension, and it was laughable for Nwachi to think the law should be swept aside in her favour.

“The only truth in Maria Nwachi’s claims is that she was in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly for four years only. Her claim of being owed N80m allowances by the House of Assembly is nothing but one of the dimensions of the Ponzi trap for gullible people as no House of Assembly member’s allowance in Ebonyi State, whether in whole or in part including salary, is close to the amount she alleged. “Assuming (but not conceding) that each house member is receiving up to N500,000 per month, the maximum the person would get in 4 years is N24m. Let her declare the whereabout of her salary. “I challenge her to declare all earnings of a House of Assembly member for four years here,both monthly salary and allowances. I am surprised that a former House member and her cronies, in playing their Xmas script, are advertently ignorant of the fact the life of every House expires every four years and that a suspended staff or public office holder is not entitled to legislative privileges for the period of the suspension. The extant laws of the state, the rules of the House and the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 as amended are there. This is a height of deceit”, Governor Umahi maintained. Umahi who urged the general public to discountenance Nwachi’s claim, said he was prepared to meet her in court, if she thought she had any case against him. The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Francis Nwifuru, who was also accused by the Ex-lawmaker could not respond to phone calls or reply text message sent to his mobile.

Oraifite crisis: Azubogu visits community, calls for peace, investigation By Pamela Eboh, Awka

T • Gov. Ikpeazu

Chairman, Chairman council 1, Chairman council 2, and Chairman Council 3. “The Committee will be inaugurated on Wednesday, 11th December, 2019, by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, PhD, at the conference room, office of the Deputy Governor,” said Kalu.

he member representing Nnewi North, South and Ekwusigo federal constituency in the House of Representatives Hon Emeka Azubogu on Monday visited Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, the community that was recently enmeshed in crisis followong a fracas between members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and security officials to ascertain the extent of destruction. Recall that the fracas led to the death of two senior police officers, an ASP as well as four civilians. Speaking in Oraifite, Azubogu decried the level of destruction describ-

ing the damages as hideous. Azubogu maintained that only a thorough investigation will guide the law in the issue even as he called for peace to reign. He said: “I am shocked at the level of damage of lives and properties brought about by the conflict and I urge vigilance on all fronts to forestall further reprisal, while authorities continue with Investigations.” The lawmaker also commiserated witm the Anambra State Police Command on the death of two of their personnel in the conflict. Azubogu who visited the community with top members of his constituency inspected the home of IPOB lawyer, Barr Ifeanyi Ejiofor, leader-

ship of the Oraifite town Union and the police area command, which lost two of its top personnel in the clash. He subsequently visited Barr Ejiofor’s country home at Umunakwa village, Oraifite where he was taken around the compound which is now a ghost of itself as well as adjoining houses which were razed in the inferno that ensued. While regretting that the situation has halted economic activities in the area, Azubogu wondered why such incident happened within a constituency known for peace. He added, “The people of Oraifite are not known for stories like this and this brings us to my call for a thorough investigation.”

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

NEWS

Ayade test-runs new feed mill as Nexim Bank mulls partnership with Cross River

test-run of the newly established Cross River State feed mill was carried out at the weekend, with Governor Ben Ayade calling on the management of Nexim Bank to partner with the state in its agro industrial revolution. Located at the Ayade Industrial Park along Goodluck Jonathan Bypass in Calabar, the feed mill is one of the latest factories built by the Ayadeled administration that is ready for commissioning. The governor who witnessed the test-run along with the management of NEXIM Bank, that also toured other factories like the 24000 birds per day frozen chicken factory and the

noodles factory, urged the bank to use the state to demonstrate Nigeria’s potentials. “We are a very serious-minded people. Nexim Bank, you have a great opportunity, partner with us and let us build Cross River State as a showcase of the potentials and capabilities that Nigeria can actually be herself,” the governor remarked. He said the factories, beside shoring up the economic base of the state, provide jobs to thousands of people. According to him, “from the start to the end, we have human beings given jobs in massive numbers. This is the way to go and this is agro indus-

trial revolution.” Declaring that the wheel of progress has just begun, Ayade expressed hope that Nexim Bank will support Cross River State to become a major exporter of goods. Speaking earlier, the Deputy governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Board Chairman, Nexim Bank, Okwu Joseph Nnanna, expressed excitement over the industrial park, affirming that the factories will boost job creation and economic empowerment. His words: “We are impressed with what we have seen. Nexim Bank is established to encourage industrial parks of this nature as well as the

factories that are located here. We are very happy to support the project because the job creation is fantastic and is a game changer.” He said “if the government of Cross River State has need for financing, they will discuss with the executives of Nexim Bank, for what we have seen here is fantastic and similar to the projects we have financed at the federal level. This is truly impressive given the time it was done.” Okwu lauded the governor for establishing the industries, saying “this is job creation, economic empowerment for men and women, youths and the vulnerable. It is fantastic and there is no where to be compared.”

25 persons die, 326 injured in auto crashes in Abia - FRSC

Yuletide: Navy Sensitizes Riverine Business Operators on Security

From OGE ONYEANUSI, Nnewi

igerian Naval Outpost, Odekpe Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State has sensitized business operators at the bank of River Niger on the importance of sharing useful information to law enforcement agencies in event of suspicious dealings and movement along the Niger water ways. According to him , this has become necessary in view of fast approaching yuletide when commission of crime is on the increase as criminals had in the past taken advantage of the Niger water route to invade Onitsha and other riverine communities in Ogbaru, Ayamelum, Anambra East and Anambra West Local Government Areas to attack their victims and commit all sorts of crimes unhindered and later escape to safety. However, the Odekpe Naval Outpost is not resting on its oars as it has mapped-out strategies to forestall any form of criminality by bandits operating through the river. Commander, Odekpe Naval Outpost, Navy Captain Ali Abdu in a telephone chat with our correspondent yesterday said he has drafted his men to sensitize sand dredgers, fishermen, yam dealers, including all artisans who ply their trade at the banks of the River Niger on the best way to act in case of suspicious movement of people and boats along the water ways as they are closer to the river. “As business owners who operate along the riverine areas on daily basis, they are familiar with happenings in the area as they spend much of their time around the river”. “There is every tendency that crimes may be taking place around them without their knowledge. But after the sensitization by my officers and men, I see the business owners coming out to expose criminals who take advantage of River Niger and its tributaries to perpetrate crime against the state”. He urged business owners to be patriotic enough to identify with the law enforcement agencies in eradicating crime from the state. A few years ago some armed robbers who operated from Enenchele, a farm settlement around Asaba to kill and rob victims in Onitsha and escaped by boat but were later apprehended by law enforcement agents at their hide-out across the River Niger.

On his part, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Abba Bello revealed that his bank already has a Memorandum of Understanding with the state and as such, is willing to partner with the state. “We already have an MoU with Cross River State government. As a trade partner, we are on ground to look at the value that we want to see created which is job creation, how we can help increase yield and have an off-take price from the factory,” he said. Bello assured that Nexim Bank will support the factories at the Ayade industrial park to go into export as the bank is involved in non-oil promotion.

• Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (left) with the South East Zonal Head, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Usman Imam, during the commemoration of this year’s International AntiCorruption Day, held at the EFCC zonal office, Enugu.

‘Legislature, judiciary autonomy may lead to anarchy,’ says Umahi By CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

bonyi State Governor, David Umahi says the kind of autonomy the legislature and the judiciary arm of government are seeking for at the state level across the country may lead to anarchy if granted. Umahi said it would be dangerous to grant that kind of autonomy in a country where budgets were hardly implemented up to 50% by the three tiers of Government. The Governor who spoke at the State High Court Abakaliki during the event marking 2019/2020 legal year in the State, suggested that the ideal autonomy for both Arms was the type enjoyed by Nigeria Police in which their funds were deducted as first line charge, from the Federal Allocation. He also backed the position of President Muhammadu Buhari about the autonomy of Local Government, saying “he is totally against state governors meddling with the funds of local government”. Umahi said his position about local government was that since it is an integral part of the state, the Governor must checkmate their expenditures to ensure their funds were properly utilized. He also advocated preventive

rather than reactive fight against corruption in Nigeria. “You know, what is making a lot of wave now is the autonomy of the local government, autonomy of the judiciary and autonomy of the legislature. I don’t know what is left of the Executive. I will be moving a motion for the autonomy of the Executive too. Executive must be autonomous too. “But, let me say that in our state, I have found it difficult to understand the definition of autonomy outside what we practice. Yes, whatever that is due to judiciary, we give to them. We don’t pay them salaries, we give it to them. The same thing with the Legislature. “And of course, we don’t touch the money of the local government, but we must insist we know what they are doing, because they are integral part of the state. “But when you talk about the autonomy of the local government, I share the vision of Mr. President and I stand against Governors that are meddle with the funds of the local government. But when we talk about true Federalism and talk about autonomy of local government, the two cannot go together. “What we demand from every leader in our country is good leadership. That is what we demand.

And what we demand in the fight against corruption is preventive fight against corruption and not reactive fight against corruption. We should be proactive. “When a man has dug a sucker pit and put his money, it will very difficult to undig it.So, it is better to device means and avenues to checkmate the expenditures of Government than to put people in prison. My Lord’s, your hands are tied in that. It is the Constitution that put them in prison. “So, my take for autonomy of judiciary or legislature at the state level is for them to do what is being done for the Police. Let them aggregate whatever that is coming to the judiciary and then, take it, as first line charge as being done with the Police. The same with the legislature. “But it is very difficult to say, ‘if you budget XY for the judiciary with the state and you budget BZ for the legislature, let the Federal Government deduct it at source’. There will be anarchy, because our budget is never implemented up to 50 percent, all through the three tiers of Government. “So, it is important to note this as we drive the wheels of autonomy that is going everywhere. This is very important”, Umahi said.

ederal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Abia Command on Tuesday revealed that 25 persons lost their lives and 326 injured in 71 auto crashes recorded from January to November. FRSC Sector Commander in the state, Mr Meshach Jatau, made the disclosure at the 2019 “Ember Months” Road Safety Campaign Rally at Umuahia. Jatau said that the event marked the climax in a series of sensitisation to remind motorists on the need to drive carefully and obey all traffic rules and regulations. In his remarks, Mr Osadeba Osadebamwen, the FRSC Zonal Commander, Zone 9 Enugu, urged road users to always ensure stable state of mind while driving to avoid crashes. Osadebamwen spoke on “Road Safety is a State of the Mind, Road Traffic Crash is Absence of Mind, Stay Alert, Stay Alive”. He noted that absence of mind and due alertness, among others resulted in traffic crashes with attendant unpalatable consequences. “There is nothing like accident on the road. It is absent mindedness that leads to a crash. Don’t leave anything to chance. It depends on you to be saved on the road and for others to be saved too,’’ the zonal commander said. In a message to the event, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia commended FRSC for organising the programme. Ikpeazu, who was represented by his Deputy, Ude Oko Chukwu, expressed worry over the number of crashes on the roads, adding that over 90 per cent of those crashes were as a result of human elements. He appealed to drivers to avoid those things that could cause road accidents. “I wish to tell our drivers that there is nothing special about ‘Ember Month’, no demon associated with it. It is our action that is responsible for the accidents,’’ he said. The governor also appealed to FRSC and other security agencies to help the state and the nation in minimising the level of mortality on the roads. Part of the activities was free eye checks on drivers to ascertain the state of their vision.

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

NEWS

Abia Commissioner urges support for incoming TC chairman From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

s the mantle of leadership is due to change hands in the 17 local governments of Abia State, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Chief (Mrs.) Ojo Loveth Adimoha, has charged people of Bende Local Government Area to support the incoming Transition Committee Chairman, Dr Haggler Okorie, with prayers and good advice. Adimoha was reacting to the dissolution of the 17 Transition Committee chairmen and their deputies and appointment of their replacements by the State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu. The development was contained in the December 1, 2019 statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Barr. Onyebuchi Ememanka, which stated that the names of the new council helmsmen have been forwarded to the State House of Assembly for screening. Okorie, a former Commissioner for Youth Development, was appointed Transition Committee Chairman for Bende, with Mrs Adimoha hailing as a good choice. He will replace Chief Princewill Onyegbu. In a congratulatory message made available to newsmen in Umuahia, Hon. Adimoha noted that the appointment shows the level of confidence that Ikpeazu reposed in Okorie and assured that he would deliver. Adimoha, therefore, urged Bende people to unite, cooperate and support the incoming TC Chairman “with their daily prayers and good advice” and enjoined Okorie to formulate good policies capable of moving Bende forward when he assumes office. The Culture and Tourism Commissioner described Governor Ikpeazu as a man who rewards excellence, hardwork, commitment and loyalty and congratulated Okorie for making the PDP proud by excelling in all his assignments so far; as well as his deputy, Mr. John Mark, urging them to bring honour and joy to Bende and the state at large. According to Ememanka, the following were appointed Transition Committee Chairmen and Deputies in the 17 local governments: Aba North: Chief Victor Ubani (Chairman), Mrs. Joy Iwuchukwu (Deputy); Aba South: Pharm. Cherechi Wogu (Chairman), Nochin Kanu (Deputy); Arochukwu: Engr. Maurice Onyekachi Okoro (Chairman), Daniel Onyema Ogbuagu (Deputy); Bende: Dr. Hagler Okorie (Chairman), Mr. John Mark Deputy); Isiala Ngwa North: Udo Nwogwugwu Y. O (Chairman), Chukwuemeka Wachuku (Deputy); Isiala Ngwa South: Chief Nkem B. Onwubiko (Chairman), Barrister Prince Enyioma Okpanku (Deputy) and Ikwuano: Barrister Stanley Ojigbo (Chairman), Chima Ekije (Deputy). Others are: Isuikwuato: Dr. Osita Igbe (Chairman), Charles Chinedu Uguru (Deputy); Obingwa: Kingsley Nnaji (Chairman), Mrs. Ezinwanyi Jonah (Deputy); Ohafia: Fred Idika (Chairman), Ezeikpe Kelvin Agbara (Deputy); Osisioma Ngwa: Dr. Ikechukwu Nwabeke (Chairman), Fyne Ahuama (Deputy); Umuahia North: Chief Lucky Akabuike (Chairman), Ugochukwu Ibe (Deputy) and Umuahia South: Dr. Ndukwe Adindu (Chairman), Chibuzo Ejim (Deputy). The rest are: Umunneochi: Engr. Matthew Ibe (Chairman), Chigozie Igbo (Deputy); Ukwa East: Mrs Stella Igbokwe (Chairman), Chief Rowland Omoni (Deputy); Ukwa West: Chief Sylvanus Nwaji (Chairman), Mrs Ifeyinwa Adiele (Deputy) and Ugwunagbo: Chief Peter Aguomba (Chairman) and Mrs Appolonia Emeh (Deputy).

Ayade commends Unical’s inclusion of Carnival studies to curriculum C ross River State Governor, Sir Ben Ayade has commended the University of Calabar, for including the first-of-its-kind, Carnival Studies to the curriculum of the Department of Theatre and Film Studies. The Governor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Dr. Aye Henshaw, gave the commendation at the Association of Dance Scholars and Practitioners of Nigeria Conference and Annual General Meeting, held recently at the University of Calabar. Ayade said the timing of the Conference was “auspicious,” as it comes at a period (December) where the State is meshed in the ecstasies of the month-long glitzy and glamorous Carnival Calabar festivities. “I like to commend the dynamic leadership of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Zana Akpagu, for the partnership which

has led to the addition of Carnival Studies, first time in the country, to the curriculum of the Department of Theatre Arts. This, the State Government could not have done without, because apart from adding to the curriculum, the Carnival Calabar, in terms of content, has gained considerably from the partnership with resource persons from the University, serving as adjudicators and in several other capacities,” the Governor remarked. Ayade, who emphasized on society’s dependence on the universities for new ideas and expansion of knowledge, expressed hope that recommendations from the conference to help enrich content of the carnival and add impetus to the development of Carnival Calabar and tourism in the State. In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Ani, welcomed participants to the conference, the University and the ancient city of

Calabar, assuring them that in line with the theme – “Dance, Carnival and Tourism Development,” scholarly presentations and other deliberations at the event, would help in advancing these all-important areas in the entertainment and tourism industry. Also speaking, the Head of Department of the Theatre, Film and Carnival Studies Department, University of Calabar and Convener of the Conference, Prof. Emmy Ikanaba Idegu, who defined a dancer as “anybody that ever moves he body to synchronize to the given sound of music, said beyond that, ADSPON is a gathering of dancers, scholars and practitioners. Prof. Idegu expressed delight at the honour of hosting this year’s edition of the conference, adding that “when it comes to carnivals in Africa, Carnival Calabar is unrivalled.” He described the theme of the conference as apt, noting that at the end of the 3-day event, justice will be

LG honored with 2020 CES Innovation awards

• Official CTA Industry Recognition Program Again • Singles Out LG OLED TV for ‘Best of Innovation’ Award

he Consumer Technology Association (CTA™) is recognizing LG Electronics (LG) for groundbreaking innovations in technology and design with 2020 CES®Innovation Awards – led by another Best of Innovation Award for LG OLED TV technology. This marks the eighth consecutive year that LG OLED TVs, home appliances and flagship smartphones all have received CES Innovation Awards, the official industry recognition for the most innovative products introduced at CES, the global stage for innovation. CES Best of Innovation: For CES 2020, LG OLED TV technology is again being recognized with the CES Best of Innovation Award in the video display category, earning this highest honor in three of the past five years. LG, the world’s bestselling OLED TV brand, created the premium OLED TV category, which delivers perfect black, incredible color and unparalleled high-dynamic range capabilities. LG Home Entertainment: Particularly noteworthy for 2020 are two Innovation Awards for one of the industry’s first NEXTGEN TVs to be unveiled at CES 2020 – an LG OLED TV incorporating the ATSC 3.0 nextgeneration standard, co-developed by LG. More details on the awardwinning LG entertainment products – including 8K and 4K Ultra HD TVs, audio and computer products and more – will be announced at CES 2020 in January. LG Home Appliances: CES 2020 Innovation Awards will go to a number of new LG home appliances, highlighted by an LG InstaView™ Door-in-Door® refrigerator with the industry-first Craft Ice™ feature, which reimagines home entertaining. Other award-winning LG home appliances include the second win for the LG Styler clothing care system with its black-tinted mirror front, an all-new portable LG PuriCare™ Mini air purifier and laundry innovations to be announced at

CES. LG Mobile Phones: Leading the company’s CES Innovation Awards for mobile devices is the groundbreaking LG G8XThinQ Dual Screen smartphone, which provides more control for scenarios where two identical OLED displays simply work better than one. Also receiving awards are the LG V50ThinQ 5G smartphone designed to connect, stream, browse, play, share and experience more, without limits, and the LG G8ThinQ with its refined minimalist design, innovative audio experiences, new camera hardware and software, and state-of-the-art touchless controls and biometric security features. CES Innovation Awards: Owned and produced by CTA, the CES Innovation Awards program is an annual competition honoring outstanding design and engineering in consumer technology products across 28 product categories. An elite panel

of industry expert judges, including members of the media, designers, engineers and more, reviewed submissions based on engineering qualities, aesthetic and design, functionality and consumer appeal. The full list of LG’s CES 2020 Innovation Awards will be announced in conjunction with LG’s CES press conference at 08:00 PST on Jan. 6, 2020 in Las Vegas. Owned and produced by CTA, CES 2020 is the global stage for innovation where industry leaders and rising stars will come together Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas to pioneer future innovation driving the ever-evolving tech industry. CES attendees will have access to the most transformative tech across various marketplaces, such as 5G, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, smart home, smart cities, vehicles, digital health and more.

done to the theme and subthemes, while welcoming delegates to the all-important event. Earlier in his address, the President of the Association, Prof. Jaleel Ojuade, pointed out that the choice of Calabar for the conference stemmed from its coincidence with the internationally-acclaimed Carnival Calabar Festival that draws tourists and fun-seekers from across the world to the ancient city at this time of the year. Prof. Ojuade said Carnival as a factor in our society’s development needs adequate promotion and support; hence the conference is for stakeholders, scholars and practitioners to interrogate the dance and carnival, to put a lens to their contributions to sustainable development of tourism in Nigeria’s socio-cultural and economic environment. He thanked all contributors towards the success of the conference for their painstaking contributions and wished delegates a memorable event in Calabar.

Police boss assures Anambra residents of safe yuletide

olice Command in Anambra has assured the residents of the state of its commitment to ensure adequate security of lives and property during and after the festive periods. Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr John Abang, who gave the assurance in Tuesday in Awka, said that the high technology surveillance equipment, provided by the Governor Willie Obiano administration, had been deployed to combat crime and criminality that might arise either now or during the yuletide. “Anambra is the only state in Africa where such equipment is used and it must be professionally used to achieve its intended goal,” he said. The police boss said that officers and men under his command would work optimally to ensure that the people sleep with their two eyes closed during the festive and after the period. He urged the citizens of the state residing in other parts of the states to feel free to visit home and celebrate the festive season with their loved ones. Abang urged residents to be law abiding and go about their legitimate businesses without fear, assuring them that the police would do their best to ensure peace, during and after the festive periods.

• CP, Abang

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

NEWS

Irona tasks Imo communities on security of public infrastructure By COLLINS UGHALAA

eputy Governor of Imo State, Engr. Gerald Irona, on Tuesday charged the leadership of communities in Imo State to prioritize security of public infrastructure in their local communities. The Deputy Governor made the call while briefing leaders of Ochia, Awarra, Assa, Obile and Obitti communities in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State on the plans of the present administration for the area. He inform the community leaders that an electrification project jointly funded by the Imo State Government, through the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC) and Waltersmith, a multinational oil and gas company in the state, is about to commence, seeking the cooperation of the communities. The Deputy Governor, however, warned that the state government will not tolerate vandalism of infrastructural projects in any part of the state, challenging stakeholders to evolve strategies towards ensuring security of public amenities in their areas. He said: “On behalf of the Governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, I invited you. We promised that our administration will ensure the provision of electricity in our place. Our people have suffered for years and God has come to wipe our tears dry. It is difficult to believe, but, it is true that there are some com-

munities in ohaji/Egbema/Oguta that have never had electricity. Your area and Agwa in Oguta Local Government Area are among such communities. While Waltersmith is partnering with us in Ohaji, Sterling Global is partnering with us in Oguta to ensure that the electrification projects are realized. “We have done a survey covering Obitti, Awarra, Ochia, Assa, Obile and Umuapu communities in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area. After the survey, we will get back to Waltersmith and Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission - ISOPADEC, which have both shown commitment to doing the electrification project. Before the end of this year, work will commence. The implications of this power project are far reaching. It will be connected to Gas Turbine, being the first of its kind in Imo. When you are connected, your place will become an industrial hub. Your place will be the most attractive for businesses. We shall develop our area. “Why I called this meeting is to plead that you take deliberate steps to ensure the security of the electricity installations in your area. You know your children, including the bad ones. As you get back home, invite your children; warn them to desist from any temptation to vandalize the electricity installations. Set up systems locally to ensure adequate security of the installations.” In his response, Chairman, Inter-

im Management Committee, Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area, Hon. Damian Ezeru, expressed gratitude to the Deputy Governor for what he described as his commitment towards taking development to the door steps of people of the area. He urged him to extend their gratitude to Governor Emeka Ihedioha for his good governance exploits, assuring him of the continued support of people of the area. Adding his voice, member representing Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area at the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Cyriacus Okoro commended the state government for steps towards providing electricity in the area, assuring the Deputy Governor of their continued support. Also speaking, Chairman, Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission-ISOPADEC, Magnus Obido commended the state government for the initiative, assuring the Governor of the continued support of people of the area. In his submission, Traditional Ruler of Assa autonomous community, His Royal Highness -HRH Eze Emmanuel Assor commended the Deputy Governor for changing the narrative of people of the area, particularly, reduction in violent crimes in the area. “We are very excited that these days, we are no longer invited to recruit cult boys and people to fight our brothers, but for developmen-

tal issues. Honestly, we have never had this kind of leadership before. Now that you are laying this foundation, God will bless you”, he noted. He, however, called on the government to make a declaration that “any community that allows any public infrastructure in its vicinity to be vandalized forfeits it forever.” In their separate submissions, Traditional Ruler of Obile, HRH Eze Abyssinia Ogbuji; his Obitti counterpart, HRH Eze E.C. Odunze; HRH Eze Ekwueme Ekwueme of Ochia and His Royal Highness, Eze A.N. Ezenwaike poured encomiums on the person of the Deputy Governor, describing him as a good friend of the area. They gave their blessings to the setting up of a joint security outfit to combat crime in the area, even as they vowed to secure the electricity installations. The monarchs further commended the state government for the new security measures in the area, pursuant to resolutions of the recent Security Summit of Ohaji/Egbema/ Oguta local government Areas.

CORRECTION OF NAME This is to confirm that CHUKWUMAOBI OBIANUJU VIVIAN and CHUKWUMAOBI OBIANUJU LYNDA is one and the same person. My correct name is CHUKWUMAOBI OBIANUJU LYNDA My date of birth is 14th December, 1997 and not 14th December, 1998.Banks and General Public take note.

SOWORE: Lawyers urge citizens to save Nigeria Cont’d from Pg 2 intendment of our founding fathers that gave us this democracy. This incessant muscling of the judiciary, which is the last hope of the common man, by the executive, is a very dangerous signal which portends a bleak future and return to the dark ages.” On his part, Barrister Venatus Odo likened the incident to “an exemplification of the prevailing siege and autocracy in the country.” “It is barbaric, primitive and demonstrated a withdrawal from the civilized society. It defeats all known democratic tenets for a government to break into the court of law to apprehend an accused who had been granted bail by the court, and take him into custody. “Nigerians have allowed themselves to be taken for granted for so long; we are being told, through the latest court invasion, that we are a conquered people – captives, who cannot do anything. “It is so disturbing that the same Sowore, who had fought fervently for the victory of candidate Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 when he had believed that he was the messiah, is the same person that is going through all these just because he now holds a different opinion about the present leadership. If Nigerians choose to become a chewing gum in the mouth of their leaders, so be it. But believe me, the day we decide to say that enough is enough, all this rubbish would stop,” he said. On NBA’s four-point demand,

including the sacking of the DG of DSS, Barr Odo said that the issue was beyond isolated release of press statements by professional or non-professional organizations. According to him, the incident is a slap on Nigeria, as a country and on the faces of Nigerians. He stressed that “the NBA was there when they sacked the Chief justice of Nigeria, in a humiliating manner, with a black market order issued by a tribunal. What did the NBA do beyond the usual rhetoric? Nigerians are supposed to be challenged to resist government’s brazing dictatorship tendencies, and take the salvation of the nation in their own hands.” “Look at Hong Kong, France and others. Did anybody tell their citizens what to do before they decided to unanimously say no to the authorities and pushed for their rights? In Pakistan, the Military junta removed their Chief Justice but citizens said no. Judges refused to seat until the man was returned. But what happened in Nigeria during Onnoghen’s case?” he said. Meanwhile, a human rights lawyer based in Onitsha, Anambra state, Jezie Ekejiuba has called on the National Assembly to investigate and identify the 15 operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS who he said primitively invaded the sacred sanctuary of the courtroom of the presiding judge, Hon. Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, last Friday and unlawfully re-arrested Omoyele Sowore who is facing criminal charges over #RevolutionNow Protests.

He described the action of DSS a desecration of the sanctity of the court and judiciary of the nation. In a press statement issued in Onitsha , Ekejiuba who is also the President of Voters Rights International, a civil society organization, said the investigation and identification would help to recommend their dismissal from service to serve as deterrent to other like-minded security agents who are out to please their masters. According to the statement, “this is to formally call your the attention of the NASS to the recent lawlessness of 15 operatives of the DSS, adding that the violent re-arrest of Sowore who is on court ordered bail within the premises of a court of law is not only an affront to the rule of law but also a brazen challenge to the constitutional powers granted to the judiciary under the amended Constitution of Nigeria, 1999”. “As representatives of the Nigerian people, it is the duty of the NASS to speak up against this tyranny and dictatorship and take side with the Nigerian people, the statement noted, adding, by the provision of Section 88(1)(b)(i)(2) (a) of the amended Constitution of Nigeria, DSS being one of the authorities or government departments envisaged by the above provision under the DSS law, the NASS have power by resolution to direct or cause to be directed an investigation into the conduct of the 15 DSS operatives under reference,” the statement read in part. “In order to protect the independence of the judiciary which remains the backbone of every

democracy, we further call on the NASS to amend the existing Sheriffs and Civil Process Act Laws of the Federation to create and empower a specific agency to be known as National Judgments and Orders Enforcement Agency (NJOEA)”. “NJOEA, when established, would take over the power of enforcing all the judgments and orders of Nigerian and foreign courts within the territory of Nigeria from Sheriffs, Deputy Sheriffs and Bailiffs who are ill-equipped to enforce the judgments and orders of courts without any form of fear an discrimination. The power to enforce judgments and orders of courts in Nigeria currently is in the hands of Sheriffs and Bailiffs”. “Our stand is that there is defect in the existing Sheriffs and Civil Process Act which lacks specific agency to enforce the judgments and orders of Nigerian and foreign courts in Nigeria”. “We are convinced that if the NASS heeds this clarion call to properly investigate the recent invasion of court (judiciary) by the DSS operatives and amend the existing Sheriffs and Civil Process Act to create and empower a specific agency, NJOEA in the mold of NDLEA, EFCC, NAFDAC, FRSC, etc. the incidents of disobedience of court orders on any detainee be it Omoyele Sowore, Sambo Dasuki or Ibrahim Elzakzaky among others will be a thing of the past and the much talked about independence of the judiciary will be given a boost and by extension safeguard our hard-earned democracy.”

Glitz as Ugbene community crowns new monarch five years after vacant throne By IBE NWACHUKWU

t appeared like a dream come true for the people of Ugbene-Okodu community in Awka North Local government Area of Anambra state as they unianimously crowned Chief Sampson Mkpuora Chimakwa as their newly elected traditional ruler. Chimakwa, a Lagos-based furniture manufacturer and one-time President-General of Ugbene Town Union, was crowned as Ezu-Ukwu II of Ugbene-Okodu, by the kingmakers who according to their constitution, included the oldest man in the area, Ozo Aaron Agumadu who incidentally is also the head of Ozo Title Society; the President-General of the town union, Chief Emmanuel Nwude; Secretary-General of the town union, Emmanuel Ibeh and three representatives from each of the six villages. Chimakwa’s selection and crowning appeared to have received ovation and accolade from the entire community as there was no noticeable dissenting voice. Rather major stakeholders, including village chairmen and leaders of women groups in the area appeared to have heaved sigh of relief as they described their Eze designate as a round peg in a round hole. Among the stakeholders were Prof. Patrick Nze, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, COOU Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka and former Deputy Director, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, Enugu; Chief Fidelis Nweke (Ide Ugbene), a Port Harcourt-based illustrious sons of the community, philanthropist and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Rivcon Energy & Construction Company Limited (Fidwax Group) and the Parish Priest of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Ugbene, Rev. Fr. Charles Ezeoke. Other stakeholders who are in solidarity with Chimakwa’s selection were Ozo Albert Ibeh, immediate past President-General of Ugene town union; Chairmen of Umunokwam, Enuagu, Umuagunwoke, Umualor, Umuemem and Ifite Ora villages, Simeon Dinyelu, Emma Ndife, David Ejimene, Oliver Okafor and Fidelis Umenyelu, as well as the entire Umuada women group. The crowning ceremony came barely two months after he emerged victorious at the October Igweship election conducted by a team of state government officials led by Sir Benjamin Emerah, Senior Special Assistant, SSA to Governor Willie Obiano on Local Government/Chieftaincy Affairs. Emerah had shortly after the election exercise, declared Chimakwa winner of the Igweship polls, having scored 10 out of a total of 21 votes cast by the kingmakers who voted for the four Igweship candidates, including Chimakwa and his three other rivals, Jonas Okelue Urebe, Clement Okoye and Chief Aaron Onwelukwue who were selected with him from the same Umualor village which is the eldest, as contained in their constitution which states that the Igweship throne would rotate among the six villages in order of seniority. Speaking during the crowning ceremony, the president-general, Nwude explained that the election of Chimakwa and his crowning as their new king was prompted by an Awka High Court, presided over by Justice D. A. Onyefulu which made an order that it is the right of Umualor, the oldest and most senior village to produce the new monarch which would succeed the late Igwe Simon Nnalue who joined his ancestors in 2014.

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

NEWS Ihedioha to sanction health workers charging fees for HIV services in Imo

overnor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo has warned that any government health worker found charging fees for HIV services in the state would be sanctioned. The governor gave the warning in Owerri on Tuesday at the official launch of the Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Surge Response organised by the state government in collaboration with the United States Embassy in Nigeria and Caritas Nigeria. Ihedioha, who reiterated his commitment to the welfare of Imo people, expressed regret that Imo was one of the seven states contributing over 60 per cent of Nigeria’s HIV burden. He pledged to pay prompt attention to the recommendations of the HIV/AIDS consortium so as to find the yet to be identified victims of the pandemic and put them on ART. The governor urged the people of the state to endeavour to know their HIV status promising to provide funds for the purchase of additional test kits for hospitals in the state. “Statistics indicate that Imo is one of the seven priority states with prevalence of HIV. We, therefore, pledge free HIV test and treatment. “The ministries of health and education will liaise to ensure that all students of tertiary institutions in our state are tested. “I also appeal to all pregnant women to know their status so as to checkmate mother to child transfer and ensure that henceforth no child is born with HIV in Imo,” he said. In a welcome address, Imo Commissioner for health, Dr Vin Udokwu, said that the state had 54,000 HIV patients with 16,000 of them currently placed on treatment. He however, added that Imo was the only state to have met its weekly target of finding 112 yet to be identified carriers of the virus and placing them on ART with a view to achieving the epidemic control target of September 2020. Also speaking, the Imo Program Coordinator, Nigeria AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS), Dr Desmond Emeh said that 4,700 new cases were expected among persons 15 years and above in year 2020. He described as `unfortunate’ the HIV prevalence rate of 1.8 per cent among persons aged 0 to 64 while thanking Eze Samuel Ohiri, the chairman, Imo Council of Traditional Rulers for donating 1,000 test kits to the state. In her contribution, Ms Kathleen FitzGibbon, the US Deputy Chief of Mission in Nigeria, commended the governor for his proactive efforts in the fight against HIV in the state. FitzGibbon promised that the USA would continue to provide necessary support to Nigeria and other countries with HIV needs adding that the USA had spent over 60 billion dollars in fighting the disease since 2004. She however, urged people living with HIV to act as ambassadors to the rest of society and shun stigmatization as according to her, HIV is not a death sentence.

Delta vows to create healthy business Environment for investors T From EMMANUEL OGOIGBE, Warri

he Warri Uvwie and Environs Special Area Development Agency on Monday vowed to create a healthy business Environment where investors can grow their businesses and in turn give way for rapid development of cities in Delta State. Director General of the special agency, Ovuozourie Macaulay, who addressed journalists in Warri on Monday during it’s maiden press

briefing said the agency which was created in May 16, 2019, was the outcome of an executive bill passed by the Delta State House of Assembly. He said the state Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa created the agency in its quest to build a ‘Stronger Delta’ in which Deltans can freely- and confidently- pursue their dreams of prosperity and happiness in a safe and secure environment. He said the law had established the agency as a multifaceted interventionist agency with focus on

ecological and environmental remediation, health, economy and social infrastructure of the catchment areas respectively. He said the agency in its quest to create a healthy business environment for all, will emphasize on Urban renewal, demolition of structures/ sanitation, roads rehabilitation and Construction, sensitization and values reorientation and Flood Control. While noting that the fast rate of urbanization has been one of the major challenges which many na-

• Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, receiving a delegation from United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United States Embassy in Nigeria in his office, led by Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S Embassy, Nigeria, Ms. Kathleen FitzGibbon, in Owerri, on Monday

NMA President says it will take 25 years to reduce doctors’ shortage in Nigeria

igeria Medical Association (NMA) says with no fewer than 3,000 doctors graduating yearly in Nigeria, it will take about 25 years to produce adequate numbers of doctors to cater for the country’s population. The NMA National President, Dr Francis Faduyile, made this known on Tuesday at the ongoing a weeklong Annual Symposium organised by the Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) in Lagos. Theme of the symposium is: “Curbing the High Rate of Brain Drain in the Nigerian Health Sector.’’ Faduyile said the few healthcare practitioners in Nigeria were overwhelmed as a doctor caters for about 10,000 to 22,000 patients, instead of the World Health Organisation recommendation of a doctor to 600 patients. He said currently, the nation’s education institutions graduates about 3,000 doctors yearly, and with such number it would take about 25 years to produce the adequate number of doctors required to cater for Nigeria’s increasing population. “Like in the UK where many of our doctors are migrating to, the ratio of doctors to the populace is about zero point eight. It means that they

have so many doctors, whereas Nigeria is in deficit when it comes to numbers of doctors,’’ he said. Faduyile, however, said that there was huge deficit in the nation’s health sector due to brain drain as some of the best healthcare practitioners were leaving the country through migration to more favourable countries. “Nigeria is losing some of its most educated, talented and professional healthcare practitioners to countries such as Namibia, Senegal, Ghana, United Kingdom, South Africa and many others. “This is because government is not interested in giving adequate priority to health, low funding, no appropriate employment, low remuneration, lack of equipment to intervene and save lives, insecurity, bad roads, among other problems. “Now, it is taking toll on the country as our people are suffering due to shortage of workers, people are dying due to lack of effective healthcare system and Nigeria has one of the worst health indices in the world,’’ he said. The NMA President urged journalists to report the problems in the health sector objectively to make government accountable and make things right.

Also, Dr Anthony Omolola, a former President of the Association of Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, said there was need for declaration of a state of emergency in respect of inadequate numbers of doctors in Nigeria. Omolola said it was disheartening to note that with about 72,000 registered doctors, less than half were practicing in Nigeria. “We need committed leadership to curb the challenge of brain drain in this country. “Government needs to increase budgetary allocation to health and invest hugely in the private sector. “The education sector is the bedrock to make our healthcare system function optimally,” he said. In his remarks, Dr Sam Ohuabunwa, President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), said the media have a role to play, urging them to collaborate with with healthcare professionals in form of advocacy for better healthcare delivery in Nigeria. Ohuabunwa also called for the education of prospective healthcare practitioners on the need to stay and practice In Nigeria to fill the huge deficit in the nation’s health sector.

tional and local government authorities in developing nations have to grapple with, Macaulay said “Urban renewal was most often undertaken to make life more secure and comfortable to the urban dwellers, to attract wealthier individuals to live in that area or to boost economic activities in that area.” He further said, “Consequently, we aim to ensure that our catchment areas remain livable cities with good road network and recreation opportunities. Even much more significant is our forecast, that success in this sector will not only save thousands of jobs but will also create several others as well as further opportunities for the informal business sector to grow. “However, we have identified the main challenges militating against Urban Renewal in Warri Uvwie and Environs to include illegal erection of structures, inappropriate waste disposal, traffic jams as a result of the deplorable state of the roads. “We have also identified flooding as a result of blocked drains occasioned by building of illegal and unapproved houses on water channels and natural waterways ; such buildings must give way in order to actualize the Warri of our dream.” They Director General stressed that in its quest to boost business in the twin cities of Warri and Uvwie, the agency will take some drastic measures which will hurt some people, pleading for understanding as those measures were for the overall good. “We responded to some questions during our swearing -in reception; my response is still causing ripples and of course, that is the way it is going to go. We cannot put a new edifice on top of a decaying one. If we wish to develop Warri, we need to clean it first and in the cause of doing that, there will be some displacement and sacrifices. “Why should Warri be a city of caravans? That, we must also address. People just get lands and the next thing is to erect caravans and start business. It is not perfect for the aesthetics, sanitation and beauty of any city. Residents of Warri, Uvwie and Environs should be ready for purposeful change, and it cannot come by without making some form of sacrifice. “The steps involved in urban renewal include displacement and relocation, site improvement and supporting facilities/infrastructure, disposition of improved land and new construction/development. “Effective urban renewal actions are inevitable in our contemporary urban cities if our cities would compare with those of the developed economies or comparable developing economies. To this effect, specific policy issues and strategies must be put in place and conscientiously pursued and implemented,” Macaulay said. He reiterated that roads and physical infrastructure development will continue to receive priority attention from Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration. “We shall remain mindful of the fact that whatever we do without laying a good foundation for development, we would be ‘building blocks on quick sand’. Parents, guardians, teachers and community leaders must rise up to their duties. “I appeal to all residents of the Warri, Uvwie and its environs, especially the youth, to be law abiding and refrain from acts inimical to the peace and stability,”

POLITICS The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

Anambra 2021: How far can Ezeemo go? •Issues, hurdles before him in PDP Anambra State Correspondent, THEO RAYS examines the political career of the Chairman/CEO Orient Group of Companies and two-time governorship candidate in Anambra State, Chief Godwin Ezeemo and explains that there are indeed rivers for him to cross in PDP to which he decamped from Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA).

•Ezeemo

hairman/CEO Orient Group of Companies and two-time governorship candidate in Anambra State Chief Godwin Ezeemo recently met with the Ndubisi Nwobu-led State Executive Members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the party’s Secretariat in Awka, to declare his intention to contest the 2021 governorship election in Anambra State on the platform of the former central ruling party. The declaration makes it the third time that Ezeemo is making his attempt to be Governor of Anambra State, having done so in 2013 and 2017 on the platform of the defunct Action Congress (AC) and People’s Progressive Alliance (PPA) Perhaps the Umuchu-born businessmanturned politician is the first to officially indicate his interest to run the 2021 race under PDP. Others are yet to officially intimate the party of their intentions to contest the next governorship election in Anambra under the erstwhile Nigeria ruling party christened the largest political party in Africa. Analysts say Ezeemo is a good material for PDP considering the fact that he is substantial in terms of exposure, experience and quality of programmes geared towards good governance

for the State. Again, the gentle, disciplined, cool-headed Ezeemo is a highly popular politician and philanthropist in Anambra State. Speaking on the intention of Ezeemo also known as Achinagbaroha, a political analyst Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme puts it this way. “Ezeemo’s intention to contest the next governorship election under PDP is okay by me. First, he has made name and a good one for that matter because his popularity is built on his struggle to lead Anambra State for the purpose of good governance. In fact, Ezeemo is now a household name, which makes him more marketable and salable in the State. Others are going about buying chieftaincy titles and awards to be popular but Ezeemo is well known to Ndi Anambra already.” “Second, he is a good man with deep passion for the well-being of humanity hence his interest to serve the good people of Anambra State,” Ezekwueme added. “Based on his passion to serve, I am sure he will guarantee a transparent and accountable government devoid of corruption. So, with Ezeemo, it is as good as saying that PDP has presented us ,,,(Ndi Anambra,) with a dream choice for

the job in the Government House. Third, he has the capacity to lead Anambra State going by his achievements - assets and investment in Nigeria and other countries as an international businessman and that is a huge advantage for PDP.” Sitting atop chains of businesses, Ezeemo emerged on Anambra political scene in 2013, indicating his interest to run for governor under the play of AC , now defunct. He got a baptism of fire from the leader of AC in the person of the current Nigeria Minister of Labour and Productivity Dr Chris Ngige who after promising to give him the ticket of the party went ahead to contest the governorship election election. Ngige eventually defeated the Achinagbaroha at the primary to emerge the candidate of AC prompting Ezeemo to pitch tent with PPA where he secured the ticket as candidate for the 2013 race. Both Ngige and Ezeemo lost the 2013 race to the incumbent Governor Willie Obiano who contested under the platform of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). In 2017 Ezeemo again entered the governorship race under PPA and again he lost taking a dis-

tance 5th position if am not mistaking. Still much interested to serve Ndi Anambra as CEO of the government house in Agu Awka, the Umuchu-born businessman has once again come out to try his luck this time under PDP, which, according to analysts, parades higher capacity more demanding than PPA. The question now is, how far can Ezeemo go under PDP? The answer to this question lies in how the Achinagbaroha would handle the issues and hurdles he faces as an aspirant on the platform of the party. The good, the bad and the ugly associated with party politics are waiting for him in Africa’s largest political party. The good side of it is that the PDP is capable to win the election as a political party, so whosoever becomes the candidate of the party can emerge as the governor of Anambra State. Yes, PDP has enough people -faithful and followers to win the 2021 governorship election in Anambra State. Frankly speaking, political pundits are of the opinion and observation that if PDP can harness the popularity and acceptability of the following leaders of the party such as former Governor Peter Obi, Senator Ben Obi, Chike Obidigbo who is being wooed by the leaders of the party for support ahead of 2021 polls, Dubem Obaze, Alex Obiogbolu, Osita Chidoka, Uche Ekwunife, Stella Odua and the rest of them with Ezeemo as candidate, the party would easily defeat others at the polls. A marketable and salable candidate and a united PDP is all that the acclaimed largest political party on the continent of Africa needs to reclaim Anambra State in 2021. The bad side of the show is that an aspirant could face betrayers in the party. Those who speak.from the two sides of their mouth and end up doing more harm than good to someone that put hope in them. Third is the ugly such as imposition of a candidate on others. Some can use thugs and even security agents to.cause mayhem all to.have their way. Records show that party primary election in Nigeria is never a smooth exercise and nobody can safely trust a political party when it.comes to the conduct of primary election. Party primary is not a gentle man affair. Ezeemo being a gentle man has to beware of the good, the bad and the ugly associated with party primary elections. One more hurdle that lies ahead of Ezeemo is the issue of zoning. If PDP sticks to earlier stand against zoning, then his chances of emerging the flag bearer pf the party could be jeopardized. A group rooting for Ezeemo to be governor known as Friends of Godwin Chukwunaenye Ezeemo (FOGCE) is making frantic efforts to draw the attention of PDP to the issue of zoning as, according to the group, PDP stands a better chance to win the 2021 race if the party concedes its ticket to the southern senatorial district. Director General of FOGCE, Hon Ibuchim Ezekwelu in an encounter with journalists stated that PDP is as good as coasting home to victory if the party yields to the clamour for zoning by relevant stakeholders in Anambra State. Hear him: “All relevant stakeholders such as the traditional rulers, town unions and màrket leaders including Church leaders are of the opinion that it is the turn of Anambra South to produce the next governor of Anambra State and I think zoning the ticket to the South will largely work in favour of the PDP.’’ Hon Ibuchim added: “I have been in the system since 1999 as a grassroots politician so I know how things work in Anambra State. The impression is that the Central Senatorial Zone has taken 12 years with Ngige and Peter Obi respectively and the North senatorial zone likewise would take eight years under the incumbent Govrenor Willie Obiano by 2022, so it is justifiable to say that it is the turn of the southern senatorial zone to occupy the government house at Agu Awka and that is where the minds of Ndi Anambra are going, so PDP has to go with the people by zoning the ticket to the south.” According to Ibuchim, zoning the ticket to the South and the popularity of Ezeemo are all that PDP needs to reclaim the Government House at Agu Awka because Ndi Anambra know what they need and will identify such when it is on board.

The Oracle Today Wednesday December11 - 17, 2019

DEVELOPMENT By THEO RAYS

t was a great day for the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) when it school played host to former Special Adviser to former President George Bush of United States of America on Science and Technology High Engr Emeka Ken Nwabueze (Ajie Okpala Ogidi) during the occasion of 2019 Investiture and 3rd Distinguished Personality Lecture held at the Alexandra Hall of the University. The occasion sparked off an interesting parley between the host and the visitor upon which a target on how to develop and enhance Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Entrepreneurship studies in the university for the benefits of the students was set out. Similarly, a target to establish Chinua Achebe Study Center at UNN following a demand for it by the Dean Faculty of Arts Professor Nnanyelugo Okoro was also set. Speaking as a guest lecturer, High Chief Nwabueze said he was ready to partner with the university on ICT and entrepreneurship, assuring that he would bring his wealth of experience in the firld of technological innovations to bear on the direction and ultimate destination of the project. Speaking on the topic ‘Re-engineering Igbo Apprenticeship Model In An Era of Digital Economy’, Nwabueze who was special adviser to former President George W Bush on Technology, noted that the Igbo Apprenticeship Model is acclaimed worldwide as one of the key factors that created so much wealth in South Eastern Nigeria, especially among non-university graduates. “This model is responsible for why there are more billionaires in Southeast Nigeria than any other part of Africa. We can comfortably say that many of today’s billionaires in the Southeast Nigeria--business magnates like Chisco, Innoson, Coscharis and many others are products of the apprenticeship model. Igbo apprenticeship is a model that needs to be studied, analyzed and innovated to keep up with changes in business environment and technological advancement,” Nwabueze who boasts some technological patents, said, adding: “Igbo Apprenticeship Model is the most successful, largest and longest running business incubation model ever known to mankind. It is also the longest and perhaps the largest informal venture capitalist system in the world. Here is another face about Igbo Apprenticeship Model that may surprise you. It is the most effective system in the world for reducing mass scaled inequality and for elimination of abject poverty in any society. This system of building wealth surprisingly does not promote extreme capitalism, nor does it support socialism.” Identifying what he described as current problems with Igbo Apprenticeship Model, he noted that “inadequate legal structure is top of the list with current issues of integrity of our legal system in Africa.” “It has been argued that it becomes largely ineffective due to years of decay in morality and acts of sabotage amongst major stakeholders in the apprenticeship system. Furthermore, there was no effective legal,” mechanism to sanction violators of acts. The model is unrecognized, broadly informal without a defined

•A bust of Prof. Chinua Achebe unveiled at the Faculty of Arts, UNN

UNN, ex-President Bush Adviser set target on Achebe, ICT, entrepreneurship •Seek re-engineered Igbo Apprenticeship Model • Dean seeks Chinua Achebe Study Centre at UNN vocational profile or framework,” Nwabueze contended. A renowned hotelier in his hometown Ogidi, Nwabueze explained that he has made a headway in using the Igbo Apprenticeship Model to create employment and a process of digital economy for the benefits of the youth similar to apprenticeship. He said: “In my hotel, we use a lot of bath soap which we import from China or buy from another company but I discovered that if we set up a soap manufacturing firm, we can produce the ones we use in our hotel and also sell it in the market, so I engaged five people in business of soap production. They started like apprentice and they are growing to another level where that can add more products in the line” He said unlike the former apprenticeship model, there is a legal process, structure and framework guiding the soap manufacturing firm and that is what re-engineering the Igbo Apprenticeship Model entails, adding that majority of the unemployed youths today especially in the Southeast have attained educational level

needed to expand their apprenticeship model into today’s conglomerate enterprises to enhance digital economy The former President George Bush adviser outlined the concept of Nwaobi kindred as part of the re-engineering model. According to him, Nwaobi is part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for a conglomerate. He said the factor that made Igbo Apprenticeship Model successful was not just the financial gain but equally the need to assist your kinsmen and that is the Nwaobi concept of it, adding “you cannot re-engineer the Igbo Apprenticeship Model without taking the Nwaobi concept into consideration. In addition to the Nwaobi concept, he harped on creativity and innovations in CSR geared towards getting otherwise rigid wealthy businessmen to think out of out of the box and embrace the re-engineering of the apprenticeship model adding: “(But) in a situation where the rich men are rigid and not ready to act out of the box, there is need to create a new concept that would give any busi-

nessman a favorable concept he will buy into it and invest his money right away and that is where creativity and innovations come in,” he said. Pointing out that he was impressed with what he met on ground in the University generally and the Faculty of Arts in particular, the guest lecturer who was honoured as the ‘Art Man of Year’ and 3rd Distinguished Personality Lecture by the Faculty of Art said that he is ready to partner with the university to help in most critical areas of developing the ICT and Entrepreneurship with a concept that can affect a revolution and paradigm shift which will connect the UNN to the rest of the world for the benefits of the students, the university and Nigeria at large. He said: “I have seen what is on ground, the structures, potentials and the capacity and I am highly impressed. I believe that together we can do a lot of things in the area of ICT and Entrepreneurship but we have to first and foremost develop the concept that will drive us to bring out the best of the youth and tell the rest of the world that Nigerian youth are not

The Oracle Today Wednesday December11 - 17, 2019

DEVELOPMENT

•Former Presidential Adviser to former President George Bush of United States of America on Science and Technology High Chief Engr Emeka Ken Nwabueze cutting the tape to commission the Chinua Achebe Court at the Faculty of Arts, UNN while the Dean of the Faculty Professor Nnanyelugo Okoro 2nd left and others watch

•Deputy Vice Chancellor on Academics Professor James Ogbonna who represented the Vice Chancellor presenting the Art Man of Year Award to High Chief Engr Emeka Ken Nwabueze (Ajie Okpala Ogidi) and former Presidential Adviser to former President George Bush during the 2019 Investiture and Distinguished Personality Lecture organized by Faculty of Arts Univerty of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) held at Alexandra Hall UNN.

lazy. Yes money and time are needed but the most important value is the concept. It is not about structure not building; it is about concept. Some governors have contacted me that they want to build something like Silicon Valley, but I told them that Silicon Valley is not about building; it is about

concept.” In his remark, the Vice Chancellor represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) Professor James Ogbonna said the university is fortunate to play host to an illustrious personality like Nwabueze who has seen it all, gone round the world and

served in the United State as a Presidential Adviser to an American President, noting that his capacity and will are highly appreciated by the School. “The VC is unavoidably absent because he travelled out of the country, so I am here to stand in for him. On behalf of the VC, let me say that we

are well pleased with your visit. We appreciate your capacity and will. You have the capacity and also the will and that is the most important values because things usually work when there is capacity and will. The VC will be briefed when he returns. Once again we thank you for coming and most interestingly for your passionate interest to partner with us in moving the school forward.” Earlier in his address, the Dean Faculty of Art Professor Nnanyelugo Okoro described the former US Presidential Adviser as a man that represents excellence in more ways than one. He said that the Faculty was elated to have a distinguished personality like Nwabueze, a giant of science and technology, an engineer of lofty distinction and problem solver who has made meaningful contributions to the development of the human race as a guest lecturer. “We are looking forward to partnering with him as we take our Faculty to the next level in this serious business of building the Faculty,” Prof. Okoro said, adding: “We are here to celebrate excellence and our lecturer. The Ajie Okpala Ogidi represents excellence in more ways than one. Many years ago, another excellent giant from Ogidi had passed through the walls of this university. That great literary maestro was no other than Professor Chinua Achebe. His impact on African literature and global letters cannot be qualified and most importantly will ever be remembered. “As I speak, the department of English and Literary Studies of this great University has mounted a course entitled “Studies in Achebe,” a course dedicated exclusively to the study of the oeuvre of Chinua Achebe. This is the first time in our history that this kind of recognition is being granted to a non-European Author. That laudable effort will soon be replicated in other Nigerian Universities, for UNN has always been a pacesetter in academic activities in this country. But, that is the deserved height attained by Achebe. We are giving honour to whom it is due.” To this end, Professor Okoro said that they are proposing the establishment of Chinua Achebe Study Centre to be domiciled in the University of Nigeria to further complement the efforts and initiatives being made to uphold the legacies of Achebe just as they established Shakespeare Study Centre at the University of Leicester. “If they can establish a Study Centre for Shakespeare at the University of Leicester, why not establish in the name Chinua Achebe at UNN?” he asked Our correspondent reports that the late Ogidi-born author of Things Fall Apart stole the show during the occasion which started with the unveiling of Achebe’s portrait at one of the Halls in the University and commissioning of Achebe’s Court where another version of his portrait was sculpted and mounted in a giant form was attended by some prominent people of Ogidi led by the President General of Ogidi town union Chief Chuka Onubuogu. Other personalities who witnessed the event were the traditional ruler of Ogbunike His Majesty Igwe John Umenyiora, the traditional ruler of Atani His Majesty Igwe Augustine Azuka Ngoddy, traditional ruler of Obukpa His Majesty Igwe Asadu and many others.

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

FOCUS

We built our market ourselves, by Nwankwo Contrary to the tradition of government building markets and handing them over to traders, building materials traders in Anambra State recently built the extension of their own market and got the State governor to commission and hand it over to them. OGE ONYEANUSI reports...

o fewer than 1200 decked shops, a mulbillion Naira ultra-modern extension of the building materials international market in Ogidi, Idemili North local government area Anambrs State State, was commissioned by His Excellence, Governor Willie Obiano, of Anambra State, which single-handedly constructed by traders in the market. The market is built on a large parcel of land measuring about 5.901 hectres and located along Enugu-Onitsha express way, about 7km away from the city of Onitsha. While commissioning the over 1200 decked shops, Governor Obiano, represented by his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke, praised the traders for the giant stride, which saw to the commencement and completion of the market Obiano said that traders in Anambra, especially those at the Building Materials International Market, Ogidi, had supported his government greatly by raising revenue for government from the markets. He also encouraged them to ensure regular payment of their taxes and levies, so that government would have fund to provide infrastructure across the state. The governor also urged traders not to depend on buying and selling alone, but to delve into manufacturing, which, according to him, would add value to their businesses, by increasing their revenue and employment opportunities. In his welcome address, the president general of the market, Chief Jude Nwankwo noted that construction of the market being commissioned started on January 2, 2018. According to Chief Nwankwo, the purpose of constructing the market extension was to accommodate fellow traders, brothers and sisters that returned from the northern part of Nigeria as a result of Bokom Haram insurgency as well as their trade apprentices that needed to be settled and accommodated in shops. He informed his audience that the market

was built with monetary contributions from traders in the market, without borrowing money from any bank to execute the project. “In addition to the numerous shops constructed, we also constructed drainage system, installed electricity transformers, sunk boreholes, constructed streetlights, toilet facilities, fire fighting equipment, among other amenities put in place in the market,” he said. He also commended the governor, saying that the progress as well as the construction and commissioning of the market extension was the fruit of peace entrenched in markets in the state by Obiano’s government. Nwankwo added that the building materials market, Ogidi, is jointly owned by five market unions located at various streets in Onitsha and Nkpor; which relocated to the new site, namely Ozomagala building materials union; Ezenwekwe/ Welding building materials union, St. John’s tiles dealers association, Ogalonye plywood market union and Nkpor cement dealers association. Nwankwo also said that markets are built

by government and handed over to traders; but that in events where traders do so themselves, they should be encouraged through tax wavers. The ceremony was commenced with special prayer and worship conducted by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma (aka Ebube monso). In his sermon, the Catholic priest thanked God for giving the traders the special grace to start and complete the project. He told the traders that God was the beginning and end of their lives and whatever they possess, thus, the need for them to trust God with all their beings. According to him, “God is the beginning and end of everything you have. Without God, today cannot be a reality. Therefore, commit your life and businesses to Him. Also in his remarks, former president general of Anambra market associations, who is presently at the green chambers of the national assembly, Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, commended the traders in the market for the feat. He ceased the opportunity to implore the state government to give a 10-

year tax waver to traders in the market to enable them recover from the expenses incurred during the construction of the market before they would start paying taxes and levies. Contributing, the Hon. Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Wealth Creation, Hon. Uche Okafor, commended the traders for constructing the gigantic market extension. He also commended the state government for providing enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state. The ceremony attracted people from all walks of life, including the President General of Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association, ASMATA, Chief Ikechukwu Ekwegbalu; board of trustees led by its president, Sir Mark Aguiyi; patrons of the market led by its chairman, Hon. Silas Ejeabocha as well as traders from different markets in Anambra and beyond. Others include traditional rulers and town union leaders from different communities, politicians and business partners from abroad.

Cancel these checkpoints, Mr. President Cont’d from page 16

toxic agents which could trigger pulmonary conditions that, even if latent in them, could manifest in their offspring as full-blown cases of asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, pneumonia and lung cancer. Some of them court skin cancers, given the sun’s fiery rays on uncovered portions of their skins for at least eight hours every day. These “checkpoint” personnel are not equipped with ambulances. They have no first aid boxes and, therefore, administer first aid to no one, including themselves. They are not known to offer care to the distressed. They bear no walkie-talkies, and no other forms of radio communication exists between any particular checkpoint and another. If the enthronement of repression is the aim of these roadblocks, its failure is a fait accompli and it is expected of someone of your knowledge and international exposure to point this out. There are many questions you could ask the conjurers of tyranny, like these: Where is Adolf Hitler today? Where is Benito Mussolini today? Where is Augusto Pinochet today? Where is Nicolae Ceausescu today? Where is Anastasio Somoza today? Where is Muhammed Zia-ul-Haq today? Where is Joseph Stalin today? If the examples of non-African dictators are too far away for comfort, you could ask those attempting to strike a match beside an ocean of gasoline what became of Macias Nguema? What became of Hastings Banda? What became of Mobutu Sese Seko? What became of Omar Al-Bashir? What became of Idi Amin? Indeed, if your “charity” of questions does not begin at home, you could end it here in Nigeria by asking what became of Sani Abacha? If the point is that the Police can only stand on the clay feet of Corruption, there is a sen-

sible alternative in disbanding the disreputable outfit with immediate effect. Mr. President, you told Nigeria and you told the whole world that “We have to kill Corruption or Corruption will kill Nigeria.” As a matter of fact, you converted that proposition into a mantra. How, then, can this preposterous multiplication of roadblocks be consolidating itself under your very watch? Why should there be 60 road blocks on the Lagos-Anambra road when, on December 6, 2019, I counted only 16 of them on the 404 kilometre stretch from the border town of Obollo-Afor in Enugu State to Abuja? There are hardly any reported cases of terrorism in the southern half of Nigeria. Why, then, should each of the three geopolitical zones that make up the south of the country have 200 times more roadblocks than the North East geopolitical zone that is the theatre of Boko Haram terrorism? The distance from Abuja to Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, is 444.5 kilometres. I haven’t been on the road myself. But commercial drivers that ply the route promise me that there are no more than 15 “checkpoints” on it. Medecins Sans Frontieres reported on October 15, 2019 that “Criminal groups and extreme violence in the northwestern state of Zamfara, Nigeria, have caused tens of thousands of people to flee their villages and seek shelter in the town of Anka.” On December 7, 2019, The Punch reported that “A fresh attack of gang violence in Zamfara State has left at least 27 people dead,” Despite this mayhem that has continued unabated in Zamfara for many years now, the roads leading into the state are not cluttered by the Corruption of “checkpoints.” There are other negative consequences of this clearly unsustainable germination and growth of “checkpoints”, this cardinal sin against Nigerians. The power directly behind

the “checkpoint” dehumanization of Nigerians is the Aftomat Kalashnikova 1947 – the AK47. It follows that those currently using this deadly weapon to exert overlordship on the rest of society will, after their service years, devise means of privately stockpiling the weapon for the purposes of perpetuating their accumulation of filthy lucre. Dear Mr. President. Why should the seed of tomorrow’s national instability be continuously sown and watered today under your watch? Why should today’s lesson to those in uniform and under arms be that the dividends of crime are enormous? How would you feel, Mr. President, to watch video clips of Nigerian soldiers pocketing bribes and casually handing change to those who produce higher denominations of the Nigerian currency than is the standard fare for kickbacks? The distance between Abuja and your hometown of Daura is 532 kilometres. By road it should be covered in eight hours. How would you take it if your wife and your children did the journey in 18 hours because there are “checkpoints” every five minutes, with your family ordered out of their vehicle at each point, verbally walloped, their vehicle documents “examined” multiple times, and money extorted from them? It is often said that when a commoner’s hearse is on the way to a cemetery, it looks like it is bearing a piece of wood. Nonetheless, it is trite to state that your wife and your children are not more human than my wife and my children. In another week, the mass movement of Ndigbo from all parts of Nigeria to the South East geopolitical zone will commence in earnest. It is an annual pilgrimage for the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Meanwhile, the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu was shut down in August for “repairs”. Yet, repairs did not commence at the airport

months after its ill-conceived and mistimed closure. Air travel would have accounted for at least a sixth of the hundreds of thousands travelling East this month. With the airport shut, about the only means of travel for South East pilgrims this Christmas is the road where armed men and women under your watch, capricious as ever, are impatiently waiting to administer subhuman treatment to them, such treatment as never happened even in the Transkei at the height of South Africa’s apartheid dispensation. Ordinarily, it should take about six and a half hours to travel from Lagos to Onitsha. With all the “checkpoints” the journey now takes anything from three to four hours more. Given the hundreds of thousands going to travel from the South West to the South East, it means that most of them, including toddlers, the old, the pregnant and the infirm, will be subjected to close to 18 hours of inhospitable travelling conditions simply because of the desire to be with their loved ones during Yuletide. Why should Nigerian citizens be sentenced to this prejudicial treatment of orchestrated delays, wanton extortion, even incarceration and, in extreme cases, coldblooded murders? Dear President Muhammadu Buhari. Remember that during the first quarter of 2017, when the Kaduna Airport was shut for runway repairs, special trains fully manned by security personnel were provided that guarded rail travel for Abuja destined travellers compelled to use the Kaduna Airport. The least you can do is to treat all Nigerians with equal consideration. I urge you today to halt this abominable rot and rash of “checkpoints” on our highways. Order an immediate dismantling of these brazen Nests of Corruption. It will be more melodious music in Nigerian ears than any Christmas and New Year’s messages you plan to give.

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

NEWS Extra Ugwuanyi lauds Buhari, EFCC on anti-corruption

overnor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Monday, applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his administration’s determined fight against economic crimes and corruption in the country. Gov. Ugwuanyi, who spoke at the event commemorating this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day, held at the South East zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in Enugu, also appreciated the genuine efforts of the acting Chairman of the commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu and his team, in the enthronement of transparency and prudence in the management of public finances. The governor while acknowledging the contributions of the commission in the South East zone equally commended its zonal head, Usman Imam and his team for “your untiring efforts to sustain zero tolerance for corruption”. Gov. Ugwuanyi, who made history as the first governor to attend a function of the commission at the Enugu zonal office since its establishment in 2006, thanked the body for inviting him to the event. The governor, who noted the onerous task before the EFCC, wished the officials God’s abiding guidance and protection and prayed that the commission continues to grow from strength to strength. In his opening address, the EFCC zonal head, Imam, while disclosing that Gov. Ugwuanyi was the first governor to attend a function at the zonal office since its establishment in 2006 stated that this year’s event was “unique and historic”. Imam added that the gesture “speaks volumes honestly”, expressing their gratitude to the governor “for being in our midst”. He explained that “the EFCC celebrates this day with stakeholders because of its God-given mandate of leading the fight against economic and financial crimes and other forms of corruption in the country and indeed, across the continent”. The Enugu zonal head, who noted that the event was marked simultaneously in all the zonal offices across the country including the headquarters in Abuja, with the theme: “Zero Tolerance For Corruption”, harped on the urgent need for effective collaboration among EFCC, ICPC and other law enforcement agencies in the fight against economic crimes and corruption. He stressed that “because corruption is not just an act instinctively carried out, but a function of calculating, strategic, self-interested behaviour, the need to tackle it through a behavioral change approach cannot be over-emphasized”. “Indeed, we are not resting on our oars as EFCC is not just about prosecution and conviction. We have been quite robust in our sensitization and enlightenment mandates”. The Enugu zonal head therefore called for the support and co-operation of Nigerians, stressing that “fighting corruption requires vigorous and collective participation of everybody including children and especially opinion leaders, civil society organizations, labour, traditional rulers, student leaders, the judiciary and the media”. Offering candid advice against corrupt practices, Imam said: “Those who have been identified as corrupt among the people must not be given chieftaincy tittles and must consciously be alienated as deterrent to others and for all to know that corruption is anti-people.

70% of gas facilities in Ado-Odo/ Ota LG, Ogun illegal -DPR

perations Controller, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Abeokuta Field Office, Alhaja Muinat Bello-Zagi, Tuesday, said that 70 per cent of gas facilities in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun were illegal. Bello-Zagi made this known while speaking at the 2nd Annual General Meeting of the DPR, Abeokuta Field Office, held in Abeokuta. The theme of the programme was “Safety of Domestic Gas Utilisation’’. She noted that certain roads in the state had an average of 10 gas facilities at a stretch of 5kms – 10kms, saying that the DPR was currently mapping gas facilities in its area of operations. Bello-Zagi said that the aim of the exercise was to map the geographical spread, facilities concentration, conduct proximity analysis, ensure

safety and also guide future approval based on the listed elements. “The mapping of gas facilities has demonstrated the capacity of technology to monitor and evaluate DPR procedures, enhance surveillance and enforcement. “The mapping will also serve as useful advocacy tool for the department to engage stakeholders and other relevant agencies in terms of provision of facilities, business opportunities and tax collection,” she said. She noted that the DPR had directed gas pipeline facility owners to clear their Pipelines Right-of-Way, saying that the department had sanctioned some facilities for encroaching on Gas Pipelines Right-of-Way. Bello-Zagi said that the department’s engagement with stakeholders during the current year had been

participatory, saying that DPR had been able to create awareness and educate stakeholders on the agency’s requirements. “The strategy was developed in order to reach a larger segment of the different oil and gas associations in the state. Such engagements include awareness campaign on safety of petroleum tanker drivers and others. “The engagement process this year was able to reach an estimated number of 5,000 stakeholders and routine surveillance to all nooks and crannies of the state was stepped up, ’’ she said. She noted that as much as DPR would continue to encourage gas utilisation in line with Federal Government’s policy, it would not compromise safety and adherence to stipulated regulations.

• Chairman, House Committee on Aviation, Honorable Nnolim Nnaji with the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Captain Rabiu Yadudu and other members of the committee with top FAAN management staff touring the new Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal during the committee’s oversight visit to the agency

Anambra butchers marks end of year solicits land for permanent site from government

By UZO UGWUNZE, Ojoto

he Anambra State Butchers Association (ASBA) has marked its end of year party with style. The butchers also pleaded with Governor Willie Obiano to allocate a sizable land to enable them build a befitting permanent office. Speaking at Ogbunike town hall, Oyi Local Government Area, the Association President, High Chief Afam Okeke (Agunaechemba Ogbunike) said that the maiden event was aimed at unifying and making them a force to be reckoned with in the socio-political activities of the state and beyond. “Although we have secured a new office apartment but as we are improving our relationship with the state government, we appeal to our hardworking governor Akpokuodike Global to allocate us a land to build our permanent office,” said Okeke. Okeke said that the welfare of the members remains paramount to the new executive adding that he intends to live a landmark achievement which could earn him another tenure. Moreover, the 1st and 2nd VP, Ogbuefi Anasoluora Francis Okechukwu and Ogbuefi Agumba Nkemjika Opara respectively in their separate

speeches said that the new executive intends to take the association to the next level where best butchery practices will be adopted by all branches. The Secretary, Chidi Nnamani said that the new executive decided to begin with God with a Thanksgiving Service at St Mark’s Anglican Church Ogbunike saying that the much they have achieved within a short period was only possible by God’s grace. However, Occasion Chairman, Chief Paul Nneli charged the butchers to maintain their promise of upholding personal and environmental hygiene as they do their meat business so as to curb the spread of Typhoid and other diseases. Also, Owner of Nwakanwa Abattoir Amansea, Chief Silas Nwankwo scored the new executive high on the transparent and inclusive leadership saying that he was going to support the vision of the association. Meanwhile, Chief Amaechi Ilechukwu sued for peace among Butchers at Oba Idemili South urging the Oba Town Union executive to come to their rescue by allotting a befitting land for abattoir to the association branch. President General Awkaetiti in Idemili South, Hon. Joachim Okeke

thanked the association for contributing to the development of his town but urged them to cut down the price of selling cows and discourage the sale of dead or deceased meat. Earlier in his farewell speech, Outgoing president, Chief Felix Ikenga who ensured that about 17 additional Abattoirs and Vet-approved slaughter slabs were constructed with overhead tanks and reticulations during his tenure encouraged the new executive to keep up with the Vet initiatives of the ministry of Agriculture. ASBA Patrons Chief Philip Nsude, Chief Felix Okpalakunne, Nze Christopher Onyetube, Hon Cosmos Okafor a former treasurer, Ochanja branch chairman, Chinedu Orji, Oyeolisa branch chairman, Onyeka Ikegulu all thanked God for a successful election without litigations and advised the new executive to live up to their promises. Other dignitaries that graced the event include: Commissioner for Agriculture and Commissioner for Commerce, Industry& Wealth creation Hon, Nnamdi Onukwuba and Hon. Uchenna Okafor respectively, Igwe John Omenyiora of Ogbunike, Chairman Ugwuoba Garki in Oji River, Enugu State, Alhaji Sheriff Ahmed.

Obaino’s replacement must come from Anambra South extraction – Group insists

From OZO RAY, Awka

nambra South agenda 2021, a body for the actualization of the vision for a governor of Anambra South extraction has insisted that a governor of Anambra South Agenda cannot be negotiated or wished away for any reason. The group led by Ven. Chris Orajekwe, made this assertion, Monday, at Nnewi, during the organisation’s end of year parley and induction ceremony for the women wing. The coordinator, Ven. Chris Orajekwe harped on the need for togetherness in the group to ensure that a governor of Anambra South extraction is actualized. He insisted that the vision was non-partisan and devoid of any party affiliation, because they want the best from Anambra South to emerge as the governor come 2021. The meeting was used for the ratification of positions and constitution of the women wing of the group, whom he said were now part of the steering committee of the group. He described the women as the power house of any group and thanked them for their steadfastness, while urging them to go to the nooks and crannies of Anambra South to preach the message from the group, which laid emphasis on the emergency of the next governor of the state from Anambra South senatorial zone . The women were thankful for the actualization of the group. As they spoke one after the other in support of the vision and mission of the group. Mrs. Amaka Mbadiwe, the Deputy Coordinator Women Wing Anambra South Zone Agenda 2021 in her speech during the meeting thanked God for the vision to actualize this dream. She said, in the state, Anambra South has suffered immense hardship because of the neglect of the area by past administration, which lays emphasis on the many ecological problems facing them in the various local governments. She gave instances with the gully erosion at 100 foot road, which has destroyed properties worth millions of naira without any government coming to their aid. She maintained that there were no better time than now for the actualization of such dream of having a governor from Anambra South in Agu Awka come 2021. In this same vein, Mrs Philomena Chukwunyere from Ihiala stated that the vision is in the right direction, and called for all hands to be on deck as they are fully in support of the vision. She wondered why someone from the central will even think of coming out to vie for a position they have saturated. He advised Hon. Tony Nwoye to stay clear of the fiber election in Anambra state as it will amount to him wasting his resources, because even his kit and kin will support a candidate from Anambra South. Others spoke in one voice saying that they are in full support of the vision to have a governor of Anambra South extraction and that the time for such is now.

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

Crime

Stories by VICTOR NZE

igerian Communication Commission (NCC) has established and operationalised Emergency Communication Centres (ECC) across 18 States of the country including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as a measure towards tackling the emerging security challenges. This was disclosed by the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Engr. Umar Garba Danbatta, at the Maiden Security and Emergency Management Awards (SAEMA) in Abuja. This is also the Nigeria Police urged Nigerians to appreciate the efforts its personnel put in to ensure the safety of the society. Delivering his keynote speech on: ‘Leveraging on Emergency Communication Centre for National Security’, Danbatta said this development provided the Commission the opportunity to speak on one of its initiatives/efforts in ensuring a safer and secure Nigeria. According to the NCC boss, the Commission embarked on the construction and operationalization of the ECCs across the country to provide a universal, toll-free emergency telephone short code (112) for use by members of the public in Nigeria to seek for help in times of distress/ emergency. Other reasons include: “To provide a one-stop shop for receiving distress calls from the public and

Emergency communication centres established in 18 states

…Appreciate our efforts in crime fighting – Police urge Nigerians dispatching same to appropriate Response Agencies (“First Responders”) who will respond to the need of the callers. “To provide easy, effective and coordinated access by members of the public to Response Agencies (Police, FRSC, Fire Service, Ambulance Service and others) in times of emergency/distress.” Danbatta, who bagged Goodwill Ambassador on Crisis Communication at the event said that there are only three numbers to remember in an emergency 1-1-2, which he noted, eliminates the need to determine which emergency agency to call. To this end, he said that the Commission has already fully activated and operationalized ECC in the following 18 States: FCT, Benue, Kwara, Plateau, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo, Oyo, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Imo, Enugu, Anambra and Adamawa. Represented by Chukwuma Azikiwe, Head of ECC, Professor Danbatta said: “There is no gainsay-

ing, that the discourse on security situation is a topical issue and of national concern, which every citizen of this country is conscious of, as its affects our well‐being and tranquillity. “In the year 2005, the then Honourable Minister of Communication set up a committee drawn from relevant key stakeholders (Public and Private Sectors) to develop a framework to facilitate the establishment of a well-coordinated nationwide public protection and disaster relief communication system for the country.” Commenting, Executive Secretary of the Centre for Crisis Communications (CCC), Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (rtd), considered it as heartlifting, the report that the NCC is establishing Emergency Centres across the states. Anas assured that CCC is willing, able and ready to partner with NCC to ensure that the Emergency Centres function effectively. “With our pool of experts in crisis

communication and media management, we are sure to compliment the effort of NCC in this regard,” he said. In the same vein, the Chairman, Panel of Jury for SAEMA 2019, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Mohammed Audu-Bida, commended the interest that the NCC is showing and giant stride it is making in the management of crisis communication. Audu-Bida who was represented by Mr. Mohammed Usman Shuwa, said the decision to establish Emergency Communication Centres across the 36 states of the federation by NCC is not only timely but very strategic given the imperative of communication in emergency or crisis management. “Establishment of Emergency Communication Centres is one project that has always been dear to my heart. As the DG of NEMA I conceptualized the idea of having emergency communication centres in the country and in fact. “I will urge the EVC of NCC to go

‘How 4 of my neighbours defiled me for 7 years’ A

20-year-old fashion designer (names withheld) on Monday narrated before an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court how she was allegedly sexually abused and defiled by four neighbours on different occasions over a sevenyear period. Two of the neighbours , a driver, Taofeeq Alabi, and dry cleaner, Igwe Andrew, aged 49 and 31, respectively – are facing trial for defilement. The other two,Babatunde Green and Babatunde Andrew – are currently at large. Led in evidence by Mrs Arinola MomohAyokanbi, prosecution counsel, the complainant, who is the first prosecution witness, narrated how each of the two defendants allegedly defiled her. “The wife of Taofeeq Alabi, the first defendant, is a fashion designer and I usually go to their apartment upstairs to learn while she sews clothes for clients. One day, her husband asked me to come to the apartment, that he wanted to send me on an errand. “When I got into the apartment, he gave me a powder to lick and told me that he had put something (black magic) in my body and that even though I got married, it would still be there. I became very scared, he removed my clothes and had sexual intercourse with me. “I did not tell anyone about what happened because of fear and I was also afraid of how my parents might react if I told them,’’ she said. Narrating how Andrew, the second defendant allegedly defiled her, she said he committed the offence in her bedroom. “I was fast asleep in my bedroom and forgot to lock the door. Andrew came into my bedroom and lay on top of me. When I woke up and asked why he was in my room, he asked me to shut up. He told me that he wanted to have sexual intercourse with me,” she said. The witness said that she tried unsuccessfully to push him away and he forcefully defiled her. “After it happened, my younger brother came into the bedroom, saw him and

Teenager sets girlfriend ablaze over another lover

•Newly-designated Commissioner of Police, Cross River State, CP Nkereuwem Akpan, during a courtesy call to the state Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, Friday

beat him with a stick, telling him to get out of the room. The next day, he approached me and told me he wanted me to do something for him. “When I asked what it was, he proceeded to show me a blue film (pornography) on his phone. I ignored him and since that day, I avoided him,’’ she said. The complainant said both defendants defiled her when she was a 14-year-old Senior Secondary One (SS1) student. She said the other neighbours (Green and Babatunde) started defiling her when she was in primary school. She said she never told her parents about the defilement because she was scared of them but it all came to light when the caretaker of their property informed her father that she was being defiled by the neighbours. “My father reported the defilement at the Ladipo Police Station, where we made a statement and I was referred to the Mi-

rabel Centre for medical examination,’’ she said. After the evidence, defence counsel, Mr K. U. Ani, requested for an adjournment of the cross-examination of the witness on the grounds of his ill-health. Justice Abiola Soladoye adjourned the case until February 2, 2020, for cross-examination of the alleged victim. According to the prosecution, the defendants committed the offences from 2010 to 2017 at the Papa Ajao area of Mushin, Lagos. “The defendants, who have been remanded at a correctional facility, defiled the complainant, who is their neighbour, by having unlawful sexual intercourse with her when she was 14 years old. “The offence contravenes Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos 2015, which prescribes up to life sentence for anyone convicted of defilement of a child,’’ MomohAyokanbi said.

all the way in making sure that these centres function effectively as it will complement the efforts of the security and response agencies. Now that NCC has put up the facilities, it should seek the partnership of experts and professional crisis managers to give life to the centres.” On his part, Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, DCP Frank Mba, used the occasion of the awards to restate the importance of recognising and celebrating security operatives for the ultimate price they pay in keeping the nation safe. Mba said most police personnel fight lots of battles and even get caught up in crisis just to ensure that Nigerians were safe. He said the Centre for Crisis Communications is playing its part in enhancing the crisis communication capacity among major stakeholders, which include the military, security, intelligence and response agencies in the country, adding that it has trained over 400 public relations and information officers of security and response agencies in the area of crisis communication.

peratives of Iba Police Station, in Lagos have arrested a 19-year-old boy, suspected ‘Yahoo boy,’ Orji Ifeanyichukwu for allegedly setting his 24-year-old girlfriend, Alabi Tolani ablaze because she had another lover. Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bala Elkana, who disclosed this in a statement released to newsmen, Sunday, added that the incident took place at G54, Army Post Service Housing Estate, Ojo, Lagos where they both lived in Ifeanyichukwu’s N600, 000 per annum apartment. “Ifeanyichukwu met the victim on February 28, through a hookup and she moved into his house in March. He has been into internet fraud popularly known as ‘Yahoo-Yahoo’ for the past three years where he earns money for paying rent on the apartment. “They have since then, co-habited as lovers because her parents live apart,” the police spokesman said. He said that Ifeanyichukwu brought Tolani into his house with conditions that she would quit prostitution and stick to him alone. “However, trouble started on Thursday when the victim left home to fix her hair and did not return until the next day. She equally left the house on Friday under the guise of visiting her father but ended up seeing another man. “Ifeanyichukwu got to know on Saturday when she returned by scrolling through her phone and saw her chats, video calls and pictures of herself naked which she sent to her client,” Elkana said. He said that the suspect (Ifeanyichukwu) became angry and used the petrol he kept for his generator to set her ablaze. “A team of detectives visited the scene and the victim has been taken to General Hospital, Igando where she was admitted but died in the early hours of Sunday. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu has directed the immediate transfer of the case to Criminal Investigation Department Yaba. “The suspect confessed to the commission of the crime and will be charged to Court for murder,” Elkana said

BU$IN£SS The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

•Energy

•Finance

•Stock

•Insurance

•Aviation

•e-Platform

•Tourism

Energy

Fiscal Terms: FG, IOCs vehemently polarized P23 AVIATION

House Committee seeks 10yr development plan for aviation P26

Nigerian businesses seek ACFTA route to African market By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

igerian businesses are to be part of the prime beneficiaries of the new African Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) which comes into effect by July 2020 to boost continental commercial activities by about 18 percent. Legislators and business captains who spoke to The Oracle Today on the impact of the ACFTA said the agreement would work for the Nigerian economy despite fears that it might open the country’s borders to uncontrolled flow of goods and job seekers. The ACFTA which has been signed by 56 countries would upon inception dismantle all territorial barriers to flow of goods and services in the continent, and also solidify existing regional trade agreements and visa free border crossing. Government has currently shut Nigeria’s borders against small neighboring countries over concerns about uncontrolled flow of low quality imported goods that make locally manufactured products uncompetitive in the domestic market. But Nigeria still runs loan-backed international trade cooperation with China which leads international reputation for low quality products. Comptroller General of Nigerian Customs Service, Col Hameed Ali (rtd) explains that new rules for flow of goods and people into the country would only require documentation on human identification and origin of goods. He stated that new measures are

being taken to ensure that foreign goods are not pushed through land borders into the country while international criminals do not throng the country through loose border controls. But business and investment promoters have a different angle to the border closure. They point at restriction to movement of skilled services and locally manufactured products that seek broader and bigger regional and continental markets. President of Nigerian Gas Association, Mrs Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, stated at an industry conference that issues of border closure is raising concerns about smooth activation of the highly anticipated ACFTA by next July. She pointed out that the agreement which enhances flow of goods and services across the continent would greatly benefit Nigerian enterprises given the sheer size of the country’s population, enterprises, trade volumes and commercial linkages. According to her, in-country production of goods and services promoted by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) would help galvanize export of global quality Nigerian goods and services to African countries. On the flip side, she said, flow of investments is also expected from other African businesses seeking to take advantage of Nigeria’s huge market. She however pointed at poor electricity supply, infrastructure deficits, industry regulation gaps and bureaucratic delays as challenges government must address to position

CBN Exchange Rates As At Monday, December 9, 2019 Currency Buying(₦) Central (₦) Selling(₦) US DOLLAR 305.95 306.45 306.95 POUNDS STERLING 401.0393 401.6947 402.3501 EURO 343.6736 344.2353 344.7969 SWISS FRANC 307.2096 307.7116 308.2137 WAUA 423.9944 424.6873 425.3802 YUAN/RENMINBI 45.5687 45.6437 45.7186 RIYAL 81.578 81.7113 81.8446 SOUTH AFRICAN RAND 21.0564 21.0908 21.1253 DANISH KRONA 46.0269 46.1021 46.1773 SDR 424.7504 425.4445 426.1387

the local economy for regional and continental competition for investible funds. The Director in charge of Planning, Research and Statistics at NCDMB, Mr Abdulmaik Halilu, stated that the agency has not only prepared for ACFTA but also prepared indigenous manufacturers for emerging competition in the global business space. He said the agency was already making direct moves towards government’s ease of doing business mandate by investing in infrastructure development, human capacity building and asset acquisition in the areas under its regulatory influence. He pointed out that infrastructure ranks high in the global business competitiveness index, adding that NCDMB was investing directly to clear the path. He explained that ACFTA would provide broader opportunities for in-country capabilities created by government for topside integration of floating oil production systems for petroleum industry. He also pointed out that integration of floating productions systems would create ripple effect in the nation’s fabrication and manufacturing sectors, explaining that ACFTA provides African market for Nigerian producers, especially as the country approaches 1.0 million barrels per day refining capacity. In pointing at the industrial parks conceived by NCDMB as the basis for industry cost reduction and quality regulation, Mr Halilu stated that the parks when in operation would host companies seeking to take

e-Platform

advantage of the ACFTA for export of manufactured goods. In his contribution, the Managing Director of Radial Circle Limited, Mr Ranti Omole, challenged dtates and local governments in the country to seize advantage of the imminent activation of the ACFTA to attract international and local investments to their localities. He explained that state governments could create tax incentives and infrastructure havens to localize industries seeking regional and continental markets. With over $200 billion in final investment decisions expected in the continent in the next five years, Mr Omole pointed out, businesses in Africa would be in position to reap from commercial opportunities from flow of international investment funds. According to him, trade agreements between countries necessarily require ease of movement to enable investments flow across borders. He however pointed out that there must be a transnational standardization of processes on common trade issues like foreign exchange transactions, local standard and certification acceptability, nonindigenous status, et cetera. The House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Local Content, Rt Hon. Legor Idagbo, declared that government must catch up with peer economies in taking advantage of the ACFTA for export of Nigeria goods and services. He said made it clear that the country would become market for other African countries if it failed to activate its domestic manufacturing sector.

Lagos launches N250m seed capital for tech start-ups P27

Equity & Capital Market

Fund Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit through capital market –Experts P31 Money Market

Moody’s affirms Banks ratings following action on the Nigerian government

P32

STOCK MARKET HIGHLIGHTS AS AT MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2019

Summary

ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE EQUITY CAP BOND CAP ETF CAP

26,872.09 3,585.00 239,221,339.00 N2,278,227,703.71 N12,969,883,793,404.69 N13,184,703,328,762.70 N6,434,139,498.73

Top 5 Trades S/N 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Coy (By Volume) Value(N) FBNH 74,027,644 N558,420,986.50 TRANSCORP 19,187,675 N19,569,252.21 ZENITHBANK 18,306,997 N342,453,170.50 GUARANTY 17,232,896 N506,182,339.15 UBA 14,157,539 N107,565,505.90

5 Top Gainers

Symbols FLOURMILL STANBIC MTNN DANGCEM DANGSUGAR

Last Close N16.25 N39 N119.05 N144 N12.25

Current Change N17.85 1.6 N40 1 N120 0.95 N144.9 0.9 N13.1 0.85

%Change 9.85% 2.56% 0.80% 0.63% 6.94%

5 Top Losers CCNN N20 N18 -2 UNILEVER N18.5 N17.45 -1.05 ZENITHBANK N18.8 N18.6 -0.2 UBA N7.75 N7.6 -0.15 WAPCO N14.5 N14.4 -0.1

-10.00% -5.68% -1.06% -1.94% -0.69%

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

ISSN: 2545-5869

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EDITORIAL

VOX POPULI SACRUM

Save Nigeria’s mother tongues

resident Muhammadu Buhari’s unhidden expired, apparently because all but one of them nepotism reared its ugly head yet again are northerners. Not even the boss of the Ecothis week. He replaced the executive chairnomic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim man of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Magu, whose confirmation was rejected by the Babatunde Fowler, with Muhammad Nami on legislature, has moved an inch. He has been feverthe day the former’s first tenure expired. The ishly engaged in a phony, selective anti-corruption following day, Tuesday, Buhari sacked the chairfight. man of the Asset Management Corporation of In his early days as Nigeria’s civilian president, Buhari Nigeria (AMCON), Muiz Banire, and replaced him made clear by his appointments that he was in with Lametek Adamu. This has been the trend government to empower the north militarily, since Buhari came to power in 2015: replacing a economically and otherwise. Out of his first 53 apsoutherner with a northerner in almost all govpointees, only one was someone from south-easternment ministries, departments and agencies ern Nigeria. The outcry that followed did nothwhenever a vacancy exists or the term of the ing to make him remorseful. He told visiting UN southerner elapses. agency officials to concentrate their efforts only All arms of the Nigerian government have virtually in the north. On public television watched around entered the pouch of this nepotistic governthe world, he shamelessly said he should not be ment. With the forced removal of Walter Onexpected to treat those who gave him 97% of their noghen as chief justice of Nigeria, all the heads votes equally with those who gave him 5%. of the nation’s courts have become northern In a saner clime, such pronouncements by a leader Muslims. Almost all the heads of the security who should be a father to all, irrespective of party agencies are either northerners or Muslims or affiliation, tribe or religion, could provoke his imboth. The legislature, now effectively a rubber peachment and removal from office immediately. stamp, is headed by a northern Muslim, just as That nothing of the sort happened shows that northern Muslim Buhari heads the executive Buhari seems to have understood Nigerians better arm. Now, all agencies that generate money for than most. He has clearly established himself as the public purse – NNPC, DPR, Customs, Nigerian a nepotistic and bigoted president who has no Ports, PPRA and FIRS -- are also headed by northregard for competence or the “Federal Character erners and, indeed, Muslims. Oil wealth that Principle” enshrined in the Nigerian constitution. sustains this country comes from the south, but, For a larger part of his first term in office, Buhari since he came to power, Buhari has been the and the government he supposedly led did not minister of petroleum resources as well. Yet we hide their support for Fulani cattle herders, who live in a diverse, multi-ethnic and multi-religious are his kinsmen from Nigeria and foreign nations, nation. All these point to a systematic and delibagainst local crop farmers in Christian-dominated erate plot to put Nigeria asunder. The nation has states such as Benue, Plateau, Enugu, Kogi, Yobe become more divided than it has ever been since and Taraba. The “Ruga” policy meant to seize the amalgamation of 1914. lands from every state for these murderous herdWhenever Buhari or his cabal strikes, there are ers was enunciated; resistance from some southlame excuses to give, but certainly nobody is ern and middle-belt states does not yet appear to deceived. In spite of the poor performance of have dissuaded Buhari. the armed forces, the police and other security It was bad enough that many people from southagencies, a fact evident in the resurgence of western Nigeria did not see through this wicked crimes like banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping plot, as other southerners did before the general for ransom, Buhari has refused to change the election early this year. For reasons of politics service chiefs, long after their tenures have and expediency, some southwest leaders became

Buhari’s cheerleaders. There have been exceptions such as Femi Fani-Kayode, Yinka Odumaikin and ex-governor Peter Fayose, however. And, since the sack of over 35 aides of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, more critics from the southwest have emerged. The election of 2019 was an opportunity to get rid of this nepotism writ large. Again, the cheerleaders frustrated the aspirations of a large majority of Nigerians through vote-buying and mass rigging of the ballot. A corrupt electoral umpire and an incompetent judiciary declared Buhari winner of the presidential poll. There must be truth in the rumour making the rounds about a plot to change the constitution to enable Buhari remain in office for a third term. The current attempts to abolish freedom of speech and expression in the media and elsewhere should clear all doubts. But will Buhari and the cabal succeed? At least two former Nigerian leaders followed that route but failed in the end. Although Buhari has remained predictable in his nepotistic tendencies, we are constrained to doubt he really calls the shots in Aso Rock. It is likely that the first lady, Aisha Buhari, has been right all along: a small number of non-elected people in Aso Rock are the real powers behind the throne. Does it mean Nigeria has become a banana republic? What has happened to the human rights activists that helped to bring military rule to an end? Are there no more Nigerians with conscience who can fight for their fatherland both within the country and outside its shores? What we are beginning to see is totalitarian rule in its ugliest form. We hope Nigeria will come out in one piece.

Our Vision

TO BE among the top five newspapers in Nigeria and, in due course, the Number One; 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

Culled from Asukwo blogshot.com

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 such as slothfulness, greed, corruption, nepotism and totalitarianism, among several others. We will strive to continually engender and sustain national debates that would ultimately lead to the enthronement of healthy national values--to wit, hardwork, justice, equity and fair-play, transparency and good governance, resulting in 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 December 11 - 17, 2019

OPINION Cancel these checkpoints, Mr. President

By CHUKS ILOEGBUNAM Dear Mr. President,

ravelling from Lagos to Anambra State on November 9, 2019, I counted 67 “checkpoints” mostly manned by armed men of the Police Mobile Force along the 371 kilometre stretch from Sagamu to Asaba. Travelling the same route again on Thursday November 28, 2019, I counted 64 “checkpoints”. I was on each occasion behind the wheel, meaning that my calculations may have missed or added a number of “checkpoints”. On November 30, 2019, however, Chief Tony Onyima, a respected journalist travelling as a passenger, counted 60 checkpoints on the same tortuous stretch, noting the precise location of each and every roadblock. This means that, on average, there is a “checkpoint” every 6.28 kilometres of the way. It suggests that the notorious stretch boasts more “checkpoints” than Hanoi and Saigon combined ever did all through the 20 years of the Vietnam War. I lived in the United Kingdom through a third of the three decades of the Northern Ireland Troubles. Not on any single day throughout this period did Armagh or Belfast or Downpatrick or Enniskillen or Londonderry or any of the roads connecting these Northern Ireland cities bear one hundredth of the roadblocks on the Sagamu-Asaba expressway. Strangely enough, there are less than 20 “checkpoints” on the Asaba-Sagamu side of the expressway, demonstrating clearly that the multiple roadblocks on the other side are in praise of Corruption!

•Open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari on Police “checkpoints”.

Inside Onitsha, the multiplicity of “checkpoints” wears an extortionate hat and blows an ear-tearing whistle. Every day starting from about 3pm, a traffic gridlock is created by bribe-taking soldiers and policemen and women at the Niger Bridgehead. The traffic jam lasts until about 9pm, ensuring that all goods-carrying vehicles, all cars, all busses, all trucks and all trailers are tolled. The tailback runs the span of the quivering 54-year-old bridge that was never designed to bear such deadweight. At the other end, the tailback extends as far as the perimetres of the Premier Breweries. On a daily basis! You will notice, Mr. President, that in this letter, the word “checkpoint” is always in quotation marks. That is because neither inspection nor clearance takes place at any of the numerous stops imposed on innocent and hapless Nigerians by security men and women under Your Excellency’s watch. Not on one occasion in all my journeys on that highway did I find a policeman or a soldier or a Customs officer or an Immigration officer or an officer of the Civil Defence Corps bothering to inspect the underside of a vehicle. Not once did I ever see any of these “checkpoint” champions lift a bonnet to inspect what is under it. All they do is train assault rifles on innocent and hapless Nigerians, intimidate them, scream commands and bark orders upon their unfortunate heads, speak at them rudely and spitefully, and then stretch out their hands to collect bribes. Once money changes hands, the

vehicles are waved on. This scandalous trend goes on in the full view of everyone at hand, including foreigners. How does it feel, Mr. President, that the military you enlisted in 58 years ago, and which served meritoriously in The Congo and many other troubled parts of the world, is the same force that has men in uniform collecting bribes in broad daylight, in order for their fellow nationals to purchase the freedom to drive on roads built with their taxes? The nature of these “checkpoints” is a cause for serious concern. Barricades are made of tree stumps, tree trunks, logs, sawed timber, debris from dilapidated buildings, disused tyres, sand-filled drums, twisted steel from accidented juggernauts, even planks spiked with nails. When your security personnel abandon any of the “checkpoints”, they do not bother to remove these obstacles, or take with them the debris they painstakingly assembled in the first place. Because the abandoned debris lack luminosity, vehicles plunge into them mostly after nightfall with predictable consequences. Some of your “checkpoint” operatives never bother to don uniforms, creating the problem of distinguishing between real security personnel and plain criminals and impostors. The only uniformity in their presences is the ubiquitous assault rifle. Some of them appear in sweat shirts, or in T-shirts, or in overcoats in the sweltering heat. Some others have their name tags pinned upside down. Most have

no name tags. A good number screen their eyes, bandit-like, behind very dark googles. Others have their felt hats turned front backwards. Occasionally an errant member of the lot is seen straying across the road, wielding a half-full or half-empty bottle of liquid content, or puffing away, regardless. The cost to the nation of this lamentable aberration is enormous. It could be that the aim is to kill the Nigerian spirit and subjugate the peoples. Still, the unintended consequences of this terrible blight deserve to be stated. Many of the vehicles on the roads are articulated, underscoring their propensity to topple on uneven terrains and cause avoidable destruction and aggravated traffic jams. Many of the vehicles are tankers bearing highly inflammable and combustible liquids and substances liable to ignite at the slightest impact with other vehicles, or because of heatwave, unimaginable developments that could reduce whole kilometres of the freeway to a conflagration, only for such a calamitous result to be sacrilegiously ascribed to “an act of God.” These “checkpoint” operators on Your Excellency’s watch are under the sun day-in and day-out, collecting “rogers” and pocketing same, unaware that they are pocketing other collateral damages as well. They wear no protective masks over their mouths and noses. Therefore, they inhale in large, dangerous doses carbon monoxide and other

Cont’d on page 16

#RevolutionIsNow: Sowore and DSS many alibis

By EHICHIOYA EZOMON

n an uncanny sense of exhilaration, but with deep concerns for the health of Nigeria’s polity, I was hoping that the Department of State Services (DSS) would “mess” with Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja. That was on Thursday, December 5, 2019, when the judge ordered that Omoyele Sowore (and Olawale Bakare) be freed within 24 hours, topping the directive with a fine of N100,000. A proverb of the Esan people in Edo State says, “It’s not on its own volition that the palm kernel produces oil.” And as the Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulopo-Kuti, would intone, “khaki no bi leather.” The Justice Ojukwu order wasn’t one for the DSS to forum-shop for interpretation. It’s absolute, decisive, distinct, explicit and obvious, and pregnant with dire payback. Pronto, the DSS released Sowore and Bakare, and also paid the fine. Sowore, publisher of online Sahara Reporters and a presidential candidate in the 2019 general election, was arrested on August 3, 2019, two days to the “#DaysofRage” he had called for August 5, to advance his #RevolutionIsNow protests. He was charged with treasonable felony, for allegedly attempting, in the mode of the recent Sudanese revolution, to bring down the government of President Muhammadu Buhari. Thursday, December 5, marked 125 days that Sowore had spent in detention, exceeding the 45 days the court had allowed, and within the period, a couple of courts had granted him bail, which the DSS had spurned. It had been excuses from the DSS: It’s either the defendant hadn’t met his bail bond; his sureties didn’t show up to pick him; or they didn’t submit themselves for vetting: all in attempts to subvert the court orders, and the rule of law. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana, who’s Sowore’s lawyer, said that at the end of August 2019, he had compiled a list containing 32 court orders disobeyed by the Nigerian government.

In an interview, Falana said: “It doesn’t lie in the mouth of an attorney general or the president of a country to choose and pick which orders of court to obey. When you do that, you are reducing the status of the country to a banana republic.” This was the situation on December 5 when the DSS came before Justice Ojukwu, and spun another alibi on why it couldn’t release Sowore: It prayed the court for an order to remind him at the Correctional Centre (Prison) in Lagos. Rightly, the request, on the back of prior order the DSS ignored, touched a raw nerve in the judge, who ruled univocally, that Sowore be released within 24 hours, and with proof of compliance. Considering previous disobedience to court orders, I had looked forward to the DSS, headed by Mr. Yusuf Bichi, conjuring a fresh excuse to shun the directive. But that wasn’t to be, as it had complied with the court order. Then came Friday, December 6, and the prosecution and defence lawyers confirmed the DSS compliance, prompting Justice Ojukwu to praise the service, saying, “it was obvious they had demonstrated their commitment to the rule of law.” To the judge: “No one is above the law. Those called to govern citizens, in the discharge of what is considered to be their statutory duties, must at all times conform with the rule of law. That is the path to greatness. The DSS has earned themselves the respect of the Nigerian citizens and all the arms of government.” But unknown to Justice Ojukwu, who had adjourned the trial to the 11th, 12th and 13th of February 2020, for definite hearing, the DSS had yet an ace to play, swooping on the court, to re-arrest Sowore and Bakare for undisclosed “fresh charges.” There’s pandemonium, as it became a tugof-war between the DSS operatives and supporters to have custody of Sowore, who alleged an attempt on his life in a “choke-hold” by the operatives. With the sounds of cocking guns, and Sowore supporters daring the operatives to “shoot,” the judge, lawyers and officials fled the court to avoid collateral fatalities from stray bullets.

Save the resistance from their supporters, and intervention by Mr. Falana, the DSS operatives were prepared to drag Sowore and Bakare from the court premises they had thus desecrated. Falana had to chaperon them from the hallowed grounds, and out of the entrance gate, from where an operative, behind the wheel of Falana’s car, drove the defendants to the secret police office. The DSS melodrama has willy nilly firmed the belief that the Buhari government is intolerant of opposing views, and is out to silence its critics by “unlawful” arrest, detention, arraignment, and flouting of court orders to free them. Or is the government not aware of the antics of the DSS, whose Director General, Mr. Bichi, and his operatives are acting in the name of the State, and President Buhari’s? Officials of government regularly blame the global community, and international organisations, “for distorting and/or spreading false news about happenings in Nigeria.” Below are excerpts from some of these bodies on the Sowore saga: The Amnesty International has declared Sowore and Bakare, and a journalist, Agba Jalingo, as “prisoners of conscience.” “When we see cases of injustice like this, it’s important to bring the world’s attention to it,” said the organisation’s Nigeria Director, Osai Ojigho, who told the CNN “it’s important that the world stands to demand” unconditional release of the detainees. Similarly, The Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights and prominent figures, including Amal Clooney, co-president of the Clooney Foundation for Justice, have condemned Sowore’s arrest and continued detention. “It is outrageous that Nigeria continues to imprison a journalist and presidential candidate after a court has ordered his release,” Clooney said, adding that, “TrialWatch will continue to monitor Mr. Sowore’s trial and calls on the authorities to implement the court’s order as soon as possible.” This was before the Friday, December 6 “show of shame” inside the Federal High Court in Abuja. Will the government deny the social media live-streamed incident, and label it as a propaganda piece by outside conspira-

tors? The government maybe treating the Sowore matter as a flash in the pan, juxtaposed with the Col. Sambo Dasuki and Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky years-long cases and incarceration. But it’s a little excreta that soils the anus! It’s time to halt the DSS escapades, before they did more damage to the image of President Buhari and his government, which should realise that disobedience to court orders destroys the foundation upon which the rule of law and democracy rest. • Mr. Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria.

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

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

BUSINESS

Access Bank, Zenith Bank, Dangote cement, others receive CAMCAN Awards Stories By JEROME USHAKANG

he Capital Market Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CAMCAN) on Saturday December 8, 2019 honoured six firms quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) for their contributions to the deepening of the Nigerian capital market in 2018. Among those honoured were Access Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Dangote Cement Plc, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Transcorp Plc and FMDQ Securities Exchange. Access Bank Plc was honoured for its lowest non-performing loans on the NSE in 2018, when Access bank acquired the defunct Diamond Bank Plc, it pledged to recover its debts and reduce its Non-Performance Loans portfolio to the lowest ebb. On the other hand, Zenith Bank Plc got the most Profitable Bank within the period under review as the most profitable company in the banking sector on the NSE, while Dangote Cement Plc got the most profitable company of the year 2018 in the Building Materials sector . Also,Transcorp Plc received the award of the most improved company (Conglomerates Sector) on the NSE in 2018 , while Nestle Nigeria Plc got the Most Profitable Company (Consumer Goods Subsector) on the NSE in 2018. However, FMDQ Securities

Acting DG SEC, Ms. Mary Uduk Exchange was honoured for the Development of Nigeria’s Debt Capital Market during the year under review. The companies were presented with the Awards at a colourful ceremony held in Lagos . Beside the awards, CAMCAN also commended the firms for their resilience despite various daunting challenges in the operating environment.

The Award which debuted in 2017 financial year is the second edition and is strictly based on performance data mined or gathered during the year. For instance in the banking sector, there are additional categories such as the best in risk management, measured by ratio of Non-Performing to total Loans (NPL) and Asset Base, and such

others. The award which is now an annual event in CAMCAN calendar, is a way of encouraging companies to perform optimally in the interest of their investors, whether wholesale, or retail. The awards, according to a welcome address by the Chairman of the association, Mrs Chinyere Joel-Nwokoma, were based

on‎ verifiable data derived from audited financial reports of quoted companies for the year ended December 31, 2018 and March 31, 2019. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE), top officials of FMDQ, Media Relations personals , market operators .

NSE harps on importance of Capital Market in achieving SDGs …Rewards winners of NSE Essay Competition

he Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has highlighted the role of essential the capital market in delivering sustainable socio-e conomic growth and development in Nigeria. This view was expressed by the Chief Executive Officer of the NSE, Mr. Oscar N. Onyema, at the award ceremony of the 19th NSE Essay Competition for Senior Secondary Schools in Nigeria held recently at the Civic Centre, Lagos. Onyema, emphasized the need for innovative solutions to leverage the capital market for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “We need to connect people with products and services that build human and physical capital, as well as bridge infrastructural gaps in Nigeria.” The NSE CEO said, “We have also identified the critical role of millennials in achieving these outcomes evidenced by the overwhelming interest today’s youth have shown in this exercise. We were not only delighted by the thousands of entries we received this year – up over 100% from last year – but also impressed by the quality of progressive solutions articulated in the submissions.,” At the ceremony, Miss Adeniyi Adesewa of Grandmates Secondary School was announced

as the 1st place winner of the NSE Essay Competition out of 40,966 applicants across Nigeria. She has been awarded a N500,000 scholarship fund for her university education; N500,000 worth of equity investment; and a laptop. Grandmates Secondary School has also been awarded 3 desktop computers and a printer. Miss Temiloluwa Oladipo and Master Adeoye Okhaioisevai both of Oritamefa Baptist Model School emerged 2nd and 3rd place respectively. Each of them has been presented with a scholarship for university education, equity investment and a laptop, along with desktop computers and a printer for the school. In addition, the top 3 winners were given the prestigious honour of a Closing Gong Ceremony at the Exchange, while 7 other finalists received laptops in recognition of their good performance. Present at the event was the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs. Funke Omotosho. She commended the NSE for the contribution of this initiative to the development of our great nation and encouraged participants in the competition to stay committed to developing their skills. The special guest of honour, Mr Chuka Eseka, Chief Executive Officer, Vetiva Capital

Management Limited and President of the Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria (AIHN) counselled the students on the need to develop a strong savings and investment culture. He magnanimously awarded N250,000, N150,000 and N100,000 worth of money market investments to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners respectively on behalf of the Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria (AIHN) and Vetiva Capital. Mrs. Modupe AdefesoOlateju, Managing Director of the Education Partnership Centre in her keynote address advised the students on the need to develop a range of skills to ensure a sustainable future in light of our ever evolving society. She also emphasized education, financial responsibility and integrity as important virtues to imbibe. The NSE Essay Competition is designed to develop a culture of wealth creation amongst our youth towards “Building a Financially Savvy Generation”. Over the last 19 years, the competition has successfully increased awareness and inspired active participation of the youth in Nigeria’s capital market. This year edition was supported by Zenith Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc, Prime Atlantic Limited and Hewlett Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar N. Onyema Packard Nigeria Limited.

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

NEWS ISOPADEC projects for commissioning soon - Irona By COLLINS UGHALAA

he Deputy Governor of Imo State, Engr. Gerald Irona, has reiterated the commitment of the Imo State government to seeing that the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC) under the present leadership implements signature projects in the oil producing areas of the state. Irona disclosed this during a parley with statutory appointees in his office who paid him a visit last Sunday at his Oguta residence. He charged statutory aides in his office to remain productive, while adding value to the Rebuild Imo Administration of Chief Emeka Ihedioha. According to him, the appointment of his aides was based on merit, urging them not to betray the confidence reposed in them. “I commend you for the visit. I usually tell people that politics is a struggle and not for weaklings. Go back to your respective Local Government Areas and Wards and participate actively. People have said different things about us. That is expected, but there is no single action I have taken in government without briefing and getting the approval of my boss, the Governor. By the end of January 2020, we will start commissioning ISOPADEC projects. Very quality projects for that matter. Governor Ihedioha will shut opposition with performance. Our performance will speak for us. “I will like us to continue to work to add value to this government. People must stop telling lies against others. We must stop running people down, all in the name of politics. One thing is sure. ISOPADEC funds are not for sharing. They must be used in working for the people. Whoever wants us to bring ISOPADEC money to share, like they did in the past is certainly living in the past. Governor Ihedioha’s government is not for sharing money, but for quality service delivery”, he said. Earlier in his comment, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Hon. Sydney Uneanya, poured encomiums on the Deputy Governor for what he described as his selfless life style, assuring him of their determination to put in their best towards the success of the present administration. He said: “We are here in further solidarity with you. We urge you to continue to give credible leadership to our people. Be rest assured that our loyalty is total. We are happy to be associated with you. You are a selfless leader and we will continue to do our best towards ensuring that this administration succeeds.”

Ugwuanyi declares mass meningitis vaccination in Enugu G overnor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Tuesday, launched the first ever meningitis vaccination campaign in the state, declaring a mass vaccination of children between the ages of one and five. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony at Abakpa Nike Primary Health Centre, in Enugu East Local Government Area, Gov. Ugwuanyi who stressed the importance of the campaign against meningitis, stated the timing for the campaign was apt, considering that “meningitis is often associated with heat and dry season”. Disclosing that “Enugu State is the first state in Southern Nigeria to

fully implement this meningitis mass vaccination,” he added that the state came first in the country in Maternal and Child Healthcare indices, according to the recent Lots Quality Assurance Survey, by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency. Reiterating the state government’s premium on healthcare delivery for citizens and residents, Gov. Ugwuanyi disclosed that the State Ministry of Health, since the inception of his administration on May 29, 2015, has consistently taken the third position after the Ministries of Works and Education in terms of capital expenditure portfolio provi-

sion in the budget. Noting that his administration is being encouraged by the results it is getting to continue pursuing the goal of a healthy state, the governor revealed that the state government is expecting the visitation of African Regional Certification Committee for Polio eradication “as they adjudged Enugu State, the best performing state in South East Nigeria, in terms of polio eradication”. He said the state has a free prenatal and anti-natal treatment for women, while general hospitals in various Local Government Areas are being rejuvenated, statistically resulting to an all-time low infant

• The Deputy Governor of Anambra State Dr Nkem Okeke cutting the tape to commission the new building materials market at Ogidi.

Traders seek road project from Obiano to boost business By Theo Rays

fter pulling the financial muscle to build a multi-million ultra-modern market as an extension of Building Material International Market Ogidi, the traders in the Ogidi based market have called on Governor Willie Obiano to construct a road to connect the new market to and fro other roads for smooth run of business in the market. The call was contained in an address of welcome delivered by the President General of the market Chief Jude Nwankwo alias Jolity during the opening ceremony of the market. Chief Nwankwo explained that the road project is far above the capacity of the traders hence the clarion call on Governor Obiano adding that the road is all that is needed in the market for business to take shape in full gear. He said that the traders will as usual appreciate Obiano for the project when completed noting that they were inspired to build the market by the tight security situation in the Anambra State courtesy of the Governor and they always appreciate him for the ensuring adequate security in the State. “We couldn’t have mustered the courage to build this market if the security situation in Anambra State is not tight because at the end of the day nobody will come here to rent or buy the shops, but as I speak, all the shops are occupied, not even one is vacant because there is security in place and we are proud of His Excellency for such great feat in securing lives and property in our State. We will continue to appreci-

ate him and support him. However we are not tired of asking for more like Oliver Twist and that is why we are pleading with him to construct this road for us” he added The President General assured the traders that are going in there to either buy or sell that there is adequate security with 24hours Vigilante service , functional water system, power supply and fire service equipment with standby fire service vehicle telling them to feel free in going about their normal daily businesses. He commended his executive and other relevant stakeholders in the market for supporting his initiative to build the market extension noting that the new market has provided opportunities to graduating traders in the market as well as those displaced by Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast Nigeria and those affected by xenophobia attack in South Africa to restart life. Speaking on how the closure of the National borders by the Federal Government of Nigeria is affecting the traders, the market leader noted that the closure would have served a good purpose if there is steady power supply because it will encourage and boost local products but lack of adequate power supply makes the closure not serving its purpose, “That’s my own opinion. Give us light and close the borders. Closing borders without light is not good enough because there is no magic anybody can do on local production without power” he added Responding, the Deputy Governor of Anambra State Dr Nkem Okeke, who commissioned the market commended the traders for pulling

the strength to build the market at this time adding that he will take the demand for road project to the Governor Obiano who he is ably representing,. The Deputy also thanked the traders for appreciating what Governor Obiano is doing not just on security but in every sector of governance assuring that the Governor will continue to respond to the needs of people in the State Dr Okeke however advised the traders, to take a look at other businesses mostly manufacturing observing that they are capable of delving into establishing factories mere looking at what they have achieved individually. He said “most of you here are very rich and have a lot of money stockpiled at the bank. You don’t have to dump your money at the bank when there is one or two businesses you can do with such money. So I want to encourage you people to consider establishing factories so that you can make more progress and also provide jobs for the youth instead of dumping your money at the bank” President General of Ogidi town union Chief Chuks Onubogu, assured the traders of continued cooperation and support of the host community adding that Ogidi is safe, secure and well open for local and international investors. Also speaking the President General of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) commended the traders of the Ogidi based market for pulling what it takes to build the new market assuring that ASMATA will always protect the interest of the traders in the Light of the Nation State.

mortality. Gov. Ugwuanyi further said that his administration is repositioning the Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency for optimum results, adding that the state paid N100 million counterpart fund to enable it benefit from the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund. His words: “The state provided a take-off grant of N200 million to Enugu State Agency for Universal Health Coverage and a Duplex at No. 12 Colliery Avenue, as office complex for Universal Health Coverage. “Last month, that is November 2019, Enugu State ensured that the Measles Second Dose Campaign was transferred into our routine immunization exercise”. In his address, the Executive Secretary, Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. George Ugwu, commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his passion, disposition and support to the agency through various interventions and primary healthcare programmes across the state, “especially those that positively and directly impact on the health of the people of Enugu State as a whole, especially women, children and other vulnerable groups in the society”. Dr. Ugwu stated that one of the interventions “worthy of mention is the just concluded introduction of Measles, second dose, into Routine Immunization for children between 15 and 23 months of age” implemented to protect them against measles disease which is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in children across the globe. The Executive Secretary revealed that the acceptance of the introduction of measles second dose vaccine and other related interventions by the people was demonstrated through the high demand for the services witnessed during the exercise. “Your (Ugwuanyi’s) support in this regard was the magic wand that made the difference. I cannot forget Your Excellency’s wonderful support for National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) and the Outbreak Response (OBR) that was conducted in Uzo-Uwani LGA in order to ensure that our people living within the border communities in the Local Government Areask where the last strain was reported in Kogi are fully protected. “May I inform our dear governor that Her Excellency, the wife of the Governor of Enugu State, Hon (Mrs.) Monica Ugochi Ugwuanyi, personally launched the grand finale of the just concluded introduction of Measles second dose campaign. “Her acceptance to personally discharge that responsibility was, indeed, a big morale booster for both health workers and recipients of the vaccines, as well as a demonstration of government’s commitment to the overall health and well-being of the citizens of this State”. In their goodwill messages, representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF and NPHCDA applauded the sustained efforts of Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration in providing healthcare delivery to the people as well as supporting and collaborating with the NPHCA and the development partners in their quest to making the country healthy. They advised parents to avail their children the opportunity of benefitting from the exercise in the state.

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

ENERGY By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

fforts of the federal government in attracting international investment capital may not have been delivering the expected results as petroleum industry investments continue to elude the country in the past 10 years when commercial operators and government vehemently disagreed over fiscal terms. Industry panelists at the just concluded Practical Nigerian Content Conference (PNC) hosted by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) concluded that stringent fiscal conditions and hostile social and security environment form the major reasons for very high investment apathy in the Nigerian petroleum industry over the period. The Oracle Today reports that petroleum industry operations account for over 90 percent of the country’s total foreign exchange earnings, over 80 percent of total commodity exports, some 75 percent of deep pocket investment inflow, about 40 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) and some 40 percent of total funding support to government’s annual fiscal budgets. However, prolonged investment quandary in the industry amidst low oil prices in the international markets and high cost of production in the domestic environment combine to undermine the cumulative revenue and sundry economic benefits from the petroleum industry in the past decade. And strong dispute between government and investors over fiscal terms that govern commercial operations has left the industry in doldrums. At the conference in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State, government’s representatives and captains of petroleum industry remained strongly polarized on how to re-inject vibrancy in the upstream petroleum sector and spur absorption of local content in ancillary activities. Whereas government demanded significant investments in realizing economic aspirations from the sector and reduction of cost in industry operations, operators pointed at the domestic operating environment as the major cost factor, arguing that fiscal and security environment would play great roles in attracting international investment. In his ministerial goodwill speech,

Fiscal Terms: FG, IOCs vehemently polarized …International investments elude Nigeria …NCDMB advocates frank discussions, credible benchmarks

Chief Timipre Sylva pointed out that Nigeria’s per capita production cost per barrel of oil equivalent remains highest among peer members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). He challenged operators to cut production cost by 50 percent. He promised to influence speedy passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) to provide the required fiscal clarity for investors while insisting on implementation of the nation’s Deepwater Act amendment. Chairman of Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LACCI), Mr Paul McGrath, pointed out that Nigeria has the mineral resources, skilled workforce and excellent partnership models that built the industry across year. He however pointed out that players industry must be encouraged with the right fiscal terms and a petroleum law that would attract investments from international companies. He made it clear that human capacity, technology and certainty critical to commercial investments in any business

285 companies push climate investment by $18 billion

group of 285 companies have committed to science-based emissions reduction targets, in a move that will drive an estimated $18 billion in climate change mitigation and 90 TWh of annual renewable electricity generation. The figures came from a group called Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi ) just as representatives from almost 200 countries gathered in Madrid for the annual United Nations COP25 climate talks. Releasing its first ever progress report, the SBTi quantifies these commitments as saving more than the combined annual emissions of France and Spain, or 68 coal-fired power plants. The commitments by the 285 companies are to produce enough additional renewable electricity to power 11 million US households for a year, and reduce emissions by 265 million mt CO2 equivalent. “Science-based targets provide companies with a clearly defined pathway to future-proof growth by specifying how much and how quickly they need to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions,” the group stated.

The list includes major energy producers, transportation companies and others from a wide swath of industries from chemicals companies and food and beverage producers to telecoms, construction and retail. In the European energy sector, the list includes Spain-based Acciona, Iberdrola and Red Electrica de Espana, Dutch firm Eneco, Italy’s Enel, Portugal’s Energias de Portugal, Orsted in Denmark, Sweden’s Vattenfall and Austria’sVerbund. The group includes transport and logistics companies including Canadian National Railway Company, France’s La Poste and Belgium’s Thalys. The group also includes household names from the industrial and consumer goods sectors including BT, Coca-Cola,Deutsche Telekom, Hewlett Packard, McDonalds, Microsoft, Nestle, Nike, Sumitomo Chemicals, Thyssenkrupp and Unilever. The broad aim of the group is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement’s goal to limit global temperature increase to a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by 2100.

environment. Mr McGrath who is the Chairman of ExxonMobil affiliates in Nigeria and Managing Director of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited stressed that frequently changing the laws that form basis for investments and also allowing prolonged arguments over terms of operations raise investment caution. He noted that global commodity business re quires the players to be competitive, adding that the petroleum industry was suffering a period of fragility that imposes greater risks to investments. In calling on government to dismantle disincentives in the industry, he cited the allure flaunted by the United States government as the primary basis for oil production boom in the American country. In his contribution, the Chairman of Shell companies in Nigeria, Mr Osagie Okunbor, called for stable and constant fiscal environment that would be attractive to investors, adding that safe and congenial operating environment would address the issue of cost in the industry.

He made it clear that the industry players would require an attractive fiscal environment to drive realization of government’s mandate in the industry, pointing out that the company’s Bonga Southwest and Aparo deepwater development project has failed to reach final investment decision due to concerns over domestic fiscal environment. He made it clear that government’s economic aspirations expected from the petroleum industry would not happen if there was no congenial fiscal and operating environment for investors to deliver projects. “Uncertainty in the deepwater side has kept project base load flat,” he declared, adding that big projects would require collaboration in conditioning the operating environment to be competitive. He listed some of the issues in the operating environment to include long contracting cycles, asset insecurity and associated outages, sanctity of contracts and sluggish approval processes. Mr Okunbor called for pan industry Service Level Agreement (SLA) to guarantee time frames for

industry work programmes. Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr Jeff Ewig, called on government to enthrone fiscal and regulatory regimes that would enhance industry activities and earn the economy greater value. This, according to him, would require globally competitive fiscal regimes that would make activities bigger in the short to long term. Mr Ewig stated that tax and royalty rates in Nigeria have remains high and uncompetitive with peer countries around the world. He blamed the situation for the paltry investment inflow into the Nigerian petroleum industry in the past 10 years. According to him, only 2.0 percent of the total oil and gas investments that flowed into the African continent in the period landed in Nigeria primarily because, according to him, the issues that hinder investments have not been addressed. According to him, it required to make the pie bigger in order to take a greater share while fixing on a bigger share from a small pie would impose loss situation on parties.

Angola, AOP launch FDI campaign in 2020

overnment of Angola is in partnership with organizers of Africa Oil & Power for a year-long campaign to promote and attract foreign direct investment in the country. Targets would be on capital inflows into bankable projects that would hinge on initiatives being promoted by government of the country through planned 2020 oil and gas licensing round, marginal field development, gas monetization, and a Regeneration Program by the state hydrocarbon firm, Sonangol.

The country is also driving midstream industry programmes that include an international tender for the Soyo refinery, and the ramp-up of the Cabinda and Lobito refineries. The programme planners declared in a statement that the campaign would capitalize on the critical industry and policy reforms passed by the government of Angola and showcase the investment opportunities that exist in the economy. The campaign is to feature in programme of activities already

mapped out for the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) Conference & Exhibition scheduled to hold in the country in the coming year with the support of the African Energy Chamber. Organizers promote the event due for June 2020 as a focal point of an international investment drive aimed at bringing new deals to the table and signing up new entrants to Angola’s oil and gas sector; and surrounding the conference is to be a year-long global drive to present opportunities to a targeted audience of relevant investors.

IDSL Records N19bn Revenue in 2018

he Integrated Data Services Limited, IDSL, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has recorded a significant increase in its revenue base from N5.5billion in 2016, N7.6billion in 2017 to N19.033billion in 2018. This was disclosed by the chairman of the company and Chief Operating officer (COO), Upstream Directorate of the NNPC, Mr. Roland Ewubare, at the company’s 23rd Annual General Meeting held in Abuja Tuesday. A release by NNPC Acting Group General Manager, Group Public

Affairs Division, Mr. Samson Makoji, said Mr. Ewubare who described the performance as very impressive, stated that the subsidiary had become self-reliant and would not require any subvention from the corporate headquarters anymore. “If anything, IDSL now contributes to the center; we will continue to give them the needed support to ensure that they sustain this growth trajectory”, the COO said. On his part, NNPC’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Umar Ajiya, commended the company’s

management on the performance streak, saying, “the only way we can grow is when businesses like this deliver positive results, to enable us collectively overcome our financial challenges.’’ He affirmed that NNPC management would give all necessary support to all its subsidiaries with capacity and prospect to deliver, including recapitalization where necessary and help them to secure businesses across the Industry value change to ensure that they grow their output.

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

ENERGY NNPC records 45,347 pipeline breaks

…Proposes measures against production theft

igerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has decried persistence of oil theft in the country and laid out steps to mitigate the ragging twin menace of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft in the nation’s Oil and Gas Industry. Speaking Tuesday in Abuja at the inaugural Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) Policy Dialogue, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, said oil theft had remained a challenge in the Industry despite some strong interventions in the past. Mallam Kyari however averred that the gradual reduction in incidences would be sustained through improved collaboration, implementation of Global Memoranda of Understanding (GMoUs), and deployment of appropriate technologies, among other measures, a release by NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs, Mr. Samson Makoji has said. Mallam Kyari who was represented at the event by the NNPC Chief Operating Officer, Upstream, Mr. Roland Ewubare, listed other measures to curb the menace to include: a security architecture with single accountability for national critical infrastructure; Industry and regulatory commitment to transparent crude oil and products accounting; realistic expectation by host communities; and emplacement of sustainable social investment mechanism. He emphasized the need to inculcate shared values of integrity and transparency across every level of the governance structure for pipeline security, policy refill and enforcement of legal actions on economic saboteurs. The NNPC GMD harped on the need to prioritize and instill in the nation’s teeming youth a sense of patriotism and national orientation. On the immediate and remote causes of oil theft and pipeline vandalism, the GMD posited that most stakeholders were of the view

that oil theft was essentially a social problem which underlying causes include: poverty in the communities, community-Industry expectation mismatch and corruption. Others, he noted included: ineffective law enforcement, poor governance, poor prosecution of offenders, high unemployment in the communities, thriving illegal oil market involving both Nigerians and foreigners, and inadequate funding of resources to combat oil theft. He lamented that NNPC, as an operator, had suffered severe attacks on its facilities and assets, noting that between 2001 to half year 2019, NNPC had recorded a total of 45,347 pipeline breaks on its downstream pipeline network across the country. Kyari said that for the Nigerian economy to prosper, NNPC and other oil companies must be able to operate efficiently and profitably. “Unfortunately, the combination of crude oil theft, illegal refining and pipeline vandalism, has become a major threat to Nigeria in meeting its revenue projections in recent time,” he said. Also in his presentation, Edo State Governor and Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC) Ad Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, Prevention and Control, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, stressed the need to institute a proper governance structure for pipeline security in the Industry. Gov. Obaseki called on the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA) to work with the NNPC in identifying possible international markets and destinations of stolen Nigerian crude oil. He said that the Industry must end the prevailing incentives that make it possible for crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism to flourish. The governor disclosed that NEC had upgraded the Ad Hoc Committee on Crude Theft to a standing committee with mandate to provide regular updates to NEC as may be required.

Midstream infrastructure highlights Ghana, Nigeria

evelopment of the Tema terminal for importation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Ghana as well as the Dangote refinery and government’s brownfield refinery rehabilitation projects in Nigeria are to put the two countries in the frontline of African markets kin 2020. Ghana’s determination to become sub-Saharan Africa’s first LNG importer in 2020 is set to become a reality as the Tema LNG terminal project nears completion. In its African Energy Outlook 2020 report launched last month, the African Energy Chamber highlighted the importance of increased infrastructure capacity in Africa’s long-term industrial development. Spotlighting the $12 billion Dangote Refinery in Nigeria and Ghana’s Tema LNG Terminal, the Chamber noted essential role such projects play in revamping the sector and creating opportunities for private sector investors. “At a time when the low oil price is gripping treasury revenues, private capital is developing key oil and gas infrastructure projects which could have a significant impact on the African energy and power landscape over the next decade,” the report said. On the Dangote Refinery, the Chamber called attention to the

current state of Nigeria’s infrastructure and the contribution the project would have specifically as the country works towards tripling its refining capacity to 1.5 million bpd by 2025 as a means to reduce its reliance on fuel imports. To this, the report said, “the refinery’s tank farms are set out for completion in Q4-19 and they may be used as a depot before the refinery’s production starts. This would provide an immediate increase to fuel storage capacity.” Ghana’s determination to become sub-Saharan Africa’s first LNG importer in 2020 is set to become a reality as the Tema LNG terminal project nears completion. The project will be able to cover 25 percent of Ghana’s total electricity generation capacity, with gas providing a cheaper alternative to oil. “The deal with Rosneft enables Ghana to diversify gas imports away from Nigeria, which has consistently failed to provide the agreed level of supply since the West African Gas Pipeline started operating (back in November 2011),” the Chamber explained. Adding that the emergence of offshore storage and regasification technology is enabling smaller, lowerrisk, rapid LNG solutions that could be replicated elsewhere in the region in countries with substantial gas reserves.

Petroleum tankers kill 15 every week …Official fuel consumption figures bloated By Sopuruchi Onwuka

oad accidents associated with haulage of petroleum products from the points of supply to retail sites claim an average of 15 Nigerians every week as distribution systems in the country continue to relay on use of less efficient modes of transportation. Yet, millions of Nigerians who clamour for retention of price subsidy on the premium motor spirit popularly called petrol still fall gullible to official claims that light vehicles in Nigeria consume massive 43 million liters of the product every day. The high accident and fatality rate result from acute infrastructure deficits in the operating environment, a situation that would further slow Nigeria’s participation in the global transition towards innovative transportation options Managing Director of Transport Services Limited (TSL), a logistics provider in the nation’s downstream petroleum industry operations, Mr. Deji Wright, stated at a breakfast meeting hosted Enyo Retail and Supply in Lagos that tight margins in the industry and absence of infrastructure for fuel distribution in the country contribute to accidents. His statements came in the wake of numerous road tanker fires across the country, including the infamous Onitsha and Lagos taker fires that razed hundreds of cars, markets and wares worth several hundred millions of Naira. Mr. Wright called on players in the domestic fuel market to invest more in management of drivers and journeys to control accidents and losses in a thin margin retail environment.

He also called on players in the market to evolve long term strategies of coping with thin margin operations since, according to him, there would be no price deregulation in the country in the short to medium term. He did not explain why deregulation would not happen but alluded role of fuel subsidy in popularity of government administrations and political parties in winning the support of the people. In dealing with logistics issues in the domestic fuel market, Mr Wright made it clear that poor infrastructure in the country contribute to delays in loading time at distribution depots and add to cost build up in the fuel procurement process. According to him, the industry must standardize the quality of assets in their operations, including trucks and drivers in order to guarantee safe operations and pleasant retail customer experience. The demand for standardization of operating processes, according to him would make the transport service providers in the downstream petroleum industry as well as their client responsible and accountable for deaths arising from petroleum tanker accidents. To reduce accidents and fatalities on Nigerian roads, he stressed, companies in the downstream petroleum industry must enforce safety standards and control, install safety management systems, own performance standards and provide reorientation for drivers on the criticality of their roles in preventing accidents and commercial losses. Meanwhile, the Managing Partner of EnergyInc Advisors, Mrs Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani, who spoke

at the event debunked claims by government that motorists in the country consume as much as 43 million liters of petrol on daily basis. The Oracle Today reports that the erstwhile Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, had early in the year claimed that government was spending whopping N1.4 trillion to subsidize petrol consumption by Nigerians. While justifying financial remittance shortfall to the federal account, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) also declared that Nigerian motorists consumed 43 million liters of the subsidized product on daily basis. But Mrs Akinkugbe-Filani disputed the figures weekend, saying they are not supported by available statistics of petroleum products movement in the country. She presented consumption analysis which showed that only light vehicles that fire on petrol are actually subsidized in the domestic retail market while the rest including interstate luxury buses, small diesel fired cars and buses as well as several sports utility vehicles, trucks and sundry heavy equipment are fired by already deregulated diesel. According to her, the Nigerian downstream petroleum industry does not have the right level of infrastructure to provide some 43 million liters on daily basis. “So, than is not possible and cannot happen because there is actually no demand for that volume of petrol.” Mrs Akinkugbe-Filani alluded to the bloated figures as part of the reasons deregulation might not happen in the short to medium term.

IPO values Aramco at $1.7 trillion

audi Arabian national oil company (Aramco) has confirmed its weight in the list of global oil companies with world’s largest initial public offer (IPO) that created first ever opportunity to place the company on the value scale of the capital market. The IPO which posts a signal for other petroleum dependent economies around the world comes as part of plans by the government of the country to take position in the global energy transition and start early to diversify its economy from complete dependence on oil export income. Nigeria has fiddled with reforms in the petroleum industry and economic diversification programmes

to achieve the same goal but policy inconsistencies and public sector inertia have stalled highly hyped institutional and structural reforms necessary for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) unbundle into commercial entities that would be administratively and financially autonomous. With the public offer Aramco is selling 1.5% of its share capital to raise $25.6 billion; and a further 15% overallotment, or greenshoe option, for Aramco shares would raise the final IPO value to $29.4 billion, the company stated weekend. The company which is now an international national oil company in the status of the Norwegian Statoil,

Brazilian Petrobras, China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) and sister Sinopec amongst others emerged as the biggest elephant in the house after its entering the capital market with high range price tag on its equity units. The Oracle Today reports that Aramco priced its IPO at Riyal 32 or $8.53 per share, making it the world’s largest IPO. Saudi Aramco announced last month that it was pricing its shares between Riyal 30 and Riyal 32. At Riyal 32, the listing values Aramco at $1.71 trillion, below the initial $2 trillion target set by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who often goes by his initials MbS.

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

AVIATION

House Committee seeks 10yr development plan for aviation Stories by VICTOR NZE

ouse of Representatives Committee on Aviation has urged the Federal Government to formulate a ten-year development plan to be funded off a consolidated account from the 25 per cent remittances of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The committee said this had become necessary as the agency’s federal budget allocation alone cannot shoulder cost of the huge infrastructure upgrade being undertaken by it across the country’s airports. The committee’s chairman, Nnolim Nnaji made this known after a tour of facilities at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in company of the FAAN Managing Director Captain Rabiu Yadudu and other management staff of the agency.

Noting that that improving airport infrastructure remains critical to the country’s aviation industry, the Nnolim said Nigeria also stands to benefit as other sectors of the economy stand to benefit from the development. “We believe FAAN needs funding like every other agency in the aviation sector, But part of our plea to Federal Government as way of helping FAAN as a way of aviation infrastructure is that the 25 per cent remittance of FAAN to the Federal government that Federal government should find a way of creating a consolidated account where these funds be remitted to and create a 10 year developmental plan to enable FAAN come up with a 10 year developmental program on how they should put their infrastructure. “It is not just about the yearly budget, it’s about creating a 10-year plan that can enable them have long term projects that will live beyond a

managing director. If you have a 10year plan that the federal government is involved through the Ministry of Finance, Budget and other agencies, we have a consolidated account, what it means is that whatever project that is coming will live beyond the FAAN management,” said Nnolim. Nnolim who further noted that the security challenges experienced by road users has also presented a veritable opportunity for government to develop facilities at the airports to boost air travels as there would be patronage for them when completed. According to him, investment in aviation is important because it remains the first port of call to a visitor entering a country and by extension would tell the investor whether to proceed into the country and invest or leave stating that infrastructure development should be seen as an all-encompassing thing for national development, not just FAAN.

“Look at what is happening in Nigeria today, the security situation is bad on the roads and this is an opportunity to improve on the aviation industry because a lot of people are now looking towards the airports and businesses, we cannot talk about investment, an investor’s first point of call is the airport. “If you have a good airport an investor who comes in would want to double his investment; if you also have a bad airport an investor will look down on the country and probably good back with his money. So I think airport infrastructure should be very critical, not just to aviation ministry or FAAN but also to Nigeria because it’s going to explore other areas of development. Speaking earlier, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Captain Rabiu Hamisu Yadudu told the House Committee on Aviation that it intends

to provide a mono rail from the Ikeja Transport Terminus to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) to ease facilitation. He said that the airport authority is seeking the House support to tackle some of the constraints that have hindered the authority including the backlog of high debts arising from prior year’s revenue generation. Yadudu talked about infrastructure stating that some need to be in place including rehabilitation of the domestic and international runway and completion of taxiway B and Air Field Lightening (AFL) of domestic runway to ensure the MMA is used optimally. ”We have two runways 18L and 18R but once is dusk one becomes useless because it can only take daylight operation and that is why we need to provide AFL so in case you have to shut a runway down you can use the other.”

ASRTI, CPC express worry over FG intervention in aviation, business model of airlines

onsumers Protection Council (CPC), Thursday, called for change in airlines’ business and airports experience in Nigeria beyond 2025. CPC Director-General, Mr Babatunde Irukera, made the call at the Fourth Quarter Business Breakfast Meeting organised by the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI) in Lagos. The theme of the meeting was: “Nigerian Aviation Beyond 2025’’. “For profitability, airline business modules must change; secondly, airports experience must change beyond 2025. This is because airport all over the world today have now become a comfort zone and not a travel port. “There are far more commercial managers than commercial attenders in JFK, DBX; then, we have security and customs put together. There are more shops at these airport than we have offices and the amount of retail business that is going on at these airports is in excess of what aviation gets,’’ Irukera said. According to Irukera, FAAN management must make airport places where people want to go and be before passengers took their flights, adding that with the record of delay in the airports across the country, Nigeria still records one of the highest numbers of no-show of people arriving for their flights. Irukera said traffic in Lagos was not different from the ones in New York, noting that average travellers was gaining the situation and arrived at the airport just prior to departure.

According to him, ‘even, the premium class, which is the VIP seating, is not comfortable enough to the general seating experience in other country’s airports and now imagine the general passengers.’ Irukera said all the passenger wants to do is arrive at the airport and be able to get through the security checkpoints and then proceed to boarding. “So, this is what we will compete in 2025 and beyond, because we must be able to transform our aviation so that it can stimulate business. We still have a challenge to grow our domestic airlines in the country,” he said. On his part, the ASRTI President, Dr Gabriel Olowo, expressed worry over government’s intervention in aviation and airlines business when the country’s capital expenditure stood at 20 per cent. “To express my worry about intervention by government, in the budget for 2020, 80 per cent is for the recurrent, while 20 per cent, meaning that we have little or nothing, for capital development. We have a deficit budget, meaning that we have element of debt; so, if we are not able to provide what we need on the road and security. “Then, why bother on intervention when private sector investors are eager to help us out. Should government continue to borrow where private investors can help? We have government intervention in our airports. Also, we have government intervention on our airlines that are capital intensive, that is what worries me,” he said.

Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Capt Rabiu Yadudu and Directors of the agency at a Management Meeting with Regional General Managers/Airport Managers holding in Calabar, Monday.

Arik Air upbeat as 2 aircraft rejoin fleet from C-Check

rik Air received two aircraft from C-Check over the weekend, thereby boosting the operations of the airline in the coming festive season. The two aircraft include a Q-400, while the Boeing 737-800 check was conducted by Lufthansa Technik AG in Malta. Over the last two years the current management has been working hard to improve the number of serviceable aircraft in the airline’s fleet. The efforts are yielding results. The Arik fleet is nearly mid–life and such require major overhaul of engines, landing gear, and others. Unfortunately, Arik in addition to

being over burdened by debts had no reserves. The company was simply in a fix. The significant work done to date has therefore been the result of prudent management of resources and the support of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). The management’s effort is bearing fruits with two more aircraft expected to return from C-checks in the next few weeks – one at the end of the year, and another in January. The Boeing 737-800 had been in Malta with Lufthansa Technik AG since 2015 before the current management came on board, and its return is a huge testimony of the achievements

of the current management due to the high cost of C check of as a result of extended lay over. Chief Executive Officer of Arik, Capt. Roy Ilegbodu said: “We are pleased to announce the return of some of our airplanes, following positive resolution of our outstanding debts with African Export Import Bank (AFREXIM) and strong support from Lufthansa Technik AG. “We are aware that our services are critical to numerous travelers in this festive season, and we are ready for the challenges ahead with improved schedule in our domestic and regional network and excellent customer experience.”

Delta, Aeromexico collaborate to create seamless travel experience for customers

elta Air Lines and its joint cooperation agreement partner, Aeromexico are focused on providing their customers with a consistent experience when traveling between the two airlines. Over 3.2 million Delta and Aeromexico customers connect across the trans-border network every year and creating a truly seamless journey is paramount. By looking at all aspects of the customer journey together, and using technology to enhance the digital experience, the two airlines have established a foundation to benefit their shared customers

by aligning products, polices and services. According to Delta’s Managing Director – Alliance Experience, Jeff Moomaw: “The two airlines are dedicated to a world-class customer experience and we’ve eliminated 83% of the service differences between us, ensuring consistency in processes and services – which is key to a stressfree connection experience.” “Our joint customers can now purchase tickets for our branded products in all our booking channels, reserve their seats, take advantage of free messaging onboard as well as see alignment

on checked and hand luggage policies.” An aligned booking process across the two airlines, with ability to view the product offerings with real-time availability and pricing, as well as choose seats. Customers enrolled in the TSA Pre-Check program will now have this emblem printed on their boarding passes when traveling with either airline – saving time and stress in the airport security line as customers enter, connect or exit the United States. The airlines’ reservation specialists are now able to access, rebook and reissue tickets using

the SkyTeam Rebooking feature, for customers flying with any of SkyTeam’s 18 other members, in a matter of minutes when a customer is impacted by a travel disruption. For corporate travelers, Delta and Aeromexico introduced the Corporate Priority programme, which gives corporate travelers consistent benefits around the world. These benefits include checkin recognition, priority boarding, priority service recovery, denied boarding and downgrade protection. The airlines can now share

passenger information to provide service request consistency with aligned unaccompanied minor and special assistance policies, as well as agreed procedures for animals traveling in the cabin. A joint operations control centre in Mexico City Airport also provides operational excellence and improved service recovery. According to the Andrés Castañeda, Chief Digital and Customer Experience Officer at Aeromexico, Andrés Castañeda, “At Aeromexico and Delta we have a clear vision to be the number one option in the trans-border market.”

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

e-Platform

Lagos launches N250m seed capital for tech start-ups Stories by VICTOR NZE

ech start-ups and young innovators in the state now have the opportunity to push their entrepreneurial skills further as the Lagos State Government has now earmarked N250 million seed capital for technology and innovation. Launching the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) to be chaired by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, the state government also set aside $687,000 start-up funds for investment in research and development of tech-focused solutions across the six pillars of his administration’s development agenda. State Governor Babajide SanwoOlu made the announcement at the on-going Art of Technology (AOT) Lagos 1.0 conference organised by the Office of the Governor’s Special Adviser on Innovation and Technology. No fewer than 1,500 young innovators and tech solutions developers are attending the event being held at Oriental

Hotel on Victoria Island, with the theme: “Bridging the gap”. Sanwo-Olu, at the event, said the establishment of the Council and innovation funds officially kickedoff the process of implementing strategies that would help in the realisation of the Smart City initiative of the state. The Governor said the innovation funds would also be directed to support Information and Communication Technology (ICT) research focusing on solving issues of national significance. “There is no gainsaying the fact that any society that wants to be reckoned with on the global stage must be grounded in the application of technology to growth and development. It is gratifying to note that the world has accepted that Lagos as the Silicon Valley of Africa with major investments by Microsoft and Google in the Ikeja-based Computer Village and emerging tech hubs, which have served as launch pads for the digital careers of numerous youths in software development. “To further expand the opportunities, we are immediately earmarking seed capital of N250

million into Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council to be accessed by tech entrepreneurs and software developers in innovation ecosystem for them to create various solutions from artificial intelligence to robotics, to health informatics and green energy.” Besides, the Governor also launched Open Government Initiative, Innovation Master Plan and Lagos State Solution Hub to further drive synergy between policymakers in the public sector and innovators in the private sector. While the Solution Hub is aimed at democratising access to state actors and serving as the first point of call for innovators, solutions providers and innovators on marketing their solutions, the Innovation Master Plan would be focusing on implementation of policies in four critical areas to unleash a culture of problem solving. Sanwo-Olu said the master plan would be addressing the challenge of access to data and funding for innovations, adding that the plan would also bring about provision of faster Internet broadband that

would catalyse talent development. He said: “Our Open Government Initiative is focused on data access, which is seen as critical for the building blocks of a solutions culture. Open data promotes inclusiveness, participation and more fit-for-purpose solutions. The Open Government initiative has kicked off and we will be communicating subsequent milestones with the public soon.” The Governor urged the participants and investors to leverage on the opportunities provided by the event to synergise and network with other innovators towards develop life changing software that would transform healthcare, agro-business, transportation, food security, housing and education in Lagos. “It is our goal to foster the gains achieved by the Art of Technology 1.0 to enhance and empower the residents and investors in Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu said. The convener and Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Technology, Olatunbosun Alake, said the event had the objective to bridge the gap between governance and

innovation. He said the Government and private sector could no longer afford to work in silos, stressing that the public and private sectors must co-create to key into the future. He added that outcomes of the event would bring about enabling policies that would empower Lagos Government to build a sustainable tech and innovation industry. Also, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Hakeem Fahm, observed that Lagos Government had started to look into the future by “thinking Smart” and using technology as an enabler to realise Smart City status. The conference also featured panels of discussion with themes focusing on leveraging technology and innovation to providing solutions and services in key sectors of the State’s economy. Meanwhile, some top tech entrepreneurs on Friday in Lagos, urged startups to put processes in place that would enable them run sustainable businesses. The tech entrepreneurs gave the advice at the end of a twoday summit on Art of Technology (AOT), Lagos 1.0.

Nokia 2.3 announced with Android One, 2-day battery life

okia has announced the Nokia 2.3, the company’s latest budget Android One smartphone. The Nokia 2.3 will be going on sale today and is priced at €109. The Nokia 2.3 has a simple, no-nonsense design made out of polymer. The front of the device has a notched 6.2-inch, 720p display with some fairly sizable bezels. On the side the phone features a dedicated button for Google Assistant. The back of the phone has a 3D nanotextured cover with a ribbed pattern for additional grip. The phone will be available in three colors, cyan green, sand, and charcoal. The Nokia 2.3 runs on the MediaTek Helio A22 chipset with 2GB of memory and 32GB of expandable storage. It features dual SIM, Wi-Fi 802.11n, Bluetooth 5.0, microUSB, FM

radio and headphone jack. The back of the phone has a dual camera system, with a 13MP f2.2 main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. On the front is a 5MP f2.4 camera that also supports face unlock. The Nokia 2.3 is powered by a 4000mAh battery, which Nokia claims provides 2 days of battery life. Unfortunately, there is no fast charging support and the phone is only capable of 5W charging. Like Nokia’s other Android phones, the Nokia 2.3 is an Android One device. Nokia promises 2 years of Android updates and 3 years of monthly security updates. It’s a bit difficult to take these claims seriously, however, as the phone ships with Android 9 out of the box instead of Android 10, and there’s no word on when it will get the update.

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Hakeem Fahm, with Convener and Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Technology, Olatunbosun Alake at the just-concluded Art of Technology (AOT) Lagos 1.0 conference organised by the Office of the Governor’s Special Adviser on Innovation and Technology, which held at the Oriental Hotel on Victoria Island, with the theme: “Bridging the gap,” Thursday.

9mobile introduces lowest roaming rates for U.S., UAE, 44 others

igeria’s customer-friendly telecom company, 9mobile today announced roaming packages that offer lowest voice calls, SMS and data rates for its customers travelling to the United States, United Arab Emirates, and 44 other European and African countries. With 9mobile ‘Super 50 Offer’, this year’s yuletide and beyond promise to be a bumper harvest as customers on 9mobile network can now make or receive calls for as low as N50 per minute, send or receive SMS at N50 per page, as well as use data at N50/MB on a pay-as-you-go basis. With these latest offers, 9mobile is enabling its customers travelling

to any of these 46 destinations to stay connected with their loved ones back home without any inconvenience. According to Acting Director, Marketing, 9mobile, ‘Layi Onafowokan, the US ‘Super 50 Offer’ is currently the lowest package offered by any Nigerian network operator to customers travelling to the USA. “Calls within the US and calls to Nigeria are charged at N50 per minute; incoming calls at N50 per minute; SMS at N50 per page; while PAYG data is now N50/MB,” he said. This offer is in partnership with renowned US Telecom Company, AT&T, and Etisalat UAE among others. On the UAE ‘Super 50 Offer’

roaming package in partnership with Etisalat UAE, customers enjoy discounted rates for voice calls at N50 within UAE and calls back to Nigeria, SMS at N25 per SMS, and data at N25 per MB. Customers also benefit from free 100 minutes/month to receive calls on recharge the threshold of N5000 in a month. The ‘Euro Afrique Offer’, according to Onafowokan, is available in 44 top European and African countries, and the package offers customers the opportunity to make calls at N100/minute within the top destinations and calls back to Nigeria. The ‘Euro Afrique Offer’ is currently available in partnership

with carriers like Vodafone, Orange, Vodacom, and Airtel in Germany, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Sweden and The Netherlands. Nigerians travelling to African countries including Egypt, Congo DR, Botswana, Morocco, Mozambique, Ivory Coast and South Africa, will also enjoy the offer. Onafowokan further disclosed that to enjoy 15GB of data in Nigeria or 200MB while roaming at these destinations; all the customer needs to do is to dial the activation code *4184*1# at the cost of N5,000 with 30 days’ validity. Commenting further on these three amazing roaming

offers, Onafowokan said they aligned with 9mobile’s unwavering commitment to boost superior customer experience by enabling them to stay connected with family, friends, and business partners while in the US, UAE, Europe, and Africa on very affordable rates. He said, “We know that customers can be genuinely concerned about voice and data tariffs outside the country and as a result, many Nigerians refrain from roaming their lines while abroad. However, these packages always deliver superior roaming experience without having to worry about exorbitant bills or spend.

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

e-Platform

Facebook now allows users export pictures to Google Photos

n an attempt to get the so-called Data Transfer Project moving, Facebook is now making it easier for users to transfer all their pictures from their Facebook profile to Google Photos. This project is a collaboration between Apple, Google, Microsoft, Twitter and Facebook and the goal is to make it easier for

you to transfer data between their ecosystems. As of now, Facebook says the open-source tool to transfer your photos is only available to some users in Ireland but will be introduced to the rest of the world in early 2020. Facebook also adds that the tool will work with other services and it’s easy to guess which are on the top priority list - iCloud and OneDrive.

AfDB, Microsoft launch digital tool to assist code learning in Nigeria, others

he African Development Bank and technology firm Microsoft, lastTuesday, launched the ‘Coding for Employment’ digital training platform, an online tool to provide digital skills to African youth, wherever they are across the continent. The platform, launched at the 2019 African Economic Conference in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, aims to promote a continuous learning culture among young people and build their capacity to shape the continent’s future. The high-level event drew heads of state and government, ministers and leaders from the private sector and academia to discuss how this new tool and other technological innovations could be used to spur development across the continent. “The youth employment and skills development challenge is a complex issue that requires systemic thinking and bold partnerships … to address the existing skills gap and

link youth to decent and sustainable employment,” said Hendrina Doroba, the African Development Bank’s acting director for Human Capital, Youth & Skills Development. “The skills training platform launched today is a testament to the impact that such partnerships can achieve and the Bank looks forward to strengthening similar partnerships.” The platform teaches technical courses such as web development, design, data science and digital marketing and will be constantly adapted to respond to market demand. It is accessible on mobile devices, even in low internet connectivity settings and has an affordable, easy-to-navigate, secured and private interface. “A defining challenge of our time is ensuring that everyone has equal opportunity to benefit from technology,” Ghada Khalifa, Director of Microsoft Philanthropies for the Middle East and Africa, said at the launch.

Twitter to start freeing up dormant usernames from December

witter is actively sending emails to users with inactive accounts. Twitter will take action starting on December 11 and plans to free up accounts that have not been signed into over six months. “As part of our commitment to serve the public conversation, we’re working to clean up inactive accounts to present more accurate, credible information people can trust across Twitter. Part of this effort is encouraging people to actively log-in and use Twitter when they register an account, as stated in our inactive accounts policy. “We have begun proactive outreach to many accounts who have not logged into Twitter in over six months to inform them that their accounts may be permanently removes due to prolonged

inactivity,” said a Twitter spokesperson. The removal of accounts is said to take place over the course of several months and not all at once according to the report. If you’re waiting for that one username to become free, you might have to frequently check back. As for bot accounts, Twitter says they should be safe as long as they are active. One of the e-mails read: “Hello, To continue using Twitter, you’ll need to agree to the current Terms, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Use. This not only lets you make the best decisions about the information that you share with us, it also allows you to keep using your Twitter account. But first, you need to log in and follow the on-screen prompts before Dec. 11, 2019, otherwise you account will be removed from Twitter.”

Apple mulls releasing iPhones biannually ...set to unveil four 5G iPhones in 2020

ccording J.P. Morgan analysts, Apple is going to change up its launch strategy for 2021. In a note from the analysts citing supply chains, Apple would shift to launching iPhones twice a year. For many years, Apple released iPhones in the fall, leading up to the holiday season. The report states; “the shift in strategy would allow Apple to smooth its traditional seasonality and give the company increased flexibility to change its products within a six-month time frame and compete with other device makers that launch new phones throughout the year.” “Based on our supply chain checks, we are expecting a strategic change in the launch cadence with the release of two new iPhone models in 1H21 followed by another two in 2H21, which will serve to smooth seasonality around the launch,” said Samik Chatterjee, J.P. Morgan analyst. This change in release cycle would more closely match some other major

OEMs like Huawei and Samsung, who stagger their release of two different major flagship smartphones. Unlike those OEMS, Apple releases a new lineup once a year and since it doesn’t sell budget phones, that’s its only source of revenue for mobile hardware. 2021 aside, the analysts predict that this upcoming year, Apple will launch four iPhones, all with OLED displays and 5G support. They also note that some models may not support mmWave technology. This year’s iPhones are expected to come in new sizes – one with a 5.4-inch display, two with a 6.1-inch, and one with a much larger 6.7-inch screen. Analysts expect two higher end models to support mmWave 5G with triple cameras and new “World facing 3D sensing” while the other tier models are expected to come with dual cameras, sub-6GHz support, and dual cameras with no World-facing 3D sensing. Analysts note if Apple launches 5G phones next year, it would encourage customers to upgrade.

The new Samsung Galaxy Fold 2

LG Electronics bags 2020 CES Innovation Awards Stories by VICTOR NZE

he Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has formally reognised LG Electronics (LG) for groundbreaking innovations in technology and design with 2020 CES Innovation Awards – led by another Best of Innovation Award for LG OLED TV technology. This marks the eighth consecutive year that LG OLED TVs, home appliances and flagship smartphones all have received CES Innovation Awards, the official industry recognition for the most innovative products introduced at CES, the global stage for innovation. For CES 2020, LG OLED TV technology is again being recognized with the CES Best of Innovation Award in the video display category, earning this highest honor in three of the past five years. LG, the world’s best-selling OLED TV brand, created the premium OLED TV category, which delivers perfect black, incredible color and unparalleled highdynamic range capabilities. Particularly noteworthy for 2020 are two Innovation Awards for one of the industry’s first NEXTGEN TVs to

be unveiled at CES 2020 – an LG OLED TV incorporating the ATSC 3.0 nextgeneration standard, co-developed by LG. More details on the award-winning LG entertainment products – including 8K and 4K Ultra HD TVs, audio and computer products and more – will be announced at CES 2020 in January. CES 2020 Innovation Awards will go to a number of new LG home appliances, highlighted by an LG InstaView Doorin-Door refrigerator with the industryfirst Craft Ice feature, which reimagines home entertaining. Other awardwinning LG home appliances include the second win for the LG Styler clothing care system with its black-tinted mirror front, an all-new portable LG PuriCare Mini air purifier and laundry innovations to be announced at CES. Leading the company’s CES Innovation Awards for mobile devices is the groundbreaking LG G8XThinQ Dual Screen smartphone, which provides more control for scenarios where two identical OLED displays simply work better than one. Also receiving awards are the LG V50ThinQ 5G smartphone designed to connect, stream, browse, play, share and experience more,

without limits, and the LG G8ThinQ with its refined minimalist design, innovative audio experiences, new camera hardware and software, and state-ofthe-art touchless controls and biometric security features. Owned and produced by CTA, the CES Innovation Awards program is an annual competition honoring outstanding design and engineering in consumer technology products across 28 product categories. An elite panel of industry expert judges, including members of the media, designers, engineers and more, reviewed submissions based on engineering qualities, aesthetic and design, functionality and consumer appeal. Owned and produced by CTA, CES 2020 is the global stage for innovation where industry leaders and rising stars will come together January 7-10 in Las Vegas to pioneer future innovation driving the ever-evolving tech industry. CES attendees will have access to the most transformative tech across various marketplaces, such as 5G, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, smart home, smart cities, vehicles, digital health and more.

Lagos dreams Africa’s biggest innovation hub

agos State Government’s investment in technology and innovation is a deliberate effort to position the State as key player in global technology space, according to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Monday. The Governor said his administration’s financial commitment to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is to make Lagos Africa’s foremost centre of innovation by harnessing local capabilities in developing tech solutions that would reduce the State’s reliance on foreign tech inventions. Sanwo-Olu spoke while receiving the management team of Oracle

Nokia 2.3

Africa Group who came on a courtesy visit at the Lagos House in Alausa. The team was led by the Group’s Country Director, Mr. Adebayo Sanni. The Governor said the recently approved seed capital of N250 million was particularly aimed at enhancing young people’s innovative skills and empowering them to be tech solutions providers as the world progresses in digitisation. “Technology has gotten to a stage where we all need it to leapfrog and enhance accuracy in governance. As a Government, we have always promoted technology to take the lead and be a strong enabler for us to deliver on our promises to the people.

“We are taking steps to further collaborate with partners that will strengthen our capacity to be big player in global tech space. We just concluded a two-day Art of Technology where we announced the establishment of innovation research council and N250 million seed capital to support young innovators locally. “We are not looking at what is going to be our immediate benefit by this investment; rather we want to create a robust technology culture that will give young people opportunities to explore their innovative skills in bringing about tech solutions and applications we can use to advance our service delivery.”

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

Travel & Hospitality Sheraton Hotel Abuja, Lagos promise ‘Magic of Christmas,’ drop room rates to N40, 000

heraton Hotel in Abuja and Lagos have announced a grand plan to delight and enrich the Christmas experience for guests this yuletide, in what they have tagged, ‘magical,’ that ‘awaits all this season of cheer.’ Disclosing this in a statement, Monday, General Manager of both hotels in Nigeria, Mr. Barry Curran, said iconic hospitality establishments in the country have organized nights of spirit lifting Christmas caroling events with Lagos Sheraton to feature sonorous voices on the 23rd - 24th of December ‘just as Abuja residents had a swell time at the just-concluded Sheraton Abuja tree lighting ceremony.’ “Christmas at our hotels will come to life with inspiring ambiences to bring in the festive spirit, gifts to spread the seasons cheer and delicious meals to excite your palate and make this holiday truly connecting for families and friends. “At Sheraton Lagos celebrations will set off with a grand cocktail at our lobby for Marriott Bonvoy members on the 10th of December 2019 while Social media competitions will further ignite the season. “Our Festive season room rates offers for Loyal Customers and Patrons will start from as low as N66,000 to set the holiday tone. “Our Heart melting Christmas meals will kick off with a special breakfast on the 25th of December from 06:00am and a spectacular Christmas day gala buffet lunch featuring a live band from 1pm; rates are inclusive of select non-alcoholic beverages. A delectable Christmas day dinner will lend more merriment to the day from 7pm. “Our sumptuous Boxing Day cuisine will be available on the 26th December with breakfast from 06:00am, lunch from 12:00 noon and dinner from 7pm. “To usher in the New Year with family and loved ones a New Year’s Eve gala buffet dinner will be available on the 31st December from 7pm with prices inclusive of select non-alcoholic beverage and a glass of champagne at 12midnight to light up the New Year. “On New Year’s Day, all patrons coming to dine will savor the first breakfast of the year 2020 from 06:00am while the 1st New Year’s Day

lunch will be available from 12:00noon with a live band at the Hotel’s Pumpkin Leaf Restaurant. New Year’s Day dinner will make a delightful entry from 7:00pm,” said the Sheraton hotel chief. According to Curran, fine dining and 3 course meals at the Italian Restaurant for special Christmas delights, Boxing Day and New Year’s dinner will cost N16,500 inclusive of a complimentary glass of choice beverage. Continuing, Curran said: “If you are visiting Abuja, we welcome you to drop by at Sheraton Abuja Hotel and experience the magic of the season. Kids will have the gleeful opportunity to meet with Santa at his Grotto and cart with exciting gift items from the 13th of December from 11am at our Hotel Foyer for just N2,500 per child. “Our momentous Christmas day lunch at our Ladi Kwali Ball Room, 25th December awaits as you Join in the Yuletide Feast and relish our selection of tasty Christmas Specialty Buffet offerings; Starting at 12noon for just 12,500 per person (*Kids from 0-6 yrs. eat for free while 7-12 pay half price (one child per paying adult). “A complimentary bottle of nonalcoholic wine and a large bottle of water will be on offer for a group of four while a Complimentary glass of non-alcoholic wine and a small bottle of water for individuals with free goody bags for kid’s courtesy of Santa. “Festive room rates for those who wish to enjoy a holiday get-away will commence from the 20th of December from as low as N39,999 per adult, N44,999 for two adults and N70,000 (Junior Suite package) for a family of two adults and two children (Junior Suite package includes a range of privileges, while all rates are inclusive of 15% taxes and breakfast). “New Year’s Day; 1st January 2020, Brunch will be a transformative experience at the Papillon Restaurant as you start your culinary Year on the right note with a delicious and elaborate buffet spread from 12noon for just N11,000 per person. (Kids from 0-6 yrs. eat for free while 7-12 pay half price (one child per paying adult),” said Curran. “At Sheraton, the world comes together and infuses the energy of our guests coming into our spaces,” he concluded.

Cultural performances by the various councils in the Badagry Division of Lagos at the just-concluded 2019 annual Black Heritage Festival which held from last Friday to Sunday in Badagry Town, Lagos.

Badagry Division unites for 2019 Black Heritage Festival Stories by VICTOR NZE

n what could aptly be described as a reunion, the ten Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) within the Badagry Division of Lagos converged on the ancient town to celebrate the annual Black Heritage Festival. The Black Heritage festival which is celebrated yearly took a different dimension this year with the convergence of all the council chairmen and other principal stakeholders of the councils including traditional rulers at Marina in Badagry for the three-day event. The event which kicked-off with a Symposium on Friday climaxed on Sunday with a Family Picnic after the Saturday event which was an array display of indigenous culture peculiar to the various council areas as well as Boat Parade Competition among all the council areas usually called Boat Regatta. Addressing the participants at the Day II of the event on Saturday, Special Adviser to the State Governor on

Arts and Culture, Mr. Solomon Saanu Bonu said that the celebration was in fulfillment of the mandate embedded in the Lagos State T.H.E.M.E.S agenda towards the development of Tourism and Economic Empowerment for the great people of Lagos State especially the Badagry Division and to encourage the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage within the area. “One unique thing about the Badagry Heritage Festival is that, this will be the first time Badagry division will be coming out in this form to project the peculiarities of communities of each of the Local Government and Local Council Development Areas as one. This connotes the unity of purpose we have so clamored for as a division. It is also unique as we hope it will draw more international tourism investors to the area,” the Special Adviser stated. Bonu enjoined participants at the event to continue to support the Lagos State Government in its quest to give the numerous tourism potential in the Badagry Division the

needed impetus and attention, even as he appreciated the State Governor for granting approval for the hosting of Badagry Heritage Festival 2019 which is already in the State’s Tourism Calendar. Earlier, Chairman of the Badagry Local Government, Mr. Segun Onilude whose council played host to other LGAs and LCDAs for the event, said that the 2019 edition of the yearly Black Heritage Festival was “a celebration of our unity and what makes the division unique. It is a unity in diversity.” He recalled the days of District Councils which brought the entire stretch of Seme Boarder now under Badagry West up to Ajegunle under a single umbrella before the unprecedented growth of the region that resulted in the creation of different council areas, stressing that the idea to bring all the councils together was noble and very commendable initiative. At the end of the Boat Regatta competition, Ori-Ade LCDA came first, Badagry LGA second and Ojo LGA came third.

FG to introduce new visa regime to boost economy

omptroller General (CGI) of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Mr Muhammad Babandede has disclosed that the Federal Government plans to introduce a new visa regime to boost the economy. Babandede who said this at the 2019 dinner and award night organised by the service in Abuja,

added that the new visa regime will be unveiled by the Minister of Interior Mr Rauf Aregbesola before the end of 2019. He said that the regime would put Nigeria in line with global practice adding that the system would be transparent and that security would not be compromised. “The e-visa policy will encourage

investors to Nigeria thereby generating Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for Nigeria and making Nigeria a most preferred destination through transparency in administration and facilitation of facilities by service. “I assure you that it will be transparent and we will remove cash payment and ensure no security is compromised. It is a balance

between facilitation, transparency and protection of national security,” he said. Babandede assured that the service would deliver on its mandate by emplacing efficient border security and migration management to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture in 2020. He commended the team who was

recognised for developing a software for officers to take e- examinations. “As you are aware, we are a regimented institution. We have done all we can in 2019 by dismissing officers for corruption , absenteeism, reduction of ranks of officers and investigating those who took money from applicants or ordinary Nigerians illegally.

Dubai Tourism offers Nigerians free trips, freebies for 25th Shopping Festival

ubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), is set to delight Nigerians with prizes and free trips to Dubai as part of activities marking the 25th anniversary of the famous Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF). This should include Ghana, and separate ones for Kenya and South Africa. Dubai Tourism and its partners are kicking off several competitions

offering Nigerians and Ghanaians the chance to win big just in time for the holidays. The gifts include shopping vouchers or fully funded trips to Dubai to enjoy unique experiences, world-class concerts, pop up markets, events, and daily firework displays during DSF, which takes place December 26, 2019 to February 1, 2020. Option 1: Book a trip to Dubai with tour operators, Tour Brokers

International (TBI), Wontra or Wakanow between now and December 20th to travel to Dubai in January 2020 and be automatically entered to win shopping vouchers upon arrival to spend while in Dubai. The winners will be announced after December 26 through the trade partners and Dubai Tourism. Option 2: A six-week online competition, in partnership with BellaNaija, will see 10 winners from

Nigeria and 5 from Ghana, win a five-night trip to Dubai to celebrate the festivities during the 25th anniversary of DSF. To participate in the competition ongoing through December 20th, participants must submit a 60-second video explaining how they would spend a week in Dubai, what they want to see and where they want to go. The short video clip then needs to be posted to Instagram, tagging and following @

bellanaijastyle and @visitdubai_af & @dsfsocial accounts. All participants must be 25 to enter the competition. The lucky winners will receive gifts including a shopping voucher worth AED 1000; five-night hotel stay; flight tickets and airport transfers. Winners will be announced on social media accounts on December 23rd and will travel to Dubai in January 2020.

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

INSURANCE & PENSION West African Insurance Institute inducts WAICA Re GMD as Fellow

roup Managing Director, West African Reinsurance Corporation(WAICA Re), Abiola Ekundayo, has been inducted as a Fellow of the West African Insurance Institute. The investiture, which took place at the 2019 Graduation ceremony of the Institute in Banjul, Gambia, at the weekend, was in recognition of Mr. Ekundayo’s leadership role in growing WAICA Re to its present status as well as its contribution to insurance growth and development of insurance in, especially, west African countries. Ekundayo started his insurance career in 1984 with a brokerage firm and later moved to WAPIC Insurance Company Limited, before joining Globe Reinsurance Plc in December 1989. He was appointed Executive Director in 2000 and was later confirmed as the Deputy Managing Director in 2001. In 2007, he became the Managing Director/CEO of the company. His experience as insurance practitioner covers large areas of the profession including brokerage, marketing, underwriting,

reinsurance, investment and risk management. He piloted the company to the Francophone countries in the West Coast thus making Globe Re the first Nigerian Reinsurance Company to do business with the Francophone world, being a bilingual Executive. He has varied and a broad spectrum experience in executive management and technical educational fields having attended courses, both locally and internationally. These include leading the team course at Lagos Business School, Reinsurance Strategic Management at the prestigious Wit Business School, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa and Managing People Effectively at D & B Business Training Services, London. He graduated from the Lagos State Polytechnic where he studied Insurance and holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Lagos State University, he is a fellow of both Chartered Insurance Institute London (with specialization in reinsurance) and Chartered Institute of Marketing of Nigeria.

Niger Insurance pays N1.4bn claims in 9months Stories by VICTOR NZE

iger Insurance Plc says it has paid over N1.4bn claims to its customers in the past nine months, while efforts were in top gear to settle all outstanding benefits soon. Managing Director of the firm, Mr Edwin Igbiti, who made the disclosure during a media briefing in Lagos, Thursday, said that the delay in the payment of the outstanding claims was due to the company’s large asset portfolio, which was skewed toward fixed assets. “The company’s assets are more than sufficient to settle all its liabilities and we have made significant progress towards liquidating some fixed assets to unlock cash and pay all outstanding obligations soon,” he said.

The Managing Director appreciated the company’s customers for their patience, trust and understanding during the company’s challenging period and reaffirmed its renewed sense of responsibility and commitment to excellence. He said:” There is a growing sense of purpose at Niger Insurance Plc these days. It feels like a new dawn with management, staff and shareholders, all working with passion and a common intent to write a great story in this new chapter of the company’s long and chequered history”. According to him, Niger Insurance, one of the foremost composite Insurance companies, was developing a transformation blueprint for the next five years. He said the blueprint would focus on operational and

technological advancements in delivering bespoke insurance solutions to businesses, institutions and the growing populace of Nigeria. Igbiti said the implementation of the transformation plan already began in the fourth quarter of 2019 following his appointment as the company’s new Managing Director, having completed a five meritorious years as Managing Director of AIICO Insurance Plc. “The need for Niger Insurance Plc’s transformation is underscored by a combination of market and regulatory changes. Having been in operations for 57 years, it had become imperative to address legacy challenges as well as innovate to achieve service excellence, agility and competitiveness, “he said.

According to Igbiti, the three pillars of the transformation plan are: Strengthening of balance sheet, which is its financial strength; strengthening of its manpower through talent and innovation; and strengthening of its business model through sustained growth and profitability. “In order to ensure a successful execution of this plan, the company recently reconstituted a new Board of Directors, a new management team and an array of strategic partnerships. “At its 49th Annual General Meeting held recently, the company’s shareholders approved its recapitalization plan to meet the new regulatory capital requirements by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM).

Africa Re appoints senior Management team

CCPC to enforce passenger insurance on fleet operators Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says it will ensure that fleet operators maintain insurance to any passenger who experience loss of lives, properties or injury. Chief Executive Officer, FCCPC, Mr Babatunde Irukera, said this at the first ember months’ stakeholders’ forum organised by Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and FCCPC on Friday in Abuja. Irukera said that accident should not be a routine as the prosecution of those who failed to adhere to traffic regulations would be ensured. “Any vehicle that records accidents or loss of lives and properties must pay for insurance. Fleet operators must provide insurance for passengers or be prosecuted during this ember months and beyond. “We will insist that vehicles are in good conditions, operates in good and safe manner before it hits the road for safety of people. We will develop a policy on ageing fleets to ensure that such transport company would pay for insurance at all cost,” he said. Irukera urged motorists to drive carefully as the Christmas and New Year was fast approaching. adding that partnership with FRSC would usher in a new development. The Corps Marshal, FRSC, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi said that one of the major problems identified in road transportation in Nigeria was poor road network connectivity.

He said that most driving schools lack integrity and this was also a major cause of road accidents in Nigeria. “The resultant effect of the problems stated on Nigeria road is Road Traffic Crashes (RTC). This is the third leading cause of overall deaths in Nigeria. “Statistics shows that RTC posed series threat in Nigeria and other developing countries within adverse, physical and socio-economic implications resulting into trauma related deaths and most common cause of disability. “The threat posed by road traffic injuries to humanity in particular and the nation in general is worrisome. The role played by FRSC in tackling these menace is critical as traffic safety management is everybody’s business. “Hence, collective collaboration is key to traffic crash and fatality reduction,” he said. Oyeyemi said that the public needed to take it easy on the Corps as the FRSC lost a lot of its personnel in 2019. He said that the level of destruction on government properties was alarming. adding that the public needed self-education and attitudinal change. “Every now and then, we mount traffic signs on our roads for easy traffic management but within two weeks, the people will destroy it. This needs to stop to ensure free flow of vehicles this ember months and beyond. The FRSC will not relent in delivering its mandate and ensuring that lives and properties are safe,” he said.

From left: Head, Finance and Account, James Ekperahwa; Head, Strategy and Performance, Aleshinloye Rotimi; Head, Legal and Compliance, Leke Ogunbambo; Head, ICT, Kuponiyi Kunle; Managing Director, Igbiti Edwin; Head, Group Life Business, Umuolo Jane; Chief Finance Officer, Salami Ademola; Head, Marketing, Seth Epelle, during the media briefing by the Management of Niger Insurance Plc, in Lagos, Friday.

CIIN inducts 5 Fellows, 143 Associates

hartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) has inducted five fellows and 143 associate inductees as members of the institute. President, CIIN, Mr Eddie Efekoha, said at the 2019 Induction of Fellows and Associates, Thursday, in Lagos, that the institute also awarded 212 Diplomas and 448 Certificates. Efekoha told the new inductees that by attaining the professional qualification, they had become custodians of the ethics and codes of practice of the noble profession. He said the purpose of the institute’s code of ethics was to set forth the values, principles and standards that guide the conduct of all insurance practitioners. “The mantra of the institute remains focused around repositioning and

reinforcing the integrity of our profession. “As lifetime ambassadors of the Insurance practice, I urge you to uphold this creed and replicate all that it represents in your endeavors. Who you are and the principles you uphold are some of the things that make you stand out as a leader and a truly successful professional. “I urge you not to relent in developing yourselves in order to stay relevant in the dynamic business world of today and in the future. Ensure that you take advantage of the Mandatory Continuous Professional Development (M.C.P.D) programmes offered by the institute in addition to other post-qualification training courses,” he said. The CIIN President said that all certificates issued by the institute remained its property

and could be withdrawn from the holders if there were good reasons to do so. He warned that reason for such withdrawal could emanate from acts unexpected of a holder of the institute’s professional qualification and unethical behavior. “This policy remains in force. It is my hope that there will not be an occasion where the institute is required to do so,” the CIIN president said. Efekoha said that the potential of the financial services sector, which includes insurance, is great. He said: “As professionals, the task before us is for creativity to drive our thoughts and equally refrain from wasting time trying to reinvent the wheel.” According to him, considerable effort is being put in by the institute to remain relevant to the modern day

professional as a leading light to insurance practitioners in the country and beyond. Efekoha said the ultimate goal was to ensure that insurance practitioners retained the competitive edge that enabled them to perform at optimal levels, tackle the current challenges in the business landscape and stand out successfully. “The insurance industry is undergoing a revolution and our ability to dig in and dig deep during this defining period will ensure that we are not swept away by the turn of events,” he said. In her induction lecture, titled: “The Disruptive Professional”, Dr Yeside Oyetayo, Rector, College of Insurance and Financial Management (CIFM), urged the new inductees to become truly disruptive innovative professionals.

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

EQUITY & Capital Market Fund Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit through capital market –Experts

n investment banker and Head, Debt Capital Markets, FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited, Mr Oluseun Olatidoye, has stressed the need for sound macroeconomic and policy frameworks to enable the capital market attract investors to fund infrastructure projects in the country. Olatidoye stated this in his presentation themed: “Bridging Nigeria’s infrastructure Gap, the Capital Market Option” at the 2019 annual conference of the Capital Market Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CAMCAN) on Saturday in Lagos. He said the capital market was a very good platform for raising funds for infrastructure development. According to him, the government has funded about 26 roads across the six geopolitical zones in the country to the tune of N200 billion through the FGN Sukuk I and II. “We have raised N11.4 billion for the development of schools facilities in Osun State, and funded the development of affordable housing on the Mixta Real Estate Plc Bond Issues. We have also developed a number of roads, bridges, health facilities using the opportunity presented by the capital markets,” he said. However, considering the huge financial outlay needed to bridge the the country’s infrastructure gap, Olatidoye said sound macroeconomic and policy frameworks must be provided by the federal government. “As much as the government has its role, political interference must be limited. This insures investors against any form of political risk, and most importantly corruption which has the potential of crippling the entire endeavour,” said Olatidoye. Olatidoye, who noted that foreign capital was a great deal in the domestic debt capital market, said project bonds, Sukuks, and other infrastructure-based fixed income products may be unappealing to foreign interest for a couple of reasons. “Top of such concerns include: foreign exchange policies, liquidity, and tenor (money market has been the major destination for foreign portfolio investors). “However, asides luring investors with reasonable yields, mitigating structures need to be in place to address risk factors, and this is largely reliant on a significant degree of macroeconomic policy stability and direction to capture offshore investors in long term domestic projects,” he said. He noted that foreign exchange

volatility, if not addressed could deter the interest of foreign investors. “Depending on the structure of the bond, projects could be of a nature that expose financers to devaluation risks, which will whittle down the dollar value of local currency cash flow from such projects. “Ultimately, if infrastructure funds are the preferred options for issuers, the ingenuity of financial advisers would be put to test in coming up with structures that protect investors from currency fears (assuming the status quo remains) and also meeting the rating criteria,” he said. Oladitoye noted that regulators had the responsibility to educate the investing public and other capital market participants. “This forms the starting point of extracting the most benefit from an efficient capital market. “As an incentive, the overall cost related to pre-issuance, issuance and post-issuance activities should be revised downwards. Specifically, a favourable tax regime should be instituted for infrastructural investments,” he said. Earlier, in her keynote address, Ms Mary Uduk, the acting DirectorGeneral, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said the theme of the workshop was apt. “Nigeria has a huge gap in infrastructure base measured through levels of physical capital of roads, public education, electricity production, health infrastructure, and access to treated water,” she said. Uduk said the Nigerian government, like other developing countries, continued to face significant challenges in implementing programmes to build basic infrastructure, as the traditional source of infrastructure funding was through public expenditure and development finance aids. According to her, these sources of infrastructure financing have been found to be inadequate as evidenced by the country’s infrastructure gap. “A report by the African Development Bank on Nigeria’s Infrastructure Plan in 2013 estimated that Nigeria would need to invest about $350 billion in its infrastructure sector in 10 years to be at par with its peers. “The government, in recognition of this, is doing its best to close the infrastructure gap as outlined in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) for 2017-2020,” she said. She said the establishment of an active infrastructure fund as proposed by capital stakeholders would be beneficial in closing the infrastructure gap in the country.

One of the 251 young entrepreneur beneficiaries of the ‘Unusual Entrepreneurs” programme, Asemota Josephine (right) receiving her money from Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr Patrick Akinwuntan (left) while Chairman of the Unusual Entrepreneurs Committee and President of Transcorp Hotel, Mr Valentine Ozigbo; Parish Priest, Catholic Church of Divine Mercy, Lekki, initiators of the programme, Monsignor, Pascal Nweazeapu and other beneficiaries look on.

Market indices open week with 0.65% loss N

igerian Stock Exchange (NSE) crucial market indicators opened trading on Monday with a loss of 0.65 per cent. The market capitalisation lost N84 billion or 0.65 per cent to close at N12. 877 trillion against N12. 961 trillion on Friday. Also, the All-Share Index which opened at 26,855.52 dipped 174.21 points or 0.65 per cent to close at 26,681.31. Analysts at Afrinvest Limited said: “We maintain our bearish stance for the market, although the current low prices of stocks present opportunities for bargain hunting.” Chief Operating Officer, InvestData Ltd., Mr Ambrose Omordion, said that market performance would be mixed in the new week due to profit taking. Omordion said that discerning investors should take advantage

of the current low stocks valuation to position for medium to long term. Market breadth was negative, with five gainers compared with 28 losers. A breakdown of the price movement chart shows that Guaranty Trust Bank recorded the highest loss to lead the laggards’ pack, shedding 90k to close at N29 per share. Cadbury trailed with a loss of 85k to close at N9.05, while Berger Paint dropped 75k to close at N6.75 per share. Dangote Cement was down by 70k to close at N142, while C &I Leasing declined by 55k to close at N5.40 per share. Conversely, Eterna led the gainers’ table growing by 20k to close at N3 per share. Mansard followed with a gain of 15k to close at N1.80, while Cornetstone Insurance gained 5k

to close at 68k per share. NPF Microfinance Bank added 4k to close at N1.15, while Fidelity Bank increased by 2k to close at N2. 04 per share. However, investors traded 192.684 million shares worth N3.55 billion achieved in 3,594 deals. This was against 197.04 million shares valued at N3.53 billion transacted in 3,989 deals on Friday. Zenith Bank was the most active stock during the day, exchanging 24.23 million shares worth N450.06 million. It was followed by UACN with an account of 19.62 million shares valued at N154.33 million, while Dangote Cement traded 12.86 million shares worth N1.80 billion. FBN Holdings sold a total of 12.25 million shares valued at N79.01 million, while FCMB Group exchanged 10.02 million shares worth N17.92 million.

FG directs MDAs to publish daily financial transactions

ederal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to publish a daily summary of their financial inflows and outflows through the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF). This order was given by President Muhammadu Buhari, through the Minister of State for Niger Delta, Mr Tayo Alasoadura, at the launch of the Financial Transparency Policy and Implementation Guidelines on

Monday. In addition to publishing the summary, the directive also ordered that reports of all payment above the N10 million mark should be published as part of the Buhariled administration to encourage transparency and accountability in public finance. “The government has committed to full implementation of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 so that government-held data

sets can be availed and used by the media and the public at large. “All MDAs are required to promptly respond to additional requests for information beyond what is published,” he said. “With these reports, the treasury will publish payments of at least N10 million while all MDAS must publish payments above N5 million made out of all public funds under their purview. “The reports must include the

MDA responsible, the beneficiary, the purpose and amount of each payment. Accounting Officers are responsible for providing answers to any questions from the public relating to transactions completed by entities under their charge. “All MDAS must publish monthly budget performance reports. These reports must include the performance of the budget by various dimensions including MDAs, functions and economic

activities performed by all federal government agencies. These reports must be ready within seven days after the end of the month,” the minister said. The directive also stated that the Accountant-General of the Federation must publish quarterly financial statements for the government as a whole and for individuals within a month after the end of the quarter.

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

MONEY Market

Moody’s affirms Banks ratings following action on the Nigerian government •changes outlook to negative

By KAYODE OGUNWALE

oody’s Investors Service, an international rating agency has affirmed the B2 longterm local currency deposit ratings of Access Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, United Bank for Africa Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, FCMB Limited and Sterling Bank Plc. The outlook on all the banks’ longterm deposit ratings was changed to negative from stable. The rating action follows Moody’s decision to affirm Nigeria government’s long-term issuer ratings of B2 and change its outlook to negative from stable in December 4, 2019. The affirmation of the ratings reflects the banks’ financial profiles which have been generally resilient to the difficult operating environment in Nigeria. On average, the Nigerian banks benefit from good pre-provision profitability and capital positions; asset quality and foreign currency funding positions have improved over recent quarters, following the recession in 2016. The change of outlook to negative from stable reflects the Nigerian banks’ sizeable exposure to the sovereign debt securities and loans, averaging at 244 percent of the rated

banks’ capital bases as of June 2019, which links their credit profiles to that of the government. The rating agency also expects the banking sector to be challenged in maintaining the recent improving trend, particularly as regards asset quality, given the increasing bank lending in Nigeria’s weak operating environment. The affirmation of the ratings reflects Moody’s expectation that Nigerian banks’ profitability will remain resilient and the capital metrics stable over the next 12-18 months, with a tangible common equity as a percentage of Moody’s adjusted riskweighted assets at about 16 percent in the next 12 months. Recent selective lending by banks has reduced the formation of new nonperforming loans (NPLs), which lessens the need for loan loss provisions and limits the erosion of profitability. Systemwide NPLs declined by 51 percent to N1.1 trillion as at 30 September 2019 from N2.2 trillion as at 30 September 2018, driven by a large decline in NPLs in the oil and gas sector. As result, the NPL ratio declined to 6.7 percent as at 30 September 2019 compared to 14.2 percent as at 30 September 2018. In addition, Nigerian banks are containing their operating cost as they migrate their clients to digital platforms and save on branch expansion.

Bank-Specific Considerations Access Bank Plc he negative outlook reflects the negative outlook on Nigeria’s government issuer rating, affecting the bank’s credit profile as well as resulting in a lower ability to support the b3 baseline credit assessment (BCA). Access has a large exposure to the sovereign debt securities and loans at 338 percent of its tangible common equity at end of June 2019. Access’s local currency deposit rating is B2 while the local currency national scale rating is A1.ng. Access’s b3 BCA reflects the bank’s (1) relatively high asset risks, although improving, following the merger with Diamond Bank PLC (Diamond) and (2) higher leverage, with a total shareholders’ equity-to-total assets ratio that is below peer average. These challenges are balanced against (1) our expectation that Access will extract long-term benefits from Diamond, particularly by improving its profitability (2) the bank’s robust underwriting standards and risk management processes, and (3) the bank’s depositbased funding structure.

First City Monument Bank Limited he negative outlook reflects the negative outlook on Nigeria’s government issuer rating, affecting the bank’s credit profile as well as resulting in a lower ability to support the b3 BCA. FCMB has a large exposure to sovereign debt securities and loans at 239 percent of its tangible common equity at end of June 2019. FCMB will likely be more exposed to negative pressure on its revenue generation capacity and its asset quality than its top-tier local peers due to its relatively small size and client base. FCMB’s local currency deposit rating is B2 while the local currency national scale rating is A2.ng. FCMB’s b3 BCA reflects its (1) elevated credit risks stemming

from high single-name and sector concentrations; and (2) relatively modest profitability levels compared with those of its top-tier local peers. These challenges are balanced against its (1) robust levels of tangible common equity compared with that of its global peers, (2) stable deposit-based funding structure, and (3) robust local-currency liquidity buffers. Fidelity Bank Plc he negative outlook reflects the negative outlook on Nigeria’s government issuer rating affecting the bank’s credit profile as well as resulting in a lower ability to support the b3 BCA. Fidelity has a large exposure to sovereign securities and loans at 196 percent of its tangible common equity as of June 2019. Fidelity will likely be more exposed to negative pressure on its revenue generation capacity and asset quality than its top-tier local peers due to its relatively small size and client base. Fidelity’s local currency deposit rating is B2 while the local currency national scale rating is A2.ng. Fidelity’s b3 BCA reflects the bank’s (1) relatively tight funding conditions, as reflected by its high, although improving, loan-to-customer deposit ratio; and (2) high proportion of foreigncurrency loans. These challenges are mitigated by Fidelity’s (1) relatively high provision coverage of NPLs; and (2) solid capital buffers with a tangible common equity-to-risk-weighted asset that is comparable to global peers, although the bank’s capital buffer against the regulatory requirement is small.

First Bank of Nigeria Limited he negative outlook reflects the negative outlook on Nigeria’s government issuer rating, affecting the bank’s credit profile as well as resulting in a lower ability to support the b3

The banks’ foreign currency funding has also improved as banks cut back foreign-currency lending while building up foreign-currency deposits. The negative outlook on the banks’ rating is primarily driven by the negative outlook on the Nigeria’s government issuer rating given the banks’ large holdings of Nigerian government securities which they hold for liquidity and investment purposes. The large stock

of government securities and loans links the banks’ credit profiles to that of the government. The rated banks’ overall sovereign debt securities and loans exposure averaged 244 percent of their tangible capital bases as of June 2019. In view of the correlation between the sovereign and bank credit risk, the banks’ standalone credit profiles and ratings are inevitably constrained by the rating of the government. The rating agency also expects

the banking sector to be challenged in maintaining the recent improving trend, particularly as regards asset quality, given the rising bank lending in Nigeria’s weak operating environment. The rating agency expects GDP growth of just over 2 percent over the next few years, which will remain insufficient to create significant good quality lending opportunities for banks and it will unlikely improve borrowers’ credit strength.

BCA. First Bank has a large exposure government debt securities and loans at 267 percent of its tangible common equity at end of June 2019. First Bank’s local currency deposit rating is B2 while the local currency national scale rating is A2.ng. First Bank’s BCA of b3 reflects its (1) still-high stock of NPLs, although reducing, and (2) moderate capital buffers. These challenges are moderated by the bank’s resilient pre-provision profitability and stable funding profile, which is supported by a large stock of liquid assets.

on its revenue generation capacity and asset quality than its top-tier local peers due to its relatively small size and client base. Union’s local currency deposit rating is B2 while the local currency national scale rating is A2.ng. Union’s b3 BCA reflects the bank’s (1) high asset risks and low coverage of NPLs by provisions, which increases the risk of capital erosion in case of loan losses; (2) weak efficiency and moderate profitability; and (3) stilltight, although improving, foreigncurrency funding position. These challenges are moderated by the bank’s stable deposit-based funding profile, particularly in local currency.

government issuer rating, affecting the bank’s credit profile as well as resulting in a lower ability to support the b3 BCA. Sterling has a large exposure to government debt securities and loans at 275 percent of its tangible common equity as of June 2019. Sterling will likely be more exposed to negative pressure on its revenue generation capacity and its asset risk than its top-tier local peers due to its relatively small size and client base. Sterling’s local currency deposit rating is B2 while the local currency national scale rating is A2.ng. Sterling’s b3 BCA reflects its (1) vulnerabilities in its asset quality because of high single-name and sector concentration risks; and (2) modest capital levels, especially in light of high asset risks and high foreigncurrency loans. These challenges are balanced against the bank’s depositbased funding profile and stable localcurrency liquidity.

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc he negative outlook reflects the negative outlook on Nigeria’s government issuer rating. Guaranty has a large exposure to government debt securities and loans at 136 percent of its tangible common equity at end of June 2019. Guaranty’s local currency deposit rating is B2 while the local currency national scale rating is Aa3.ng. Guaranty’s BCA of b2 reflects its (1) resilient earnings generation capacity and robust capital buffers; (2) high liquidity buffers and its predominantly deposit funded balance sheet; and (3) robust franchise, which allows the bank to earn relatively higher margins and relatively low credit costs. These challenges are balanced against elevated single-name and sectoral concentration risks.

Union Bank of Nigeria Plc he negative outlook reflects the negative outlook on Nigeria’s government issuer rating, affecting the bank’s credit profile as well as resulting in a lower ability to support the b3 BCA. Union has large exposure to government debt securities and loans at 211 percent of its tangible common equity as of June 2019. Union will likely be more exposed to negative pressure

United Bank for Africa Plc he negative outlook reflects the negative outlook on Nigeria’s government issuer rating. UBA has a large exposure to government debt securities and loans via its Nigerian operations that contributed 71 percent to its total assets as of June 2019. Total exposure to government securities was large at 231 percent of the bank’s total shareholders’ equity. UBA’s local currency deposit rating is B2 while the local currency national scale rating is A1.ng. UBA’s b2 BCA reflects the bank’s (1) moderate asset risk profile, supported by its relatively more diversified loan book than that of its local peers; (2) resilient profitability, which supports its capital buffers; and (3) predominantly deposit-funded balance sheet, which is supported by a solid pan-African franchise, and strong local-currency liquidity buffers. These strengths are counterbalanced by UBA’s rising, although still moderate, dependence on confidence-sensitive funding.

Sterling Bank Plc he negative outlook reflects the negative outlook on Nigeria’s

Zenith Bank Plc he negative outlook reflects the negative outlook on Nigeria’s government issuer rating. Zenith has a large exposure to government debt securities and loans at 232 percent of its tangible common equity as of June 2019. Zenith’s local currency deposit rating is B2 while the local currency national scale rating is Aa3.ng. Zenith’s BCA of b2 reflects the bank’s (1) resilient earnings generating capacity and robust capital buffers, which together provide a buffer to withstand asset-quality deterioration; (2) high liquidity buffers and a predominantly deposit-funded balance sheet; and (3) robust franchise, which allows it to attract inexpensive deposits, relative to other Nigerian banks. These strengths are moderated by the bank’s high proportion of more confidencesensitive corporate deposits versus retail deposit.

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

Love and Living

...With Ireto Temofeh

MODEL OF THE WEEK

LOVE NEWS

‘Mum’s death led to total chaos, Prince Harry reveals

Name: Melissa Tel: +234t 706 934 5979 If you want to be our next Model of The Week, e-mail or forward your photos/data to: ireto007@yahoo.com. Call 07031028714

ODD NEWS

Student blows his own hand off to impress a girl

Clumsy chemistry student made a homemade bomb to impress a girl but ended up blowing his own hand off, it is claimed. The 17-year-old teen is said to have bragged to his friends about the improvised explosive device he made in his bedroom. Pictures even appear to show that he posed for a photo with his bomb-

making kit at his flat on Vasilievskiy island in Russia’s second city of St Petersburg. But the bungling teen, identified only as Andrey, is thought to have accidentally detonated the explosives. He is currently being treated in St Mary Magdalena after losing one hand in the blast and injuring the other.

Romantic Joke Marriage After Brian proposed to Jill, his father took him to one side. “Son, when I first got married to your mother, the first thing I did when we got home was take off my pants. I gave them to your mother and told her to try them on, which she did. They were huge on her and she said that she couldn’t wear them because they were too large. I said to her, ‘Of course they are too big for you, I wear the pants in this family and I always will.’ Ever since that day, son, we have never had a single problem.” Brian took his dad’s advice and did the same thing to his wife on his wedding night. Then, Jill took off her panties and gave them to Brian. “Try these on,” she said. Brian went along with it and tried them on, but they were far too small. “What’s the point of this? I can’t get into your panties,” said Brian. “Exactly,” Jill replied, “and if you don’t change your attitude, you never will!”

rince Harry has revealed he “shut down all his emotions” for two decades after losing his mother Princess Diana. Harry, 32, admitted he had been close to a breakdown, sought therapy and took up boxing to combat frustration. In a frank interview, Harry said he finally faced his pain at 28 when he was “on the verge of punching someone”. The royal talked of “shutting down all of my emotions” for two decades after Diana died in a Paris car crash in 1997 when he was only 12. It got so bad that brother Prince William, 34, was left begging him to face his heartache and seek help. Harry revealed he turned to therapy after coming “close to a complete breakdown” over the loss. And he told how he turned to boxing as a means of safely taking out his aggression and frustration. The Prince — who insists he is now in a “good place” — spoke out in an interview with The Daily Telegraph. Giving an account of conquering his demons, Harry told mental health journalist Bryony Gordon: “I can safely say that losing my mum at the age of 12, and therefore shutting down all of my emotions for the last 20 years, has had a quite serious effect on not only my personal life but my work as well. “I have probably been very close to a complete breakdown on numerous occasions when all sorts of grief and all sorts of lies and misconceptions and everything are coming to you from every angle.” Prince Harry said: “I can safely say that losing my mum at the age of 12, and therefore shutting down all of my emotions for the last 20 years, has had a quite serious effect on not only my personal life but my work as well. Harry added: “My way of dealing with it was sticking my head in the sand, refusing to ever think about my mum, because why would that help? “(I thought) it’s only going to make you sad, it’s

not going to bring her back. “So from an emotional side, I was like ‘right, don’t ever let your emotions be part of anything’. “So I was a typical 20, 25, 28-year-old running around going ‘life is great’, or ‘life is fine’ and that was exactly it.” But Harry explained that he started to have a few conversations and the grief he had never processed suddenly came to the fore. He spoke out after he, William and sister-in-law Kate backed the Heads Together charity campaign to end stigma around mental health. It is the centrepiece of this year’s London Marathon and is aimed at telling the world it is “OK to say”. Prince Harry told how suppressing his feelings got so intense it hit his personal life and even haunted him at royal engagements. Under the pressure of representing the Royal Family publicly — he was plunged into fight or flight mode at official events. At 28, Harry’s life was thrown into “total chaos” but he said he realised he could not go on without coming to terms with Diana’s loss.

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

True Confession

‘Her makeup made me propose to her’ “How do I look,” she asked me, as she applied lipstick on her sweet, soft, and sexy lips. “Do I look beautiful, ugly or crazy?” “You’re beautiful,” I replied. “Do you really think so? Or are you just saying that to flatter me?” ‘I really think you’re beautiful, from the bottom of my heart. And sexy too.” I tried to look as sincere as I could so that she would believe me. And I thank God that she did believe me. I kept staring at her as she applied her makeup and wishing I could make her mine, even though we were obviously total strangers to each other. The truth was that her beauty took my breath away.

My name is Frank. I’m an Igbo guy and I work with an ICT company with branches in the South-East. I met Kelechi my wife in a lift while she was working as a contract staff of a major telecommunications company. I got into the lift from the second floor of the high rise building, and she was already in the lift when I entered. Apparently, she had entered the lift from the ground floor. I was going up to the twelfth floor and I promptly told the lift attendant. As the lift resumed its journey upward, I watched with curiosity as the woman standing beside me brought out a small mirror from her handbag and started applying makeup on her face. I was actually supposed to be minding my own business instead of staring at her the way

I was doing and seconds later, she noticed that I was watching her. “Is this the first time you’re seeing a woman applying makeup,” she said, as our eyes met. “Of course not,” I managed to answer, “but that mascara makes your eyebrows and eyelashes look so alluring, and I couldn’t just take my eyes away.” “But I haven’t yet finished applying my makeup,” she reminded me. “Why not wait till I’m done, then you can pass your final judgement?” After about a minute later, she told me she was done with her makeup. The she asked me if I thought she was beautiful, ugly or crazy. I told her she was beautiful and those words seemed to open the door of her heart.

She looked into my eyes and I didn’t need to say more than, “I would really like to see you again. How can I see you again?” As we reached the top floor of the building, we walked out of the lift and exchanged phone numbers and complementary cards before parting from each other with a smile. “I will definitely call you tonight, my queen,” I said to her. “I’ll be expecting your call, my king.” Kelechi wasn’t rich, and I too wasn’t rich. But we cared for each other. Love was more important to us than money. The fact that we cared about each other was the secret to our endless love. Valentine’s Day of 2008 is a day I’ll never forget. That night at my place, we made love on the living room floor with the television on. We slept all night long on the living room floor. It was really exciting and I enjoyed every minute of it. Kelechi had everything I wanted in a woman. She was fair, attractive, sexy, and good in bed, or should I say, good on the floor? I loved every moment I spent with her and I was determined not to let her go, no matter what. I told her to move in with me for three months, so that I could make up my mind to marry her. I convinced her to go to work every morning from my apartment. And every single day that she left me to go to her job, she would tell me that she would miss me. Normally, she would say, ‘I’ll miss you. When she returned home, she would show me how much she missed me that day at work through her passionate gestures. Her passionate gestures swept me off my feet. She simply blew my mind with the way she kissed me and hugged me, and that made me always look forward to seeing her again in the evening after work. I missed her like crazy when she wasn’t around. But when I held her in my arms, my pains seemed to melt away and I would be filled with the joy of love. After supper, we would take a shower together and make love in the bathroom. I never knew that love could be so sweet. Everyday, we kept on saying I love you to each other and acting as though both of us alone existed in the world. Sometimes as we lay in each other’s arms on the bed, we would switch off our GSM phones so that no one would disturb our romance. It was worth it. Every single step we took was worth it because it helped to bring us closer and make us become more intimate. Before the three months were over, Kelechi’s mum came to see us and told me to do the right thing by marrying her if I actually liked her that much. I didn’t need to think so much about it because no other girl had made me so happy. We wedded in Enugu state in October 2008 and when we moved into our new home, we decided to put carpet and rug on our floor instead of tiles, so that it would be convenient for us to make love on the living room floor whenever we feel like. We both cherish the moment.

Your say: Have your say about this true confession. Call 08131161840 or 07031028714.

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

Relationships and Love Advice

Love Search Women seeking relationship/ marriage God’s Favour, good looking, homely, needs a widower and serious Igbo man from 35-50 years for marriage within a month. 07065658063. Uche, 39, graduate, tall, pretty, needs an evangelist or godfearing, graduate, tall, handsome, loving and caring Igbo man for marriage. 08161174156. Brave, 30, pretty, chocolate, average height, residing in Anambra, needs a mature, caring man that can assist her. 07086053704. Jennifer, 38, tall, fair, slim, living and working in Anambra, from Anambra, wants a responsible and working lgbo man from 40years and above for marriage. 08177478807. Chi baby, 34, based in Lagos, HIV positive, from Imo state, needs a HIV positive man from the Eastern side, from 40 years and above for marriage. 08064177446.

‘My man says he can’t forgive me’ Dear Love Doctor, My name is Ada and I live in Lagos. Please I want you to tell me what to do. I have a problem with my boyfriend and I am the cause of everything that happened because

I cheated on him. However, since then, I have been begging him to forgive me but he has refused. He says he will never forgive me. Please tell me what to do because

I don’t want to lose him. I love him so much. From Ada.

Love Doctor’s Advice: Dear Ada, What you did must have hurt him very deeply and also destroyed the trust he had in you. If you truly loved him, you wouldn’t have cheated on him. There are boundaries in every relationship and when you cross those boundaries, your

partner might be so deeply hurt or emotionally/psychologically scarred that resentment towards you becomes permanent and reconciliation becomes impossible. For now, maybe he needs time to heal. So give him time to get over it since he is still angry. When his anger cools, you can seek reconciliation

with him again. Perhaps by that time he might be willing to take you back. However, if after all said and done, he still refuses to reconcile with you, learn the lesson that infidelity doesn’t pay, and move on with your life as a changed or more responsible person.

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Chiommy, very tall, fair, sexy, hippy, busty, needs a sugar daddy who will take good care of her and she will satisfy him very well. 09028379398. Chinyere, 35, dark, single mum, humble, works, seeks a hardworking man from 38 years and above for marriage.09038028331.

Men seeking relationship/ marriage A 45-year-old man from Ghana is looking for a Ghanaian Moslem lady who is God fearing, loving and caring, and ready for marriage. Whatsapp only: 0540708352. Mitchell needs someone to help him in his online business. 08077821830. Charles, 35, from South-East, living in Maraba, Abuja, and does aluminum roofing work, needs a single mother or matured woman of 40 years and above for a relationship. 08066899458, 08064558484. Eric, 30, from Ndi in Enugu state, student, tall, lives in Abuja at Maraba, needs a sugar mum from 40 years and above. 08064558484. E-Mail: ireto007@yahoo.com. Call Love Doctor: 07031028714, 08077821830, 08131161840 for Counseling, fertility problems & Direct Hookup.

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

NEWS Extra 2023: Work on yourselves first, Prophet advises Ndigbo

Polio eradication: Anambra monarch seeks Rotary’s presence in communities

From CHUKS EZE, Enugu

gbo leaders have been advised to go beyond media clamour for a Nigerian President of Igbo extraction and put their house in order ahead of the build up to the 2013 general election. The Presiding Pastor of Christ Foundation Miracle International Chapel, Lagos, Prophet Josiah Chukwuma Onuoha, who gave the advice, in an interview with The Oracle today, alleged that there is high level of disunity and cold war amongst Igbo leaders and eminent personalities. According to him, unless such development is sincerely dealt with, the rising campaign for the nation’s top job would end up as mere wishful thinking. He pointed out that “the high level of betrayal, bad blood, cold war, distrust and disunity among Ndigbo is shameful, unfortunate and annoying. “A people who chooses to cloth themselves in garments of selfcentredness; where there would be a lone seat and everybody insists on being the one to occupy it; how would they achieve progress? “If you want the truth, know it that the issue of the Igbo producing President in 2023 or not lies in their hands. Our people are like a leaking bag. Putting any valuable in a leaking bag is as good as wasting it away. You must first, sew the bag before putting anything in it. The outspoken clergyman, disclosed how he was struck with unprecedented shame the day he had made spiritual enquiries about the fate of Ndigbo over possible Igbo Presidency. He pointed out that he had realised after the prayer that it was better for the people to “go beyond media clamour for Presidency and first deal with basic in-house inadequacies”. According to him, if Ndigbo want to have real political progress, they must stop betraying themselves, eschew selfish interest and start working as a team, with one voice, adding that aside that, they would keep losing out in the end. He added that, “I was ashamed about the answer I got the day I prayed about the fate of Ndigbo over 2023 presidency. I would not share the answer in the media, but I would only say that we are the main architects of our travails. “Ndigbo must stop destroying themselves; they must stop selling themselves, lying against one another and committing all manner of evil against one another. They are the ones preventing the glory of God from shining upon the land as God wills. “Many of our people pretend to be dining and wining with God and His angels, but in the secrets of their lives, their best friend is the devil. So, if we really want to make substantial political inroad in this nation, we must love God and love one another; and then look upon Christ for liberation.

From OGE ONYEANUSI, Nnewi atisfied with the medical and friendship aid being rendered by Rotary club International to the society, the Traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chudubem Iweka, has called for the establishment of Rotary club in every community in the state and beyond. He made the call during the installation of Rotarian, (Rtn) Ochokwu Uzochukwu Solormy, as the new President of Rotary club of Obosi Kingdom, district 9142, last weekend. The monarch who made the call at the venue of the installation, Blitz Events Place, Awada, Obosi, stated that, “the Rotary club is a high prestigious organization all over the world”. “It renders numerous selfless services that include, medical aid and community services and it may inter-

est you to know that it contributed greatly to the eradication of polio in Nigeria and it is also involve in all medical treatment to patients in rural areas. With Rotary you make friends all over the world and that is why it is necessary to have Rotary club in every community” “The efforts of Rotary club in fighting polio have helped the survival of most kids all over the world. It is a thing of joy that Rotary club is established in Obosi and I am proud to be a Rotarian” Igwe further stated. Earlier In his speech Rtn Solormy while stating the need for all to join rotary club added that, “if you are a young Rotarator, you will know the reason of joining the Rotary. In my university days, I was a Rotarator, and for you to be a good Rotarator, you must be selfless in ser-

vice to society.” “My vision for being a President of Rotary club of Obosi Kingdom is to fight all manners of diseases that include, obesity among others and also to assist in the infrastructural development of the community” According to him a borehole will be dug at the Obosi abattoir. He expressed optimism that peace which has eluded the people of Obosi would soon be restored. On legacy he said he would be remembered for integrity and as a man who has raised Obosi Kingdom to the next level. In his speech, rtn. Chika Ekwueme, stated that, “Rotary club of Obosi has come to stay and appreciated the efforts of its President, Rtn Solormy, adding that it is a pride to join a famous organization in the world that eradicated polio.

Buttressing his point he cited the richest man in the world, Bill Gates, as one of the people that have spent a lot of money in Rotary. “If there is a place you will receive reward in this world, that is in rotary club”, he said. Advising all Obosi indigenes and traders on the need to join rotary, he added that, “if there is any organization to join, it is rotary for you to connect the world like myself who has been in rotary for 25 years” He however pleaded to the president and Obosi people not to let the rotary club die in their hands. In his speech, the District Governor 9142, Rtn. Samuel Bassey Uko, said that, “for you to qualify to be a member of rotary club, you must be ready to serve and must have a means of livelihood and known to people as a good and responsible person within your society” “You must be somebody who knows the value of service, and must be a vocational because you must make a contribution and be able to fund whatever you are ask to do” “As a rotarian you will be opportuned to network with people across the world, if you are a rotarian and you land in America or Germany, they will receive you as if they knew you many years ago, because you are a Rotarian and there is nothing you will ask for that they cannot help you with.

CBN expects 2.38% GDP growth by Q4

T • General Manager Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA), Mrs Kemi Olugbode presenting a flyer to Hon. Tajudeen Yusuf Ajide, Chairman, Surulere Local Govt Area, during a sensitization campaign on the rights of consumers by LASCOPA, with them are the Council Executives and LASCOPA officials

Polio eradication: Anambra monarch seeks Rotary’s presence in communities From OGE ONYEANUSI, Nnewi

atisfied with the medical and friendship aid being rendered by Rotary club International to the society, the Traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chudubem Iweka, has called for the establishment of Rotary club in every community in the state and beyond. He made the call during the installation of Rotarian, (Rtn) Ochokwu Uzochukwu Solormy, as the new President of Rotary club of Obosi Kingdom, district 9142, last weekend. The monarch who made the call at the venue of the installation, Blitz Events Place, Awada, Obosi, stated that, “the Rotary club is a high prestigious organization all over the world”. “It renders numerous selfless services that include, medical aid and community services and it may interest you to know that it contributed greatly to the eradication of polio in Nigeria and it is also involve in all medical treatment to patients in rural areas. With Rotary you make friends all over the world and that is why it is necessary to have Rotary club in every community” “The efforts of Rotary club in fighting polio have helped the survival of

most kids all over the world. It is a thing of joy that Rotary club is established in Obosi and I am proud to be a Rotarian” Igwe further stated. Earlier In his speech Rtn Solormy while stating the need for all to join rotary club added that, “if you are a young Rotarator, you will know the reason of joining the Rotary. In my university days, I was a Rotarator, and for you to be a good Rotarator, you must be selfless in service to society.” “My vision for being a President of Rotary club of Obosi Kingdom is to fight all manners of diseases that include, obesity among others and also to assist in the infrastructural development of the community” According to him a borehole will be dug at the Obosi abattoir. He expressed optimism that peace which has eluded the people of Obosi would soon be restored. On legacy he said he would be remembered for integrity and as a man who has raised Obosi Kingdom to the next level. In his speech, rtn. Chika Ekwueme, stated that, “Rotary club of Obosi has come to stay and appreciated the efforts of its President, Rtn Solormy, adding that it is a pride to join a famous organization in the world that eradicated polio. Buttressing his point he cited the richest man in the world, Bill Gates,

as one of the people that have spent a lot of money in Rotary. “If there is a place you will receive reward in this world, that is in rotary club”, he said. Advising all Obosi indigenes and traders on the need to join rotary, he added that, “if there is any organization to join, it is rotary for you to connect the world like myself who has been in rotary for 25 years” He however pleaded to the president and Obosi people not to let the rotary club die in their hands. In his speech, the District Governor 9142, Rtn. Samuel Bassey Uko, said that, “for you to qualify to be a member of rotary club, you must be ready to serve and must have a means of livelihood and known to people as a good and responsible person within your society” “You must be somebody who knows the value of service, and must be a vocational because you must make a contribution and be able to fund whatever you are ask to do” “As a rotarian you will be opportuned to network with people across the world, if you are a rotarian and you land in America or Germany, they will receive you as if they knew you many years ago, because you are a Rotarian and there is nothing you will ask for that they cannot help you with.

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) expects to achieve 2.38 per cent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate in the fourth quarter of this year. Deputy Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department in CBN, Dr Hassan Mahmoud, said this in Yola at the 2019 workshop for financial journalists sponsored by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC). Mahmoud said that the GDP growth target would be an improvement over the third quarter growth rate of 2.28 per cent. “If you are looking at the 1.1 per cent that we did in 2015/2016, and 2.28 per cent that we did in the third quarter of 2019, we will see that we have really moved substantially. “It is difficult to sustain positive rate GDP growth rates that we are projecting that by the fourth quarter of 2019. We are going to be doing 2.38 per cent, that is CBN projection, the IMF is projecting same growth of 3.31 per cent. On the wide gap between lending and saving rates in banks, he said that was dependent on customers’ negotiation skills. He, however, said that it was the responsibility of CBN and NDIC to ensure that customers were not ripped off by the excesses of banks. According to him, CBN is, however, creating ways to discourage the trend. Mahmoud commended the permanence of some fixed income instruments in the financial market, saying that their yield rates had improved. He, however, card that yield rates on treasury bills had dropped to as low as eight per cent of recent. On pension funds, he said the stock had increased to about nine trillion naira of which the bulk could be invested in non-risky assets. His paper was on `State of the Nigerian Economy and Implications for Stability of the Banking System.’

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

SPORTS

Nigeria qualifies for 2020World Ultra Runners Championship

Joshua gives reason he lost 1st bout against Andy Ruiz Jr. By MADUABUCHI KALU

igerian born British unified world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, has given reason he lost his first bout against Mexican American in their first bout in the United States of America in June. According to Joshua who reclaimed his titles on Saturday in Saudi Arabia in a rematch against the American, he had health issue that left him “tired” and “drained” in the build-up to his June defeat by Andy Ruiz Jr. The 30 year British boxer reclaimed his world titles in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, dominating the Mexican over 12 rounds. There is no gain saying that the world was shocked with Joshua’s defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. in June, as the bookmakers had given the bout to him but were left stunned after he was defeated by Ruiz but he has disclosed first the first time that he had health issue that left him tired and drained. It is recalled that before Joshua was defeated by Ruiz, he had been undefeated in all his fights leading to his holding the four belts in the heavyweight category leaving only the WBC which American Deontay Wilder is holding. Following his unexpected defeat by Ruiz, many conspiracy theories circulated after his initial defeat, one of the biggest shocks in heavyweight history. According to Joshua: “I had some issue with my health which I was going through for a long time,” Joshua told the 5 Live Boxing podcast. The British heavyweight champion added: “I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I felt so tired and drained and thought it must be down to training. “In the changing room before the fight, I got a bucket of ice and was

putting my head in it thinking ‘why do I feel so tired?’ “The responsibilities of being world champion are difficult. All that stuff, feeling so tired, dealing with obligations. “Now I have energy, I haven’t missed a session.” He added: “After my check-ups, it showed what the problem was and this is what you have to get sorted. “Even in this camp, I had an operation done but as I’d started training in June I had no issues.” Joshua refused to say what the operation was but it is understood the procedure he had was linked to the issue diagnosed after his defeat by Ruiz. Joshua had hinted previously that he had something to reveal about what went on before his first career defeat and, after initial hesitation, provided at least some insight to the 5 Live Boxing podcast. Theories aired in the interim had ranged from him having shown the effects of being concussed in sparring to having a seizure before the bout at Madison Square Garden. He now says he feels “back” and “focused”. The two-time world heavyweight champion also said he learned a valuable lesson not to accept opponents at short notice - Ruiz was drafted in six weeks before their fight after American Jarrell Miller failed three drug tests. Joshua, who will return to the UK in the early hours of Monday morning with the IBF, WBA and WBO belts, was on the front of Sunday’s Saudi newspapers, alongside Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, who attended his fight. Despite widespread criticism of staging the bout in a country criticised for its human rights record, Joshua said he would “100%” be happy to return to the kingdom on holiday or to perform.

‘All challengers are welcome’ Joshua is now expected to face either the WBO’s mandatory challenger - currently Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk - or the man in the same position with the IBF, Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev. He said he was no longer interested in calling out WBC champion Deontay Wilder for a historic bout with all four world heavyweight titles on the line. Chasing a contest with compatriot Tyson Fury was also dismissed as Joshua said he hoped to focus on one “hurdle” at a time. “Looking so far ahead it can be a blurry vision looking that far out,” Joshua told BBC Sport. “Sooner or later I will be looking directly at the undisputed championship of the world. “If the opportunity presents itself I will fight Wilder and Fury. Wilder has a fight with Fury in February. Once that is out of the way they can start mentioning my name. “I can’t keep on fighting all the champions, the best in the division and then other people who say they want to step up don’t step up. “All challengers are welcome to take on this current unified champion.” Joshua said to defend his belts “on home soil would be big news” after promoter Eddie Hearn revealed he had been in discussions over a fight at Tottenham’s new 60,000-capacity stadium, most likely against Pulev. “It would be mega,” Joshua added. “Looking at how many people came out here shows there is still a big interest in the heavyweight division, especially now we are taking the belts back. “Sometimes it would be better against a Brit, but if not I follow the mandatories and defend them that way.”

outh African, Nigerian and Zimbabwean teams have qualified for the 2020 World Ultra Runners Championship at the Valuejet Remo 50 kilometres Ultra Race held in Sagamu and Ikenne. Dapo Sotiminu, Media Coordinator, 2019 Remo Valuejet Ulra Race, made this known on Sunday. According to Sotiminu, Zimbabwe, who competed in the ultra race first time in the country’s history, finished as the overall third place. In the women’s team event, South Africans were top with the combined running time, ahead of Nigeria which finished in second place. The third position in the women’s category was not decided as Zimbabwe, Namibia, Madagascar, Niger, Cameroon, Mauritius and Ghana did not record points enough to be placed third as majority of their athletes didn’t complete the course. With these efforts, South African, Nigerian and Zimbabwean teams had qualified for the 2020 World Ultra Runners Championship. In the Men’s Individual Race, South Africa’s Thobile Mbolekwa returned at a time of three hours 02 seconds to win the men’s race Mbolekwa became the champion and also set a championship record in Africa. Zimbabwe’s Prosper Mutwra finished in second place at a time of 3:05:25 seconds. Mutwra said he would stay back in Nigeria to stage a challenge against the Kenyans and Ethiopians at the Lagos City Marathon coming up in the next few months. Nigeria’s marathon champion, Ilya Pam, from Plateau, finished in the third position at a time of 3:12:39 seconds. He also emerged the first Nigerian to cross the finish line, thus winning the special cash prize of N1 million donated by the Chairman of Valuejet Airlines, Kunle Soname. In the women’s individual race, South Africa’s Saneliswe Mbang-

wa, emerged the champion when breasted the tape at 3:04:45 to win the women’s race. Also, in the second place was Nigeria’s Elizabeth Nuhu Power after running a time of 3:47:39. Nuhu Power had in November also emerged second place at the Lagos Women Run. With her performance, Elizabeth Nuhu Power, won the Nigerian prize of N1million donated by Kunle Soname. South African Leilani Scheffer won the third position at a time of 3:48:01. The team winners and individual winners respectively got 2,000 dollars, 1,500 dollars and 1,000 dollars for their efforts. Interestingly, this is the first time monetary prizes would be given in the 35 years history of Ultra Running in the world. South African athlete, Thobile Mbolekwa, described the Remo 2019 as the most challenging in the ultra race event he has attended. He lauded the organisation of the race and the crowd’s support along the routes of the race, which was flagged off at the Sagamu International Stadium. Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, who was the Special Guest of Honour, applauded the courageous spirit and the zeal in the athletes to run the 50 kilometres race. Abiodun said that Ogun government would be ever ready to support an event like the Valuejet ultra race which gives youths chance to develop themselves. He promised that the race would be an annual event, saying that efforts would be taken to ensure that the next edition was glamorous. The event was attended by President of International Association of Ultra Race (IAU), Nadeem Khan; President of African Ultra Race Federation, Solomon Ogba; President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Ibrahim Gasau, and the Chairman, Valuejet Airlines, Kunle Soname.

Koscielny explains why he left Arsenal By MADUABUCHI KALU with agency report

ormer Arsenal captain, Laurent Koscielny has explained the reason he left Arsenal in the summer; a decision which surprised many at the club including the fans he believes did not expect him to go. The former Gunners captain revealed that he wasn’t happy at Arsenal and that he felt he needed to go back home with his family for a different challenge. His final game for the club came in the Europa League final against Chelsea at the end of the 2018-19 season, a game that Arsenal lost 4-1. The Frenchman then refused to travel on the club’s tour of the U.S. ahead of the current season, signalling his intent to leave. “I can understand that Arsenal

fans did not expect me to leave,” he told Canal+. “Nobody expected it. To put it simply, I was not happy as I was on the first day I signed. And with my family, we needed to go back to France and have a new challenge.” He congratulated his successor as captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and recognised that the club are going through a difficult time at the moment. “I’m happy for Aubameyang, and for his role as captain,” he added. “I wish them all the best, even if they are in a difficult period. But this is where we see a team and a collective ready to fight together and bounce back.” The central defender now plays for Bordeaux in Ligue 1. He has been a regular in the back line as the club sits just outside the European places in the table.

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

SPORTS Igali gives kudos to Nigerian Wrestling in 2019

resident of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Hon. Daniel Igali, has hailed the performances of the country’s wrestlers this year, describing 2019 as a ‘very good’ for Nigerian wrestling. While speaking in his office in Yenagoa, Hon. Igali, who is also the Sports Commissioner in Bayelsa State, added that the wrestlers, who won lots of laurels at both continental and global championships this year, have performed incredibly well and deserve commendation. “I think till date, the performances of the Nigerian wrestling team this year were probably the most outstanding of the past seven, eight years,” he said. “Starting from the African Championships (in Tunisia) where, again, our women became overall African champions for the 7th time in a row, and then, looking at the 12th African Games (in Morocco), where we again dominated not only as a female team, but as the overall best team in Africa in female wrestling, male wrestling and Greco Roman by coming home with 7 gold medals. “Then to the World Championships (in Kazakhstan) this year, where we qualified Odunayo Adekuoroye (57kg) for the Olympics by winning a bronze medal; a historic bronze medal. She’s, without a doubt, become the measuring rod in Nigeria Wrestling Federation, winning three medals within four years at the World Championships. That is outstanding, and you can’t really take anything away from her. “Blessing Oborududu (68kg) at the same competition (at the World Championships in Kazakhstan) was just one placing away from qualifying for the Olympics. She placed 7th instead of 6th. “And Mercy Genesis (50kg) won a silver medal at the World Beach Games (in Doha), while Blessing Onyebuchi (+70kg) became our world champion in Beach wrestling by winning a gold medal. And those were the two medals Nigeria won out of the team that was presented.” Still reflecting on the achievements of the wrestlers this year, the Olympic and world champion added that it will be difficult to surpass their feat considering the lean budget the federation operates on. “As we speak, we have two athletes ranked in the top 4 in the world,” he noted. “Blessing Oborududu (68kg) is No. 4 and Adekuoroye Odunayo (57kg) is No. 2 in the world. “And I doubt if there is any other sport, outside of Paralympic sports, that has two athletes ranked in the top 4 in the world. “Those are just the competitions that have come off the top of my head. If we are to look at the Grand Prix (ranking) tournaments we had in Germany and Bulgaria, where we had our athletes win international medals, that goes to tell me that we had a very good season. A season that will be hard to replicate, especially when you compare the level of funding we have against what we’re able to achieve as a federation. “So, looking back, I will say this is a very good year for Nigerian wrestling,” the vice president of the Commonwealth Wrestling Board concluded.

Why we slammed Gusau with suspension – AFN O T

Ighalo celebrates Chinese Cup victory as early Christmas gift

By MADUABUCHI KALU

he Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has given reason why they suspended the President of the Federation Shehu Ibrahim Gusau. According to the athletics Federation the reason for slamming Gusau with suspension is to dig deep and sanitize the Federation which has been engulfed with crisis over corruption. It is recalled that the Federation has been embroiled in a leadership crisis, which stems from the corruption and underhand practices allegedly perpetuated by its president, Shehu Ibrahim Gusau and as a way forward, they athletics body recently suspended Gusau in order to ensure that the activities of the Federation is scrutinized for the public to know the true position of things. Meanwhile, the embattled AFN president, Gusau insists that he is still the president of the federation, flaunting a vote of confidence passed on him by a faction of the body in Awka, Anambra State last week, whereas some elected members of the board have since named Olamide George, a former lawmaker from Ondo State, as the body’s acting president. Apart from majority of the board members, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports has also recognized George as the de facto AFN leader. Prior to the crisis that engulfed the federation before and after the African Senior Championships in Asaba last year, George was among the board members allegedly sidelined from the activities of the body by Gusau and the former technical director, Sunday Adeleye. On assumption of office as AFN’s acting vice president, George set up a committee to investigate the allegations against Gusau with a view to getting the federation back on track. While fielding questions from The Guardian at the weekend, George insisted that Gusau has a case to answer and must submit himself for probe by the investigative panel. He also allayed fears that World Athletics would sanction Nigeria because of the crisis in the athletics’ house. George also explained the current state of affairs at the federation, insisting that there is no crisis in AFN. He added: “Majority of board members have only asked the president to answer some questions that bother on violation of the constitution of the federation, misappropriation and misapplication of funds, his penchant for taking unilateral decisions without the board’s approval and non-payment of athletes’ allowances in full or none at all in some cases. “This is not a new case. In April or May this year, the board met and suspended him for an investigative panel to look into some of these allegations, but the NOC president and the permanent secretary in the Sports Ministry stepped in and the investigation was suspended. Mr. Gusau did not fulfill the terms of the agreement and has gone on to commit more infractions, especially constitutional infractions. “The AFN constitution gives a 60day notice before a congress can be convened by the president. Article 6.1.4 of the constitution was unambiguous about this. It was for all congresses, as it did not specify whether it is annual or extraordinary. The notice of meeting sent to all state

• Hon. Olamide George associations said Annual Congress but it was changed to Extraordinary Congress after it was pointed out to him that he had breached provisions of the constitution. “Gusau should tell us the provisions of the constitution that made him bigger than the constitution. The suspended president also entered into an agreement with sportswear manufacturer, PUMA, without the knowledge and consent of the board. He also prepared budget for the various competitions the federation attended without the knowledge and consent of the board.” George also alleged that Gusau obtained N35 million (about $92,000) for the IAAF World Championships in Doha in September and October without the board’s knowledge, adding that he gave $38, 000 to the Secretary General to pay athletes allowances. “The money was not enough as the 25 athletes are owed $300 each as they were only able to get $1000 out of the $1,300 agreed on for each member of the team,” he said. “The coaches are also owed $300 each. Gusau should come and tell us what he did with the balance of $54,000, especially when you take into cognizance that World Athletics (IAAF) took care of all 25 athletes’ travel and accommodation 100 per cent.” George also alleged that Gusau collected N13 million for the African Youth and Junior Championships in Abidjan in April, adding that the money was released by the sports ministry after the event. “The young athletes who travelled by road for three days to the event and three days on their return are yet to be paid a dime,” George continued. “We heard Mr. Gusau said he used the money to pay for Nigeria’s participation in the World Relays in Yokohama, Japan, in May this year. This is clearly a case of misapplication of fund. “Do you know that our participation in the World Relays was partly funded by World Athletics? Mr. Gusau had also deprived the Secretary General of his constitutional function as the custodian of the federation’s records, documents and properties by changing the password of the federation’s email server with World Athletics since April this year.” On the vote of confidence on Gusau at the Awka Congress and the declaration of autonomy from the sports ministry by Gusau’s AFN, George said it was the biggest joke of

2019. “You are just telling me there was a congress in Awka,” he noted. “In the eyes of the law, the constitution of the AFN which Mr. Gusau swore an oath to protect, there was no congress as there are laid down procedures for this. So, what happened in Awka was an assembly of impostors, who paraded themselves as state association chairmen. “Many of them have called the Secretary General, Prince Adisa Adeniyi Beyioku, to disassociate themselves from the illegal congress and the federation is taking steps to sanction the very few who attended despite notice of postponement sent by the Secretary General. “Let Mr. Gusau publish the names of the chairmen, who attended the illegal congress. We are taking note of some coaches they used as chairmen with a view to sanctioning them. ”George said it was unfortunate that some people were still talking about government interference in the affairs of the AFN, insisting. “The supervising ministry of sports has never interfered in the day-today running of AFN despite the fact that the federation is fully funded by it. “Those crying interference were appointed as state associations’ chairmen by government at state levels. Ask Mr. Gusau if he contested any election to emerge as chairman of Zamfara State Athletics Association, which gave him the opportunity to get into the board of AFN. “Even Mr. Solomon Ogba, who also talked about interference, was a product of the same government. Who put him on the board as a government nominee? “By the way, the AFN constitution recognizes the roles of the sports ministry and the code of governance booklet handed over to us upon our inauguration in July 2017. The AFN constitution gives the sports ministry the power to appoint the Secretary General. It also gives the ministry the power to dissolve the board after the expiration of its term. The interesting thing is that Mr. Gusau, without inputs from majority of the board members, midwifed this constitution in 2017.” On the way forward, George said AFN would set up a committee to investigate Gusau, adding that if he was not found guilty, he would return as president and if otherwise, the board would decide his fate. “We are busy with preparations for the Olympics and we won’t be distracted by the actions of a disgruntled few,” he said.

dion Jude Ighalo, former national team and Shanghai Shenhua of China striker, received a huge and early Christmas gift, as he believes helping his side win this year’s Chinese Cup is a big yuletide package better than any before now. The former Super Eagles star was all smile, as he joined his teammates in celebration after they won the FA Cup by beating Shandong Luneng 3-0 at Hongkou Football Stadium on Friday, and added that he was glad being a part of the second leg encounter as he had missed the first leg. His efforts helped The Flower of Shanghai overturn their 1-0 deficit from the first leg last month and, though he started the game on the bench, he was able to contribute his own quota to the victory after replacing one of his club’s scorers, Kim Shin-Wook. Former AC Milan prodigy, Stephan El Shaarawy then pounced on Giovanni Moreno’s pass to outpace Shandong defence to hit an 81st minute back-breaker and Alexander N’Doumbou put the result beyond doubt two minutes later. Ighalo, who started on the bench, took the place of Shin-Wook in the 67th minute but could not add to his tally of 10 goals in 19 appearances this season, even as his contribution helped Shenhua claim their fifth Chinese FA Cup title and booked a place in the 2020 AFC Champions League group stage. It meant Ighalo and his pals had claimed a second FA Cup title in three seasons and will return to the Asian Champions League after failing to qualify for the 2019 edition, despite having finished 13th in the Chinese Super League (CSL). Should Ighalo opt to stay put with Shenhua, rather than take up January transfer offers from the English Premier League, he will join the team alongside Guangzhou Evergrande and Beijing Guoan to represent China in next season’s AFC Champions League, while Shanghai SIPG that placed third in the CSL will feature in the continental play-offs next month. Shenhua earlier ended the 2019 Chinese Super League season in 13th place with 30 points from 30 games, and Ighalo admitted he was excited to see the club’s surge in his first season with them, for which he gave thanks to God and his well-wishers for the privilege he had being part of the victorious squad in The Oriental Nation. Ighalo took to social media to celebrate his side’s victory, and a good way to end the year and ideal time for them to party, which he posted via his verified handle @ighalojude: “It ended in praise. Parte after partee. What a year .THANK YOU JESUS #favouredchild.”

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 11 - 17, 2019

SPORTS

Why I lost to Joshua – Ruiz Jr

pion, Anthony Joshua. According to him three months of partying and a lack of proper training left him ndy Ruiz Jr. has given reason “overweight” for his world title rewhy he lost his rematch with match with Anthony Joshua. British heavyweight chamRuiz, 30, was comprehensively

By MADUABUCHI KALU with agency report

out-pointed in Saudi Arabia, six months after shocking the boxing world by stopping Joshua in New York. The Mexican vowed he would be “a lot better” if he gets a third fight.

“I should have trained harder. I should have listened to my team and coaches,” he said. “For this fight I was overweight. I didn’t move how I wanted to.” ‘The partying got the best of me’ Ruiz, the second-heaviest world champion in heavyweight history behind Nikolai Valuev, gained 15lb since his win over Joshua, who is now a two-time champion in the glamour division according to the BBC. He scaled 20st 3lb at Friday’s weigh-in and, while he was brave and durable as Joshua ran out a unanimous points winner, he never threatened to repeat his incredible upset from earlier in the year. Many had questioned if a lifestyle which saw him buy new homes and cars, and make countless media appearances in the aftermath of his win, could prove costly. He appeared regretful and apologised to his trainer Manny Robles and father Andres at his post-fight news conference but was applauded out at its conclusion. The former champion claimed he had initially lost weight after his win

but added: “I put on the weight and it was my mistake. No-one knows about the training we had. We did the best we can. “Being a champion for the first time, being over here and there and missing training, it was hard. “For the trilogy I will be a lot better. I want to redeem myself in Saudi Arabia.” Trainer Robles has stressed Ruiz had a full three-month camp but that would have still left more than three months between his win over Joshua and the start of preparations. “I don’t want to say the three months of partying or celebrating didn’t affect me, as to tell you the truth it kind of did,” Ruiz added. “There’s no excuses. The partying got the best of me. The next fight is going to be a lot different. “People are still doubting me. I am still a dangerous fighter to anyone in the division. At 100% I can dominate anyone in the world. “You best believe I am going to come back and be the heavyweight champion of the world once again.”

Bianca Williams is expecting 1st child I’ll unravel corrupt practices in AFN- Gusau B

• Gusau By MADUABUCHI KALU

mbattled President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Ibrahim Shehu-Gusau, has vowed to unravel all corrupt practices in the federation by working diligently and transperently. Gusau stated this on Sunday in a news conference to address the situation of things happening in the federation. He said that the measure was in keeping with the President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to accountability and transparency, “On the inauguration of our Board in July, 2017, I was confronted with an allegation in respect of $150,000 paid to the AFN. “I was accused of mismanaging the funds and in keeping with the President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to accountability and transparency, I submitted myself to the relevant agencies for investiga-

tion. “The individual reports exonerated me from any culpability but raised questions which the agencies are diligently pursuing. “My action in submitting myself to be investigated laid the foundation for the misunderstandings being experienced in the AFN today. “It is common knowledge that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari has been doing everything within his powers to attract foreign investments. “He is also irrevocably committed to creating jobs, especially for our teeming youth,” he said. He said that securing alternative means of funding the activities of the federation would ease the pressure on government. “The sponsorship deal signed with Puma attests to the capacity of this board to attract private funding for sports from within and outside the country. “It will also create jobs for the youth of this country as sports has the capacity to create enormous job opportunities. “This is part of the reasons we seek autonomy to enable us increase the funding base of the Federation. “I am pleased to inform Nigerians that the Puma sponsorship deal, which is in kind, will run from Sept. 1, 2019 to Dec. 31, 2022. “It is unique in the sense that Puma will deliver kits worth USD2.76m to the Federation in Abuja, that way, we do not have to spend scarce resources available to be travelling to Germany to collect the kits. “We are working hard to ease the pressure on government yet some people are bent on frustrating our efforts. “Since the advent of this current leadership, there has been one problem or the other, all geared towards directly administering the Sports Federations. “The AFN is not the first and if something is not done to curtail their excesses, it will definitely not be the last,” he said.

ianca Williams, British sprinter is expecting her first child next and the athlete is excited over the development as she said she couldn’t wait to see her child. She announced her pregnancy on social media where she expressed her excitement for the journey that she has embarked saying that you never know life until it grows inside you. “What to expect when you’re expecting You never know life until it grows inside you. So excited for this journey. I can’t wait to see you,” Williams, dressed in a British uniform, wrote on social media to announce her pregnancy. Williams was part of Great Britain’s gold medal-winning team at the 2018 European Championships in Berlin. “It’s amazing what the human body can do. I’m Really enjoying pregnancy at the moment, feeling the baby move more and more is so surreal,” Williams captioned a photo holding her belly.

Iheanacho gradually settling in at Leicester City – Rodgers

he Foxes boss has praised the new-found form of the Nigeria international and encouraged him to continue the displays Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers believes Kelechi Iheanacho is now settling in at the King Power Stadium despite having already spent more than two seasons at the club. The 23-year-old striker joined the Foxes in the summer of 2017 from Manchester City but has since struggled to establish himself in the squad, owing to inconsistent form. This season, the Nigeria international has been restricted to four appearances across all competitions but has impressed in the few outings he was afforded. Iheanacho, who has four goals this term, produced an outstanding display for the Foxes in their 4-1 victory against Aston Villa on Sunday,

scoring and providing the assist for Jamie Vardy’s opener. The former Celtic boss has lauded the performance of the Super Eagles star and urged him to keep working hard. “I thought he was great. He played the role how we wanted him to play. He creates Jamie’s first goal, gets the second one with a good finish,” Rodgers told Leicester Mercury. “I just think with Kels now that he’s settling in to being a Leicester City player. He’s come in and he was playing second fiddle to Jamie without many appearances. “Probably before when he’s come into games... When you’re not playing so much, sometimes can you force it. You come and try to force the performance. “All I said to him was just work hard in training, that’s all you can do. Don’t worry about being picked or

not, that’s the manager’s choice. “But as long as you’re working hard and giving me something to think about, then that’s all you can do. He’s been first class in his training. “You saw him in the cup games, he comes in and he scores. He did it at Everton, came on and made a great impact. It’s just a case of him coming in with confidence. I thought he was very good [against Aston Villa], his hold-up play, his link-up with the midfield. He was excellent. “With any player, if their confidence is low, they don’t play so well. Every single player has confidence. For him, you can see his level is at a nice high level. He just needs to keep working, that’s the key to it.” Iheanacho will hope to play a part when Leicester take on Norwich City in their next Premier League game on Saturday.

WEDNESDAY December 11 - 17, 2019

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A Bookkeeper’s Remedy for Winter

inter is the coldest season of the year, but it’s also a perfect metaphor for a period of financial gloom in a person’s life. Like almost everyone else, I have endured several economic winters. A decision I took in 2011 has, however, not convinced some of my friends that I confronted the frosty weather with the right medication. An opportunity to hear an authority’s verdict came last week. And I travelled from Abuja to Enugu (by road, of course; the Enugu “international” airport is still out of use) for an important event where I expected to be seated with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, the special guest of honour on the occasion. First, a story. One Tuesday afternoon in June 2011, the fear of Boko Haram had become every Abuja resident’s regular companion. Memories of the terrorist group’s attacks on Police Headquarters, the UNDP office and bus parks in different parts of Abuja, which claimed hundreds of lives, were still fresh. I was on the staff of a daily newspaper but couldn’t leave my home on the outskirts because bomb checkers had made the only road to the city centre impassable. Motorists queued for three hours or longer before they could reach the army checkpoint. You couldn’t turn back after the long wait because the opposite lane itself was choked. I got the information on the phone and decided to stay back. My job was important but it wasn’t more important than my life, I reasoned. That evening, emergency calls from the newsroom couldn’t deter me; I had to dictate instructions from home until the first edition of the next day’s issue went to bed. I then drove to the office after 10pm to superintend production of the final edition. As a result of that insecurity threat, my employer decided that three of his prized editors must live close to the office. And, that week, each of us received a N2m cheque to help us secure residential accommodation inside the city. I knew N2m couldn’t get a de-

Aniebo

Nwamu cent three-bedroom apartment in Wuse or even Garki, but I went for the search anyway. There were vacant flats about 500 metres to the office. But the rents for the first three I found were between N3.5m and N5m per annum. A duplex in Maitama went for N12m. Not a good sign! “An Igbo man doesn’t spend money that way,” I muttered to myself as I drove back to my residence for which I paid N600, 000 per year at the time. I then decided I would start developing a plot I had bought a year earlier in another part of Abuja. It too was on the suburbs but more and better roads led to my office from there. Although I knew N2m wouldn’t bring a new bungalow up to the window level, I was determined to plough back all my savings into the construction and also seek a loan or an overdraft from my bank. As work was going on, I approached my bank. That’s when I learned that getting a bank loan was a mission impossible: I had to prove to the bank I didn’t need the money [provide a collateral worth 150% of the amount I was seeking] and there were up to 40 pages of forms I had to fill, some to be endorsed by ancestors. To cut the long story short, I eventually got non-interest loans from two friends and the work continued. And, by the December of that year, I moved into my own four-bedroom house. And

that’s how I became a landlord in Abuja. The two other colleagues acted differently. One from Edo State [I won’t mention their name to avoid a reprisal] actually paid N4m for an apartment in a block of flats. The other from Kaduna State simply ignored our employer and spent his N2m on other things – I think he went on vacation abroad. I had figured that our employer wouldn’t be able to sustain the N2m largesse every year; and truly, by 2012, the company couldn’t even pay salaries regularly. My colleague got hooked on the expiration of his N4m rent: he spent five months giving excuses to his landlord until he was able to move out – and back to the suburbs. I recalled this story as I listened to a reputable accountant’s counsel in Enugu last week. His words, read in my hearing, were actually contained in a new book: My Memoirs on Financial Literacy. The author, Sir Paschal I. P. Okolie, is currently Enugu State’s accountant-general/permanent secretary. Okolie tells me I took the right decision in 2011: “You cannot be thinking of enjoying when you haven’t created the foundation that will provide money to meet your needs. The idea of investment is to create a sustainable cash flow.” Interestingly, I was already living in my own house before he aired his radio programmes which two hosts from two radio stations, Ngozi Oboh and Charity

•The author Sir Paschal Okolie (standing between his wife Lady Stella Okolie and Deputy Governor Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo) and other dignitaries at the book presentation, recently

Nwobodo, helped him to compile into the book. And to my colleague who gave a fellow man N4m, a part of which was borrowed, as rent for one year, Okolie says: “…you should be able to think and plan [for] the future with wisdom. You should be able to have a mental image of the type of future you want to have.” An entrepreneur myself, I was tempted to challenge Okolie’s authority on financial literacy. Just before I did, I found these words in the book: “Accountants are better positioned to render appropriate financial literacy and education needed by entrepreneurs and indeed other investors.” Not every accountant is really financially literate. But the bookkeeper for Enugu State seems to have answers for almost every query: money management, investment opportunities, entrepreneurship, tips for Christmas planning, acts of charity, business management and even moneymaking skills. Perhaps his deep knowledge of financial literacy endeared him to former governor Sullivan Chime and to current governor Ugwuanyi; the latter has retained him as the state’s accountant-general since his first inauguration in 2015. My Memoirs on Financial Literacy was presented in winter – it is now buffeting residents of the polar and temperate zones of the globe, while we’re contending with the harmattan in most parts of Nigeria. But, as I stated at the beginning, winter is, in a figurative sense, a season of financial quagmire. Okolie’s book has been written especially for people in the winter of their lives: the jobless, the low-income earner, the pensioner and other disadvantaged citizens. For instance, he tells the unemployed youth to “start shifting their thoughts”: “Let them see government work as an alternative; if it comes, well and good. It does not make government work bad, it is good; but the youth should focus on alternatives because the number of people required for government work is shrinking by the day. Information technology (IT) is not even helping matters. So the earlier the youth start thinking of other alternative things they can do, the better for them and the nation.” And to new business owners: “Anybody planning to start up a business must be ready to take risks. The higher the risk the more likely the gain, if you succeed.” To the retiring worker: “Then, having planned for other sources of income, you now think of habits that you can drop. You now think about your life: are you engaged in wasteful lifestyle? For instance, if you have been drinking too much, so to speak, can you curtail or stop it entirely? Is there a way I can reduce my drinking habit to improve my family budget? … Are there other wasteful lifestyles? Deal with them.” These hard times indeed call for financial literacy, for the economic morass of the Buhari era is winter at its worst! At such times, everyone seeks a leeway or a short-cut to making ends meet. Okolie’s book is a treasure. I wish many could find it, as printed copies find their ways into bookstores. •Nwamu, an entrepreneur, is the CEO of Eyeway.ng +234-8054100220 (SMS/WhatsApp only)

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