Wednesday December 5, 2018 Edition

A vote for issue-based campaigns

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inally, the electioneering campaigns have officially begun.

This part of the INEC timetable started with the flag-off of the presidential and National assembly campaigns on Sunday, November 18. The governorship and House of Assembly campaigns commence on Sunday, December 2. Although

The Oracle Today Comment

none of the presidential candidates has officially flagged off his campaign, the coast much is very much clear for that, as there are no longer any legal impediments to that.

The

VOX POPULI SACRUM

And so, soon, campaigns will be flagged off and politicians would mount the soapbox to pitch their messages to the voting public, asking for votes

for their election or re-election.

The campaign period affords elected political office holders the opportunity to showcase what they have done in the preceding

years and why on the strength of such performance, they are seeking re-election. Similarly, campaign period affords new entrants or those seeking fresh mandates, the opportunity to sell themselves and their vision to the electorate.

In all, it is a very important pe-

racle

WEDNESDAY December 5, 2018

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Today

www.oraclenews.ng

ISSN: 2545-5869 VOL.3 No.48 N200

Campaigns: Governors tasked on performance

By BONIFACE OKORO

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s they go on the hustings to campaign for re-election, most of the State governors will be hard-put to explain why they deserve re-election on the basis of their performance in office in the last four years.

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•Opposition vociferous in face of perceived failings •2019 not likely to be walkover for anyone •Salary arrears bane of most States •Poor social infrastructure in most cases •A few outstanding examples in good governance

INEC may review Araraume’s APGA ticket

By AUSTIN ECHEFU

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•Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, flanked by Senator Ayogu Eze, APC governorship candidate for Enugu State (left), Spokesman of the Buhari Campaign Organisation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, (2nd left), former governor of Old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo (2nd right) and Mrs. Juliet Ibekaku Nwangwu, APC senatorial candidate for Enugu West zone, cuts the tape to commission Senator Eze’s Choice 2019 Campaign office in Enugu.

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he governorship candidacy of Senator Ifeanyi Araraume may come to grief if what sources said about ‘INEC reviewing it with a view to taking a decisive action as to whether it will finally fly or not’ is anything to go by.

Sources in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have disclosed to The Oracle Today that the electoral commission may have taken a dim view of the nomination of Senator Araraume as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Imo State

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Nigeria, Japan seal $21m pact to rehabilitate Lagos power station

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The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

NEWS

Governors tasked on performance Continued from Pg 1 The job of convincing the electorate to pitch tent with them a second time will be made even harder for the governors what with the opposition becoming more forceful in a lot of States and raring to take over from the “under-performed” governors.

In Kogi, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Niger and a few other States, the opposition would appear to be most vociferous, with candidates constantly throwing snippets at the governors and insisting that they have better deals to offer the electorate, if elected, than the governors seeking second terms.

The biggest case against the governors is their failure or inabil-

ity to pay workers’ salaries and allowances.

Most of the States owe their workers in excess of three to seven months in salary arrears.

In a few of the cases where workers’ salaries are paid as and when due, there is crippling youth unemployment due largely to lack of industrial and or agricultural production; inadequate investment in social infrastructure like schools, hospitals, pipeborne water and power supply.

This grim situation exists against the backdrop of ostentatious living by States chief executives and their aides, relatives, associates and cronies who live big and loud, thereby making a mockery of the sacrifices ordinary citizens make as the nation’s leadership presumably works to stabilize the economy and make

life more abundant for everyone.

In Enugu State, the opposition led by the APC governorship candidate, Senator Ayogu Eze has accused the State government of failure to revolutionise agriculture, provide adequate pipeborne water for citizens, provide modern school infrastructure to train the state’s youth and children to acquire skills that would prepare them for the challenges of adult life, attract local and foreign direct investments to grow the economy, thereby creating jobs for the teeming masses of the people, among several others.

Eze, a former Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District, has, therefore, promised to change the situation for the better if elected governor of the Coal-City State come March next

year.

However, Enugu is one of the few States where workers are paid salaries as and when due.

The State government also boasts a number of road projects in different parts of the state, renovation of schools and hospitals, expansion of the IGR base, peace and security of life and property, among others.

In Kogi, plateau, Benue and several other States, workers’ salaries come in fits and starts.

In Rivers, workers’ salaries are paid promptly and many jobs executed but the opposition is insistent it could be better. Moreover, it is a matter of pride for the political gladiators who are in constant supremacy struggle with one another, meaning that it is sometimes not about how well the person in power has per-

•Newly coronated Igwe Igboezue Worldwide Chief John Ofodum dancing with National President Igboezue International association Eld Pius Okoye and National Publicity Secretary Comr Amafor Chukwuowe during the coronation ceremony held in Oraukwu Idemmili North L.G.A Anambra State.

Photo Oliver Udeogu

INEC may review Araraume’s APGA guber candidate Continued from Pg 1 for the 2019 governorship election, following what the Commission is believed to have described as ‘inappropriate electoral’ process.

And unless urgent steps are taken to nip it in the bud, the party may end up not having a governorship candidate for next year’s governorship in Imo State.

Crisis erupted in APGA after the emergence of Araraume as the governorship candidate of the party in the state amidst what party members, leaders, 15 governorship aspirants, state and national assembly aspirants described as a sham, a kangaroo and a Ponzi scheme.

The emergence of Araraume had split the party in the state, leading to the emergence of a faction of the party called the New

APGA (N-APGA) with Barr Ike Ibe as the national chairman.

Also, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim and 12 other governorship aspirants had dragged the party, Araraume and INEC to court, praying the court for a declaration that there was no governorship primary election and that as a result the party does not have a governorship candidate.

About 12 of the aggrieved governorship aspirants and several legislative seat aspirants who felt short-changed with the developments in the party have since joined other parties where they are now running for election.

Mr. Okey Ezeh who was one of the frontrunners for APGA governorship ticket has since joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP) where he has emerged as its governorship candidate.

Also, Barr Humphery Anumudu

who was running for APGA governorship ticket has joined the Zenith Labour Party, which nominated him as its governorship candidate while Dr. Ikedi Ohakim joined the Accord Party where he is now running for governorship, amongst others.

In a press release on October 29, 2019, Ohakim described APGA as a Ponzi scheme, saying that “the travesty that happened in APGA must not be tolerated because it is anathema to Igbo culture and idealism.”

“This is why Igbo people feel ashamed that despite the Ponzi scheme APGA has become under Oye and Governor Obiano, the leadership of the party now wants to hide under any shade or hold on to any available straw just to stay afloat. Sadly, the party has drowned beyond rescuing,” he said.

Declared Ohakim: “APGA died the day the leadership carried out a coup against it on October 7 when without holding the governorship primary election they announced a winner. Though this matter is currently in court, Nigerians are assured that we are well armed with evidences to prove beyond reasonable doubt that there was no primary election.

We will go the whole length to see the end of this desecration of Igbo land by the same party Igbo people held as theirs, because the travesty that happened in APGA has exposed Igbo people to the fact that there are still cankerworms among us. This charade has also shown that all along, what APGA leadership was doing was a Ponzi scheme, a scam of the highest order to defraud fellow Igbo men and women of their hard earned money”.

formed but why him?

However, Governor Nyesom Wike, who is referred to as “Mr. Project” for his stride in infrastructural projects, in road construction and rehabilitation, including the building of modern edifices for the judiciary, hospitals and markets is campaigning for a second term on the achievement he attained on these fronts.

He maintains that his party, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has done well.

He is assuring the electorates that he will do more if re-elected for another term of four years.

But the opposition party in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC), are accessible Governor Wike of deliberately refusing to acknowledge the role played by his predecessor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, whom, the APC claims started most of the road projects completed by Wike.

Unable to score political points against Wike on the pedestal that his infrastructural projects are visible to the electorates, the APC has been vociferous on the question of security. The APC has continued to censure Governor Wike that frequent clashes between rival cult groups in different local governments in the state has made business people to relocate their businesses from the state, leading to severe unemployment.

True, violent clashes between cult groups have led to series of killings and beheading of rival cult members. Kidnapping has also become rife in the state. But Wike has countered the accusation of insecurity by successfully hosting many national events without security breaches.

Even Governor Wike has repeatedly maintained that the APC didn’t expect him to perform the way he did, thereby, raising the bar of public performance which the APC and it’s governorship candidate, Tonye Dele Cole, an architect, will find very hard to assail during the electioneering campaigns.

The two issues that will drive the campaigns of both the PDP and the APC in Rivers State will be anchored on security and job creation for the growing population of the youths. Which, between the PDP and the APC can evolve a culture of security that will attract investors to invest in the state? These issues will be paramount in the mind of the voters as they go to the polling booths, on Saturday, March 21, next year.

In Abia State, there is a lot for the opposition to latch onto during the campaigns with regard to the performance index of the PDP-controlled, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu-led administration.

The most prominent is the workers salaries. Since its inception, the government has been grappling with clearing arrears of salaries owed civil servants, local government workers and pensioners, which he inherited from his predecessors.

At present, the government said it is up-to-date with salaries of workers in the ministries.

However, those of agencies, parastatals, local governments staff and pensioners are still outstanding.

Pensioners said they are being owed 14 months arrears. Last

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The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

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The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

•Shipping & Aviation •Farming •Oil & Gas •Manufacturing •Construction •Real Estate •Supermarkets •Hotels & Hospitality

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The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION E Probe: I leave Fayose to God – Fayemi KITI State Governor, Kayode Fayemi has clarified his stance on the fate of the immediate past governor of the state, Ayodele Fayose, declaring he will leave the ex-chief executive to God. Fielding questions by State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, Monday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Fayemi maintained that there was never a time he said he would probe Fayose.

According to him, reports of such probe are on the table of anti-graft agencies.

“Well, I am sure I have never said anything about probe, and I do not say anything about probe. Looking into books is the duty of any new governor, you need to know what you found in place, I just talked about visitation panel into the education sector in the state.

“There are other sectors in the state, and it will be remiss of me not to check what we found when we came into office and share that with the citizens of the state. It is just accountability not probe. I am not EFCC I am not ICPC, there are institutions that are charged with the responsibility to do that and its entirely up to them if they want to probe the governor or not.

“It is not my business, I leave Fayose to God, I have said that before.’’

Fayose is presently being prosecuted by the EFCC over an 11-count charge of conspiracy and money laundering.

Speaking on the state of education, Fayemi said that Ekiti had a tradition of being the intellectual capital of the country but it seemed to have lost that edge lately.

He said that his government was working toward repositioning the sector, particularly at the basic and tertiary levels.

The governor said that he had set up visitation panel in all the tertiary institutions in the state to review and recommend what the critical and challenging issues were and how government should respond to the yearnings of the sector.

Fayemi also said that his government was also doing all it could to encourage more students to come into school.

He said that the state government would commence the school feeding programme in Ekiti State in order to ensure that kids that did not have the opportunity to be in school were enrolled.

“We are also ensuring that we pay salaries regularly because you cannot expect parents who have not received salaries for six to 10 months on the one hand and the children are being asked to pay education levy on the other hand to have the capacity to send such children to school.

“So, it is a double whammy for such families, we need to make sure that education which we see in our party as a right and not a privilege at least at the basic level should be free, compulsory and qualitative and that is where we are returning Ekiti to,’’ he said.

The governor dismissed insinuations that he was having disagreement with the labour union in his state.

Buhari shelves Edo visit, as COAS confab moves to Maiduguri

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Edo State on Tuesday may have been cancelled as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference, initially billed to hold in Benin City has been shifted to Maiduguri, Borno State.

President Buhari’s aide on New Media, Alhaji Bashir Ahmad, confirmed this development on his tweeter handle on Sunday evening.

He said: “President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to declare the COAS Annual Conference on Nov. 28, 2018 at the Conference Hall CGH in Maiduguri, Borno state.

“The conference was earlier scheduled to take place from 26 -28 November 2018 in Benin, Edo state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the shifting of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference from Benin City to Maiduguri might not be unconnected with the killing of Nigerian soldiers at Metele, a remote village bordering Nigeria and Chad.

In a tweet in Abuja on Sunday, the President’s aide on New Media, Bashir Ahmad, said all the service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, Idris Ibrahim and the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), Yusuf Bichi were part of the meeting.

“All the Service Chiefs, I-G of Police and DG of DSS were at the State House this morning. As President Buhari said (Saturday) yesterday, in the coming days, he will be engaging the Military and Intelligence Chiefs in extensive discussions on the next steps we shall be

taking,’’ Ahmad said in the tweet.

President Buhari had pledged on Saturday to ensure that the loopholes, which led to the fatalities are blocked once and for all.

On 18 November, the Al Barnawi faction of Boko Haram attack the 157 Task Force Battalion based at Metele in northern part of Borno state, killing scores of Nigerian troops.

•South West Zonal Coordinator, National Sports Festival, Mr. Olufemi Ajao (l) presenting the Torch of Unity to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, at the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja , Monday, to herald the forthcoming 19th National Sports Festival in Abuja next month.

12 govs’ wives, others storm Ibadan for OYSOWA Women Summit

By VICTOR NZE

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T LEAST 12 serving governors’ wives, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar; and famed lawyercum cancer survivor, Ms Adenike Oyetunde, will join about 1000 delegates to the 2018 edition of the National Women Summit hosted by the Oyo State Officials’ Wives Association (OYSOWA).

A statement by the Chairperson, Planning Committee and wife of Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bolanle Alli, Monday, said that women rights activists, gender specialists and leadership trainers would converge on Ibadan for the summit titled, ‘Against all odds.’

She added the Convener of the summit and Wife of the state governor, Chief Florence Ajimobi, would be the chief hostess of the three-

day event, beginning on Wednesday.

Alli explained that the governor’s wife established OYSOWA seven years ago to galvanize wives of elected and appointed state officials into leading the charge for the advancement of women politically and socially, as well as support for the government.

She said that the wife of the governor had also through various social safety nets, such as Access to Basic Medical Care Foundation (ABC), Ajumose Food Bank, Educate A Rural Child, empowered more than one million citizens of the state.

According to her, 751,000 people across the 351 wards in the state, as well as 6600 in orphanages, 3000 widows and 6000 aged have benefited from the Ajumose Food Bank alone, while several thousand have

60% of out-of-school children in Nigeria are girls – Presidential Aide

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RS. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SSAPSDGs), says 60 per cent of 10.5 million out-of-school children in Nigeria are girls.

Orelope-Adefulire said this at the inauguration of the United Nations (UN) Women’s SDGs Report entitled: “Turning Promises into Action: Gender Equality in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” on Monday in Abuja.

She was represented by the Programme Secretary, SDGs, Alhaji Lamido Waziri.

Orelope-Adefulire also said that 35 per cent of women and girls aged 15 and older were subjected to sexual violence by persons other than an intimate partner as at 2017.

She added that only 24.8 per cent of women aged 15 to 49 years made their own informed decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use and reproductive healthcare.

According to her, what we are doing today is directly supporting the attainment of SDGs on the achievement of gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls.

“The report provides a comprehensive and authoritative assessment of progress, gaps and challenges to date in the implementation of the SDGs from a gender perspective.

“More importantly, the report highlights issues on the centrality of gender equality in the achievement of all the 17 SDGs and the policies needed to achieve them.

“Remember that 60 per cent of the approximately 10.5 million outof-school children in Nigeria are girls.

“As at 2017, the proportion of women and girls aged 15 years and older, who were subjected to sexual violence by persons other than an intimate partner was estimated at 35 per cent.

“Similarly, the proportion of women aged 15 to 49 years who make their own informed decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use and reproductive healthcare was put at 24.8 per cent,’’ she said.

The presidential aide said that the Federal Government had been working horizontally and vertically to strategically guide the implementation of the SDGs in Nigeria.

She said that SDGs office was also working with Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) to mainstream the SDGs into their respective sectoral policies and plans.

According to her, at the sub-national level, we are working with the state governments to integrate the SDGs into their respective policies and Medium-term Development Plans.

“Elatedly, we are collaborating with the development partners, organised private sector and the wider civil society through wellestablished platforms to mobilise expertise and resources in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Nigeria.

“We will continue to prioritise programmes and interventions that adequately mainstream gender at all levels of governance,’’ she added.

Mrs Comfort Lamptey, UN Women Country Representative said inauguration of the report in Nigeria was to see how to use it to accelerate the women development agenda of SDGs. Lamptey said the theme of the report, “Turning Promises into Action” was a 2030 agenda to ensure that women enjoy equal rights as well as develop potential to eliminate violence against women.

enjoyed free medical care.

Alli said: “Some of the issues that have been on OYSOWA front burner include poverty alleviation schemes, appointments, and domestication of laws that prescribe punishments for violence against women and child abuse, among others.

“Since the OYSOWA national summit began seven years ago, more than 10,000 women have been empowered with life-changing business ideas, knowledge and financial support.

“Generally speaking, more than one million citizens of Oyo State, including orphans and the vulnerable have benefitted from the altruistic gestures of Her Excellency in the past seven years. Many displaced women and children have been sheltered.

“In line with its’ vision and objectives, OYSOWA has also been involved in laudable projects geared towards improving the lot of the women folk, including advocacy and awareness walk on the rising incidence of domestic violence, rape and cancer.”

Alli stated that this year’s summit was poised to surpass the previous ones in terms of attendance and topical issues aimed at giving the women and the child a new lease of life.

According to her, other speakers billed for the summit include; Chairman/Chief Executive Officerdesignate, Nigeria Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Dr Laila St. Matthews-Daniels; popular thespian, Joke Silva; Rev. Kemi Ijagbulu; seasoned international development expert, Mrs. Grace Adetula; Dr Nkem Okoro and Dr. Adeola Faleye.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

Police read riot act to personnel over illegal duty Stories by VICTOR NZE

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IGERIA Police Force on Monday said it would not hesitate to dismiss any of its personnel who engages in illegal duty.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Logistics and Supply, Mr. Oshodi Agboola Glover, gave the warning during a one-day official visit to the police command in Ekiti.

The DIG warned officers to refrain from acts capable of tarnishing the image of the force, particularly as it affects illegal duty and extortion.

He said the force under the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, had zero tolerance for corruption.

“Any policeman who deviates

from the grand norms of securing the lives and properties of Nigerians by engaging in fraud will be dismissed from the service,” he said.

Glover, who doubles as the supervising DIG in charge of the South West, urged officers to be good ambassadors of the nation wherever they were deployed.

He urged Nigerians to be calm over the 2019 elections as the force would be fair to all parties.

“I want you to always appear like good ambassadors of this nation.

Our brief is to provide adequate security for Nigerians. Don’t harass innocent people. Don’t engage in illegal duty. Don’t use physical force on Nigerians while enforcing order, be civil in all your dealings.

But if you engage in illegalities and

you are caught, you will be fired,’’ he said.

He said that the police management was working tirelessly to improve the welfare of personnel, especially in the area of promotion and housing.

He gave the assurance that the command would step up efforts to reduce cases of bank robbery in Ekiti.

Earlier, the police commissioner in the state, Mr. Bello Ahmed, said that number of personnel was a fundamental challenge to the command.

He said that considering the 2.6 million population of Ekiti in 1996 when it was created, it was expected that with the current 3.2 million after 22 years, more personnel would be required to serve

the populace “At present, the command has 3,105 personnel out of which only 2,648 are on general duty including women police, while 46 are specialists.

“Sir, this command shall need addition 4,000 personnel to enable it deploy men to the 2,195 polling units and other INEC facilities during the 2019 general elections in the state,“ he said.

‘One panel cannot handle 77 petitions’– Plateau PDP tells CJ

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HE Plateau Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has protested against the constitution of “only one” panel to hear the 77 petitions arising from the October 10 local government elections.

The party’s protest is contained in a petition to the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Yakubu Gyang.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Justice Gyang had inaugurated the Local Government Elections Petitions Tribunal on Nov. 23, 2018.

The tribunal, which is expected to begin sitting on Monday, Nov. 26, will adjudicate over eight petitions filed by chairmanship candidates, while 69 petitioners contested councillorship seats.

NAN also reports that all the petitions were filed by PDP candidates that lost the elections to the APC. The PDP, in the petition signed by its Deputy Chairman, Amos Gombi, expressed fear that the petitioners might not get justice because one panel could not handle the 77 cases within the remaining 47 days it was allowed to sit.

“The period allowed for the petitions to be heard is 90 days.

Already, more than 40 days have

gone.

“By law, the tribunal has 47 days within which to hear and determine the cases, as at today (Nov. 26).

“Clearly, one panel cannot do this effectively,’’ it said.

The PDP urged the Chief Judge to constitute two additional panels “for the effectual disposition of these petitions otherwise time may lapse for some of them and justice will not be done to the petitioners’’.

The party observed that the state had never recorded such a huge number of election petitions, “even before Nasarawa was created out of the old Plateau’’.

“Even when the number of petitions were less, and there was even more time, many panels were created for effective and expeditious determination of those petitions.

“The minimum addition should be two panels in the interest of justice,’’ the PDP stated.

NAN reports that the All Progressives Congress (APC) swept the elections in the 13 local governments they were held.

Governor Simon Lalong had exempted four local governments – Jos North, Jos South, Riyom and Barkin-Ladi – citing security reasons.

2019: INEC assures PLWDs of full participation

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NDEPENDENt National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pledged to enhance greater participation of persons living with disabilities (PLWDs) in the 2019 general elections.

INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Outreach and Partnership Committee, Dr Adekunle Ogunmola, made the pledge on Monday in Lokoja at the opening of a two-day strategic meeting on Access and Participation of Persons with Disabilities in 2019 general elections.

He said that the commission was desirous of deepening the democratic process in Nigeria, saying that part of the strategies was to ensure the participation of the marginalized and the disadvantaged groups across the country.

Ogunmola, who was represented by the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kogi, Prof. James Akpam said that the INEC had introduced some innovations to reduce all forms of barriers experienced by people living with disabilities in all aspects of electoral process.

“It has also provided assistive and materials such as magnifying glasses at the polling units during elections, transcriptions of voter

education materials to Braille and others to ensure their full and effective participation in the electoral process,” he said.

Ogunmola explained that more interventions were needed as the 2019 general elections drew near, hence the strategic meeting on improving electoral access for persons with disabilities.

According to him, the strategic meeting is to facilitate discussions and sharing of information on existing and new plans towards better outcomes for people living with disabilities in the 2019 elections.

“It is expected that the strategies developed at this meeting will en-

•(From left): Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, who represented Governor Abiola Ajimobi at the event, presents a plaque to the Team Leader of Course 41, Group 9 of Armed Force Command & Staff College, Jaji, Lt Col. Ifeanyi Ajimuka, during their visit to the Governor’ Office, Ibadan, earlier today.

Buhari, ANA mourn Ikeogu

By VICTOR NZE

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Monday, conveyed their messages of condolence to the family of late Ikeogu Ike, popular award winning poet and winner of prestigious Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited Prize, who died, Saturday.

Former journalist Ikeogu who won the 2017 edition of the prize, reportedly died after a brief illness at the National Hospital, Abuja, late Saturday.

A statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Abuja Chapter, Alex Enemanna, read: “The executive ANA Abuja regrets to announce to you the sudden death of one of our own Ikeogu Ike in the late hours of Saturday.

“His death came after a brief illness at the National hospital, Abuja.

“The exco also expressed condolence to the family of the award winning late Ike and pray that the soul of the departed rest in peace.

The NLNG Prize for Literature remains the richest awards for literature in Africa and also ranked among the world’s top 100 in prize money, with a cash value of US$100, 000.

Late Oke’s collection of poems, The

Heresiad, came tops from among 184 entries received for the competition.

Buhari in his message contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina in Abuja , expressed sadness over the passing on of ‘one of Nigeria’s renowned poets and winner of the 2017 Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited (NLNG) sponsored Prize for Literature.’

The President who also extended heartfelt condolences to Oke’s family, the literary and creative community on the painful demise of the award-winning poet, affirmed that as an author, journalist and poet, ‘Oke exuded vibrancy, intelligence and innovation in his works.’

According to him, Oke as a social commentator was constantly in search of plausible answers and solutions to contemporary issues bedeviling his society.

The president believed that Oke through his poetry had enriched Nigeria’s literary genre and his legacy would live on in his works.

He noted that ‘Oke was incredibly proud of and committed to his work as he wrote in his epic Epitaph: ‘‘Here lies a man who loved virtue and art, And gave to both his fortunes and his heart…’’

The president encouraged all Nigerians, the literary community and

CRS and National Values being in one curriculum.

He said the National Values comprised Social Studies, Security Education and Civic Education.

“Now, we have separated them into three different curriculums such as IRS, CRS, and National Values, which used to be in one curriculum before.

“We have finished all the process and before the end of this year, all the copies of the separate curriculum will get to all states’ ministries of

education for onward distributions to schools,” Junaid said.

He further said that NERDC was ready to partner with the ministries of education on how to make the curriculum available in schools, saying, that “without curriculum, no meaningful learning would take place”.

NAN recalls that the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, had directed NERDC to make the CRS and IRS distinctive subjects in the basic education curriculum.

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NERDC re-introduces separate curriculums for CRS, IRS

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IGERIAN Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) says it has re-introduced separate curriculums for Christian Religious Studies (CRS) and Islamic Religious Studies (IRS), as school subjects.

Prof. Ismail Junaid, the Executive Secretary of NERD, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview on Monday in Lokoja.

Junaid said that NERDC initially had a subject called the Religions and National Value which comprised of IRS,

lovers of art to honour Ikeogu Oke’s memory by imbibing the didactic message of his works.

He prayed God to console all who mourned the departed poet and grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.

Similarly, the national body of ANA in a statement signed by its National President, Mallam Denja Abdullahi, condoled with the late Ikeogu’s family over the death of Oke. ANA’s condolence message was issued and made available to newsmen in Abuja, Monday.

According to the statement, Abdulahi affirmed that the late Oke, who was well respected for his poetic sagacity and resourcefulness, would be long remembered for his literary contributions to the country.

ANA also paid tribute to his enduring commitment and legacy to the development of indigenous poetry and his active participation in several notable activities of the Association in recent times.

ANA finally prayed that almighty God would comfort his family, friends and literary associates in this period of grief and grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.

Ikeogu worked as a journalist in Nigeria, writing columns for a number of national dailies.

In 2017, Oke’s debut collection of poetry The Heresiad (KraftGriots, 2017) was nominated for the Nigeria Prize for Literature, along with work by Ogaga Ifowodo and Tanure Ojaide. It won. In his acceptance speech, he describes poetry as “healthy narcotics.” “I am happy to be addicted to it as shown by my refusal to be swayed by such concerns. I have invoked the poem here hopefully to arouse the contemplation of how one’s resolve to pursue one’s dreams in spite of such concerns is the best decision that can lead to a fulfilled life,” he wrote in his acceptance speech.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

NEWS

Ohakim makes Uturn on criticisms

2019: NGO set for Atiku/Peter Obi mega rally in Onitsha

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From Collins Ughalaa, Owerri

ormer Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim has assured the people of Imo State that he will accept any form of criticism when he becomes Governor again in 2019, adding that he will partner with the media to provide credible government and good governance.

This is even as Governor Okorocha last week warned the people of the state that he will not accept criticisms that are politically-motivated, noting that his government is open to constructive criticisms.

Ohakim disclosed this while speaking at the 10th anniversary programme of Nigerian Horn newspaper on Friday at the Rockview Hotel, Owerri, noting that “Nigeria Horn newspaper is one of the best newspapers in the state which has played very critical roles both in providing information and holding the government accountable”.

Ohakim who is running for one term only as the Governor of Imo State in the 2019 governorship election said that it is remarkable that despite the bad economy in the state for over seven years, the publisher, High Chief Bright Chimezie Njoku, has graduated from weekly publications to daily publication. He challenged the publisher and management of the newspaper not to rest on their oars but to continue to defy the odds.

He promised that when elected Governor for second term in 2019 his government will partner with the media to ensure that the state gets the good governance it yearns for, stressing that he will create a conducive environment for the media and other businesses in the state to thrive. He also assured that under his administration, he will accept any kind of criticism as the citizens have the right to criticize their government, adding that it is only through such criticisms that the government will be able to know when he it does well and when it has come short of the expectations of the people.

He also noted that the media is a veritable partner for any government that knows its onus, saying that he will not stifle the rights of the people no matter what. He recalled that while he was Governor his administration partnered with the media and that the good partnership they enjoyed led to the increase in the number of media houses in the state during his tenure.

In a similar development, Governor Okorocha who said his government will not accept criticism noted that Nigeria is in a serious problem with what he called “elastic freedom” that allows people to go on the internet and misrepresent facts, regretting that if one should be relying on stories on social media the person might be making a great mistake.

“The worst part of it now is that it is no longer an attack on governments, but on individuals. People are defaming others on daily basis because they have access to phones, they can touch a few buttons and send out the wrong messages, and completely misinform the members of the public”, he said.

By Theo Rays, Onitsha head of the Presidential election in Nigeria next year, an Onitsha-based Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) known as Naturecracy for Atiku/Peter Support Movement (NAPSUM) has concluded plans to stage a mega political rally for the victory of Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former Vice President Alhaji Abubakar and his running mate and former Governor of Anambra State Mr PeterObi. Addressing The Oracle Today on the rally, the founder and the national President of NGO Chief Chinedu Nsofor said that the rally will be held in the commercial city of Onitsha adding that the rally which is aimed at mobilising votes from traders and Churches all round the city is inline

with the target of NAPSUM to mobilise 10million votes for Atiku/Peter Obi candidacy at the polls next year.

According to the him, “we have a huge task to mobilise as much as 10million votes for our principals and part our strategies to achieve that is to organise rallies in major cities across the country. The Onitsha mega rally is the beginning of such, so we are reaching out to the residents of the city in Obosi, Ogbaru, Nkpor, Ogidi, Oba, Nkwelle Ezenanka, Ogbunike and so on to attend.

Asked to explain how he feels that Atiku/Peter Obi will fix the problems of Nigeria if elected, Nsofor said that the duo have the capacity to face the challenges facing Nigeria squarely most especially the capacity to fight and defeat corruption in the real sense of defeat as according to him, corruption is the major prob-

lems facing the country and every problems will fizzle out if corruption is beaten to the abyss.

He added “many people are of the opinion that religion, tribalism, ethnicity and regional dichotomy are behind the problems we have in this country but that is not correct by my own observation and opinion, for me I see corruption as our bane in this country and by the time the menace of corruption is decisively deal with, other problems will die naturally.

The NAPSUM boss expressed the hope that Atiku and Obi will take the advantage of the massive support being accorded them by the people all over the country to give corruption a good fight and crush it by the way side if elected adding “I believe that if elected, Nigerians will give maximum support to what Atiku

and Obi would do including fight against and that will go along way to deal with corruption in this county.”

Corroborating the Statement, the Anambra State Coordinator of the NGO who double as national Program Coordinator Chief Peter Okala said that they are going to use the rally to drum support for candidates of the PDP in Anambra State for the elections next year adding that NAPSUM will carry the candidates of the national opposition party along with its programs Okala hinted that both the PDP Presidential candidate and his running mate along with Obi of Onitsha Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe (Agbogidi) and the candidates of PDP across along with chieftains and members of the PDP in Anambra State are being expected to attend the rally scheduled to hold on December 9.

Group installs Igwe Igboezue Worldwide

By Oliver Udeogu

T • (From left) Acting Executive Commissioner Operations Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC Mr. Isyaku Tilde, President PEARL Awards, Mr. Tayo Orekoya, Acting Director General SEC, Ms. Mary Uduk, President Association for the Advancement of the Rights of the Nigerian Shareholders, Chief Faruk Umar, and President Nigeria Stock Exchange, Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo at the 2018 PEARL Awards

Ayade to establish Igbo City in Calabar From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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ross River State Government has announced plans to establish an Igbo City in Calabar, the state capital.

The governor made this known in an address he presented during the 1st Igbo Cultural Day in Calabar as well as the 28th anniversary of The Eze Ndigbo of Cross River State, HRH Emmanuel Ezenwanyi.

Professor Ayade who maintained that the Igbos are his brothers commended them for their massive investment in the state and asked the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo in the state to liaise with the commissioner for lands and housing in the state for the expeditious allocation of land for the city and donated twenty million naira to the group as take-off grant for the proposed city.

He called on the Igbo’s resident in the state to take advantage of opportunities for investment in the state particularly the industrial park in Calabar which has all basic amenities and also promised to grant free plots for Igbo investors who are ready to set up industries in the state.

“We have several plots of land at the Ayade Industrial park fully supplied with water, roads, electricity and security network and we are willing to give a plot or plots to any individual or group that is ready to set up an industry in the place”.

He charged members of Ohaneze Ndigbo in the state to resist fraudulent tax officials who come to extort

from them in the name of taxation maintaining that one of the first bills he signed into law as governor of the state was for the eradication of taxes on the poor and low-income earners but that was not being heeded by some tax officials who are bent on circumventing the law.

“The idea behind taxation is for redistribution of wealth by taking from the rich and giving to the poor but here in Nigeria taxation seems to take from the poor and hand to the rich which should not be the case.

“Resist anyone who comes to tax you unnecessarily because when someone comes to take away a generator used by a barber for not paying tax it is inhuman”, the governor said.

Earlier in his address, the President of Ohaneze in the state, Chief Ugorji Nwabueze, said Ndigbo in Cross River were not being given a fair treatment like their counterpart from other ethnic groups in the state who were allotted places to settle and do business.

“Few examples will suffice in comparison to our Northern brothers in the state. The State government through its instrumentalities over the years has carved out Bogobiri, Nassarawa as business and residential areas for them.

“Government has equally patronized them with political appointments just as it did for our Yoruba brothers. The government has a responsibility to promote justice, equity and fairness to all”, he said.

He said the celebration has put an end to the crisis that engulfed the Igbo community over the years which made them incapable of celebrating their cultural day.

Earlier in his speech, the Senator representing Cross River Central in the National Assembly, n. John Owan Enoh promised tax-free regime for Igbo doing business in the state amongst other promises as well as a N1million for the group.

Enoh who is the gubernatorial flag bearer of the APC in next year’s general elections said: “The Igbos from Ikom have known me too well. They have been a part of my politics and they can say for me what kind of politics I do. I do not take my job lightly and we will work as partners to better Cross River.

“I assured the Igbos of my commitment to creating a safe space for business to thrive”, saying the need to harness the economic potentials of the state and a sincere passion for all will be topmost as he seeks the Office of Governor.

Earlier in his address, the Ezeigbo of Cross River State, Emmanuel Ezenwanyi commended the government and people of the state for the hospitality given to the Igbo in the state and promised that they will continue doing their best to contribute to the development of the state.

He pleaded with the people of the state to continue taking the Igbos residing and doing businesses I the state as their brothers.

he Igboezue International association of Nigeria and in the Diaspora, an Igbo pan sociocultural group recently coronated its Igwe Igboezue worldwide, Chief John Ofodum the Akaeze Oraukwu.

The colorful ceremony took place at the ancient Amaeze community in Oraukwu kingdom, Idemmili North local government area of Anambra State.

The National President of the group, Elder Pius Uchenna Okoye the Oyi of Oyi in company of a National leader of the group, Comrade Amafor Chukwunwe Charles and Anambra State Chairman of the association Hon Anselem Okonkwo and a host of Patrons of the socio cultural group, were at the epoch making event.

Chief John Ofodum a retired school administrator had received encomiums from the Igboezue leadership who described him as a worthy son of Ndigbo, noting that his sacrifices to the cause of the association in particular and to the Igbo nation in general, was one too numerous to mention.

In his remarks, Okoye described Chief Ofodum as a real patriot whom the entire leadership of Igboezue both at home and in the Diaspora are well pleased.

The National President also used the opportunity of the event to solicit membership from the large crowd of people that gathered.

Honorary Patronship certificates were given to some individuals.

They include Bro Samuel Okeke Richard, Mr Morgan Ikechukwu Ofodum and Chief Joseph Ezennaya Ceo Sea Ray freight and forwarding company limited.

Highlight of the event was the coronation of Chief John Ofodum as Igwe Igboezue worldwide, by the traditional ruler of Ntigha Mbano Owo Ahafo community in Obingwa local government area Abia State, Eze Amara the Second HRH Eze Amadi Azuogu on the consent of the traditional ruler of the Oraukwu kingdom HRH Igwe Barr. Emeka Onuorah the Igwe Chinyereze 1 of Oraukwu.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

NEWS 2019: Anambra Rep candidate rallies S’East support for Buhari

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candidate seeking to represent Anaocha, Dunukofia and Njikoka Federal Constituency in Anambra, Mr Elijah Onyeagba, has urged the people of the SouthEast to be part of the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

Onyeagba, who is running on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), told newsmen on Sunday that Buhari remained popular in spite of wrong perception about him in the South-East.

The chattered banker urged Anambra people support the APC as they had been on the fringes for too long; adding that governance was all about the ability to get the best for your people.

Onyeagba said the people should change their perception about the president, noting that it was “wrong to see Buhari as a Fulani man who hates the people of South-East”.

“Just as APC is unpopular here, it is the same way All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) is unpopular outside the borders of Anambra, being smart is voting for those that will not be minority at the national stage.

“The Second Niger Bridge has been a campaign project but recently the president approved N206 billion for its construction, and the Enugu-Onitsha expressway is undergoing quality reconstruction.

“Sukuk bond proceed is being used to fix federal roads across the zone, including Enugu-Porthrcourt roads; we have had a fair share of appointments, compare these with

the less 200, 000 votes the president got here.

“President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) is a phenomenon that will not be easy to oust, I am not sure any opposition can generate the required number to defeat him, I have a feeling he will win, so let’s be part of the victory,” he said.

On his ambition, he said he was the best man for the job because of his versed understanding of the collective challenges of the constituency.

He said he was undaunted about running on APC in state that was dominated by APGA, stressing that his credibility, capacity, and acceptability would count for him.

“I agree with you that APC is not popular here but that is largely because it has been misrepresented and de-marketed here.

“This election is not going to be party politics; credibility, capacity, qualification are what will matter.

“It will be wrong to say that unqualified people should represent us because they belong to a party we believe in, our people must understand that mediocrity should give way to merit. I am in a better position to get the most of what is in the federal budget for my people.

“Principal offices and committee heads are shared on the basis of majority party and the biggest minority; the most popular party here is a minority within the minority, so we must hook on to the national grid,” he said.

UDP candidate assures people of qualitative health care in Enugu State

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andidate of the United Democratic Party (UDP) in Enugu State, Pastor Donatus Obi, has assured of qualitative health care and social welfare for the elderly and the less privileged in the state, if elected.

Ozoemena gave this assurance while flagging-off his campaign officially in Enugu on Monday.

“My administration will revamp the health care system for the benefit of all, as well as provide social welfare for the elderly and the less privileged in the state. Now is the time to provide clean drinkable water to prevent water borne diseases.

“Now is the time to bring stable electricity to the people so as to make businesses thrive. Enough of joblessness among our youths in the streets,’’ he added.

“I have spent a good part of my life working in the United States, where we usually confront problems, analyse them for clear understanding, find solutions to them

and put mechanisms into actions to resolve them.

“I will bring solution and relief to the many years of suffering of our people in the state’’.

On the rotation of governorship among the three senatorial zones in the state, the UDP flag bearer said it was a joke to sacrifice character and competence, which are the ingredients of great leadership, on the altar of zoning.

Earlier, the state chairman of the UDP, Chief Jideofor Ngene, said his party would provide empowerment, build strong and durable infrastructures and create an enabling environment for the people to live and do their businesses.

“We shall carry everyone along and leave no one behind, as we go to work to bring restoration, dignity, progress, prosperity and greatness to our land. I encourage you all to place your hands on deck, as we place our greatness as a state in the map of the world,’’ he said.

• Wife of Lagos State Governor and chairman of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, (COWLSO), Mrs. Bolanle Ambode (left) flanked by other members in attendance at the group’s Annual Thanksgiving Service at Government House Chapel, Alausa, Ikeja, weekend

Collapse of 7-storey building: Wike directs setting up of Commission of Inquiry

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ivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has directed the State Attorney-General to set up a Commission of Inquiry to ascertain the remote and immediate causes of the collapse of the Private 7-storey building at Woji road, New GRA in Port Harcourt.

Governor Wike described the building collapse as a sad development, which has led to the painful loss of lives.

He said: “I feel so pained that we have to face this kind of calamity at this time. I commiserate with the families that have lost their loved ones who came to seek their daily bread.

“Government will do all it can to give them the necessary support. I have directed the Attorney-General of Rivers State to ensure that all legal steps are taken to do what is right within the ambit of the law “.

The governor ordered the imme-

diate arrest of the owner of the collapsed building, saying that the State Government will bring all culprits to book.

“Whoever that approved this structure and those involved in the construction will face the law. Government will take every necessary step to ensure that culprits are brought to justice .

“Whoever is involved, from the owner or the contractor or the officials of the state, they will face the full weight of the law “, he said.

Speaking when he led top government officials to visit the site of the collapsed 7-storey building on Sunday, Governor Wike noted that all officials of the Rivers State Government who defaulted in their duties will be sanctioned.

The governor was accompanied by his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike and top government

officials.

He said: “Government will take steps to acquire this property. We cannot allow this illegality. If you look at masterplan of this area, a 7-storey building is not allowed here”.

Governor Wike commended the construction giants, security agencies and non-governmental organisations for working with the Rivers State Government to carry out rescue operations at the site of the building collapse.

It will be recalled that the 7-storey building at Woji road collapsed on Friday, with the Rivers State Government mobilising emergency services to rescue trapped persons.

As at last Sunday, 38 persons have been rescued, while six persons have been confirmed dead.

The governor directed that rescue operations should continue.

Eze promises Buhari 90% of Enugu votes

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enator Ayogu Eze has promised to deliver 90% of Enugu State votes in the presidential election to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Eze, former Chairman of the Senate Committees on Information and Works, who is also the APC governorship candidate for Enugu State, spoke as Vice President Yemi Osinbajo commissioned Buhari’s campaign office and Eze’s in Enugu last Friday.

“The campaign has not started for us yet, “ he said in reference to the governorship campaign that begins on December 2.

“Nobody should crawl to Abuja and promise you 25%. Don’t listen to them, you already have 90% of the votes

here,” Senator Eze told the Vice President in a message to President Buhari.

From commissioning the office, the Vice President attended the official launch of a book on Sullivan Chime, former Governor of Enugu State, and leader of APC in the State, written by Mr. Tony Onyima, former MD/Editorin-Chief of Sun Newspapers and former Commissioner for information, Anambra State. ...Nigeria deserves the best, says Osinbajo In his remarks, Vice President Osinbajo said Nigeria deserves good leadership, stressing that this need for

good leadership is the reason APC has promised to take the country to the next level.

“The President is committed to the development of the South East. Second Niger Bridge is a landmark in Africa. The foundation is like a 12-storey building,” he told the cheering crowd.

“In terms of industry, the South East is the prime place. It is not a favour to have federal presence and other favours in the South East, it is your right,” Professor Osinbajo said as he cut the tape to commission Senator Eze’s Choice 2019 Campaign Organisation office in Enugu, which is housed in the same building as President Buhari’s campaign office.

Okowa presents staff of office to new Warri monarch

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elta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, Monday, presented staff of office to the Orosuen of Okere Urhobo Warri Kingdom, Prof. Paul Okumagba, Idama ll.

The event took place 11 years after the death of the late traditional ruler, Benjamin Okumagba in Warri South Local Government Area of the state.

The new monarch, Prof. Okumagba is a renowned professor of Sociology from the Delta State University, Abraka.

Okowa who was represented by

his deputy, Kingsley Otuaro congratulated the monarch on his selection and subsequent recognition as the Orosuen of Okere Urhobo Kingdom.

The governor urged the monarch to entrench peace in the Warri metropolis.

He also advised the people of Okere Urhobo to resolve their differences and cooperate with the monarch to achieve sustainable peace and progress in the kingdom.

“The Orosuen is one of you and it is a win-win situation for all the peo-

ple of Okere Urhobo, Warri.

“No doubt, government is aware of some pockets of dissenting voices in the processes leading to today’s ceremony.

“I sincerely urge you to give him your fullest support and cooperation for sustainable peace and progress of the kingdom.

“Your Royal Majesty, you are the father of all your subjects, so you should be fair to all and sundry, as the custodian of the tradition of your people, it is important that you uphold the sanctity of their cus-

tom,’’ he said.

He appealed to the traditional ruler to imbibe democratic virtues and consultation in his dealings with the people.

The Chairman, Warri South Local Government Council, Dr. Micheal Tidi, who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Mrs Ann Iniovosa, urged the people of Okere Urhobo to unite to fast track development in the area.

Earlier, the Otota (Traditional Prime Minister) of Okere Urhobo Kingdom, Wilson Eboh, gave the as-

surance that the reign of the royal father would be peaceful and attract development.

He however appealed to Okowa to construct the Ejemudaro Road where the Orosuen Palace is situated, among other roads in the kingdom.

Several traditional rulers across the state including the Orodje of Okpe, Orhue 1, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Abe 1, religious leaders and government functionaries attended the event.

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POLITICS

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

Abia State In Abia State, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has a lot to do to overcome the challenge posed by Uche Ogah of APC and Alex Otti of APGA. Indeed, these two are a handful for the ebullient governor of God’s Own State, who is very familiar with their electoral ma. Following disputations over the 2015 election, Otti approached and got a judgment at the Appeal Court against Ikpeazu whose office was to be saved, on two occasions, by the Supreme Court.

In December 2016, an Appeal Court declared the APGA candidate Otti winner of the April 11, 2015 governorship election in Abia State.

The court in its ruling ordered the swearing in of Otti, as governor of Abia State and asked Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu to vacate the office.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had he also had his victory upheld by the Election Tribunal.

Dr. Ikpeazu of the Peoples Democratic Party was Similarly, in June 2016, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja nullified the election of Dr. Ikpeazu, and ordered him to vacate office immediately.

Justice Okon Abang who gave the judgment also asked the Independent National Electoral Commission to issue a certificate of return to Mr. Uche Ogah who contested against Ikpeazu for the People’s Democratic Party’s governorship ticket in December 2014.

Ogah had accused Ikpeazu’s of submitting false information in his tax clearance certificate to the party during the governorship primaries in the state.

Abang ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue a certificate of return to Ogah as the duly elected governor of Abia.

Abang held that the tax clearance certificate and income tax receipts submitted by Ikpeazu were unknown to the law and made him ineligible to contest the poll, adding that the documents so submitted to INEC before the 2014 PDP primaries contained false information.

It is instructive that these two are, four years after, back as Ikpeazu’s fiercest challengers for the position of Abia First Citizen. Which is to say that Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, governor of Abia State, may not exactly be walking on an easy street in the run-up to the 2019 governorship election in God’s Own State.

Anambra State Although there will be no governorship election in Anambra State next year, the electoral fortunes of those contesting the Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly elections in the State deserve some examination.

Anambra may parade a multiplicity of ‘solid’ candidates from a multiplicity of parties but the fact remains that only three parties actually matter too in Anambra. And they are APC, APGA and PDP (in alphabetical order). Of the three, APGA is in a self-inflicted mess, no thanks to the inability of its leadership to manage its huge electoral and existential success.

After Willy Obiano’s blistering victory in the November 28, 2017 governorship in the Light of the Nation/Home for All, APGA became a beautiful bride not only in Igbo land but also in other parts of the country as well, with notable political figures raring to fly its flag in next year’s general election. But, in an inexplicable squandering of opportunities and goodwill, APGA leadership decided that it paid the party more to be sold to the highest bidder than to be used to win elections. And, so it decided to sell its tickets to the self-same highest bidders! And lost much of its goodwill in

South East 2019: No platter-of-gold victory for parties Until very recently, many a pundit was almost certain how the political pendulum would swing in the South East come 2019. For instance, it was assumed, rightly or wrongly (wrongly now) that despite Owelle Rochas Okorocha’s rhetoric, he would still do the needful by getting a saleable candidate that would clinch victory for APC in Imo State. It was almost as certain as sunrise that Abia, Ebony and Enugu would go back to the ruling PDP, in power in the three since 1999. But not any more; nothing is so predictable any more. Since the party primary elections in October, the permutations have changed greatly, so much so that those who were hitherto sure of victory would appear to have become rather unnerved by the tenor of current politics in their area. IZUNNA EZENWA reports

•Ikpeazu the process.

Until recently, it had become the norm for politicians, especially in Anambra, to defect from other parties to APGA because the party whose flag the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu flew as a presidential candidate had become a party to beat. Not anymore.

Pundits believe that APC and PDP may well have become the party once again, what with Peter Obi, the running mate to the presidential flag-bearer of the party, providing the focused leadership

•Obiano that the party needs to prepare it to win election—in Anambra. No tears for the ‘Igbo Party’ because it brought its current woes upon itself.

Ebonyi State In Ebonyi State, neither the All Progressives Congress (APC) nor the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is expected to present a tough challenge to Governor David Umahi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). While the crisis in the Ebonyi APC has weakened the

party considerably, the failure of APGA to present a credible candidate for the governorship election in Ebonyi has also made matters much easier for Governor Umahi.

The state executives of APGA had on the 21st of September in a letter of notification to INEC, National Chairman and National Secretary of the party, notified them of the impeachment of the State Chairman, Mr Ricky Okoro-Uka for allegedly working for the opposition.

Cont’d on page 10

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The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

POLITICS

No platter-of-gold victory for parties

•Umahi Cont’d from page 9 The APGA faithful in Ebonyi State were aggrieved that their preferred candidate, Rev Paschal Gold Nwaigwe, a popular youth leader who was said to have spent a lot of money reorganizing the party in Ebonyi State preparatory to challenging Governor Dave Umahi, was frustrated out of the party, by both State and national party leaders, allegedly at the behest of Governor Umahi.

It was claimed that APGA was among the parties the governor allegedly bought over with N2 million each at the controversial meeting of all parties with Gov Umahi, who has been accused of manipulating the party in Ebonyi State with the connivance of the national leadership.

Although, Senator Sonni Ogbuoji, who represents Ebonyi South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, emerged the governorship candidate of the APC in Ebonyi State, the crisis that preceded that primary election is yet to be resolved.

Only last Saturday, one of the governorship aspirants, Prof Benard Odoh, accused the party leadership of not doing enough to resolve the crisis caused by the governorship primary Odoh was among eight other aspirants Ogbuoji defeated in the bloody APC governorship primary in Ebonyi, to pick the party’s governorship ticket for next year’s general election. He garnered 785 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Bernard Odoh, who polled 519 votes.

But, Odoh is in court seeking the nullification of the result of the governorship primary which produced Ogbuoji as the party’s candidate.

Worried that at a time when other political parties are preparing for 2019, the APC is still enmeshed in crisis, Odoh agonised: “We are not doing as much as required to resolve the issues. The absence of shared vision is a key challenge.”

However, according to a newspaper

•Ugwuanyi report, Ogbuoji, who spoke through the Director of Media and Publicity of his campaign organisation, Mr Ikenna Emewu, has described Odoh’s actions as “anti-party”, noting that the professor of Geology is the only aggrieved person among seven others who contested the governorship primary with him.

Ogbuoji explained that apart from the steps the party leadership had taken to unite everybody, he had personally reached out to Odoh to join hands in preparing the party for election to no avail.

The situation in Ebonyi as the 2019 electioneering gathers momentum is like this: APGA has no candidate, APC is in crisis, so who will stop Umahi?

Enugu State Enugu presents a very interesting scenario. Until very recently, in fact only three months ago (August 16th to be precise) when Senator Ayogu Eze joined the APC, the party existed only in name in the Coal-City State. The PDP had a field day, with many its faithful and ordinary citizens alike practically looking forward to the re-election of incumbent Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi virtually unopposed. APC was practically an appendage of the PDP in the State with allegations rife that many of the leading lights of the party were on the payroll of the State government.

However, the narrative changed once Senator Eze, former Chairman of the Senate Committees on Information and Works, entered the scene, bringing with him purpose and dynamism into the party that was hitherto in dire need of direction. Today, with Eze as the governorship candidate of the APC in Enugu State, the opposition has become strong and more focused and the PDP is certainly no longer thinking of a walkover. The ruling party is preparing for election. And in an election, either side prepares and aims to win.

As one newspaper reported Eze’s entry into APC: “Eze’s membership of the APC caused wild celebration in the party,

•Okorocha as members see him as a strong force in Enugu, especially as they believe that his entry will give a push to the campaign to dislodge the PDP in Enugu State.

“Political watchers say Eze’s entry will alter political calculations in the state ahead of 2019 general election.

“Associates of the Senator told our reporters that it took a lot on their part to convince him to switch loyalty to the APC, arguing that their selling point was emphasis on the need to take Enugu State back to the mainstream of Nigerian politics as a way of ending the cry of marginalisation by the people.”

With Senator Eze joining other notable sons of Enugu, like former governor of Old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo; former governor of Enugu State, Sullivan Chime; former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, former Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Eugene Odo, among others, who had earlier defected to the APC, all is set for an epic political battle in the Coal-City State, hitherto a safe haven for the ruling PDP in Enugu State.

On his chances, Eze said in an interview: “You know that campaign has not started, but, let me give you a tip of the iceberg, to make you believe that the Federal Government is behind our plan to take all the elective positions.

“It was not up to two days when I joined APC and the Vice President Osinbajo welcomed me. President Muhammadu Buhari received me and also, the national chairman of the party received me in his office.

“What I’m saying is that our campaign in the state is not for governor alone but for all the elective positions. If the governor should go to Government House alone, cold might kill him.

“What we are going to do is politics of score-check; to take all the 24 House of Assembly members in the state, eight members of the House of Representatives and three senators, so that it will be complete victory.

“We will bring APC to Enugu state and deliver South East also.”

Eze promised to create 200,000 jobs within his first one year in office, adding that he would also make the state a hub of tourism and agricultural production in Nigeria, among others.

Imo State The battle line is drawn between the PDP and the Accord Party of which former Governor Ikedi Ohakim is governorship candidate. APC is broiled in a crisis of confidence that is likely to harm the party electorally. Even though the party and INEC have confirmed the candidature of Senator Hope Uzodinma as the party’s flag-bearer in the forthcoming governorship election, Governor Rochas Okorocha who is fronting his son-in-law to succeed, is fighting tooth and nail to have Uzodinma replaced with his son-in-law Uche Nwosu.

It is not clear how that is going to happen since the time for substitution of candidates has since elapsed. But, what is clear is that APC leaders from both sides appear ready to pull down the roof rather than allow one tendency prevail over the other. What that may mean, in the end, is that APC may end up with a governorship candidate in the election. If that happens, the race is open, it would appear, for PDP and Accord. With PDP and APGA also broiled in their own crises, could this mean a walkover victory for Ikeddy Ohakim?

The point of all this is the unpredictability of politics, indeed, of all social dynamics. As they say, never say never! If anyone had told someone in Enugu that APC would be such a threat to PDP in the State in the run-up to a crucial governorship election; or that Accord Party would be one to reckon with in Imo State where Okorocha and APC once loomed larger than life, such prognosis would be dismissed as political ballyhoo. But, this is reality check: the once formidable platforms are dissembling while those hitherto highly despised are rising to become the parties to beat.

2019 will show how long these emerging changes would endure.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

POLITICS

‘My Transition Hours’: How Buhari’s aide, Gov. Shettima goofed over Jonathan’s book

By IKECHUKWU EZE

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t is obvious from the pattern of deleterious comments from certain quarters since the successful public presentation of ‘My Transition Hours’, a book by Dr. Goodluck Jonathan that a comprehensive plan to discredit the book is afoot. However, since facts don’t lie, the plot shall come to nought, just as the sustained propaganda blitzkrieg against the author and all he stands for, has failed to dampen enthusiasm and respect for his legacies.

On Wednesday Nigerians were treated to a noisy but feeble defence by Borno Governor Kashim Shettima who, only ended up showcasing a jaded ritual of chest-thumbing, rather than offer plausible explanations for the ignoble roles he played in worsening the Boko Haram tragedy in his home state. In the past four years, he has been living in denial, towing an evasive path he has cleverly beaten for himself. What he may not know is that he is only walking the path of a villain.

Once demand is made on him to explain why he deliberately ignored both the directive of both the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for Governors to keep candidates in the affected locations out of harm’s way by relocating them to safer areas for their exams, he goes asking for the release of the report of Gen. Ibrahim Sabo-led facts-finding committee set up by President Jonathan.

He repeated that twaddle Wednesday in his unconvincing tirade against a chapter that dealt with Boko Haram and the 2014 kidnap of Chibok Girls in President Jonathan’s book.

He made the same demand when pressed in December 2017 to explain his poor choices that resulted in the abduction of the girls.

He probably thinks that challenging former President Goodluck Jonathan to publish the findings of the committee which, in any case, he is privy to, is a smart way of hiding his lapses.

If it was bad enough that ignoring the directive meant deliberately exposing the girls other school children to danger, it was utterly reprehensible that when the girls eventually got kidnapped the Governor refused to cooperate with the federal government during the search and rescue efforts.

He is on record to have boasted that he did not contact the President until 19 days after the abduction had taken place. One other of such clearly senseless behaviour was his ill-advised roller coaster trip to America and Europe soon after the girls were abducted; a development that pushed a bemused foreign journalist to ask him what he was doing abroad at a time his home was burning.

It is puzzling that the Governor continues to hide behind the cover of the report of the Presidential Committee, rather than explain his actions. He should please publish the report or any document he has that either absolved him of indiscretion or gave him credit for his actions on the Chibok School Girl’s saga.

Similarly, Senior special Assistant on media and publicity to the President, Garba Shehu towed a revisionist path when he claimed that Jonathan’s anti-corruption records couldn’t be substantiated. Has he forgotten that facts don’t lie? The only credible and globally recognized anti-corruption marker is Transparency International. Nigeria’s best ranking in TI’s corruption perception index still remains her placing in 2014, under President Jonathan, as the 136th out of all the countries ranked. This is far better than the last position recorded under the present government where Nigeria was ranked as number 148, a decline that took the nation 12 places backward.

Rather than continue to raise a false banner of piety which apparently is no longer working, this administration would have served

•Jonathan

•Garba Shehu itself and the country better by understudying the success nuggets of its predecessors.

Only then will they learn that Jonathan was able to do this through effective implementation of sound economic policies and institutional anti-corruption measures established by his administration.

Part of the successful tools established by Jonathan to fight corruption included the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System, IPPIS, which weeded out 50,000 ghost federal workers and saved the country N15 billion monthly. The institutional framework also included the establishment of such mechanisms as the treasury single account (TSA), and bank verification number (BVN), vital anti-corruption tools which are now shamelessly being appropriated by those that inherited them.

There is no doubt that Jonathan provided focused leadership on the economic front, through institutional and sectoral reforms which impacted positively on the fundamen-

•Buhari

•Chief Innocent Chukwuma tals for growth. Having sowed wisely, the Jonathan administration reaped bountifully by keeping inflation at a single digit, growing Nigeria’s economy to become the largest in Africa with a GDP of over half a trillion US dollars, and becoming the number one foreign direct investment destination on the continent.

All those were achieved because there were credible and sustainable economic programmes that were quite appealing to both local investors and the global business community.

It is a known fact that businesses, growth and economic well-being shy away from corrupt territories. Doesn’t the fact that Nigeria has regressed to become the country with the highest number of poor people on earth, with tens of millions of jobs lost in less than four years, tell us something about where we now stand as a nation on anti-corruption fight?

Don’t keep digging if you find yourself in a

deep hole. This is our advice to those who fail to embrace the truth, even as their baseless integrity posturing has only succeeded in making Nigeria the poverty capital of the world.

Again, I urge them to bear in mind that no economy thrives where corruption is either rife or being concealed. So, those who rile and snap at Jonathan because he presented his scorecard in a book should provide their own numbers and statistics to counter his claim. In trying to do so, Nigerians would want to know what they have done about the high profile corruption allegations involving such individuals as Abdurahman Maina, Babachir Lawal, as well as sundry allegations of multi billion-dollar sleaze involving such institutions as the NNPC, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) under this administration.

•EZE, Media Adviser to Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, sent this piece from Abuja

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The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

NEWS Vote Atiku to redeem Nigeria’s battered image – Group urges Deltans EMMANUEL OGOIGBE, Warri

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o-coordinator, Atiku Campaign Flow, Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, Hon. Monday Onovughakpor has pleaded with Nigerians to vote en mass for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in February Presidential election, insisting that Atiku will redeem the image of the country and wipe away tears from the eyes of Nigerians.

According to him, Nigerians have been facing untold hardship since

the last 36 months, stressing that the most populous black nation in the world must not be ridicule by the present bad government, rather, effort should be made to make Nigeria a strong and virile nation among the comity of nations.

Onovughakpor, who stated this during the mass defection of scores of All Progressives congress (APC) members to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the locality, explaining that the event is a clear testimo-

ny of the dwindling situation prevailing the country.

He told newsmen shortly after the event that attracted thousands of PDP faithful across the state, the PDP being the biggest political party in Africa will surely redeem the battered image of the country occasioned by President Muhammadu Buhari’s led APC government.

While calling for mass support for state Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s second tenure, Onovughakpor, further

assured that the Governor should be brought back to office to complete the good work he has started.

The PDP Stalwart however enjoined Nigerians not to sell their vote and conscience with money, adding, “What we need now is a capable man who can save the country from misrule, mass killings of both soldiers and defenseless Nigerians, hunger and untold hardship.”

Earlier, one of the defectors, Hon (Barrister) Misan Ukubeinje, told

DPR discovers 50 illegal filling stations in Akwa Ibom

Okowa calls for stringent measures to check gas flaring

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epartment of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Eket office says it had discovered 50 illegal filling stations in the state.

Operations Controller of DPR in Akwa Ibom, Mr Tamunoiminabo Kingsley-Sundaye, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Eket on Monday.

He explained that the illegal filling stations refused to obtain Federal Government licenses nor follow due process in their construction.

He added that the filling stations were built without appropriate approval by the department in the state.

“There are 50 illegal filling stations in the state. We have come to a point in this country where people have decided to do things that are wrong. When I resume a year ago, we observed that there are some fuel stations that are built without appropriate approvals from the department,” he said.

He said that when building filling stations, there are things that are considered such as engineering design, safety, earth considerations and social economy of the area.

He condemned marketers that build filling stations that share boundaries with markets, schools, hospitals, saying that such stations would affect the economy of the area.

He warned marketers that site filling stations before coming to DPR for consideration to desist from it.

He said that the department had sensitised the marketers who are involved to come to DPR office for reassessment and appropriate documentation.

“We have compiled those names and send them to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) to take appropriate actions,” he said.

Kingsley-Sundaye said that the department was working with law enforcement agencies and the state government to dismantle illegal filling stations in the state.

“We will work with the state government to dismantle illegal filling stations in the state and the department was working towards getting rid of those stations,” Kingsley-Sundaye said.

He noted that owners of such stations have violated the Petroleum Act of 1969 which says that nobody can sell or store Petroleum product in Nigeria without federal government license.

the mammoth crowd, which included the state Deputy Governor, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro, party chieftains, that they decided to come back home to PDP because the APC does not have structures to lead the country to the promised land.

“Infact, the APC led government has failed woefully to address the hardship and security challenges faced by Nigerians, hence we decided to come back to our original fold”, said Ukubenije two-time commissioner in the state.

From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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• Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (left) with the Founder/Coordinator of Women Movement for Gburugburu, Barr. Mrs. Christiana Onah (Ijele Nwanyi), when the women group held a solidarity/endorsement rally in support of the governor’s re-election bid, in Nsukka, recently

Ayade advocates review of WAEC examination methods From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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ross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade has called for a review of the examination methodology used by the West African Examinations Council stressing that the Council should place emphasis on the practical aspect of administering examinations.

Professor Ayade made the call in Calabar in a keynote address he presented during the 56th National Council Meeting of the body in Calabar.

According to the governor,” WAEC must realize that we must shift from question setting to practical implementation of knowledge. Don’t take a child into a biology class and spend time teaching him biology, let him have the experience of biology by emphasizing the practical aspect so that exams will be experiential.

“For instance, when a teach you European History, even in primary school, they take you to that Berlin Wall and you gain the experience.

The practical exposure is so key and unfortunately, there are no practicals anymore in our schools.

“A student makes A1 in Geography and has not been outside his local government, that is not good. WAEC must realize that there should be a practical component, every subject has a practical component and the practical component is the real examination.

“Until we adjust our teaching,

learning and examination, we will continue to do that which is wrong. If WAEC does not change the teaching methods, we will continue to proliferate schools that produce people who have no practical value to society”.

Professor Ayade emphasized that we must inculcate life experiences in our curriculum and ensure that our students who are preparing for examinations have vast experiences so that they can add value to society.

Earlier in her address, the Chairman of the Nigeria National Committee of WAEC, Lami Amadu said the body was in Calabar to organize its 56th Annual meeting.

She said as part of the activities, selected schools in the state, dedicated members of its staff as well as students who excelled with distinction will be honoured as part of the activities.

According to her, the schools were selected for the price in view of their academic excellence and the staff of the organisation was rewarded for also contributing immensely to the development of education in the country.

“The three best schools in WASSCE for school certificates, 2017 in cross river state will be presented with the WAEC Endowment Fund Book Prize worth 5,000 united states dollars.

“Also, the three best candidates in the WASSCE for School Certificates, 2017 in Nigeria will be honoured with the National Distinctions Award accompanied with cash prizes.

“These awards are not based on academic excellence alone but the schools were also found not to have been involved in any form of examination malpractice during the WASSCE for school candidates, 2017.

“The award is the council’s way of expressing appreciation and gratitude to dedicated staff who have contributed to the council’s success and growth, without compromising integrity.

“The staff who are to be honoured today have had to endure difficult and enduring circumstances, sometimes at the risk of their lives, to carry out the council’s assignments in Nigeria. Posterity will continue to appreciate their immense contributions to the sustenance of educational standards I our country”, she said.

She said the examinations body in Nigeria has achieved 100% migration from paper-based to electronic enrolment of candidates for its examinations and has deployed the Quick Response Code (QR-Code) on its certificates thereby making it impossible to falsify certificates issued by the council.

In his remarks, the governor of cross river state, Ben Ayade commended WAEC for its strides and charged the body to deploy more practical in its assessment to broaden the knowledge of students.

He earlier donated two pick up vans to the body to help it serve the nation better.

elta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has urged the Federal Government to put stringent measures in place to discourage gas flaring.

He stated that the call was necessary as such moves will create job opportunities and curb environmental hazards arising from gas flaring.

Governor Okowa made the call in Asaba when participants of Course 41 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji led by Major-General Felix Edafioghor paid him a courtesy visit.

According to the governor, “if you go to where gas is flared, which is still very common, you will understand why we need to be more serious about taking decisions as to stop the flaring.”

“Stopping gas flaring will be so much better for our people, because, the flared gas in itself has already destroyed the environment, not just the natural habitat in terms of farming, it has also polluted very badly the air that we breathe and only God knows the level of damage that it has caused and we believe that the laws must be implemented in such a manner that gas flaring is not just tied up to fines because, as long as gas flaring is tied up to fines and the oil companies begin to realise that it may be cheaper or easier to pay the fines than to stop the flare of gas, then, we obviously are not discouraging them,” he stated.

The governor continued, “I am aware that a lot has been done in the last few years but, there is a lot more that can be done because, the gas that we flare can generate a lot of imcome for the oil companies if only it can be properly utilized, so, we must stay on our laws and ensure that we do what is right and stop tying the issue of gas flaring to fines because, the continuing tying of gas flaring to fines is injurious to our people and our environment.”

He decried the attitude of some of the oil companies to their nonchalant attitude to the effect of gas exploration activities on the environment saying, “the oil economy has impacted negatively on our environment because, in the course of exploration the environment has greatly been damaged and this has also been worsened by the regularity of illegal bunkering that takes place in the state to which a lot of damage is done to our environment and that in itself constitutes both an agricultural hazard and also health hazard to the people.”

While commending the visiting team to Delta State, Governor Okowa observed that their findings will be useful to the government and people of the state and used the occasion to inform the team about some of the achievements of his administration in the area of job creation and infrastructure development.

Earlier, Major-General Edafighor had told the governor and members of the state executive council that the team was in the state for an environmental study tour as part of the fulfilment of their training programme.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

NEWS

Group advocates assistance for disabled women From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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omen with Disabilities have appealed for help from the public to enable them to empower their members to selfreliant through having sustainable means of livelihood.

The Advocacy for Women With Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI), Abia State chapter which made the appeal, financial or material donations helps the group to empower her members.

Chairperson of AWWDI, Ezinne Margaret Nwaogbo, said during the 10th year anniversary of the group in Umuahia that AWWDI develops and empowers her members by equipping them with sustainable means of livelihood, adding that any philanthropic gesture for the group is channeled towards this goal and called on public-spirited individuals to always show interest in the welfare of the disabled.

She promised that Abia AWWDI leaders would continue striving to sustain the group founded and nurtured by British humanitarian worker, Rosalind Nkechi Colwel.

“AWWDI, Abia State chapter, was founded by Rosalind Nkechi Colwel.

She had donations and assistance from different quarters with which she helped the women to cope with their disabilities,” adding some of them now manage their disabilities that they have been able to join politics.

She commended the state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, for appointing Glory Ukpong, his Special Adviser on Female Disability Matters. She equally commended the governor’s wife, Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu, for touching lives of the down-trodden in the state through her non-governmental organisation, Vicar Hope Foundation.

“We thank you so far for the work you have done for women in Abia state. Your NGO, Vicar Hope Foundation, has touched lives in many areas of the state. We are aware of the provision of houses for widows in all the 17 local government areas of the state.

“You have paid hospital bills for those who cannot afford it. Your HIV/AIDS programmes and also the school meals programmes are very thoughtful and healthy in the lives of our children who through it, are sure of at least one good meal a day,” she eulogized Mrs Ikpeazu.

Earlier in her remarks, the chairman of the occasion and vision coordinator, Groom Base Outreach Ministries, Evangelist (Mrs.) Queen Ngozi Obioma, noted that those without disabilities who promote the welfare of the disabled, was like a light bearer to them.

Mrs Obioma urged AWWDI members to hold tenaciously to God as He would always provide their needs.

Also, a leader of Peace Self Help Group, Mrs. Bridget Chukwu, advised disabled women yet to join the group to do so, saying that AWWDI has strengthened their belief that “there is ability in disability,” even in the midst of rejection.

“I am calling on women with disabilities, who are yet to join AWWDI to do so.

“Most of our members were brought from the road sides but today, they are happy belonging to this group”.

Highlights of the occasion were the presentation of a special award “The Defender of the Vulnerable” to Rosalind Nkechi Colwel and the launch of a song book for the disabled.

NDE lifts 11, 000 MSMEs with N110m From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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ational Directorate of Employment (NDE) is set to empower about 11, 000 operators in the micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMSs) in the country under the Micro Enterprise Enhancement Scheme (MEES).

Director-General of NDE, Dr. Nasiru Mohammed Ladan Argungu, who revealed this in Umuahia, said each of the businesses would receive N10, 000. Argungu also disclosed that recently, NDE empowered over 20,000 women across the six geo-political zones of the country trained in cosmetology.

According to Argungu who was in Umuahia for the flag-off and orientation of the 2018 Environmental Beautification Training Scheme (EBTS) programme in Abia State, the directorate has concluded plans to organise basic business refresher course for 185,000 unemployed

persons wishing to access the Central Bank of Nigeria Agri-Business Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS) loans nationwide by training 50 persons per state under the Sustainable Agricultural Development Training Scheme, (SADTS).

Still enumerating steps being taken by the directorate to reduce unemployment in the country, Argungu said that under the Vocational Skills Development, (VSD), 11,100 youths and women would be trained in quick-win demand-driven skill sets nationwide; with 1,200 to be trained in Advanced National Open Apprenticeship Scheme in 24 States and the Federal Capital Territory; 650 in school-on-wheels in 13 States and 25,900 in cosmetology nationwide.

Represented at the flag-off ceremony by the Abia State Coordinator of NDE, Lady Buchi Ojei, Argungu in his keynote address, said that most

recently, NDE engaged 50 persons per state under the (EBTS) with the aim of reducing unemployment and poverty to its barest minimum and enthrone self-sufficiency and selfreliance among the Nigerian population.

During the EBTS programme, the trainees will be trained on landscaping and designing; floor and wall tiling; Plaster of Paris, fixing and maintenance of interlocking stones, kerbs and soft landscaping, among others.

He expressed optimism that before long, the trainees would, through multiplier effect, create several other jobs that would impacting on the real sector of the economy.

He said that using skills acquisition to build employability was crucial for realizing the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), as using skills acquisition as tool for employability and poverty reduction would create and provide a sure path to

sustainable national growth and development”.

The NDE DG described vocational skills as central to human survival, he said “vocational skills is also a vehicle for a person to reassert one’s own dignity, occupy a productive place and feel useful and contribute positively to the family and society at large.”

Argungu urged the Abia trainees to use the opportunity to make themselves useful to their families, communities and the nation.

Head of Department, Special Works which is overseeing the EBTS training, Mr. Albert Onuoha, said that measures have been put in place for the training to commence in earnest and charged the trainees not to exhibit high level of commitment.

Commending NDE for the programme on behalf of the 2018 EBTS batch, Miss Joy Akilo, promised that they would be obedient.

Chekwas Okorie’s endorsement of Buhari not in Igbo’s interest -- Igboezue chieftain

By Oliver Udeogu

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• (Second left): HRH Eze Amadi Azuogu, Igwe Igboezue Chief John Ofodum, National President Igboezue International Eld Pius Okoye and State Chairman Igboezue Hon Anselem Okonkwo at Oraukwu during the coronation ceremony of Igwe Oraukwu... Photo by Oliver Udeogu

Lockout: Anambra Assembly factional speaker drags Obiano, others, to court From Chuks Collins, Awka

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embers of the Anambra State House of Assembly have dragged Gov Willie Obiano, the State Commissioner of Police, Garba Umar, and others to court for the continued closure of the Assembly complex.

Speaker- Ikem Uzoezie who spoke to journalists described as mere wishful thinking by anyone contemplating that the former Speaker -Rita Maduagwu would ever be Speaker of the Assembly again.

According to him, “nothing would revert the impeachment of Maduagwu that was carried out on 13th of November by no fewer than 25 out of the 30 members of the House.” She was accused of highhandedness, incompetence, financial impropriety and gross misconduct.

He described the sealing of the State Assembly complex by the police on the instructions of the state government as “executive lawlessness, recklessness and madness”.

The State’s lawmakers, he admitted must be liberated from being stooges to the executive arm, hence the lawsuit against the police commissioner and Obiano which

would commence within the week.

The involvement of the Police which he also described as illegal and unlawful has already been brought to the notice of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Hear Uzoezie, “The police are well aware that what they are doing is illegal. We’ve drawn the attention of the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, the Anambra CP to the Legislative Activities Act 2017 that was assented to by the President, Muhammadu Buhari, telling them that their action is unconstitutional.

“That their action is an attack on the institution of democracy and that there is a jail term to it if they so persist to seal the complex.

“By Monday (today) our processes will be in court. We have briefed our lawyers on what to do. On Monday, both the police and the executive will meet us in court.

“We only require basic police presence to safeguard government property and not sealing off of our premises and restrict our members and staff from having access to their offices and workplaces which we find so disheartening at this point in time”.

He said his group had also written to the National Assembly (NASS)

drawing its attention to the police action in Anambra, believing that the NASS would intervene and stop the invasion of the state assemblies under any form or guise.

Emphasizing, Uzoezie said: “This is third and last time. Two times in the past the governor intervened.

No she has been impeached. There is no going back; no further remedy or intervention. Like the Bible says, what’s written is written. The only thing left to her now is to manage her remaining days in the Assembly as a bona fide member, just like all of us”, he added.

Maduagwu in her reaction described her impeachment as a “bundle of illegality” that fell short of the constitutional requirements for such action to succeed.

She maintained that her office and position remained sacrosanct and that nobody can remove her because she did not commit any offence. She has remained on the run since Nov 13, 2018 and has not been seen in Awka ever since.

Other members who spoke to journalists urged Gov Obiano to caution himself, taken a lesson from the Judiciary and respect the sanctity of the trinity separation of powers.

ational President of the Igboezue International association of Nigeria and in the Diaspora IIAND, Elder Pius Uchenna Okoye had flayed the statement credited to Chief Chekwas Okorie, the founder of Igboezue Cultural Advancement Initiative.

Chief Chekwas Okorie who is also founder of the United Progressive Party (UPP) in a press conference in Enugu had said the national leadership and Board of Trustees of Igboezue Cultural Advancement Initiative endorsed the second term bid of President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 general elections.

Speaking with newsmen in Onitsha, Okoye said Chekwas Okorie was on his own and speaking for neither IIAND nor Ndigbo, as he further maintained that his association has not endorsed any Presidential Candidate as they are not a political party but rather a socio cultural association, meant for the promotion of the welfare of Ndigbo wherever they are domiciled across the globe.

He regretted antics of some politicians in the south east who make reckless statements for financial aggrandizement, noting that the Igboezue International is not bothered about who rules Nigeria so long as there is equity in distribution of the common wealth of the citizenry, among the various ethnic blocks in the country.

He noted that for the Igbo Presidency, ‘God will do that in his own appointed time, just as the Igbo are not relying on anyone to make them President but on God.’ Calling on Ndigbo to come out enmasse and vote during the general elections as power belongs to the people, Okoye opined that the people staying away from the polling booths on election day, will give an advantage to any of the Presidential candidates which will not be healthy for democracy in the country.

The IIAND National President had called on the Independent Nigeria Electoral Commission INEC to live up to expectation by conducting a free and fair poll just as he urged the youth to shun violence before, during and after the elections.

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

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The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

NNPC/Chevron JV delivers relief materials to IDPs in Delta, Bayelsa States

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he NNPC/Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture has donated mattresses, food items, toiletries and other materials to assist flood victims in Warri South -West, Warri North and Igbogene in Yenagoa Local Government Areas, Bayelsa.

This is yet another significant contribution to the wellbeing of people in Nigeria by the Joint Venture.

Business Hilights recalls that majority critical victims of recent massive floods in southern states including Anambra, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa states are taking refuge at Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps set up by the state governments with assistance from the federal government and kind-hearted corporate citizens like Chevron and others.

At the Warri South West LGA, Secretary to the Local Government, Mrs. Gabari Gladys Omare of Warri South-West LGA and the State Emergency Management Authority (SEMA) Representative Mrs. Attu Evelyn received the items on behalf of the Warri South-West LGA Chairman, Tuoyo Duke Taiye, while in Warri North LGA, Koko the Secretary to the Local Government, Mr. Victor German with the support of the HOD, Engineering, Engr. Jerry Atigan received the items on behalf of Mr. Aduge Okorodudu, Warri North Local Government Chairman.

At Igbogene, the items were received

by Mr. Angus Didei on behalf of the Bayelsa State Emergency Relief Committee.

Giving insights on the relief donations, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA), Esimaje Brikinn, noted that “This donation is in line with the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture’s commitment and our tradition of care for the welfare of people around our areas of operation in Nigeria and be-

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yond”.

Brikinn, represented by Tony Emegere, PGPA superintendent, added that “As we donate these items today, I hope that they will assist in meeting the needs of the people.”

Officials at all the donation venues, thanked Chevron Management for coming to the aid of the flood victims with food gift items in support the effort of State and Federal Governments.

The Secretary of the Warri North Council, V. A. German, who received the items on behalf of the Local Government Chairman, Amb. Aduge Okorodudu expressed his gratitude to Chevron for its immerse contribution. He stated that the items supplied, will provide succor to the victims.

Similarly, Mrs. Gabari of Warri South West LGA promised that the donated items will form part of the recovery package given to the IDPs to help them get settled back in their homes as they vacate the IDP camps.

Brikinn expatiated that the Joint Venture has also partnered with Delta and Bayelsa states on projects in the areas of education, health and economic development. “We are happy that this partnership has led to improvements in the people’s quality of life. We are proud to be partners in progress with Delta State Government.”

The handing over of the donated items, comprising mattresses, bags of rice, beans, gari, salt, kegs of palm oil, cartons of vegetable oil, detergent, tissue paper, and other essential supplies in Warri North and Warri South West, was witnessed by representatives of the Itsekiri Regional Development Committee and the Egbema Gbaramatu Community Development Foundation respectively.

FRSC records 33 accidents, 26 deaths on Abia roads in 2018

A

bia Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Commander Meshach Jatau, said on Friday that the state recorded 33 accidents between January and November 14, this year.

Jatau made the disclosure at the Aba Park, while speaking to drivers at a sensitization programme organized by the State Ministry of Transport, in conjunction with the FRSC, to mark its Safety Week.

He said out of the 33 accidents, 26 persons died while 257 were injured, hence the need to re-emphasise the importance of road safety.

“Accidents destroy lives and render families economically impotent, with some of their bread winners dead,’’ he said.

Jatau said that the number of road accidents in the state was high, stressing that there was the need to reduce it.

He said that deaths from accidents increased the number of out-of- school children, which also increased social vices, and charged the drivers to drive with their loved ones always in their minds.

In his remarks, the Abia Commissioner for Transport, Chief Kingsley Imaga, said that the state was working to ensure a zero accident record during the yuletide.

He charged drivers in Abia to be lawabiding, keep to their lanes and drive safely during the Christmas season, for the safety of all road users.

“The state is working to ensure it has a zero accident record by January 2019.

Our appeal is to all drivers in the state to change their tyres, service their vehicles and avoid drinking before driving during

this period,’’ he said.

The commissioner said that the sensitization programme was designed to enlighten new drivers and remind old ones of what they needed to know, to work and live beyond the Christmas season, without accidents.

He charged the drivers to imbibe the culture of discipline and driving with caution to be alive for their families, who would need them after the season.

“You cannot get all the money you need in your lifetime within this one month period. So avoid reckless driving and speeding to cover many trips if you must be alive to see the New Year,’’ he said.

The Director, Vehicle Inspection Office, Abia, Chief Okey Ekwonye, said drivers should ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles, for them to remain safe.

He urged them to consider their lives to be more important than the money they may save from “managing” bad vehicles, as the effect would be more damaging on them and their families.

The Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Aba, Okezie Uche, said that out of 105 fire incidents recorded so far in Abia in 2018, vehicles were involved in 20 of the cases.

He urged drivers to get at least a 6kg fire extinguisher, especially during this dry season, to be safe from sudden fire outbreaks from moving vehicles.

The Leader Joint Motor Unions in Aba, Chief Azubuike Asuzu, thanked them for the programme and urged the government to ensure drivers’ safety through doing what only governments can do.

16

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

NEWS Extra Imo: INEC drops Controversy trails arrest of suspected police killers in Nnewi Araraume as APGA candidate • Suspects will be charged for treason -- Police

From Austin Echefu, Owerri

M

ultiple sources at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have disclosed to The Oracle Today that the commission has rejected the nomination of Senator Ifeanyi Araraume as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in Imo State for the 2019 governorship election and that the party may not have a governorship candidate in the after all.

It would be recalled that crisis erupted in APGA after the emergence of Araraume as the governorship candidate of the party in the state amidst what party members, leaders, 15 governorship aspirants, state and national assembly aspirants described as a shared, a kangaroo and a Ponzi scheme.

The emergence of Araraume had split the party in the state, leading to the emergence of a faction of the party called the New APGA (N-APGA) with the Barr Ike Ibe as the national chairman. Also, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim and 12 other governorship aspirants had dragged the party, Araraume and INEC to court, praying the court for a declaration that there was no governorship primary election, and that as a result the party does not have a governorship candidate.

About 12 of the aggrieved governorship aspirants and several legislative seat aspirants who felt shortchanged with the developments in the party have since joined other parties where they are now running for election. Mr. Okey Ezeh who was one of the frontrunners for APGA governorship ticket has joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP) where he has emerged as its governorship candidate. Also, Barr Humphery Anumudu who was running for APGA governorship ticket has joined the Zenith Labour Party and became its governorship candidate while Dr. Ikedi Ohakim has since joined the Accord party where he is now running for governorship, amongst others.

In a press release on October 29, 2019, Ohakim described APGA as a Ponzi scheme, saying that “the travesty that happened in APGA must not be tolerated because it is anathema to Igbo culture and idealism. This is why Igbo people feel ashamed that despite the Ponzi scheme APGA has become under Oye and Governor Obiano, the leadership of the party now wants to hide under any shade or hold on to any available straw just to stay afloat. Sadly, the party has drowned beyond rescuing”.

Ohakim said that “APGA died the day the leadership carried out a coup against it on October 7 when without holding the governorship primary election they announced a winner. Though this matter is currently in court, Nigerians are assured that we are well armed with evidences to prove beyond reasonable doubt that there was no primary election. We will go the whole length to see the end of this desecration of Igbo land by the same party Igbo people held as theirs, because the travesty that happened in APGA has exposed Igbo people to the fact that there are still cankerworms among us.

This charade has also shown that all along what APGA leadership was doing was a Ponzi scheme, a scam of the highest order to defraud fellow Igbo men and women of their hard earned money”.

• Late Inspector was run over by police vehicle – Eyewitnesses • We’re innocent traders, not IPOB members -- Suspects

By VICTOR NZE; CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

T

he parade of 33 suspected killers of a police Inspector, last Sunday, at the Anambra State Police Command Headquarters in Awka, Sunday, has continued to raise questions of culpability as eyewitness accounts as well as those from the arrested persons leave holes on the planned treason charge by the Nigeria Police Force.

Inspector Akinbami Olaniyi reportedly died from injuries sustained in an operation to disperse a gathering of members of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), last Friday in Nnewi, Anambra State, in what the Police claim was ‘under ambush from the IPOB members.’

Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Mr. Jimoh Moshood, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Force Headquarters, Abuja, in a statement issued after the parade of the 24 identified, 9 unidentified suspects with ages ranging from 65 to 17 years, said the persons ‘will all be arraigned in Court on completion of investigation under Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013.’

“There was intelligence report that members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) an unlawful terrorist organization were sighted gathering in their hundreds with dangerous weapons near Teaching Hospital, Owerri Road, Nnewi about to cause disturbance of public peace and public safety in the Nnewi and environs.

“Consequently, Police Patrol teams led by the Area Commander, Nnewi, ACP Nnanna Oji Ama mobilized to the scene to prevent them from causing breakdown of law and order and mayhem, and destruction of lives and property.

“The Police Team, while proceeding to the scene came under ambush from the IPOB members, in the process, a Police Inspector was killed, two (2) other Police Officers were seriously injured and one Police patrol vehicle was set ablaze, and the proscribed IPOB members snatched and carted away two (2) AK47 rifles and one Beretta pistol

with ammunition.

“The IPOB members subsequently attacked other innocent people on sight with machete and other dangerous weapons as they marched towards the Agboedo Market shouting; “NO ELECTIONS WITHOUT REFERENDUM. “The Divisional Police Officer, Central Police Station (CPS), Nnewi, CSP Babalola Adewunyi, ASP Michael Duru attached to Area Command, Nnewi and Inspector Akinbami Olaniyi attached to CPS Nnewi sustained serious injuries from the ambush by the proscribed/unlawful IPOB members. The injured Police personnel were rushed to the Hospital for medical attention where the Inspector later died, while the other Police personnel are currently under intensive care in the hospital,” Moshood narrated in the statement.

However, while police account did not disclose the nature of the injuries sustained by the late Inspector Olaniyi, sources say the security agents ought to have availed the public of what the police officer died from in attempting to file a charge of treason against the suspects, considering residents and eyewitness account claim the IPOB demonstrators were neither armed, nor used the weapons reportedly retrieved from them in the said ambush.

The identified suspected who were paraded include: Uche Amos, 65yrs, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State; Eliazer Emmanuel, 24yrs, from Umunneochi LGA, Abia State; Eliazer Chima, 23yrs, from Umunneochi LGA, Abia State; Abuchi Obeta, 19yrs, from Nnewi South LGA, Anambra State; Somtochukwu Okafor, 17yrs, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State; Agboma Jude, 35yrs, from Nsukka, Enugu State; Ezezona Oduagu; Kelechi Eze, 20yrs, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State; Okafor Chimiere Olisa, 20yrs, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State.

Others are: Raphael Ogoh, 27yrs, from Nnewi South LGA, Anambra State; Okeke Chisom, 19yrs, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State; Daniel Nwakpu, 35yrs, from Ikwo, Ebonyi State; Friday Nwafor, 34yrs,

from Ishielu LGA, Ebonyi State; Onyeka Nwajobi, 49yrs, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State; Obeta Uwakwe, 25yrs, from Igboeze North LGA, Anambra State; Festus Odika, 41yrs, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State; Emmanuel Okoye, 22yrs, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State; Umeh Sunday, 43yrs, from Aguata LGA, Anambra State; Ike Chiemezie Samuel.

The rest include: Sunday Ilonze, 43yrs, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State; Chukwuemeka Nwaese, 32yrs, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State; Odugu Chima, 23yrs, from Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State; Jacob Monday, 48yrs, from Nnewi South LGA, Anambra State; and Vincent Okoroafor, 39yrs, from Owerri.

Moshood also said exhibits including; 8 motorcycles, 5 IPOB Flags and 5 IPOB caps were recovered from the suspects.

Continuing, Moshood said the suspects are accused of not only killing Inspector Olaniyi, but also “inflicting injury on others and setting ablaze a Police patrol vehicle are now in police custody and undergoing investigation. The Joint Police Intervention Force deployed are carrying out confidence building patrols and crime prevention operations to sustain the peace and normalcy that have been restored and prevent any breakdown of law and order in the affected area and other parts of the State.

“The Inspector General of Police has directed the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State to carry out intense search operations for the recovery of the two (2) AK47 rifles and one Beretta Pistol with the ammunition snatched from the slain Police Inspector and other Police Officers wounded by the proscribed IPOB members, and should also immediately carryout an operation to rout-out and arrest other fleeing suspects (proscribed IPOB members) who participated in the ambush of the Police personnel and bring them to justice.

“The Commissioners of Police in the States contiguous to Anambra State and their supervisory Assistant Inspector Generals of Police, their personnel and Anti-riot equip-

• (From left): Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, his Deputy, Professor Ivara Esu, His Royal Highness, Eze Igbo, Cross River State, Eze E.A Ezenwenyi and his wife, at the 2018 Igbo Day celebration in Calabar that held on Saturday

ment have been placed on red-alert by the Inspector General of Police to ensure utmost safety of lives and properties and deal decisively with any group(s) or individual(s) who attempt or cause disturbance of public peace and public safety in their respective States.”

Reacting to their arrest and subsequent public parading over the killing of the police chief, some of the suspects accused the police of profiling them, adding also that the police were afraid of confronting the real IPOB members.

This is also as traders in the commercial town protested the development insisting that the arrested suspected were mere traders bundled away from their shops by the police when the officers arrived to disperse a peaceful procession by the IPOB at the weekend.

The traders accused the police of being ‘afraid to confront a much -organized and seemingly disciplined IPOB, ‘instead they chose to whisk traders away from the confines of their shops and some passers-bye.’

According to eyewitness account in Nnewi, the development explained why shops and stalls were hurriedly shut and deserted by traders on news that policemen were raiding the town looking for suspects over the death of the policemen.

Furthermore, Nnewi residents and indigenes claim the suspects kept protesting in the presence of the police officers that the accusations of killing a police inspector and snatching of arms as read out to journalists by Moshood was completely false.

“There was nothing of such (the charge of killing an Inspector and making away with his arms). The late police inspector was knocked down and run over by one of their patrol vehicles when the officers were using the vehicles to mow down the IPOB people who were running away from them,” claimed an eyewitness.

“How can people with bare hands confront and kill fully armed team police officers. The arrested and paraded persons were mostly traders in Nnewi market who had finished their businesses for the day and were about to close shop before they were arrested long after the protesting members of IPOB had left,” said another, who did not wish to be identified.

Incidentally, one of the paraded suspects, Evangelist Sunday Ilonze, told the Oracle Today Newspapers, that he, along with his servant, was arrested in his shop while packing up for the day.

“I came back from a burial and didn’t even know what had happened during the day and was ordered by some gun-wielding police officers to go into the vehicle, but I refused because I am a law abiding citizen, but they brought me here,” he said.

Most of the suspects cried all through their parade, insisting that they were innocent and should not be allowed to suffer for a crime they did not commit.

When journalists confronted Moshood with these findings, the police chief assured that a thorough investigation would be launched into the matter, and those found culpable would be charged to court for terrorism.

Observers posit that the police need to ensure that a thorough investigation be carried taking into account eyewitness account which punched holes in the police report, as the late Inspector’s cause of death needs to be probed.

17

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

BU$IN£SS

•Energy •Finance

•Stock

•Insurance

•Aviation

•e-Platform

Investors flay Nigeria’s energy policies •Demand energy base for 410 million Nigerians by 2050

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

I

NABILITY of political leaders to evolve workable energy policies form part of the key impediments to the economic development of Nigeria for over 60 years; and industry players, environmental activists and economic analysts raise alarm that the country’s economy would totally crumble if urgent action were not taken to diversify energy sources to generate enough electricity for an economy of projected 410 million population by 2050.

The experts who formed the panellist at a conference in Lagos agreed that emerging disruptions in the energy space as the world seeks decarbonisation of the ecosystem pose long term threat to economic growth if policy frameworks remain linear.

Besides, green activists declare that efficient energy policies and programmes have become urgent to save the lives of over 1.4 million women that die from smoke related ailments in the rural areas where, according to experts, women are subjected to same level of cancer risks as cigarette smokers.

But Managing Director of French multinational oil firm, Total, Mr. Nicolas Terraz, says the company would lead integrated energy solutions in the country if the right fiscal and commercial incentives, congenial operating environment, and right policy frameworks are provided to make investments in future energy attractive.

Energy industry players and environmental experts who analyzed policy presentation delivered by the Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, at the just concluded conference of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) deplored the country’s poor policy concepts, lack of innovation in policy implementation and fragile energy base for the economy.

The minister who has been struggling to convince energy consumers in the country about the improvements in the electricity supply had disappeared after his presentation, giving room for eminent industry players and technocrats at the panel session to place the sector under evaluation.

In his situation report on the power sector, Mr. Fashola said power had improved from average gen-

•Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola. eration of 4,000 MW; transmission capacity of 5,000 MW and distribution average of 3,000 MW in 2015 to generation average of 7,000MW; transmission capacity of 7,000MW; and distribution peak of 5,222MW in January of this year.

He summed the performance of his tenure as power minister as incremental generation of 1000MW per year; transmission capacity improvement by 666MW per year; and distribution capacity improvement by 740MW per year.

Noticing silent disquiet in the hall, the minister quickly added: “Of course, there are people still unserved or not well served. However, the good news is that there is a mechanism put in place by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to monitor complaints by Consumers. A total of 166,543 complaints were resolved out of 262,096 from January to June 2018.”

He pointed at a combination of upcoming and dormant capacity totalling 9,095 MW, including 450MW Azura power plant, 240 MW Afam IV power plant, 215 MW Kaduna power plant and 40 MW Kashimbilla power plant.

Other, according to him, are 700 MW Zungeru power plant, and 450 MW Okpai II power plant, all sched-

uled to come online between 2019 and 2020.

On dormant generation capacity, he pointed at “about 7,000MW of installed but inoperative power plants that are constrained either by gas supply or transmission capacity or both, about which action is being taken.”

Mr. Fashola also built into calculation some “independent power plants now under construction in 9 federal universities with a plan to scale to 37 , neither does it include 15 independent power projects targeting major markets now under construction to power 85,000 shops and small businesses.

On the transmission side, he said there are not less than 90 transmission sub-station projects at different stages of construction.

The minister served a caveat before talking about the government’s achievements in the area. “On the distribution side, first let me remind you that all the eleven companies that distribute power were sold to private investors. It is their responsibility, not that of government to supply distribution equipment like breakers, transformers and meters. So, if there is any problem there, as indeed there are, it is private businessmen who should solve this problem.”

Then Oracle Today reports that government sold both generation and distribution companies to private investors during the power sector privatization. Most of the power generation performances listed by the minister were actually delivered by private companies in the sector.

In blaming the distribution companies, Mr. Fashola said 7000 MW of power was operationally available but distribution could only take 5000, he said, adding, “We have engaged with Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to offer the rights to take the 2,000MW and enunciated the Eligible Customer Policy for consumers who take up to 2MW and beyond. The policy took effect recently, 5 major industries have connected and we have dozens of new applications being processed “For meter shortages, we have enunciated a policy of licencing Meter Asset Providers, independent of the Discos but who will be supplying their customers. 180 applications have been received. Discos are also investing in meters and supplying them.

“Off-grid supply – we have enunciated a Mini Grid Regulation that allows people to build and distribute up to 1MW under licence, and up to 100kw without licence.”

He however stated that government as a shareholder of the Discos was investing about N72 billion in distribution equipment at the 33kv and 11kv points of the value chain in order to support distribution equipment capacity.

Despite his efforts to create a picture of remarkable improvement in the capacity of the electric power sector to meet the demand of homes and enterprises in the country, Mr. Fashola did not impress delegates at the conference.

In their separate remarks, all panellists scored the government’s gasto-power programme very low on policy content and implementation strategies, as well as on commercial regulation and fiscal frameworks.

They see the power sector as loss centre for investors in the upstream end of the business despite the original design that makes sector a demand centre for gas producers.

Mrs Ibiyemi Asaolu from Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCO) Limited declared at the event that Nigeria has remained behind global innovations and developments in the energy sector, lamenting that the country was still

•Tourism

Energy

NLNG challenges local contractors with job opportunities P20 e-Platform

Improved business model, key to growing insurance sector – Universal Insurance boss P22

Travel

Lagos joins World Cities Culture Forum P26

Insurance

NAICOM officially rests TBMSC policy P28 Equity & Capital Market

Financial Inclusion will aid Economic Growth – Uduk P30 Money Market

Fixed income and currency market record N3.3tr drop in October

P31

•Cont’d on Pg 21

CBN Exchange Rates DECEMBER 5TH, 2018 Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central (NGN) Selling(NGN)

US DOLLAR 305.75 POUNDS STERLING 392.1244 EURO 346.9957 SWISS FRANC 306.5778 YEN 2.7096 CFA 0.5127 WAUA 422.9536 YUAN/RENMINBI 44.0001 RIYAL 81.4899 S/A RAND 22.0543

306.25 392.7656 347.5631 307.0791 2.714 0.5227 423.6452 44.0725 81.6231 22.0904

306.75 393.4069 348.1306 307.5805 2.7185 0.5327 424.3369 44.1449 81.7564 22.1264

Stock Market Highlights As At 5TH DECEMBER, 2018

Summary

ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE EQUITY CAP BOND CAP ETF CAP S/N

32,222.24 2,853.00 148,101,533.00 N1,796,075,043.84 N11,763,605,772,956.01 N10,063,859,320,993.50 N6,178,783,877.68

Coy (By Volume)

UNILEVER ZENITHBANK INTERLINK FCMB DIAMONDBNK

20,383,483 14,477,224 9,538,000 7,260,580 5,892,145

Value(N) N804,952,743.10 N347,444,030.30 N34,336,800.00 N11,031,673.29 N5,132,830.11

5 Top Gainers

Symbols Last Close CAP N29.2 GLAXOSMITH N13.25 PZ N10.65 FLOURMILL N19.8 JBERGER N20.5

Current Change N31.95 2.75 N14.5 1.25 N11.7 1.05 N20.5 0.7 N21 0.5

%Change 9.42% 9.43% 9.86% 3.54% 2.44%

Five Tope Losers NB GUARANTY WAPCO MAYBAKER UBA

N81.5 N36.4 N14 N2.5 N7.8

N79.4 N35.9 N13.75 N2.31 N7.65

-2.1 -0.5 -0.25 -0.19 -0.15

-2.58% -1.37% -1.79% -7.60% -1.92%

18

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

BUSINESS Stories by KAYODE OGUNWALE

T

HE Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has expressed its deep reservations over the Nigeria Postal Commission (NPC) Bill currently before the National Assembly.

Director General of LCCI, Mr. Muda Yusuf submitted that the bill is inimical to private sector investments in the Courier business; saying it is a negation of the Ease of Doing Business Agenda of the Federal Government and not in consonance with the fundamental principles of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

The DG appealed that the bill passed by the Senate, awaiting concurrence by the House of Representatives should be halted and the hurtful provisions expunged.

“The LCCI is worried, in particular, about the following provisions in the bill, Imposition of an annual levy of 2.5 percent of the turnover of courier companies to be paid to the proposed Postal Services commission; Powers conferred on the proposed Postal Services Commission to fix rates for courier services; Monopoly privilege conferred on the Nigerian Postal Service for delivery of items weighing 1kg and below.”

All these provisions are not con-

LCCI faults NPC Bill 2018

sistent with the espoused commitment of the National Assembly to private sector development which was affirmed by the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, at the inauguration of the National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable (NASSBER) in March 2016, he said.

He stressed that, no sector of the Nigerian economy is subjected to such an arduous regulatory provision. We request that the bill be urgently reviewed by the National Assembly in the interest of economic progress and the welfare of citizens.

“The passage of the bill in its current form will put over 100,000 jobs in the courier sector at risk. It will as well put over N300 billion investments in courier services business in jeopardy. This would further worsen the country risk rating of Nigeria. The country is already grappling with enormous perception problems by investors.”

Yusuf said over regulation of any sector of the economy will not serve the best interest of the Nigerian economy and would undermine the capacity of investors to create jobs.

Afreximbank records strong performance in Q3 2018

A

FRICAN Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has released its unaudited financial statements for the nine months ended 30 September 2018, showing strong financial and operational performance, with gross income of $546.6 million (a 14.3 percent increase from the same period last year) and net income of $172.4 million (a growth of 11.9 percent from the same period last year).

The financial statements, released over the weekend, showed that the Bank’s total assets stood at $12 billion; Loans and advances at $9.5 billion (+14.2 percent from financial year 2017); return on average assets at 1.9 percent; return on average equity at 10.3 percent; and capital adequacy ratio at 23 percent.). The balance sheet remained solid with shareholder funds growing by 11 percent since 31 December 2017 to reach $2.36 billion.

Other highlights of the results include: non-performing loans (NPL) coverage ratio of 145 percent (compared to 141 percent for the same period in 2017); NPL ratio of 2.5 percent (versus 2.4 percent in 2017); Proportion of non-interest/ gross income of 11 percent (versus 4 percent in 2017); and net interest margin of 3.1 percent (versus 2.8 percent in 2017).

In a presentation on the results, Bank President Prof. Benedict Oramah said that the results reflected the continuing successful implementation of the Bank’s five-year strategic plan, “Impact 2021”, which emphasized: Improving Intra-Africa Trade; Facilitating Industrialisation and Export Development; Strengthening Trade Finance Leadership; and Improving Financial Soundness and Performance.

The results reaffirmed the Bank’s transition to normal operations, with growing loan book and improving interest margins, he said, noting that the pursuit of the medium-term strategy had led to higher operating expenses driven by staff costs and one-off general expenses relating to ongoing initiatives.

The Bank’s Intra-African Trade Strategy, including the Intra-African Trade Fair being held in col-

laboration with the African Union, underpinned the expected growth in trade finance, project finance and advisory services in the short to medium-term, he said.

Prof. Oramah announced that the Bank was planning a secondary listing of its depositary receipts in order to improve liquidity and access to diversified investor base. It had also explored alternative sources of funding the balance sheet and deployed excess cash holdings to finance loans with better interest margins.

It was developing an African payment platform to facilitate intra-African trade and to help mitigate the challenge posed by low access to international foreign exchange, added President Oramah.

•Mr. Dayo Obisan, President, Fund Managers Association of Nigeria; Ms. Ayo Owoigbe, President, Capital Markets Solicitors Association; Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industry, Trade & Investment; Ms. Tumi Sekoni, Associate Executive Director, Capital Markets, FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange; Ms. Nkemdilim Adi, Financial Markets Department, Central Bank of Nigeria; Mr. Chinua Azubike, Chief Executive Officer, InfraCredit; during the FMDQ Debt Capital Markets Ease of Doing Business Sensitisation Session held at the Exchange Place in Lagos.

EIB advances €200 million loan to Afreximbank

O

N the margins of its Africa Day, the European Investment Bank has signed a new fifteen year €200 million loan agreement with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), aimed at supporting trade-related productive investments, including in renewable energy projects, in Africa.

The facility will support promoters in more than 40 countries across Africa with long-term funding.

By improving access to finance for private enterprises, and specifically SMEs and Mid-caps, this loan will enhance intra-African trade as well as trade with the European Union. It will enable smaller com-

terioration of its solvency that will likely undermine investor confidence and make foreign currency funding increasingly costly and difficult to access, or the bank will receive external capital support from either existing or new shareholders, or from the government, boosting its solvency and addressing its foreign currency vulnerability.

nities, creates jobs and tackles a changing climate. As one of the largest multilateral financial institutions, the EIB has a crucial role to play to help channel private capital towards the energy transition. This is urgent if we want to achieve the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals. With this operation Afreximbank and the EIB are joining forces to improve access to clean energy across Africa”.

“We are confident that effective implementation of this facility, which heralds Afreximbank’s financing of climate action projects in Africa, will lead to strong development outcomes, including employment creation, increased economic activities, and increase in tax revenues for fiscally strained governments,” said Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah, President of Afreximbank. According to him, Afreximbank decided to conclude the facility in furtherance of its current strategy which prioritizes intraAfrican trade; intra–African investments, industrialization and export manufacturing of the labour intensive type.

Enabling Business Environment Secretariat (EBES) of the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria.

The FMDQ DCM Sensitisation Session, which was attended by key representatives from the government agencies/institutions, including but not limited to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), members of the FMDQ Debt Capital Markets Development (DCMD), Project Implementation Committees; and other capital market stakeholders from the Financial Markets Dealers Association (FMDA), Association of Corporate Treasurers of Nigeria (ACTN), Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria (AIHN), Capital Market

Solicitors Association (CMSA) , Fund Managers Association of Nigeria (FMAN), Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp), etc.; aimed to provide an avenue for key officials of the EBES to update and educate stakeholders in the Nigerian DCM on specific initiatives emanating from the implementation of the recent National Action Plans (NAP), and the impact on their businesses.

The well-attended session afforded DCM stakeholders an opportunity to provide feedback to the EBES on the challenges currently being experienced on the back of the reforms, as well as to proffer suggestions/key modalities for ensuring that the implementation of the NAP precipitates the optimal enabling environment for conducting business in Nigeria.

panies to sustain and create new jobs and will ultimately stimulate the expansion, diversification and development of African trade. At least 25 percent of this financing will be dedicated to projects which will help to diversify the power mix in the region, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting climate goals.

Speaking from the Africa Day event, jointly hosted by the EIB and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Werner Hoyer, President of the European Investment Bank said: “The EIB, as the EU Bank, is committed to supporting investment in Africa that unlocks economic opportu-

Moody’s downgrades Diamond Bank’s deposit, issuer ratings

M

OODY’S Investors Service (Moody’s) has downgraded the baseline credit assessment (BCA) and adjusted BCA of Diamond Bank Plc to caa3 from caa1.

The rating agency also downgraded Diamond’s long-term local currency and foreign currency deposit ratings to Caa1 from B3.

It placed the deposit and other senior ratings and assessments on review with direction uncertain. Diamond’s Not Prime (NP) short-term local and foreign currency deposits and counterparty ratings and NP(cr) shortterm counterparty risk assessments have been affirmed.

Moody’s action follows the departure of Diamond’s chairman of the board and three other non-executive board members, and the subsequent announcement of the bank’s third quarter financial results which showed a lack of progress in reducing problematic exposures, in contrast with the improvements that the rating agency had expected.

According to Moody, the downgrade reflects Diamond’s weak solvency that is characterised by low provisions set aside for its high level of non-performing loans (NPLs) that outsize its tangible common equity (TCE), corporate governance tensions that will likely divert management’s focus from resolving NPLs and could potentially undermine investor con-

fidence, and vulnerable foreign currency repayment obligations in 2019.

Meanwhile, the ratings continue to incorporate Moody’s assessment of a high probability of government support, in case of need.

The placement of the ratings on review reflects potential for diverging outcomes for Diamond. In Moody’s view, the bank will face a further de-

VP, FMDQ host EODB sensitisation session

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ROVIDING an enabling environment for businesses and their associated activities to thrive remains a key goal of governments and indeed, a main driver of economic growth. It is for this reason and more that the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Reform lends itself a barometer to measure reforms, including but not limited to regulatory framework, government policies, security and others, that seek to make the business climate more conducive for business.

It is in this vein that FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange (FMDQ) having taken on the role of an advocate, providing relevant advice to government and regulators, as well as a catalyst for infrastructure capital through the Nigerian debt capital markets (DCM), hosted the maiden DCM Ease of Doing Business Sensitisation Session, facilitated by the

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The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

BUSINESS

Nigeria, Japan seal $21m pact to rehabilitate Lagos transmission substation

Stories by KAYODE OGUNWALE

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EDERAL Government, Friday, in Abuja signed a grant aid project for Emergency Rehabilitation and Reinforcement of the Lagos Transmission Substation.

While Minister of Budget and National Planning Senator Udoma Udo Udoma signed on behalf of the Federal Government, the Japanese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Nigeria, Mr. Yutaka Kikuta signed on behalf of his country.

Commenting, Udoma who disclosed that the project is donated by the Japanese Government at the cost of Y 2,349,000,000 (USD 21.088 million), also stated that attaining power self-sufficiency is indeed one of the goals of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).of the Federal Government.

“As you know the ERGP sets out our four year plan for the transformation of our country. The ERGP aims to restore growth, invest in people and build a globally competitive economy. But not just to restore growth, but a growth that is diversified, inclusive and sustainable. Amongst its execution priorities is the attainment of energy self-sufficiency in power and petroleum products”.

He recalled that in 2016, Nigeria had signed an Exchange of Note (E/N) for Emergency Improvement of Electricity Supply in Abuja

with the Government of Japan, a project that has been completed and now contributing to stable power supply in Abuja.

He added that Japan had equally played a role in the design of a master plan study on National Power System Development in Nigeria. The Japanese Ambassador in his remarks disclosed that electric power is key to industrialization for any country as power supply is one of the factors foreign investors consider.

Adding that economic position of Lagos state as a commercial and industrial center of Nigeria underlines strategic importance of this project to strengthen power infrastructure. Mr. Yutaka noted that “The focus of power sector is in line with one of Japanese’ principles of TICAD process towards African countries’ economic and social development. He then informed that in 2019, the Government of Japan will host TICAD 7 meeting in Yokohama where leaders from Nigeria and other African countries are expected to discuss ways to promote further development of the African continent and how Japan can contribute to the process”.

Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Dr S. Odewale lauded the Japanese government for their support and called for more collaboration especially on human resource development.

Rivers Govt, Air France/KLM sign deal to expand operations

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IVERS State Government and Air France/KLM have formally sealed a deal to strengthen business relations between both parties.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike who reached the agreement with the airline when he led a delegation from the state to meet with some senior executives of the Air France/KLM at the airline’s corporate headquarters in Paris, France.

Wike who met with Senior Vice President (Africa), Frank Legre,

and the Executive Vice President, Air France/KLM, Pierre Oliver Bandet, firmed the deal to consolidate on the airline’s presence in Rivers State as part of a bold move to shore up foreign investments in the state.

Members of the Governor’s entourage to the meeting were Hon. Ken Chikere, member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Port Harcourt Constituency 1 and Hon. Major Jack the Deputy Chief Whip of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Financial Inclusion will aid Economic Growth – SEC

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HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has restated its desire to pursue initiatives that would aid financial inclusion of Nigerians as this is capable of growing the nation’s economy.

Acting Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Ms. Mary Uduk stated this in her remarks at the 2018 PEARL Awards Night held in Lagos, Sunday.

Uduk said that the SEC will continue to highlight and promote developments and trends in the Nigerian Capital Market and drive Financial Inclusion aimed at reducing adult exclusion from financial services.

She said “Innovations in financial technology, has made possible the potential of using digital tools to make financial services available to a wider range of consumers and enterprises, promoting financial inclusion and the affordability of financial services.

“A financially inclusive society will provide increased access to finance, especially for women, help support sustainable growth–and will create million more jobs. The

gains of having a more inclusive financial system are enormous, as it helps broaden financial markets and make policies more effective”.

While commending the efforts of the Board of Governors and Management of PEARL Awards Nigeria, for giving consideration to companies with good corporate governance practice in the award nomination process, Uduk also enjoined them that in future editions, emphasis should also be given to companies with technological innovation in the capital market, in the advent of the convergence of Finance and Technology – FinTech.

Uduk also disclosed that the SEC is implementing various initiatives which are aimed at making our market deeper, vibrant and more effective.

According to her “The forbearance window for shareholders with multiple subscriptions has been extended by another year from the December 31, 2018 deadline previously communicated. Consequently, we enjoin those who have not come forward for the regularization of shares purchased with multiple identities, to do so.

•Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike meeting with top executives of AirFrance KLM, including; Senior Vice President (Africa), Frank Legre, and the Executive Vice President, Pierre Oliver Bandet, at the airline’s corporate headquarters in Paris, France. The State Government delegation comprised Hon. Ken Chikere, member of the Federal House of Representatives representing Port Harcourt Constituency 1 and Hon. Major Jack, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Mobil returns to aviation fuel business

After staying away from the aviation fuel business, one of the leading oil firms in the country, 11 Plc (formerly Mobil Oil Nigeria) has re-entered into the market.

The company is not into the sale and marketing of aviation jet fuel (ATK) at the Murtala Mohamed International Airport and General Aviation Terminal (GAT — Domestic).

It was disclosed that Mobil Oil is returning into the venture as a result of the partnership it entered into with Air BP. Mobil Oil’s aviation business,

which has been inactive for the past five years, is being revitalized in the wake of the construction of a new 20 million litre aviation jet fuel (ATK) tank and the laying of new ATK pipelines linking the company’s facility at Apapa with the Apapa Jetty.

Speaking on the development, MD/CEO of 11 Plc, Mr Adetunji Oyebanji, said, “We are delighted with the relaunch and our collaboration with Air BP. “Air BP is one of the world’s largest suppliers of aviation fuel products and services. We are lev-

eraging their innovative technical support and risk management expertise to provide best-in-class aviation fuel services to airline customers.”

In a statement signed the firm’s Head of Public & Government Affairs, Ayomike Amaju, Mobil Oil, under its new management, continues to take huge strides in the Nigerian oil and gas downstream sector in keeping with its strategic investment drive geared toward repositioning for maximum output and improving its growth and earning potential.

with the result that the premium pool is getting smaller while losses and claims pay-outs are getting exponentially bigger,” he said. Under such conditions insurers who offer specialised mining solutions as part of their selling proposition are seeing their underwriting profit margins squeezed.

Some insurance markets, most notably Lloyd’s in London, have responded to tough market conditions by reducing capacity in multiple insurance sectors, including mining.

At the same time certain large insurance carriers are reluctant to insure riskier underground mining operations. Their acceptance of this type of risk is conditional on higher levels of reinsurance, excluding certain risks from cover and / or insisting that the mining companies on cover agree to higher excesses.

The above developments are of concern to South African mining firms as well as insurers, reinsurers and insurance brokers operating domestically due to the number of high risk underground mining assets on the ground. Meanwhile global re/ insurers are showing a reluctance to insure ‘dirty’ coal mining assets to appease politicians in their home countries meaning there are fewer options for brokers looking to place coal mining firms on cover. Against this backdrop Becker is concerned that the mining insurance industry could suffer a similar setback to that experienced in 2009 when loss ratios surged to around 250%. It took more than three years to recoup the losses following that year.

What can stakeholders in the mining and mining insurance sectors do to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector? According to Conradie the solution lies in sound risk management practices and the ongoing cooperation between insurer, insurance broker and corporate risk manager to manage risk and mitigate losses. Sound risk management practices are essential because the mining company – the insured – retains a significant portion of each loss event regardless of how the insurance premium is structure. It is not uncommon for large global mining operations like Rio Tinto and Anglo American to self-insure the first US$100 million of each loss.

“Gathering comprehensive risk information is critical for the sustainability of the sector; the insurance carrier needs to have all the pertinent information to properly assess a mining company’s risk,” concluded Becker. He added that it was an imperative for mining companies to follow through on the recommendations made by loss prevention experts and their insurers’ risk engineers.

Munich Reinsurance Company of Africa Limited has been operating in South Africa for 50 years, although the Munich Re (Group) was active on the continent, via Munich Re in Munich, for some years prior to commencing the Southern African operation in Johannesburg in 1968. A new business strategy for Africa was put in place in 2015 to focus skills and expertise in one central hub based in Johannesburg.

Insurance not panacea for poor risk selection – Experts

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LOBAL mining conglomerates and their insurance and reinsurance partners will have to improve their risk management outcomes to ensure the long-term sustainability of mining insurance.

The importance of prudent risk management in mining insurance was a central theme at the inaugural Munich Re of Africa (MRoA) Mining Re/ insurance Client Seminar held in Johannesburg, Thursday.

“It does not matter what premium you charge for cover nor what terms and conditions you attach to the insurance policy if the underlying risk is bad; you cannot change a bad risk into a good risk by covering it with insurance,” said Mr. Nico Conradie, CEO at MRoA. His frank assessment of the risk environment came following a difficult year for insurers and reinsurers operating in the mining sector. Year-to-date the industry is aware of 61 significant mining loss events globally, with 16 of these incidents occurring in South Africa.

The three worst domestic mining incidents are expected to cost mining firms and their insurance partners in excess of R1 billion each.

Mr. Günter Becker, Head of Mining at Munich Re Corporate Insurance Partners (CIP).

Mr. Günter Becker, Head of Mining at Munich Re Corporate Insurance Partners (CIP) believes that increased claims volatility could lead to reduced re/insurance capacity in the mining segment. “Over the past four years mining insurance premiums were softer; but deductibles and coverage remained unchanged

20

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

ENERGY

NLNG challenges local contractors with job opportunities

Stories by SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

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HEAD of the imminent final investment decision for its $4.0 billion (N1.5 trillion) process train expansion, the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited has raised sensitization platforms to mobilize local contractors for deluge of job opportunities incubated in the deep pocket project.

However, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has warned the contractors positioning for patronage to see the commitment of NLNG to high Nigerian content input in the huge budget seventh train project as preferential opportunity to compete and not as reserved entitlement.

The Oracle Today reports that key promoters of the NLNG, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Shell, Total and Eni are expected to finalize investment decision this year to expand the company’s gas processing capacity with the Train 7 project which is expected to boost capacity and enhance value creation for all stake-

holders.

The project is expected to ramp up the company’s production capacity by 35% from 22 Million tons per annum (mtpa) to 30 mtpa.

The Train-7 project would be the biggest project by NLNG since the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act was passed in 2010, and the NCDMB which regulates and monitors industry compliance to the requirements of the law had earlier signed a Service Level Agreement with the liquefaction company to guarantee in-country service delivery where capacity exists.

After crossing critical milestones in committing company shareholders to the expansion project, the management of NLNG has begun preliminary processes that would provide basis for Final Investment Decision (FID) by the partners while mobilizing all contractors in the full supply chain to be on standby for speedy project drive.

At a workshop in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Managing Director of NLNG, Mr. Tony Attah, assured local contractors that the Train 7 project would be delivered with the involve-

ment of competent Nigerian companies.

The “Public Workshop on Nigerian Content for NLNG’s Train 7 Development” held at Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, targeted at giving Nigerian companies information on how Nigerian Content can be maximized in NLNG Train 7 project.

The workshop would be the third held by NLNG to ensure Nigerian companies and the Nigerian economy derive maximum value from its Train 7 project which is expected to commence as soon as a FID is taken.

Mr. Attah told participants at the event that “NLNG is underpinned by its vision of being ‘a global LNG company helping to build a better Nigeria’.

The global play is about the business itself and helping to build a better Nigeria is consist with our partnership with NCDMB. “I will like to invite Nigerian companies to please participate in Train 7, which is the purpose of this workshop. It is consistent with our partnership with NCDMB. It also opens up the opportunities for local companies to play, starting with understanding

Chevron reaches out to flood victims in Niger Delta

•Floods IDPs with supplies

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HEVRON Nigeria Limited has responded to growing humanitarian crisis in the Niger Delta with supply of basic needs for families displaced by flood in Delta and Bayelsa states.

Company spokesman, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, stated weekend that Chevron which operates oil and gas exploration and production joint venture with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) donated items including food, mattresses, toiletries and other materials to assist flood victims in Warri South -West, Warri North and Igbogene in Yenagoa Local Government Areas, Bayelsa.

He said the donation was part of the significant social intervention and contribution to the wellbeing of people in Nigeria by the Joint Venture.

At the Warri South West LGA,

Secretary to the Local Government, Mrs. Gabari Gladys Omare of Warri South-West LGA and the State Emergency Management Authority (SEMA) Representative Mrs. Attu Evelyn received the items on behalf of the Warri South-West LGA Chairman, Hon Tuoyo Duke Taiye, while in Warri North LGA, Koko the Secretary to the Local Government, Mr. Victor German with the support of the HOD, Engineering, Engr. Jerry Atigan received the items on behalf of Hon. Mr. Aduge Okorodudu, Warri North Local Government Chairman.

At Igbogene, the items were received by Hon. Angus Didei on behalf of the Bayelsa State Emergency Relief Committee.

Explaining the reason for the donations, Esimaje Brikinn who is the General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA) at

Chevron said: “This donation is in line with the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture’s commitment and our tradition of care for the welfare of people around our areas of operation in Nigeria and beyond. As we donate these items today, I hope that they will assist in meeting the needs of the people.”

Mr. Brikinn was represented by Tony Emegere, a superintendent in the department.

At all the donation venues, the officials thanked Chevron Management for coming to the aid of the flood victims with food gift items in support the effort of State and Federal Governments.

The Secretary of the Warri North Council, V. A. German, who received the items on behalf of the Local Government Chairman, Amb. Aduge Okorodudu expressed his gratitude to Chevron for its immerse contribution. He stated that the items supplied, will provide suc-

the scope of the project. In addition, it creates an opportunity to meet the two consortia we are currently working with, B7 JV and SCD JV. They are the key players tasked with the Front End Engineering Design (FEED),” he added.

In warning the local contractors to brace for capacity challenge, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr. Simbi Wabote, stated that part of the key objectives of the event was to identify local capabilities in the project supply chain, adding that only companies with capacity are better positioned to take jobn advantages in the project.

“It is very important to have clarity of what local content is about. Local content is not Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). It is not a favour that a company does to a country or a people. It is purely business. It is about giving local companies an opportunity to deliver value through the value chain,” he said.

He remarked that “the public workshop on Train 7 has two objectives: the first is to sensitize interested stakeholders to the upcoming Nigerian Content opportunities in the pro-

cor to the victims.

Similarly, Mrs. Gabari of Warri South West LGA promised that the donated items will form part of the recovery package given to the IDPs to help them get settled back in their homes as they vacate the IDP camps.

Brikinn expatiated that the Joint Venture has also partnered with Delta and Bayelsa states on projects in the areas of education, health and economic development.

“We are happy that this partnership has led to improvements in the people’s quality of life. We are proud to be partners in progress with Delta State Government.” He said.

The handing over of the donated items, comprising mattresses, bags of rice, beans, gari, salt, kegs of palm oil, cartons of vegetable oil, detergent, tissue paper, and other essential supplies in Warri North and Warri South West, was witnessed by representatives of the Itsekiri Regional Development Committee and the Egbema Gbaramatu Community Development Foundation respectively.

ject. The second objective is to create to a platform for identification of local supply chain capacities and capabilities that are available in-country.

In situating the economic advantages in the domestic economy, Mr. Wabote said the project would also absorb local goods and services, grow in-country capacity for midstream facility development jobs and challenge local companies to venture into new areas of petroleum industry business.

“As we go into the development of NLNG’s Train 7 project, we believe it will bring about opportunities for utilizing local goods and services in addition to affording local companies the prospect to enhance their capacities and capabilities. We expect that the train 7 project will provide a platform to expand existing businesses and create opportunities for new businesses like in the cryogenic space as we push the boundaries of local capabilities,” he stated.

He earlier commended NLNG for the workshop, saying “we had one of it in Bonny community and another in Abuja. Today, we are here in Port Harcourt. It shows the sense of responsibility of the company to ensure that all stakeholders are taken on-board and are informed about the various opportunities in the project.

“The workshop goes to show that there is adequate information and communication. We have gone through the three levels from Bonny community where we assembled the Bonny contractors to talk about this to this moment. This is a strategy we have put in place to ensure that all upcoming opportunities are well communicated to all stakeholders at all levels.

“I share the sentiments with the NLNG MD on the 30 years anniversary of the company and 20 years anniversary in operation. You hardly have businesses that survive for that long apart from businesses that are well run. NLNG has paid back the loans they took to build the plant and now it now sees more opportunities and seeks further investment. This is a good thing,” he added.

Both NLNG and NCDMB made it clear that their collaboration was working to guarantee maximum benefit for company shareholders, industry stakeholders, the Nigerian society and all players in the domestic economy.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

ENERGY

NASS orders NNPC, CBN to bring NLNG dividend account •NNPC goes politics with account details

Stories by SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

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HE National Assembly has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to provide the details of government’s dividend account with Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited from 2015 till date.

Instead, NNPC says it would prefer to dig deeper to the tenures of past administrations of the government under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and bring up all account details from 199 till date to public scrutiny.

The move came in response to allegations of illegal withdrawals from the account and subsequent altercations between the corporation and some members of the National legislature over the accuracy of the claims.

The intention of NNPC for stretching the probe backwards is not stated by the corporation but industry analysts who spoke on the matter point at political brinkmanship especially as the probes into the accounts might dig up bruising details on the reputation of the two main political parties in the race for 2019 elections.

At its last sitting, the Senate Committee on Gas which has been mandated to probe the alleged unauthorized disbursement from the account by NNPC adjourned the hearing to 4th December, with a mandate to NNPC and CBN to provide the details of operations of the NLNG Dividend Account before the end of November.

Before now, NNPC has been

consistent that it did not withdraw from the account to support importation of petroleum products to avert scarcity.

With the new mandate however, NNPC said it would provide complete details of the NLNG Dividend Account right from inception to give the Senate and the general public a comprehensive insight into the operations of the account.

Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, said the corporation would now provide comprehensive details of the dividend account it maintains with NLNG from 1999 till date.

Dr. Baru who was represented by the corporation’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Isiaka Abdulrasaq, told the law makers in Abuja that there was need to take a holistic look at the NLNG Dividends Account from inception rather than a limited view from 2015 as requested by the Senate Committee.

In his response, Chairman Senate Committee on Gas, Senator Bassey Akpan, noted that committee’s terms of reference mandated it to look at the operations of the account from 2015 till date, adding that the committee would welcome comprehensive account details.

He said the corporation was ready to provide details of operations of the account in terms of revenues and withdrawal mandates from 1999 till date.

He also stated that the fuel supply situation in the country was very robust with about 2.2 billion liters of fuel in stock, representing over 45-day sufficiency.

•Tony Attah, MD/CEO NLNG (3rd from L), and Engr. Simbi Wabote, Executive Secretary of NCDMB with executives of Nigerian companies at a public workshop on Nigerian Content for NLNG’s Train 7 Project in Port Harcourt.

Owoko’s book simplifies petroleum industry language

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TAKEHOLDERS now have a new window on the petroleum industry as communication expert launches a new book on definition of terms used in the sector.

According to the author, Mr. Mike Owoko, journalism and industry corporate communications veteran, the books introduces “a lingo compendium was reintroduced to the public with reinvigorated and well researched information containing clear and detailed definitions that are extensively cross referenced,

for their distinguished career in the oil and gas sector, spanning nearly 30 years.

IPS was established 15 years ago primarily as a Centre of Excellence in Geosciences, Drilling and Production technology, petroleum economics, policy and strategic studies in collaboration with Institut Francais du Petroleet Energies Nouvelle (IFP/New Energy), the Ecole du Petrole et des Monteurs (IFP School), Paris, France.

and handy for quick and easy understanding of the industry.”

He said the effort was ease communication of issues in the oil and gas industry among stakeholders.

The Language of Oil and Gas which is contained in a book published in the United States of America is a dictionary and a complete explanation of oil and gas terminology comprising current developments in the industry which comprises the upstream, midstream and downstream.

The book which is entitled, The Language of Oil and Gas, is published by BookVenture Publishing LLC, and has been formally released to the public through major bookstores worldwide, including Amazon, Banes and Nobles, BookVentures.

“Every trade or profession has its language. The language is what gives it its unique identification. The oil and gas industry, just like other trade and professions, has its peculiar language. For those whose activities revolve round this indus-

try, the surest way to build a bridge across to it is to be familiar with its unique identification”, Michael Owhoko disclosed in the new book.

The author further said that the book is vital to all stakeholders in the oil and gas industry, particularly professionals, practitioners, journalists, contractors, businessmen and students, as it provides explanation to hitherto grey areas with robust clarity of concepts.

“Indeed, the book is a must read, as all lives are impacted directly or indirectly by the oil and gas industry one way or the other.”

Michael Owhoko is a media and public relations practitioner who has mostly worked in the oil and gas, banking, and media industries.

He earned degrees in political science and mass communications and is the publisher of Media Issues, an online newspaper. He’s also the author of Career Frustration in the Workplace; Nigeria on the Precipice: Issues, Options and Solutions; The Future of Nigeria; and Feminism: The Agony of Men.

achievement, he lamented that Nigeria was boasting of paltry 7000 MW of electricity after 104 years despite her abundant and available gas resources.

The acute electricity deficits, he said, carry huge economic, environmental and health implications for the country.

He cited reports that hold that Nigeria account for 20 percent of the 7.0 million women that die annually due to kitchen related pollution, stressing that over 100,000 Nigerian women die annually from fumes related to cooking with dirty fuel.

He advised government to evolve policy strategies and commercial incentives to attract commercial investments in solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, biofuel, and hydro energy. These new forms, of energy would thrive in a commercial environment to close huge demand gaps created by linear policy measures that concentrate of grid power.

With a projected population of 410

million people by 2050, the country’s commitment to cut annua;l carbon emission by 20 percent, and global commitment to decarbonisation of the ecosystems, renewable energy offers immense opportunity for divergence from the current energy policy failure.

Former Director of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr. George Osahon, lamented that government’s ministers lack working programmes. He tasked industry operators to always articulate policy options as part of agenda setting for political appointees.

However, Managing Director of Total Exploration and Production Nigeria (TEPN) Limited, Mr. Nicolas Terraz, stated that the company is challenged by the ambition to provide more reliable, affordable and clean energy to the worlds growing population, adding that Total has for more than 60 in Nigeria led developments in energy innovation.

“We aim to become providers of integrated solutions, delivering customer services shaped by closeness and innovation. This involves in particular transforming our service

stations into community hubs with local and mobility-related services, as part of a multi-energy network,” he stated.

In converging with other speakers, Mr. Terraz pointed at issues in the operating environment as challenges to government’s aspiration for enhanced business environment that is attractive to global investors.

“You may recall that in July 2016, the Nigerian government inaugurated the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council to reform the business environment. The council was also saddled with the important task of attracting investment into Nigeria as well diversifying the economy. In the Oil and Gas sector, new rules on gas flaring are opening up opportunities in the domestic gas markets and power generation. Of course, there are further conversations to be had on fiscal regimes in the various sectors of the Nigerian economy.

“In summary, growth opportunities abound in Nigeria and all stakeholders need to come together to achieve and sustain this growth. So this is the start of an important conversation.”

Wabote, Joel bag Fellowship Award for Engineering Excellence

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XECUTIVE Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Mr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, an engineer, has been inducted as a fellow of the Institute of Petroleum Studies (IPS), University of Port Harcourt.

The recognition, according to a statement from NCSMB, comes in recognition of his exceptional accomplishments in engineering, stra-

tegic management and local content leadership in the Oil and Gas Industry.

The award was part of the Institute’s 15t Induction Ceremony/Exhibition held in University premises.

Wabote is one of the two persons admitted to fellowship of the Institute this year. The second person is Hervochon Joel, a French national and Executive Director, Deep Water District, Total, Lagos.

Both professionals were inducted

Investors flay Nigeria’s energy policies Continued from Pg 17

scrambling for 5000 megawatts of electricity from its abundant gas reserves at a time global energy industry was witnessing fast transition into green energy.

She also pointed at the shame of the country as African biggest crude oil producer without capacity for internal refining, adding that Nigeria spends more money on fuel importation than could build large scale refineries capable of exceeding immediate and future domestic demand.

According to her, policy drivers must realize that Nigeria has little time to commercialize her abundant gas reserves in the face of the global race for transition to cleaner energy. She pointed out that the country’s huge deepwater gas was stranded at a time the industry drills for gas, blaming the situation on fiscal disincentives in the domestic environment as well as commercial and supply regulations in the domestic

market.

In providing policy options to the government, African Representative at the Global Council for Renewable Energy, Mr. Stanley Ijeoma, urged government to create a policy platform that limits its role in the electric power industry and allow private players to lead innovations in the search for micro-renewable electricity for homes and businesses.

According to him, government policies have failed to translate petroleum resources into significant development in all sectors of the economy. He added that hopes that huge gas reserves would translate to available electricity might be dashed if the quality of government’s economic policies were not improved.

In canvassing for policies that emphasize energy diversification, Mr. Ijeooma noted that false promises of petroleum resources have left over 50 million Nigerians without electricity.

Referring to Mr. Fashola’s proud

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The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

e-Platform

Improved business model, key to growing insurance sector – Universal Insurance boss Stories by VICTOR NZE

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ANAGING Director, Universal Insurance Plc, Mr Ben Ujoatuonu, Thursday, said with increased public awareness and prompt settlement of claims by policy holders, Nigeria’s Insurance sector would thrive.

Ujoatuonu, said this at the inauguration of the Retail Insured Family Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), with a theme; “Enhancing Insurance Confidence in Nigeria: The Role of Policy Holders,” in Abuja.

According to him, Nigeria’s insurance sector has great potential due to its huge population but is best be described as struggling, with less than one million adults having a form of insurance.

He said: “Beyond restoring insurance industry confidence, there is need to further deepen insurance penetration in Nigeria. The insurance industry must rise up to exploit Nigeria’s huge population to advantage; for a meaningful result, there should be coordinated approach in creating awareness in the grass root.

“On a broader perspective, synergies should be created between the regulator, operators and aggregators also, schools awareness campaign is another major way to `catch them young’.”

Managing Partner, Carmel and Associates, Risk and Management Consultant, Mr Lawrence Dafiode, who chaired the event, commended the players in the insurance sector, while urging them to do more to drive the sector.

“We can all testify to the facts that the insurance industry in Nigeria has been performing below its potential and expectation. While many, at different times, have identified the challenges facing the industry, not much has been done to address them.

“It is for this purpose that I am happy to be part of this occasion as we inaugurate an organisation that aim at improving the performance of the industry by focusing on its retail end.”

National Chairman, RIFAN, Mr Akin Bello, in his address, expressed the association’s continued desire to partner stakeholders in the sector to increase insurance awareness at the grassroots and enhance overall public confidence in insurance.

Bello said: “RIFAN commends the efforts of the insurance industry at various levels, to improve the image of the insurance sector in Nigeria.

“We wish to identify with the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) for being proactive in

seeking partnership with the various states through the new State Insurance Producers (SIP) model.

RIFAN hereby pledges her commitment to continue to support NAICOM in this direction,” he said.

According to him, RIFAN is registered under the laws of Nigeria as a free association of insurance policyholders in Nigeria with a mission to create awareness, increase public confidence and ensure

prompt claims payment.

He said the association was working at having members in all the 36 states of the federation and would leverage a robust information technology platform to guarantee protection of members’ interest.

A representative of NAIC, Mr Rotimi Ayeola, urged the association to also reach out to farmers in the country while carrying out its mandate of public awareness of

insurance.

He also expressed NAIC’s desire to support RIFAN in taking care of the policy holders, adding that NAIC would play the role expected of it to drive insurance penetration.

Representatives of Leadway Assuarance Plc, GNI and Veritas insurance all commended the management of RIFAN for taking the bold initiatives and pledged their commitment to support the association in every way possible.

GTBank unveils Habari mobile app for customers’ needs

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UARANTY Trust Bank (GTBank) Plc, has taken banking innovation to another level with the launch of a new mobile application called; Habari.

Managing Director of GTBank, Mr Segun Agbaje, who unveiled the new product at an event in Lagos on Friday, said Habari was open and free for all to download, adding that it does not require mobile banking details, but offers a wide range of services, all of which were accessible to anyone regardless of where they choose to bank.

According to him, Habari is also very simple to use and is designed with a clean user interface as well as a seamless navigation experience that ensures everything, from the music to listen to, to the bills to pay, are just two clicks away.

“By reimagining the role of banking and driving innovation in how we serve customers, we have built a platform that is less about us as a bank and more about our customers and everything they need to enable their lifestyle,” Mr Agbaje said.

He stated further that, “Habari is not a mobile banking application; it is the start of our journey towards building a platform that connects our customers to everything that they need, and which continues to evolve with their lifestyle. We are excited about this journey and we are confident that our customers will see in Habari a simple, smart and exciting digital experience that adds value to their lives, every day.”

Habari is Nigeria’s largest platform for music, shopping, lifestyle content and more. It also offers users direct access to the largest catalogue of local and foreign music online, a seamless shopping experience and an exciting way to connect with friends, amongst

other features.

Built around the everyday lives of customers, Habari is the first mobile platform in Nigeria created by a financial institution that focuses on enabling people’s needs and lifestyles rather than providing a limited bouquet of regular banking products.

Among the exciting services available on Habari are its catalogue of local and foreign music, the largest ever in Nigeria, carefully curated videos that range from short engaging self-help kits to captivating full-length movies, and books that cut across all literary genres.

The mobile app also offers an end-to-end shopping experience that allows users buy goods and services directly from over 10,000 small businesses. On Habari users can also shake their phones to find and connect with friends, split bills, transfer and receive funds as well as pay for utilities, subscriptions and other services.

•Winners at the AppsAfrica.com Awards 2018 which saw 14 awardees (out of 300 entries from over 39 countries) including two from Nigeria, announced at the annual Awards party in Cape Town, South Africa, recently. The Awards is supported by Syntonic, KaiOS, Uber, JET8¸ Africa Tech Summit Kigali and Mobile Monday South Africa (MOMO).

FG promises better quality telecommunications services

F

EDERAL Government says efforts are ongoing to have extra satellites to support the present Nigeria Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) to improve quantum in the telecommunications industry.

Minister of Communication, Dr Adebayo Shittu, spoke on Thursday at the Sixth Regular Meeting of the National Council on Communication Technology in Abeokuta, Ogun.

Shittu said the major reason for the additional communication satellites was to reach areas that could not easily be covered by terrestrial fibre.

UBA effects maintenance of cards on int’l platforms

U

NITED Bank for Africa (UBA) has announced that it is carrying out full maintenance of its cards on international platforms.

This, according to an emailed notice to its customers on Saturday, is to ensure accounts domiciled in the financial institution were “fully secure.”

“In our bid to serve you better and ensure that your accounts with us are fully secure, we will be scheduling a full maintenance of our cards on international platforms,” the notice obtained by Business Post said.

Though the lender did not specifically state when the maintenance will commence or last, it emphasised that during during

the exercise, customers will not be able to make any international transactions with any of their UBA cards.

“Please be informed that during this period, you will not be able to make any international transactions with any of your UBA cards,” the bank said.

However, it stressed that, “Local transactions in your local currency will not be affected,” adding that, “The maintenance will commence immediately. We assure you that it will be treated with utmost importance and you will be informed as soon as the maintenance is complete.” “We thank you for banking with UBA and appreciate your patience and understanding,” the notice concluded.

He said there was a positive increase in the number of active telecommunication subscribers with an increase from 148.70 million in August 2015 to 162.05 million as at September 2018.

According to the minister, this represents an increase of seven per cent.

Shittu revealed that the country’s Foreign Direct Investment in telecommunication had increased from 32 billion dollars in 2015 to 40 billion dollars in 2018.

The minister said that the percentage of internet penetration had reached a milestone of 48.44 per cent, making Nigeria second only to South Africa in the whole of Africa.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to use ICT as a way of economic diversification which would help in the nation’s economic recovery and massive employment generation for the teeming youths.

The minister spoke on the theme: “Leveraging on ICT as Veritable Vehicle for Economic Recovery and Growth.”

He said that Information Communication Technology (ICT) had really changed the way people communicate, learn and conduct business.

“The National Council on Communication Technology (NCCT) is the highest Governmental policy advisory body in the ICT sector. The NCCT meeting enhances national intergovernmental coordination in

the ICT sector and provides platform for networking and experiences sharing toward harmonised sector development,” he said.

The minister explained that the government had worked assiduously at improving the strategic ecosystem framework of the ICT sector through the development of policy instruments including the Nigeria ICT Roadmap and the National Addressing Policy.

He reiterated that government would continue to keep abreast of developments in the area of technology and its extensive influence and application to diverse sectors in Nigeria.

In his remarks, Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun, while declaring open the meeting, said that the state was committed to sustaining an ICT driven environment, adding that it would always play significant role in his administration.

Amosun said that his government would continue to work to channel the energy of youths into technology, calling on participants to deliberate and come out with initiatives that would make ICT to serve as weapon of mass development.

The governor urged the council to come up with a control mechanism to checkmate and curb illegal usage of social media platforms.

Amosun said that it would help the country, especially now that the nation was approaching the electioneering year.

23

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

e-Platform

Samsung’s foldable phone could cost over N.9m

F

OLDABLE display tech, arguably the biggest smartphone revolution in years finally reaching end-user viable market status was bound to demand a premium.

Especially in its first iteration and from a top dog, name-brand the likes of Samsung. Even so, $1925 - $2565 (N910, 000) is beyond eyewatering. It is exuberant to say the least.

It is clear that the Samsung Galaxy F/Flex or whatever naming the Korean giant lands on will be a concept device, not really meant for the general consumer. Much like the Note Edge was back in the day when curved was the futuristic trend. That’s probably for the better too, since there were plenty of issues with that device and we can only imagine foldable panel implementations will be an order of magnitudes harder to perfect and really make viable. But, we digress.

The price tag of N.9m comes from a fairly reputable source.

However, little extra info is offered.

The biggest question in our mind is why the two price tags are so far apart. The only thing that springs to mind is at least a couple of models and storage tiers.

Potentially size difference, although the foldable design could turn that concept on its head altogether. Apple’s current lineup has the entry-level 64GB iPhone XS at $999 and the top-tier XS Max at a $500 premium, so the variance is not unheard of.

We also can’t help but wonder why the quoted figures are so precise. Dare we even consider the possibility that these are actual production and parts cost calculations and not retail prices? We probably won’t get any sort of additional info prior to the first Flex Display actually hitting the market in at

least some shape or form, which is said to happen sometime in March 2019.

The source of that particular release time frame also mentioned a price of about $1,770, while another carrier leak has also previously mentioned a 2,000 Pound Sterling figure for the top end model. In any case, no matter which source you decide to trust, you are still looking at prohibitively expensive price points.

Another interesting side of the whole flexible panel story to consider is that Samsung is definitely not alone in the ongoing endeavour to bring the tech to consumers. At the very least, we have heard that both Huawei and LG have some involvement in the matter. What will pricing be outside camp Samsung then? Will the tech even be the same? So many questions.

Samsung has also hinted the design of its upcoming foldable smartphone. As per the company, the upcoming Galaxy F will come with an inward folding display design. The display on the device will be whopping 7.4-inch panel when it is in an unfolded state.

Whereas, the display will shrink to 4.6-inch when the device is in a folded state. The primary display will be the 4.6-inch panel that will offer a screen resolution of 1960 x 840 pixels. The 7.3 inches flexible AMOLED panel will offer a QVGA+ resolution with 1536 x 2152 pixels.

Samsung is yet to reveal some information on the pricing of its upcoming foldable smartphone and it remains to be seen at what price bucket will the tech giant offer the smartphone.

Also, while Samsung has already confirmed its foldable smartphone release date of March 2019, the Galaxy S10 is yet to be confirmed by the company.

Crypto losses near $700bn

B

ITCOIN sank toward $4 000 and most of its peers tumbled on Friday, extending the Bloomberg Galaxy Crypto Index’s weekly decline to 25 per cent.

That’s the worst five-day stretch since crypto-mania peaked in early January.

After an epic rally last year that exceeded many of history’s most notorious bubbles, cryptocurrencies have become mired in a nearly $700bn rout that shows few signs of abating. Many of the concerns that sparked the 2018 slump - including increased regulatory scrutiny, community infighting and exchange snafus have only intensified this week.

Even after losses exceeding 70 per cent for most virtual currencies, Oanda Corporation’s Stephen Innes has yet to see strong evidence of a capitulation that might signal a market bottom.

“There’s still a lot of people in this game,” Innes, head of trading for Asia Pacific at Oanda, said by phone from Singapore. If Bitcoin “collapses, if we start to see a run down toward $3 000, this thing is going to be a monster. People will be running for the exits.”

Innes said his base case forecast is for Bitcoin to trade between $3 500 and $6 500 in the short term, with the potential to fall to $2 500

by January.

The largest cryptocurrency retreated 4.4% to $4 237 at 11:31 in

Hong Kong, according to Bloomberg composite pricing. Rivals Ether, Ripple and Litecoin all declined at least 4.8 per cent. The market value of all cryptocurrencies tracked by CoinMarketCap. com sank to $138 billion, down from about $835 billion at the market peak in January.

•Foldable Samsung Galaxy F

LG introduces new range of innovative gas cookers Stories by VICTOR NZE

A

DVANCES in technology and communication, combined with the explosive growth in data and information, have given rise to a more empowered global consumer. This means brands across different sector need to pay more attention to value creation.

In the gas cooker segment, for example, there has been a growing consumer interest in getting fast, tasty, safe and nourishing meals ready in the home. The gas cooker segment of the home appliances market in Nigeria has continued to soar high over the last three years.

Just as the market competition grows globally, there is no difference from the Nigerian market.

According to Mr Jiung Park, General Manager, Home Appliances Division at LG Electronics West Africa, the company’s focus has been on creating an excellent product that meets cus-

Instagram gets new interface

I

NSTAGRAM has announced a new update coming to Instagram users. The update gets rid of some of the icons on profiles and replaces them with literal text. Rather than icons for each tab, they are now properly labeled with text, which should make them much clearer to those users who might not know what the tab icons mean.

“Over the next several weeks, you may see features re-arranged at the top of your profile including changes to icons, buttons, and the way you navigate between tabs, which we hope will make profiles easier and cleaner to use,” announced the company via its Twitter handle.

Instagram is aiming to make its app easier and clearer to navigate for its users. The new design shifts around the appearance of profiles. The profile icon is now on the right and follower count is no longer at the very

top. Otherwise, Instagram is phasing out the post count from the profile view. The description is also placed directly to the left of the profile icon.

A profile’s follower view is also different now. Rather than show your mutuals at the top of a profile’s followers list, there’s now a dedicated tab for mutual friends, all other followers, and a list of accounts followed by that profile.

“We’ve been working on these changes and will test them in phases and different combinations with our community over the next several weeks. We’ll continue to experiment and update the experience as we learn from your feedback,” it added.

Instagram has yet to settle on a final redesign. It is still testing the layout and will keep shifting things around as it sees fit.

Some users are already seeing the new layout taking effect on their end.

tomer needs and more.

“As a customer-centric brand, LG focused on ensuring excellent cooking performance, easy clean, perfect safety and convenience”, he said.

Commenting on some of the unique features of LG Gas Cooker, Park said: “LG Gas Cookers come with Flame failure device (FFD), Power Convection, Rotisserie and Dual Heating that enhances cooking performance; Removable Door Glass, Catalytic Cleaning that enables easy and fast clean; Safe Touch Closed Door Grilling for safety.”

“With LG Gas Cooker, you are assured of fast and healthy cooking. With LG Cooker, cleaning the oven door after cooking is not an annoying job to do anymore. You don’t need any tool to take off the inner glass. Just pull the glass a little bit against your body and lift it off. LG power convection also shortens your cooking time but makes your food taste even better. As it circulates hot air with the special fan, the surface of food would be more crispy, with minimum loss of moist inside”, Park added.

He further stated that; “today’s customer is safety conscious which gave rise to the

•LG Cooker

need for the Flame Failure Device (FFD) specially built for LG Gas cookers. This is a mechanical in-built device that shuts off gas supply as soon as the burner is unable to sense any form of flame at the point of ignition thereby preventing Gas leakage which could lead to a fire outbreak.

“With Dual Heating for oven and grill, LG cookers will offer customers more flexibility when cooking. Our Safe Touch allows you to keep the front door and its components cool, using special ventilation system of LG freestanding cooker”.

He further mentioned that the brand is currently running a consumer promotion with Nigeria’s leading Oil & Gas firm, OVH (Oando Plc) by giving free 12.5kg cylinder filled with gas content upon purchase of any LG Gas cooker across LG Brand shops nationwide, a scheme designed to making LG consumers happy and giving them extra value for patronising the brand.

The co-promotion which recently commenced has witnessed positive feedbacks from various customers nationwide who mentioned this was the first time two big brands would come together

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

ISSN: 2545-5869

The

racle www.oraclenews.ng

EDITORIAL

Today

24

VOX POPULI SACRUM

A vote for issue-based campaigns Cont’d front page 1

toral calendar for all stakeholders in the electoral process—the candidates, the party/parties and the electorate. It is the best time for the candidates to seek to win the hearts and minds of the voting public.

In the past, campaign rallies had been fraught with a lot of dangers, not least because thugs often operated almost unfettered--either to prevent intruders from disrupting such rallies or to, in fact, disrupt such rallies! There is no reason to assume that such things don’t or won’t happen these days. For all the world knows, they may even become worse, if the language of social media political communication at the moment is anything to go by.

We are, however, consoled by the fact that with the selfsame social media as a veritable platform for politicking, the need for physical campaign rallies with their associated logistics problems may well have become greatly reduced, such that the oft-debilitating misgivings about thugs unleashing mayhem on participants at rallies may no longer be as debilitating. And yet, there must be campaigns and rallies, come to think of.

As tumultuous as the recently concluded party primary elections were, we are delighted to note that they ended in most cases without major incidents. Except in a few instances, like in Nnewi, Anambra State, where ‘we no go gree’ boiled over into physical assaults and people sustained some injuries in the

ensuing melee, the primaries were generally peaceful and seemed to signpost the shape of things to come in the polls of next year: by His grace, a peaceful, generally acceptable election does seem to beckon. It is instructive also that despite the baiting of the general public by security agents who openly aided vote buy/rigging and, with thugs in tow, viciously harassed ‘non-official’ party members, even preventing many of them from casting their votes, the Ekiti and Osun State governorship elections were generally peaceful, especially, in the case of Osun State, the first election held on 22nd of last month.

In the light of the foregoing, it is expected that as the campaigns begin, political leaders and party apparatchik would be guided by the nation’s most recent experience in politicking and elections in pitching their messages so as to further promote the cause of electoral peace in the country. Candidates and their campaign organisations must endeavour to dwell more on issues than on personalities. And even where the emphasis inevitably turns on personalities, effort must be made to dwell more on the positives or negatives of such personalities in very decent ways. For, the point must be made that all human beings, politicians especially, live in glass houses one way or another and so must avoid throwing stones indiscriminately. Communication directors of campaign organisations must, therefore, make it a point of duty to strictly gate-keep in order to avoid all manners of insidious materials that libel opponents and impugn their characters getting into media campaign platforms.

The underlying phrase here is ‘use of language’. We have observed that many ‘journalists’ who operate on social media tend to insult rather than criticise their principals’ opponents. Such words as evil, wicked, devil, satanic among other such expletives, have been freely used to describe certain persons whose only crime is that they dared to pick their party’s ticket (yes another political party’s ticket) to challenge those ‘journalists’ principals to electoral contest. Such ugly words/terms must never be allowed free reign in social and political communication in the modern era. They belittle both the users and the targets of such expletives.

Indeed, what we say about others must edify rather demean us.

Therefore, to continue on the path of peaceful and decent politicking that the primaries and the two recent elections in the South West, imperfect as they may have been, have signposted, it is imperative for communication/media directors of campaign organisations to bridle their attack dogs so that at the end of it all, win or lose, we shall all still have friends and friendly socio-political environments to return to.

One unattributed post trending on the social media has this to say about our brand of politicking. Entitled ISSUED IN PUBLIC INTEREST, the text says: “People are losing friends over political ideologies. Just remember

that whenever you are in need and want support, you will need friends and not government.”

How apt. It is appalling that many, indeed most, of us these days, in a bid to show loyalty to, and please their principals, go all out to destroy relationships they had built over time and which had hitherto served them well. But, more often than not, such overzealous supporters turn out to be the ultimate losers—they usually lose everything—because these politicians they fight for, these people who unabashedly tell you there are neither permanent friends nor enemies but interests, will sooner or later turn around to make up with their opponents leaving their ‘foolish’ supporters to sort themselves out, in most cases to stew in the stench of their eternal enmity with people they had unnecessarily disparaged in the name of partisan politicking.

The point bears repeating that politics is no war but only a game. As every game is played by the rules, so is or should politics. When games— football, lawn tennis, even Rugby—are played according to the rules, they bring nothing but joy and ecstasy to the spectators. In the same vein, when politics is played according to the rules of engagement—respect for the rights of others to vote and or be voted for, especially— the result, almost always, comes in the form of a nation experiencing peace and harmony, socio-economic development and progress.

What the candidates and their supporters do or say as the campaigns gather momentum will go a lot way in determining how far the nation will go in its effort to midwife another peaceful transition from one civilian to another in Nigeria’s unfolding 20 unbroken years of democratic governance. A lot will depend on what communication directors of campaign organisations do or fail to do in this regard.

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

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

25

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

OPINION 2019 elections: United against hate speech

By NDUKA UZUAKPUNDU

A

s the 2019 general elections draw near, it is a healthy development that the Buhari administration has invested a lot of resources in building up hope and confidence in the electoral process so the exercise would be hate speech-free. The intent, for one, is to have an exercise that would be ruled, by all participating political parties, local and foreign observers and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as transparent, peaceful, credible, free and fair. For another, it is to protect the country’s young Fourth Republic and nascent democracy from the ugly effects of violence, destruction of lives and property that are associated with hate speech.

It should be pointed out that until 2016, hate speech was rife on radio, television, the Internet and published in form of opinion articles or news published in newspapers. Some had the impression that they were sponsored by the enemies of the Buhari administration.

A majority of those involved in the propagation of such hate speeches – individuals who ought to have known better – probably mistook freedom of speech as enshrined in Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution, as a licence to be irresponsible and loose.

And when the Buhari administration moved against the propagation of hate speech – making it a crime, as it were – via the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and Ministry of Information and Culture, which lodged a protest with proprietors of radio and television stations, and policy-makers in newspaper houses, many were those who felt it was an abridgement of free speech.

The truth, nonetheless, is that, today, Nigerian airwaves are a lot more sanitized than they were two years ago. The 2019 general election will be the first that INEC would organize under the All Progressives Congress-

led Buhari administration. The Buhari administration wants to make a clean break with the experience that this country has had with most electoral exercise. And concerted efforts – beyond such lines as religion, ethnicity, tribe and political party – should be made, so that the elections are, if anything, peaceful.

Therefore, there’s a pressing need for policymakers of the various political parties and their standard-bearers to queue behind the Buhari administration to shorn hate speech as they go about campaigning. They also have a compelling duty to admonish their supporters to be mindful of what they say in the run-up to, during and after the elections, if only not to create unnecessary tension in the policy – at the expensive price of national peace, security and harmony.

When the Buhari administration threatened to withdraw the license of any broadcast medium that was found guilty of disseminating hate speech, it was with a conscious effort to nip in the bud what was perceived as likely to shove the country back to the early ’60s; if was not political rascality and brigandage, in which all the dominant political parties and their members were complicit, it was Operation Wetie – one of the top most acts of violence that buried the First Republic, following the military camp in January 1966. No responsible government would want a play-back of that tape.

The prelude to that bloody event started with hate speech: intolerance, mud-stinging or character assassination, crude political intrigues that were frightened unrepentantly on ethnicity, religion, tribalism and political affiliation. Worse still was the fact that they were very enlightened political leaders who, so it seemed, superintended over those untidy developments. Perhaps for their selfish political ambitions, the Nigerian nation state that they aspired to govern, should burn – and, possibly, too – to ashes.

But, because the Fourth Republic has lasted longest than the three before it, all the political parties – their leaders and members – should see themselves as its worthy ambassadors or protectors. Their utterances should be constructive and their opposition to government policies or programmes should portray them as being of loyal disposition. Not being a specialist in hate speech that many a political party leader or captain of pressure group or activist have come to see as an expressway – via social media, in most instances – to sell him or herself as a representative of a certain genre of politics or social tendency that does not promote the cause of democracy and national stability.

In place of propagating hate speech or fake news – ‘the bombing of the headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)’ or Nigeria’s foreign reserves now empty’ – both fake news that some mischievous elements posted not so long ago on social media – one thinks it’s imperative for political, religious and tribal leaders, and media owners to do what they can – a la President Muhammadu Buhari – to the preservation of the unity, security and peace of the Nigerian nation state.

After nearly two decades of the maladministration by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which was terminated by the dawn of the Buhari’s administration, in 2015, most discerning Nigerians are tempted to hold firmly to the belief that hate speech was invented by opponents of the APC-led administration to plunge the country into a deep crisis – one that would have had a crude mix of political, religious and tribal complexions. In place of hate speech and fake news on social media, where thrive somewhat unrestrained, Nigeria’s political leaders and their associates, who indulge in them should channel their energy and resources towards how best, in league with the Buhari administration, they could

make history of the Boko Haram terrorist sect, steel the country’s economy in a post-recession period and assist INEC – via non-violence, honesty and transparency – to conduct an election, come 2019, that will sink the roots of democracy in the Fourth Republic.

One’s opposition to hate speech and fake news – two pointed instruments of violence that could harm this country, if unchecked, especially during an election period – is akin to advocating “politics without bitterness” for which the late Waziri Ibrahim, the presidential candidate of the defunct Great Nigeria People’s Party (GNPP) was very much admired.

He was on record to have cautioned one of his party loyalists in the late ’70s against what was akin to hate speech at a campaign rally in one of the towns in what was then Cross River State. That’s an example that should be emulated by today’s actor.

Nigeria’s political leaders should bear in mind that it was the criminal abuse of freedom of speech or expression that led to the Rwandan genocide: a large-scale slaughter in which nearly one million people – a majority of them Hutu people – were slaughtered. Nigeria’s political and opinion leaders have a binding responsibility to shield the country and the Fourth Republic from such a catastrophe by joining hands with the Buhari administration against hate speech and fake news. Ditto for the numerous faceless bloggers on social media and journalists on mainstream or traditional media, too. Politics and democracy should be seen as allies in building a culture of tolerance, good behavior, trading of concessions, and peace. In the Nigerian context, it presupposes a responsibility to build and strengthen national cohesion and harmony, one should that be less accommodating of hate speech.

Nigeria needs clean politics not only to fortify her economy and unity, but also to present her as a model worthy of emulation by other African countries.

APC and countdown to 2019 polls (5)

By EHICHIOYA EZOMON

W

ith presidential and party reconciliation committees in place, confusion and confrontation, rather than conciliation and consolidation continues to reign in the camps of aggrieved aspirants and their sponsors, and in the entire All Progressives Congress (APC), no thanks to the fallout from the party primaries.

This comes barely five days to the December 1, 2018, expiration of the window that allows for withdrawal/replacement of candidates for the positions of governor/deputy governor and members of the House of Assembly for the 2019 elections, which resume at 8 a.m. on February 16 - just 81 days from today, November 26, 2018.

While the opportunity for withdrawal/replacement of National Assembly candidates had lapsed on November 17, 2018, some Governorship and State House of Assembly candidates can be “encouraged” or “persuaded” to withdraw their nomination from the list submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to enable their replacement by the APC. And this is where the dissatisfied aspirants and their backers should channel their strategies and resources, to save a seemingly bad situation before the APC would send the nomination forms of the final candidates to the INEC for publication for the 2019 elections.

But what have we seen? The aggrieved aspirants are unrelenting in beating the drums of war over alleged refusal of the party hierarchy to replace them with the “temporary” candidates on the INEC list.

Failing which they have promised fire and brimstone against the Adams Oshiomholeled National Working Committee (NWC), and legal causes that may hamper the chances of the APC in the elections.

Let’s step back a bit and ask if these aspir-

ants, especially their sponsors, had any ‘Plan B’ in place, on the APC platform, for their “anointed candidates” to secure their tickets if they failed to “impose” them or influence their choices? From all indications, they didn’t have such plans, as they had successfully “schemed” the processes in the past. Their alternative, if any, was the highway: Cause crisis that would affect the fortunes of the party, in order to demonstrate their “overlordship” in their states. Now, pride and ego have taken the front burner in their “fight-to-finish” with Oshiomhole.

However, although unrelated in the context of the APC primaries, the “aggrieved” should take a cue from the strategy adopted by some aspirants of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara and Sokoto States.

For instance, both Senate President Bukola Saraki and Governor Aminu Tambuwal aspired to be president. But as a fall-back option, they caused their “surrogates” to be elected as senatorial and governorship candidates, respectively, at the primaries.

When they failed to clinch the presidential ticket of the PDP, they “persuaded” the candidates for the positions to withdraw, and the party subsequently sent to INEC Saraki and Tambuwal’s names as replacements in the senatorial and governorship elections in 2019.

Likewise, the aggrieved APC aspirants in Ogun, Imo, Zamfara and elsewhere ought to persuade the “temporary” candidates to withdraw or swap positions with them, as the case maybe, instead of trying to worsen a bad situation that could be remedied by negotiations and compromises with the candidates and the APC Chair, Oshiomhole.

Accordingly, in Ogun, Dapo Abiodun can be persuaded to pick Adekunle Akinlade (Amosun’s protégé) as his deputy, or Akinlade becomes the candidate and Abiodun the deputy. The same thing in Imo: Hope Uzodin-

ma will pick Uche Nwosu (Okorocha’s preference) as deputy or vice versa.

In Zamfara, Yari’s “anointed” candidate should pick Senator Kabiru Marafa as deputy or vice versa. And in Rivers, Tonye Cole (former Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s “choice”) will pick Senator Magnus Abe as deputy or vice versa. But these governors and their opponents seem not listening. They would rather target Oshiomhole, and demand the “impossibles,” as the December 1, 2018, for final substitution of candidates for governor/deputy and state legislature winds down in five days from today.

Consider the Amosun group in Ogun insisting on the “restoration of the mandates” of Akinlade and other aggrieved candidates for the State House of Assembly. And the consequence of not realizing the demand is, “We are not going to work for Dapo Abiodun (in the 2019 elections) because he was imposed on us,” the faction told the presidential reconciliation committee in Abeokuta last week.

But Abiodun has rejected any conditions not in conformity with the Nigerian Constitution, the APC constitution and the Electoral Act, stressing: “Whatever anybody is saying should fall within the laws. We talk to each other. We are in the process of reaching out to them. Even if they bring any demand, we cannot say they should get out; we will tolerate each other.” That’s the crux of the matter: Negotiations, give-and-take, and tolerance of each other, as matters can still be “corrected” within the remaining timeframe of five days.

Yet, the APC’s NWC should not over-stretch its luck by threatening to deal with the aggrieved members that have taken the primaries issues to the courts. You can’t beat a child - which is what the aggrieved aspirants and their backers are - and ask them not to cry. What they need is pacification, and not punishment. In any case, the party can’t ap-

probate and reprobate. The APC can’t be pursuing reconciliation, and also stoking the embers of more crises. The option would have been to nip in the bud what the six committees for reconciliation are attempting too late in the day to achieve. The primaries and attendant crisis started in August 2018.

Like the aggrieved aspirants and their benefactors, the NWC didn’t plan for the aftermath of the primaries. Perhaps, as usual in political “family affairs,” members had assumed that the events would fade away quickly.

They misjudged, even their intentions! So, all hands must push for the great task ahead of the APC in 2019.

•Mr. Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria.

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

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

Travel & Hospitality Stories by VICTOR NZE

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AGOS State has recorded a major global recognition for its commitment to the arts and culture as it formally joins the influential World Cities Culture Forum following ratification of its membership at the 7th edition of the World Culture Cities Summit in San Francisco, United States of America, weekend.

According to a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture, Mr. Fola Adeyemi, Lagos has now joined globally respected cities like London, New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Lisbon, Edinburgh, Seoul, Hong Kong and Tokyo which are celebrated as cultural hubs by the World Culture Cities Forum, an initiative of the Office of Mayor of London.

Adeyemi stated that the profile of Lagos State as an arts and culture hub in West Africa is also featured for the first time in the triennial authoritative publication of the Forum - World Cities Culture Report (2018).

He said the report acknowledged Lagos for its multi-faceted infrastructural development of the arts and cultural spheres; use of cultural tourism to drive growth and improve the profile of the city and its commitment to diversity in the

Lagos joins World Cities Culture Forum arts as well as support for artists operating in the visual, digital and performing arts.

The statement said the Commissioner for Tourism Arts and Culture, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, who was accompanied by the Chairman of the Board of Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, Mrs. Polly Alakija to represent Lagos at the summit, recognised the honour as a validation of the giant strides that the State has recorded in the areas of arts and the creative sector in the past three years.

“The honour from World Culture Cities Forum is well deserved and a validation of the commitment that the Lagos State Government has shown to arts and cultural development; more so that it is coming on the heels of Mastercard’s 2018 Report ranking Lagos as the most visited city in Sub-sahara Africa,” Ayorinde said.

The World Cities Culture Summit 2018 saw representatives from 32 cities unite to champion culture as well as share research and best practices as they launched the world’s most comprehensive cultural report.

Marriott opens second Protea hotel in Ghana

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ARRIOTT International, Inc., has announced the signing of Protea Hotel by Marriott Accra, Kotoka Airport, the brand’s second hotel in Ghana and the first Protea Hotel by the hotel giant in the capital city of Accra.

Owned by Baobab Hotels & Resorts which is a subsidiary of the YAMUSAH Group, the hotel will be strategically located in the prestigious airport residential area of Accra.

A mere 1.5 kilometers from the Kotoka International Airport, the hotel is also in close proximity to key diplomatic, government and commercial nodes.

“Continuing economic growth in Africa is driving greater investment in the continent, and Ghana is proving to be particularly attractive as an investment destination. Protea Hotels

by Marriott, is one of Africa’s most well established hotel brands and we are delighted to debut the brand in the bustling and dynamic capital city of Accra. The hotel will meet the rising demand for quality lodging in the city, catering to both the business as well as the leisure traveler” said Volker Heiden, Vice President Protea

Hotels by Marriott, Marriott International, Middle East and Africa.

According to Mr. Zibrim Yamusah, President and CEO of The YAMUSAH Group, “We are pleased to partner with Marriott International to bring the Protea Hotels by Marriott brand to Accra. The brand’s strong regional equity and awareness coupled with the global distribution of Marriott International and the strength of its loyalty program, we believe, are a powerful combination that will help position the hotel and drive business.”

Protea Hotel by Marriott Accra Kokota Airport will be a 17-story, 200-room hotel offering a restaurant, a lobby bar and lounge, small conference and meeting facilities, an air crew lounge, a gymnasium and a roof-top pool bar and lounge with uninterrupted views of the city. With its strategic location and the range of facilities it will offer, the hotel will be ideal for business and leisure travelers, as well as airline crew and the local community.

Protea Hotel by Marriott Accra Kotoka Airport is expected to open by end of 2019.

Ibadan readies for 4th ‘Feast of Words’ literary festival Dec. 1

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REPARATIONS are in top gear as Words Rhymes & Rhythm Publishers Ltd gets ready to host the 4th edition of its annual literary festival “Feast of words”.

‘Feast of words’ is one of Nigeria’s most anticipated literary festivals, especially among the younger generation of writers, It is a unique, oneday, non-ticketed literary festival that features performances, discussion panels, award presentations, book readings, poetry, musical, and drama performances.

Samson Iruesiri Kukogho who is the founder of Words Rhymes & Rhythm (WRR) said “Over the years, the festival has become a much-anticipated opportunity for young writers from all over Nigeria to interact with each other face-to-face.”

‘Feast of words 2018’ is expected to hold on the 1st of December 2018

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in Ibadan, Oyo State, under the theme; ‘Telling Our stories #FeastOfWords2018’ at the International School, University of Ibadan, Oyo. Events lined up include: Workshops (Poetry & Prose), Panel Discussion, Book Readings, Performances (Drama, Music, Poetry), Book Unveiling, Library Project Activation and Award Presentations.

Kukogho explained that The ‘Feast of Words’ is one of the many ways through which Words Rhymes & Rhythm Publishers Ltd., promote Nigerian writing and support the development of young Nigerian writers.

He added that the Festival presents an opportunity for interaction and networking amongst young writers all over the country. The 2015, 2016 and 2017 editions had in attendance writers and literary enthusiast from all over the country.

•A cross section of flight attendants who participated at the just-concluded Cabin Crew Fair 2018 with the theme: “Raising the Bar of the Cabin Crew Profession,” which held at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Annex, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, weekend.

Nigeria, UNWTO partner for Tourism Masterplan implementation

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INISTER of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said his ministry is partnering with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in the implementation of the National Tourism Development Masterplan, in order to optimally harness the country’s tourism potentials.

The Minister disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday when he declared open the Fourth Tourism Investors Forum and Exhibition, organized by the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN).

“Ladies and gentlemen, I wish to draw your attention to the fact that the programmes and policies to fully harness the country’s vast tourism potentials over the next one and half decades are anchored on the National Tourism Development Masterplan. In order to ensure its full implementation, the Ministry sought and secured the support of the UNWTO to assist in the implementation of the Tourism Masterplan,” he said.

The Minister, who was represent-

ed by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Deaconess Grace Isu-Gekpe, said pursuant to the implementation of the Masterplan, the UNWTO is already seeking the support of some donor agencies to assist Nigeria with funds for the execution of the project on the Strengthening of National Tourism Statistical System and the development of a Tourism Satellite Account for Nigeria.

He said this became necessary because lack of accurate statistics on arrivals and receipts is one of the major problems militating against the development of tourism in Nigeria.

Alhaji Mohammed said the Ministry of Information and Culture will soon inaugurate a National Consultative Forum that will review the recommendations of the UNWTO Post Technical Mission Project Document, with membership of the Forum drawn from all critical stakeholders in the Tourism Sector, including FTAN. He said the private sector is critical to the development of tourism

in the country, hence the government’s decision to build an enduring framework for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to provide the required confidence for prospective investors.

The Minister said the government has fashioned out tourism investment incentives such as tax exemption for up to three years, export/Import Incentives, land at concessionary rate and work permit to foreigners with specialized skills in order to attract private sector investment.

In his remarks, the President of FTAN, Mr. Rabo Saleh, commended the Federal Government for the construction of the Abuja-Kaduna Standard Gauge Railway and the Abuja Light Rail, saying the provision of infrastructure and security is critical to the development of tourism in the country.

He appealed to the media to always avoid portraying the country in the negative light in order not to de-market the country and scare away potential investors and tourists.

Visa restrictions, others hindering intra-African tourism – Operators

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IGERIAN and Moroccan travel and tourism operators have identified visa restrictions and poor air-connectivity among countries as some challenges facing intra –Africa tourism.

The operators stated this on Thursday during a familiarisation meeting between the two country’s travel and tourism stakeholders, organised by the Moroccan National Tourism Office in collaboration with the Royal Air Maroc, was for the industry players to share experiences and find areas of possible collaboration.

According to the stakeholders, who spoke with NAN in separate interviews, poor intra-African air connectivity and visa requirements hurdles are key factors stalling movement from one country to another within the continent.

They noted that there were very few flights connecting major cities across Africa, and in most cases, the flights that do exist were often more expensive than routes of similar duration elsewhere in the world.

Managing Director, Patelo Travels, Mrs Patience Okotie-Rhima, who said that securing visa to other tourism destinations outside Africa seemed to be easier than getting those of some African countries, added that the trend had made many tourists take solace in Dubai and other European countries as tourism destinations.

“If countries can give visa to tourists without restrictions, it will promote the growth of tourism as more people will be enabled to move freely within the continent as it is done among European countries.

“Taking a flight between cities across African nations is often expensive, and with a prolonged journey in some cases,” Okotie-Rhima said.

Also commenting, President, Regional Travel Agents Association of Marrakech and Safi, Mr Toufik Madih, said that intra-Africa flights were a challenge across the continent because of no direct flights to many

cities.

He expressed concern that there were cases when tourists from Africa would have to travel to Europe before connecting a flight back to another African country.

Madih commended the Moroccan Government for its commitment to aviation development by linking its national carrier to many African cities and opening its airspace to other international airlines.

“The first step is to create direct flights with 34 African countries already linked to Morocco, including Lagos, and very soon our Abuja route will begin operation.

“Diverse connecting flights are key to developing tourism, and that has made Marrakech a choice and easy destination with 2.5 million tourists visiting it annually,” he said.

On his part, Mr Jalal Imani, the Africa Director, Moroccan National Tourism Office, said that there was need to overhaul the entire air transport system within Africa, and ensure that more airlines operate within Africa.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

AVIATION

Travelport ranks Nigeria overall 5th for tech-savvy travellers

Stories by VICTOR NZE

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IGERIA has emerged fifth overall in ranking of countries ready to embrace new technologies as more travellers from Nigeria are turning towards digital solutions to manage their travel.

The country placed above others in Europe, the Middle East and other parts of the world.

This was a major finding of the 2018 Global Digital Traveller Research, an independent global travel study conducted by Travelport, the world’s leading global commerce platform.

The rankings in order from 1-25 are: India, Indonesia, Brazil, China, Nigeria, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, Mexico, South Africa, Singapore, Argentina, South Korea, Hong Kong, USA, Russia, Italy, Spain, France, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany.

The 2018 survey, which covered 16,200 respondents from 25 countries, including Nigeria, showed that Nigerian travellers are digitalsavvy, mobile native and ready to

embrace new technology for a seamless travel experience.

“The 2018 Global Digital Traveller Research clearly shows that demand from Nigerian travellers for digital solutions that improve their travel experience is sky-high. This is only going to escalate further in the years to come, so if you work in the travel industry and don’t already have a digital engagement plan, it’s time to get one,” said Guido Verweij, Travelport’s Managing Director for Africa.

Nigeria ranked 5th globally in the Digital Traveller Rankings, ahead of all the European and North American countries the poll surveyed.

For instance, Nigerian travellers are heavily reliant on their mobile phones. 85% of travellers in Nigeria were shown in the study to use on their smart phones when researching their trips, and 78% use their phones to make bookings.

More than half of all travellers (66%) also said they would be lost without their smart phones, and 74% worry about their technology failing, or their phones running out of battery power.

Nigerian travellers were the most likely of those surveyed to want to share their biometrics, to facilitate a better travel experience.

Flight related mobile apps have also become a critical feature for Nigerian travellers. They use multiple apps (an average of 13.6) when researching and booking a trip. These apps are used to search and book flights (82%), for flight alerts (75%) and for mobile checkins (74%). Almost half of all travellers (46%) would prefer to see their trip itinerary (flights, hotels, trains, etc.) in one place, while 38% report

that they find it unsatisfying to book everything separately. 45% prefer to check-in to a hotel via a mobile app. This demonstrates a clear appetite to work with travel providers which can offer a consolidated digital experience.

According to the report, not only are Nigerian travellers becoming more digitally savvy, they are actually now more discerning. 76% of them think that digital boarding passes make travel much easier, while 68% avoid hotels that charge for Wi-Fi. Clearly free Wi-Fi has gone from a marketing opportunity to an expected necessity for

most travellers.

When it comes to payments, a large number (72%) of travellers in Nigeria have used a digital wallet or payment app (e.g. Apple Pay, Alipay, etc.) at some point while travelling, while 31% use them all the time.

The report shows that review sites such as TripAdvisor tend to have a big influence on Nigerian travellers (81%), with 55% of respondents saying that it actually has the greatest influence over their travel choices. For travel research, 82% of the respondents rely on videos and photos posted by friends on social media.

No buyers yet for Arik, Aero – AMCON

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HE Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has disclosed that the dearth of credible buyers to match the price tag slammed on two domestic carriers, Aero and Arik Air, under its management, may be stalling their eventual sale.

The agency though admitted receiving offers for the airlines, said the lack of suitable offers posed a problem to it in disposing of the airlines which went under due to financial issues.

“We need to get a good offer and reach an agreement before we can say we have concluded the transaction and this takes a long process. It takes a long process for an investor to do due diligence before investing

but there are interests,” Head, Corporate Communications, AMCON, Jude Nwauzor, said.

AMCON took over Aero Contractors and Arik Air in February 2016 and February 2017, respectively, due to their debt profiles and appointed receiver management in place.

AMCON made it clear that the airlines would not be returned to their original owners until they cleared their indebtedness to the corporation and several other issues surrounding their inability to manage nonperforming loans (NPLs).

Though both airlines seem to have been stabilized earlier than planned, it appears finding credible buyers with deep pockets have remained a big challenge for AMCON.

NCAA cautions airlines, pilots over harmattan

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IGERIAN Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned pilots and airline operators to observe safety precaution in line with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) during flight operations in adverse weather conditions.

The warning is contained in an Advisory Circular with reference no.

AC: NCAA-AEROMET- 26 to all Pilots and Airline Operators signed by the Director-General of NCAA, Capt.

Muhtar Usman, weekend Usman said the circular became imperative as the end of rainfall would likely herald a long and severe dust haze, Harmattan, in the months ahead.

He said: “With this information, pilots are expected to be cautious and uphold Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) while conducting flights during hazardous weather associated with dust haze at this period.

“This haze comes with a dry and dusty wind that blows southwards from the Sahara across Nigeria in the months of November to March.

“Consequently, pilots should note that air-to-ground visibility may be considerably reduced due to the dust haze.

“In addition, aerodrome visibility may fall below the prescribed minimal and in severe conditions dust haze can blot out runways, the markers and airfield lightings over wide areas. This makes visual navigation extremely difficult or impossible.”

According to him, where visibility falls below the prescribed weather minima, flight operations are expected to be delayed, diverted or cancelled.

“Therefore, all pilots are obliged to exercise maximum restraint especially when severe weather condition is observed or forecasted by NIMET. “Pilots should obtain adequate departure, en route and destination weather information and briefing from NIMET prior to flight operations at all the airports.

“The Flight Crews/Operators and Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) should ensure adherence to aerodrome operating minima,” Usman said.

He, therefore, advised operators to ensure that necessary measures were put in place to cushion the effects of flight delays or cancellations on their passengers in accordance with Nig. CARs Part 19.

•(From right): Engineer Saleh Dunoma, Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), welcoming the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission-Barrister Abdullahi Mourktar and his Commissioners when they paid a courtesy visit at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.

Prioritize customer service – Onyema urges Nigerian airlines

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HAIRMAN of Air Peace, Allen Onyema has called on aviation stakeholders to come together to discuss how best to raise the bar in the Cabin Crew profession.

He stated that Cabin Crew may have excelled in the area of safety and comfort , service delivery in terms of customer relations was poor as, according to him, ‘they are sliding,’ noting further that Cabin Crew is one of the critical aspect of aviation.

Onyema therefore, urged the operators to focus on customer service and customer relations in the process of carrying out their duties.

He said this while delivering the keynote address at the Cabin Crew Fair 2018 with the theme: “Raising The Bar Of The Cabin Crew Profession” held today at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Annex, Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA),Lagos.

Onyema, who was represented by the General Manager, Corporate Communications, Air Peace, Mr Chris Iwarah, said that Cabin Crew has a very vital role to play in ensuring that passengers are safe and comfortable throughout the flight.

According to him, “Cabin Crew must concentrate on customers service .We have seen situations where Cabin Crew don’t know how to de-escalate conflict,” Onyema said.

He also frowned at situations where Cabin Crew try to speak in foreign accents ‘instead of being themselves by speaking like Nigerians that they are,’ adding that ‘Nigerian Cabin Crew must develop confidence and by proud of where they are from.’

Iwarah commended the Chief Executive Officer of MamaJ Aviation Consult Limited and organiser of the Cabin Crew Fair 2018,Joy Ogbebo for a well thought event to enlighten the potential Cabin Crew , adding that the fair would not have come at a better time than now ` The Air Peace spokesman stated that today airlines in Nigeria are telling the world that they can do it and that the perception they have about Nigerian airlines is wrong.

He said the spirit of ‘we can do it cannot happen without adequate preparation, adding that Nigeria airline had to do what is right at home before Iwarah added that Air Peace

takes the training of Cabin Crew and the profession very serious, adding that the airlines has employed about 300 Cabin Crew .

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of MamaJ Aviation Consult Limited and organiser of the Cabin Crew Fair 2018,Joy Ogbebo stated there must be a holistic approach by stakeholders to raise the bar of Cabin Crew profession.

The approach according to her must be conscious and deliberate.

She contended that Cabin Crew members are no doubt a strategic resource in the cabin, adding that despite the misconception, the invaluable role cannot be overemphasised and that as safety officers, they go out of their ways to make life enjoyable for others.

“We all have a role to play; the NCAA, training organisations and airline management. The crucial role of the respective organs and agencies to checkmate the standards cannot be over-emphasised.

The training organisation must consistently ensure the highest standards of training at the foundation stage. If the training is flawed from the beginning, that will be a recipe for low standard of professionalism,” she said.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

INSURANCE & PENSION NAICOM officially rests TBMSC policy

•Unveils guidelines for SIPs Stories by VICTOR NZE

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EEKS after failing to implement its October 1, 2018 deadline for insurance firms to recapitalize or be categorized into a three-tier operational structure, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has finally announced the withdrawal of the controversial Tier-Based Solvency Capital (TBMSC) policy for operators in the sector.

The Commission disclosed this, last Friday, through a circular signed by Agboola Pius, Director Policy and Regulation, for Commissioner for Insurance, entitled: ”Withdrawal of Circular on Tier-Based Solvency Capital Policy” The circular thus read: “Pursuant to the powers conferred by the enabling laws, the Commission hereby withdraws and cancels the Circular dated August 27, 2018 with reference number NAICOM/DAPCIR/14/2018 and titled Tier Based Solvency Capital Policy for Insurance Companies in Nigeria.

It added that the withdrawal and cancellation takes immediate effect.

It would be recalled that NAICOM had on August 2018 announced that the insurance companies Tier-based recapitalisation commencement date to October 1, as against January 1, 2019 it earlier announced in the month of July.

According to the commission the new circular mandated all insurance companies to recapitalise and communicate to NAICOM the tier they intended to play in before October 1.

The commission noted that only companies that meet the respective tier requirements shall lead on new businesses in those categories with effect from October 1.

“Companies shall be assessed, in the first instance, on their approved financial statement for 2017, and audited half year account for 2018.

The TBMSC structure is a com-

plementary measure to the ongoing implementation of the Risk-Based Supervision (RBS) programme. It is a three level model which specifies capital requirement for each tier based on their respective risk classification.

Meanwhile, the Commission, Tuesday, released the guidelines for its newly-introduced State Insurance Producer (SIP) policy.

The guidelines, according to the commission, is also expected to boost premium income generation and the sector’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Commissioner for Insurance, Alhaji Mohammed Kari announced in Ibadan last week that the policy is expected to take off on January 1, 2019.

The 36 States of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, will be a new alternative insurance distribution channel in the country.

The SIP would be an agency of a state government licensed

by NAICOM to provide intermediary services as defined by the guideline issued by the commission and also remunerated as by provision of the operational guideline.

The SIP is expected to facilitate the sale of compulsory classes of insurance within the state jurisdiction and all classes for its principal’s insurances (State Government), while additional insurance products and services would be considered in the future, depending on the success of the initial approach.

While it will also be empowered to penalise defaulters according to the laws of the States, the agency, he added, will equally maintain proper records of individuals and organisations bound by the requirements of the compulsory classes of insurance and monitoring the compliance.

“Once licensed to operate by the commission, the SIP shall enter into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as may be sanctioned by NAICOM, with ap-

•(From left): Managing Director/ CEO Premium Pension Limited, Mr. Umar Mairami; Director of the company, Mr. Haruna Saeed; Executive Director Business Development South & Strategy, Mrs. Kemi Olowashina; Non Executive Director, Bada Adeshina and Executive Director North and Investment, Kabir Tijani at the event held today in Lagos.

proved insurance companies in its jurisdiction for the purposes of placement and management of insurance business within a state,” he pointed out The SIP, he stressed, shall only transact insurance business with approved insurers, saying, only insurance companies with branch offices in respective states will be eligible to transact business with SIPs. To complement the SIP policy, he promised that NAICOM would open 20 new branch offices across the states of the federation for strict management and enhancement of insurance penetration.

This, he said would also go a long way in meeting government expectations with regards to the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) in the areas of job creation, poverty prevention and confidence in the face of risk.

He disclosed that the initiative would be the answer to the saturation in the Corporate Segment, an opportunity to im-

STI grows GPW by 27% Q3, 2018

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OVEREIGN Trust Insurance Plc has continued in its growth trajectory as the underwriting firm significantly grew its Gross Premium Written in the third quarter of 2018 by 27 per cent above what was generated in the same period of 2017 with a sum of N2 billion, from N7.3 billion to N9.3 billion. Net Premium rose from N3.5 billion to N4.1 billion in the third quarter of 2018, representing 17 per cent increase.

The company’s total Assets also increased by 7 per cent in

the quarter under review from N9.7 billion to N10.4 billion.

As expected of an Underwriting Firm that has generated more business than it did in the previous quarter of 2017, the claims expense of the company slightly increased by 2 per cent from N1.2 billion in Q3 of 2017 to N1.3 billion in the same quarter of 2018.

Consequently, the Profit before Tax deepened by 16 per cent from N716 million to N601 million in Q3 of 2018. There was a decline also in the Profit after

Tax from N667 million to N543 million, representing a 19 per cent decrease in the quarter.

Remarkably, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc is poised to ending the year on a very positive note going by the recent trend of its consistent growth rate.

It is almost certain that the underwriting firm will close the 2018 financial year on a 2-digit billion figure by all indication; a feat that will be considered historical for the more than 2 decades Firm that is yet to hit that mark.

prove the image of insurance industry and brand building for individual insurance firms.

Similarly, the commission had stated that insurance penetration in the country is expected to increase from 200 to 300 percent in the next two years under the new SIP framework.

Further highlighting more on the benefits accruable from the SIP policy, the Commissioner for Insurance, Mohammed Kari said the new policy he would help to meet the government’s expectations with regards to Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) in the area of job creation, poverty prevention and confidence in the face of risks.

He listed answer to the saturation in the corporate segment, improve the image of the insurance industry and brand building for individual insurance institutions as some other benefits of the policy.

The guidelines further reads:” that there will be a signed undertaking signed by an officer of the State Government not below the rank of a Permanent Secretary that the state undertakes and agree that the sum N2,000,000.00 shall be deducted from accrued commission to be earned by the Licensed State Insurance Producer before payment of commission is made to the coffers of the Government.

“The licence will be renewed every two years with the sum of N2 million, adding that the levy chargeable on SIP business shall be 1.00 per cent of gross commission and that the commission to be paid by the insurers to a SIP shall not exceed 75 per cent of the Commission payable to insurance broker.

“If the Commission is satisfied

that the applicant has satisfied the requirements as contained herein or such other requirements as may be prescribed, it shall licence the applicant as a State Insurance Producer “A license issued under this Guidelines shall entitle the holder to act as a State Insurance Producer for the appropriate state government and shall be renewable once every two (2) years by the Commission.

“The Commission may require an applicant to furnish any further information or clarification for the purpose of consideration of the application and also in regard to any other matter as may be deemed necessary by the Commission.

“The State Insurance Producer shall enter into a memorandum of understanding; as may be approved by the Commission; with approved insurance companies established in its jurisdiction for the purpose of the placement and management of insurance business.

“The State Insurance Producer shall only transact insurance business with these approved Insurers, which list shall be approved from time to time by the Commission.”

The commission further listed some key responsibilities of the agent include: “facilitating the enforcement of Compulsory classes of Insurance within the State jurisdiction by ensuring compliance; exercising on defaulters the power to penalise them according to the states laws and maintaining proper records of individuals and organisations bound by the requirements of the compulsory classes of Insurance and monitoring the compliance.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

INSURANCE & PENSION

Insured losses from California wildfires hit $13bn

Stories by VICTOR NZE

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NSURED losses from the Camp and Woolsey wildfires in California will be between $9 billion and $13 billion, according to the latest estimates from catastrophe modeler RMS. RMS’ latest estimates released on Monday show $7.5 billion to $10 billion for the Camp Fire and $1.5 billion to $3 billion for the Woolsey Fire.

The estimates reflect property and auto damage, including burn and smoke damage, business interruption, additional living expenses and contents loss.

The Camp Fire, now considered the most destructive wildfire in state history, has burned 151,000, and is 66 percent contained. It has burned 11,713 residences and 472 commercial structures, according to CalFire. There have been a reported 77 deaths as a result of the fire.

The Woolsey Fire has burned 96,949 acres and is 94 percent contained. It has destroyed 1,500 structures, according to CalFire.

“Wildfire is now a major catastrophe risk that must be rigor-

ously managed with the best data and model science,” said Mohsen Rahnama, chief risk modeling officer for RMS. “With increasing exposure due to properties near wildland areas and ongoing climate variability, insurers, policymakers, and homeowners must adapt to the prospect of more frequent and severe wildfires.”

S&P Global Ratings said it expects both the primary insurers and reinsurers to be able to absorb losses from the California wildfires, limiting them to an earnings event.

However, the mounting bills from more frequents large wildfires in the state against a regulatory backdrop that limits the ability of carriers to raise rates “may lead to some soul searching” as they consider how much coverage to write in California, S&P said.

Primary insurers AIG, Chubb, and Farmers have the largest exposures from the fires, according to S&P. S&P said AIG and Chubb are likely to experience greater losses from the Southern California wildfires given the high-networth nature of the markets hit.

Bintube exits Goldlink Insurance

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OLDLINK Insurance Plc has announced the resignation of its Chairman of the board of directors, Mr Mohammed Mustapha Bintube.

According to a statement issued by the insurer, the resignation of Mr Bintube took effect from Monday, November 5, 2018.

However, the Legal Adviser of Goldlink Insurance, Tobi Olaleye, who signed the statement, did not disclose the main reason for the Chairman’s exit from the firm.

“This is to inform the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the investing public of the resignation of

the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Goldlink Insurance Plc, Mohammed Mustapha Bintube, as Director of the company.

“His resignation was effective from of 5th of November 2018,” the statement read.

Bintube is a former Managing Director of Jaiz Bank, the first full-fledged non-interest bank in Nigeria.

He was appointed as Chairman of Goldlink Insurance after the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) dissolved the interim board of the insurer led by Mr James Olatunde Ayo in 2016.

Premium Pension’s AUM hits N600bn

P

REMIUM Pension Ltd. (PPL) on Friday says its Assets Under Management (AUM) has hit N600 billion, from zero balance it was when the company was established in 2005.

Managing Director of the company, Mr Umar Mairami, said this during an “Award of Excellence’’, organised by the company in Lagos.

“The Award was held to reward loyal clients and customers of the pension outfit, one of the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) in the country.

“The award, which was divided into five categories, was meant to celebrate corporate clients that had patronised the company since inception.

“The awards given out include: Companies that trusted PPL for 12 years; Companies with highest monthly pension remittance; five most compliant organisations on monthly pension remittance, among others,’’ Mairami said.

According to him, the regularities of the new scheme had enabled PPL gained the trust of the public and expand the customer base to 640,000 members.

The managing director said the company presently has staff strength of 11,000 with 46 service

centres across the country.

He said the experiences before the commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) was a story of hardship and nonpayment of retirement benefits to the benefactors.

“However, that experience has gone with the coming on board of the implementation of the new scheme.

“A lot of private companies have keyed into the scheme by enrolling their staff and we have succeeded as a country to have a functional pension scheme working in Nigeria,’’ Mairami said.

He said that a lot of work should still be done in terms of helping people to understand that the new pension scheme is much better and quite distinct from the old scheme.

“We would create awareness among the public of the new scheme because the country still implements both the new and the old scheme simultaneously, ‘’ the PPL boss said.

Executive Director, Business Development and Investment, Mr Kabir Tijjani, disclosed that the company appreciated employers, who had entrusted the retirement account of their employees in the company’s hand.

•(From left): Guest Speaker, Dr. Salaudeen Jubril; Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Ikeja Branch, Otunba Francis Meshioye; Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye and Director, Research and Innovation, University of Lagos, Prof. Wellington Oyibo during the opening of Y2018 Africa Industrialisation Day/Young African Industrialist Week.

Continental Re unveils judges for journalism awards

C

ONTINENTAL Reinsurance Plc has introduced the panel of judges for the 2019 Pan African Re/Insurance Journalism awards, chaired by Michael Wilson, a seasoned freelance business and finance journalist.

“Wilson joined Sky TV at its inception in 1989 and for over 20 years he was the main anchor for Sky’s coverage of major business events.

Since leaving Sky, he has broadcast for the BBC, ITV, Fox News, Al-Jazeera and Arise Networks, a global television service aimed at Africa.”

Other judges include Nadia Mensah-Acogny, a Forbes Afrique journalist, who was the chair of the 2018 Pan African Re/Insurance Journalism Awards; and Kenneth Igbomor, Market News Editor, CNBC West Africa.

The company added that the 2019 edition would see entry of new judges namely Gareth Stokes, a professional freelance finance journalist, who won the Pan African Journalist of the Year award in 2017 Pan African Re/Insurance Journalism Awards and Special Award

in 2018.

Also, Dr. Jared Obuya, an experienced journalist who has worked with several Kenyan and international news organisations and currently a communications lecturer at Moi University and Shiamdass Appannah, an African insurance market expert.

Appannah is the founding partner and director/consultant; a former chief executive officer and a former chairman of Reinsurance Solutions Group in Mauritius, Kenya, Cote d’Ivoire and London, the United Kingdom.

The Group Managing Director of Continental Reinsurance Plc, Dr. Femi Oyetunji, said: “This year, we bring together a highly experienced panel of judges to adjudicate the submissions.

We hope that their expertise will inspire more journalists to improve their writing in matters on insurance in Africa to ensure accurate reporting of insurance topics.”

Deadline for submissions of entries is November 30, 2018, and interested journalists are required

Niger Pension Board receives N3bn to settle retired workers, others

N

IGER State Government has released N3 billion to the pension board to settle outstanding pensions, gratuities and death benefits owed relations of retirees, according to the board’s Director-General, Alhaji Usman Muhammad.

Muhammad said, weekend, in Minna that N1.4 billion would be paid to relations of dead retirees, while N780 million would be sunk into the payment of retirement benefits.

He, however, accused the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), of frustrating the payment of entitlements to pensioners under the Contributory Pensions Scheme.

“There have been some observed delays on the part of PFAs. They are deliberately dragging the process of the payment of the refunds to beneficiaries.

“Already, the board has written

to the National Pension Commission to report these delays,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the situation would soon improve so as to speed up the payment of monies due to the retired workers or relations of dead ones.

Reacting to the development, Malam Ibrahim Abubakar, a retired civil servant, commended the state government for the gesture, and urged the board to speed up the process so as to ameliorate the suffering of the retirees.

Another retiree, Hajiya Kande Ibrahim, advised workers, who are on the verge of retirement, to submit their documents to the board to ease the payment process.

“We must support the board by submitting our documents promptly to enable its officials process our benefits without any hindrance “she said.

to enter one article per category.

The 2019 Award categories are – Pan-African Re/Insurance Journalist of the Year, Best Re/Insurance Print Article, Best Re/Insurance Broadcast (TV/Radio) Article and the new award, Best Re/Insurance Online Article,” it stated.

Pension arrears: Abia pensioners call for intervention of stakeholders From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

T

HE Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Abia State chapter, has decried the inability of the state governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, to clear the arrears of pensions owed their members.

NUP is therefore appealing for the intervention of all stakeholders to prevail on the governor “to do the needful to stop the gradual extermination of Abia State senior citizens.”

NUP noted that in addition to old arrears, the Ikpeazu administration owes them 14 months arrears “from September 2017 to October 2018,” while pensioners from Abia State University Teaching Hospital Pensioners have not been paid since November 2014.

Rising from an enlarged executive council meeting, NUP said it was unfortunate that the meeting between Ikpeazu and Abia pensioners on September 25, 2017, produced little or no result. At that meeting called at the instance of the governor, he had promised to work out a mechanism for proffering sustainable solutions to the pension payment problem of the state. But the group lamented that instead of being reduced, the arrears owed pensioners has doubled since the meeting.

“The Council regrets that since May 28, 2018 when the State Governor met with the State Executive Committee of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Abia State, during which the governor personally promised a gradual and eventual clearance of the pension arrears, it is sad to note that he has failed in this promise,” NUP said in a communiqué signed by the state chairman, Comrade Chukwuma Udensi and the Secretary, Elder O. C. Arungwa.

30

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

EQUITY & Capital Market Financial Inclusion will aid Economic Growth – Uduk Stories bY KAYODE OGUNWALE

T

HE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has restated its desire to pursue initiatives that would aid financial inclusion of Nigerians as this is capable of growing the nation’s economy.

Acting Director General of the Commission, Ms. Mary Uduk stated this in her remarks at the 2018 PEARL Awards Night held in Lagos over the weekend.

Uduk said that the SEC will continue to highlight and promote developments and trends in the Nigerian Capital Market and drive Financial Inclusion aimed at reducing adult exclusion from financial services.

She said “Innovations in financial technology, has made possible the potential of using digital tools to make financial services available to a wider range of consumers and enterprises, promoting financial inclusion and the affordability of financial services.

“A financially inclusive society will provide increased access to finance, especially for women, help support sustainable growth--and will create million more jobs. The gains of having a more inclusive financial system are enormous, as it helps broaden financial markets and make policies more effective”.

While commending the efforts of the Board of Governors and

Management of PEARL Awards Nigeria, for giving consideration to companies with good corporate governance practice in the award nomination process, Uduk also enjoined them that in future editions, emphasis should also be given to companies with technological innovation in the capital market, in the advent of the convergence of Finance and Technology – FinTech.

Uduk also disclosed that the SEC is implementing various initiatives which are aimed at making our market deeper, vibrant and more effective.

According to her “The forbearance window for shareholders with multiple subscriptions has been extended by another year from the December 31, 2018 deadline previously communicated. Consequently, we enjoin those who have not come forward for the regularization of shares purchased with multiple identities, to do so.

“We have also developed a twopronged approach to addressing the intractable challenges associated with transmission of shares related to the estate of deceased investors. The first step would involve engagement with and enlightenment of the Probate Registry with a view to providing solutions to the cumbersome process of transmitting shares. Secondly, Rules would be developed around the time frame for transmission shares and the fee structure”.

•Acting Executive Commissioner Operations Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC Mr. Isyaku Tilde, President PEARL Awards, Mr. Tayo Orekoya, Acting Director General SEC, Ms. Mary Uduk, President Association for the Advancement of the Rights of the Nigerian Shareholders, Chief Faruk Umar, and President Nigeria Stock Exchange, Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo at the 2018 PEARL Awards.

May & Baker boss urges shareholder to advantage of N2.5bn rights issue

M

ANAGING Director of May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okafor has urged shareholders to take advantage of ongoing rights issue of the company.

The company is raising N2.45 bil-

Ambode presents cheques to 2,000 beneficiaries of employment trust fund

•As fund disburses N7bn to 10,000 SMEs

L

AGOS State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday presented cheques to another batch of over 2,000 beneficiaries of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) loan programme, saying it was gratifying that the initiative was meeting the objectives of creating jobs and contributing to the growth of the economy.

This is in addition to the over 10,000 beneficiaries who have received more than N7billion and have created over 25,000 new jobs in the last three years.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony held at LTV Blue Roof, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Governor Ambode expressed fulfillment that the initiative, which is a brain child of his administration, had positively impacted many Lagosians and help to scale up entrepreneurship with many businesses now thriving.

“Today is a historic day. It is one of those days that we have this fulfillment that we tried our hands on something that was never done before and years after, we are able to see the result and I just want to say a big thank you to all of you that have accepted to be partners in this programme and to just congratulate ourselves that a day like this can come in Lagos State.

“I am particularly delighted to be here today to see for myself the manifestation of a small dream we had at the inception of this government and the little seed we have sown in the lives and businesses of Lagosians. The Employment Trust Fund was a promise we made to Lagosians in 2015 and today, I am happy to see the faces of the peo-

ple whose lives and aspirations have been positively impacted by this programme,” Governor Ambode said.

While noting the positive difference the beneficiaries of the scheme were making in the State, the Governor said the wonderful stories about the initiative were the true outcomes of governance, saying the vision was to use it to grow Lagos economy by supporting entrepreneurship, which in turn, would help to create jobs for unemployed residents.

The Governor said in line with his promise of inclusive governance, the beneficiaries of the LSETF programmes range from the youth to senior citizens in active business across all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Community Development Areas (LCDAs) in this State, adding that the positive stories emanating from beneficiaries were pleasing to note.

“A very big validation of this programme we have embarked upon comes from the over 25,000 new direct jobs created directly by these businesses in our State. This does not include the multiplier effect of those businesses on the Lagos economy and the indirect jobs created.

“Apart from the jobs being created, I am especially pleased to see testimonials from some of our beneficiaries. I watched the video of Ibrahim Shuaib; a final year student of Dentistry at the Lagos State University Medical School. With a loan of N250,000, Ibrahim has not only grown his dry-cleaning business, employing over 20 people, but also started another business which his

sister runs.

“I also read about Femi Oyedipe, whose chocolate production business, Loshes Chocolate, can now produce ten times more than before, employing more Lagosians as staff. Apart from employing more people, Loshes Chocolate makes it products from cocoa beans sourced from Ondo State, creating value for farmers outside Lagos. This is a very good example of the inter-state economic partnership Nigeria needs to grow its economy,” Governor Ambode said.

Aside the loan, the Governor said he was also proud of another programme of the LSETF known as the Lagos Employability Support Programme being executed in partnership with the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP), revealing that 3,363 unemployed youth have so far been trained out of the 10,000 target, with over 1,100 of them now either employed or running their own businesses.

On efforts of the LSETF to make Lagos the leading destination for Africa’s most exciting tech talent and start-ups, the Governor said it was pleasing to note that under the Lagos Innovates Programme, 75startups have been awarded workspace vouchers which provide their businesses with access to excellent infrastructure and a community where they can incubate and pursue their dream of becoming Africa’s emerging unicorns, without bearing the associated cost, adding that a loan had equally been awarded to one of the leading hubs, to expand and incubate more technology start-ups in the Lagos environs.

lion in new equity funds through a rights issue of 980 million shares of 50 kobo each at N2.50 per share to existing shareholders.

Shareholders of May & Baker Nigeria Plc have only three days to take up their rights and increase their stake in the pharmaceutical manufacturing firm.

The offer is expected to close on Wednesday November 28, 2018, there are no indications on possible extension of the application period.

Okafor urged shareholders to take advantage of the rights issue and position themselves in order to be able to reap the full benefits of their investments in the company.

Citing the third quarter results and growth outlook of the healthcare company, Okafor said recent strategic investments and new growth initiatives being undertaken by the company would boost returns in the years ahead.

He said the company would pay dividend on the new ordinary shares to be issued through the rights issue, despite the fact that the net proceeds of the rights issue will be received towards the end of current

business year.

Okafor said while the impact of the recapitalisation will become visible in the 2019 business year, the company will pay dividend for the 2018 business year on the old and new shares to be issued.

He said the net proceeds of the rights issue will be invested in some key projects including N400 million to finance part of the company’s equity in Biovaccines Nigeria Limited, the joint venture company for local vaccine production and over N500 million on capacity expansion for one of its cash cow products, paracetamol for which it is building a dedicated plant. He added that the company will also use N400 million to offset part of its current loan portfolio of N950 million while N500 million will be invested in marketing and brand building.

“We derive our confidence mainly from the pedigree, performance track records and strategic plans of the company which we believe should appeal to all discerning investors. The new funds will be used to strengthen their investments and make the company more profitable,” Okafor said.

Sekibo emphasizes need for human capacity development amongst staff of banks

T

HE MD/CEO of Heritage Bank Plc, Ifie Sekibo has emphasized the importance for human capacity development amongst staff of financial institutions for improved operations.

The MD who stated this at a 3-day yearly Internal Control and Audit Conference organised by Heritage Bank in Lagos, said training acquired personally and arranged by corporate organisations to individuals is useful not only to the person but key to the corporation growth.

He, however, advised staff participating at the conference to be rigorously committed in upholding integrity, as their job qualities define each person’s character.

Also, Sekibo stressed the need for staff to cultivate savings culture for their future, whilst noting that the

fate of every staff of the institution is tied together by “this purpose called Heritage Bank.”

Some of the primary issues x-rayed at the annual conference were to ensure adherence to corporate governance across board, how to attain free fraud transactions, faster and seamless transactions, deepen synergy amongst Internal Control Unit (ICU), Audit & other Units, to ensure workable & functional system, cost cutting, due diligence in the process of tickets, cohesion in the working processes amongst other key issues.

Speaking earlier at the event, Chief Audit Executive of the bank, Prince Akamadu, said the conference was where officers of the bank responsible for internal control and audit across the country gather together yearly to review their activities.

31

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

MONEY Market

Fixed income and currency market records N3.3tr drop in October

Stories by KAYODE OGUNWALE

T

RANSACTIONS in the nation’s Fixed Income and Currency (FIC) market recorded a decline of N3.3 trillion in the month of October.

According to FMDQ data, FIC market for the month ended October 31, 2018 was N13.35 trillion representing a 19.81 percent month on month decrease on the turnover of N16.65 trillion recorded in September, and a 9.60 percent represented N1.17 trillion year on year increase.

However, Treasury bills (T. bills) and Foreign Exchange (FX) remained the major drivers of turnover in the FIC market, jointly accounting for 73.98 percent of turnover in October, despite being lower by 5.02 percentage points from their level of contribution in September (79.00 percent).

Total FX market turnover in October was N4.55 trillion ($12.52 billion), representing 34.08 percent of FIC market turnover and a 31.62 percent ($5.79 billion) month on month decline from the turnover recorded in September ($18.31 billion).

Meanwhile, turnover at the Investors & Exporters (I&E) FX Window recorded a 37.94 percent ($2.9 billion) month on month decrease to close at $3.91 billion from the $6.30 billion recorded in September.

Year till date turnover at the I&E FX Window closed at $49.39 billion as at October 31, 2018.

The decrease in FX turnover in October was largely attributed to the decline in Member- Clients and Member-CBN4 trades (32.82 percent and 40.71 percent respectively) against the marginal increase in Inter-Member trades (0.22 percent).

Analysis of FX turnover by product type showed that FX Spot was the main driver of the month on month decline with a drop of 34.67 percent ($4.62 billion).

However, FX Derivatives also recorded a month on month decline of 23.45 percent ($1.17 billion), driven mainly by a 49.14 percent decline in FX Futures turnover.

In October, the $/N rate at the I&E FX Window appreciated by 38 kobo to close the month at $/N 363.54 (from $/N363.92 recorded in September), while the CBN Official Spot rate depreciated by $/N0.25 to close at $/N306.60 (from $/N306.35 recorded in September). The $/N rate at the Parallel market rate also depreciated between September and October by N1.00 to close at $/N362.00, closing lower than the rate at the I&E FX Window for the fourth consecutive month.

On the Fixed Income Market, total Treasury bills and FGN Bonds outstanding recorded month on month increases of N0.21 trillion and N0.10 trillion to close at N12.87 trillion and N8.21 trillion respective-

•Mr. Oscar N. Onyema, OON, Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) presenting a replica of the closing gong to Dr. Faruk Umar, Chairman, Board of Governors, PEARL Awards Nigeria during a courtesy visit to the Exchange and were honored with a closing gong ceremony in Lagos.

ly as at October 31, 2018 mainly due to net issuances.

Also, the domestic debt mix by tenor as at October was 39:61 (long vs. short term) as against the planned ratio of 75:25 outlined in the Debt Management Strategy (2016 -2019) Monthly Trading Intensity in the T.bills and FGN Bonds markets decreased from 0.52 and 0.17 in September, to 0.40 and 0.09 in Octo-

Senate worried over new CBN prescribed minimum capital for MFBs

T

HE Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions says it is concerned over the new minimum capital requirement prescribed for various categories of microfinance banks in the country by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Speaking during an oversight visit to the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) in Abuja, Chairman of the committee, Dr. Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim, warned that the hike will be inimical to the objectives of the financial inclusion strategy.

The financial inclusion strategy aims to bring 80 percent of Nigeria’s adult population into the formal financial system by the year 2020, which is barely two years away.

According to the new capital requirements recently released by the apex bank, unit MFBs had their capital base raised from N20 million to N200 million; and N100 million to NI billion, and N2 billion to N5 billion for unit, state, and national MFBs respectively.

A statement by Muhammed Kudu Ibrahim, spokesman for the corporation, said the Senate Committee expressed a strong commitment to accelerating amendment of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) Act, 2006. This is expected to eliminate existing gaps that have hindered the full realization of the public policy objectives of the implementation of the Deposit Insurance System (DIS) in Nigeria.

Senator Ibrahim was reacting to a statement by Managing Director/ Chief Executive of the NDIC, Umaru Ibrahim, who noted that unless the Act is amended speedily, the corporation is “handicapped in acting to end the plight of depositors… of Savannah Bank” for example.

Specifically, the NDIC boss noted that the NDIC Act, as presently enact-

ed, restrains the corporation from reimbursing depositors of banks whose licences are yet to be revoked due to protracted litigation.

The NDIC boss thereafter made appealed to the Committee to amend the NDIC Act, even as he updated them on the corporation’s response to the revocation of 153 MFB operating licences and six Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs), by the CBN. Already, he continued, the corporation has commenced payment of depositors of 25 of the MFBs and deposits verification of 50 others.

Challenges encountered by MFBs in the country, he noted, included the rising incidences of non-performing loans, insider credit abuse, non-compliance with extant regulations on their establishment and

the overbearing indulgence in other fringe operations, along with poor earnings.

He further used the opportunity to inform the Committee of the strong resolve and commitment of the corporation to assist in the investigation and prosecution of all those who contributed to the collapse of the defunct Skye Bank.

The committee chairman commended the NDIC for the excellent quality of its reports on the supervision of banks which have become the benchmark in the industry.

The committee pledged mutual cooperation to confront emerging issues in the financial services industry such as Block-chain Technology, Financial Inclusion, Cyber Crime, Digital Banking, Consumer Protection and the provision of credits to MSMEs.

ber respectively.

Year till date trading intensity in both markets stood at 4.39 and 1.29 respectively compared to 5.70 and 1.17 as at the same period in 2017. T. bills within the 6-12 months maturity bracket remained the most actively traded, accounting for 24.82 percent of the total FI market turnover in October Weighted average yields on short and medium-term maturities on

the sovereign yield curve rose by 0.64 percentage points and 0.15 percentage points respectively in October, whilst the weighted average yields for long-term maturities decreased by 0.27 percentage points.

Yield spread between the 3-month T. bills and the 10-year FGN Bond decreased by 171 basis points to close at a 0.57 percent in October (2.28 percent in September).

Proposed new minimum wage of N30,000 will stimulate economic growth – CBN

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said the proposed increase in minimum wage to N30,000 for Nigerian workers would stimulate output growth in the economy.

Godwin Emefiele, CBN governor, made this known in a communique published at the end of the 264th meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria in Abuja.

The communique read: “The MPC welcomed the moderation in inflation in October, reflecting declining food prices. The Committee believes that given the negative output gap, the proposed increase in the national minimum wage would stimulate output growth due to prolonged weak aggregate demand arising from salary

arrears and contractor debt.

“Consequently, its impact on the aggregate price level would be largely muted, given that the monetary aggregates have largely underperformed in fiscal 2018. In addition, the prevailing stability in the foreign exchange market would continue to moderate pressures on the domestic price level.”

The MPC appraised recent developments in the global and domestic macroeconomic and financial environments, as well as the economic outlook in the first half of 2019.

The governments at both federal and state levels are still negotiating over the proposed N30,000 minimum wage which the Tripartite Committee recommended to government.

practices and innovative strategies.

The idea behind the Award is to promote a culture of excellence in young and emerging business leaders and showcase thriving businesses in the country.”

He explained that the judging process for the various awards is robust and driven by intensive research to identify worthy nominees who have shown outstanding entrepreneurial and corporate behavior. According to Mr Uwabor, only those that delivered immense value to their customers, shareholders and whose impact have benefited the society in the course of the year were selected.

In his acknowledgment the Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan, reiterated the commitment of Ecobank to continuously support the development of the nation’s economy through its unwavering support to micro, small and medium

enterprises. He noted that the MSME award will further stir the bank not to rest in its oars towards the development of the nation’s economy. The Managing Director, who was represented by Head, Commercial Banking, Rotimi Morohunfola, maintained that the award did not come as a surprise despite the stringent criteria put in place by the organisers. He noted that the bank had consistently engaged in various initiatives to support the growth of the various sector of the economy.

Further the bank Managing Director said, “this year alone, we have embarked on various initiatives that support aggressive growth in key sectors that includes agriculture, export and import business finance, amongst other. We have also put in place digital banking that is creating ease of payments, collection and transactions for businesses.”

Ecobank Nigeria named best supporting bank to MSMEs in 2018

T

HE Board of the Nigeria Entrepreneurs Award (NEA) has named Ecobank Nigeria as the best Supporting Bank to Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Nigeria for 2018. According to the board, Ecobank was selected alongside winners in other categories following a rigorous process that saw 2,364 nominations across different sectors for their socio-economic impact and entrepreneurial achievements in 2018. The Nigeria Entrepreneurs Award is a platform created to celebrate and honour young and emerging entrepreneurs, business executives, corporate organizations and heads of government agencies that have positively impacted the nation’s economy.

The Nigeria Entrepreneurs Award (NEA) stated that Ecobank won MSME Bank of The Year award based on its sterling performance and contributions towards national devel-

opment with a focus on promoting growth and innovation in business.

Speaking at the award ceremony in Lagos over the weekend, Executive Director, Nigeria Entrepreneurs Award, Uwabor Joshua, said the Award remains the number one platform that identifies, celebrates and honor Nigerian entrepreneurs who have made a difference and are an inspiration to others. He stated that since the inception of the award four years ago, more than 60 entrepreneurs, heads of government, agencies, corporate organisations from around the country have been recognized for their vital contributions to the economy.

According to him, “This Award is remarkably the most prestigious and highly celebrated business award in Nigeria. This is recognizing entrepreneurs and game changers of business in Nigeria for their continuing commitment to excellence, developing best

32

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33

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

Love and Living

...With Ireto Temofeh

MODEL OF THE WEEK

LOVE NEWS

Female Yahoo executive sued for sexual harassment

A

Name: Chika Tel: 08123423134 • If you want to be our next ORACLE GIRL, e-mail or forward your photos/data to ireto007@yahoo.com. Call 07031028714.

high-level female executive at Yahoo Inc has been named in a lawsuit filed by a woman who worked under her, accusing her former boss of sexual harassment and wrongful termination.

Maria Zhang, a senior director of engineering at Yahoo Mobile, has been sued by Nan Shi, who was employed as a principal software engineer from February 2013, according to a complaint filed Tuesday in Santa Clara Superior Court in San Jose, California.

The complaint alleges that Zhang coerced Shi to have ‘oral and digital sex’ with her on multiple occasions in Sunnyvale and told her she would have a ‘bright future’ at Yahoo if she had relations with Zhang.

Shi is seeking monetary as well as punitive damages. The lawsuit also names Yahoo as a defendant.

Officials at the tech company have come to Zhang’s defense in response to the allegations outlined in Shi’s complaint.

‘There is absolutely no basis or truth to the allegations against Maria Zhang.

Maria is an exemplary Yahoo executive and we intend to fight vigorously to clear her name,’ a Yahoo representative said in an email.

Zhang founded her own mobile company, Alike, which was acquired

by Yahoo in 2013. She also worked at Microsoft and Zillow before joining Yahoo, according to her LinkedIn profile.

In the complaint, Shi accuses Zhang of unfairly downgrading her performance reviews for the second and third quarters of 2013.

According to court documents, the company’s human resources personnel refused to conduct an investigation

when Shi complained about her direct supervisor’s unwelcome advances.

Instead, according to the complaint, Shi was put on unpaid leave and eventually fired.

A native of Beijing, China, Shi graduated from Ohio University with a degree in computer science.

Shi’s complaint states she first crossed paths with Zhang when she went to work for her start-up in Seattle.

When Yahoo bought the company last year, both women moved to California. According to Shi, Zhang told her to stay in a temporary Yahoo housing unit in Sunnyvale.

The lawsuit cited by San Jose Mercury News goes on to say that Zhang ‘coerced’ her subordinate into having oral and digital sex with her and threatened to take away ‘her job, stocks and future’ if she rejected her advances.

Court documents allege the Yahoo executive forced her subordinate to work grueling hours and write work emails in her off-time, ‘sometimes right after sex.’

In an interview with Mercury News, Shi described how Zhang allegedly surprised her one morning as she slept on the coach in their shared apartment, crawled under the blanket without any clothes and began kissing and hugging her.

‘I woke up and got scared,’ the woman told the paper. ‘I was shocked.’

In April, Silicon Valley Business Journal celebrated Zhang as one of Women of Influence of 2014.

Her profile stated that ‘she is passionate about supporting women’, and ‘she actively mentors other women engineers.’

ODD NEWS

Millionaire helping pregnant women flee UK to avoid babies taken into care

A

multi-millionaire is helping pregnant women whose babies are deemed at risk to flee the UK. Ian Joseph has spent over £30,000 helping 200 to avoid having their newborns taken away by social services.

He pays for their fares to a new life and offers them free legal advice, even paying for lawyers in some cases.

Around 50 have fled to Ireland on his money while another 150 went to France, Spain and Italy.

Forced adoption opponent Mr Joseph, who runs a language business and has a law degree, has defended his decision to fund their escape, despite many already having children in care.

He said: “Social services have moved away from giving families support and are now too quick to take children away.

“I know what I do is controversial.

People ask how I know the people I’ve helped don’t go on to do something wicked, but my reply is that even killers are entitled to lawyers.

“These woman are entitled to a fair chance to keep their children if they have not been convicted of any crime of cruelty and aren’t on drink or drugs.”

ROMANTIC JOKE HAUNTED FROM THE GRAVE

The dad of seven set up a website and receives “around a thousand” calls a year from mothers.

Britain is the only EU country allowing forced adoption. Last year, 1,860 children were adopted without parental consent.

Mr Joseph, 82, featured in a documentary advising a woman called Mary with previous mental health issues who has two children in care and is expecting another.

Mary, who now raises her child in France, said: “The social services here are helpful and supportive, the opposite of the UK.”

Mr Joseph says he ploughs through piles of documents before agreeing to help.

He said: “Adoption shouldn’t go ahead if a mother is begging to get her child back. They should be given a fair chance.

“Social services used to only take children away if a parent was convicted of cruelty. Now social workers are feared and hated.

But one GP who works with social ¬services said: “People think they are right to help a mother but they do not have all the background to a case.

An old man and woman were married for years even though they hated each other. When they had a confrontation, screams and yelling could be heard deep into the night. A constant statement was heard by the neighbors who feared the man the most.

“When I die I will dig my way up and out of the grave to come back and haunt you for the rest of your life!”

They believed he practiced black magic and was responsible for missing cats and dogs, and strange sounds at all hours. He was feared and enjoyed the respect it garnished.

He died abruptly under strange circumstances and the funeral had a closed casket. After the burial, the wife went straight to the local bar and began to party as if there was no tomorrow.

The gaiety of her actions were becoming extreme while her neighbors approached in a group to ask these questions: Are you not afraid? Concerned? Worried? that this man who practiced black magic and stated when he died he would dig his way up and out of the grave to come back and haunt you for the rest of your life?

The wife put down her drink and said, “Let the jerk dig. I had him buried upside down.”

34

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

True Confession

My mother had an affair with my boss M

y name is Ameze and I work with a GSM company. But since my mother came from Benin to stay with me in Lagos, things haven’t remained the same in my office.

One day, I decided to take my mum to the office and introduce her to my boss, a senior manager, out of joy that my mum had come to stay with me.

But to my surprise, my mother adopted a fondness or rather, lust, for my boss.

Whenever I returned from work, she would ask me questions about what he wore to the office, how handsome he looked, and what he did.

But I never took offence until my mother began to pay me surprise visits at work. She’d come unannounced to my office during break with an excuse. Then she’d sit and chat with my boss at length under the guise of ‘greeting him’.

My mother’s behaviour irritated me, but I never understood until I started hearing gossip months later that my mother was sleeping with my boss.

I learned my boss usually took my mother to one hotel. But I didn’t ask my mother. Neither did I ask my boss. I just kept them quiet. But I couldn’t believe it when my boss asked me out one day.

When a lizard nods its head, it does not always mean yes.

I pretended as if I had agreed to go out with him even when I knew my mother was sleeping with him. He’d taken me for a fool, thinking he could eat his cake and have it.

But I was determined to show my boss that he was the real fool. So I reported him to the director. I told the director everything that was going on between my mother and my boss, the senior manager.

The director was displeased and invited my boss to his office. When my boss came, the director washed him down, saying he should be ashamed of himself for sleeping with the mother of a staff.

The director asked my boss what he would do if his wife found out he was committing adultery with the mother of a staff. According to the director, the two families would be torn apart.

The director then warned my boss to keep off me and told him the implication of causing a scandal in the office by sleeping with my mother.

If I had my way, I’d make sure newspapers carry the name of my boss and his adulterous relationship with my mother. But because I don’t want my mother disgraced, I have to conceal it. But it hurts.

My mother makes it hurt more by saying she did it for me. According to my mother, her affair with my boss would guarantee me job security.

I would never get sacked because

I learned my boss usually took my mother to one hotel. But I didn’t ask my mother. Neither did I ask my boss. I just kept them quiet. But I couldn’t believe it when my boss asked me out one day. my boss would always watch my back since he is her lover. And I would enjoy fast promotions too because of what she’s doing.

I hate the idea of my mother acting

like a whore because she wants me to progress in life. I believe what is mine will be mine.

In any case, I’ve threatened to dis-

own my mother or send her back to Benin immediately if she doesn’t stop sleeping with my boss.

Your say: Call 07031028714.

35

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

Relationships and Love Advice

I need a man who can treat me like a queen

Love Search Women seeking relationship/ marriage Esther, 34, civil servant in Abuja, single mother, needs a man of 37 years and above for marriage.+234 8114226917.

Rose, in Lagos, just rented a shop, needs someone to support her in starting a business. 08107458039.

Oluchi, 34, tall, dark, busty, single mother, in Festac Town, Lagos, needs a responsible, working Igbo man from 3845 years for marriage. 08164007657.

Funke, 44, needs a man (widower or divorcée) of 50-55 years for a serious relationship. 08185083988.

Ngozi, 28, fat, jovial, fair, in Onitsha, Anambra state, needs a God-fearing and buoyant man of 45 years and above to take good care of her. 08183580779.

Busayo, 33, single mother from Ogun, needs a hardworking Yoruba man between 34-40 years for marriage.

09096187179.

Uchechi, 36, a graduate, tall, fair, needs a tall, fair, graduate, Igbo evangelist, pastor or God fearing Igbo man for marriage. 08052366993.

Dear Love Doctor,

I

need a caring man in my life. I’m a very beautiful, young Igbo lady. Some men have already started asking for my hand in marriage, but I don’t feel anything for most of these men. I want a man who can treat me like a woman and make me feel special and loved; not just any man. Is that too much to ask? All I want is for a man who

knows how to treat a woman like a queen to call me.

Thanks.

From Juliet, Lagos.

Tel: 08144069613

Love Doctor’s Advice: Dear Juliet,

I

t is certainly not too much to ask for a man to treat you like a woman. That’s because real men are gentlemen. A gentleman is simply a refined kind of man and such men are truly separate from the crowd because they are real men.

Real men treat their women the way they ought to be treated. A real man is an ever-loving gentleman who knows what a woman deserves and gives it to her.

Don’t give up because it seems like you’re yet to find your ideal

Lora, graduate, works, HIV Positive, based in Jos, wants a HIV positive man of 35-40 years for marriage.

08090925014.

gentleman, because like they say, God’s time is the best. Destiny can only be delayed but never denied.

So never give in to despair because what belongs to you will eventually come to you.

You will definitely find your soulmate. Just keep searching and praying and God will help you find the one for you. Money is not everything. So don’t assess a man only by how much money he has in the bank.

Don’t focus your attention on outward appearance but look out

for the inner beauty that will reveal the truth about him.

I wish you the best in your relationship!

Note: In order to help women seeking relationship and marriage have a fuller figure and better shapes and curves, intimate products are available for you, such as hips and breast enhancement products and products that help ladies to have bigger buttocks. Call for more details.

Do you have advice on this problem? Please share your thoughts. Call 07031028714 or 08131161840. Email: ireto007@yahoo.com Do you have a marriage/wedding, birthday, anniversary or club or town meeting announcement to make? Call 07031028714 now!

E-Mail: ireto007@yahoo.com Go to foodstuffs.com.ng. Call Love Doctor: 07031028714, 08131161840.

Men seeking relationship/ marriage Emeka, 44, businessman in Lagos, needs a god fearing lady of 35 years and above for marriage. 09060591429.

Uche in Lagos wants a mature working woman for a romantic relationship.

08077821830.

Emeka, 54, in Lagos, needs an educated woman between 32-35 years for a wife.

08118482541.

Ogbonna, 40, from Ebonyi, in Abuja, business man, needs a working class lady between 30-40 years for marriage.

09069054706.

36

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

It happened to me:

I kissed my twin sister’s fiance

M

y twin sister had been away travelling and working abroad for three years. We were very close and when she called one morning to let me know that she would be returning home within the month I was very excited. Not only would she be returning but she also mentioned that she had a big surprise.

I couldn’t wait to see her and the big surprise. Well, the month dragged on but finally she arrived.

The whole family arrived at the airport to greet her and eventually we spotted Jessica walking through the crowd of people. But she wasn’t alone. A tall guy was walking next to her. Immediately everyone was abuzz with excitement. Jessica ran up to me smiling, crying and hugging.

Instantly my attention drew back to the tall guy standing behind her.

Jessica took his hand and introduced him to everyone as Chris, her fiancé.

Over the course of the week, Chris settled in at home while Jessica caught up with family and friends.

Over the next few months Jessica started the wedding preparations.

During that time, if I wasn’t needed for wedding duties and chores, Jessica had mainly left Chris with me as she didn’t want him to be left alone and bored. So I was left to entertain

him. At first I felt a little awkward as I was quite shy but eventually we hit it off and I began to realise all the great things Jessica saw in Chris.

One day, after spending a great day out with Chris I became quite depressed. Of course Chris asked if he had done something wrong to upset me. I told him he hadn’t. I told him that I was just a little sad after having spent so much time with him and having a great time, and that I began to wonder when I would ever find my true love.

Chris assured me I would but I was very adamant that it would never happen. Being single and alone for three years, you do lose hope. I explained this to Chris and he continued to point out all my great qualities and traits. And then all of a sudden he kissed me. I was so shocked. I didn’t know what to do, so I excused myself and quickly ran into my room to be alone. I didn’t talk to or see Chris for the next three days. I stayed at my friend’s house and told my family that she needed support as she was going through a rough patch.

Chris constantly tried to call me and left messages explaining that he did not know what had come over him and that he was only trying to console me, but I did not want to speak to him as I had no idea what to do or

say. I had never been in a situation like that before and I had never kept anything from my sister. I was very confused and tried to avoid both of them.

A couple of days later Mum was hosting a family dinner and it was a ‘must-attend’ event. I reluctantly went along and saw Chris for the first time in days. I completely ignored him. Jessica made a comment on my mood and I just replied that I was tired. Towards the end of the night I offered to do the dishes to get away from everyone.

I slipped into the kitchen but two minutes later Chris followed. He started talking and I instantly cut him off and told him not to say anything, but he wasn’t listening. He said that he had wanted to speak to me for days about what happened and he couldn’t keep it in any longer.

I was expecting him to apologise, to put it all down to bad judgment but instead he started confessing his feelings for me. I couldn’t believe it. I wasn’t really listening to what he was saying. It was all a blur. He told me how he couldn’t stop thinking about me, that he had strong feelings for me, my head started spinning.

I didn’t know what to do. My twin sister was to marry this guy in less than a month and here he was telling

me that he didn’t know what to do or how to stop his feelings for me.

I quickly snapped out of my daze and took hold of Chris by both arms.

Very clearly and directly I told him to never mention this conversation again. Not to bring it up or repeat to anyone what he just said to me. I assured him that what he was feeling would soon subside and it was only because Jessica and I were so alike that he was confusing his feelings for her with me. I told him that I was not taking anything he said seriously and that I was going to turn a blind eye to it after the day had ended.

I left after that and never told anyone what happened between Chris and me. The wedding went ahead and my sister was none the wiser.

Chris carried on very convincingly, much to my relief, and he never spoke to me about the issue again.

To this day I am still unsure whether I should have told Jessica. I did not want her to blame me or even worse, herself, for losing the love of her life.

I believe that everyone has moments of weakness. I just hope that Chris won’t have a moment of weakness with someone else in the future.

• Do you have a story or comment about this confession?

Call 07031028714.

37

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

The Law and You What happens if your spouse dies?

With Barr. Ken Akpom 08162016410

T

his topic is one of those topics that most people hate hearing, but the truth is that it is an inevitable end that must come when it must come. Nobody likes to die whether rich or poor, that is why when there is danger everyone wants to escape it. In law there are two kinds of circumstances which characterize the deaths of spouses, namely Testate and Intestate; but these will be discussed later in the series.

The funniest aspect of it is that in some cases the spouses forget even their own children when running for their safety, only to remember after their escape that they have children. That is why this edition’s topic is very crucial and important to all and sundry, whether rich or poor. I once was driving around a major street in my area which harbors some beggars which include the blind, lame and disfigured, and all of a sudden a KAI vehicle appeared and the officers started arresting the beggars nearby.

To my utmost surprise, there was pandemonium and those beggars (even the blind) started running for their safety to the extent that one of them almost put me in trouble when he ran with great speed across my moving car, but I as usual was not speeding. I thank the Lord but what struck my mind was that even these helpless destitute care about their lives.

This informs our discussion in this edition.

Let me ask: who knows the exact time and how he or she will die? Also, how prepared will you be when this inevitability occurs? What becomes of all your acquisitions on earth and those you will leave behind if such occurs? Apart from the religious aspect of preparations, do you know that the Law of this our great country, Nigeria, has made adequate provisions for you to plan and execute your future intentions even after your death? Do you know that you can still be controlling, directing and speaking to the loved ones that

you left behind from your grave after your death through a very simple legal act? This is the result of something you must have performed when you were alive by approaching a lawyer to advise you and prepare a WILL for you in a proper way that cannot cause problem(s) in your family after you must have died?

Come to think of it, since one is not sure of when death beckons at one’s door, it is very important to make adequate preparation in time before it comes. One of my clients is from a very rich family; the father has mansions, I mean mansions in very high brow area of Lagos State. This his father was living a flamboyant type of life that even at his old age he still befriended some young wayward ladies who had children from other men and they would come with those children to his home and he harbored them as his children but at the detriment of his legally married wife and children.

He was made by these ladies to neglect his legal and social responsibilities to his legal matrimonial family. Instead, he was facing those ladies with their ‘migrated’ children in his home. In addition, his cousins and those acclaimed relatives who wish to celebrate with his riches at his death, contributed to confuse him the more. This rich man never thought that he would soonest die at the time he did. One funny thing was that he saw his home in shambles even in his lifetime.

He lived with ‘other beautiful ladies’ more beautiful to him than the great beauty of his legally married wife and he stopped eating in his home and promised those illegal girlfriends and self acclaimed wives that both they and their children would never inherit from his wealth.

Do you know that this man was making preparations for his legal wife and children’s comfort earlier before he got entangled with those charming wayward ladies and he forgot

Case 1

himself and never consulted any lawyer for advice?

One faithful day, he felt some pain at the upper part of his penis and instead of visiting a specialist hospital in Nigeria or abroad, he went to a low profile hospital near his home for treatment and he was told that an operation was to be conducted on him, which he accepted, thinking that it was a minor thing. The operation was conducted but he died from it unprepared legally.

His corpse was taken secretly by his so-called relatives – the gold diggers – to his home town without the knowledge of his legal family members and buried contrary to the Marriage Act of Lagos State. Even when the legal family members, who were informed of his death by one of his numerous lady-friends who felt neglected in the scheme of benefitting from him, went home to safeguard his documents and his property at his residence, those so-called relatives and ladies conspired and invited the police who arrested them with charges of house-breaking and illegal trespassing and later released them on bail with an undertaking not to go to their ‘legitimate home’ again because they were “trouble makers”. In addition, the same set of ‘Gold-diggers’ buried this rich man without the consent of the legal family consent and shared his property to themselves. But they found it difficult to obtain ‘probate’ to collect his money in the bank. How did the legal wife and children obtain probate to collect the man’s money in the bank?

Probate is the only authority that banks in Nigeria respect when it comes to obtaining a deceased person’s money or property. More about legal implication of death will be discussed later in this series; but if your problem on this topic cannot wait till then, please call or email me or any lawyer close to you for assistance.

Case 2

My father legally married my mother, but his Can I make my Will now, even though brother took over his property after his death I’m still a young man?

Dear Lawyer,

I

n one of your discussions you explained about the different forms of marriage in Nigeria but my father married my mother in both the native, church and statutory forms of marriage. He lived almost all his life in Lagos were he contracted the church and statutory marriage in 1972. Also, he worked, lived and acquired all his properties in Lagos state except one in our village before death. He obtained chieftaincy title in our village but lived all his life in Lagos. He lived with many relatives and some girlfriends later in his life. When he died, without any will, one self-acclaimed uncle with some of our village members forcefully collected my father’s corpse from my elder brother whom they intimidated, took the corpse home and buried him in a customary way without my family consent and even shared his property in Lagos among them applying Customary Law. Please, my mum and her children are confused and do not know what to do……..please advise us.

Dear Lawyer,

I

am a very young man but wealthy with a lot of property. I think I still have many more years to live since I am still a young man and not married. However, I think it would be right for me to write a Will.

Please, can I make my WILL now?

From, Henry, Abuja.

From Peterside, Benin, Edo State.

Lawyer’s Answer: Dear Peterside,

Y

our situation is very unfortunate but it happened that way because your father made the mistake of believing that he controlled his life, therefore he never consulted any lawyer to assist him in planning for his family in a way that he can still be speaking and directing from his grave.

However, since he married your mother in the statutory or what is popularly known by most Nigerians as Court Marriage, and worked and lived most of his life in Lagos State before he died without a will (i.e. intestate), the Marriage Act Section 49(1) of Lagos State gives priority in order of administration of his estate to first, your mother, then you the children etc.

It is where none of you is alive that your direct uncles (fourth in the list) can come in. Hence, these uncles to the best of my knowledge as a lawyer erred in law. However, the burial ceremony can be fashioned customarily since there is no ‘Burial Act’.

Feel free to call me or any lawyer around you for more information and further advice and actions on such matters because a lawyer knows it best.

Lawyer’s Answer:

Dear Peterside,

F

irst of all, you didn’t tell me your age. Also, your marital status is not known. However, you are free to make your will at anytime you so desire if you meet up the requirements as the Law demands.

Also, it is better for you to meet a lawyer now to prepare a will for you. You can renew it at your choice at anytime. Please, contact me on my phone lines or any other lawyer around you for more details on how to go about making your Will.

• Do you have questions or seek legal clarification on issues concerning your marriage, probate, property, etc? Call or send a text message to Barr. Ken: 08162016410, 08075763840. Email: kenakpom@yahoo.com

39

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

Entertainment Behold v, Nollycasting brand Ambassador

S

• Banky and Adesua

Banky W, wife share emotional messages at one year wedding anniversary

B

anky W and wife, star actress, Adesua Etomi have shared emotional messages to mark their one year wedding anniversary The singer said in a message on social media: “Some say the first year of marriage is supposed to be the hardest to get used to. The adjustment into sharing your space/world with someone is supposed to be difficult.

Yet, somehow, the past 365 days have been by far the best year of my life.

I’m so thankful that I found you. You were worth the wait. You are worth the effort. You are everything I hoped for and much more than I deserve.

“Thank you for loving me and inspiring me. Thank you for being with me and building with me. My life is better because you are in it. In a world where

most people aren’t lucky enough to find someone they can tolerate, I found my destiny. Happy anniversary Shug. Forever gonna be fun in Jesus name. Amen.”

Obviously touched, Adesua had posted the following message: “Still on cloud nine, still the best man I know, still basking in the goodness of the Lord, still dancing with you, still thirsty, still can’t get enough of you, still laughing like crazy, still amazed that you’re mine, still in awe of this love that I’ve never seen before, still excited about the future.

“Thank you for working with me, for your patience, for your kindness, for your selflessness and for your unconditional love. When I think about

how much you love me and care for me, it leaves me in awe of the kind of love God must have for me. He loves every single person, so deeply and you bubba, are a reflection of that love. Your light shines so bright.

“My purpose partner. I knew I made an amazing decision when I chose you. A year has gone by and only now, do I fully understand the magnitude of that decision. A decision that has impacted my destiny. You are God’s perfect will for me. Thank you for chasing away my fears and making our home my safe haven. One down and I still can’t wait for forever. Thank you for the most amazing year. Happy anniversary best friend. Life wouldn’t be life without you. #BAADFOREVER.”

Olamide undermines the effect of Wizkid’s concert, says he will still sell out OLIC

O

lamide in an interview with Punch Newspaper made some clarifications regarding the clash of dates of his show and Wizkid’s.

It is no news that both Wizkid and Olamide’s show that have been set for Sunday, 23rd of December 2018 will be clashing as it will be happening the same time.

Lots of people have been talking about the clash of dates, saying one show will definitely affect the other and as a result, the two artistes shouldn’t have settled for the same dates.

Olamide has however shed light on the issue. He told The punch that the show won’t affect each other as there are millions of people in Nigeria and that they will only have to choose which to attend. In his words Baddo said “It is true that the two shows will happen on the same day. The population of Nigeria is huge and everyone cannot fill up one event centre.”

“I believe the sky is big enough for all birds to fly without touching each other. I honestly don’t feel there will

W

• Stephanie Linus

Day Orange Global Achievement Awards shut down Port Harcourt

I • Wizkid

• Olamide

be any negative effect. If you switch on your television set, I am sure you have many options; so, it is left for you to decide which station you stay tuned to. That is how I see things,” he said.

Olamide further said he was not aware Wizkid was going to pick the date he picked for his show and that

he is sure they will both make money from the shows, he said his decision of the date is purely autonomous. In his words he said ““I am not living in his (Wizkid) mind, but I don’t think anyone has an issue with it and I am sure we will both make good money from the shows.”

a total of 43 Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 25 years participated in the essay competition which had the topic: ‘Projecting Nigeria’s Values as A Great Nation through Film’.

The winners are Said Saad Abubakar, Ike-Okonkwo Adaobi and Ogbaga Sunday Thomas and they won cash prizes of N250,000.00; N100,000.00 andN75,000.00 respectively.

NFC Essay competition: Winners emerge

inners of the 2018 edition of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) Annual Film Essay Competition have emerged.

According to the statement,

tar actress, Stephanie Linus has been named brand ambassador for Nollycasting, an online platform that will link content creators to talent in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Speaking, Stephanie Linus told TS weekend that she’s happy to identify with Nollycasting: “With a pool of thousands of jobs available in the movie and music industry, content creators often have the problem of finding the right people to hire for certain jobs. This challenge also applies to talented people who find it difficult in finding the kind of jobs that helps them develop their talents. Nollycasting is here to make that process easier.”

Stephanie Linus added that Nollycasting will eliminate the challenges associated with finding the right people to fill certain roles: “People often ask me questions about how to get roles in the entertainment industry. I’m glad I can now tell them about Nollycasting where they can connect with content providers. It also saves time and money for producers and casting directors as they can now get all the talents they need in one place.”

To register, visit www.nollycasting.com and sign up. Within a few minutes, users can create a profile, upload their head shots, reels and resume which will be viewed by thousands of content creators.

Profiles can be created for aspiring and seasoned actors, actresses, movie set extras, music video vixens, back-up singers, models and voice-over artists.

t was fun and excitement last weekend during the second edition of The Orange Global Awards (OGAA) which took placate at the Aztec Arcum, Port harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Themed ‘Redirecting The Course of Our Youths’ the event witnessed dignitaries from all walks of life including the Royal Father of The Day, His Majesty, King Leslie Eke, the Eze Gbakagbaka, Nyerisi Eli Woji, Paramount Ruler of Woji Community and Evo Kingdom gracing the event.

At exactly 5pm, the Red Carpet kicked off with guests networking on the Red Carpet while they sipped champagne as they were interviewed by beautiful Red Carpet hosts and at exactly 7pm, the event proper kicked off.

Hosted by Angel Attah Aka Angel D Laugh alongside Ms Fortune Wosah, the event also witnessed beautiful music, dance and comic performances from Port Harcourt’s brightest stars and the OGAA song was performed by David Legend.

In her welcome address, Loveth Ogedegbe enumerated on how the world now has the largest generation of young people it’s it’s history and called on stakeholders to held engage them positively. She also used the ooprtunity to thank sponsors and congratulated winners.

Awards were given in 17 categories and winners include Buzuzu Construction Limited, Adano Engineering Limited, Webster Global Ventures, Ocean Water Marine & Oil Services Limited, Titan Nigeria Limited, Galaxy 360 Media, M. Saleh who won Entrepreneur of The Year and Mixology of the Year award winner, Mrs Iyalode Alaba Lawson among others.

39

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

Entertainment Behold v, Nollycasting brand Ambassador

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• Banky and Adesua

Banky W, wife share emotional messages at one year wedding anniversary

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anky W and wife, star actress, Adesua Etomi have shared emotional messages to mark their one year wedding anniversary The singer said in a message on social media: “Some say the first year of marriage is supposed to be the hardest to get used to. The adjustment into sharing your space/world with someone is supposed to be difficult.

Yet, somehow, the past 365 days have been by far the best year of my life.

I’m so thankful that I found you. You were worth the wait. You are worth the effort. You are everything I hoped for and much more than I deserve.

“Thank you for loving me and inspiring me. Thank you for being with me and building with me. My life is better because you are in it. In a world where

most people aren’t lucky enough to find someone they can tolerate, I found my destiny. Happy anniversary Shug. Forever gonna be fun in Jesus name. Amen.”

Obviously touched, Adesua had posted the following message: “Still on cloud nine, still the best man I know, still basking in the goodness of the Lord, still dancing with you, still thirsty, still can’t get enough of you, still laughing like crazy, still amazed that you’re mine, still in awe of this love that I’ve never seen before, still excited about the future.

“Thank you for working with me, for your patience, for your kindness, for your selflessness and for your unconditional love. When I think about

how much you love me and care for me, it leaves me in awe of the kind of love God must have for me. He loves every single person, so deeply and you bubba, are a reflection of that love. Your light shines so bright.

“My purpose partner. I knew I made an amazing decision when I chose you. A year has gone by and only now, do I fully understand the magnitude of that decision. A decision that has impacted my destiny. You are God’s perfect will for me. Thank you for chasing away my fears and making our home my safe haven. One down and I still can’t wait for forever. Thank you for the most amazing year. Happy anniversary best friend. Life wouldn’t be life without you. #BAADFOREVER.”

Olamide undermines the effect of Wizkid’s concert, says he will still sell out OLIC

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lamide in an interview with Punch Newspaper made some clarifications regarding the clash of dates of his show and Wizkid’s.

It is no news that both Wizkid and Olamide’s show that have been set for Sunday, 23rd of December 2018 will be clashing as it will be happening the same time.

Lots of people have been talking about the clash of dates, saying one show will definitely affect the other and as a result, the two artistes shouldn’t have settled for the same dates.

Olamide has however shed light on the issue. He told The punch that the show won’t affect each other as there are millions of people in Nigeria and that they will only have to choose which to attend. In his words Baddo said “It is true that the two shows will happen on the same day. The population of Nigeria is huge and everyone cannot fill up one event centre.”

“I believe the sky is big enough for all birds to fly without touching each other. I honestly don’t feel there will

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• Stephanie Linus

Day Orange Global Achievement Awards shut down Port Harcourt

I • Wizkid

• Olamide

be any negative effect. If you switch on your television set, I am sure you have many options; so, it is left for you to decide which station you stay tuned to. That is how I see things,” he said.

Olamide further said he was not aware Wizkid was going to pick the date he picked for his show and that

he is sure they will both make money from the shows, he said his decision of the date is purely autonomous. In his words he said ““I am not living in his (Wizkid) mind, but I don’t think anyone has an issue with it and I am sure we will both make good money from the shows.”

a total of 43 Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 25 years participated in the essay competition which had the topic: ‘Projecting Nigeria’s Values as A Great Nation through Film’.

The winners are Said Saad Abubakar, Ike-Okonkwo Adaobi and Ogbaga Sunday Thomas and they won cash prizes of N250,000.00; N100,000.00 andN75,000.00 respectively.

NFC Essay competition: Winners emerge

inners of the 2018 edition of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) Annual Film Essay Competition have emerged.

According to the statement,

tar actress, Stephanie Linus has been named brand ambassador for Nollycasting, an online platform that will link content creators to talent in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Speaking, Stephanie Linus told TS weekend that she’s happy to identify with Nollycasting: “With a pool of thousands of jobs available in the movie and music industry, content creators often have the problem of finding the right people to hire for certain jobs. This challenge also applies to talented people who find it difficult in finding the kind of jobs that helps them develop their talents. Nollycasting is here to make that process easier.”

Stephanie Linus added that Nollycasting will eliminate the challenges associated with finding the right people to fill certain roles: “People often ask me questions about how to get roles in the entertainment industry. I’m glad I can now tell them about Nollycasting where they can connect with content providers. It also saves time and money for producers and casting directors as they can now get all the talents they need in one place.”

To register, visit www.nollycasting.com and sign up. Within a few minutes, users can create a profile, upload their head shots, reels and resume which will be viewed by thousands of content creators.

Profiles can be created for aspiring and seasoned actors, actresses, movie set extras, music video vixens, back-up singers, models and voice-over artists.

t was fun and excitement last weekend during the second edition of The Orange Global Awards (OGAA) which took placate at the Aztec Arcum, Port harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Themed ‘Redirecting The Course of Our Youths’ the event witnessed dignitaries from all walks of life including the Royal Father of The Day, His Majesty, King Leslie Eke, the Eze Gbakagbaka, Nyerisi Eli Woji, Paramount Ruler of Woji Community and Evo Kingdom gracing the event.

At exactly 5pm, the Red Carpet kicked off with guests networking on the Red Carpet while they sipped champagne as they were interviewed by beautiful Red Carpet hosts and at exactly 7pm, the event proper kicked off.

Hosted by Angel Attah Aka Angel D Laugh alongside Ms Fortune Wosah, the event also witnessed beautiful music, dance and comic performances from Port Harcourt’s brightest stars and the OGAA song was performed by David Legend.

In her welcome address, Loveth Ogedegbe enumerated on how the world now has the largest generation of young people it’s it’s history and called on stakeholders to held engage them positively. She also used the ooprtunity to thank sponsors and congratulated winners.

Awards were given in 17 categories and winners include Buzuzu Construction Limited, Adano Engineering Limited, Webster Global Ventures, Ocean Water Marine & Oil Services Limited, Titan Nigeria Limited, Galaxy 360 Media, M. Saleh who won Entrepreneur of The Year and Mixology of the Year award winner, Mrs Iyalode Alaba Lawson among others.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

NEWS Extra Vote buying UNICEF lauds 28 Imo communities for abolishing FGM/C criminal – Edo PDP

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eoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo has said that vote buying during elections is a fraudulent and criminal act which needs to be nipped in the bud.

Chief Dan Orbih, State Chairman of the party, said this on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Benin.

He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take steps to end the situation, adding that it had been in the forefront of elections held recently in some states.

He explained that if INEC could put in place a process that would prevent party agents and other electorate from knowing who and what party individuals voted for during elections, it would help to stop vote buying. ”By this I mean INEC should make secret ballot in the true sense of the word and ensure only the voter knows who or what party he or she voted for,” he said.

The chairman also said it was with a view to tackling some of the problems of true electoral process in the country that the National Assembly amended the electoral laws.

He, however, lamented that till now, President Mohammadu Buhari had not seen the need to assent to the amended electoral law, describing the action as a danger to the National electoral process and system.

He, therefore, urged President Buhari to sign the Amended Electoral Act into law.

He said it was a source of concern that government was carrying on as if there was nothing at stake by refusing to assent to the bill.

According to him, “there is an urgent need for the president to immediately sign the bill into law, to give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) enough time to meet the specific provisions of the law.

“These are not good signs for the forthcoming elections, I am disturbed by the silence of Nigerians over the continued delay to sign the electoral act as amended and passed by the National Assembly.”

He also wondered how the thorny issue of the card reader would be resolved in the event that the president did not sign the bill into law and also the transmission of results from the polling units to the collation centre immediately they awere announced.

Orbih further expressed worry by the huge number of uncollected Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) by people in different states as recently announced by the commission.

He called for active participation by the citizenry to have a true democracy in the country.

He also expressed concern over university lecturers’ current nationwide strike over need for improved welfare conditions and poorfunding of institutions.

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nited Nations International Children Fund (UNICEF) said 28 communities in Ngor Okpala in Imo have officially abandoned the practice of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C).

Dr Ibrahim Conteh, the Chief of UNICEF, ENUGU Field Office, said this at the Public Declaration of Abandonment of FG/C held at Umuneke, headquarters of Ngor Okpala Local Government area.

He said the agency was mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote rights of children and commended the communities for their action.

He said that the agency was also committed to supporting partnerships and initiatives toward abandonment of FGM/C in all communities in the state.

Conteh said UNICEF, with her partners, worked in 190 countries and

territories to translate the commitment into practical action, focusing specially on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children.

He reiterated the organisation’s commitment to the promotion of the rights and wellbeing of all children across the globe.

Conteh commended the traditional leader’s council in the community and other partners for their support.

“UNICEF commends the traditional leader’s council, Ndi Nze na Ozo, community and faith- based organisations, our implementing partners, the NOA, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development members of the Imo State Technical Committee on FGM Abandonment, among others.

“Your assiduous interventions contributed in empowering the communities to declare the abandonment of FGM being witnessed

today,” he said.

Eze Geoffrey Okoro, a traditional ruler and Chairman of Ngor Okpala Council of Ndi Eze, said the monarchs in the area, along with other stakeholders had in the past two years, brainstormed, interfaced and dialogued over the obnoxious practice of FGM/C. He said the extensive community consultations and sensitisation campaigns by UNICEF, NOA and other sister organisations climaxed into the public declaration of abandonment of what he called ‘the ugly cultural practice.’

Okoro said the traditional rulers in the local government had demonstrated strong commitment, sincerity of purpose and passion in engaging the people in mutual dialogue which resulted in the collective agreement of the people to denounce and to renounce the prac-

• Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa (l) with Major-General Felix Edafioghor who led participants of the Course 41 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji to the Government House in Asaba on a courtesy visit, Monday

Otti pledges to be accountable if elected

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he governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has pledged to be transparent and accountable if elected governor of the state, calling on the people of Abia State, to demand from the state PDP-led government to account for an N2 trillion earned by the state in the past 19 years that the party has been in power in the state.

Otti, while addressing a massive gathering of Abia indigenes in Lagos, at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, over the weekend, noted that the Abia State government had between 1999 and 2018 earned about N2 trillion from federal allocation, internally generated revenue and other revenue sources available to the state.

In a speech preceded by a video documentary depicting the sorry state of the environment, roads and public institutions in Abia State, Otti narrated: “Every month, the government of Abia State earns between N5 billion to N6 billion from internally generated revenue, Federation account and various other capital injection funds from the federal government. These exclude one-off payments like bailouts and Paris Club refunds.

“Between 1999 and 2018, is a period of 19 years. In that period, Abia State government has earned close to N2 trillion. The question I want to ask all of you sitting here is, what did the governments of the PDP in Abia state do with that money in the years it has been in power?

“Many of you here have been to Abia State recently. Can anyone in this hall tell me if there is anything in Abia State that justifies that huge sum of money? The question I want every son and daughter of Abia State to ask the government of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is, ‘where did our money go? What did you do with the monies of the people of Abia State?’”

Otti, a renowned economist and successful former bank chief executive, lamented the poor state of infrastructure in Abia State, particularly its commercial nerve centre, Aba and the state capital Umuahia.

He condemned in strong terms the spate of insecurity in Abia State, occasioned by violent robbery and kidnappings; the inability of the Okezie Ikpeazu led government to pay workers’ salaries and pensioners monies.

According to him, the story by Ikpeazu that Abia State is working is a lie. Instead the truth, Otti declared, is that Abia is in trouble. “In numerous TV commercials, the impression is created that the government is working, that roads are being constructed and that new markets are being built; that schools are being rehabilitated, that workers’ salaries are being paid and that pensioners are being paid. But that is not the truth.

The reality is that Abia is in trouble.

Abia is in a sorry situation. Salaries are not being paid regularly to workers who toil under the sun and in the rain, to make the state work.

“Pensioners who sacrificed their lives to build the state are being

owed for countless months. Abia State has the worst road network in the whole country. There is virtually no part of Abia state where the road is motorable. I was in Aba, just two days ago, to visit the market (Nkwo Ngwa) that was burnt by fire last week. What I saw on ground made me shed tears”, he explained as the crowed erupted with the chant, “enough is enough”!

In a release by the director of the Media and Publicity of the Alex Otti Campaign Organisation, Mr. Kazie Uko, the APGA governorship candidate was quoted as advising his audience not to be totally dismayed by what is happening presently in Abia State, but to be steadfast in their pursuit to bring about a positive change in the governorship of the state. He told his audience, made up of Igbo traditional leaders in Lagos, traders from Tejuosho Market, Computer Village Ikeja and various other markets in Lagos, women and youth groups, students, professionals and politicians that he has a clear programme on how to solve the problems of Abia State.

“We shall take back Abia from the firm grip of an evil cabal that has held it hostage since 1999. Enough is Enough. We are optimistic that in spite of the dark clouds created by political deceit and corruption, the future is bright. Our ‘Super Agenda’ is our pathway to reclaim our state and rescue it. We solemnly pledge that we will not betray the hope of our people”, he declared.

tice.

State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Vitus Ekeocha, said that in furtherance of the resolutions reached at the Open Dialogue meeting, NOA had facilitated the mapping of 28 communities in the local government area.

He said they identified community governance structures, events, schedules, key gate-keepers, opinion leaders, nature and type of FGM practiced in these areas as well as documented the GPS data for independent access and evidencebased-monitoring of activities between March and May 2016.

Ekeocha said two community members from 10 communities, identified during the mapping exercise, were equipped with knowledge and skills to conduct household discussions on FGM. “They also made referrals to health facilities for care and support for girls and women who have undergone FGM between Oct. 18 and Oct. 20, 2016,” he said.

He also said that to create more awareness on the dangers of FGM, the agency organised a media dialogue on Feb. 6, 2017 to commemorate the International Day of Zero Tolerance to FGM in the State.

“NOA in partnership with relevant state ministries, departments, agencies and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) held consensus meetings with traditional rulers to consolidate the impact of ongoing awareness.”

Ekeocha said community dialogue was equally held across focal communities to end FGM through public declaration at community level or as a collection of communities in Nov. 11, 2017.

“The Ministry of Gender Affairs and Social Development through Child Rights Department was supported by UNICEF to inaugurate LGA Technical Committee on FGM (LTC) in 7 LGAs of Imo State-NgorOkpala LGA inclusive.

“The Ministry has also trained prosecutors, judiciary, magistrates, judges, police and lawyers on FGM practices and extant laws that prohibit the practice with the view to ending it,” he said.

Mrs Edna Okorie, the State Commissioner for Gender Affairs and Social Development, commended the communities for rising up to the challenge to discard the FMG/C which she described as uncivilized and primitive.

She said many nations had since abandoned the unhealthy practice because of its obvious harmful effects on the girl-child and women.

She identified some dangers of FGM as infant mortality, violation of child’s right, maternal death, infections and reduction of the status of women in society.

The commissioner expressed gratitude to Gov. Rochas Okorocha and the State House of Assembly for taking the bull by the horns to outlaw FGM/C in all the 637 autonomous communities in the state.

She also lauded the efforts, synergy and team work demonstrated by the communities to end FGM/C. Okorie assured that the state government would continue to assist those at risk of undergoing the trauma of FGM/C and those already caught up with the monster.

Mr Chinwe Nwogu, the Chairman of the local government council, described FGM/C as worse than the much dreaded HIV/Aids.

He commended the traditional rulers in the local government for their worthy example and warned that defaulters would henceforth be subjected to the full weight of the law.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

NEWS

Okowa challenges organized private sector on CSRs From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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elta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has called on the organised private sector to be involved in development projects in living up to their corporate social responsibilities (CSRs).

Okowa made the call at the weekend during the commissioning of the DSC roundabout at Ebrumede in Uwvie local government area, developed by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Champions Cathedral, Warri.

The governor while noting that it was the first project contributed by the church to be commissioned during his administration, stated that it was important for the organized private sector and individuals to contribute to the development of the society.

“I want to thank God for what I am seeing this afternoon; the last three years have been challenging, but, some corporate organizations and well-meaning individuals have continued to support us by engaging in development projects,” he said, stating, “we have seen individuals assisting us by building schools, constructing roads, but, this is the first time we have seen the church undertake such a large project.”

He continued, “I am proud of this place and for the church to think about this shows that it is not just about propagating the word but, impacting on the society.”

Okowa who was accompanied to the occasion by a retinue of political office holders emphasized: “I challenge other well-meaning individuals and organizations to be involved in the development of the society because, government cannot do it alone, they should meet with their social responsibilities; I thank the church, the people of Uvwie for this project and I want to charge the Chairman of Uvwie local government area to ensure that this place is well maintained to encourage others to contribute to the development of our state.”

Chairman of Uwvie local government area, Hon. Ramson Onoyake in a brief speech, thanked Governor Okowa for his leadership style which has given confidence to private investors, assuring that the Uvwie local government council will ensure the maintenance of the roundabout.

Pastor Emmanuel Emefienim of the Champions Cathedral disclosed that that the project was one of the corporate social responsibilities embarked by the church across the state.

He stated that the church will continue to embark on projects that will support life and ensure good governance and thanked Governor Okowa for his assistance that made the execution of the project to come to fruition.

General Overseer of the Church, Pastor E. Adeboye, the Ovie of Uwvie Kingdom were represented at the occasion which also, featured special prayers for the government and people of Delta State.

Council workers insist on autonomy, celebrate 40th Anniversary T From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

he National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Cross River State Chapter has marked its 40th year as a trade union in Nigeria with a call for local government autonomy as a step to address some of the pressing challenges facing the country.

The union made the call in Calabar after a rounding-off activities to mark its 40th year anniversary in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

The event which also involved a presentation of an award to deserving personalities who have served the organization re-echoed the call as the nation builds up to the next year’s general elections.

Speaking on the achievements of NULGE over the years, the Chair-

man of the State Local Government Service Commission, Peter Adege described the occasion as epochmaking and commended members of NULGE for their steadfastness and commended employees for contributing their quota to the development of the state.

“If NULGE has sustained themselves for the past 40 years and till today, the association is still pronounced nationally and internationally, and then they have done very well.

“The association has been protecting members; addressing staff welfare, for example, they are in the forefront for autonomy for local government areas, so they have succeeded. They have been pressurizing government in terms of promotion, welfare and if this association was

not there, you know there will be no one to speak for the workers, so we have done very well”, he said.

Also speaking, the president of NULGE in the state and chairman of the conference of state presidents of NULGE in Nigeria said the journey over the years has been challenging but after 40 years, the Union is now relatively stable and is well positioned to discharge its duties to the workers and the nation creditably.

“Before now, the union used to have a series of leadership crisis but for over ten years now, there is no such crisis. At the National level, the change of leadership has been smooth and this shows how stable the union has grown to be. NULGE is the largest trade union because we are in every local government in Nigeria hence we have the spread”.

• Chevron Team flanked by officials of the Warri North LGA and members of the Egbema Gbaramatu Development Foundation and Itsekiri Regional Development Committee during the donation of the relief items in Koko area of Delta State

Calabar carnival remains Africa’s number one tourism hub – Onah

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hairman of Calabar Carnival Commission, Mr Gabe Onah, has described the annual Calabar festival as the number one tourism and entertainment hub in Africa.

Onah, who made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Calabar, said that the festival has become the largest street party in Africa.

He attributed this to the carnivals’ wide acceptance and participation from African and global countries.

He said that the carnival has promoted the unity and pride of Africa through the interpretation of various carnival themes over the years.

According to him, the carnival usually record over 50,000 revelers dancing and performing acrobatic displays along the streets of Calabar.

He added that the festival also has a dedicated day for International Carnival’ where the foreign artists and celebrities occupy the streets of Calabar.

“Calabar carnival is on course, there is a wide acceptability by the private sector, the stakeholders

and the public service. We have been blessed with strong political will and leadership by the past governors since inception.

“It is this great leadership that has sustained this huge platform which becomes the true template to measure art festival in Africa because the carnival has become Africa number one tourism hub.

“Further than unity, it brings pride; it brings about the preservation of our beliefs and culture. We still need huge federal government backing to drive our festival forward.

“The Minister of Information and Culture was here in 2017 to inspect mass camps; I believe that any moment from now, we are going to see the outcome of this visit which should be in terms of partnership and support.

“Calabar carnival is the pride of African heritage. It goes beyond the shores of Africa. If you look at the themes we have played over the years and the current 2018 theme which is Africanism, we try as much as possible to carry everybody along,’’ he said.

On the musical part, Onah told

NAN that the festival has become the platform from which musical artists rate themselves, saying that such exposure is bringing the African Diaspora under one umbrella.

“This year, we are introducing into the carnival the National Festival of Poetry, the Fusion of Music and Art and also introducing the diaspora experience through cuisines.

“The structures of the bands are run like a private sector concern because the success of the carnival has been largely felt through the competing and non-competing bands.

“The theme of the current year is to see how Africans can tell their own story from their own perspective; from pessimism to optimism and I believe there is so much for us to show and take pride in as African.

“We cannot continue to be the continent left to be plundered by those who believe there know more than us. We must find our way.

“History has told us that the black man was behind most of the inventions in the world,’’ he said.

He lamented the continued absence of elected local government officials in the country attributing this to the cause of several problems facing the country today and called for a reversal of the status quo in order to set the country on the path to sustainable development.

“If the local government system is allowed to continue to suffer this absence of elected officials, then the foundation for democracy in Nigeria is weak. Whether you talk about elected government in the state or federal, they will collapse.

“If you have a house that does not have a good foundation, it will not stand. Even the security challenges that are bedevilling the nation now, a virile local government system with a local security council made up of the principal elected officials and the traditional rulers can address these challenges.

“An elected council which functions well will be properly placed to nip security challenges at the local level in the bud before they evolve into state and national problems. So we want a system that functions, an autonomous local government system that gets funds to operate is the way to go”, he said.

He said the staff of the local government would have been satisfied with the payment of their salaries but beyond this, they want a local government system that functions, an autonomous local government system that gets its funds to operate independently.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Comrade Effiong Ita Umoh commended NULGE for its 40th Anniversary emphasizing that the government prioritizes issues that concern workers particularly those at the local government level.

He said a bill is currently before the State House of Assembly to allow local government staff rise to the position of Permanent Secretaries and this is aimed that ensuring that local government workers get to the peak of their profession.

He emphasized that the government is in support of local government autonomy and has nothing against local government autonomy in the country. He stressed that this will grant them the freedom to properly utilize their resources “So local government happens to be the third tier of government and so the staff of the local governments has every right after being under the state for so long to regain their own freedom and that is why they have asked for that freedom.

“The benefit is that they have their resources and they have control.

When you have revenue sources that are being administered and controlled by others, you become handicapped. So let them also know that there are other avenues for them to look inwards to generate resources”, he said.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

NEWS Benue killings: I’ll report Akume to Tiv Supreme Council over comments – Ortom

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iffed by reports quoting Senator George Akume as blaming the Benue Government for the violence in the state, Gov. Samuel Ortom says he will report the former chief executive to the Supreme Assembly of the Tiv Traditional Council.

Akume, a former governor of the state, was recently quoted as telling President Muhammadu Buhari, when he led Benue APC leaders on a visit to Abuja, that the state government was behind the protracted violence in Benue.

He was also quoted as alleging that the state government was not committed to ending the violence.

Ortom, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Terver Akase, and issued to newsmen on Monday in Makurdi, accused Akume of refusing to tell the president the truth about the security situation.

The statement quoted Ortom as expressing shock that Akume had chosen to exonerate militia herdsmen from the continued attacks on Benue rural communities.

According to the statement, Ortom spoke at Tyulen in Guma Local Government, during the funeral ceremony of Mrs. Rose Adzuu, mother of Mr Terseer Adzuu, a member of the Benue House of Assembly, and Frank Adzuu, Ortom’s Senior Special Assistant on Administration.

“Since the senator has chosen to tell the President that militia herdsmen are not behind the violence, it implies that he has adequate knowledge about the killings and should explain the details to the traditional council.

“The comments are shocking and unfortunate; Akume appears ready to sacrifice his people,” Ortom was further quoted as saying.

The statement quoted Ortom as wondering why a man, who was expected to provide leadership to the younger generation, had chosen to take sides with “those who have vowed to deprive Benue people of their ancestral lands”.

Ortom, at the funeral, reaffirmed his commitment to implementing the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, noting that it had been adjudged as the best solution to the frequent crises arising from animal husbandry.

The governor, while consoling the deceased family, stated that their mother lived a fulfilled life and died in Christ.

Former governor of the State, Dr. Gabriel Suswam, also consoled the family and prayed God to grant their mother eternal rest.

• Gov. Ortom

Ambode receives Torch of Unity

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agos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Monday received the Torch of Unity to herald the forthcoming 19th National Sports Festival coming up in Abuja next month, saying that sports remains a veritable tool to engender the unity and cohesion the nation actually needs.

Speaking at the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja after receiving the torch, the Governor said he was glad that the Festival after the last edition hosted by Lagos in 2012 was staging a grand comeback, adding that the State would send a strong contingent of athletes and coaches to the Festival, assuring that representatives of the State would be given all the adequate welfare to excel at the games.

“It is my pleasure to receive the festival torch of unity and this signals the commencement of the 19th National Sports Festival that would take place in Abuja. Just like what we have been told, the last National Sports festival was held here in Lagos six years ago and being the last host, this is the last point of call before the torch goes

back to Abuja.

“We have a very strong contingent that we are sending to the festival because we believe strongly that sports is a veritable tool that we can use to command the unity and the cohesion that this nation actually needs at this time.

“I believe strongly that we are not just supporting alone, we believe that all the laurels and winning positions would be taken by Lagos State.

On behalf of all our sports men and women, I want to encourage them and assure that we would make their entire stay in Abuja comfortable,” the Governor said.

Governor Ambode also seized the occasion to encourage politicians to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship in the coming general elections, saying that beyond winning at the polls, the real essence of the exercise is to create a stronger bond and cohesion among Nigerians.

He said like sports where winners and losers would emerge after every competition, those vying for several positions in next year’s election should embrace such mindset.

According to him, “Just like any other competition, we are in a period of campaign and election that is coming, it is competitive, but this is unlike national sports were everybody comes with the spirit of unity and we believe strongly that our politicians should emulate our sports men and women, were we should be able to come with the spirit of sportsmanship, there would be winners and losers but in participating, we are creating that bond and cohesion amongst ourselves.”

Also speaking Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Kweku Tandor said Lagos State would be represented at the Festival by 442 male and female athletes, 81 coaches and 50 other officials including welfare and medicals.

He said the contingent from Lagos would be made up of athletes that have been training and taking part in State organised competitions over the years, adding that it would be profitable on the long run rather than looking for foreign based professionals.

“One of the things that we have re-

fused to do in Lagos is to go all over the world and start looking for athletes to represent us because for us we see the festival not just as a competition, but we see it as a developmental tool and it’s for us, a measure of the work that we have been doing over the years in developing our athletes,” he said.

Earlier, South West Zonal Coordinator, National Sports Festival, Mr. Olufemi Ajao who presented the Torch of Unity to the Governor, thanked him for according them hospitality, saying that he was hopeful that the State would host the festival again soon.

“The torch has been going round the country, it has been to the 36 States and Abuja. Lagos being the host of the last Sports Festival, the torch has to leave Lagos for Abuja straight away.

“You can remember that after Lagos State hosted, it has been about six years now that we have been postponing it. But with this torch now, it shows that the festival has come to stay, there is no more postponement. I will plead with the Governor if Lagos can host the festival again so that we can come and enjoy the hospitality and the rich culture of Lagos State,” he said.

Atiku, man of faith -- Okowa From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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• Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, flanked by other top government officials inspecting the wreck of the collapsed 7-storey building at Woji road, New GRA in Port Harcourt, Sunday

Don’t license telcos for banking operations – Labour cautions FG

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wo unions in the banking and financial institutions has advised the Federal Government to fashion out the mode of operation before granting banking services license to telecommunications companies.

The unions, the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) and the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees ( NUBIFIE), gave the advice on Monday in Lagos.

General Secretary of NUBIFIE, Mr Muhammed Sheikh, said the Federal Government should inform people on the strategic economic interest of the policy before approving the licence.

Federal Government had in October announced that it would allow telecommunications companies to provide banking services to the people.

It said that this was to allow the companies to provide banking services that would give millions of Nigerians who have no bank accounts

access to mobile money service.

MTN Group had since announced its plans to apply for a Payment Service Bank (PSB) licence and launch of mobile banking in Nigeria in 2019.

Sheikh said that the union would tackle any of the telecommunications operators on the implication of such banking service on the job of workers whenever the details were made available.

He said that government should be very careful in approving such licences as some telecommunications companies had yet to resolve their tax issues. ”We don’t want companies that will extract, exploit and create capital flight out of Nigeria to be given licence to operate banking service.

Government should look into its implications very well,” Sheikh said.

The union scribe said that there was need to look into the details of the banking services that would be provided by the telecommunications operators since the existing banks were already rendering such mobile services.

Also, Mrs Oyinkansola Olasanoye, the ASSBIFI President, said that currently, stakeholders did not know the procedure or the kind of licence that would be granted to the telecommunications companies.

Olasanoye said no doubt that telecommunications companies had wider reach in rural areas compared to the banks. ”The telecommunications system has covered interior areas and when it comes to retail banking, rural dwellers have yet to embrace it,” she said.

The ASSBIFI president said that since banks do not have financial inclusiveness in the coverage of local areas, the telecommunications companies could play a role.

She said though, ASSBIFI members do not know the mode of operation or details of how MTN or any telecommunications operators wanted to operate the mobile banking services, the Federal Government should exercise caution.

elta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, as a great patriot, democrat and man of faith for his legendary and remarkable contributions to the growth of democracy in Nigeria.

Okowa poured the encomium on the ex-Vice President as he turns 72 years on Sunday November 25, 2018.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, in Asaba on Saturday, the Governor lauded Atiku’s strong faith, dexterity, sagacity, courage and penchant for democratic values and ethos as an unrepentant democrat, when he fought numerous political and legal battles to advance the cause of democracy in Nigeria.

He commended the former Vice President for his tremendous impact on the lives of people irrespective of tribe, religion, geography, gender, social status or political affiliation, adding “Your altruistic nature has genuinely led you to provide opportunities for people to utilize their potentials and earn a decent means of livelihood without expecting anything in return.

“Your massive investments in education, agriculture, media, hospitality, water, oil and gas, in your home state of Adamawa, and other parts of the country stands you out indisputably as the highest employer of labour besides government, adding “Over the years, you maintained a large, devoted and loyal followership and bestrode Nigeria’s political scene like a colossus due to your famed generosity and large-heartedness and we are convinced that you will get Nigeria working again.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I write to felicitate with you on the ocassion of your 72nd birthday anniversary. In the past 72 years, your family and indeed your political and business associates as well as admirers do have cause to be grateful to Almighty God for having granted you a life of great accomplishment and abiding fulfillment,” Governor Okowa wrote.

He wished Atiku Abubakar, a very happy and memorable 72nd birthday celebrations.

43

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

NEWS

Anambra Assembly: Uzoezie gets leave to serve Mmaduagwu by substituted means

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Federal High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra, Monday, granted leave to Mr Ikem Uzoezie, factional speaker of the Anambra House of Assembly to serve the embattled speaker Mrs Rita Mmaduagwu by substituted means.

Mmaduagwu was purportedly impeached as speaker of the Assembly by some members of the House on November 13 and Uzoezie was elected the new speaker.

Mmaduagwu has since dismissed her impeachment as a nullity.

Justice Bature Gafai, gave the order, after Mr Emeka Agbapuonwu, counsel to Uzoezie told the court that while the other defendants have been successfully served, Mmaduagwu had evaded service.

Gafai adjourned until Tuesday for hearing.

Agbapuonwu also said he could not serve Mmaduagwu, because the assembly complex has been sealed by the police.

He said that attempts to serve her at her residence were resisted by Police guards who did not allow the

bailiff to go in and serve.

He therefore prayed the court to grant his application to serve by substituted means.

Uzozie is seeking an interlocutory injunction stopping Mmaduagwu from parading herself as speaker, having been impeached by the required number of members of the Anambra House of Assembly.

Joined in the suit are, Mr Harford Oseke, Deputy Speaker, Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra and Mr Garba Umar, commissioner of Police in the state as second , third and fourth defendants.

Other reliefs sought include an injunction asking Obiano should stop recognising any other person as speaker other than himself.

He also urged the court to stop Police from hindering him from exercising his duties as speaker and impeding the access of members and staff into the legislative complex.

The assembly complex was taken over by the police and closed to all activities since November 15.

Buhari approves enhanced salary structure for police

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resident Muhammadu Buhari has approved an enhanced salary structure for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and given assurance that his administration will continue paying attention to the welfare and operational needs of the force Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement on Monday, said the president confirmed the approval in the State House, Abuja.

The president spoke when he played host to the members of the Nigeria Police Service Commission and the leadership of the force who were on a “thank you” visit to him.

By the president’s approval of the Rank Salary Structure Adjustment, salaries, allowances and pension of policemen will be increased.

Buhari expressed the commitment of his administration to restoring the NPF lost primacy in the internal security framework of the country.

He regretted that the inability of the police in performing their constitutional role as the frontline force in the prevention of crime, had led to military involvement in the maintenance of law and order throughout the country.

“From Taraba to Sokoto, to the South-South, people don’t feel secure until they see the military. I am pleased to make the increase in salary and allowances in the hope that it will increase the performance index of the police and strengthen Nigeria’s internal security system,” he said.

According to him, the more efficient the police is, the more confident the government and citizens will be.

He said: “The military should be reserved for higher tasks. The police should be able to cope well with the challenges of armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom and such crimes.

“In every town and village, there is the presence of the police. From all these places, they should be able to forward first class intelligence to you on which to act.”

The president said there was need to amplify the question of more men of the police, given the condition the country was currently in.

He listed the current challenges facing the nation as emergency in the North-East and pervasive insecurity and abduction for ransom and banditry in many parts of the country.

“I congratulate you on the success you recorded against criminals taxing people and stopping them from their farms. We are expecting more from you,” the president told the police leadership.

Chairman, Police Service Commission, Mr Musiliu Smith, represented

by Justice Clara Ogunbiyi (rtd), had informed the president that the rank salary structure adjustment would enhance police welfare and morale.

The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, also gave the assurance that the police would redouble efforts to ensure free, fair and credible elections throughout the country next year.

• Head of Programmes, Victor Oteri, Former Deputy Director, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Mrs Delightsome Alfred and Ag. General Manager, Lagos Traffic Radio, Tayo Akanle during the One-Day In- House Training Programme for On Air Personalities (OAPs) of the Station held at its conference room Monday

Ebonyi Works commissioner proffers solution for road construction

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bonyi Commissioner for Works and Transport, Mr Fidelis Nweze, has recommended concrete base and rigid concrete pavement as best solution for road construction, especially in the South-East.

Nweze, who made the recommendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abakaliki, said that roads constructed with concrete base and concrete rigid pavement were more durable and last longer, 50 years, than those built with asphalt.

The commissioner attributed the poor state of roads in the SouthEastern part of the country to poor soil type, adding that the problem could be solved by constructing roads on concrete base and rigid pavement.

He explained that road constructed with concrete bases and rigid pavement could help to save a lot money for the government which could be channeled such to other developmental projects improve the wellbeing of the citizenry.

The commissioner, therefore, implored all road contractors in the country, particularly in the SouthEast region to emulate the Ebonyi government in the construction of roads that stood the test of time.

He noted that most roads within the urban and rural areas, including federal roads, were constructed, with the use of concrete base and concrete rigid pavement.

Nweze said: ”Concrete base and concrete rigid pavements are the best method for road construction, especially in South-East region where the volume of rainfall is very high.

“Concrete base and rigid pavements involve the use of cement in road building and this method guarantees the longevity of roads for up to 50 years.

“We promised that we would construct 15-kilometre roads in each of the 13 local government areas when we assumed office, we have constructed 15-kilometre rigid pavement and surpassed the number in some LGAs. “We have constructed and re-

habilitated most of our urban and rural roads, including federal roads, using concrete base and rigid pavement.“ He added that 33.5-kilometre Ntezi /Agba/Isu road, 28.5-kilometre Isu Onitcha/Ezzama,14-kilometre Nwiboko Obodo road in Ishieke and 23 kilometre Agbaja /Nwofe roads were constructed with concrete base and concrete rigid pavement.

Others he said were: 25.4-kilometre Abomege/Ugwulangwu / Ukawu road, and 12.6-kilometre Okue /Nzerem /Ishiagu road.

“We have been able to achieve 75 per cent of the roads within the capital city and we are not yet done; road construction is a continuous process. We monitor our road projects to ensure that contractors handling them comply with the contract specifications. If a contractor is not doing well, we will have no other option than to terminate the contract in line with the contract agreement.’’

CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as Miss ONI OLUWATOYIN OLUBUNMI now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. OSIFADE OLUWATOYIN OLUBUNMI. Banks, schools and general public take note.

I formerly known as OBIORAH MIRACLE OLUEBUBE now wish to be known as OBIORAH MIRACLE OGOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid.

Please Banks and General Public take note.

I formerly known as Miss JACINTA ADAOBI ILO now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JACINTA ADAOBI OGBU NNAMANI. All documents remain valid. Banks and general public please take note

I formerly known as EDITH UKAGWU NNEOMA now wish to be known as KALU NNEOMA DANIEL. All former documents remain valid.

Please Banks and General Public take note.

I formerly known as ANADUAKA NONYE FAVOUR now wish to be known as KATCHY NONYE FAVOUR. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General Public take note.

I formerly known as IBENEME MIRIAM ONYEBUCHI now wish to be known as MADU MIRIAM ONYEBUCHI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General Public take note.

That my name was written as OKOYE ANTHONIA omitting OKWUCHUKWU, that my correct name is OKOYE ANTHONIA OKWUCHUKWU. Former documents remain valid. Banks and General Public take note.

THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE

I formerly known as CHIJINDU ANALABA. Now wish to be known as CHIJINDU PEACE. All documents remain valid, Banks and General public take note.

44

The Oracle Today Wednesday December 5, 2018

NEWS

Campaigns: Governors tasked on performance Cont’d from page 2 week, staff of Hospital Management Board marched through major streets of Umuahia to protest non-payment of arrears of salaries owed them.

In May this year, Governor Ikpeazu, during a meeting with leadership of pensioners announced what he called a sustainable plan to clear the arrears owed pensioners by this December.

But, from all indications, this is not feasible as the plan failed to pull through, ostensibly due to non-release of the last tranche of Paris Club Refund to the state.

But the government, through the Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, said it was leaving no stone unturned in addressing the issue of arrears owed the Senior Citizens.

The opposition, even before the commencement of campaigns, have been attacking the state government, accusing it of

insensitivity over the plight of workers and pensioners.

At the declaration of his interest for the 2019 governorship race, the candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance, Dr Alex Otti, brought haggard looking workers and pensioners who confirmed to the mammoth crowd that they were being owed varying arrears of salaries.

This was a follow-up to an open letter Otti had written to the governor, appealing to him to treat workers and pensioners in the state with human face.

Asked of what their campaign will run on in Abia, an APC stalwart, Maduka Okoro, said the party will promise Abians prompt payment of salaries and

job creation.

There is also the delay in completing several road projects such as the Road in Umuahia and the flyover project at Osisioma in Aba. At the flag off the two projects, the governor was quoted to have said that funds for the two projects were handy and that they would not suffer undue delays.

But today, people are wondering why the projects appear stalled as work has not been going on at the two sites for some time now.

Environmental sanitation is another area the opposition will make big bone of.

Clearing of refuse spilling from roadside bins has been occasional, rather than regular, thus leaving Aba and Umuahia dirty most of the time.

But no matter how the opposition will bombard the sitting government it will equally point to some positive land marks it has recorded in the areas of road construction, education and agriculture, among others.

In Akwa Ibom, the opposition APC, buoyed by the entry of former Governor Godswill Akpabio into its fold has sworn to sweep the incumbent governor, Udom Emmanuel out of power largely on the strength of his estrangement from Akpabio, his godfa-

48th Convocation: UNN churns out 11,681 undergraduates, post graduates

ICPC inaugurates anti-corruption clubs in A’ Ibom schools

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o fewer than 11,681 students of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), would be conferred with various degrees during the 48th convocation of the institution scheduled to hold on Dec. 1.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Benjamin Ozumba, made this known at the pre-convocation briefing at the institution’s Enugu campus on Monday.

Ozumba said that 9,702 of the graduates would be conferred with first degrees, diplomas and certificates.

“1,979 graduates who will receive Post-Graduate Diplomas, Masters and Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D) as clear evidence to prioritise quality research and academic excellence in our university.

“Let me place on record that our university will award over 400 Ph.D degrees at the 48th convocation; this is an unprecedented record in the number of Ph.D degrees ever awarded by a university in a single convocation,’’ he said.

The vice Chancellor said that three eminent Nigerians who had contributed to the development of the society would be awarded honorary doctorate degrees.

“As our tradition demands, the university will confer Honorary Doctorate Degree on some eminent Nigerians, including Dr Herbert Wigwe, MD/CEO Access Bank; Dr Daniel Chukwudozie, MD Dozzy Group and Reginald Chika Stanley,’’ he said.

He disclosed that the uiversity would also confer the title of Professor Emeritus on Prof. Uche Azikiwe and 10 other renowned professors who had served the institution meritoriously and are still making valuable contributions to the body of knowledge.

Ozumba said his achievements the past five years included; UNESCO Category 11 Biotechnology Building at Nsukka Campus; Faculty of Social Science building, Nsukka Campus and Faculty of Pharmacy building, Nsukka Campus.

ther.

There is no love lost between the two, a major reason Akpabio left the ruling PDP, under which he led Akwa Ibom for eight years, for the APC. In Cross River, opponents of Professor Ben Ayade, the State governor believes he has led the State astray and should be booted out.

Of all PDP governors Ayade is the only one who had to contend with three PDP members who aspired to take his job away from him because, according to them, Ayade has not done well enough to deserve a second term.

“We have done a lot of things but I must admit that this election will be a tough battle. But, I expect us to win comfortably, a PDP chieftain told The Oracle Today in Umuahia. They will certainly not do any worse that what we experienced in the hands of the opposition from 2015 up to last year. We were in the courts all of two years and those were like years of the locust. But, we shall overcome.”

•The arrested suspects in the killing of an Inspector, Akinbami Olaniyi attached to CPS Nnewi

Senator Eze did not discourage groups from supporting Buhari--Spokesman T

he Ayogu Eze Camapaign Organisation has refuted a report in one of the national dailies that it is against other groups drumming support for President Muhammadu Buhari in the South East.

In statement issued by the spokesman of the Campaign Organisation, Mr. Okey Ezirigwe, the campaign office said: “The attention of the Ayogu Eze Campaign Organisation has been

drawn to a publication in one of the national dailies of 26 November 2018, which created the impression that Sen. Ayogu Eze, APC governorship candidate in Enugu State, was opposed to others supporting President Muhammadu Buhari’s in 2019.

Nothing can be further from the truth. Zikist-Buhari Movement, in its statement to The Nation, twisted a statement Sen. Ayogu Eze

UN deplores terrorist attacks on Nigerian soldiers U nited Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned the attacks in Nigeria by terrorists and other extremist groups that have taken a toll on security forces and civilians, especially in Borno.

Guterres, in a statement by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, extended his “heartfelt condolences to the Government of Nigeria and to the families of those who have lost their life”.

A major attack took place at a Nigerian military base in Matete, Borno, carried out by the extremists a week ago, in which scores of soldiers were killed.

The UN chief said several other bases were targeted, according to news reports.

“Those who violate international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law must be held accountable,” Guterres said.

The recent increase in violence stems from a power-struggle between militant factions in the region.

President Muhammadu Buhari had vowed to end the insurgency across the north-east, which is the stronghold of the Boko Haram militant group, founded nearly a decade ago.

The UN chief noted that “national elections are due to be held in February next year”.

“The United Nations stands in solidarity with the Government of Nigeria in its fight against terrorism and violent extremism,” the UN chief said.

made during the Vice President’s commissioning of the Buhari Campaign Office in Enugu to the effect that Sen. Eze was against more support for President Buhari.

Senator Eze in assuring the President of 90% votes in Enugu and the South East, referred to governors who on their visits to the President, bargained for the retention of their seats to give the President 25% of votes in their States.

“The Ayogu Eze Campaign Organisation was assuring the President that it would get 90% of votes in Enugu State, way beyond the 25% promise of the governor. It was clear that the reference was to the visit of governors, not to other groups supporting the President.

Nowhere in his speech did he refer to groups and organisations like ZBM that are mustering support for the President.

“There is no way we would have opposed more support for the President when it is on record that we are the first to commission a campaign office for him.

Our point is clear - APC has great chances of winning governorship and other elective positions in the South East. Nobody purporting to support the President should halt the progress of APC in the South East, when the party has capacities to win more votes than the 25% the governors are promising.”

ndependent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Monday said it had inaugurated anti-corruption clubs in secondary schools in Akwa Ibom.

ICPC Assistant Chief Superintendent in charge of Education, Mr Suleiman Jimoh, said in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital that the measure was a renewed effort to increase awareness on the dangers of corruption in the country.

Jimoh said the commission took the initiative because it considered youths, most of who were in the secondary schools, as critical stakeholders in the fight against corruption.

He said that the initiative which was in collaboration with the Youth Alive Foundation would see the clubs promote the core values of integrity.

The ICPC official said that it would also promote current efforts against corrupt practices in addition to carrying out programmes aimed at reducing public tolerance of corruption.

“The youths have the needed energy and drive to turn the tide of corruption and all forms of ills and vices that have hampered the growth and progress of the nation.

“This inauguration and revitalisation of anti-corruption clubs is the beginning of a robust relationship between you, your schools and the commission,” Jimoh said.

He said that the cardinal focus of the commission in institutionalisation of integrity in the nation through public education was actualised through its National Values Curriculum, integrity lecture series and youth essay competitions and debates.

“The initiative will serve as a vehicle to project the values taught in the classrooms and ground students in practical behaviour.

“Thus value re-orientation is the core focus of formation of anti-corruption clubs in secondary schools.

“Indeed this is the vehicle through which the commission is educating young minds on the fundamentals of anti-corruption.”

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SPORTS The Oracle Today Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Mikel, girlfriend meet his parents for first time Lagos inaugurates Boards of 40 Sports Associations

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•Super Eagles Captain, John Obi Mikel with his wife, Olga Diyachenko and one of their twin daughters and his parents during their visit to family home ... last week.

African champions cashed out of the Okowa not only redeemed his pledge lege of playing host to national team Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU but also paid for the unrecorded goal football. Other States that have tast2018 FIFA World Cup. Therefore, it is something that for which the Centre referee had al- ed the national team football include UPER Eagles’ Captain John Obi Mikel and the mother of his glandes the heart to know that ready apologised for thereby making Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, Cross children, Olga Diyachenko last Mikel came home and presented the his redemption of the pledge double. River state, Lagos, Bauchi, Katsina It is also recalled that with friendly etc. week Wednesday met his parents mother of his children to his parents Of course there is no way the hisbecause that was one of the things match against the Cranes of Uganda, for the first time.

The Russian beauty and mother that Pa John Obi complained about Governor Okowa has made history tory of Nigerian Football will be to Mikel’s twin daughters was seen concerning Mikel saying he only as the first Governor in Delta to have written without generous mention dancing to a traditional song while heard that Mikel’s wife gave birth to brought Super Eagles match to Del- of Delta State. This is because the she surprisingly suffered the “mon- twin but he has never set his eyes on ta State following the completion state has produced many national of the Stephen Okechukwu Keshi team players that have distinguished ey-spraying” culture shock in Nigeria. his grandchildren.

Stadium which had been abandoned themselves in the beautiful round The old man equally complained This was Olga’s first family trip to Nigeria and she is certainly having of the pain and disappointment he by the previous government leaving leather game. Some of them include a good time as she shared a video and his people suffered when Mikel Asaba the State capital without mod- the most successful Nigeria football coach, the Late Stephen Okechukwu refused to honour the reception his ern stadium. footage of her time in the country.

It is also to Governor Okowa’s cred- Keshi, who the Asaba Stadium was The couple was seen in a ceremo- people organised for him as one of ny here in Nigeria with some family their illustrious sons playing for the it that the first Africa Senior Athletics named after. Others include, Super Championship was help in the same Eagles legends, Jay Jay Okocha, Sunmembers. It is recalled that Mikel’s national team. stadium being the first time that the day Olise, Victor Agali, Wilson OruMeanwhile, Governor Ifeanyi father had moment after the Super Eagles crashed out of the World Cup Okowa of Delta State has redeemed country hosted the biggest continen- ma, amongst other.

As a matter of fact, Delta remains notified the world that he has not the promise he made to the Super tal athletics championship. umber one as far as sports is conBy completing the Stephen OkeEagles while they were preparing seen or spoken with his illustrious for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifi- chukwu Stadium and with the friend- cerned and would continue to domfootballer son in the last five years.

Some people at that time said it er against South Africa in Johannes- ly match by national team, Delta inate the industry for a very long as State has joined the league of few they are not willing to soft pedal in was not true while other criticized burg.

It is recalled that Governor Okowa states that have enjoyed the privi- every area of sports.

Mikel, for abandoning his father, as in his own way of motivating the the old man declared that he got to know Mikel’s inner feelings through players ahead of the crucial encounone of his siblings who he confided ter promised to reward every goal in that any time he picks his phone scored by the team with the sum of to call his father, something tells him $25,000. However, the Eagles played not to do so and he does not know 1-1 draw, no thanks to the centre referee who disallowed two good why.

His father at that time disclosed goals scored by the Super Eagles for that that he only discussed with which he had already tendered an Mikel during the World Cup in June unreserved apology to the stand-in when one fateful day the mother’s Captain, Ahmed Musa.

While hosting the Super Eagles afphone rang and she reached out to the phone and told him that it was ter their scoreless draw against visitNchekwube and the phone was ing the Cranes of Ugunda in Asaba, handed over to him and he prayed Governor Okowa gave the Super to him that they will succeed and Eagles the sum of $50,000 which is equivalent of two goals saying as wished him well and that was it.

It is recalled that Mikel has not fea- far as he is concerned, Eagles scored tured for Eagles since the three time more than a goal.

The $50,000 means Governor

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AGOS State on Monday, formally inaugurated the Boards of 40 Sports Associations.

The Inauguration took place at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere was performed by the Executive Chairman Lagos State Sports Commission, Dr. Kweku Adedayo Tandoh.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode had recently approved the reconstitution of the Boards of the Sports Associations, excluding the Lagos State Football Association, for a four year term.

The appointment of the Chairmen and Members of the Sports Associations was based on the appointees’ passionate interest in Sports and past contributions to Sports development in Lagos State.

The Associations whose Boards were inaugurated include Athletics, Badminton, Baseball, Boxing, Cricket, Cycling, Chess and Darts.

Other are Fives, Football, Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Karate, Kick-boxing, Kung fu, Para Soccer, Para Sports, Tennis, Rugby, Rowing and yachting, Scrabble and Shooting.

Also included are Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tug of war, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Volleyball, Golf, Deaf Sports, Traditional Sports, Triathlon, Archery and Sports Medicine.

IOC chief voices concern over extreme heat in 2020 Olympics

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HE International Olympics Committee (IOC) chief, Thomas Bach, Sunday stressed his concern over extreme heat during the Tokyo 2020 Games, suggesting plans to further bring forward the marathon start time.

Bach and John Coates, vice president of International Olympic Committee (IOC), will meet Tokyo governor, Yuriko Koike ahead of an IOC committee meeting later this week in the capital.

Bach told Koike that heatwaves are “concern for us” if temperatures shoot up again in 2020 following record temperatures this summer.

Experts have warned that extreme heat could affect several sporting events at the Olympic Games, particularly after Tokyo sweltered through a record heatwave this year.

The IOC and Tokyo 2020 organisers have acknowledged the concerns and already brought forward the marathon start time by 30 minutes to 7:00am, with competitive walking starting even earlier.

But Coates suggested the IOC may further move the start time to 6:00am or even 5:30am.

Heat stroke kills hundreds of people each year across Japan, and this year record temperatures caused a spike in fatalities and hospital visits.

46

The Oracle Today Wednesday, December 5, 2018

SPORTS

How Falcons destroy E/Guinea 6-0 to zoom into AWCON S/Finals

•Super Falcons of Nigeria.

Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

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HERE is no gain saying that the Nigerian National Women football team, the Super Falcons who suffered a scare in their opening match of the ongoing African Women Cup of Nations Qualifiers put their prospect of qualifying for the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) Women World Cup back on track with the 4-0 mauling of Shepolopolo.

The Nigerian women were not carried away with the huge victory against Zambian women national team the Shepolopolo as they showed champions stuff against former champions, Equatorial Guinea on Saturday. The Super Falcons who

were disappointed that they suffered a 1-0 lost to South Africa’s Bayana Bayana in their opening game went into the game with nothing in mind except to pump in as many goals as possible against the Equatorial Guinea’s women national team.

The Nigerian women scored six times in the last game of the group matches to book their place in the semifinals of the competition.

It was Francisca Ordega who opened scoring just as unstoppable goal poacher, Asisat Oshoala pumped in hat-trick to put the game out of the reach of the Equatorial Guineans in the first half of the encounter.

As if the four goals were not enough, Desire Oparanozie and Rita

Bishop Nwokolo inspires School Sports rebirth in Anambra State

By SAB OSUJI

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CHOOL sports in its truest form returned to schools in Anambra State Monday when secondary schools in the Diocese on The Niger, Church Of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Anambra State, held its first Competition.

About 50 schools took part in the opening ceremonies on November 19, with a colourful march past by the schools with Right Review by Owen C. Nwokolo (PhD) representative, Reverse Canon Rufus Ezenwaka, Bishop on the Nigeria and Secretary of Diocese on the Nigeria Education Commission, taking the salute.

Addressing athletes in the presence of Principals of Schools, the clergy and the Directors and staff in the Education Commission, the Bishop said: “Although St. Paul in the scriptures said that physical exercise profiteth little that ‘little’ brings a lot into the total and wholesome development of a student”.

He further remarked: “apart from the discipline and veritable socially desirable attributes, sports can develop and elevate those who are talented to a status far beyond their dreams, as evidently seen in successful sportsmen today”.

He urged the athletes to strive to

participate fairly, exhibiting humility in victory and gallantry in defeat.

Speaking to this reporter after the opening ceremony, the Diocesan Director of Sports, Mr. Victor Ikechukwu paid glowing tribute to the Bishop Nwokolo, who he said it is through his inspiration, vision and passion for sports and youth development, founded the Bishop Owen Nwokolo Football Academy (BONFA), the Bishop Owen Nwokolo Primary School Sports Competition and now, the Secondary School Sports Competition, which completes the cycle of his visionary sports development programme in the schools.

In the opening match which the Bishop performed the ceremonial kick off, St Christopher’s Junior Seminary defeated Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) 4 - 2 (Pen), after a 1-1 draw at regulation time.

Present at the opening ceremony were Rev Canon Anieto - Chairman, Diocese On The Niger School Sports Committee, Rev. Canon Ifeanyi Obiekwe, Principal, St Christopher’s Junior Seminary, Directors in the Education Commission and Principals of Schools, among others.

The week-long competition will feature seven (7) sports events including, Athletics, Badminton, Chess, Cricket, Football, Table Tennis and Volleyball.

Chikwelu registered their names on the score sheet after half time to help the defending champions past their central African opponents.

In the other group B match, the Shepolopolo force Bayana Bayana to a 1-1 and that result, the Super Falcons confirmed their passage to the last four, having ended their group stage campaign in the second position as the South African women despite the draw against the Shepolopolo claimed the Group B summit with seven points, while Zambia finished third with four.

It is important to note that the Super Falcons before the encounter against Equatorial Guinea were in dire need of a win to reach the last four, whatever the outcome of the game between Zambia and South Africa in Accra.

Ordega, who bagged the Player of the Match award against the Shepolopolo, opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 10th minute and Oshoala end-

ed her AWCON drought by scoring her first goal in five straight match three minutes later.

The Dalian Quanjian forward extended their Super Falcons lead to 3¬-0 and grabbed her brace of the match in the 23rd minute before netting her hat-trick in the 10 minutes later to put her side 4-0 up at half time.

Three minutes after the restart, the ruthless Nigerians continued from where they left it in the opening half with Oparanozie adding a fifth of the match through a brilliant pass from Ordega.

Nzalang fought to keep the Nigerians at bay but that did not last for too long, captain Chikwelu managed to force her way through to score the sixth to wrap up their second big win on the bounce.

With her qualification to the semifinal of the AWCON qualifier, the Nigeria women have now set the stage to confront last year’s finalist, Cameroon at the Accra Sports Stadium today (Tuesday), November 27, 2018.

•Some students playing Chess & Scrable at Bishop Owen Nwokolo Secondary School Sports Competition.

Eaglets’ captain wins award at scouting tourney

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IJANI Samson, Golden Eaglets’ captain, was Saturday named the best midfielder of the sixth edition of TGC Global Management scouting program for Under-20 players as the competition came to an end at the Ijebu Ode Stadium, Ogun State.

The tournament which had 24 youth teams had in attendance, Antonio Alberto, the chief scout of Gestifute Agency, owned by the famous Jorge Mendes, Remo Stars Chairman, Kunle Soname, Sporting Director of CD Feirense Portugal, Ossy Edwin, Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, Hon. Michel Ejele, Nwokeaqbia Ossy and Ojo Paul Omamomo, a licensed football agent and intermediary representing TGC Global Management.

After five days of intense screening, Tobi Ishola won the best goalkeeper award after keeping a clean sheet in the games he featured in while Dare Shokunbi was adjudged the Most Valuable Player (MVP).

The best forward award went to Chika Collins after scoring four goals.

Meanwhile, the TGC Global Management presented awards to Hon. Kunle Soname, Chief Ossy Edwin, Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, Hon. Michael Diden Ejele, Hon. Nse Essien and Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin for Excellence in youth sports development in Nigeria.

Paul Omamomo, a licensed football agent and intermediary representing TGC Global Management told journalists after the tourney that the mission of Gestifute Agency was to offer good football education to the young and talented players ready for professional football.

TGC Global Management Portugal has managed over 36 Nigerian footballers.

“This is a process which we have carried out over the years and we have been successful at this,” Omamomo began. “We are expanding our horizon to pick more players and that’s we had 24 teams at this year’s scouting event in Ijebu Ode. We have seen some talents and we will be bringing them closer to proper tutelage.”

47

The Oracle Today Wednesday, December 5, 2018

SPORTS

CAF Confed Cup: Rangers target maximum points in Enugu

Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

N

IGERIA’S Confederation of African Football (CAF) Confederation Cup representatives, Enugu Rangers said they have set their sight on the maximum points when they file out to confront visiting Defence Force S.C of Ethiopia tomorrow (Wednesday) in their strong hold, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium otherwise called the Cathedral by their teeming supporter.

It is noted that Enugu Rangers

pick the ticket to fly the country’s flag on the continent when they came from dead to snatch the victory from Kano Pillars in the final of this year’s Confederation Cup in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

Pillars had though that they were home and dry as they ran riot of the Flying Antelope in the final of the most glamourous football competition the Football Association Cup (FA Cup) which is now known as Federation Cup or AITEO Cup. Rangers were

down by 3-0 until just 15 minutes to the end of the game only for the Coal City based football outfit to invoke the spirit and motto of the club, “Never say Die” according to the former and coach of the side, Christian Chukwu.

The Coach Gbenga Ogunbote charges resurrected by drawing level with the ‘Ma Sai’ boys from Kano at the regulation time to the disappointment Pillars players and supporters. Having ended the match on level term at the end of regulation time, they went

into penalty shootout and it was Enugu Rangers who laughed last ending the game 3-1 to pick the ticket to fly the country’s flag on the continent.

The Coal City based side fully aware of the task ahead of them in the Confederation Cup, were busy throughout the week including Saturday burning the calories in training with the sole aim of being in super shape for the clash.

The Ethiopian side being a military team, boasts of rigorous training and uncompromising fit-

Man U top list of high-earning players

• Pay Half a million more than Manchester City rivals

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IRST-TEAM players at Manchester United are earning on average half a million pounds a year more than Premier League champions and rivals Manchester City.

United players are also picking almost double what Tottenham are paying their first-team squad, says new data from the Global Sports Salaries Survey.

Meanwhile, Barcelona have become the first sports team to pay an average yearly salary of more than £10m.

Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United are also in the top 10 spenders.

The other six clubs in the top 10 all come from the NBA. Clubs in the Premier League are paying, on average, more than topflight football clubs in any other country per game, although cricket’s Indian Premier League and American football’s NFL top the spending on a per-game basis.

Premier League big spenders Manchester City may have won the Premier League last season, but they come in behind Manchester United this term on wages with the Old Trafford club paying an average of £6,534,654 per year to first-team players.

City’s yearly bill comes in at £5,993,000, followed by Chelsea (£5,020,004), Liverpool (£4,862,963), Arsenal (£4,853,130) and Tottenham (£3,515,778).

Everton and West Ham follow closely behind Spurs, while Cardiff,

Huddersfield and Burnley make up the bottom three – the Bluebirds are the only Premier League club to come in under £1m for the year.

That said, despite Burnley’s average annual first-team wage of £1,603,197 placing them third-bottom of the Premier League pile, the Clarets are still paying more than the likes of Ligue 1’s Monaco and Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.

“The two Manchester clubs, United and City, remain clear of the rest in basic pay terms according to our calculations,” say Sporting Intelligence, who conduct the survey.

“We thought last year that whichever of the pair achieved the most on the pitch would end up with the larger of the two overall wage bills (all staff) for 2017-18.

“In fact City won the league and had wages of £260m and United faltered but paid out £296m.”

City finished as champions ahead of United, but while Pep Guardiola’s side top the league again this campaign Jose Mourinho’s outfit have slipped to seventh.

Sporting Intelligence says this was largely down to United’s return to the Champions League, but do point out some of Manchester City’s wage bill appears under the City Football Group.

Barcelona break the £10m mark Not only have Barcelona become the first sports club in the world to pay an average of more than £10m a year to first-team players, the Spanish giants have also broken the £200,000-per-week barrier for the

first time.

On average, first-teamers at the Nou Camp earn £10,454,259 a year, which translates to an average £201,043 per week.

European champions and La Liga rivals Real Madrid are second on the list with a yearly average of £8,089,582, with Italian side Juventus the third-highest paying football club at £6,726,615 on average per year.

Despite Barca and Real’s domi-

nance on the pay scale, the average Premier League yearly salary remains 36% higher than that of La Liga and almost double the amount paid to players in Italy’s Serie A. Basketball’s Oklahoma City Thunder are the highest-paying non-football club, closely followed by Golden State Warriors, while outside of football and basketball it is Major League Baseball’s Chicago Cubs who lead the way as the 30th highest-paying sports team.

Copa Libertadores final postponed for second time

S

UNDAY’S rescheduled Copa Libertadores final second leg between Boca Juniors and River Plate suffered yet another postponement, no thanks to violence.

It is recalled that violence had forced the match between the bitter Argentine rivals to first be delayed on Saturday but on returning to the pitch for the game the two sides continued from where they left the previous day, hence forcing the game to be postponed yet again.

The Boca Juniors team bus was attacked by River Plate fans on its way to the game at River’s Estadio Monumental.

The game was rearranged for Sunday at 20:00 GMT, 24 hours later than planned, but was postponed three hours before the new kick-off time.

A decision on whether the match will be rearranged for another date has yet to be announced. Boca, who

were held to a 2-2 draw in the first leg, had urged South American football’s governing body, Conmebol to take action and allow those affected

by Saturday’s incidents to recover further.

“Club Atletico Boca Juniors made a formal presentation to Conmebol on Sunday to request that the final of the Copa Libertadores be played in conditions of equality,” said a club statement.

“After the acts of violence suffered in the vicinity of the stadium, having noted the magnitude and seriousness of them and the consequences they have generated in the establishment, Boca considers that these conditions are not met and requests the suspension of the match.”

A statement from Conmebol confirmed the match would not take place on Sunday, adding: “Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez recognised Boca Juniors can’t play today.”

ness, an indication that they will give the Coal City boys a run for their strength at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium dubbed the Cathedral.

The team while intensifying training at the weekend, however, took time assure their numerous fans and supporters that shaping up is being taken seriously.

“Getting set for the first CAF Confederation Cup game next week Wednesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium” the team said via @RangersIntFC. Defence, competes in the Ethiopian Premier League and are indeed no pushovers at the home front. The team have won Ethiopian Premier League 11 times and also have 14 Ethiopian Cup in their kitty.

Meanwhile Coach Olugbenga Ogunbote has called on Nigerians to massively support teams flying the coungtry’s flag on the continent. The teams according will be fired up by such support, adding that it is time for Nigeria to reclaim a place of pride in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup respectively.

“I want to appeal to Nigerians to give their maximum support to the clubs flying the country’s flag in the Champions and Confederation Cups Competition. The support will help propel the players to give their best,” the experienced sweat merchant said.

Rangers will be campaigning in the Confederation Cup while Lobi Stars who emerged champions of abridged Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) will battle opponents in the Champions League.

Amuneke optimistic of AFCON qualification

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ORMER Super Eagles’ pacy winger and the Technical Adviser of Tanzania national team, Coach Emmanuel Amuneke has disclosed that his side have been overtaken by “crazy” expectations as they hope to qualify for next year’s AFCON. The former FIFA Under-17 World Cup winning gaffer who left Al Khartoum over unpaid salaries said Tanzania would host regional rivals, Cranes of Uganda in the last match of the qualifiers in March and needing a win of whatever margin to go through.

“Presently, it is a huge expectation here amongst the citizens,” Amuneke disclosed.

“The prospect of qualifying for the Nations Cup for the first time is driving the people ‘crazy’ and I believe with God it can happen.

“If we win (against Uganda) we will finish second with eight points, while Cape Verde will finish third with seven points should they beat Lesotho.”

Amuneke said his team would work hard to qualify while also praying for some divine favour as well..

“As human beings, we will work hard, do our very best and which is what is expected of us,” he said.

“And of course, the rest is left for God to determine”.

WEDNESDAY December 5, 2018

The

www.oraclenews.ng

48

racle Today

VOX POPULI SACRUM

ISSN: 2545-5869

GUEST COLUMNIST

OKEY IGWE My social contract with Ndi Umunneochi A

little under two years ago today, I presented myself to the good people of Umunneochi local government in an election for the office of Executive Chairman. Before the vote, I penned an op-ed article for The Oracle Today Newspaper captioned “My Social Contract with the People of Umunneochi.” In that op-ed, I articulated the main thrust of my campaign to serve my people as chairman. It was my first stint at political and or elective office, but it was pretty easy for me to capture in concrete terms the policy ideas I had hoped achieve in office during the twoyear tenure. The ease of articulation was borne out of a heart willing to do right and a wealth of experience garnered over a lifetime of vigilant observation of the political process.

The policy vision contained in my oped were itemized to include (1) to set a new template for governance in local government administration, (2) to restore electricity which had been nonexistent for over two decades, (3( to ensure security of lives and property, and (4) to empower the youths and women towards a sustainable economic path. We have, for the most part, accomplished these set targets.

The crescendo being the restoration of electricity to the local government about one year in – a feat made possible by interventions from numerous quarters, most notably the Governor of Abia State Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu and support from progressive men of goodwill across the local government.

We moved on premise that anything is possible and any challenge is surmountable anytime people are

galvanized around a common idea.

And I am most persuaded that never again will a local government chairman sit aloof and do nothing to move the ball of governance in Umunneochi local government. We have set the template and shifted the paradigm; our people now have a benchmark with which to hold successive governments accountable. Ultimately, we walked, did the deed and kept faith with people of Umunneochi.

To be sure, our performance has been appreciated and rewarded by the landslide victory accorded me in the just concluded PDP primaries for Abia State House of Assembly, Umunneochi State Constituency. And so, as a candidate Abia State House of Assembly, I Barr. Phillip Okey Igwe, hereby, renew my social contract with the people of Umunneochi and also reiterate that (1) our campaign and tenure (when we win) shall be about people first; (2) we shall continue to strive to reinforce the new template for governance, albeit from a much bigger state platform, by working towards a general paradigm shift; (3) continue to empower our youths and women for economic sustenance through effective and purposeful representation and legislation geared towards achieving these targets; (4) provide constructive check and balance of the Executive department through budgetary control and oversight tailored towards actualizing the hopes and aspirations of the people of Umunneochi; and (5)continue our electricity project through constituency intervention and also supporting successor local

•Electrical transformers

•Road construction

administration(s) to stick to the blueprint we have midwifed.

Finally, our people have seen me in action while ploughing the instrumentality of local governance.

They fully understand that I mean what I say and I say what I mean. In that spirit, I solemnly enter into this social contract and also formerly solicit, once again, the support and goodwill of the entire peoples of Umunneochi for

the forthcoming General Elections.

I pledge to keep the faith with every fibre of my being. So help me God. •Barr. Okey Igwe, Executive Chairman Umunneochi LGA/ PDP Candidate for ABHA 2019, contributed this piece from Isuochi in what he calls NEXT LEVEL CAMPAIGN FOR ABIA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

The Oracle Today is published by The Oracle Newspapers Limited. Head Office: 116 Awka Road, Onitsha. Lagos Office: 25 Remi Fani-Kayode Street, GRA Ikeja. Abuja Office: 1st Floor, Plateau House, Central Business District, Abuja, FCT. ISSN: 2545-5869 Email: oracletoday2016@yahoo.com, Twitter: @oraclenews.ng Facebook: oraclenews.ng@facebook.com Website: www.oraclenews.ng Advert hot lines: 09078310060, 09061836916. Editor: FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU.