Wednesday july 5 edition

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The Oracle SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

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www.oraclenews.ng

WEDNESDAY JULY 5, 2017

ISSN: 2545-5869

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Today Today

VOL.2 No. 28. N200

Adesina, Jonathan’s Agric Minister, wins World Food Prize – Page 9

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (l) with the leader of the Rivers State Muslim Community and Vice President of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Nasir Uhor at the Government House, Port Harcourt, when the Rivers Muslim Community paid a Sallah visit to the governor...during the week.

Policy sumersaults mar refinery rehab plans – Page 17

DSS on Biafra hunt • Quizzes Chekwas Okorie • Scans UPP files at INEC for hints of Biafra • More citizens condemn Youths, Northern Elders • We want referendum not war –Nnamdi Kanu

From COLLINS UGHALAA, Owerri

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HE Department of State Services (DSS) seems to be on a hunt for people who have “possible links with the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB,” The Oracle Today has gathered.

On this score, DSS agents have quizzed Chairman of the United Progressives Party (UPP), Chief Chekwas Okorie on this score.

Okorie is not the only person of interest to DSS in this regard.

Former Minister of Aviation, and former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Chief Osita Chidoka, is believed under watch too. He has declared his intention to run for

Anambra governorship election on November 18 this year.

The connection between him and Okorie is that Okorie’s UPP is Chidoka’s platform for the election. However, the concerns DSS have on Chidoka are beyond UPP, which is reportedly sympathetic to Biafra.

Chidoka got into DSS radar as one of those who signed the bail bond for the release of the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on bail granted him by the Federal High Court, Abuja, on April 25 this year. As if that was not enough, Chidoka personally drove Kanu out of the court premises after the IPOB leader’s release.

DSS, The Oracle Today learnt, suspects that both Chidoka

and UPP are sympathetic to the pro-Biafra agitators whose strong support the party and its candidates are purportedly relying on for victory in the Anambra governorship election.

Sources said the DSS opened an investigation of UPP, pointing out that as part of the investigation, the DSS was said to have visited the Abuja office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), where its agents were said to have been given UPP file for perusal for possible hints of sympathy for the Pro-Biafra movement, or whether the party expressly stated that it would grant

Continued on Page 2

40% of adults can’t access banking services –CBN

From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

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“Promoting Financial Stability and Economic Development,” the CBN Team leader Mr. Isaac Okorafor disclosed that approximately 39.5% Nigerian adult does not have access to financial services.

He said that as a result of this, the CBN has formulated policies to help those who need bank loans but are limited by lack of education, accessibility, know-how and guidance.

The programme, which was held at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, according to Okoroafor,

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has expressed worries over the high percentage of adult Nigerian citizens without access to formal banking, saying such a situation makes it difficult to maximize credit accumulation, which would make it easy to advance loans to the real sector to promote economic growth.

Speaking while rounding off a two-day workshop in Awka for citizens, especially youths and starters under the theme Cont’d on Page 2

‘100 million Nigerians may be asthmatic by 2025’

Page 2

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

NEWS

DSS on Biafra hunt Continued from Pg 1 Biafra independence if it wins election.

The Oracle Today further gathered that when questioned on his party’s alleged links with the pro-Biafra agitators, Chief Okorie was said to have asked the investigators whether the allegation that a certain party

in the country was linked to Boko Haram was enough evidence to link the party to the terror group.

In a related development, Kanu has declared that the agitation for the independence of Biafra would not end in a declaration of war against Nigeria or any other group.

He made the statement on Sunday this week at the Iked-

ife Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, when he paid a visit to Dr. Dozie Ikedife, former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and current Deputy Chairman of the Customary Government of IPOB, CG-IPOB. Addressing the media, Kanu, who was besieged by a mammoth crowd, including parents who brought their children to him to lay his hands on them,

called on the Federal Government to set a date for a referendum on Biafra.

“I will give my all to realise Biafra but not through war.

I’m not calling for war. Don’t let them blackmail you into accepting that the call for Biafra or referendum is a call for war.

Those are gimmicks employed by those who are benefitting from the current disequilibri-

um,” the IPOB leader told the cheering crowd.

“Biafra does not mean war.

Other international and civilised nations are achieving self- determination without war. Why must ours be different?

“The Federal Government should give me a date for referendum to decide where I will belong.”

40% of adults can’t access banking services –CBN Continued from Pg 1 was meant to educate participants on some of the existing products and services the apex bank offers, in conjunction with partnering banks in the country for the benefit of all citizens. The products, including loans, he said, were formulated principally to boost agriculture, small and medium enterprises.

Okoroafor, however, advised bank customers to always verify whatever information they receive from their respective banks or anyone, concerning their accounts before responding, especially through text messages, as such might be from barefaced fraudsters masquerading as bank officials.

Emphasizing the need for confidentiality of information to avoid scammers gaining access to their private bank details, Okoroafor called on

out of mutual respect for, and confidence in, both bank and customer.

A member of the CBN team, Mr. Jonathan Yusuf, while unveiling some of the apex bank’s empowerment programmes for children, youths and adults, advised citizens to avail themselves of the opportunities by applying for those they could afford or handle. Fielding questions during the question and answer session, Yusuf threw more light on issues bothering the public about banking services, especially on • Emefiele, CBN Governor the Bank Customers’ Bill of Rights. He counselled participants to encourage their wards to cultivate banking earcitizens to maintain cordial re- that would enable them enjoy ly in life, and to ask questions lationships with their banks as quality banking services borne

about agricultural, SMEs services and any other grassroots services they might want to know about.

Among others, these, he disclosed, include the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF), the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) Linkage Banking, The Trust Fund Model (TFM), Youth Entrepreneurship Development Programme and Refinancing and Rediscounting Facility (RRF) amongst others.

He expressed surprise that only one participant admitted being aware of the Youth Entrepreneurship Development Programme.

The CBN urged participants and all bank customers to always critically verify charges, deductions and operations in their accounts, ask questions when in doubt and to take it further to the nearest branch of the CBN if still not satisfied.

‘100 million Nigerians may be asthmatic by 2025’ ...15 million currently with the disease From CHUKS EZE, Enugu

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ECENT research has shown that about 100 million Nigerians may suffer from asthma by the year 2025.

Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Amaka Chiwuike-Uba Foundation (ACUF), Dr. Chiwuike Uba, who made this disclosure, further lamented that 15 million Nigerians currently suffer from asthma, “with about five to 10 per cent of children in every community suffering from the disease, out of over 300 million people affected worldwide”.

Uba, who spoke ahead of the 1stAmaka Chiwuike-Uba Annual Asthma Conference and official launch of AmakaChiwuike-Uba Foundation (ACUF) to hold in Enugu on Thursday, July 6, 2017, regretted that about 75 per cent hospital admissions for asthma and over 90 per cent of asthma

deaths are avoidable, and urged the government and all relevant agencies as well as the general public to join efforts and fashion out proactive modalities to curb the looming danger.

Uba explained that ACUF was established in memory of his late wife, Amaka Onyemaechi Chiwuike-Uba, who died of asthma attack on July 4, 2016, and that the Foundation is a non-profit and non-governmental organisation.

According to him, the objective of ACUF is to pursue the ideals that Amaka believed in and lived for; to assist asthma patients in various manners, create awareness on asthma, provide services for families and individuals who are suffering from the disease, and as well educate and train the public on the ailment.

He said the Foundation is also concerned with advocating for the rights of asthma patients,

especially those being stigmatised and carrying out research on the most effective ways to manage the disease in order to reduce morbidity and mortality.

He called on those stigmatising asthma patients to desist from such act, pointing out that it is not a communicable disease.

The conference, which will hold at Roban Hotels, Independence Layout, Enugu, with the themed, “Improving the Quality of Life of Nigerians: The Role of Timely and Accurate Diagnosis and Management”, will be chaired by former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ghali Na’bba, while former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, will be the Distinguished Guest of Honour.

The conference is expected to expose the public to best methods of asthma treatment, prevention, control and diagnosis.

• The late Amaka

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

‘More than 70% of prison inmates awaiting trial’

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inister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, has confirmed that more than 70 per cent of inmates in Nigerian prisons were awaiting trial.

Dambazau who disclosed this when he visited Kano Central Prison alongside the state governor, Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje, to mark this year’s Eid-el Fitr celebration, said the decision to visit the prison was to show to the inmates that the government was aware of their existence. “The high number of awaiting trial inmates is worrisome, because the prisons are meant for

convicts, but you find out at the end of the day that more than 70 per cent of the people there are awaiting trial inmates,” he said.

He said that some of the inmates were supposed to stay for few years but ended up staying for up to 15 years while awaiting trial.

Dambazau, however, commended the state governor for giving a vast piece of land for the building of 3,000 capacity modern prison in the state. Earlier, Gov. Ganduje said he had secured the release of 50 inmates and also approved the release additional 500 inmates in

prisons across the state.

He said that the gesture was part of the activities to celebrate Eid-el Fitr celebration in the state, adding that the beneficiaries were selected based on gravity of their offence and sign of reformation while in prison. Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, has confirmed that more than 70 per cent of inmates in Nigerian prisons were awaiting trial.

Dambazau who disclosed this when he visited Kano Central Prison alongside the state governor, Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje, to mark this year’s Eid-el Fitr celebration, said the

decision to visit the prison was to show to the inmates that the government was aware of their existence.

“The high number of awaiting trial inmates is worrisome, because the prisons are meant for convicts, but you find out at the end of the day that more than 70 per cent of the people there are awaiting trial inmates,” he said.

He said that some of the inmates were supposed to stay for few years but ended up staying for up to 15 years while awaiting trial.

Dambazau, however, commended

Nigeria now free of meningitis – FG

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ederal Government has declared Nigeria free from the latest ‘Type C’ deadly Cero Spinal Meningitis (CSM), which claimed almost 2,000 lives in the country since its outbreak in late 2016.

Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, in a statement, weekend, said with the decline in Meningitis cases, the 2016/2017 Meningitis outbreak was over and the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) responding to the epidemic has been stepped down.

Ihekweazu said the outbreak has been in constant decline for eight weeks and the affected

States have recorded much fewer new cases.

In the last four weeks, he said, “no Local Government Area has reached outbreak alert threshold.

By the 16th of June 2017 when the EOC was stepped down, a total of 14,518 suspected cases of meningitis were reported from 25 states, with 1,166 deaths, giving a case fatality rate of 8%.”

He stated that NCDC, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) and partner organisations worked assiduously to reduce the impact of the outbreak on affected communities.

According to him, the NCDC established a National EOC, which

Change of Name

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I Formerly known MISS ORAEDU CHIAMAKA MERCY now MRS EZEANATA CHIAMAKA MERCY. All documents remain valid.CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU UNIVERSITY ULI ANAMBRA STATE take note

I Formerly known as ONWUANA ANGELINA CHIZOBA now wish to be known as NNAEMEDO ANGELINA CHIZOBA. All former documents remain valid. FCET Umunze and general public take note.

This is To certify that AHMED IBRAHIM MAJIDADI and AHMED IBRAHIM are one and the same person and now wishes to be known as AHMED IBRAHIM. Former documents remain valid, general public take note

This is to certify that GYANG DUNG PAUL and DANJUMA POLYCARP GYANG are one and the same person and now wishes to be known as DANJUMA POLYCARP GYANG. All documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as OGUEJIOFOR FLORENCE NKECHINYELU now wish to be known as OGUEJIOFOR FLORENCE NKECHI. All documents remain valid. General public take note

This is to Certify that JOSEPHINE PHILIP and JOSEPHINE NWAIBE are one and the same person and now wishes to be known as JOSEPHINE PHILIP. All documents remain valid. General public take note

coordinated the national outbreak response. This, he said, included the deployment of Rapid Response Teams (RRT) to the most affected States to strengthen surveillance, case management, laboratory capacity and risk communication.

“The planning process to prevent future outbreaks and ensuring better preparedness for the next epidemic season has begun. Laboratory capacity has been improved with the recent operationalisation of the new National Reference Laboratory in Gaduwa, Abuja with support from the Federal Ministry of Health, the US CDC and the World Health Organisation.

“NCDC is also coordinating a

network of laboratories across the country to improve case confirmation capacity. National guidelines towards responding to future outbreaks are being developed together with ongoing continuous awareness campaigns, keeping the general public informed. Workshops to improve preparedness are also being organised.” He noted that the reactive vaccination campaigns led by the NPHCDA were successfully conducted in Zamfara, Sokoto, Yobe and Katsina States.

The state governments were fully engaged in conducting these campaigns to ensure that the vaccines reached the most at-risk population.

the state governor for giving a vast piece of land for the building of 3,000 capacity modern prison in the state.

Earlier, Gov. Ganduje said he had secured the release of 50 inmates and also approved the release additional 500 inmates in prisons across the state.

He said that the gesture was part of the activities to celebrate Eid-el Fitr celebration in the state, adding that the beneficiaries were selected based on gravity of their offence and sign of reformation while in prison.

NIPRD set to launch anti-diabetes, malaria drugs-DG

By CHRIS EBONG

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he National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) has said it will soon launch four drugs researched and produced by the Institute before the end of the year.

Director-General of the Institute, Prof. Karniyus Gamaniel, who said this in in Abuja, Saturday, listed the drugs as: anti malaria, Anti-fungal, immune booster and anti-diabetic drugs.

Gamaniel said the drugs have since been earmarked for launch by the Institute; but added that paucity of funds have prevented it from doing so.

He said with the signing of the 2017 budget by the Acting President, Prof.

Yemi Osibanjo, the institute was now concluding plans to launch the products once funds were released.

He said the signing of the budget meant availability of funds for organisations to carry out its projects According to him, the Institute is also targeting capacity building for its staff.

IFAD injects N4bn into Ebonyi State economy CHRIS EBONG

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he International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) said it injected N4 billion into the economy of Ebonyi in 2016 to support farmers.

State Programme Coordinator, Mr Sunday Ituma, disclosed this, weekend, in Abakaliki while speaking on the recent distribution of farm inputs to farmers by the programme.

“IFAD’s intervention added over 2,500 metric tonnes of rice paddy to the rice production output of the state and supported 6, 245 farmers during the same period. We also piloted dry season farming in 2016 with the establishment of 32 hectare demonstration farms and accompanying impressive yields averaging 4.2 tonnes per hectare,” he said.

Ituma said that IFAD’s target was to support 10,000 farmers in 2017 as it has presently verified and approved 455 business plans with 7,478 farmers expected to cultivate 8,252 hectares.

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The Oracle Today, Wednesday July 5, 2017

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION Emir to Nigerians: Embrace agriculture to overcome recession

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mir of Keffi in Nasarawa State, Dr Shehu Chindo-Yamusa III, has urged Nigerians to embrace agriculture in order to overcome recession.

Chindo-Yamusa III who made the call, weekend, in his Eid-el-fitr message to Nigerians in Keffi, also said that going to farm would boost food production and socio-economic development of the country.

“God has endowed the country with abundant fertile land and agile human capital that is capable of mass producing the nation’s food requirement,’’ he said.

The traditional ruler said that Nigerians were capable of producing adequate farm produce for local consumption and export, if the entire nation’s potentials were fully harnessed.

“Eid-el-fitr is not only for merry making, but a time to emulate what Prophet Muhammad (SWA) was sent by Almighty God to come and do.”

According to him, Muslims who are sincere in their faith are expected to adhere and practice the message of the Prophet.

The monarch also appealed to Muslims faithful and Nigerians to continue to pray for President Muhammad Buhari, and other elected and appointed political office holders to God to assist them pilot the affairs of the country in the right direction.

‘East-West road project to get more funding’

From VICTOR NZE, Lagos

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inister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Uguru Usani, has disclosed plans to collaborate with the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma towards ensuring more budgetary allocation for the East-West Road project.

Usani stated this at a meeting with the Managing Director of Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mous-

sa Nakhla in Abuja, Thursday.

Bothered about the deplorable state of the 15-kilometre Eleme to Onne Port Junction section of the East-West Road, Pastor Usani appealed to the Management of Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) Nigeria Limited for quick intervention to fix the failed portions of the road.

“I was in Rivers State last week and the people were anxious about the condition of the road.

The Managing Director of NDDC

has promised a quick intervention on the said road.”

On his part, Mr. Moussa Nakhla expressed the willingness of his company to start work on that part of the road if it was captured in the 2017 budget of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs., noting that it was a waste of time and money to do a temporary work on a road that will spoil in no distant time.

He, however, called for more budgetary allocation from

ASUU vows to resist increased tuition fees in varsities CHRIS EBONG resident of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, PBiodun Ogunyemi, has said that

World Bank earmarks N32bn for flood control in Akwa Ibom

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he Akwa Ibom State Government disclosed, Monday, that the World Bank has earmarked the sum of N32 billion to tackling flood in the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Dr Iniobong Essien, who disclosed to newsmen on Sunday in Uyo, said that the project would be executed in partnership with the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) He said that the drainage project would be implemented in phases and when completed, it would reduce the incidence of flooding in the state.

“For the IBB Way flood control project, designs have been put in place and the initial cost of N52 billion reduced to about N32 billion.

Once the drainage is constructed, the number of catchment areas around Atan Offot, Atiku Abubakar, Abak road and the state secretariat complex would be completely deflooded,” Essien said.

He said that the flooded area would be channelled through a 7.5 km drain to an outfall at IbesikpoAsutan local government area.

The commissioner, who assured that the World Bank and its partners have shown serious commitment to tackling the challenge of erosion in the state, said that the funding from the World Bank would also help to finance two major erosion sites at Etim Usanga and Anua both in Uyo local government area.

the Federal Government and prompt releases of funds to aid the completion of the East -West Road which has begun since the inception of the Ministry in 1999.

To fast track quick intervention to fix the failing portions of the said road, the Minister disclosed that a tripartite meeting of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) Nigeria Limited would be held soon.

•Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo receiving the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen, who called at the Aso Villa in Abuja to felicitate with him on the occasion of the Sallah celebrations

‘Evans was first arrested for robbery in 2006’

he arrested kidnap kingpin, Chukwudi Onuamadike (alias TEvans), was arrested in 2006

for armed robbery where seven members of his gang died while sharing their loot in Lagos.

A very reliable police source revealed this, weekend, as investigations on Evans’ past activities deepened.

It was gathered that Evans and his robbery gang, in 2006 attacked a commercial bank in Lagos and went somewhere around the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, to share the loot.

While sharing the loot, the robbers had a disagreement and shot one another. Seven members of the gang died instantly.

“The then Divisional Police Officer of Iponri Police Station, Yahaya Bello, now a deputy commissioner of police, said there was a serious incident involving some persons who shot at one another.

He said about three of them had been arrested.

“One of the members of the gang arrested then was Chukwudi Onuamadike, popularly known as Evans. If you look at his chest,

I cannot remember whether it is the right or left side, there is a scar. It was as a result of the gunshot from his gang members that day.

“He bled and there was no way he could run away before the police came. The case was transferred to the Lagos State AntiRobbery Squad. We investigated and discovered that they were armed robbers.

“Evans led the team. We also went to Mgbidi Police Station, Imo State, to carry out an investigation on them. We were able to arrest two other members of the gang. We then had five of them in police custody.

“There was a policewoman at the Band Section of the Police College, Lagos. She was known as Tina, a Superintendent of Police.

She insisted that we should drop the case and that Onuamadike (Evans) was her brother.

“But when she was unable to achieve her aim, she travelled to Imo State. Not long after, we got a message from the Imo State Police Command that they had been searching for Evans and asked us

to transfer the case to them so they could continue from where we stopped.

“Since that time, we did not hear anything. We heard he was later released there,” the source said.

The source noted that after he saw Evans pictures, he knew that he was the man they arrested alongside members of his gang in 2006, stressing, however, that Evans was not bearing the alias, Evans, at the time.

“We identified him only as Chukwudi. Some of the persons we worked together on the case also called me to draw my attention to the fact that he was the one arrested.

“He couldn’t have been the only person released. The request was that we should transfer the case to them. We sent him and two members of his gang to the command. There is a hotel in Okota area where they used to meet to share their loot.

“The owner of the hotel was their friend. There was a time they robbed three banks in Alaba International Market in 2005. They also

the union will resist any attempt to increase tuition fees in the country’s public universities, even as he warned the union could go on strike if the government failed to meet its demand on adequate funding of the institutions and payment of salaries.

“We will not tolerate any attempt to increase tuition fee, we are against telling people to pay more, even the current fees, we are still fighting them, we as a body have always stood against fee increment and we will continue to stand against it,” he said.

The union leader spoke against the backdrop of reports of a possible increase in tuition fees in universities by the federal government.

According to Mr. Abiodun, ASUU has been engaging the federal government since November 2016 on issues rocking the university system.

“The truth is there are lots of issues rocking the system. We have made our position known to the federal government; we have also written to state governments who have refused to give subvention to their universities,” he said.

“Some of them cannot sustain one university and they go on to establish two or three, compounding the issues. We have given the government till June ending to attend to our needs, if the government does not call us

by June ending we will convey a meeting to take our position.

“However, we are trying to engage the government but if they don’t invite us to a meeting before June ending, we will still take our position on whether we are going on strike or not.

But that will not be like early July but middle or late July, that is if they don’t heed to our demands which includes payment of salaries, funding, research and lots more”.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

NEWS

Those expecting Biafra will be disappointed – Okorocha From COLLINS UGHALAA, Owerri

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OVERNOR Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has said those expecting Nigeria’s breakup will be disappointed because they will not get what they are looking for.

The governor said this in his goodwill message to Muslims at Eid- El-Kabir, urging that Nigerians should begin to see light at the end of the tunnel for the nation’s economic and political growth.

The goodwill message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemedo, said “As Muslims in the country and in Imo in particular join their Muslim brothers and sisters all over the world to celebrate Ei-El-Kabir, the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has called for serious prayers for the oneness and progress of the nation, than they had done in the past.”

Okorocha also called for prayers for the leaders and for genuine love among Nigerians irrespective of their tribes and religion, and noted that with honest prayers, the nation would come out stronger and more united from its current challenges.

He noted that no nation had achieved greatness and prosperity without going through certain challenges in the process and concluded that Nigeria’s case would not be different.

The governor noted that this was not the right time for hate speeches or to apportion blame for any reason against one another, but time for tolerance and understanding among Nigerians.

He wished President Muhammadu Buhari and all the Muslims in the country a memorable Eid-El-Kabir, assuring Muslims in the state that Imo people would continue to live in peace with them and continue to treat them as their brothers and sisters.

Okowa declares war on kidnappers, cultists, others From EMMANUEL OGOIGBE, Warri

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OVERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has declared war on kidnappers, cultists, robbers and hoodlums, saying their time was up.

According to him, the undesirable elements had done incalculable damage to the reputation of the state, insisting that they must be fished out and made to face the wrath of the law.

Okowa, who stated this when he addressed a cross section of eminent persons of the state at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Warri, revealed that security operatives had spread their dragnet to arrest and deal ruthlessly with anyone found to be involved in crime.

“They must be handled with all seriousness. We will not allow them to run the state down, hence I’m appealing to all and sundry to join hands with security operatives to wipe out the scourge”, said the governor.

On the perennial bloody crisis between Amai and Ejiokpor, the governor revealed that security operatives were on top of the matter insisting that peace must reign in the troubled communities.

Alleged shooting by police: Bereaved family petitions PSC, IGP From CHUKS EZE, Enugu

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AMILY of late Beatus Chukwudi Ugwuanyi, who was allegedly killed by a police sergeant over N50 bribe, has petitioned the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Idris Mohammed, calling for thorough investigations into the circumstances that led to the death.

Ugwuanyi, a commercial motorcycle (Okada) operator, was allegedly murdered by a police sergeant at Igboeze North Local Government Area of Enugu State on June 3, 2017 at about 11am following a

hot argument over bribe money.

The police sergeant, however, claimed that the late motorcyclist, who was conveying a pregnant woman at the time of the incident, snatched his AK-47 riffle before he was killed by some members of a local security outfit in the area, the Neighbourhood Watch.

However, one of Beatus brothers, Stephen, asked the police how the sergeant who was with a team of other policemen when his brother was killed could have sought the assistance of untrained members of the Neighbourhood Watch instead of his colleagues when the alleged rifle snatching

occured.

The petition signed by the family lawyers, Musa Etubi and Momoh Sule, read in part, “On the 3rd June, 2017 at about an hour of 11am… Beatus Chukwudi Ugwuanyi a commercial motorcyclist in Ogrute Obollo Afor unit was shot to death by one Sergeant Dennis Onyeke who is attached the Highway Patrol Enugu State Command, in collaboration with a team of policemen from the same division and … (operatives) from Igbo-Eze North Central Neighbourhood Watch.

“It is also our brief that the incident occurred when the victim was

• Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (middle) with South-South Manager of Julius Berger Plc, Mr Peter Rufunster (right), while inspecting road projects in Port Harcourt.

Ebonyi to train 1,300 poultry farmers From CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki

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BONYI State Government has concluded plans to train one thousand three hundred poultry farmers to boost poultry farming in the state.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Barr. Uchenna Orji, who stated this at the Women Development Centre, Abakaliki, during a one-day training programme for farmers drawn from the 13 local government areas of the state, assured the farmers that the government would provide the needed farming inputs and support to aid them succeed in their ventures and would further assist them in marketing their products.

He disclosed that the state was the only state within the South East geopolitical zone of the country to benefit from the Federal Government’s compensation plans for farmers whose poultry farms were affected by the scourge of avian influenza last year.

Orji added that on 5th July, Federal Government delegation will be in Ebonyi for on-the-spot assessment of the situation and subsequently compensate all the affected farmers.

He said of avian influenza had become a national issue that required collaboration and cooperation of all stakeholders in the agricultural sector even as he called on farmers, especially those into poultry farming, to make judicious use of bio-security

items provided by the Federal Government through the State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The Commissioner, who stated that the present administration had concluded arrangements to empower 100 poultry farmers in each local government area of the state, disclosed that the state government had put modalities in place for the revamping of the popular Nkaliki Hatchery, Ezzamgbo Veterinary Farm, Oshiri Cattle Ranch and other

facilities that would boost agricultural activities and increase the internally generated revenue of the state.

He called on farmers to ensure that they register with the State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources so that they could be part of the database being generated by the Ministry and be eligible for every provision that the state government would make available to them throughout the stay of the present administration.

Delta assembly approves N1bn loan for UBE fund From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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ELTA State House of Assembly has ratified Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s request for N1billion loan facility to enable the state access the Universal Basic Education Fund (UBE) by the Federal Government.

At the plenary session recently, the lawmakers gave approval to allow the loan to be exclusively applied for in the payment of 50 percent state counterpart funding by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) that will enable it access the Federal Government component fund for execution of projects in the education sector in the state.

The ratification by the lawmakers was followed by a letter from Governor Okowa which was read on the

floor of the House by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

The majority leader, Tim Owherfere, moved that the application be accepted, adopted. He was seconded by Anthony Elekeokwuri Oboro Preyor.

In his debate, Mr. Tim Owherfere argued that the loan was to enable the state access the UBE funds.

In a swift reaction, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Mr. John Attewere, alleged that the approval of the loan was a means for the governor to enrich himself, adding that his “SMART Agenda portends pains for Deltans.”

While urging Deltans to resist unnecessary loans, the APC stalwart lamented the huge debts of over N700billion incurred by the state through loans, alleging that the state’s infrastructure was in a state of decay.

coming from Obollo-Afor to Ogrute with a pregnant woman who happened to be his female passenger when they were stopped by Sergeant Dennis Onyeke at Ugwu Ekposhi near Ogrute in Igbo-Eze North Local government Area of Enugu State, and demanded for N50 bribe or tip.

“Quoting the eye witness, our client further stated that in reaction to the demand placed by the officer, the victim pleaded that he had nothing on him, as he was on his first trip for the day. This prompted the altercation that caused the police officer to force him and his female passenger out of the motorcycle thereby subjecting the victim to some injuries on his leg from the exhaust pipe of the motorcycle.

“Consequently, the approach and attitude of the police officer provoked the exchange of words that led to the shooting of the victim by the police officer. It is also our further brief that the police officer having shot the victim and in the bid to justify his act, mobilised a team of the Igbo-Eze North Central Neighbourhood Watch, who further opened fire on him.

“The police team alongside the Neighbourhood Watch paraded the victim in his home town, villages and town as an armed robber.

“Further to our brief, the family alongside the King of his home town, Igwe Gabriel Eze, and the Town Union President, Felix Odugu aka Nwoga, made a visit to the Ogrute Police Station to inquire on the reason for the unlawful and unjustifiable, killing of Mr Beatus Ugwuanyi. The Divisional Police Officer, DPO… compelled some of them to make statement after denying knowledge of the incident, despite his men parading the innocent victim as an armed robber.

He further informed them that the police will investigate the matter.

“Surprisingly, and to our client’s greatest disappointment, they visited the police station on June 9, 2017 to know the extent and outcome of the investigation, since the victim’s corpse and his motorcycle were kept in police custody” but were informed that the case file had not been submitted by Investigating Police Officer, IPO… “It is on the premise of the above fact that we formally lodge this petition against Sergeant Dennis Onyeke, the Nigeria police division Ogrute , Enugu and Igbo-Eze North Central Neighbourhood Watch for your kind consideration and prompt action aimed at bringing justice to our client, the victim and the public at large.

We therefore pray that you cause an immediate investigation into this matter with a view to prosecuting Sergeant Dennis Onyeke and other perpetrators for the murder of Beatus Ugwuanyi and all other offences that come with their actions highlighted above.”

The lawyers also asked that an autopsy be carried out even as an order releasing his corpse and the motorcycle to the family should be made without any further delay.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

NEWS

DSS, police, others for ‘Safe Nigeria’ workshop at Uyo From CHIDI UGWU, Abuja

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ECURITY apparatus in the country including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Security and Nigerian Immigration Services will on Friday converge at Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for a three-day training workshop organized by Myproject Institute of Security and Strategic Studies, the Rector of the Institute, Mr. Eze Ignatius, has disclosed.

Ignatius, who made the disclosure in a chat with journalists in Abuja, said all was set for the kick-off of the event, adding that the workshop was a response to the myriad of security, moral and value challenges threatening the corporate structure and existence of the Nigerian nation.

According to the Rector, the workshop, which comes up between June 29 and July 1, 2017, is being organized in collaboration with the International Institute of Leadership and Governance and the Fellowship of Partners for the Protection of Ethics and Values, adding that participants were also drawn from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“The Safe Nigeria is a platform created to bring about where individuals can come and discuss how we can live together in harmony. You will agree with me that there is a whole lot of agitations right now, people are not happy with so many things. All these strife, terrorism and other social vices could have been nipped in the bud if relevant stakeholders had acquired the necessary training,” he stated.

He said the Safe Nigeria workshop was strategically designed to provide viable means of establishing a corporate nation where collective peace and the absence of fear among the various groups that make up the country.

Ignatius added that among other things, the workshop aimed at proffering practical and lasting measures that would entrench durable security architectures meant to achieve a peaceful society through ethical governance and robust conflict resolution mechanisms.

“The 2017 ‘Safe Nigeria’ workshop will set the stage for discussions and healthy debates among participating MDAs and strategic partners on critical issues affecting peace in Nigeria with emphasis on enabling more deliberate approach and efficient tool for effective implementation of conflict resolution method,” he said.

According to the Myproject Institute boss, the workshop had a broad objective to enhance participants’ capacity for strategic planning and implementation of ethical governance and value system.

He added that the event would break out into technical sessions where participants would be provided with deep practical insights and hands-on approach for linking sector strategies on security policy formulation and strict application of workable conflict resolution mechanism in the country.

Urge Kanu to drop Biafra, Al-Mustapha begs Igbo youths From COLLINS UGHALAA, Owerri

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ORMER Chief Security Officer to late Gen Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, has urged Igbo youths to beg the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, to drop the Biafra agitation, even as he called on the security agencies to arrest the Arewa Youths that issued October 1 ultimatum to the Igbo living in the North.

Addressing a group of Igbo youths under the umbrella of Ohaneze Youth Foundation in his office in Abuja, Al-Mustapha “As a youth group you should talk to Nnamdi Kanu so that he should end the Biafra agitation since he is a grandchild

of Nnamdi Azikiwe and it was the late statesman’s intention that we have a united Nigeria.”

He berated the Arewa Youths for their hate speeches, adding that he was aware they were being sponsored by some elements who did not want the progress of the country.

“Government should identify those sponsoring the youths to the detriment of the nation. Internal wrangling and insurgency have dealt with us as a country and it is left for the government and the public to do something about it.

“On a personal note, I have cautioned the Arewa Youths and I assure you that your people will be protected because wherever they

live belongs to them,” he said.

He cautioned Nnamdi Kanu not to “allow himself to be used by people to destroy the country. I stand for peace and I cannot compromise it as our roles should be to collaborate with government agencies to move the nation forward.”

He thanked the Igbo youths for their genuine interest in the unity of the country, saying that “it will be in the interest of the nation that similar organizations will stand up to speak on how to move the nation forward.”

He called on Igbo youths to “imbibe the political doctrine of Zikism” which he said was rooted in African unity.

Speaking, the National President

of the group, Mr. Don Uba, said the threat by the Arewa Youths could be a ploy by some northern elites to stage a coup in the country.

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to confer an award of honour on Major Mustapha even as he disclosed that a similar award would be conferred on Mustapha at the Foundation’s national delegate conference in November 2017.

Uba reminded northern youths that Nigeria belongs to “all of us and that there are many northerners residing outside the north and their various hosts have not threatened them to abandon their hard earned property and other legacies.”

Ethnic agitations: OYC calls for national youth conference From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

• Chief launcher, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, MD Rojenny Games Village, Oba; Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Peter Katchy, at the public presentation of three books authored

by The Oracle Today reporter, Evang. Theo Rays Ejikeme, at Leophine Hotel, Ogidi, Anambra State.

Photo by MODESTUS IGU-

Nobody has right to issue quit notices – Wike From NATH OMAME, P/Harcourt GOVERNOR of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has declared that nobody has the right to issue quit notices to other Nigerians, saying that despite recent social challenges, Nigeria will continue to be united.

“Nigeria must be one. All of us will live together. All of us are free to do business anywhere in the country.

Whether you are from the north, you are free to stay here and do business.”

The governor, who spoke when the Rivers State Muslim Community paid him a Sallah Homage at the Government House Port Harcourt, stated “Nobody should threaten anybody. All of us own this country.

We must be our brother’s keepers.”

Wike maintained that the unity of the country was necessary for her rapid development. He assured the Rivers Muslim Community that he would continue to sponsor them for Hajj as his administration believed in the spiritual uplift of the people.

“Government will continue to give you support, but we cannot use state resources to build a mosque. During the Ramadan, I

sent items to all the mosques in the state. We are all worshipping one God, even though we serve him in different ways.” he said.

The governor stated that he had respect for the Muslim community as exemplified by his invitation of the Sultan of Sokoto to participate in the Rivers at 50 celebration.

Earlier, the leader of the Rivers

State Muslim Community and Vice President of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Nasir Uhor, said the Rivers Muslim Community were happy with Governor Wike for his superlative performance.

He commended the governor for promoting religious tolerance in the state.

Listen to genuine concerns of fellow Nigerians –Tinubu

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ll Progressives Congress (APC) national leader, Sen. Bola Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to declare support for the unity and genuine integration of all Nigerians under one flag, in one indivisible nation.

Tinubu who made the call in his Eidel-Fitri message to Nigerians, entitled “The Spirit, Strength of Our Diversity, ” in Lagos, also condemned the call for violence or issuing of quit notice by some Nigerians to fellow Nigerians, saying that the voices calling for secession and break-up are wrong and should not be followed.

“Voices calling for violence must be roundly condemned for it is wrong to incite brother to go against brother and neighbour to combat neighbour.

However, in the spirit of understanding, we must listen to the genuine con-

cerns of our fellow Nigerians.

“This is in order for us to make ourselves a stronger, more unified and prosperous nation built on a foundation of dialogue and collective purpose.

We must join hands in order to bring progress. We must decide whether our diversity shall be our strength or our weakness. It is for us and no one else to determine,” he said.

Tinubu, however, said that the lessons of the holy month of Ramadan point to the success of unity, not the failure of division.

He said the spirit of sacrifice, selfdiscipline, goodwill, justice, tolerance, mercy, forgiveness and compassion inherent in the Ramadan Fast should remain with Muslim faithful to guide their day-to-day interactions and relationships with one another.

OHANEZE Youth Council (OYC) has called on the Acting President, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo, to arrange for a national youth conference on the agitations by various ethnic nationalities in the country.

This is just as the group claims that the United Nations (UN) would soon visit Nigeria on a fact-finding mission over agitations for self-determination by various groups in the country.

The UN visit, according to National President of OYC, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, was sequel to the petition

by OYC to the United Nations over the three months quit notice issued to Igbos to leave the North by Arewa Youth Council.

OYC noted that if there was no referendum in Nigeria, agitations for self-determination would be on the increase.

Isiguzoro, who was speaking on a phone-in-programme on the staterun Broadcasting Corporation of Abia (BCA) monitored in Umuahia, insisted that unless there is a referendum, the country would continue to witness agitations from many quarters.

He was of the view that UN visit to Nigeria would seek to provide enduring solution to problems bedeviling the nation in recent times.

He observed that the increasing agitations would have been avoided if not for orchestrated neglect of some sections of the country and brazen abandonment of the federal character principle.

Isiguzoro recalled that Ndigbo had always been victims of unrest in the north despite their over N44 trillion investments in the region and described as unfair the issuance of quit notice by the Arewa group to Ndigbo and called on the Acting President to call for a youth conference to address the problem without further delay.

It would be recalled that in the wake of the quit notice by Arewa youths expiring by September 30, 2017, OYC had petitioned the United Nations not only to provide special protection to Ndigbo residing in the North but to also conduct a referendum in the country.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

NEWS

Cross River threatens to disengage striking workers From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar THE current face-up between the Cross River State government and the by organized labour may be getting more complicated as the government has threatened to disengage workers who fail to show up for work on Wednesday and also invoked the “no work, no pay rule”.

This is following the industrial action embarked upon by the organized labour in the state.

To ensure that the order was effective, the government also mandated Commissioners and heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies to obtain all relevant services that they might require through recruitment, procurement or outsourcing.

In a press release by the Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Rosemary Archibong, the government said “Sequel to the ongoing strike and refusal of the Labour to call off the action despite the fact that Government has fulfilled the demands presented for resolution, His Excellency Governor Ben Ayade hereby directs as follows: All Commissioners and Heads of MDAs should ensure that all Government offices are open for business on Wednesday 28th June, 2017.

“Governor further directs that all Commissioners and Heads of MDAs should obtain the technical or appropriate services that they may require through recruitment, procurement or outsourcing.

“Effective Wednesday 28th June 2017, all Ministries and Departments must be functional and Commissioners/Heads shall be held responsible.

“The State Govt has a responsibility to keep the wheels of Government machinery turning in the best interest of the generality of Cross Riverians.

“Once more we hereby reiterate that the no work no pay clause has been invoked. Please be guided.”

Reacting to the statement, the State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade John Ushie, however, denounced this directive, saying that the strike would continue until government meets the demand of workers, adding that they were ready for talks as always but that the state government was yet to call for any. “The strike is total and it will continue,” he boasted.

Security: Naval officers urged to be proactive From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba OFFICERS and men of the Naval Logistics Command Oghara, Delta State, have been charged to be proactive with security challenges in the Niger Delta region and as well be dedicated to their duties at all times. ‎The Flag Officer Commanding the unit, Rear Admiral Begroy Ibe-Enwo, who handed over the mantle of leadership to a new Flag Officer, Rear Admiral Peter Onaji, in a farewell parade at the command, commended the officers for their support and loyalty which formed the bedrock of his success story during his one and half ‎year stay.

Ibe-Enwo, while addressing the officers, told them that he was particularly impressed that in line with the Command’s motto “Support for Efficiency”, naval officers in the Command were able to imbibe the good virtues which he inculcated in them.

The Flag Officer, who has assumed duties at the Command’s headquarters Abuja as one of the principal staff to the Chief of Naval Staff, appealed to the officers to extend the same level of cooperation to the incoming FOC to enable him achieve success.

Boki stakeholders drum support for Ayade From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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N line with the recent directive of the Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, that all political appointees deploy and mobilize all who have attained the voting age to participate in the ongoing voters’ registration exercise, major stakeholders and political appointees numbering just under 200 have held a rally in Biakwan community, Boki Local Government Area of the state in support of the administration of Ayade.

The rally was organized to drum support for the governor and to mobilize the people of the community to participate in the ongoing continuous voters’ registration exercise.

The State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Dan Osim-Asu, who

led other appointees and supporters of Ayade in the rally, submitted that the governor had significantly transformed the area through massive execution of projects including road construction and electrification.

While giving an account of the stewardship of the Ayade government in the area, the Commissioner maintained that the governor had awarded contract for the construction of the long dilapidated Boki East-Boki West road that had divided people of the local government area for quite some time.

He disclosed that the 27-kilometre road was awarded at the cost of N4billion, adding that 30 per cent mobilization money had been given as direct labour to the state Ministry of Works and work was ongoing.

“We decided to hold this mega rally today in appreciation of what Ayade has done for the people of Boki. Ayade has given no fewer than 189 political appointments to Boki sons and daughters.

“Aside that, the governor has awarded the construction of Boki East-Boki West road project valued at N4billion. This road, when completed, will link Boki East and West together.

“Boki Local Government Area stands for Ayade 100 per cent. Considering all he has done for us, our collective interest should be that Ayade is elected and returned as governor in 2019,” he said.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for New Cities Development, Mr George Ekpungu, stressed the need for people in the area to participate in the voters’ registration exercise.

He disclosed that arrangement had been made to convey people from their villages to Betriku and Okundi communities which were centres for the registration.

He solicited the support of the Boki people for the Ayade administration, saying that Boki Local Government Area was well represented in the administration.

Mrs Vera Bisong, the State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Women Leader, called on Boki women to support the government because the present administration had greatly empowered Boki women in particular and the state at large.

The Chapter Chairman of PDP in the area, Mr Robert Otu, commended Ayade for setting up the garment factory which he said had employed over 3,000 indigenes of the state, mostly women.

World Bank to spend N32b on flooding in A’Ibom From ESSIEN ESEMA, Uyo

• Wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, in a Eid-el-Fitri prayer session to herald the sallah celebrations

Urhobo monarchs decry killings by herdsmen From EMMANUEL OGOIGBE, Warri

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RADITIONAL rulers from 23 Urhobo kingdoms in Delta State have expressed concern over what they termed the unwarranted and senseless killings of their people by Hausa-Fulani herdsmen.

The monarch, who made their feelings known when the Urhobo Security Network paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, described the activities of the herdsmen as worrisome insisting that the evil act must be checked.

The Ohworode of Olomu, HRM Richard Layeguen Ogben, who is the chairman of the Urhobo Traditional Rulers, commended the group for their concern, adding that the matter would be forwarded to the leadership of the

Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) for further action.

Earlier, the national coordinator of the group, Comrade Itoloden Daghware, said the body was worried over the mindless killings of Urhobo people in their farms and places of work by unknown gunmen including herdsmen.

“Our objective is to assist the less privileged Urhobos to achieve their aim, because it is evident that government does not really care about the wellbeing of Urhobo,” remarked the coordinator.

Daghware revealed that since the formation of the group, a lot of achievement had been recorded but lamented some challenges the body was presently facing while calling for assistance from eminent Urhobo sons and daughters.

The group, he further said,

aimed to provide security agencies with relevant intelligence information that could assist them in carrying out their duties and to also seek collaboration with Human Right Agencies in the fight against rape, child molestation, extortion and other social maladies.

Similarly, a top member of the group, Comrade Sane Peter Darah, said the group would no longer tolerate the excesses of the herdsmen whose aim is to destabilize the people, kill and maim them in their own land.

“They should be stopped by all means of perpetrating evil and grazing in all Urhobo land. We urge Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to emulate Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State by setting up a community watchdog squad to curtail the bloody insurgents,” Darah said.

THE World Bank in partnership with the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project, NEWMAP, has earmarked N32 billion to tackle the flooding perennially ravaging Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) Avenue and other parts of Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

The State Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Dr. Iniobong Essien, made the disclosure after monitoring this month’s environmental sanitation exercise.

He said that the drainage project would be implemented in phases and when completed, would reduce the incidence of flooding in the state.

“For the IBB flooding, designs have been put, that were initially mend to cost about N52 billion but was to about N32 billion.

“We are lucky, it has been phased, such that it is going to be easier to implement.

“Once the drainage is implemented, the number of catchment areas around there, Atan Offot, Atiku Abubakar, Abak road, the secretariat will be completely de-flooded.”

He stressed that the flooded area would be channelled through a 7.5-kilometre drainage to an outfall at Ibesikpo-Asutan Local Government Area.

The Commissioner also revealed that the World Bank, through its partners, had shown serious commitment in tackling the challenge of erosion in Akwa Ibom.

He said that the financial institution was concluding arrangements to finance two major erosion sites at Etim Umana and Anua both in Uyo Local Government Area.

While, noting that there were over 1,000 erosion sites across the 31 local government areas of the state, he emphasized that the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel was working assiduously towards handling some of them.

Speaking about the sanitation exercise for June, Essien expressed his satisfaction with the level of compliance by the people of the state.

He said that the monthly exercise had helped in enhancing the state’s aesthetics and made its environment healthier and more habitable.

However, he cautioned against noncompliance, stressing that sanitation defaulters would be made to face the law, if apprehended.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

NEWS

UNIDO partners Anambra on technical education From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

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NAMBRA State governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has signed a Trust Agreement with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) on behalf of the state government, for the implementation of the Learning Initiative For Entrepreneurs, LIFE, programme in the state.

The programme, which would be implemented in 41 Senior Secondary Schools across the three senatorial zones of the state, would see UNIDO contribute 400,000 US dollars while the State Government brings 150, 000 US dollars.

The trust agreement was the outcome of several representations made by the Obiano administration since inception about three years ago to the organization, to elicit their support towards its policy of empowering youths in the state.

Signing the agreement, Obiano, who expressed delight that the partnership came through, observed that it was at the heart of what his government was doing in the area of human capital development.

He said it was the thrust of his administration to ensure that upon completion of his eight-year tenure over 90 percent of Anambra youths will be gainfully engaged ei-

ther by being job creators through its numerous skill acquisition programmes or being employed by the numerous investments he would have attracted.

Obiano expressed hope that when it must have taken off, the programme would help solve the challenges of youth restiveness and involvement in crime due to unemployment.

The UNIDO Representative to the ECOWAS and West African Regional Director of the Organization, Mr Jean Bakoli, explained that under the LIFE programme, 200 teachers in selected schools would be trained to drive its objective, which was to upgrade the skills of young

students, entrepreneurs and Small and Medium Entrepreneurs to be able to create and develop businesses through IT skills.

He emphasized that they agreed to come to Anambra State having observed the vision of the governor towards transforming the state’s education sector, hoping that the initiative would form the basis for other gainful partnerships with the state.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Prof Kate Omenugha, observed that the initiative was consistent with the Education for Employment vision of the present administration, and said the organization was also expected

Erosion washes away tombs, corpses, farmlands in Anambra community

OCHA Brigade, example of executive rascality – Moghalu

From RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka

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From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka OPERATION Clean and Healthy Anambra outfit (aka OCHA Brigade), a creation of the Willie Obiano administration to enforce conformity with social and economic norms in the state has been described as “an example of executive rascality.”

Addressing Council and Wards executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Onitsha in continuation of his ongoing meet-the-people tour of the state, the National Auditor of the APC and a frontline aspirant in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election, Dr George Moghalu, said he would not allow the body harass people of the state any further.

Responding to a question by one of the party officers whose concern received a standing ovation from other participants during interactive briefing with the party chiefs of Onitsha North and Onitsha South Councils at the Knights of St Mulumba’s Hall along Enwonwu Street, Onitsha, Moghalu saw the group as “example of executive rascality.

“I don’t accept or endorse it. I cannot legalize lawlessness and thuggery”, he emphasized.

Residents of the state have heard no kind words for the OCHA Brigade who they complain bitterly have been an official menace to all. They had accused them of extortion, arbitrary arrests, molestation, seizure and demolition of people’s homes, offices, shops and factories. The group had apparently gained so much unpopularity that when the news of sudden demise of its former helmsman, Kenneth Okonkwo, broke, there were wild jubilations all over the state, especially Onitsha and environs.

The governorship hopeful expressed deep worry over religious politics which had become the hallmark of some politicians and political parties in the state.

According to him, “I am a practising Catholic, because I was born a Catholic. But we must separate politics from religion, because they do not mix.

“As governor, I shall be governor of all – the Pentecostal, the Anglican, the Catholic, the atheists and even pagans, etc. I shall be governor of the citizens of Anambra State because the mandate I seek is to do good and enhance the welfare of all. I seek the support and votes of all. I will to use the mandate to benefit all.”

to develop the curriculum of the selected schools and overflow the initiative to the informal sector in ensuring that youths that are not in school also benefit.

The Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development Partners, Mr Mark Okoye, acknowledged that the state government was practically living out its stance of doing more with less through its strategic partnerships with development partners in efforts to change the fortunes of the state. He revealed that UNIDO marked the fifth development partner which the present administration had attracted to the state.

• Urhobo Traditional Rulers praying for Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori

Umahi commends ANDP on 5,000 free houses From CHUKS EZE, Enugu THE less privileged in Ebonyi State will enjoy a new lease of life when the 5,000-unit free housing scheme being done by an international charity organisation, Africa Nations Development Programme (ANDP), comes on stream.

Governor of the State, Engr. David Umahi, who performed the foundation-laying ceremony of the project at the Umuobuna Etiti Uburusite, in Ohaozara Local Government Area of the state, said his administration was set to replicate the gesture in Izzi Local Government Area and enjoined the people to release their land to facilitate it.

Addressing guests at the event, which was attended by members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, businessmen, youths and party faithful, the governor thanked the initiator of the project, ANDP, for considering Ebonyi State for the project. He said that his administration was as well partnering the Bank of Industry (BOI) to fund small scale industries.

“Ebonyi State government and the Bank of Industry have offered to deposit the sum of N2 billion contributions each in a common account, which would be made available to any group of persons or corporative that comes up with viable project idea. It does not matter if the entire fund is spent in one LGA, provided that it is used to fund genuine and profitable business ideas,” he said.

He urged citizens who would like to benefit from the scheme to indicate without delay because it would be on

the basis of first come first served. He also pointed out that the gesture was an incentive designed to encourage Ebonyi people to be productive and gainfully engaged.

The governor disclosed that more job opportunities awaited the people of the state as a multinational cement manufacturing giant, Larfage, was at the final stage of establishing Nigeria’s biggest cement factory in Ebonyi while other investors have indicated interest in the development of limestone and

salt in the state.

Earlier in his address, the Country Director of ANDP, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Eze, said that the housing project would comprise of 5,000 detached two-bedroom bungalows and other facilities such as schools, water, electricity, police station, barracks and hospitals among others. He also said that that the beneficiaries of the scheme would be trained and empowered to enable them have standard means of livelihood.

Anambra close to financial self-sufficiency – Obiano From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka GOVERNOR Willie Obiano of Anambra State has said that through the strategic actions of his administration, the state was now 70 percent close to becoming selfsufficient as against depending on federal allocations for sustenance.

The governor made the disclosure at St Andrew’s Methodist Church Cathedral, Awada, Obosi, where he attended the 30th marriage anniversary of the Methodist Bishop of Onitsha Diocese, Rev Biereonwu Onugha and his wife, Ezinne Comfort and the 60th birthday anniversary of the bishop.

He noted that under his watch, the state had made significant progress in boosting its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), cut down the cost of governance and put in place measures that would block all corruption windows. He promised that by the end of his eight-year tenure, the state would have been

self-sufficient in funds.

He informed the people of Obosi and Onitsha that his administration had evolved new strategies in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force to flush out the remnants of criminals in the area, assuring them that security remained a top priority for him.

Felicitating with the bishop on the dual celebrations, the governor prayed that God would grant him more wisdom to shepherd the flock of Christ.

Earlier, Bishop Onugha, while thanking the governor for coming to celebrate with him and his family, commended his visionary leadership especially his spirit of ecumenism evident in the way he dealt with all the religious denominations equitably.

The governor later proceeded to cut the wedding and birthday cake with the celebrants after which special prayers were said for him.

NAMBRA State House of Assembly has passed a resolution urging Governor Willie Obiano to direct the Commissioner for Road Construction, Maintenance and Furniture, and Commissioner for Environment to address the erosion menace at Ukpo bypass, Dunukofia Local Government Area.

The House passed the resolution following a matter of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Dunukofia Constituency, Hon. Lawrence Chukwuwike Ezeudu, during plenary.

Ezeudu lamented that the erosion washed away farmlands, grave sites, shrines, swallowed livestock and compelled the affected residents to scamper for safety in neighbouring communities where they sought refuge following the torrential rainfall that occurred recently in the area.

He noted that the people of Dunukofia were facing impending doom of becoming refugees in their own land as the Ukpo bypass, an important road in Anambra Central Senatorial District, was being cut off by erosion.

According to Ezeudu, if urgent steps are not taken to salvage the situation, it would cause casualties even now that four tombs and corpses had been washed away thereby causing psychological trauma to their living relatives.

In his contribution, member representing Njikoka II Constituency, Dr Pete Ibida, who described the incident as very pathetic, appealed to the executive arm of government to urgently remedy the situation.

Barr Chugbo Enwezo of Onitsha North I Constituency contended that as efforts are on to restore the four burial sites, the shrine should also be restored to give worshippers sense of belonging in line with freedom of worship as contained in Nigerian Constitution.

On his part, the member representing Nnewi South I Constituency, Mr. Kingsley Iruba and his Anaocha II Constituency counterpart, Engr. Charles Ezeani, called on the State Emergency Management Agency, National Erosion and Watershed Management Project and the state government to arrest the gully erosion before it becomes worse.

Our correspondent reports that the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Rita Maduagwu, who regretted that 70 percent of Anambra State landscape was being threatened by erosion, called on the National Emergency Management Agency, donor agencies and the Federal Government to come to the aid of the state.

9

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Compiled by Roswitha chukwuma (with Agency Reports)

Why Adesina won 2017 World Food Prize

T

he World Food Prize Foundation has explained why Dr Akinwumi Adesina won the 250,000 dollars 2017 World Food Prize Laureate prize on Monday.

President of the Foundation, Amb. Kenneth Quinn said Adesina won the prize “for driving change in African agriculture for over 25 years and improving food security for millions across the continent”.

Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), was announced on Monday as the 2017 World Food Prize Laureate at a ceremony at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. Quinn explained that the selection of Nigeria’s former Minister

of Agriculture for the prize also “reflected both his breakthrough achievements as Minister of Agriculture of Nigeria”.

He said Adesina “led a major expansion of commercial bank lending to farmers as Vice President of Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and as Minister of Agriculture in Nigeria, introduced the E-Wallet system”.

Adesina also “introduced initiatives to exponentially increase the availability of credit for smallholder farmers across the African continent and galvanized the political will to transform African agriculture,” he said.

He said Adesina “grew up in poverty himself” and embarked on a

journey to use his academic training to “lift up millions of people out of poverty, especially farmers in rural Africa”.

He explained that “as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture from 2011 to 2015, Adesina successfully transformed his country’s agriculture sector through bold reforms”.

Quinn said the bold reforms included creating programmes to make Nigeria self-sufficient in rice production, and to make cassava become a major cash crop.

He pointed out that in 2006, as Associate Director for Food Security at the Rockefeller Foundation, Adesina played a critical leadership role in organizing the Africa Fertilizer Summit in Abuja.

He said the summit was described as absolutely essential in igniting the campaign to spread a new Green Revolution across Africa, which led to the creation of AGRA. “Our Laureate next played a leadership role in the development of AGRA, during which he led the effort to exponentially expand commercial credit for the agricultural sector and for farmers across the continent.

“And then, as Minister of Agriculture of his home country Nigeria, our Laureate introduced the E-Wallet system which broke the back of the corrupt elements that had controlled the fertilizer distribution system for 40 years.

“The reforms he implemented increased food production by 21 million metric tonnes and attracted 5.6 billion dollars in private sector investments, thus earning him the reputation as the ‘Farmer’s Minister’.”

Quinn said as the first person

from agriculture to ever lead a regional development bank, Adesina’s receiving the Laureate Prize would give impetus in the coming decade to his profound vision.

Adesina is also the 46th person and the sixth African to win the World Food Prize.

Quinn commended Nigeria’s representation at the event to announce the winner of the Laureate Prize, won by a distinguished Nigeria.

“I am so pleased that Chargé d’Affaires Hakeem Balogun could be here for this announcement,” he said.

Former Minister of Finance Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was also present at the occasion, as well as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, Congressmen, Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps.

Adesina will be presented the 250,000-dollar prize and Laureate sculpture at a ceremony at the Iowa State Capitol on Oct. 19.

...Okonjo-Iweala, Balogun hail Adesina

• Akinwumi Adesina

U.S. Supreme Court revives Trump travel ban order

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he U.S. Supreme Court on Monday handed a victory to President Donald Trump by allowing his temporary bans on travellers from six Muslim-majority countries until it reviews it later this year.

The court also allowed ban on all refugees to go into effect for people with no connection to the U.S. while agreeing to hear his appeals in the closely watched legal fight.

It narrowed the scope of lower court rulings that had completely blocked Trump’s March 6 executive order.

The court said that it would hear arguments on the legality of one of Trump’s signature policies in his first months as president in the court’s next term, which starts in October.

It granted parts of his administration’s emergency request to put the order into effect immediately while the legal battle continues.

Two U.S. appeals courts had upheld lower court decisions halting the ban to allow legal challenges on the basis of religious discrimination. The Trump administration appealed to the Supreme Court.

The March 6 executive order had

banned the new visas from being issued to people from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days.

It also sought to halt issuances of new refugee admissions from around the world for 120 days.

The order was however blocked by federal judges before going into effect on March 16 as planned.

Trump issued the order amid rising international concern about attacks carried out by Islamist militants like those in Paris, London, Brussels, Berlin and other cities.

But critics have called the order a mean-spirited, intolerant and unAmerican “Muslim ban.”

The state of Hawaii and a group of plaintiffs in Maryland represented by the American Civil Liberties Union argued that the order violated federal immigration law.

They also argued that it violated the Constitution’s First Amendment prohibition on the government favouring or disfavouring any particular religion.

Regional federal appeals courts in Virginia and California both upheld district judge injunctions blocking the order.

Trump signed the order as a re-

placement for a Jan. 27 order issued a week after he became president that also was blocked by federal courts.

The revised order was intended to overcome the legal issues posed by the original ban, which also included Iraq among the nations targeted and a full ban on refugees from Syria.

The revised order also jettisoned language that gave preferential status to persecuted religious minorities, which critics said could be taken as favouring Christians and other religious groups over Muslims.

Trump has called the March order a “watered down, politically correct” version of the January one.

But the order still embodied his “America First” nationalist message and reflected his views of the dangers posed to the United States by certain immigrants and visitors.

The administration has said the travel ban is needed to allow time to implement stronger vetting measures, although it has already rolled out some new requirements not blocked by courts, including additional questions for visa applicants.

Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires to the U.S. Hakeem Balogun and a former Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, have lauded the emergence of Dr Akinwumi Adesina as the 2017 World Food Prize Laureate.

Balogun and Okonjo-Iweala told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent in the U.S. that Adesina’s selection for the prestigious prize was a great honour for Nigeria.

Adesina, who is the current President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), was Minister of Agriculture under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

He was named winner of the 250,000-dollar World Food Prize, regarded as the equivalent of a Nobel Prize for Agriculture, at a ceremony on Monday at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington D.C. Balogun described Adesina’s emergence as a great honour to our country.

“It is a manifestation of government’s efforts, past and present, at eradicating poverty and placing food on the tables of all Nigerians.

“Dr Adesina is another show of the numerous Nigerians that are shining examples and who are excelling in their various professions all over the world.

“You will recall that Dr Adesina, while serving as Minister of Agriculture was known as the ‘Farmer’s Minister.”

The Nigerian envoy said Adesina’s policies while serving as Minister, expanded Nigeria’s food production and attracted over five billion dollars in private sector investments in agriculture.

• Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala

“His (Adesina’s) food policies resulted in close to, if not more than, 20 million metric tonnes.

“For us in the Embassy of Nigeria, we are glad that this is a Nigerian to showcase. I congratulate Dr Akinwumi Adesina,” Balogun said.

On her part, Okonjo-Iweala, who served alongside Adesina, hailed the achievement of her former colleague.

“A proud day for Nigeria; President Akin Adesina, President of the AfDB, is announced as the recipient of the 2017 World Food Prize,” she said.

According to Okonjo-Iweala, Adesina’s feat as the new Laureate is an example and a testimony that about 99 per cent of our citizens are lawabiding and good natured.

Adesina is the 46th person and the sixth African to win the World Food Prize.

NAN reports that he midwifed the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) under which the E-Wallet system of distribution of agricultural inputs, the first of its kind, was introduced.

For the first time in the history of agriculture in Nigeria, farmers received alerts on their phones to collect their allocation of inputs.

He will be presented with the prize money and Laureate sculpture at a ceremony at the Iowa State Capitol on Oct. 19.

The event in Washington, D.C. was presided over by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue and attended by some U.S. Congressmen, Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps.

10

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

Bold n Blunt

2019: Future in peril as Rivers APC leaders, former Will the national leadership of the party sanction conduct of primaries for governorship aspirants? Or will the leader of the party be given the privilege of anointing a candidate?

NATH OMAME Jr, in Port Harcourt, reports…

T

HE SIMMERING discontent that has propelled the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, to drift apart boiled over and almost eclipsed activities organised to celebrate Amaechi’s 52nd birthday by his loyalists, supporters, former aides and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), amongst others.

A lecture, dinner and Thanksgiving Service were held to commemorate the event.

But, the list of attendees at the events held on Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, June 18, showed clearly that the political tiff between Amaechi and Abe had widened into a chasm.

And Senator Abe was conspicuously absent at the events to celebrate the former twoterm governor of Rivers State. On record, Abe, a ranking two-term Senator, is the most senior elected politician in the APC, in Rivers State.

Former Governor Amaechi, who had arrived in Port Harcourt, the state capital, earlier on Friday, June 16, moved swiftly to imprint his personality on the leadership of the party in Rivers State. He waded immediately into the friction that has engulfed the leadership caucus of the APC in Etche Local Council. On Tuesday, June 6, a former member of the House of Representatives, representing Etchwe/Omama Federal Constituency, Ogbonna Nwuke, had announced the suspension of Chief Allwell Onyesoh, from his position as the chairman of the party’s caucus in Etche. Nwuke installed himself as interim chairman.

Chief Onyesoh dismissed the suspension and pooh-poohed Nwuke’s failure to return to the National Assembly having lost his electoral contest at the re-run and re-scheduled legislative elections ordered by the Court of Appeal last year, on grounds of wanton violence and electoral irregularities during the conduct of the election. Onyesoh, a former commission for sports was accused of being “disrespectful to the leader of the party, Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.”

On Thursday, June 8, Nwuke was suspended from the party by the Chairman of Ward 5, in Etche, Mr. Okechukwu Nweke. The local council executive of the APC was hugely supportive of Chief Onyesoh, regarded as an astute grassroots mobiliser who has endeared himself to the electorate over time. But Amaechi brushed all widely-held sentiments on Onyesoh’s electoral value to the APC, by endorsing the sack of Onyesoh whom he replaced with Chief Reginald Okwuoma. Consequently, Nwuke’s suspension was promptly reversed by the leader of the party.

In the smoldering political skirmish currently raging between Amaechi and Abe, essentially predicated on the willingness of Senator Abe to contest the 2019 governorship election on the platform of the APC, Chief Onyesoh is said to have aligned with Abe, claiming as some former aides of the Amaechi have done, that Abe presents a better option to the APC in the 2019 gubernatorial election. Amaechi, according to some big wigs within the Rivers State chapter of the APC, is patently averse to Abe’s governorship ambition.

In Amaechi’s calculation, therefore, anyone in the power centre of the APC in Rivers State that can sway party members, specifically, delegates during the governorship primary in support of Abe, has to be cut to size, or, if the need arises, removed from any influential position to water down Abe’s snowballing clout within different layers of the party. And Amaechi demonstrated this

• Amaechi with utmost swiftness during his recent visit to the state. His 52nd birthday celebration was a veritable peg to enthrone his position and demonstrate his authority in that regard.

Apart from Etche, Amaechi also tinctured with leadership of other APC caucuses in some local councils where he felt the leaders have been taken in by Abe’s suave, urbane, sleek, and audacious political style. Amaechi’s first meeting, upon his arrival in Port Harcourt, was held at Chief Nnamdi Wokekoro’s residence, in Rumuokalagbo.

The minister of transportation also held another meeting at the residence of the Etche Local Council APC Chairman, Chief Okwuoma.

Those present at the meeting include: State Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya; State Secretary, Mr. Emeka Bekee; member of the APC Board of Trustees, Dr. Sam Jaja and other stakeholders of the party in Rivers State.

The eventful meeting led to a gale of replacements. Former Chief of Staff, Chief Tony Okocha was replaced as leader of Obio/Akpor APC caucus with Chikordi Dike; former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Worgu Boms, was replaced with Chief Nnamdi Wokekoro as leader of APC caucus in Port Harcourt local council; the replacement of Chief Onyesoh as leader of Etche APC caucus was also ratified by Amaechi at that meeting.

The minister of transportation also removed Hon. Chidi Wihioka, a member of the House

of Representatives, representing Ikwerre/ Emohua Federal Constituency, as the leader of the APC caucus in Emohua. He replaced him with Chibike Ikenga, who is regarded as the minister’s satellite. Sources close to the minister of transportation hinted that Senator Wilson Ake, representing Rivers West, will also be replaced as the leader of the Ogba/ Egbema/Ndoni Local Council.

Speaking at the meeting, Amaechi further reiterated his disenchantment with Senator Abe’s rising political profile within and outside the state after he clinched the Rivers South East Senatorial District at the December 10, 2016, re-run legislative elections.

“I have foreclosed Abe’s governorship ambition as far as the Rivers APC is concerned. If he likes, let him run to President Buhari; that will not change anything. If he likes, let him go to the First Lady, Aisha Buhari; nothing will change.”

He stressed: “In my capacity as the leader of the APC in Rivers State, Abe cannot be the governorship candidate of the party in Rivers State in 2019. Abe has no character. I hear the executives of about 15 local councils are already working for him. I will see how far they can go.

“I am the only one that can determine who gets the party’s ticket in 2019. Suddenly, Abe has become something else in the party because he won his Senatorial election. Was

I not governor for eight years? Was I not Speaker for eight years?”

Amaechi warned that he would suspend any party leader that is supporting Senator Abe’s candidature for 2019. I remain the leader of the APC in Rivers State. Even if the 23 LGA chairmen of the party support Abe, that will not change anything.”

He recalled: “As the Speaker of the House of Assembly, I submitted his name to former Governor Peter Odili for appointment as Secretary to the State Government, SSG. But Odili turned down my request. Odili rather made him a commissioner for information.

“I appointed him as SSG in my first term as governor because I wanted to fulfil my promise to him. I recommended that he should move to the Senate in my second tenure.”

Amaechi, then, wondered: “Because I now operate from Abuja, Abe has expanded his tentacles all over the place. Just imagine people who are not even politicians are now telling me that it is only Abe that can win the governorship seat for the APC in 2019.

“I am waiting to see how they will make him the governorship candidate of Rivers APC in 2019. We have the National Working Committee (NWC); we also have the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.

But no one will deny that I have made enormous sacrifices for the party to get to where it is today.”

At Okwuoma’s residence, Amaechi pulled off his pugilistic gloves and branded Senator Abe as a “treacherous politician who is now fraternizing fulltime with my political enemies in Rivers and Lagos States, including Abuja politicians who are always willing to flaunt their new found political titles and connections.”

The minister of transportation fumed: “I know Abe is a Senator. But, I also know that he is fraternizing with my political enemies like the Senate President, Bukola Saraki. If Abe likes, let him come to Rivers State with the leadership of the National Assembly or that of the APC. I, Amaechi, will not support him for governor in 2019.”

Some leaders of the APC in the State opine that Amaechi has resorted to the suspension of party leaders in their respective local councils as a last ditch move to wrestle the APC from the clutches of Senator Abe, solely, to forestall him from earning the APC governorship ticket in 2019.

However, the political angst between Amaechi and Abe has spewed out some bitter and hurtful pills to those perceived to be supporting Senator Abe. In May, APC women leaders from Kana, Gokana, Tai, Eleme, Oyigbo, Opobo/Nkoro and Andoni were not formally invited to attend a meeting called by the State Woman Leader, Mrs. Caroline Nagbu, who is from Kana Local Council.

The women leaders who were not invited were not allowed into the venue of the meeting, which was held at the APC State Secretariat, along Forces Avenue, Port Harcourt. They were barred by security personnel at the gate from entering since they could not produce any formal invitation for the meeting. But, the seven women forced their way into the premises of the APC State Secretariat.

To their chagrin, 17 canopies were on the ground, each bearing a label indentifying a particular local council. There was no canopy for Kana, Gokana, Tai, Eleme, Oyigbo, Opobo/Nkoro and Andoni councils. There are 23 local councils in Rivers State. Upon enquiry, the women were told that the order to bar them from the meeting came from above.

11

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

Bold n Blunt

Gov. Amaechi and Senator Abe fight dirty No name was mentioned. But the message was clear. All seven local councils constitute Senator Abe’s Senatorial District of Rivers South East.

In June, 301 former APC councilors who were to visit Senator Abe to congratulate him on his electoral victory were put under subtle pressure not to go to Abe’s residence in Port Harcourt. A committee of three was said to have been hurriedly constituted to prevail on the councilors to shun the event.

Some councilors claimed to have received telephone calls from some party leaders asking them not to attend. As it turned out, over 200 councilors attended the event at Senator Abe’s residence.

Abe, while addressing the councilors, admitted publicly that the Rivers State chapter of the APC was going through some challenges. He was quick to add, though, that he was hopeful that the leaders of the party would be able to address and resolve the challenges in the interest of the party.

So, what is at stake for Rivers APC in 2019?

In 2015, the APC presented Dr. Dakuku Peterside as its governorship candidate. Both Abe and Dakuku were angling for the party’s ticket. True, many political watchers thought Abe would get it. Rather than conduct a primary to select the party’s candidate, Amaechi summoned stakeholders to Government House, where he anointed Dakuku as the choice of the party.

Abe, though, disappointed, went home and asked his supporters to work for the emergence of Dakuku. He campaigned for Dakuku in Ogoniland. Dakuku who understood the enormity of Senator Abe’s pains, left Government House to the Church to meet his minister for prayers. He left the Church and went straight to Abe’s home to confer with the Senator and seek his support. In the weeks and months leading to Dakuku’s anointment by former Governor Amaechi, Senator Abe was, indeed, the clear favourite for the APC governorship ticket in Rivers State.

In 2015, APC leaders in the State went along with Amaechi on the grounds that there was need for all committed party members to make some sacrifice, considering the events that made Amaechi, his loyalists, supporters, and his aides defect to the APC. Amaechi at that time had sympathy from those who regarded him as the proverbial political underdog in the asphyxiating skirmish between former President Goodluck Jonathan, on the one side; his wife Dame Patinece on the other side; former Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, on another side; and yet, again, then, Commissioner for Police, Mbu Joe Mbu, on a rather intimidating side.

But times have changed! Dakuku lost the 2015 election to Governor Wike. About two months after the Supreme Court gave its final verdict, pronouncing Wike as duly elected, Dakuku, through Amaechi’s expansive network with President Mohammadu Buhari, was appointed as the director-general of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). Dakuku’s tenure is said to expire in five years from the date of his appointment.

While Senator Abe has revved up the engine for his governorship ambition, Dakuku has been relatively passive, barely issuing press statements from his media office.

Among Amaechi, Abe and Dakuku, Abe spends far more time in Rivers State than Amaechi and Dakuku. So, Abe’s supporters are asking: “if he endorsed Dakuku in 2015, why not allow Abe to run for the governorship position in 2019?”

But, Amaechi has hammered it to APC leaders that he will not support Abe to vie for the governorship position on the platform of the APC in 2019. Amaechi is also not supporting Dakuku for the second time. Sources close to the minister of transportation said he is shopping for a candidate from the Kalabari area of the State. Senator Abe’s position is

• Abe that he wants to contest for the APC’s ticket through the vehicle of a governorship primary as enshrined in the APC’s constitution.

Amaechi’s adversarial stance against Senator Abe is being viewed by the Ogoni’s with dismay. The Ogonis who hugely supported Amaechi during his time as governor have not produced a governor, or Speaker of the House of Assembly since Rivers State was created 50 years ago. And many Ogonis feel their best chance yet, is the candidature of Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, the son of an Anglican reverend who lived and worked in the vineyard of the Anglican Communion before he passed unto eternal glory.

How will the political squabble between former Governor Amaechi and Senator Abe affect the chances of the APC in the 2019 general elections? True, Amaechi’s support for President Buhari brutally chiseled away a large chunk of his support base in Rivers State. While Amaechi controls the levers of the APC in Rivers State, as he demonstrated during events marking his 52nd birthday celebration, Amaechi as a politician has lost most of his electoral value in Rivers State.

So, an APC that truly wants to win an election must look beyond the Amaechi political razzmatazz of the past; the APC would have to project and present candidates that must convince the voters that they can stand up and be counted; candidates, who, even though are from the APC, must be seen and adjudged to be free from the former governor ‘high-handed control’, as one insider put it. That is the major problem that is confronting the APC in Rivers State, in this time and age!

Because he now operates from Abuja, Amaechi may not know how far the APC in Rivers State have changed. To rein in leaders of the party caucuses in the 23 Local Councils, he removed those he earlier appointed

and appointed new leaders. The question is: how close are the new leaders to the grassroots? Truth is, Chief Nnamdi Wokekoro, who replaced Worgu Boms, is said to command huge followership in Port Harcourt Local Council.

Off course, Ambassador-designate, Chief Orji Ngorfa, a former Chairman Eleme Local Council and former Assistant National Secretary of the APC and former Chairman, Gokana Local Council and former Commissioner for Works, and current Assistant National Secretary of the APC, Chief Victor Tombari Giadon, are established grassroots politicians working in tandem with Amaechi. But how many of such consummate politicians is Amaechi in touch with?

As a minister of state for education and later supervising minister, Wike arrived in Port Harcourt from Abuja, every Friday evening and departed for Abuja on Monday mornings. His response when he was asked how he managed to keep up with the frightening pace was: “I wanted to be effective. And now, I am the governor of Rivers State.”

Can Amaechi subsume his schedule into a grueling routine to effectively anchor the APC in all 23 Local Councils in the State?

Senator Abe has drawn up his own schedule in furtherance of his governorship ambition and his presence in the State is far more frequent than it used to be. Building a broad-based political consensus takes time, energy, effort, commitment, wide-spread consultations, and of course, money.

While Amaechi was in the state capital to celebrate his birthday and hold consultations with stakeholders, Abe was also in the state holding consultations with stakeholders, too. Senator Abe was accompanied by eight former commissioners to the World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, on Monday, June 19, which was held in collaboration with the

Sickle Cell Support Society of Nigeria and Action Against Sickle Cell Uganda, coordinated

by Ifeoma Ifejika.

Chief Allwell Onyesoh; Ipalibo Harry; Worgu Boms; Felix Nweke; Augustine Wokocha; Marcus Nle Ejii; Isobo Jack and Kennedy Pueba were on Senator Abe’s entourage.

Abe and his entourage later proceeded to the residence of Mr. Boms where sources close to Abe said two other former commissioners, four lawmakers and some former local council chairmen who served in Amaechi’s government joined them for another round of consultations.

That the minister of transportation, Amaechi, and Senator Abe are now chatting different political courses is without doubt. First was Wike, whom Amaechi said at various fora betrayed him, politically. Now, Amaechi has also told APC youths in March, at the premises of Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI), GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt, that Abe betrayed him, too! He has said so, too, to APC stakeholders.

That same line of thought got Governor Wike interested in the ensuing ding-dong political battle between Amaechi and Abe. Wike, in a no-holds-barred phone-in programme in a current affairs programme on Rhythm 93.7 fm, on Monday, June 19, declared that Senator Magnus Abe is, indeed, the “brain box” of the leader of the APC in the state, Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

Governor Wike, while responding to a question on Amaechi’s current adversarial posture against Senator Abe, stated: “Magnus and I were the engine room of Amaechi’s government. Before I left, I told Magnus that Amaechi doesn’t like him and that when I leave, Amaechi will turn on him. When I left, his engine room left.”

He recalled: “When he destroyed my local council, Senator Abe ran down to my house and said: “Please, let us support him and work together; he is our man. But I replied and said: “Senator Abe, you will pay for it in no time and today Senator Abe is called a betrayer, desperado and all kinds of names because he wants to contest for governor.

“I told him he would be his next victim. Today, the man who stood by him is treacherous because he has ambition. What is wrong in Magnus having an ambition? Amaechi sees himself as alfa and omega, and, therefore, any dissenting voice must be cut down.

Abe is Amaechi’s brain box.”

Governor Wike also spoke on Boms: “Amaechi denied people access to justice.

How much can Amaechi compensate for that? He used Worgu Boms as Attorney-General to shut down the courts in Rivers State (for 22 months) with a view to destroying him. Now, he has forgotten the role Boms played in his government because Boms is supporting Abe.” Now, the Ogonis are asking: “Why is Amaechi averse to an Ogoni governorship ticket? Clearly, the Ogonis collapsed their political differences and voted overwhelmingly for Abe to return him to the Senate, in 2016. What would happen to the APC’s political voyage if the Ogonis resolved in 2019 to shift their collective support from the APC if Senator Abe is denied the APC governorship ticket for the second time in four years

by Amaechi?

Should the political bickering between Amaechi and Abe continuesup to 2018, when the APC is expected to conduct its governorship primary; or, should Amaechi conjure a way to edge Abe from clinching the APC’s governorship ticket, then the APC’S hope of making any appreciable leeway in the 2019 general elections, will be rolling on political quicksand and the leaders of the Rivers State chapter of the APC, members of the party, supporters and loyalists will be the ultimate losers. And the leaders of the party in the state, as well as its national leaders will collectively share the blame!

12

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

POLITICS

‘Governor’s in-law or not, Uche Nwosu has

NZE EBUBEAGU EKENULO is a political activist and whistleblower, an entrepreneur and media consultant. He started his whistle blowing activism years before the APC federal government borrowed it from the United States of America. He is a firm believer in democracy and good governance. In this interview with COLLINS UGHALAA in Owerri, he speaks on the raging issue of zoning in Imo State in relation to whether Uche Nwosu, the Chief of Staff and son-in-law to Governor Rochas Okorocha should be the next governor of the State come 2019. He also spoke on issues about his family, particularly the allegation that he has sold off his father’s Estate, and his ongoing legal battle with Senator Hope Uzodimma. Excerpts: You had been a whistleblower before the federal government adopted the policy. What motivated you into whistle blowing?

accuse you of knowing that your late wife had affair with the Senator but that you were “settled” with some cash and a car. Is that true?

It is not true and far from being the truth. Before I married the late Ukachi I was already a successful entrepreneur and millionaire, aside the fact I come from a rich background. I was young and bubbling with lifestyle and popularly known as ALABA in Lagos when I met Ukachi.

You can therefore see that I am not a pauper for anyone to settle me with cash and a car in that manner, for knowing that he was meddling with my wife and condoned it. I challenge them or those saying I was settled with cash and car to provide and publish the evidence, at least to embarrass and expose me in the public domain. If they say efforts had been made to settle me and it failed, that is true.

If they say high profile Nigerians had intervened and offered me mouth-watering and staggering amount of money to stop fighting Senator Uzodinma and I refused, that is true. None of these people running their mouths was even part of the failed attempts to bribe or to settle me or to reconcile Hope Uzodinma with me and none of them can ever come near it. If you know Senator Uzodinma very well, you would know that he won’t even want 99 percent of these people talking trash, people working and wandering around him either as bogus aides or sycophants to even be part of such process or know about it. Senator Uzodinma is a man of top secrecy on certain and many things.

A common friend of ours made an attempt for reconciliation that almost succeeded and money was not involved, not even a kobo. But you know what?

They arrested me after the peace meeting in Abuja and that was when they blew a very bright opportunity.

T

HE MESS in the political class, the type of characters in government which no body was willing to address head-on, the mess in the society as a whole to the extent the people celebrate rogues and well-known notorious 419 kingpins as role models; lack of virtues and moral values, etc., all these motivated me. And today I am proud that the federal government has a whistle blowing policy, which is helping in fighting corruption and crime.

The EFCC has made some recoveries of looted funds following the whistleblowing policy of the federal govt. How do you rate the success of the whistle blowing policy and the anti-corruption war generally?

The whistleblowing policy is working.

The anti-corruption war is also working but to some extent. However, I am worried that it is selective and targeted at the opposition and perceived enemies of government.

How do you mean?

Is it not clear that the anti-corruption war is selective and targeted against the opposition? For example, a panel of inquiry set up by Rivers State government to probe former governor of Rivers State Rotimi Amaechi, indicted him with recommendation to EFCC, ICPC to prosecute him. Nothing has come out of that. Needless to emphasize others. For the anti-corruption war to succeed, it must be total and touching all segments of government and institutions. Who is fighting corruption in the police, at state and local government levels? Who is fighting corruption in INEC? Who is fighting corruption in WAEC where politicians who never registered and sat for WAEC examination pay millions to rogue WAEC officials to manufacture certificates for them? Who is fighting corruption in secondary schools where some principals collect as low as N100,000 to manufacture testimony slip for persons who didn’t attend their schools or who dropped out? I can go on and on.

• Ebubeagu Ekenulo

Honours--needless to emphasize others. Now, let me answer your question.

I am not letting go because I want him to prove how he attended two different secondary schools within the same One of the remarkable things you have period--one from 1978-81 and the other done in your whistle blowing activ- from 1978-82 and in two different and ism is that you dragged Senator Hope far-apart locations.

Uzodimma from your senatorial district to court, challenging the validity of his Your traducers accuse you of blackWAEC certificate. This matter has been mailing the Senator. They said you are on for years. Why are you not letting getting even with the Senator because you also accused him of having an affair go?

Let me first state that there are oth- with your late wife.

If they are sure I am blackmailing the ers even more remarkable than this but this has enjoyed more publicity than senator, they should do the needful: arothers. I blew the whistle that stopped rest and prosecute me for libel. Let me the federal government from approving ask you: can blackmail be domiciled or and giving Senator Uzodinma National found in truth? People just don’t want

to face the truth because of pecuniary reasons and I don’t bother myself with such people. I am an activist and whistleblower, whether anybody likes it or not.

So, if I have a whistle to blow on someone for public interest, I shouldn’t blow the whistle because the person had meddled with my late wife, and people would say I am doing so to get even, abi? What people say absurdly and to suit their caprices does not bother me as long as the substance and integrity of the said whistle blowing is intact and my conscience is clear. If I blow whistle in my family against my siblings, I can blow whistle anywhere.

Let’s talk about you and your siblings.

How is your relationship with them like?

I have a wonderful relationship with majority of my siblings, particularly those who see me as a brother full of love and care, a brother who does not support evil and bad things and a brother who can die speaking and defending the truth. I am a big rallying point for family unity and coherence. Just one or two who don’t like me because I won’t let them cheat others, I won’t let them perpetrate injustice and tendencies to divide the family. If you speak to members of my family, extended family, kindred and village, 80 percent of them would tell you good and wonderful things about me that would baffle you.

And I wish you could find a way to do this behind me.

Before we come to the issue of you and your siblings, your traducers also But how do you react to the allegation

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POLITICS

constitutional right to run for Imo governorship’

that you have sold off most of your late father’s estate?

This is the real blackmail created by my traducers in the political class, especially those in Senator Uzodinma’s political circle, to paint me black from white. There is nothing they have not said about me in desperation to save the face of their principal. It is not true and far from being the truth.

My late father’s estate is vast and intact. I am not the first child, I am not the second child and we are nine boys in number. How will I overpower others, big boys in their own rights, educated, and some are Lawyers, Computer Scientist, Quantity Surveyors/Architects, big traders, and some with masters degrees, etc, to sell off such a vast estate without their consent and collaboration? It just doesn’t make sense.

It is not possible, my brother. Out of the over 1000 shops and plazas my family had built and owned at Alaba intl market and in the entire history of the market I have not sold more than six shops. I repeat, I have only sold 5-6 shops.

The truth of the matter is that I have been the protector of the estate more than anyone else. As I speak, I am in High Court of Lagos State against our eldest brother who has been the one selling without the knowledge and consent of others, to stop him from selling and to recover the ones he sold without the express consent of others. Not too long ago, he sold one two story building in Apapa area of Lagos State worth N100M at a give-away price without others knowing. Hence I dragged him and the purported buyer to court to preserve ownership. People, especially the political class who barely know me, tend to talk about me and my family, without even knowing anything about what they are talking about.

Let’s move a bit from your family. Last year, you shocked Imo people when you blew the seal and informed Imo people that Uche Nwosu, the Chief of Staff and son in-law to Governor Rochas Okorocha, would run for governor in 2019. You seemed to have opposed that idea. But, a few days ago you wrote an article where you said that Uche Nwosu is qualified to run for governorship in 2019. What’s the point you were trying to make?

Is Uche Nwosu not constitutionally qualified to run for governorship election in 2019? I have never said that Uche is not qualified to run, and nobody can say that. I am for zoning and everybody knows that I have sympathy for Owerri Zone to produce the next governor.

But my position on zoning and sympathy for Owerri Zone cannot stop Uche Nwosu or any other aspirant from Orlu Zone from contesting, because the constitution allows them to contest.

The constitution also didn’t say Uche Nwosu cannot contest because he is married to the governor’s daughter.

I think politicians must be made to understand these now so that they can be more focused on how to stop Uche Nwosu through the ballot box, or Uche Nwosu will win and become the next governor. The noise or hullabaloo on Uche Nwosu and zoning was becoming too much, irritating and nauseating as if Uche Nwosu is the only one from Orlu Zone who may contest 2019 gubernatorial election.

Hon Mayor Eze has declared interest and he is from Orlu Zone. I am aware

what kind of person do you think should be governor in 2019?

This is a fantastic question. I think Ndi Imo should be talking about character, competence, credibility and integrity of the next person to become governor in order to enhance and facilitate good governance more than zoning.

We should talk about political parties embracing internal democracy, credible processes that would bring about credible candidates. We should talk about having a credible and truly independent INEC. INEC is a big problem to our democracy. We should talk about how to protect our votes from any form of manipulations etc.

The electoral body has commenced its voters’ registration exercise nationwide. Are you satisfied with the exercise? Also, can you explain how INEC is the problem?

The ongoing voters’ registration is skewed against South East with inadequate logistic and faulty card readers’ machines. It is expensive for young persons who just attained 18 years to have N500-N2000 transport fare to go to the local government headquarters from their respective homes far from the LG headquarters for registration.

INEC should carry the continuous voters’ registration exercise to ward levels, which is closer to the people and less expensive in terms of distance and money. We have seen INEC declare result/winners, which does not reflect the true mandate and conscience of the people. This is where INEC is a big problem. INEC is corrupt and dangerously corrupt.

• Uche Nwosu that Hon ThankGod Ezeani from Orlu zone is under severe pressure to join the race, and more people may join the race from Orlu Zone. Senator Uzodinma is from Orlu Zone and he is in the race, and very serious.

I have said it before, and let me say it for the umpteenth time, that I have no personal issue with Uche Nwosu. He is my brother and friend and we had been close long before now. Even when I deploy my political activism and whistle blowing on him and the government, I still go to his house or office to see him if I have need to do so.

I know the Okorocha family very well and let me tell you something you may not believe, Owelle as governor likes my political activism, whistleblowing and the energy and courage I deploy and he respects me for that. My late wife and I had worked closely with Owelle Rochas Okorocha politically as our leader, yet I didn’t support Owelle’s 2nd term in 2015 and I have my reasons for not supporting him. I supported Emeka Ihedioha, and I still believe Emeka will make a good governor.

In 2011, I supported Owelle Okorocha against Governor Ohakim even as a member of Ohakim’s administration at the local government development centre and I had my reason for not supporting Ohakim’s 2nd term bid.

I know Eze Madumere, MFR, and have known him for a long time from America and I have had the courage to advise Owelle to endorse his deputy for 2019 since he is from Owerri Zone. But, the truth of the matter is that Owelle’s endorsement is not a guarantee for vic-

tory in the election because at the end of the day, it is Imo people who will decide.

Let me also tell you that the ICT guru Leo Stan Ekeh is under pressure as well to join the race, though he is from owerri zone, and he is likely to contest.

The issue of zoning of governorship has become so untidy that every aspirant should be allowed to go and try his strength and popularity through the ballot box.

There is a raging debate in Imo State as you noted. While many people from Orlu Zone refuse to support zoning, Owerri Zone and Okigwe zones support zoning. Owerri zones say it is their turn to produce the Governor. Okigwe zone says they have one more term to complete their tenure. What’s your take?

This is why I said the issue of zoning of governorship has become so untidy that every aspirant should go and test his strength and popularity in the field through the ballot box. Dr. Ikedi Ohakim from Okigwe Zone still believes he has 2nd term to do; would you stop him on the basis of zoning? Senator Ifeanyi Ararume from Okigwe Zone believes he had been cheated and manipulated from becoming governor and he is still determined to become governor, would you stop him on the basis of zoning?

Do you think Imo people should be talking about good governance and credibility or zoning? And beyond the issue of zoning, as a whistleblower,

Can one sustain the argument that the exercise is skewed against the southeast considering that the same exercise is going on at the local government levels throughout the country?

How about the faulty card readers and inadequate logistics? In the North underage are allowed to register whereas in the south the 18 years and above are asked to produce all manners of identification to prove their eligibility.

Going back to 2011 when Governor Okorocha emerged and now, do you think Imo State is better of?

My answer to this question is simple and short: a combination of the good, the bad and the ugly.

Since 2015, the cry for marginalization of the Igbo has reared up again. Meanwhile, there is renewed call for reconstruction of the country in the midst of agitation by pro-Biafra groups. Which one is the solution: Biafra or restructuring?

Nigeria must restructure now or allow Ndi Igbo to go their separate way with Biafra. The spirit of Biafra is strong; the wave is strong.

It has been rumoured in some quarters that you will run for election in 2019. Is it true?

Yes, I will God willing. It is now I am regretting not contesting in 2003, 2007, 2011 and even 2015. But God’s time is the best. I regret because most of the people I know who contested and won these years are not better than me in anyway when they contested. It is time for me to serve my people at government level and I really want to serve them.

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Anambra 2017: Politicians, groups who will determine the outcome Anambra State Correspondent, THEO RAYS takes a look at the jostling for Anambra Government House come Novemebr 18 this year when the governorship election holds in the State and concludes that there are, indeed, a myriad of individuals and groups who will determine how the pendulum swings.

•Obiano

A

S DAYS draw nearer to the November 18, 2017 governorship election in Anambra State, The Oracle Today can report that quite a number of people and groups, as well as issues surrounding the election, are critical to the election’s final outcome.

These are people and issues that will go a long way to shaping the outcome of the election.

Notable among the people are the incumbent Governor Willie Obiano who is vying for re-election for a well-deserved second tenure having done well so far. Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who is said to have resurrected his interest to install his political godson Senator Andy Uba as governor of ‘The Light of the Nation’.

Others are former Governor Peter Obi who is said to be plotting to oust Obiano and replace him with former Secretary to the Government of Anambra State Mr Henry Oseloka Obaze; billionaire businessman Prince Arthur Eze who is said to be planning to install Hon. Tony Nwoye; Chief Chekwas Okorie, founder of United Progressives Party (UPP), who is said to have the backing of money bags to sell UPP as the real Igbo party on the Anambra poll.

There are yet other gladiators. And they include leaders of the Catholic and Anglican Churches; founder of Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Rev Fr Emma Obimma alias Ebube Muonso who has about 100,000 followers; leader of traders in the State Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo; leaders of pro-Biafra groups-Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and leaders of non-indigenes groups.

Obiano He holds the key to his own victory at the poll. Rated high for his impact on security, development in agriculture, payment of workers’ salaries, execution of rural projects worth N20million in each of the 179 communities in the State and construction of flyover bridg-

•Obasanjo

•Peter Obi

es in the State Capital, he is believed to have done quite much to warrant a re-election. But, observers say he must still up the ante in performance to seal his victory permanently.

Critics in some quarters, however, are of the view that he has not measured up too impressively to the level of performance seen under his predecessor, Mr. Peter Obi. They accuse him of not doing very well in the areas of road construction, developments in education and health sectors as well as in reaching out to the people and getting to them especially the church leaders.

is the beginning of wisdom in the state.

Obasanjo In 2007, Obasanjo as president installed Andy Uba as governor of Anambra State but that feat failed to stand the test of judicatory process as a case of tenure interpretation instituted at the Supreme Court by the then governor of Anambra Mr Peter Obi at Supreme Court sacked Uba after just 17 days in office and reinstated Obi as governor.

Ahead of 2017 governorship election in Anambra, Obasanjo is said to have resurrected his interest to have Uba as governor of ‘The Light of the Nation.

Obasanjo is said to be pushing to secure the ticket of APC for Senator Uba for the election at the moment. And if Uba gets the APC ticket he would pull his riches to Storm Anambra for the election.

Former Governor Peter Obi He remains popular and commands large following in the State. He is said to have fallen out with Obiano following his defection to the PDP and disagreement on a number of issues. The former governor is said to be fronting former SSG, Mr Obaze for Obiano’s job at the election.

Observers say that apart from falling apart with Obiano, the former governor has set his eyes at Aso Rock for higher position and wishes to use Anambra poll to advance on the ASO Rock target.

According to observers, the fear of Obi also called Okwute Ndigbo in Anambra

Prince Arthur Eze In 2013, the Ukpo-born billionaire made good attempt to deliver Hon. Tony Nwoye as the governor of Anambra but didn’t succeed. This time, on his second missionary journey, as it were, the billionaire famous for his philanthropic gestures again wishes to have his way to install Nwoye at the Government House in Awka.

At the moment he is trading tackles with Obasanjo and others to secure the ticket of APC for Nwoye and if he succeeds, Obiano and other contestants will have the Prince’s deep big pockets and Nwoye’s popularity to contend with at the polls.

Chekwas Okorie His party, the UPP is gaining ground in Anambra at the moment, courtesy of support of some people said to be moneybags. Chekwas is selling the party as the real Igbo party and people are buying into it. According to him, UPP represents Igbo interest ahead of APGA, APC and PDP and that is why Ndi Anambra will cast their vote for the party in November.

Speaking in an interview recently, the UPP leader wrote off APC and PDP in the Anambra poll, declaring that the election is a two-horse race between APGA and UPP. He said the UPP is banking on the failure of APGA to champion the Igbo cause to clinch Anambra in November, adding that the party is ready to take up the Igbo challenges where APGA has failed.

Leaders of Catholic and Anglican Churches They are also involved in midnight meetings and other things associated with electioneering process in Anambra. That shows that they are deeply involved and with large followers in their armpit, their choice and decisions are likely to strongly influence the outcome of the forthcoming election.

•Chekwas Okorie Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo He is the leader of all the traders of all the markets in Anambra State, who operate under the aegis of Amalgamated Market Traders of Anambra State (AMATAS). The markets are over 60 in number and wherever Ezenwankwo goes, they go. Ezenwankwo has openly declared total support of the traders for Obiano as, according to him, Obiano’s re-election is automatic and not negotiable.

Rev. Fr. Emma Obimma Popularly known as Ebube Muonso, he runs a Catholic Ministry that has about 100,000 worshipers at Uke in Idemili North Local Council of the State. Thus, his support can immensely boost the chances of any candidate winning the election. During the last election in 2013, there was stampede that led many worshippers to their untimely graves as politicians seeking his support came calling.

Pro-Biafra groups It won’t be bad for any candidate who receives the backing of IPOB and MASSOB in the November election. They have large followers and investigation shows that they have voter cards. Considering their high numerical strength, their influence in the election cannot be overemphasised--if they eventually decide to participate in the election.

Non-indigenes They have high numerical strength in six local councils namely: Awka South, Onitsha North and South, Idemili North, Ogbaru and Nnewi North respectively.

Interestingly, they have decided to form a circle and channel their strength in one direction. Coming together under one umbrella makes them very important in the election and blessed is the candidate who will gain their votes.

There is no gainsaying that the influence of the aforementioned individuals and groups on the electorate will go along way in determining the outcome of the election.

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Hon. Okorie: Buhari has failed Nigerians Hon. Linus Okorie is a two-term Member representing Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State in the Federal House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this interview with CHINEDU NWAFOR, he speaks on the failure of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government, accusing it of impunity and non-adherence to the rule of Law. As the House Committee Chairman on Agriculture, Okorie also speaks on effort being made by the House to reform the sector. Excerpts:

H

OW has Nigeria fared under APC government led by Muhammadu Buhari? Has the party delivered on its change mantra?

I would say that Nigeria is not out of the woods yet. As a matter of fact, the present government came on a premise of change and in winning the election, Nigerians expected positive change. A lot of change has occurred but, I am afraid to say, more in reverse direction, more of negative than positive. Today, the key point on which President Buahri won the election is anticorruption. The war against corruption has turned out to be a lot of noise without impact and a lot of action without movement.

You find that mainly PDP people are the victims and target of anti-corruption and that would not have been a problem anyway if it was done within the bounds of the rule of Law and confine of the ethics of law. But you find the courts are giving orders and they are not being obeyed. In other words, the greatest integrity test for any government of democracy is the operation of the rule of law. By the operation of the anti corruption drive, this government is trampling on the rights of people and decimating the rule of Law. Anti-corruption, as you pointed out, is one of the areas the Buhari Administration has paid much attention to. What is your rating of this government in this regard?

On the score of anti-corruption, I am afraid that I will score them below 50 per cent. On the score of welfare of citizens, because the constitution says that the primary objective of governance is the security and welfare of the people, every Nigerian knows that between 2015 and today, the prices of rice, garri, yam and all the other staples foods we eat today in this part of the world, have skyrocketed by over 200, 300, some by 1000 per cent.

The federal government has churned out numerous economic policies including the recent economic recovery policy.

Do you see this paying off?

People have lost their jobs more than at any other time in the history of Nigeria.

The Stock Market has witnessed a steeper decline than at any other time in Nigerian history. The exchange rate has been so bad that naira has moved from about 160 at the time they took over to N500 at a point and now N380 to a dollar. So, in the parameter that will bring about good life and improve the welfare of the people, this government has also failed and the people are suffering.

There is hunger. Salaries are not being paid for those who are still earning in employment. Companies are sacking people, state governments are not able to pay, local governments in any state cannot pay except in a few States like Ebonyi, which effects con-

Hon. Okorie sistent monthly payment of salaries.

What do you think could be done to address the present ugly situation under the APC government?

At the federal level, there is not much to cheer. You see, no government is perfect but before you make any change, you should look well and know the kind of change that is coming to you so that you do not move from the frying pan into the fire. Which is akin to what happened: voting out PDP and voting in APC, which has put us in a far worse situation.

So, the federal government has a lot to do to justify the vote they got in the last election. They should focus on what is important.

Firstly, operate on the basis of the rule of Law, and avoid the rule of man. Rule of Law is the foundation of democracy. Secondly, we must come out with policies that can address the poor economic situation in the country. This is fundamental. As we speak today, we don’t have a direction.

The newly launched economic recovery plan of the federal government is seen only on paper; we need to see it.

Agriculture is now the way to go; what do you think should be done to encourage rural farmers to improve on their produce?

The policy on agriculture, which is one area of focus in the quest for the diversification of the economy, should be implemented in a sustainable manner. This is in order to sustain agricultural growth and encourage farmers. We are in the farming

President Buhari season already and we have not been giving out necessary inputs that farmers need to get things done.

If farmers do not get the inputs they need, they go to the farm and all the raining season passes and then you bring the input, what will they do with them? Will they eat the fertilizer, or will they go and drop it on the farm just for the purpose of dropping? So, we must have a focus and direction and policy. This is what federal government needs to do.

What is the National Assembly, particularly House of Representatives, doing to assist in revamping the Nigeria’s ailing economy?

At the level of the legislature where I function, we do a lot to call the executive to order. We have asked for public hearing on the economic recovery plan and we sent about 21 suggested ideas to Mr. president and we look forward to his implementing them and adding to other ideas we are to come up with. So, the federal government needs to operate by the rule of law to respect the will of the people, come out with proper economic policy and diligently implement in such manner as will engender growth and fight unemployment.

As the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture in the House of Representatives, what are your challenges?

The greatest challenge we have in agriculture is that we have a history of very rudimentary practices in agriculture and no economy can sustain agricultural production to the level of achieving food se-

curity and foodstuff sufficiency without modernizing each practice. So, we are finding a situation where we must work hard through research for improvement in our agricultural practice. We need to concentrate on research, training and extension so that we can change and take away the drudgery that is in agriculture and turn it to something interesting with necessary technological support and bring enough impetus to make it attractive to young ones. The young ones are the future in the country and youths must find agriculture an attractive engagement and get into it as a business. And until we do that, we will still be going round and round in a circle that does not take us to the right direction.

What would be your most cherished legacy to the people when you bow out of the green chambers?

I am looking forward to a reformed agricultural research sub-sector in Nigeria and as we speak today, we already have a Bill, the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Bill and Re-enlightenment Act, which has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.

We are looking forward to finding enough support from the stakeholders, my colleagues to pass that bill. That bill will find a sustainable foundation for agricultural research training in Nigeria. And if that bill is signed into law, I would say that is the one legacy that will be sustainable. That bill is still my bill and I am very passionate about it because I know it will bring enough transformation in the field of agriculture in the country.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5 2017

POLITICS

God is denying Buhari chance to humiliate Ndigbo –ex-market leader

...Says rejection of APC in 2015 by Ndigbo justified

CHIEF OZO ANAKWE is the former President-General of the defunct Onitsha Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association (OMATA) who is also a prominent stakeholder and opinion leader in the affairs of Anambra State and indeed Ndigbo. In this interview with our Anambra State Correspondent, THEO RAYS, he speaks on a range of current issues such as quit notice handed down to Ndigbo by Arewa Youths to vacate the north by the October 1 this year of face the consequences of recalcitrance, Buhari’s alleged hatred of Ndigbo, this November 18 governorship election in Anambra State, among others. Excerpts: How do you look at Nigeria in the ab- convened by former President Goodluck Jonathan. sence of Buhari?

This is because you cannot IGERIA is moving on without Presi- refuse to move and still dent Mohammadu Buhari. His ab- prevent others from movsence has given people the oppor- ing forward. tunity to let him see and understand his Those Northern leaders failure. The success of Sit-at-Home by the who believe in justice and Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) was fair-play know that they because of the treatment meted to the are not fair to Ndigbo, that South East and South South by President they have ill-treated EastBuhari. The ill-treatment he has been giving erners but those who have us since he came to power has united South no conscience still want the East and South South. And because God is state quo to remain. They against what he is doing, he has refused to should allow us to move give him the strength to complete his mis- if they are not interested in moving—and from the sion against Ndigbo.

I do not share the view of those who urge look of things, they are not us to pray for Buhari to die. But in as much interested in moving. They as l am not wishing him dead, I cannot pray are satisfied seeing their for somebody, who is against my people, brother in power not mindmy future, who does not include my people ing the high level of hunger, in all his appointments, who sent my peo- joblessness among, and ple to prison without conviction by court suffering of, the masses. of competent jurisdiction, who refused to How do you see the recourt-martial the soldiers who were killing my people who engaged in peaceful cent utterances by Dr. demonstration, who told Femi Fani-Kayode Chris Ngige that Ndigbo that he hates Igbos, that he will not forgive are not benefitting from them. Wishing him success is for him to suc- Buhari’s administration ceed in eliminating my people. So, I disagree because they did not conwith the clergies who told the Christians to tribute to his electoral sucpray for Buhari. They should count me out. cess?

In my opinion, he is talkMy prayer is that whoever will want to eliminate Ndigbo and the people of South South ing from a shallow mind. shall not succeed. And I am saying it in the We (Ndigbo) have been name of Jesus. vindicated by Buhari’s poor performance.

The decision of Ndigbo not to vote APC has What is your view on the quit order on been justified by Buhari’s non-performance.

Ndigbo residing in the North by the Arewa Igbo leaders examined Buhari before the Youths? election and found out that he would not I advise Arewa youths to emulate other deliver, that giving him power would not ethnic groups like Afenifere, Ijaw, Ohaneze be in the interest of the country. Those who Ndigbo and other progressive youth groups sponsored his election are disappointed; in the country to embrace education. It will they are not proud of the government they help them learn technology instead of stay- worked hard to enthrone. My question is, ing in the bush and learning violence and are the Christians in the North who voted how to destroy lives and properties of Ni- for him happy today? They are not. Are the gerians, especially those of Ndigbo. What Southern Kaduna people who voted for him they must concern themselves with is how happy today? Are the Yorubas who voted to understand that as future leaders they for him happy today? Are the APC members should imbibe the habit of going to school. happy today? Is British Government that Ndigbo can go without their properties in worked for his election proud of his electhe North but with their hard work, they tion? Will Obama and Cameron be bold to can recover them in less than 20 years but say they sponsored Buhari? if left for Arewa youths they can squander Are members of security agencies in the them in less than five years. This shows that country happy with the type of lopsided they don’t have conscience. Their thinking recruitments that have taken place under is that Ndigbo should not complain about Buhari? Are Nigerians generally happy with non-appointment of Ndigbo into positions the performance of INEC today? What of

by Buhari because they failed to vote for the strained relationship between the ExBuhari ecutives and the National Assembly? What is the relationship between Buhari and NiWhat is the way forward? geria’s judiciary? Where in the world has the The way forward is for Nigerians to choose type of bail condition given to Nnamdi Kanu two options--either allow Biafra to go or by Justice Nyako happened? How many Nitake the advice of Ndigbo to fundamentally gerians have been in prison without trial? restructure Nigeria, according to the rec- How many times has the government reommendations of the National Conference fused outright to obey the order of courts

N

• President Buhari They are not there to protect the people and government of Nigeria. By now, Buhari should be facing impeachment because he has committed a lot of impeachable offences, if we go by the Constitution of the Federal Republic. Even market women know that he cannot contest in 2019. What are they going to tell Nigerians to convince us to re-elect him? Nothing, absolutely Nothing!

of competent jurisdiction? What do they say about the persistent recession in the country with a lot of Nigerians suffering?

These are the questions Senator Ngige and other supporters of Buhari should answer.

The economy is not moving forward. Our naira has drastically fallen against the dollar. Inflation is on the increase. How many employment opportunities have we had since the inception of this government? Unemployment rate in the country has gone up. How many roads and other infrastructure has this government built? How many megawatts have they added to the national grid? Our industries have closed down. How many people have Fulani herdsmen killed, yet the Federal Government has never done anything about such killings? Since independence till date, no president of Nigeria has assaulted the Judiciary as Buhari has done. We can go on and on.

Buhari is unable to run the country because he has stayed in the hospital more than he has stayed in his office. Even then, some people still insist he will contest again.

How do you see this?

They are talking about second term when he has not been able to rule in the first term.

My problem is that the National Assembly is not up and doing. What did Obasanjo do when the then National Assembly moved to impeach him? They are there for jamboree.

What of the November 18, 2017 governorship election in Anambra State? APC has boasted it will win at all cost. And a lot of politicians are rushing to the party to contest the governorship election?

Those rushing to APC are like a lady rushing to a man to protect him against a masquerade. Immediately she runs to the man, the masquerade will stop pursuing him. Tell me those who are rushing to APC who has never held political appointment? For people like Jim Nwobodo, once beaten twice shy. Some of them were alleged to have embezzled PDP campaign fund. Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), has been prosecuting Fani-Kayode, why not prosecute these people as well. They have been running to APC to shield themselves and nothing more But I want to tell you that all their boasts are empty. The Anambra State I know, their members and sympathizers are not more than 18 persons in each local council. And dreaming of capturing Anambra State is like a tortoise, boasting he will defeat an elephant. Those top politicians who crossed over to APC have lost about 98 per cent of their supporters. My advice to them is to join other parties, not APC, if they are serious about contesting the coming governorship election. Their hopes and confidence are in INEC and the security agencies, not in the voters of Anambra State. As far as the Anambra I know is concerned, and in my capacity as the former President-General of traders in the State, there is no APC in Anambra State as at today.

17

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

BU$IN£SS •Energy •Finance

•Stock

•Insurance

•Aviation

•e-Platform

Policy inconsistency mars refinery rehab plans

Energy

Indigenous production sees 12.8 kbd upside

In this feature story, Deputy Editor SOPURUCHI ONWUKA recaptures the previous efforts of government that nearly delivered full recovery of Nigeria’s internal refining capacity and the subsequent relapse into capacity sub-optimization, potential cost overruns and ultimately moribund status occasioned by policy disconnect.

K

e-Platform India to invest $4bn in Nigerian telecom P17

Aviation Airline operators call for clear policy to grow Nigerian aviation sector P20 •Kaduna refinery (inset) Minister of Petroleum Ibe Kachikwu islators faulted the deal on the grounds of transparency breaches.

Two former Managing Directors of the Refinery who spoke to The Oracle Today criticised the minister’s approach to recovering the refineries as ‘very ignorant in running refining business.’

They said the nation’s three refining companies operating four plants located in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna neither required commercial concession agreements nor huge borrowing to rebound to appreciable capacity uti-

CBN EXCHANGE RATES JUNE 23, 2017 Currency Buying

(NGN) US DOLLAR 304.85 Pounds Sterling 387.8607 EURO 340.6089 SWISS FRANC 313.7931 YEN 2.7397 CFA 0.4999 WAUA 419.7009 YUAN/RENMINBI 44.5672 S/AFRICAN RAND 23.5587 DANISH KRONA 45.7863 SDR 420.3882

P16

–Minister

Central Selling (NGN) (NGN) 305.35 305.85 388.4968 389.133 341.1676 341.7262 314.3078 314.8224 2.7442 2.7487 0.5099 0.5199 420.3892 421.0776 44.6407 44.7143 23.5974 23.636 45.8614 45.9365 421.0777 421.7672

The goal, according to NNPC, was to quickly displace significant volume of petroleum products imported into the country, substantially cut subsidy bill on government, and also evolve a sustainable model for use of in-country capacity for maintenance of all local refineries.

”

”

lization.

Earlier, eminent economist and former Minister of national Planning, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, who had

headed a ministerial task force to audit the health of the plants, had warned government not to abdiContinues P16

ey players in the Nigerian midstream petroleum industry are surprised that the minister of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, is still shopping about $1.2 billion (about N600 billion) to revive the nation’s ailing refineries despite full procurements and running contracts already deployed by government for the same purpose.

The minister had declared in Abuja that government plans to raise the princely sum to upgrade the plants and cut imports by 2019. Same targets were nearly delivered in a highly funded programme the minister inherited in 2015.

While he said no loan agreement has been signed on the refinery rehabilitation plan, Dr. Kachikwu declared that a technical committee was already deployed to work out an arrangement for the approval of the Federal Executive Council before his ministry and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) would launch into the money market.

He said the refinery rehabilitation programmes would be a replacement for his previous attempt to concession the plants to private investors, adding that a planned refinancing arrangement would fund the programme.

The minister had earlier announced concession of the 210 barrel per day Port Harcourt Refinery Company (PHRC) to Italy’s Eni and indigenous Oando Plc who already operate joint venture with NNPC in the upstream end of the industry.

In objection, the Senate had promptly pulled down the concession arrangement which authorised the private joint venture partners to repair, operate and maintain the refinery. The leg-

•Tourism

Insurance

Insurgencies, harsh environment force insurers to rejig portfolios P22

Stock Market Highlights As At 23 June, 2017

Summary

ASI 32,122.14 DEALS 5,456.00 VOLUME 417,568,366.00 VALUE 3,246,563,461.08 CAP 11,107,927,530,111.58 Most Traded S/N Coy (By Volume) Volume 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Value

5 Top Gainers Company Last Close Current Change ASHAKACEM 16.27 17.08 0.81 OANDO 6.91 7.24 0.33 TRANSCOHOT 6.55 6.87 0.32 CHAMPION 2.67 2.93 0.26 GUARANTY 34.34 34.5 0.16

Top Losers Company Last Close Current Change TRANSCORP 71,613,518 99,355,716.20 DANGCEM 205 195.6 -9.4 ACCESS 65,501,173 593,646,956.62 NB 158.03 151.9 -6.13 64.8 61.56 -3.24 FBNH 48,872,765 287,561,429.85 OKOMUOIL WAPCO 51.15 48.6 -2.55 FCMB 31,426,329 37,413,035.98 ZENITHBANK 30,502,478 621,842,467.19 CAP 34.99 33.25 -1.74

18

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

BUSINESS Gov. Ugwuanyi woos investors to Enugu

G

overnor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has urged foreign and local investors to exploit the abundant human and material resources available in the state.

Ugwuanyi who made the call in Enugu, weekend, while inspecting the multi billion naira housing estate built in collaboration with a private firm, FIT Consult, said that the state was blessed with abundant human and material resources awaiting exploitation.

The governor who explained that the housing project was a joint venture between the state government and the company under a Public Private Participation (PPP) arrangement, said that the project was aimed at addressing the housing need of the people as well as create jobs in the state.

Ugwuanyi, however, expressed satisfaction with the work done so far on the project and commended the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Chief Loretta Aniagolu, for having faith in his administration.

Earlier, Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Mr Solomon Onah, said the state government provided 60 hectares of land and facilities comprising road network, electricity, water and waste management.

Onah said the company was committed to designing a medium density residential area.

Nigeria seeks stronger economic relations with Ghana, Tunisia

By VICTOR NZE

N

igeria and Ghana have agreed to intensify bilateral cooperation for the growth of both countries as well as that of the West African sub-region. This is also as the Federal Government has expressed the desire to further strengthen and expand cooperation with Tunisia especially in the area of trade and investment.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity (Office of the VicePresident), Mr Laolu Akande, who confirmed this development in a statement he issued in Abuja, weekend, said that the bilateral agreement between Nigeria and Ghana was part of the outcome of the closed door meeting between Acting President Yemi Osinbajo and the visiting Ghanaian President Nana AkufoAddo, which held at the official residence of the Nigerian acting President, in Abuja.

According to Akande, during the meeting that followed, the two leaders highlighted the critical role that Nigeria and Ghana play as the “centre piece’’ of the West African subregion.

“Discussions between the two leaders touched on the forthcoming African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, ongoing negotiations on the Continental Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), and the revitalisation of the

Ghana-Nigeria Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation.

“Both leaders pledged to intensify bilateral cooperation for the benefit and development of the sub-region,’’ he said.

Akufo-Addo thanked the Acting President for receiving his delegation on a special day, when Nigeria was commemorating Eid-elFitr, adding that his visit was part of an ongoing tour of the sub-region to “take stock of what’s going on, and to renew relations’’.

Responding, Osinbajo thanked the Ghanaian president for visiting Nigeria, saying: “We are extremely excited about the ECOWAS sub-region and hope that we will be able to do a lot together.’’

Members of Akufo-Addo’s delegation included Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, and Minister of National Security, Albert Kan Dapaah, as well officials of Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama has expressed Nigeria’s desire to further strengthen and expand cooperation with Tunisia especially in the area of trade and investment.

According to a statement released by the minister’s media aide, Sarah Sanda, weekend, in Abuja, the minister made this known when he visited Tunisian President, Béji Essebsi, at the Carthage Palace in Tunis.

Onyeama’s visit to that country, which was on the invitation of his Tunisian counterpart, Khémaies Jhinaoui, was the first time in over 30 years that a high level Nigerian official had visited Tunisia.

The minister expressed Nigeria’s desire to further develop trade exchanges and to benefit from the investment opportunities available in both countries.

The minister who spoke of the need to raise the level of cooperation between all African countries, considering that trade exchange between African countries is still weak, also reviewed the challenges faced by Nigeria and emphasised that the priorities of the government’s work were to end terrorism.

According to him, other priorities of the government include establishing a system of good governance, create jobs for young people, and diversify the income sources of the Nigerian economy.

Responding, the Tunisian president had stressed the need for enhanced cooperation between both countries, just as he also emphasized the need for them to share experiences through the exchange of visits between senior officials.

Essebsi urged Nigeria to play its natural pivotal role in the development of the African continent to achieve a better future for its peoples.

Freight forwarders endorse customs’ online auctions

he National Association of Government Approved TFreight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has said that the introduction of an electronic platform to conduct auctions by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will restore stakeholders’ confidence.

NAGAFF Secretary, Ikorodu Chapter, Mr Obinna Okafor, who said this in Lagos, weekend, stated that with the online biding transaction, the sales would be less difficult and fraud free.

The NCS would commence online auction sales of overtime and impounded cargoes on July 1.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Retired Col. Hameed Ali, had recently announced the Customs decision to change the old method through which overtime or seized goods were sold to the public.

“This is in pursuance of an allembracing reform in the service to correcting the ills at the ports involving officers, and ensuring that there is transparency in whatever the service does,’’ Ali said.

The electronic platform was already undergoing user acceptability test.

Okafor, a freight forwarder in the Ikorodu Overtime and Auction Customs Terminal Command, commended the NCS for going online in the biding process.

•Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo (middle) flanked (L-R) by: Alh Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, President Azman Air; Mr. Samson Fatokun, Area Mgr. South-West Africa, IATA; Alh Kashim B.Shettima, Chairman SkyJet; Nogie Meggison, Chairman AON; Jacky Hathiramani, CEO Dana Air, Allen Onyema CEO Air Peace.

NTDC to explore more tourism potential via technology

By VICTOR NZE

T

he Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) has stated that it will deploy the modern technology as it seeks to explore Nigeria’s abundant tourism potential spread the country.

A statement signed by the Assistant Director, Press Unit of the corporation, Mrs Adamma Afanga, Friday, Abuja, also said the NTDC would move to partner with other relevant MDAs in the move to tap these resources.

“We are in the digital era; Nigeria has to explore all the tourism benefits through adaptation and deploying the best technology along the tourism value chain.”

According to her, the corporation would also partner with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to ensure a quick

intervention on some tourism assets in the South-South region.

“It was necessary to redefine the tourism sector by giving it a brand identity that is easy to sell in order to stimulate economic growth as well as re-positioning the Nigerian Tourism Industry. There is need to redefine the tourism sector in Nigeria; we need to start within our domain, focusing on consumption of our assets, promotion and development of domestic tourism.”

The corporation further disclosed that redefining the tourism industry would have multiple effects on job creation, poverty alleviation, as well as strengthen the nation’s GDP and currency, just as it also called on investors to promote domestic tourism, describing Nigeria as a tourism market, with a vibrant and dynamic business environment.

•DG, NTDC, Folarin Coker

19

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

BUSINESS Etisalat launches BlazeOn, in Nigeria

By VICTOR NZE

T

Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) , Mr. Folorunsho Folarin-Coker, ® Chairman, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba during a courtesy visit to the NDDC office the NTDC boss to ensure collaboration and partnership for sustainable tourism development held at the Commission in Abuja recently.

Tax Evaders have till Dec. 31 to update status -- FG

By CHRIS EBONG

F

ederal Government has said it expects to raise more than $1 billion in a tax amnesty programme that encourages individuals and companies to clear unpaid bills by the end of this year.

Tax evaders including multinational companies will have from July 1 to Dec. 31 to “regularize their tax status in exchange for immunity from prosecution of tax offenses,’’ and “from penalty charges and interest,’’ Finance ministry said in a statement.

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo will formally launch the program on June 29

to kick start the program as funds raised will enable government which collects taxes amounting to about 6 percent of its economic output, to reduce “borrowing needs, allow investment in vital infrastructure and spur development,’’ the government said.

The Voluntary Asset and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) to be launched

by Osinbajo will be executed jointly by Federal and state governments, and will also concentrate on the national duty of all Nigerian companies and citizens to pay their taxes.

Nigeria plans to increase spending this year by 21 percent to 7.4 trillion

naira ($22.8 billion), according to a budget signed into law this month. The fiscal plan, aimed at spurring economic recovery from its first recession in 25 years, requires funds to help the oil producer plug a deficit the government expects will amount to about 2.2 percent of gross domestic product.

Tax evaders in the country are subject to imprisonment of up to five years, payment of penalties of up to 100 percent of tax owed plus a compound interest rate of 21 percent per year as well as forfeiture of assets, according to the statement.

NSE moves to review market indices

By SAMSON AKINTARO

T

he Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has announced plans to review the market’s indices covering the NSE 30, and the six sectoral indices of the Exchange, which are NSE Consumer Goods, NSE Banking, NSE Insurance, NSE Industrial, NSE Oil & Gas and the NSE Lotus Islamic Indices.

These indices are normally reviewed bi-annually (June and December) except for NSE Pension index that is reviewed once in the year (December).

The review is expected to bring changes to composition of quoted companies under each category, which would lead to entry/re-entry as well as exit of some major companies. The composition of these indices after the review will be effective on July 1, 2017.

The NSE-30 and NSE Industrial Indices are modified market capitalization index with the numbers of included stocks fixed at 30 and 10 respectively.

The Stocks are selected based on their market capitalization from the most liquid sectors. The liquidity is based on the number of times the stock is traded during the preceding two quarters. According to the Exchange, to be included the stock must have traded for at least

70 percent of the number of times the market opened for business.

“The Exchange is aware that the number of the stocks included in some of the indices may not be practically suitable for optimal portfolio diversification however the numbers would be reviewed as sector conditions change” it said. The Nigerian bourse began publishing the NSE 30 Index in February 2009 with index values available from January 1, 2007.

On July 1, 2008 The NSE developed

four sectoral indices and developed the NSE Pension Index in 2013 with a base value of 1 000 points designed to provide investable benchmarks to capture the performance of specific sectors.

The sectoral indices comprise the top 15 most capitalized and liquid companies in the Insurance and Consumer Goods sectors, top 10 most capitalized and liquid companies in the Banking and Industrial Goods sector, and the top seven most capitalized and liquid companies in the Oil & Gas sector.

Nigeria, Libya supply growth forces oil price drop il prices tumbled to a nine-month Libyan oil production rose by more O closing low Tuesday on growing than 50,000 barrels per day (BPD) to supplies out of Libya and Nigeria, hit- 885,000 barrels per day, after ending a ting shares of Dow Jones industrial average components Exxon Mobil and Chevron.

U.S. crude settled 2.2 per cent lower at $43.23 a barrel after dipping below $43 intraday. Oil is now in bear territory.

But prices edged up a bit after the close as inventory data from the American Petroleum Institute showed a drawdown of 2.7 million barrels last week, more than estimates.

dispute with a German oil company that opened two more fields, according to a Reuters source.

Libya is exempt from the current OEPC and top non-OPEC producer deal to remove 1.8 million barrels of crude per day from the market to help boost oil prices.

Exports from Nigeria, also exempt from the output cut, are expected to hit 226,000 BPD in August vs. 164,000 BPD in July, according to Reuters figures.

elecommunications operator, Etisalat Nigeria is launching its time-based mobile data solution BlazeOn, powered by Comptel’s FWD solution, in the Nigerian market.

“Most internet users in Nigeria don’t know how much mobile data they consume while browsing or streaming. BlazeOn, our timebased data plan addresses this situation by redefining the purchase experience for our customers.

“BlazeOn demonstrates Etisalat Nigeria’s commitment to deliver superior customer experience to its subscribers. Our goal is to create more value for our customers by improving quality and introducing innovation. By getting more people online, we hope to empower Nigerians to reach their potential and thereby stimulate the economy,” said Etisalat Nigeria’s director, Consumer Segment, Adeolu Dairo, Monday.

According to Dairo, FWD is a cloud-based solution that enables contextual, time-based data packages to be purchased directly from end user devices.

“It makes the data purchasing process more personal for consumers, allowing them to purchase mobile data in bite-sized chunks that are easier to understand and manage than traditional, rigid data packages. Distributing FWD through a white-label approach also provides operators with a new way to leverage their trusted brand with existing and new customers, while maximizing data revenues,” he said.

With FWD’s dynamic pricing capabilities, Etisalat also has the option to create data “happy hours” and differentiate pricing at off-peak or peak hours. During these times, FWD’s management platform allows the operator to create, price and target the specialized data offering in real-time, and then monitor its performance to better tailor future offerings.

Ebonyi Govt, BoI, sign N2bn MoU to empower SMEs

E

bonyi State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bank of Industry (BoI) for a N2 billion matching fund to empower operators in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the state.

Managing Director of BoI, Mr Olukayode Pitan, who disclosed this at a meeting between the bank and State Governor, David Umahi, Friday, in Abuja, said that the bank would work with the state to ensure that it provides training for the entrepreneurs.

“Like in Ebonyi, where the emphasis is on solid minerals, we have a team that does that; we also plan to provide training for the miners.

We are going to have joint assessment of the project to be financed because not every project can be financed automatically.

“This project is a starting point; N1billion from Ebony State Government and N1 billion from BoI, but if we are able to use this money very quickly, nothing is stopping us from having a phase two and three. Our people must be empowered, there are too many graduates moving around without jobs. Graduates without jobs are becoming dangerous armed robbers.

On the process of accessing loans by young graduates, Pitan said that the bank would review its strategy, stressing that the orientation of Nigerians needed to change, adding that “intervention funds are not their own part of the national cake.’’

Remarking, Umahi said that it was challenging that BoI’s loan could only be accessed in six months, as he expressed the displeasure that the time frame of six months in accessing BoI’s loans was discouraging and therefore should be discouraged in the country.

“We in Ebonyi feel very strongly that we need your help but about two weeks ago, something frightened us when we met with one of your financial consultants that told us that it takes abºout six months to access your fund.

20

The Oracle Today WednesdayJuly 5, 2017

ENERGY

Indigenous production sees 12.8 kbd upside Stories by Sopuruchi Onwuka

T

he volume of crude oil output by indigenous oil companies in the country is to rise by 12,800 barrels per day as three marginal field operators with licenses in the Niger Delta begin production activities.

The three fields including Atala, operated by Century Exploration and Production Company Limited; Eromor Field operated by Excel Exploration and Production Company Limited; and Oza Field, operated by Emerald Energy Resources Limited; are to inject initial 12.8 kbd into the indigenous production pool in the short term.

According to industry magazine, Africa Oil+Gas Report, whereas Century and Excel have achieved first oil, Emerald which is believed to be owned by former Presidential Adviser on Energy, Dr. Emmanuel Egbogah, is a partner with Mullenium Oil and Hardy Oil which are locked in a local consortium expected to announced first oil very soon.

The Oracle today gathered that Century Energy E&P is on course of putting the Atala Marginal Field on stream with initial crude oil output

•Lagos- Bayelsa Oil Company Limited (BOCL) and Century Exploration and Production

estimated to account for 2000 barrels per day.

According to the report, Atala field license is held by the Bayelsa Oil and Gas Company, one of the three state companies which won an asset in the 2003 marginal field round, while Century is only a technical and financing partner with core economic interest of over 50

percent.

The field development project is funded by Eunisell Solutions, a service company which will realize its investment from the proceeds of the crude output.

“What remains are minor permitting issues and installation of sales line metres for evacuation purposes”, say sources familiar with the

Atala field production procedures.

2,000 BOPD from two reservoirs, will be delivered into barges and ferried into an FSO for export.

Offtaker is Monaco. Part of the cash flow from Atala-1 production is expected to fund the drilling of Atala-2.

We gathered that Excel E&P has started injecting about 800 bar-

rels of crude oil from Eremor field into the TransForcados system.

Millenium Oil and Gas is said to be working to deliver first oil from Oza field in less than two months.

Millenium’s, Hardy Oil and Emerald Resources work on Oza field’s Early Production Facility (EPF) and tie-in at SPDC’s Isimiri flowstation, Pipe laying of 27.5km of 3” inter well flowlines and 3” and 6” test and crude delivery pipelines from the Oza manifold to Isimiri flow station are all done.

Well test on Oza-2 Short and Long strings gave results suggesting productions of as high as 1,500BOPD on Choke 22 (shortstring) from the L9.0 sand and 10,000BOPD on Choke 20 (longstring) from the M2.1 sand. Production on both strings had low GOR (between 250scf/Bbl and 1,000scf/Bbl). Oza field’s production is the least certain of the three.

The licences to these fields were awarded in 2003, and the fields form part of the late runners in the valorisation of marginal fields held by local indigenous companies most of which operate with the help of local and foreign technical and funding partners.w

Policy inconsistency mars refinery rehab plans

Continued from P13 cate its leadership role in the industry to private investors.

He had advised government to strive to revive and upgrade the plants as a deliberate strategy to encourage local and foreign direct investment in local refining.

Consequently, the previous administration of the government had deployed huge funds to enable NNPC directly deliver rehabilitation of the refineries using spare parts and sundry from original equipment manufacturers.

In the period between 2015 and early 2016, PHRC Limited activated and nearly completed comprehensive but phased rehabilitation programme to deliver optimal processing capacity of the plants and full yield of different petroleum products.

The goal, according to NNPC, was to quickly displace significant volume of petroleum products imported into the country, substantially cut subsidy bill on government, and also evolve a sustainable model for use of in-country capacity for maintenance of all local refineries.

Most of the tools, equipment and sundry spare parts required for the rehabilitation and upgrade were successfully procured from the original equipment manufacturers while technical crew of the of the company and indigenous contractors were fully mobilized on different schedules of the job.

Newsmen who were conducted round the refinery witnessed intensive rehabilitation activities at the two plants in the refining complex as both contractors and technical crew of the company scurried with equipment, spare parts and tools.

Former Managing Director of the company, Dr. Bafred Audu Enjugu, told visiting journalists in Port Harcourt that the management of the company, with support of the parent Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), had used the

”

Experts that participated in the panel discussion had sharply disagreed with the plan and advised government to instead explore expansion plans inherent in the development plans for the existing refineries. They also warned against using Nigeria as dumping ground for brownfield plants being decommissioned from other countries where regulation is driving high sulphur fuel specification out of demand.

“

period of crude supply glitch at the refinery to embark on rehabilitation of Area I which hosts the crude distillation unit (CDU) to pave way for simultaneous operations and upgrade of other units ahead of crude supply restoration.

According to the plan explained

by Dr. Enjugu, Area I of the refining complex was prioritised because of process sequence while the optimization units such as the Catalytic Reformation Unit (CRU) and the Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU) were to be rehabilitated subsequently. The later units, he said, would further process initial output of the CDU to produce premium products used for blending primary products of CDU to achieve products of high octane rating.

All requirements were met for the 210, 000 barrel per day refinery to exceed 80 percent availability by first quarter of 2016 when all the units were expected to have been fully revamped and upgraded.

The use of local workforce to deliver the job was a challenge NNPC had taken in the absence of willingness from the original refinery builders to defy Boko Haram security threats that resounded across the globe at the time the job was scheduled.

Before then, Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) of the refinery was planned to be handled by the original builders of the plant by the government but the JGC of Japan which built the plant could not honour the contract due to security concerns about Nigeria. It however recommended Technimont of Italy to carry out the job.

Dr. Enjugu had explained that the contract could not progress when Technimont submitted outrageous charges and failed to provide performance guarantee for the job.

Pointing at the strategic economic and security importance of the refineries, Dr. Enjugu said that NNPC decided to mobilize its retired and active workforce as well

as credible indigenous contractors with reputation of performance to take the challenge.

On the standard of work, Dr. Enjugu said that all the technicians deployed in the work are skill certified, adding that their knowledge, experience, discipline and perseverance would be brought to bear on the job.

No lost time on injury was recorded during the rehabilitation project as safety experts from sister refineries of NNPC at Warri and Kaduna were all mobilised to Port Harcourt to assist during the entire period of the work.

Dr. Enjugu pointed out that the strategy afforded Nigerians the first full opportunity to handle a significant scope of refinery rehabilitation in the country, explaining that success of indigenous technicians at the job would resonate across Africa.

He also pointed out that cost saving has remained one of the greatest values so far, stressing that use of indigenous workforce enabled the project move faster at low cost, boosted confidence in the workers deployed in the job as well as provide opportunities for some of the parts to be fabricated locally in Port

Harcourt using the same materials and standard codes as original equipment manufacturers.

Dr. Enjugu declared that he was happy that the original refinery builders declined to do the job, explaining that their failure had provided the opportunity to discover that the job could indeed be locally done.

He said the company’s operations and maintenance team has robust experience to bring the plants to full operations, to add maximum value to crude oil, and pump out premium products to the market.

Technical Director of DKG ITCC Limited, one of the local contractors involved in change-out of the Area 1 of the refinery, Mr. Oguntuberu Olusola Samuel, told newsmen that his company would deliver its schedule within allocated 45 days period.

He explained that whereas his company has technical partnership with DKG of Hungary, it would deliver the job with 100 percent indigenous workers, adding that the technical and safety standards of NNPC do not give room for errors.

A senior executive of DBN Limited, another local contractor en-

gaged in the rehabilitation, Mr. Hart Lawrence, declined comments on the activities and schedules of his company, citing internal communication controls.

With the works already delivered and full procurements already completed before the appointment of Dr. Kachikwu who arrived NNPC with self-imposed targets of rapid result delivery, expectations were that the refineries he met undergoing simultaneous upgrade would have been fully functional by now.

At the last Nigerian Oil and gas Conference and Exhibition in Abuja, panellists had sharply disagreed with strategies advanced by the Group Executive Director (GED) in charge of Refineries at NNPC, Mr. Anibor Kragha, who unfolded plans by the minister to rather introduce relocation of aging refineries from decommission locations across the globe to Nigeria.

Experts that participated in the panel discussion had sharply disagreed with the plan and advised government to instead explore expansion plans inherent in the development plans for the existing refineries. They also warned against using Nigeria as dumping ground for brownfield plants being decommissioned from other countries where regulation is driving high sulphur fuel specification out of demand.

Since 1999 when the current civilian administration of the country took effect, several approaches to recovering the country’s refining capacity include but not limited to failed privatization, several failed maintenance attempts, failed foreign direct investments, failed partnerships with multinational oil majors, advocacy for modular refining clusters in the Niger Delta, stalled Ogidigben industrial park scheme, current flawed colocation arrangement, and now highly criticized reinvestment in a separate rehabilitation programme.

21

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

FOCUS

N350m Nkoyo Ibori’s Children Hospital rots WHEN the foundation stone of the multi-million naira Nkoyo Ibori Children Referral Hospital was laid some years ago, the joy of indigenes of Agbarho town, in Ughelli North Local Council of Delta State, both home and abroad, knew no bounds. From Asaba, JONATHAN AWANYAI explains why the joys and hopes that the project enkindled in the people have become largely forlorn.

Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abia State Council, Comrade John Emejor (2nd from right), Executive Director, Centre for Citizens with Disability, David Anyaele (3rd from right), during a press conference by Anyaele, in Umuahia...recently.

PHOTO: Boniface Okoro

T

HE PEOPLE of Agbarho town, in Ughelli North Local Council of Delta State community had high hopes that the hospital project would not only bring access to healthcare closer to their doorsteps, but also provide employment opportunities for the youth of Agbarho and neighbouring communities as well.

“We expected that the project will boost economic activities in this area and put the name of Agbarho on the world map,” Godspower Emunotor, one of the contractors on the project, told The Oracle Today.

The hospital project was an initiative of Nkoyo Ibori, wife of the former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, in 2003, when she came up with the idea of creating a sort of medical tourist attraction in the state. The first lady conceived the initiative through her Delta Manna Foundation. As it was fashionable among first ladies of her era, even at the local council level, DMF was Mrs Ibori’s pet project, which was part of her vision of providing better life for children of indigent people of the state.

The idea gave birth to a N350million paediatric hospital, which was sited along the Warri – Port Harcourt axis of the East/West highway in Agbarho, an Urhobo community in Ughelli North Local Government Area.

The hospital sat on a massive 10-acre piece of beautiful flat land sourced (some said bought) from the joyous people of the community.

That location was carefully chosen to attract the sick and visitors from all over the region, especially nearby states of Edo, Bayelsa and Anambra. It was difficult to fault the choice of its location as made by the thinktank that settled for Agbarho after months of deliberation. The hospital that the project gave birth to has the capacity to cater for 40 babies and 20 mothers evenly distributed in two paediatric wards for in-patients. It can also meet the needs of 30 teenage patients in the adolescent wards.

The size of the land made available for the project by the Agbarho community stunned a lot of people, because leaders and people of this Urhobo clan are known to jealously guard their lands. Until recently, it was said to be a “taboo” to sell or give out any part of their land to foreigners. They were even said to be very skeptical about selling to fellow Urhobo people. In spite of this tradition that later turned out to be their undoing,

they freely gave a large chunk of land for the project.

Barely a year after the project started with funds sourced mostly from politicians, contractors and benefactors of the Ibori administration’s generosity, the Nkoyo Ibori Children Referral Hospital was inaugurated, amidst fanfare and high hopes by the then Minister of Health, Prof Alphonsus Nwosu. Speaking to journalists during a pre-opening ceremony inspection of the project, Mrs Ibori boasted that the facility would attract patients from all nooks and crannies of the nation and even beyond the shores of the country.

“It is the first of its kind in this part of the country,” she enthused, flashing a broad smile that revealed beautiful sets of sparkling teeth. It was a proud moment for her.

One of those who worked on the project, who gave his name as Tony, said the workers were well remunerated.

“This resulted in the project being completed in record time, as we were motivated to work hard on it,” he said.

However, it was neither commissioned nor put to public use. Reptiles and other animals apparently must have taken over the wards and theatres where the lives of children and their mothers were supposed to be getting saved, as the hospital site is now a forest, overgrown with elephant grass until recently when harmattan fire consumed the grasses.

Thirteen years afterwards, the facility lies in utter ruin. Residents of Agbarho and Ughelli confirmed that it had barely treated any child before its sun set.

The sprawling complex and its beautiful edifices are now barely discernible even from the expressway; even the massive steel bar gates are hidden under a dense mass of weeds. The multi-million naira buildings, ultramodern facilities, state-of-the-art medical facilities and lavish furniture lie in ruin. There was no sight of the brand new ambulance that was attached to the health facility. The scene is a far cry from that beautiful April afternoon, years ago.

The burnt down, rundown environment stands amidst a jungle of overgrown trees and weeds, occupied by rodents, wild animals, snakes and other creatures. Even lunatics and the hoodlums who hijacked the 49acre facility after its desertion in 2003 have now found it uninhabitable and abandoned it to ritual killers, wild animals and rodents, who are more at home in the thick shrubs

and trees that took it over. In 2015, the decomposing remains of a suspected female victim of ritual killing were found inside one of the structures in the building. Several parts of her body and organs were reportedly missing.

The derelict structures stand as an unabashed testament to a waste of public funds, a missed opportunity for greatness. Every time our reporter passes by the facility, the openings in the roofs kept on expanding. It was difficult to tell if the missing roof sheets resulted from decay or fire.

There were divergent opinions from the people of Agbarho on why the project was abandoned. A community elder, who did not want to be named, claimed that leaders of the community mobilised to stop the project when they discovered that Mrs. Ibori’s intention was not genuine.

“She was accused of trying to convert the hospital to her private property, whereas the project was funded through government’s money and other donor agencies, including oil companies,” he said.

Those who can throw light on the conundrum of the missing roof sheets are residents of the host community, but a handful of those approached by The Oracle Today either politely ignored the question or glared.

The glares, like everything surrounding Nkoyo Ibori Children Referral Hospital, provided more questions than answers.

One thing, however, is certain: the touted beneficiaries of the multi-million naira equipment are not the ones enjoying it. Some of the amenities being enjoyed by the rodents and other “occupants” of the medical tourists’ attraction include an intensive care unit, five detached bungalows of two and threebedroom apartments for doctors and nurses, multiple wards for in-patients, theatres, tastefully furnished waiting rooms, offices and incubators. Other facilities include water plant, 500kva generators, a morgue, laundry and spacious car parks.

Explaining how the hospital met its early unfortunate end, the Osuivie (traditional ruler) of Agbarho Kingdom, Onome Okpalefe Adjarhor III, hinted that the problem was how the initiators of the project acquired the community’s land.

He said: “The land belongs to Agbarho community, and when the government moved to establish a government hospital, 49 acres of land were given to the govern-

ment of Delta State, during the administration of Chief James Onanefe Ibori, the governor of the state in 2008. When the project was completed for commissioning, there was a misrepresentation on the part of the government: the signboard of the hospital read, Nkoyo Ibori Children Specialist Hospital, which implies that it belongs to the wife of the governor, Chief Mrs. Nkoyo Ibori, and not to the government as planned.

“This angered the people of the community; the community had to send people to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Benin-City, to confirm the project’s name. It was discovered that it was registered as Chief (Mrs.) Nkoyo Ibori’s personal project.”

The Agbarho monarch disclosed that his community unanimously sent missives to Governor Ibori, saying: “The hospital you acquired land to build is not a government hospital (and) that if he wants it, he should come and buy the land; that they don’t give their land for private business. This is why the project was stopped and it did not go further. And nobody has heard from him (the governor) since then,” the monarch added.

A high-ranking member of the kingdom, Chief David Okorere, was very blunt about his position on the hospital and the land: “The land has been taken away from the government long time ago; any organisation or government can come for the land and the community is prepared to give it out but with conditions.”

Attempts to speak with those connected with the project were not successful. Daniel Akpobo, a resident of Agbarho town, however, expressed unhappiness that the hospital project was abandoned. He frowned at what he called “the Nigerian factor.”

“This is a situation which government spends so much money on projects, only to abandon it when the project could have benefited the general public, especially the less privileged,” he said.

Others who spoke to The Oracle Today on the abandoned hospital called on the state government to put the hospital to use. They are of the opinion that the governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who is a medical doctor, should know what good could be accomplished if the hospital is functioning, more so that there is a shortfall in health care delivery system in the state.

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The Oracle Today, Wednesday July 5, 2017

e-Platform Stories by SAMSON AKINTARO

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he Minister of Communication, Barrister Adebayo Shittu has announced plans by Indian businesses to invest over $4 billion in the Nigerian telecommunications sector. According to the Minister, the deal that would facilitate this investment was struck at the recently concluded World Summit on the Information Society, WSIS Forum held in Geneva, Switzerland.

Shittu, who led a team of Nigerian delegation to the forum, said “at a side meeting with the ostensibly elated business gurus and key investors, a couple of Indian entrepreneurs convinced of our olive branch and sincerity of purpose, jumped at the offer to pull resources together in excess of $4 billion, to be invested in Nigeria’s telecom sector with emphasis on rural telephony and grassroots development”. The two parties, (Nigerian government and the Indian investors), he said, are due to meet next month to fine tune the necessary modalities.

Earlier, the Minister was said to have made presentation at one of the sessions on the various business opportunities that beckons in the nation’s telecom sector and the need for investors around the world to take full advantage of Nigeria’s strategic relevance and positioning in Africa. A statement from the Minister’s spokesperson, Victor Oluwadamilare, said Shittu extended a hand of fellowship to Indian investors and leading telecom stakeholders at the event, giving account of Nigeria’s Government’s new capabilities, transparency and the new set of business ethos under President Muhammadu Buhari, as the impetus required for investors to be engaged in legitimate businesses without let or hindrance to get adequate and timely returns on their investments.

“The audience who were held spell bound by the various giant strides of the Minister, as encapsulated by the different on-going reforms in the agencies under the Ministry, and in the overall telecom sector in the country were desirous of doing business in Nigeria” the statement read, adding that other countries with technical expertise have also indicated interest to assist the country over satellite capabilities, so as to expand the horizon of NIGCOMSAT. Meanwhile, the Minister has said that his ministry was leveraging on Information Communication Technology (ICT) for rejuvenating Nigeria’s economy as well as encouraging massive online job creation through the implementation of various initiatives. The minister, in a keynote address he delivered at the opening ceremony of the Ife Youths Economic Summit (IYES 2017) at Ile-Ife in Osun State, said in this onerous task, 28,800 unemployed youths nominees across various states of the Federation were trained in online job (Microwork and E-lancing).

The ministry, he also said, has established incubation hubs in Lagos and Calabar, which are a private and public sector collaboration aimed at catalysing the ICT industry by helping Nigerian ICT entrepreneurs create successful businesses, support the interactions between innovations and their partners and developing indigenous skills and capabilities. He added that the target of this initiative is to create 25 successful ICT businesses by 2015.

Striving to make the ICT sector, the 4th pillar of the nation’s economy in terms of contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), he said the sector, which is the fastest growing and which has contributed 9.58 percent to the country’s GDP, trained 1000 Girls in ICT in collaboration with Huawei Technologies and have sent 20 best amongst the 1000 girls already in Nigeria to China in April this year for further training.

Barr. Shittu said in its efforts to fill the about 24 percent IT vacancies in the country, the ministry “plans to build technical and job-ready ICT skills to replace expatriate expertise with highly skilled Nigerians, increase the supply of local highly skilled talent to a fast growing sector and enhance ICT industry employment opportunities.

India to invest $4bn in Nigerian telecom –Minister …As FG plans jobs creation through ICT He said, “so far, Digital Bridge Institute and other tertiary institutions are concluding an agreement with IBM (Skills Development and Research Institutes) to train 25,000 resources in 5 years (2013-2018) per institute.

“Similarly, partnership agreement had been signed with Cisco to build Cisco Academy for highest certification (CCIE: Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert) in Nigeria and with Nokia on MLab Project. The implementation of the Nokia Life programme for farmers is also at an advanced stage.

“The modules to be covered in the one month following my opening addresses have been carefully chosen; software development which is at the foundation of ICT because you need to write the instruction for the computer in a language it will

understand, the study of various electronics technologies which include computer hardware& software, operating systems, web-based information and applications, telephones and other telecommunication and multimedia products, e-commerce is the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet and web enabling technologies which are products that can be used through or in conjunction with the world wide web to surf the internet.”

Speaking at the Summit, Barr. Shittu said that youths are cardinal members of the internet ecosystem and that the ministry is strategically inclined to bringing up initiatives to cater for the interest of the nation’s youth population and working closely with various partners at national, regional and

global levels to ensure massive youth employment while fast-tracking the rejuvenation of the national economy.

He said the theme of the summit, “ICT as a Formidable Tools for Nigeria’s Economic Rejuvenation and Massive Job Creation”, is apt at this time that the country is moving out of recession and all hands are on deck to ensure gradual economic growth.

According to the minister, ICTs are creating new job opportunities and making labour markets more innovative, inclusive, and global and that there is a shift from traditional labour intensive jobs to technologyenabled jobs, adding that the ICT sector has come to play a critical role in the sustainable growth and development of nations.

MainOne launches Open-Connect Service

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ollowing the partnership of MainOne’s Data Center company, MDXi, with the Nigerian Internet Exchange, (IXPN) to improve national transit traffic in Nigeria, the company has recently announced a new interconnect service for carriers, enterprises and ISPs called Open-Connect. Open-Connect is a service that facilitates improved interconnection, collaboration and peering within the MDXi Lekki data center and the Internet Exchange. According to MainOne, the product would enable the creation of an environment that allows collocated customers connect to multiple networks, cloud and content providers while significantly reducing the cost of backhaul links to various providers and it offers competitive pricing in an open access, carrier neutral environment.

Open-Connect, it said, guarantees the best cross connect services in Nigeria, ena-

bling customers bypass the public internet and connect directly to partners, cloud and SaaS providers with secure, reliable and flexible direct connections. With connections to internet exchanges in Lagos, Amsterdam, London and Ghana and 50+ Points of Presence locations across West Africa, MainOne enables carriers, ISPs, content providers and enterprises of all sizes to quickly and easily increase their network footprint without investing heavily in additional infrastructure.

“Traffic growth is a useful indicator of the health of the entire Internet ecosystem, and helps to measure the development of the digital economy. This new interconnection service for customers within our Data Center will significantly improve traffic growth and localization in Nigeria, with reduced latency, improved speed and better quality of services to end users. This solution will enable

more operators and carriers take advantage of the connections of the IXPN within MainOne’s connected Data Center and enhance Internet traffic originating and terminating on any network in Nigeria to remain in-country” says Funke Opeke, Chief Executive Officer of MainOne. MainOne’s Open-Connect service takes advantage of the company’s recent partnership with the Nigerian Internet Exchange, which provides the Exchange with an IPV4/ V6 network, backed by diverse backhaul, links across Lagos and Nigeria. The data center, MDXi, West Africa’s premier vendorneutral data center is directly connected to MainOne’s 1.92TBPS submarine cable.

Home of West Africa’s biggest internet exchange (IXPN), MainOne’s Data Center is Africa’s only Tier III facility with PCI DSS, ISO 27001 and 9001 certifications.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

e-Platform

WEF raises alarm over impending cyber attacks

By SAMSON AKINTARO

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he world Economic Forum (WEF) has alerted businesses all over the world on impending cyber attacks, urging them to brace up ahead. The forum in a report released on Thursday warned that the cyber landscape is becoming more dangerous by the day as nearly 12 million new malware variants are discovered every month.

“Every business, financial institution, telecoms provider, energy company and government should now consider itself to be under threat from cyber criminals intent on causing devastation for gain. This evergrowing network of cyber criminals is intent on developing the most advanced attack methods to penetrate systems” it warned. While urging businesses to prepare ahead, it said

“forward-looking companies are thinking not only about how criminals can gain access to networks, but also what they do when they’re inside. The only effective response to this level of cyber attack is a major step up in cyber security to give us national-level insight and oversight that will work closely with industry and government.”

According to the forum, it is time for organizations to look differently at cyber security, and how they can rethink the risks of operating in a digital world to deliver inclusive growth.

“Cyber security has stepped beyond the realm of pure cyber security specialists. To take advantage of new opportunities, and develop as a business, you have to make sure security is a part of your wider business strategy. An important part of this is to appoint a Chief Digital Risk Officer

(CDRO)”.

“A quarter of organizations already have a CDRO in place, and this role combines digital expertise with highlevel management skills. The position has emerged as part of a redefinition of digital roles, and it has a huge amount of potential. Individuals in this position can develop policies and practices that allow organizations to create new, better ways of working, deliver better services to customers and streamline back-office systems” WEF advised.

The forum however, called on people with national responsibilities, leaders of nationally-important businesses, and major institutions, to unite to fight. “We need to lead a defence strategy against this cyber warfare at a national level, bringing the best minds and tools together to protect assets” it said.

Tlcom capital dangles $100m at African ICT entrepreneurs

‘Africa’s mobile subscription hits 985 million in Q1’

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enture capital firm TLcom Capital is set to change the technology landscape in Africa with a war-chest of US$100 million fund targeted at technology entrepreneurs. Already, the company said it has raised US$40 million and ready to deploy into viable entrepreneurs in the continent while efforts are ongoing to raise additional $60 million.

Announcing the fund’s availability in Lagos, immediate past Minister of Technology in Nigeria, Dr Omobola Johnson, who is also a Partner at TLcom, described the fund as the first international venture capital fund focused exclusively on technology enabled services and innovation for Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) across all stages of the venture capital cycle.

According to her, the deep penetration of mobile across Africa had created a new reality, in which the majority of population and businesses has now access to mobile and potentially data services. “This digital revolution is the core of the opportunity we are targeting – how to best serve the core needs and aspirations of African businesses and consumers and helping them overcome their key challenges by using affordable technology and innovative business models” she said.

Omobola disclosed that the fund has local and foreign investors, which include African Development Bank (AfDB) and European Development Bank. “Our target is $100 million and we have got $40 million. We are still raising more and we would be glad to have more local investors as we are already talking to them” she said.

Also speaking, Maurizio Caio, who is the Managing Partner of the venture capital, said the firm wanted to help technology entrepreneurs in Africa build their businesses. According to him, the fund would be channeled to businesses that have technology as their engine, with focus on

•Mobile phone subscription in Africa

•Omobola Johnson, ex-Minister of Technology and Partner at TLcom

software, financial service, e-commerce, solutions that are tailored towards reducing data costs; and solutions targeted at SMEs. Caio who noted that Africa still lacked strong technology companies, said the VC would look at viable businesses and not only invest in them, but also guide them to become bigger and more profitable. He noted that the fund raising which began two years ago had not been easy as most foreign

investor do not believe that Africa has any potential in ICTs. “But we saw the gigantic opportunity here and we are able to convince some investors to do so.

We want to help technology businesses in Africa grow and that is why we are here” he said. The venture capital, which has offices in Lagos- Nigeria, Kenya, and London, appointed ex-Minister Johnson in October 2015 as a partner to head its Lagos office.

obile vendor, Ericsson, has released the twelfth edition of its Mobility Report, revealing that Africa had a total of 985 million mobile subscriptions by the end of first quarter 2017. The Managing Director, Ericsson Nigeria, Mr Rutger Reman, while presenting the report in Lagos, said that globally, there were 107 million new mobile subscriptions added in the quarter. Reman said that Africa added nine million mobile subscriptions, of which Nigeria accounted for three million in the first quarter.

He said that the global mobile subscriptions were growing at four per cent year-onyear, reaching a total of 7.6 billion in the first quarter. He said that with the three million new subscriptions, Nigeria was among the top five countries by net additions in first quarter.

According to him, India grew the most in terms of net additions, during the quarter with 43 million subscriptions. “This was followed by China with new 24 million subscriptions, Indonesia added 10 million, Pakistan with five million, while Nigeria had additional three million mobile subscriptions. “The strong subscription growth in India was mainly due to an attractive Long Term Evolution (LTE) welcome offer by one operator with free voice and data.

“The number of mobile subscriptions exceeds the population in many countries, which is largely due to inactive subscriptions, multiple device ownership or optimisation of subscriptions for different types of calls. “As a result, the number of subscribers is lower than the number of subscriptions. Today there are around 5.2 billion subscribers globally compared to 7.6 billion subscriptions,” he said.

Reman said that the mobile subscription which stood at 7.5 billion in 2016 was expected to reach nine billion in the year 2022. Mr Niklas Heuveldop, the Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Technology and Emerging Business, Ericsson, said that the number of mobile subscriptions would continue to grow across the regions, fueled by a strong uptake in mobile broadband.

Heuveldop said that the mobile broadband subscriptions were expected to reach 8.3 billion in 2022. He said that mobile broadband subscriptions were growing by around 25 per cent year-on-year, increasing by approximately 240 million in first quarter 2017 alone.

According to him, the total number of mobile broadband subscriptions is now around 4.6 billion. “2.6 billion new mobile broadband subscribers will be added through 2022, averaging to more than one million each day.

24

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

ISSN: 2545-5869

VOX POPULI SACRUM

www.oraclenews.ng

EDITORIAL

PMB’s speech sparks debates I

AM immensely grateful to God for his mercy in A message that should have united Nigerians at a guiding us successfully to conclude another time of tense political palpitations, from utterRamadan. My greetings to all Nigerian Muslims ances by various sections of the country has and our brother Christians on the occasion of added to the tension. Attention has been more Eid-el-Fitr: May the lessons of Ramadan, namely on why the President spoke in Hausa than in piety, self-denial, prayers and generosity to the what he said. Attempts to justify his choice of poor and the needy, be with us for all time. language, which is sectional, has failed and seem to be infuriating those who insist that it was not I, again, appeal to all Nigerians to avoid reckless a mistake. statements or actions against our fellow countrymen. We should all resolve to live in peace What was the intention of the audio message? Dr. and unity in our great country, which is the Junaid Mohammed, a member of the House envy of many less-endowed nations. of Representatives, 38 years ago, wondered - A translation of President Muhammadu Buhari’s too. “Other than propaganda, I wonder what Eid-el-Fitr message broadcast in Hausa, in the they (President’s handlers) intend to achieve by Hausa Service of BBC putting out such an audio clip (message) at this time,” he said.

NO message on the occasion of a religious festival has got the attention that the Sunday Eid-elMore caustic remarks included those who said that Fitr message of President Muhammadu Buthe message polarised Muslims since its target hari. During Christian or Muslim festivals, few was only those who spoke Hausa. As a presibother to know when the traditional presidendential message, it should also have been more tial felicitation is delivered. The 2017 message inclusive. The President should have been mindhas set new standards for its delivery and the ful of the fact that there are Muslims who do not attention that it is holding. speak Hausa, and non-Muslims, who may not speak Hausa too, but wanted to listen to their President Buhari has been away for medicals in President.

London. Various speculations had made many wait for his message on this occasion. The message came – delivered in Hausa, contrary to the Afenifere spokesman Yinka Odumakin rated the statement imprecise in its address of issues. usual delivery of such messages in a language “What constitutes reckless speeches? I think that would be accessible to all Nigerians, no he should have been more specific in terms of matter their religious affiliations. what we are facing now because the country is under stress. Addressing the nation at this time in Hausa does not bring inclusiveness. I don’t think it’s good enough for the President of a multi-ethnic nation to have made a national address in the language spoken by a section of the country,” he said.

A former Special Assistant on Social Media to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Reno Omokri, also condemned Buhari. “How can a national leader address Nigerians in a sectional language? Nigeria has never had a leader as divisive as Buhari!

President Buhari is the President of all Nigeria; he is not the President of only those who can speak Hausa! This is an outrage!”

“The lingua franca of Nigeria is not Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba or Ibibio, but English. Therefore, while we appreciate that the President is not in the best of health condition, it is farfetched that he would communicate on this occasion in a language that is not understood by more than half of the population. That was not well advised. This is a heterogeneous society, where we have over 200 indigenous languages. I think the President should focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. If he mustered the energy to talk at all, he should

talk in a way everyone would understand. It is not proper, ’’ Malachy Ugwumadu, President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), said.

Harry Iyalla of the Ijaw Youth Council said: “He is not only the President of the Hausa, he is also the President of Yoruba, Igbo, Niger Delta and other ethic nationalities. We are not really sure that he is the one who really spoke and this has not doused any tension about his health.”

“Which message; message to whom; in what language? Is Hausa our lingua franca? If Mr. President wants to address us, he should talk to us in English, which is our lingua franca,” was the reaction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, through its Deputy Publicity Secretary, Chuks Ibegbu.

The Arewa Consultative Forum stated that Buhari’s appeal to all Nigerians “goes to show the President’s belief in one and indivisible entity (country).”

Whatever the aim of the speech, it’s obvious that Nigerians wanted to hear the position of their President on the various issues afflicting the country.

Some could have even wanted to hear him say a word about his health. The choice of a sectional language for a national message resurrected concerns about the preferences of his presidency, which have reflected on federal appointments since he assumed office.

Those who permitted the divisive presidential broadcast were trifling with the emotions of Nigerians.

We are wondering what they stood to benefit from dividing Nigerians of the same faith on a day of celebration.

We at The Oracle Today deplore the insensitivity to the challenges of these times, implicit in the president’s use of his native Hausa language to address all of us.

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 July 5, 2017

OPINION

Wonderful Nigeria... at one minute to midnight!

By BABATUNDE FANIYAN

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IGERIA – over 350, 000 square miles of very rich land space. On the surface, the top soil is rich and conducive for an amazing variety of agricultural products to grow and flourish. Above, the weather is near perfect all year round.

I see large cultivated agricultural plantations – hundreds of acres of them situated across the country, similar to the great plantations of Western Europe, the phenomenal maize belts, wheat belts, cotton belts of Mid-West USA; the great agricultural fields from which China feeds her monstrous population…With Nigeria’s expansive land space, conducive climate and adequate manpower, she qualifies to be a major world exporter of cassava, yam, rice, cocoa, rubber, kola nuts, cotton, groundnuts... and that list remains very conservative Under the soil, God has also stored an amazing array of mineral resources in abundant quantities.

There are 65 sites in Nigeria where gold has been located. By mid-1999, field appraisals had recommended nine as being ready for exploitation; independent estimates place iron ore reserves at 800 million tonnes, averaging 37 per cent metal content. Nigeria used to be one of the largest producers of tin in the world, with production based around the highland district of Jos. Nigeria ranks as the sixth largest producer of premium quality petroleum in the world and by far the largest in Africa. Proven and probable reserves of natural gas stood at 3.5 trillion cu metres (124 trillion cu feet) at end-

1998 – making Nigeria’s deposit one of the largest in the world. Nigeria is estimated to have the second largest deposit of bitumen in the world (second only to Canada).

Deposits of uranium, lead, zinc, tungsten and gold are not yet exploited. Nigeria could be the largest producer of palm produce in the world (that honour today belongs to Malaysia, which picked her first palm oil seeds from Nigeria in the 1960s!)

And there are choice tourist attractions that could earn tremendous income too.

I see an assemblage of people of a variety of exciting exotic cultures, tribes, languages and dialects -believed to be more than 300 different ethnic groups.

Dynamic people, inherently industrious, hardworking, vibrant - and happy with it.

Nigerians are among the best brains all over the world. The most educated group of peoples in the USA has officially been declared to be Nigerians. Nigerian doctors feature in world-class hospitals in the USA, Dubai and all over the world. Back home, Nigerians are not lazy either.

From the 1960s, they struck prosperity from the cultivation and propagation of cocoa, palm produce, groundnuts, rubber, cotton. They had built the Cocoa House, the tallest edifice in West Africa. They had built groundnut pyramids that threatened to touch the sky. They had built the first television station in Africa. They built the University of Ibadan, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University where even expatriates came to imbibe quality education comparable to any in the world.

And now, I see a once robust, proud

flourishing Household begin to degenerate. The peoples have not changed. They remain hardworking and determined to succeed as ever.

But somehow, and tragically, the leaders they choose get to the exalted seats – and they change! They mischievously arrogate total power to themselves through a cock-eyed “constitution”, subjugating the circa 170 Million citizens, rendering them powerless, prostrate, voiceless and helpless.

I see a household now being rocked by agitations, rebellious activities and “Let My people go” cries, as the very foundations of the House become shaky. Most facilities in the house are archaic and non- functional. The roofs are leaking; windows, doors unhinged; 90% of the time they are in darkness; they are hungry, insecure and being pushed to the wall. Yet the rulers still refuse to agree to heed their cry for the “repairs” to be carried out on the crumbling House.

For how long can a father continue to threaten his grown up children who are hungry, sickly, unsecured and neglected NOT to complain? For how long can you use dictatorial state powers to “beat” a child and bully him NOT to cry?

The people gathered together in 2014 and came up with a document containing cogent conditions under which they would all be able to live together in peace to engender sustainable development. But the rulers dumped

the document in the Waste Basket! The agitations are reaching a crescendo with death and war threats strident in the air.

And it is universally acknowledged that no nation can survive TWO civil wars. Yet the rulers continue with the sing-song: “the unity of the country is not negotiable”.

I see apprehension in the minds of discerning Nigerians. The threat of the “Northern youths” for Igbos to quit the North by October 1st should not be taken lightly or treated with sweet, stale, singsongs.

The rulers’ sing-song may sound good in the ears of the governors and the minority Nigerian elites, most of who benefit from the status quo. But, mark my words: for each governor, for each elite, educated moderate Northerner, there are thousands of wild, jobless Northern youths out there – waiting for the word from their leaders/sponsors to burst out and unleash mayhem – as it was in 1966. When, God forbid, this mayhem begins, the governors and elite Nigerians would be nowhere to be found. The government must take the concrete action of either implementing the dictates of the 2014 National Conference or take the more superfluous and expensive path of organising another conference to negotiate co-existence with all the nationalities.

If this is not done, I see Nigeria today with the national clock reading one minute to midnight.

• Faniyan, babsfaniyan@gmail.com, is a Lagos based author, publisher and communication consultant

Suddenly, panic, fear in the polity

By EHICHIOYA EZOMON

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S IF fabled for having “one week, one trouble” (apologies to Anezi Okoro, author of the 1972 book with that title), Nigeria’s existential reality has encountered severe strain and stress, like never before, these past weeks.

Not even during the three-year civil war, from 1967 to 1970, which claimed millions of lives, was the nation so shaken to its foundation, as the current schism has done and is still doing.

Agreed, that unavoidable war had its roots in alleged manipulation of the system by a section (s) of the country against other sections, resulting in a Military coup, a counter-coup, a pogrom, a declaration of the Republic of Biafra, and an eventual civil war in a bid by the Federal Military Government to keep Nigeria as one “indivisible and indissoluble entity,” as later enshrined in the (1979) 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Although its effects were felt all over the country, the epicentre of the war was the Eastern Region, comprising the present-day five states of the Southeast and four states of the South-South geopolitical zones.

The Biafran soldiers’ incursion into the Midwestern Region (Bendel State, now Delta and Edo States) and advance on Lagos, then seat of the Federal Government, were rolled back by the federal troops. Before the outbreak of the war, the federal government, in an apparent bid to break the backbone of the “secessionists,” had divided the country into 12 States, thus excising Cross River (Cross River and Akwa Ibom) and Rivers (Rivers and Balyesa) States from the Eastern Region that makes up the five States of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo in today’s Southeast zone.

Tracing this history is important, as the alarm bell is sounding louder every day from all corners of the country. The forces that have tugged at its gravitational fulcrum for decades seem to find a new im-

petus in the agitation for separate entities from Nigeria.

Aggrieved elements in the nationalities are in overdrive, all over the place, sneering and shouting, and daring everyone else: The Southeast against the country; the North against the Southeast; the South-South against the North and the country, and the rest of the country against the North.

Throw in the mix the Middle Belt and Northern Minorities’ craving to carve up the nation into 12 regions and 54 states, and it becomes a case of Nigeria against itself.

If, as per the series of protestations and demands, overt and covert, the Southeast secedes as the Republic of Biafra; the South-South as Niger Delta Republic; the Southwest as Oduduwa Republic and the North Central as the Middle Belt Republic, what’s left of Nigeria will be the so-called core North: the Northwest and Northeast zones. And “when push comes to shove,” there’s no guarantee that the latter will not also choose to go its separate way.

Perhaps, for the first time in the nation’s history since Frederick John Dealtry Lugard (1858-1945) amalgamated the Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914, to form the “geographical expression” called Nigeria, the movers and shakers of the society, who, actually, are the behind-the-scenes instigators of the whirlwind rage of today, have seen the handwriting on the wall: the probable disintegration of Nigeria before their very eyes.

It’s fire on the mountain! Hence, the frenetic utterances and actions of the government and the elite, to whip all voices of dissent into line through the engagement of so-called “leaders of thought” from the conveniently-agreed six geopolitical zones, and other stakeholders that are not affiliated to these zonal power repositories and, at the same time, independent of the government.

Besides hosting various groups at the

Presidential Villa, Abuja, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, like a Puritan, is virtually on the road these days, preaching the massage of peace and unity, brotherliness and good neighbourliness, while also cautioning those bent on disrupting the system to check themselves or be severely sanctioned.

The refrain of the preachment of a peaceful coexistence has three headers, to wit: “Nigeria’s unity is not negotiable.”

“Nigeria is an indivisible and indissoluble entity.” “To keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done” (echoes of the Civil War slogan).

And to whip up nationalism and patriotism in the citizenry, some groups are calling for the reintroduction of the discarded National Anthem, “Nigeria we hail thee.”

According to them, the old anthem truly emphasised Nigeria’s strength in its diversity. What a nostalgia!

But have these people been living in denial, or suddenly realised that our strength and greatness rests in our diversity, which they have played upon and trafficked in for personal and sectional interests for decades?

Maybe, they never envisaged that a time would come when not only the Southeast, but also the South-South, the Southwest and even the North, in an attempt to rid the region of the Igbo, would inadvertently crave for independence from Nigeria.

This is what, in pidgin, is called, “Oduma du bodi” (self-inflicted injury). It’s a case of “Those who are too clever sometimes overreach themselves.”

We have overreached ourselves as a nation, to the point that every section is scrambling to get out of the “marriage of convenience.” Or is it inconvenience?

When the rats start abandoning the ship, it’s a sign that no currents, no navigational equipment or expertise will keep it afloat, and sailing. It would go down like the Titanic!

We pray the Nigerian ship will not get to that point of cataclysm. And we hope the proper lessons would be learned in these testy times, and a truly sombre reflection undertaken to enable us right the ship, and pull back from the borders of the precipice.

Otherwise, our story would be like the tortoise’s, which because “it does not know where the rain drenched it, will also not know where the sun will dry it.”

• Mr. Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria.

THE GROUP Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Ikeddy Isiguzo Editor Felix Oguejiofor Abugu Deputy Editor/Head, Lagos Bureau Sopuruchi Onwuka Abuja Bureau Chief Tony Ailemen Production Editor Henry Duru Business Dev. Manager Amaka Onumajulu Head, Graphics & Designs Nnamdi Alex Chukwu ADVERT MANAGER Andrew Udeh Circulation Manager Felix Oti

The Oracle Today, Wednesday July 5, 2017

Travel & Hospitality Abuja, Lagos drop in world’s top 60 most expensive cities ranking

By VICTOR NZE

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agos (in 29th) and Abuja (59th) have been ranked in the world’s top 60 most expensive cities to live in by the 2017 Global Cost of Living Survey, a drop from their 2016 positions which listed them both in 13th and 20th places, respectively..

The 23rd Cost of Living Survey carried out by Mercer, the world’s largest human resource consulting firm, found that African, Asian, and European cities dominated the 2017 list of most expensive locations for working abroad.

Luanda, in Angola, however, ranked first globally, as it moved up from second place and taking over from Hong Kong as the world’s most expensive city.

The survey attributed cost of goods and security as factors that determined the cost of living in Luanda.

Other African cities that ranked high reflected high living costs and prices of goods for expatriate employees.

They include: Victoria, in Seychelles in the 14th position, N’Djamena, in Chad in the 16th position and Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo ranked 18th.

The least expensive African cities include: Gaborone, in Botswana in the 196th position; Cape Town, in South Africa rank-

ing 199th and Blantyre, in Malawi ranking 205th, Windhoek, in Namibia ranked 206 while Tunis, Tunisia ranked 209 and was found to be the least expensive country globally.

In Europe, three cities remained in the top 10 list of most expensive cities for expatriates. They included: Zurich, Geneva and Bern which ranked fourth, 7th and 10th respectively.

Moscow in Russia ranked 14th and London ranked 30th position while the German cities of Munich, Frankfurt and Berlin dropped significantly ranking 98, 117 and 120 respectively.

Also, five of the top 10 expensive cities in the ranking were in Asia; Hong Kong ranked second and was found to be the most expensive city in the region as a result of its currency pegged to the US dollar, which drove up the cost of accommodations locally.

Others are Tokyo, Singapore, Seoul and Shanghai which ranked third, fifth, sixth and eighth respectively.

In India, the city of Mumbai ranked 57, moving up 25 places due to its rapid economic growth, inflation on the goods and services basket as well as a stable currency against the U.S. Dollar, while New Delhi and Chennai ranked 99 and 135 respec-

tively.

In the Middle East, Tel Aviv in Israel ranked 17 and continues to be the most expensive city for expatriates followed by Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh ranking 20, 23 and 52 respectively.

Jeddah ranked 117, Muscat ranked 92 and Doha ranked 81 and are among the least expensive cities in the region.

The survey found that cities in the United States were the most expensive locations in the Americas.New York City ranked ninth as the costliest city; San Francisco ranked 22nd and Los Angeles 24th.

The Canadian city of Vancouver ranked 107, overtaking Toronto which ranked 119, to become the most expensive Canadian city in the ranking. Ottawa was found to be the least expensive city in Canada ranking 152.

Mercer’s 23rd annual Cost of Living Survey finds that factors like instability of housing markets and inflation for goods and services contribute to the overall cost of doing business in today’s global environment.

The survey is designed to help multinational companies and governments determine compensation allowances for their expatriate employees.

Martinez appointed new GM for Le Méridien Ogeyi Place

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arriott International has announced the appointment of Mr. Fabien Martinez as General Manager for Le Meridien Ogeyi Place Hotel, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Fabien previously worked as the Hotel Manager for the Radisson Blu Hotel in the Philippines.

The new General Manager has over 20 years’ experience in international hotel management as well as extensive knowledge and expertise in the following areas of specialization; pre-openings, concept development, hotel operations, food and beverage, luxury hotel and resort alongside corporate sales and marketing.

Martinez comes with a wealth of experience in brands such as Le Meridien (&Royal), Sheraton, and the Luxury Collection.

Two Nigerians win 4th Korean language contest

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•Former Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing, and chairman of the committee set up by the state government to examine Federal Government Assets in the State, Alhaji Femi Okunnu (right) submitting his committee’s findings to the State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, at the Lagos House in Ikeja, last Tuesday, while other members of the panel watch

Minister tasks NIS on operational order, service delivery

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inister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, has told the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to strictly ensure compliance with the Federal Government’s operational order on the ease of doing business in Nigeria as contained in the Executive Order.

It would be recalled that Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on May 18, signed three Executive Orders on ease of doing business in the country, with one of them directed at operations and conduct of agencies stationed at the airports.

The minister who said this at the official presentation of the handbook on ‘Operationalisation of the Presidential Executive Order One (EO 1) in the Nigeria Immigration Service,’ in Abuja, explained that document clearly outlines list of all requirements and conditions for obtain-

ing services from the NIS and the specific fees and timelines in a transparent and efficient manner.

“Mr President clearly stated in the Order that the public service must be accountable and responsible to the public at all times. This Administration’s commitment to combat corruption does not end with recovery of looted funds or just monetary matters, but extends to the elimination of sharp and corrupt practices in the delivery of services to the people.

“My Ministry shall ensure that all agencies within our jurisdiction comply with the directive,’’ he said.

While stressing that the document has outlined requirements and process in respect of Passport Services, Visa Services, Residence Permits and Port of Entry documentation which must be ad-

hered to by Officers and Men of the NIS, the minister expressed optimism that the measure will go a long way in ensuring transparency, efficiency and professionalism in the ease of doing business in Nigeria and general service delivery to the public.

The minister also inaugurated the NIS Dress Code and a Contact Centre to promptly address the complaints of investors and general public in this regard.

Earlier, the Comptroller-General of the NIS, Muhammad Babandede said that Service had put in place the necessary machinery to ensure compliance with the operational order.

“Let me say that failure of the appropriate officer to act on any application within stipulated timeline shall amount to misconduct and subject to disciplinary proceedings,’’ he said.

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iss Oliver Edward and Hallematu Bindir on Thursday beat 18 others to emerge overall winners at Beginners and Intermediate categories of the 4th Korean language contest in Abuja.

The 20 contestants, 10 for each category, were given three minutes each to make a presentation on a particular topic in the Korean language.

Bindir, a 2013 graduate of a Chemical Engineering at the Aston University, United Kingdom, who presented the topic “Oncheon” (meaning “Spa”), beat nine other contestants to emerge winner in the Beginners category.

Similarly, Edward, a graduate of Industrial Chemistry from University of Benin, with her presentation “My Life and K-Pop” beat nine others at the intermediate category to take the trophy.

Other winners for the Beginners category are:, Miss Oluwaseyi Aderogba, second runner up, and Miss Victoria Jimoh, third runner up respectively, while for the intermediate category, Miss Miracle Moses, was second runner up and Franklin Fache emerged third runner up Edward and Bindir were given N30,000 each; the two second runners up, got N20,000 each and third runners up N10,000 each.

In his vote of the thanks, the Director, Korean Cultural Centre, Mr Han Sungrae congratulated the winners acknowledging that it was a tough contest.

He also encouraged other participants to put in more effort and win the next year’ edition of the contest.

Sungrae explained that it was good for Nigerians to learn Korean language.

“The more you learn about Korean language, the more you will enjoy watching Korean dramas, listening to Korean music and many other benefits. If you can speak Korean very well, you can have advantage over those who cannot speak in terms of employment in many Korean companies in Nigeria and Korea.

“You can also win a Korean Government Scholarship to study in Korea,” Sungrae said.

The Korean language speaking contest is an annual event hosted by the Korean Cultural Cultural Centre in Abuja.

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The Oracle Today, July 5, 2017

AVIATION Ethiopian airlines orders 10 A350-900 aircraft

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thiopian Airlines, announced, Tuesday, that it had placed an order for ten Airbus 350900 aircraft.

Last June, Ethiopian Airlines became the first African carrier to operate the A350 when it took delivery of the first of 12 aircraft in order.

Currently the airline operates four A350s fleets, two of which are on lease.

“The current order by the Addis Abababased carrier’s fleet will enable it to pursue its growth strategy and objectives over the coming years. Operating the youngest fleet in the industry with modern and comfortable customer features in cabin is one of the four pillars in our 15 years strategic road map, vision 2025.

“This order placement for additional A-350s is one component of this strategy,” Tewolde GebreMariam, group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines said.

He said that the performance, operational and cost efficiencies of the initial A350-900s have resulted in these additional 10 aircraft order placement.

The airline further indicated that it will deploy the additional aircraft to its long haul routes connecting Addis Ababa with destinations in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

The A350 features the latest aerodynamic design and materials, including its carbon-fiber fuselage and wings, it was indicated.

NCAA targets July for certification of Abuja, Lagos airports

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igerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has expressed optimism that the certification of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos as well as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, would be achieved

by July.

General Manager, Public Relations (NCAA), Mr Sam Adurogboye, who disclosed in Lagos, that the certification process of both airports was going on simultaneously, added that the regulatory authority was working with representatives of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Western and Central Africa (WACAF), to ensure the completion of the project, further noting that there were still some open items that needed to be closed before the airports could be certified.

“What happens is that the process is in phases and you move from one phase to the other and it is only when the people involved are through that you can move to the next phase. We are actually at the third phase and when we are through, we will move to the fourth phase, which means we are almost getting there.

“The certification of both airports is being done simultaneously and we are hoping to complete it by July.’’

The certification of the airports is being conducted by the ICAO WACAF, under its implementation of the Africa-Indian Ocean (AFI) Plan Aerodrome Certification Project.

The AFI Plan was adopted by the 36th ICAO Assembly to address the safety status of aircraft operations in the AFI Region.

•Mr Sam Adurogboye

•Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo (m), flanked (L-R) by: Alh Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, President Azman Air; Mr. Samson Fatokun, Area Mgr. South-West Africa, IATA; Alh Kashim B.Shettima, Chairman SkyJet; Nogie Meggison, Chairman AON; Jacky Hathiramani, CEO Dana Air, Allen Onyema CEO Air Peace after a meeting with airline chiefs in the country

Airlines call for clear policy Stories by VICTOR NZE

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irline operators in the country have called on the Federal Government to come up with a specialized economic policy to help grow the aviation sub-sector of the economy.

The operators under the aegis of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), who made the call through their President, Capt. Noggie Meggisson, at a news briefing, in Lagos, Thursday, said this followed a recent meeting between its members and the Acting President, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo.

“There is an urgent need for a deliberate economic policy that will eliminate the many challenges that adversely affect the sector, in a bid to guarantee survival of domestic airlines in the country and to make Nigeria the hub for Africa,’’ he said.

Meggisson said Nigeria had huge potential as a country and was blessed with

a natural God-given geographic location at the centre of Africa (4.30hrs to most parts of Africa); with most of its airports at approximately sea level.

According to Meggisson, the country, being the sixth largest producer of crude oil, with a human population of 190 million and skilled manpower, has yet to become a hub for aviation activities on the African continent, even as he recalled that following the air crashes of 2005/2006, the Federal Government had came up with a deliberate policy to ensure air safety in Nigeria.

“As fallout of that singular action, today Nigeria has had an excellent safety record of 93 per cent between 2006 and 2017. The country also secured the Category 1 Status and most of the scheduled airlines are currently IOSA certified as a strong testimony of the country’s commitment to air safety,” he said.

The AON president said a clear economic policy for the survival of domestic

airlines was very critical at this time, with the death of over 25 airlines in 30 years.

“Safety and Financial Economic Policy must go hand-in-hand, as airline investors are in the business of aviation for the profit and can’t make profit without safety or have a safe airline without profit.’’

He said that some major issues needed to be addressed before the sector could actualise its potential, which, according to him, include the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) for domestic airlines, review of five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) to a flat rate, and harmonisation of over 35 multiple charges which add huge burdens on airlines.

He also added others to include; poor Navigational and Landing Aids that limit operations to daylight operation for most airports, high cost and epileptic supply of Jet A1, as well as obsolete infrastructure that hinders ease of doing business.

RAF arrives Nigeria to train NAF regiment U

nited Kingdom has confirmed the deployment of officers from the Royal Air Force (RAF) Force Protection (FP) Wing from RAF Lossiemouth to Nigeria to train the a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) regiment for six weeks.

The Royal Air Force is the UK’s aerial warfare force formed toward the end of the First World War on April 1, 1918 and it is the oldest independent air force in the world.

A statement by the UK High Commission, Press Officer in Nigeria, and signed

by Joe Abuku, in Abuja, Thursday, said the detachment was made up of a 66 person Short Term Training Team (STTT) from No. 5 FP Wing of RAF. “The focus of the STTT is to deliver a training package which enables students to operate effectively in the Complex Air Ground Environment (CAGE) by understanding their role to provide security and Force Protection operations both inside and outside an Air base.

“This forms a key part of a layered defence system; deterring and defeating an enemy away from the airfield whilst also assuring internal security of a base.

Additionally, Commissioned and NonCommissioned Officers will be given the opportunity to enhance their tactical leadership and planning skills, whilst the Junior Air-officers will build on the skills they learned during basic training,” he said.

He explained that the detachment, the third undertaken by 5 FP Wing in a five year programme came after a request from Nigeria.

He said that the Nigerian Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, had requested the UK to assist in capacity building for the Nigerian Air Force Regiment.

“Given the importance of bases in the airpower delivery matrix, it is not inconceivable to expect our adversaries to target our airbases. As a matter of fact, we

have had an attack on one of our airbases in the recent past, and current intelligence reports keep highlighting the possibility of attacks on our bases. All these reinforce the need to emplace a robust base defence concept that is capable of providing guidance for responding to a wide range of situations that may threaten our bases,” Abubakar said.

On his part, Officer Commanding 5 FP Wing, Wing Commander ,John Rees, expressed delight that the detachment was in Nigeria and appreciated the warmth welcome given to them.

“We are proud of our Royal Air Force heritage and the opportunity to represent our service in the Defence Engagement arena,” Rees said.

The Wing Commander said that the detachment had already delivered Train the Trainer package to 50 Non Commissioned Officers and Commissioned Officers, adding that the team would wrap up by mid-July.

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

INSURANCE & PENSION

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Insurgencies, harsh environment force insurers to rejig portfolios Stories by CHRIS EBONG

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nsurance thrives on the principle of utmost good faith meaning that as an intangible service there are principles guiding the practice while operators who are profit oriented minimize loss and maximize profit for both the investors and stakeholders.

In 2016 a number of insurance companies saw their bottomline weakened as the rate of claims ratio paid out heightened as a result of exposure to insurgency, market volatility as well as economic uncertainties. The drop in oil prices at the international market, the dwindling foreign exchange regime and policy inconsistency added to insurance market challenges in that year.

Insurance companies as private entities are expected to pay claims as this is the traditional concept of insurance whilst the definition of insurance as a pool of risks.

The year 2016was a difficult year for the operators in the sector due largely to harsh operating environment buoyed by inconsistent government policies, high rate of inflation and cost of business execution, insurgencies and other security challenges in some parts of the country.

These had culminated to insurance companies paying huge claims in group life insurance policies and motor insurances in that year, a situation that has forced most insurance firms to review their business portfolios and kind of accounts to exit from.

A random check by The Oracle Today on claims paid out by companies reveals that AIICO Insurance Plc’s decision to turn down some unprofitable and low return premium culminated to gross premium reduction by N0.6billion while underwriting profit up by 18per cent because of the disciplined risk appetite.

Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc stated in a statement that the Group paid out claims amounting to N3.3 billion which is a 43 per cent increase

• Ujoatuonu, MD/CEO, Universal Insurance Plc

from the N2.3 billion paid out in 2015, while Staco Insurance Plc paid out N1.99billion within the period of review.

Leadway Assurance Company Limited says it paid N23billion claims in the year 2016, while Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc claims reduced from N1.5million in 2015 to N1.4billion paid out. The company attributed the reduction to claims exposure to the effective claims administration in the year under review.

In a statement made available to The Oracle Today, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc stated; “For a lot of corporate organizations and financial institutions in Nigeria, the year 2016, was a difficult one for business own-

•Soyinka, MD/CEO, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc

ers and operators alike with its attendant challenges amidst a recessed economy which is yet to abate.

The story was no different for one of the prominent players in the Insurance Industry, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc which recently, got the approval of the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, for its 2016 Audited Financial Statements even in the face of the harsh operating environment.

The Deputy Commissioner, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Sunday Thomas, while explaining the reason for increase in claims in the last one year, said the increase in fraudulent claims coupled with more awareness on claims as well

as increase in value of claims led to increase in claims value and volume.

He said, “In recession, people will want ways and means to make money. The tendency to defraud is very high. It is not likely that insurance companies will be able to stop all fraudulent claims, but they stop as many as possible.

“Then, we also know that the value of claims, by the reason of foreign exchange issues, has increased.

So, all these combined, would have been responsible and again, there is an increase in awareness in terms of the knowledge of claimants to make claims on their policies.

The chairman, board of directors, Cornerstone Insurance Plc, Mr. Se-

gun Adebanji, at the company’s 25th Annual General Meeting held in Lagos recently attributed the cause of high claims payment to high rate of insurgencies in the South- South and North East political regions of the country driven largely by death claims from the group life, credit life and third party motor classes of insurance.

He said; “High claims inflation and the security challenges in the North East and South-South zones of the country led to a significant deterioration in the claims experience during the year under review.

“Gross claims for the year totaled N4.5billion representing an increase of 61per cent from the previous year of N2.8billion, driven largely by death claims from the group life, credit life and third party motor classes of insurance”.

According to him, the company has since carried out a comprehensive portfolio review and corrective actions to improve terms and conditions, reduce participation or exit the business as appropriate.

The Managing Director, AIICO Insurance, Mr. Edwin Igbiti said; “Risk management is playing an increasing role in how we choose to achieve our set objectives. While we recognize that we are compensated for assuming risks, we must however carefully select those risks we choose to assume and the level of risk commensurate with our risk appetite as accompany.

According to the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Great Nigeria Insurance Plc, Mrs. Cecilia Osipatan the cost reduction mechanism adopted by the company during the year also impacted operating expenses and profitability.

She added; “Although, we experienced a slight fall in some areas of operations within the year under review; the performance is not unconnected to the policy uncertainty and economic headwinds experienced in the country during the year.”

Insurance confab to focus on ease of doing business initiative T

he Insurance Industry Consultative Council (IICC), organized by the Insurance Industry Consultative Council (IICC) will in this year’s edition focus on ease of doing business initiative spearheaded by the vice president, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo.

The conference in its third edition will also highlight the role of insurance industry in achieving the financial inclusion and its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product of Nigeria.

The National Insurance Conference is one of those programmes aimed at fostering intellectual and professional development of insurance practitioners and further creating a platform for networking and exchange of ideas between industry operators and critical stakeholders in the nation’s economy.

Briefing journalists in Lagos recently, the Chairman, Conference Organising Committee, Mr. Shola Tinubu said; “It is most heartwarming that the 2017 Conference is being organized to further underscore the aim of the Insurance Industry to continually upscale the knowledge of insurance operators and other professionals in the financial services sector as well as other stakeholders about contemporary dynamics in the economic development of

the country and the globe generally.

The Conference would also highlight the catalytic roles which the insurance industry in achieving financial inclusion and by so doing, accelerating its contributions to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product”.

The event is slated to kick off from Sunday July 9th - 11th 2017 at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja With the theme of this year’s Conference: “Nigerian Open For Business”, Mr. Tinubu said that in view of the policy direction of government towards the Ease of Doing Business Initiatives, being spearheaded by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) under the Chairmanship of the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, as Chairman and the Honourable Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Mr. Okechukwu Enelamah as the Vice Chairman, there was need for insurance industry to cue behind the initiative and chart a way the sector could also contribute its quota in the realization of set goals of the initiative.

He said PEBEC, whose ultimate thrust is to dismantle all inhibitions

militating against doing business in Nigeria has been taking commendable in trying to make the country more attractive for foreign investment.

The IICC chieftain applauded the government for the policy direction, especially against the backdrop of the nation’s recessive economy and the dire need for a reversal of the economic trend through the promotion of and exportation of locally produced goods and services.

He noted that the selection of the Conference theme is fitting into the second phase of the Council’s plans in deepening existing reforms, completing and implementing pending initiatives, engaging with the public and validating completed reforms that would kick off medium term reforms, stressing that there is no way any nation’s economy could develop when it greatly depends on foreign made goods.

Meanwhile the Ag President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) is expected to declare the 2017 edition of National Insurance Conference open while the Hon. Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun will give a Goodwill message, with the Commissioner for Insurance, Alhaji Mohammed Kari as the Chief

Host.

The Planning Committee of the Conference is also parading an array of highly resourceful speakers to speak on various subject of discourse at the event, they include Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Tony Elumelu Foundation who has been penciled to discuss the theme paper, according to NIC, delegates would have a swell time drawing from the speaker’s enormous exposure and experience in the nation’s financial services sector.

Hon. Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun is also expected to be the Chairman of the session while a team of seasoned discussants, notably Dr. Joseph Nnanna; Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria; Alhaji Kyari Abba Bukar, former Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and Mrs. Yewande Sadiku, Executive Secretary of Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission would be discussants.

Similarly, the sub theme: “Doing Business in Nigeria: A comparative Analysis” would be most rewarding.

Aside from the enrichment that would be brought on the subject by the former Partner of PWC, Mr. Robert Newsome, the Honorouble Minister

of Industry, Trade & Investment, Mr. Okechukwu Enelama would be the Chairman of the session. It is hoped that the Minister would bring to the discussion, the pivotal roles being played by his Ministry in ensuring ease of doing business in Nigeria, through PEBEC which he presently serves as the Vice- Chairman.

In a bid to give the insurance industry its desired space in the conference, the theme: “Insurance Industry: Navigating the Odds” is being slated for discussion, with the Group Managing Director of Custodian & Allied Plc, Mr. Wole Oshin as Lead Speaker.

The paper would be chaired by Partner and Head of Management Consulting, KPMG, Bisi Lamikanra, while discussants are Mrs. Ekeoma Ezeibe, Managing Director of Crystal Trust Insurance Brokers Ltd; Mr. Tunde Fajemirokun, Executive Director of AIICO Insurance Plc and Mrs. Ebele Nwachukwu, Managing Director of Zenith General Insurance Ltd. Stakeholders from a wide spectrum across sectors of the nation’s economy, the insurance industry, shipping, oil and gas, maritime, the organized private sector and manufacturing are expected to attend the event.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

INSURANCE & PENSION

STI gets NAICOM’s approval for 2016 financials Stories by CHRIS EBONG

F

or a lot of Corporate Organizations and Financial Institutions in Nigeria, the year 2016, was a difficult one for business owners and operators alike with its attendant challenges amidst a recessed economy which is yet to abate.

The story was no different for one of the prominent players in the Insurance Industry, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc which recently, got the approval of the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, for its 2016 Audited Financial Statements.

Despite the harsh operating environment during the year, the Underwriting firm grew its Balance Sheet size from N9.2billion in 2015 to N9.5billion in 2016.

The company experienced a shift downward in the Gross Premium Written when

compared to the same period ended December 31, 2015. The company ended the year 2016, with a Gross Premium Income of N6.3billion as against N7.1billion in 2015, signaling about N732million shortfall in revenue.

Worthy of note is the fact that the company showed considerable signs of resilience in some aspects of its operations which to many in the Industry, portends a promising future for the Underwriting Firm as its Investment Income grew from N214million in 2015, to N281million in 2016.

As a result of the company’s effective claims administration, its claims payment in 2016, reduced from N1.5billion in 2015, to N1.4billion in the year under review.

The Total comprehensive income for the year net of tax, rose from N19million in 2015, to N186million in 2016. Its Profit after

tax however, reduced from N557million in 2015, to N23million in the year under review.

All said and done, the Shareholders of the company can begin to look forward to a brighter future ahead as the murky economic situation that pervaded operations of most corporate organizations in the country is beginning to show signs of recovery.

For Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, the Board and Management of the company maintains high hopes for the future and that of the insurance industry in general.

The company believes that the future of insurance business in Nigeria is bright and it is poised to latch on to the availing opportunities that the market will bring to bear in delighting its Shareholders and Customers in the years ahead.

•L-R: Mr. Fatai Adegbenro, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Tosin Runsewe, Chief Client Officer, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Kayode Okunoren, President, NCRIB, Kunle Ahmed, Executive Director, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc and Bukola Ifemade, Vice President, Lagos Area Committee of NCRIB during a courtesy visit of AXA Mansard team to the Council recently.

Royal Exchange posts N12.5bn premium income R oyal Exchange Plc, said it generated a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of N12.5 billion in 2016, representing an increase of 16 per cent over the figure of 2015, which stood at N10.8 billion.

The Group Managing Director, of the underwriting firm, Alhaji Auwalu Muktari, disclosed this following the release of the company’s financial results on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

According to him, Net Premium Income (NPI) for the period amounted to N8.2 billion, with a minimal growth over that of Year 2015, which stood at N8.1 billion, while underwriting profit witnessed a 19 per cent spike from N1.6 billion in 2015 to N1.9 billion in the financial year under review.

A further analysis of the operating results showed that the Total Assets of the group witnessed a growth of 20 per cent, from N26.5 billion in 2015 to N31.7billion as at December 31, 2016.

Net claims paid for the period under review amounted to N3.6billion, an increase of 20 per cent from 2015, which was N3.0billon. Net Income before management expenses grew by 13 percent to N2.7billion, up from N2.4billion in 2015 Muktari, stated that despite the very harsh operating environment in the year under review, the group was able to grow its top-line figures by participating in large-ticket financial transactions, as well as playing in the retail insurance market, which shall be a key growth driver in the

years ahead.

According to Muktari, “Royal Exchange Plc envisions a situation where the retail insurance market should be able to contribute between 50-60 percent of our revenues in the future, as the retail market is the future of insurance in Nigeria, considering the population of the country.

Speaking further, he noted that: “Royal Exchange Plc, will in the years to come, continue to be an aggressive player in the retail market in Nigeria and will be looking at different strategies to increase its product offering and visibility in the marketplace, while not losing track of the corporate market, where the returns and margins, are dwindling, yearly.”

The Group Managing Director noted that the bottom-line result of the group did not turn out as expected, due to increase in cost of doing business in the country, especially in the area of power generation in the over 33 locations where the group’s operations are located in Nigeria.

He noted that a major drawback in the profit of the company was an adverse result arising from the year’s mark-to-market valuations of the company’s insurance long-term contract liabilities and annuity funds done by our Consultant Actuary as required by both the IFRS and National Insurance Commission (NAICOM). He stated that this exercise severely hampered the profitability of the company during the financial year ended December 31, 2015 and 2016 respectively.

•Alhaji Auwalu Muktari,

To stem this tide, Alhaji Muktari said that: “the company has implemented various cost optimization strategies and business process re-engineering measures which shall guarantee profitability in both the current financial year and the years ahead.”

Royal Exchange Plc started operations in 1921 and continues to be driven by innovation and a determination to offer services that are of exceptional value to its customers.

GNI holds 2015 AGM, announces 510.9% growth

G

reat Nigeria Insurance Plc on Thursday told its investors that it recorded an impressive growth of 510.9 percent in its profit before tax at the end of the financial year ended 31, December 2015.

Mr. Bade Aluko, Chairman of the company disclosed this at the 49th annual general meeting of the company held in Lagos that its profit before tax rose from N60.6million in 2014 to N249.5 million in 2015.

According to him the company’s Gross premium written rose to N3.12 billion in 2015 against N2.79 billion achieved in 2014; representing 11.8percent growth while total assets stood at N10.7billion, representing a 2.1percent growth over the 2014 figure of N10.48billion as at December, 2014.

Shareholders’ fund was not left out as it increased by 11.3percent from N5.3billion in 2014 to N5.9billion in 2015 and retained earnings, also improved from negative N876Million in 2014 to negative N473Million in 2015; an improvement of 46 percent over previous year.

The Chairman added that the “achievement is in congruence with our plan to grow the company organically towards reversing negative accumulated reserve carried over from previous years.

“We have deployed measures and strategies aimed at increasing income generation and positioning the brand more competitively while continuing relevant cost reduction measures in all areas of our operations.”

Speaking further on the future of the company he said: “The potential of the Nigeria Insurance Sector is massive and the company’s management is resolute in its stride to develop and implement strategies geared towards harnessing every opportunity embedded there-in. Nigeria’s burgeoning economy and growing population offer great incentive to businesses in the country.

“We would continue to deploy our resources in line with our strategic blueprint to produce more innovative and bespoke products that will maximally exploit the opportunities embedded in the market while we continue to meet the need and aspirations of our esteemed customers.

“There is need to do things differently to achieve the desired result, having identified the retail segment of the market as the cash cow, concentration on corporate businesses must be diffused for income generation to increase so as to enable the industry to deliver on its efforts to contribute to the growth of the country’s GDP in the years ahead.”

He assured that the successful implementation of the expansionary 2016 Federal Government Budget coupled with the government’s pose towards transparency, value for money, anti-corruption together with positive collaboration regulators and practitioners to show best practice and agree common framework for future reform will be favourable for the Nigeria Insurance Industry growth.

Also speaking on the company’s performance, the Managing Director/ CEO, Mrs Cecilia O. Osipitan, said “this growth is attributed to ingenuity in product development deliberately tailored to the needs of our customers and aggressive marketing of these products leading to Brand acceptability.

“In line with NAICOM’s stance of enforcing the implementation of the compulsory insurance and having identified the retail segment of the market as the future of insurance in Nigeria, GNI Plc in its proactive nature set up a Retail and Micro Insurance Division in June 2014. The Division has set up teams of Financial Advisors in different locations across the country; the Division has been able to record impressive performance thus far.”

According to her the cost reduction mechanism adopted by the company during the year also impacted operating expenses and profitability. “Although, we experienced a slight fall in some areas of operations within the year under review; the performance is not unconnected to the policy uncertainty and economic headwinds experienced in the country during the year.”

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5 , 2017

30

SBM JOLLOF RICE REPORT

ABOUT SBM INTELLIGENCE Founded in 2012, SBM Intelligence, an arm of SB Morgen, is an organisation devoted to the collection and analysis of information. We o er comprehensive analysis for, and support to governments, businesses and NGOs.SBM Intelligence runs a Nigeria-wide network of contacts and associates. In 2015, SBM Intelligence became a partner to Stratfor, one of the leading private intelligence agencies in the world. sbmintel.com | info@sbmintel.com @sbmintelligence Facebook.com/sbmintel DISCLAIMER The data contained in this report is only up-to-date as at Friday, 16 June, 2017. Some of it is subject to change during the natural course of events. SB Morgen cannot accept liability in respect of any errors or omissions that may follow such events that may invalidate data contained herein.

In preparing this report, our researchers employed methods such as one-on-one interviews, desk research and polling to collate the available data. Our editors sifted through the data and prepared the report, using various proprietary tools to fact-check and copy edit the information gathered.

All forecasts were built using data from a variety of sources. A baseline of accurate and comprehensive historic data is collected from respondents and publicly-available information, including from regulators, trade associations, research partners, newspapers and government agencies.

THE JOLLOF INDEX The SBM Jollof index is a composite index that tracks the prices of the main ingredients used to prepare a pot of one of Nigeria’s primary delicacies - Jollof rice. This meal was chosen because it has the unique distinction of being a delicacy in every part of the country and thus, an index based on Jollof rice provides a bird’s eye picture of national in ationary trends. SBM tracks this index for the average family size of Nigeria put at 5 individuals in 2015.

In Q2 2017, the national price of cooking an average pot of Jollof rose marginally to 5,674 in May in line with an upward trend in these prices that dates to the second half of 2016, despite a slight dip in March 2017 to 5,266 from 5,388 in February 2017. An analysis by geopolitical spread shows that the most expensive place to cook Jollof rice in Nigeria remains Kano where it would cost a housewife an astonishing 7,250 to put together the delicacy at the end of Q2 2017, a marked increase from the already pricey 6,640 price tag at the end of Q1 2017. As context, it is the only place in the SBM tally of nine major markets spread across the country’s geopolitical zones where it costs above 7,000 to serve up a pot of Jollof.

Lagos remains the most Jollof friendly city in Nigeria - a pot of the meal has risen by only 20 from February to May 2017, from 4,950 to 4,970 if you are buying your ingredients at the Trade Fair market. For downtown shoppers at Balogun market in the heart of the city, it will cost you 5,070.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

The south-eastern cities of Onitsha and Awka retain their Jollof smiles with the family budget for the meal taking on average about 5,170. The capital however, has some scores to settle with the national culinary pastime – in downtown Wuse market, a pot cost shoppers on average 6,020 while in suburban Nyanya, 5,920 was the month’s Jollof bill for May 2017.

Changing nancial habits of the traders were recorded. In Abuja, every responding trader has tightened his belt, but 50% of the respondents have simply accepted their situation and have taken no action to improve their position. Ibadan had the highest proportion of people who have not changed their habits in the period under review. 20% of respondents in Ibadan have not changed their spending patterns, but it is important to note that all those who haven’t changed, have managed to expand their income in the period. Of the 80% who have been forced into spending changes, 13% have done nothing to try and improve their situation. In Lagos, 90% of our respondents have been forced to change their spending patterns. 11% of these have been actively expanding their income streams while the rest have surrendered to their fate. In Kano, the same proportion, 90% as in Lagos, have changed their spending habits, and 44% of these have done nothing to adapt. In Onitsha, all respondents have changed their habits, and have dug into their savings.

Nigerians continue to tally the opportunity cost of feeding their palates with their favourite dishes amid shrinking incomes and continued economic hardship. Most people we spoke to have chosen to cut back on much of their discretionary spending, focusing instead on meeting the essentials and putting aside money in their savings where there are leftovers, in order to prepare for future price increases.

Increasingly, Nigerians who were ordinarily loyal to speci c brands have taken to buying any available brand on the shelves at the time of purchase. They have also been more willing to explore alternatives as price of their preferred brands increasingly get out of their reach.

Buying habits have rmly moved away from bulk buying for the month in many homes to a ”buy as you need” model as Nigerians seek to conserve cash at hand as opposed to tying their money down in the food closet.

CHANGING CONSUMER HABITS AS SEEN BY TRADERS In the second week of June 2017, SBM sent correspondents to markets in Abuja, Ibadan, Kano, Lagos, and Onitsha. The questions asked revolved around both the personal lives of the traders. A follow up set of questions regarding the attitudes of regular customers of these traders were administered by phone the following week.

The traders involved in the survey are small scale traders, mostly involved in selling foodstu . A recurring pattern in this survey was that majority of the respondents said that their customers have reacted negatively to rising food prices. Customers appear to have shorter tempers, bargaining is a lot more confrontational and more importantly, they do not spend as much as previously, indicating that a lingering recession could be heading towards a liquidity trap. It is important for aggregate demand to increase in the economy to stimulate production that will lift the nation out of a recession.

In Kano, half the respondents blamed the leadership for their predicament, while in Onitsha, half the respondents put the blame on the president. In Lagos, 57% of respondents said that the economy was responsible for their current situation. What we observed is a rising personalization of the source of hardship in the person of President Buhari.

When asked what the government could do to improve things, Lagos turned out to be the most upbeat city in which we carried out our survey. 43% of respondents in Lagos believe that things could improve in the next three months, while in Abuja, Kano and Onitsha, all respondents believe that things will remain the same over the next three months. In Ibadan, half of the respondents actually think that things will get worse.

OUTLOOK While food in ation still increased, the rate of increase has slowed down. This trend also is clear in the Jollof Index numbers and this is a positive. We believe that prices may nally be reaching a new equilibrium point and the continuous adjustments that Nigerians have had to make might nally be easing up. As we observed in our earlier Jollof Index however, the Nigerian consumer remains constrained. Incidents of widespread lay-o s and cutbacks by companies have continued, the problems of purchasing power decreasing relative to earnings, and pockets of unrest in key farming regions have continued showing up on the shelves of markets. The irony was that as the purchasing power of Nigerians has decreased, prices kept rising rapidly until the recent slow down.. This slowdown therefore seems to have o ered the succour many Nigerians desperately need at the checkout counter.

Policy makers will however need to act fast as they have a critical role in curtailing the ongoing, albeit slower rise in consumer commodities. This is more important in areas where policies can exert substantial in uence such as infrastructure development, which can ease the logistical challenges all economic actors currently face, and by encouraging small scale farming across the country. Vitally, these schemes must ensure standardisation and yield improvements in the farming practices. The government also needs to invest in agricultural extension programmes to ensure that farmers, a full 30% of the population are ushered into the 21st Century. Recent labour statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics which shows increasing unemployment and underemployment in both rural and urban areas point to this.

Also crucial to arresting the price uctuations is the government’s foreign exchange policy. Much of the increases have been caused by supply chokes due to forex scarcity. The government’s recent launch of a new forex window has been credited with a recent move in the various currency rates towards convergence, a welcome development which should bring some relief to suppliers and importers. More action is required in this area if the bene ts of a more liberal currency regime are to have any signi cant e ect on the pockets of Nigerian consumers.

There is a need to invest in new, as well as upgraded storage infrastructure and further encourage trade, taking advantage of local food growing comparative advantages, thus elongating the availability of key farm products and ultimately contributing to bringing down their prices. More resources should be allocated to agricultural research and development in order to raise productivity levels in such things as plant yield, improved seed varieties and average production per hectare, as well as deploying technology to give farmers access to market information and modern techniques.

Critical to increased production is securing the stability of the food growing North East and the North Central regions, and increasingly, the South West and the Delta regions. The government urgently needs to address the country’s persistent and varied security challenges so that farmers can return to planting.

Founded in 2012, SBM Intelligence, an arm of SB Morgen, is an organisation devoted to the collection and analysis of information. We o er comprehensiveanalysis for, and support to governments, businesses and NGOs. SBM Intelligence runs a Nigeria-wide network of contacts and associates. www.sbmintel.com

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

Export Platform

By CHINYEMIKE TORTI

Mango buyers beckon on Nigerian exporters

• Mongoes ready for export.

O

VER the years; the demand for mangoes arising from the quest for better health amongst europeans and the non-alcoholic dietary requirements of middle east and Arab nationals, has been on the upward swing. A recent market survey on fresh fruits conducted by the International Trade Centre, Geneva, Switzerland revealed that the volume of trade in mango fruit and juices was well over five thousand million dollars ($500m) annually.

Here in Nigeria, mango fruit is a “national character” crop that does very well in most states of the federation. And there is no reason why our growers should not rake in the green backs from the mango trade.

The Nigeria growers could claim more of the ever widening fresh mango markets in America, Europe, and the Middle East countries. This, however, is predicated on their readiness to exploit to the full the great advantages of the mango international trade.

Comparatively, Nigeria has greater potentials over other world suppliers of tropical mangoes. This is in terms of the year- round favourable agricultural and climate conditions.

The obvious high input cost is usually most compensated by the steadily rising prices of exports mangoes. The price of the various grades of mango; single; concentrate, and slice, ranges between US700 dollars and US2200 dollars per ton.

And the rise in price cannot be stemmed.

At the risk of repetition. Mangoes scoop in forex these days because much more people in the world are discovering that in the search for better health, fruits help immensely. This is especially so when they are natural and fresh. Also, the Arabs are predominantly non-alcoholic. This, added to their characteristics hot climate, necessitates an increased intake of mango juice.

Moreover, several other food and drug derivatives like marmalade, jam, flavors, syrup, juice and drinks are sourced from mango. An Indian fruit by origin, the mango has been classified into such widely known types as Alphonso, Amelia, Apple, Haden, Kent, Ruby, and Julie.

Findings indicate that all the types thrive and yield highly under the prevalent agri-

cultural and climatic conditions of Nigeria.

In the northern parts of the country some beautiful species are as ‘fat’ as my head.

When due, the mango is harvested halfripe. This, for obvious reasons, is done consciously and cautiously. The fruits are thereby packed bruise-free for export.

The necessity for this is found in the stringent standard stipulated by international food laws on imported food, especially in Europe and America. Generally, the fruit for export into these countries must be fully mature.

According to an ITC survey report, most importers prefer the well-known varieties, even though the consumers may not be conscious of the differentiating factors.

However, the consumers in the foreign countries prefer mangoes that ripen into deep yellow even when imported with traces of green.

Foreign distributors prefer mangoes weighing between 225 grammes and 400 grammes. Packaging is preferred in fiberboard cartons that weigh maximum six kilogram’s net. The mangoes are better wrapped in tissue paper, packed woodwork, or synthetic fiber packs. These packing and packaging procedures are to check the possibility of bruise.

Fruits are enjoyed best in their natural freshness. But to prolong their shelf life, various preservation methods are available to the exporter. And the most favored method is by freezing. The fruits, after packaging, are frozen to desirable hardness at appropriate but low temperatures.

The greatest advantage of this method is that the fruit retains its original colour and favour. It may also be stored for relatively long periods.

Export mango can also be preserved by a process that entails washing, inspection, and storing either as a whole or partially processed (e.g. halved, quartered, sliced, destined, pulped, peeled) into sealed drums, barrels, or other appropriate containers. The fruits are then mixed with preservative solutions such as brine, sulphur oxide gas (SO2), sulphur water, or other approved solutions. Stored this way the fruit is preserved for months. Though the fruit may lose its colour, its sweet taste is not affected.

To further ensure that the export mango reaches its foreign destination pure and fresh, there is the need to transport it by

air.

Air freighting is quicker and more flexible. Mango export to the United Kingdom is busiest between the months of May and September each year.

Fresh fruit importers in London H.G Walker Ltd Bel- AI (Sales) Ltd D130-131, fruit & Veg. Market 2, Richmond Way New Covent Garden Market London London E11 3QT SWE 5EE Tel: 020 8989 0990 Tel: 020 7720 7951 Hart & Friedmann Ltd James Fraser Unit B, Western Trading Estate C170, New Covent Garden Trading Estate Rd London NW10 7LY SW8 5PA Tel: 020 8961 5171 Tel: 020 7720 9131 Agro marine Ltd C.G. Hacking & Sons Ltd 26, St. Catherine Close 50, Borough High St. London London SW17 7UA SE1 1XW Tel: 020 8767 2167 Tel: 020 7407 6451 French Garden Ltd Morin Fruit Brokers Ltd C141-143, Fruit & Vegetable D139/ 140 New Covent Garden Market New Covent Garden Market Market London London SW8 5LL SW8 5JJ Tel: 020 7720 8505 Tel: 020 7498 0277 Arbor International Ltd Hill brow Produce Ltd Horgarth Centre, Hogarth Lane 15, Sherrin Rd London London W4 2QN E10 5SG Tel: 020 8747 0444 Tel: 020 8558 5995 Natura Produce Ltd Special Fruit 3rd floor, 83 London Fruit Stand 80, New Spitalfields Exchange, Spitalfields Market Sherrin Rd Letton London London E1 6EX E10 5SQ Tel: 020 7655 0722 Tel: 020 8532 8882 PDK Direct Alvin Ltd Park House 140, Battersea Park 264 Flower Market New Covent Road Garden

Market London SW8 5JB Tel: 020 7738 8411

London SW8 5NA Tel: 020 7720 7374

Constant, Smith & Co Ltd Mild fruit Ltd Office 8, Alen House, 23 Sherrin Suite G, 260 West Bridge New London Rd, New Spitalfields Market Covent Garden Market London London E10 5SQ SW8 5NB Tel: 020 8539 2233 020 7720 2999 T.D.A. (London) Ltd Produce Partners D170-171 Fruit & Vegetable Trident Business Centre 89, Market New Covent Garden Bickersteth Rd Market London London SW17 9SH SW8 5LL Tel: 020 8767 4141 Tel: 020 7622 5545 Fresh fruit importers from Switzerland Fruit et legumes fruit et legumes BARGOSA SA Blondin freres Ste Indusrielle Et Commerciale BMB Production D’Approvisionnemnet Primeurs Ch. Des Mattines En Gros 1258 Perly GU Rue Blavignac 25 SWITZERLAND 1227 Carouge GE, 022 7711 844 Switzerland 022 7711 968 0223 437 160 0203 428 072 Fruit Et Legumes Fruit Et Legumes Brasier Francois SA Bravin Serge Primeurs en Gros sce des Imp. Primeurs outré-mer en Commandes Gros Rue Blavignac 17 Ch.Des Verjus 93 1227 carouge GE, 1228 Plan les Qutes ge SWITZERLAND SWITZERLAND 022 8274 610 022 7941 822 022 3437 141 Fruit Et Legumes Fruit Et Legumes Finaz Roger SA Goumaz SA Primeurs En Gros Ch.des Bossonailles 21-23 Rue Blavignac 19 La Capite 1227 Carouge GE, 1222 Vesenaz GE SWITZERLAND 0227521756 022 8274 920 0227522914 022 3426 516 0227521824

33

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

Love and Living

... With Ireto Temofeh

Oracle Girl of the Week Romantic Joke Nursing School

Name: Chisom.

Tel: 08171102558.

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

A woman enrolled in nursing school is attending an anatomy class.

The subject of the day is involuntary muscles.

The instructor, hoping to perk up the students a bit, asks the woman if she knows what her asshole does during an orgasm.

“Sure!” she says, “He’s at home taking care of the kids...”

LOVE NEWS

How to prevent yourself from being used by women

I

ts almost past 7 p.m., Dave is hurrying toward the lift to rush home. Is it a romantic dinner with his wife that has him all eager to reach home on time? Unfortunately in Dave’s case, it’s a barrage of domestic chores that needs to be finished before his wife arrives from her kitty party. For a person like Dave who works tirelessly at the office with no time to stretch his tried limbs, slogging at home and office has become a never ending affair. Multitudes of men out there may or may not be in an exact situation like Dave’s but the fact that some men are being used by women just like our friend Dave cannot be overlooked.

You may not be in such a pitiable situation like Dave but do you often get a feeling that you are being used by women? Only a few fortunate men haven’t come across such a situation. A man and a woman shouldn’t use each other to meet their selfish needs. An equal share of happiness and sorrows at every stage of life without experiencing the negative feeling of being ‘used’ by their women is the sign of a healthy relationship.

Men, beware of your emotions.

Don’t let it run astray. There are a lot of women out there who take

advantage of men who become vulnerable and weak when they are in the company of the fairer sex. Most men irrespective of their marital status fall like ninepins when an attractive woman takes a keen interest in them, before they realize they are caught in the promiscuous women’s web of deceit and impiety. Few men love to give away their power to a woman to get their approval and attention and let them just walk all over them.

The over zealous women whose sole motive in life is to live in the lap of luxury and money is definitely not the kind who will slog her way up in the office. Their focus and hard work will be channeled in enticing rich sugar daddies to scale the ladder of success! Rich married men who fall prey to such women often end up as a mere pawn in their hands. Emotional black mail or threatening such men with dire consequences is what keeps these women going and the cash flowing!

Male bosses and men who run big corporate or successful organizations are the usual suspects when it comes to falling for their female colleagues. Such women prefer to take an escalator (read boss) rather than the stairs to reach the pinnacle of success in their careers. A male boss may be oblivious to her conniving ways become an easy prey.

Attractive women who are well versed in luring men may get quick promotions and salary hikes leaving the more efficient average looking women far behind.

Rich men with oodles of power and money may be the undisputed leader in their field of work but when it comes to dealing with women they may become gullible. If you give out a feeling to the women that without them you will perish, it is surely to going to make her more power-

ful and demanding. She obviously is not demanding for your attention or love, all she would ever want is your money, luxury and comfort.

Husbands who indulge in one night stand ‘just for fun’ sake may soon realize that their one night jaunt turned into a nightmare for life when the women threats to spill the beans in front of their wives. The fear of his family life breaking up may often prompt such men to give into the women’s demands.

Men stay alert .Having a roving eye

is not a crime but keep your eyes open to the tell-tale signs such women display. For instance, being too friendly at the very first meeting itself, trying to get too close for comfort just after exchanging a few pleasantries.

Remember your marital status will not hinder them from using you to meet their selfish needs.

When there are no moral or ethical issues involved, such women can go to any lengths to get the things done.

34

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

True Confession

‘I married my friend’s ex and I have no regrets’

M

Y name is Grace. Ten years ago, I was at the University of Ibadan. My best friend, Bunmi, asked me to go on a double date with her and I agreed. I agreed because she was always dating older men for money although she had a boyfriend on campus, and she had put me under so much pressure to do likewise.

So before the outing, I took my time to prepare very well so that I would look as sweet and sexy as possible to any man who looked my way.

I hated miniskirts because I felt they debased womanhood by exposing the thighs of a woman who ought to keep herself for her husband’s eyes alone. However, because I needed more cash than loving at the time, I knew I had to let go of my high moral standing.

After all, they say that a woman stoops to conquer. So I had to morally stoop, as it were, in order to get what I want.

You can describe my reasoning as twisted but the fact is that I was really desperate for money at that time and was willing to double date or to put it plainly, to even sell my body if only I would get enough money to meet my needs, which indeed were many.

We went out that night and it turned out to be a different night.

The big man that my girlfriend was interested in was interested in me.

So Bunmi had to go with another man that she wasn’t interested in.

From the look in her eyes, I knew that she was jealous of me and I decided not to go out with her ever again.

Later on when we had returned to school, her boyfriend Dave came to see her. He asked her where she had been the previous night and she lied to him.

I didn’t know how to lie because I pitied Dave since I could see that he loved Bunmi so much. So I took him aside privately and confessed to him that we had gone to visit some old sugar daddies.

Dave really liked my girlfriend Bunmi, but she was a gold digger and was just using him. She was always asking him for money and he was always hurt and upset about the way my best friend treated him.

Finally, Bunmi broke up with Dave and moved to Abuja. But occasionally, I would chat with Dave on phone and still maintained contact with him.

In 2004 I realized I had a lot of feelings for Dave but I was in a relationship and he was in another relationship as well. I didn’t want to destroy his relationship because I thought he was happy. I also didn’t want to risk losing his friendship if I told him how I felt.

I kept it all secret and made little jokes about how I felt to him, never letting him know how I really felt. I broke up with my boyfriend in 2005 and moved back to Ibadan to continue schooling.

I told Dave I was back at Ibadan and he promised to visit me.

At Ibadan, I refused to live in the

same room off campus with any promiscuous female student because what they were doing was affecting my safety.

She could go out and bring home men from the bar when her boyfriend was not around. I hated lying to anybody’s boyfriend because I was really against cheating.

So I lived with a Christian sister.

When Dave came to visit me, we had fun for a week but one night changed everything. We went out to a club. Then we went dancing on the floor and I realized we were both alike.

We both danced the same way

and loved it. It is rare to find some one like that. My feelings welled up inside of me. I wanted to give Dave a simple kiss on the cheek and as I did that, he moved his head and we kissed.

I confessed to him that night that I have always loved him. He was not surprised. We went to his hotel room that night with passion on our minds. We made love that night and almost everyday after that.

Within one month he took me to see his parents and they approved of our getting married. Now we are happily married with three kids.

35

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

Relationships and love advice ‘I’m dating the father of my daughter’s boyfriend!’

Love Search Women looking for relationship/ marriage Christine, 45, wants a loving and caring man for a serious relationship, preferably a widower or divorcee. 08136054294.

Blessing, 33, from Imo, in Lagos, fat, busty, single mother, needs a matured man of 45years+ for marriage. 08025117116, 08053407885.

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Chioma, 27, tall, homely, graduate, from Anambra, wants a hard working, understanding man of 28 years+ for a serious relationship.

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Dear Love Doctor, My daughter is 15. Her boyfriend is 14. They started dating in September. I met his dad in October and we began dating secretly.

We both are divorced and have an agreement with our kids that no one is to be introduced to the

kids unless it is serious. We are now at a point where a decision has to be made. Do we continue to date or for sake of the kids, stop dating? We both really like each other and enjoy each other’s company. Neither one of us

have dated anyone in which we click this well. What should we do? Neither of us like sneaking all round or lying to our kids. Kids are on to us and we have both denied dating the other. Help!

Love Doctor’s Advice: Although this may feel a bit awkward, it’s not insurmountable. To me, it shows that this man raised a good son. You and your daughter both see something in this family that is appealing.

I’m impressed that you and your friend have waited to make sure you are serious before involving the kids. This is wise, regardless of your current situation. Now that you want to move it to the next level, by all means be straight with the kids. You kept it from them for good reason and you can tell them so. Having decided to continue, you certainly don’t want to be role-modeling that sneaky behavior is okay.

One caution: Be sure to caution the kids that because you and your boyfriend are moving forward, it doesn’t mean that they are locked into their relationship

with each other. They are very young. Chances are they are going to change as they grow.

It’s highly unlikely that they will end up together. Indeed, I hope they will go through a number of relationships before they settle on their forever person. One thing to talk about is how they can enjoy each other’s company now without creating a situation that would become very uncomfortable for them if they were to eventually become stepsiblings.

Conversations about the advisability of waiting for sex are definitely in order. Forbidding it would probably go in one ear and out the other. But, please, 14 and 15 is really too young to get sexually involved. I suggest each parent have a frank conversation with your own child to talk clearly about the implications of being sexual at this point in their

relationship. Remind them that the rules are different for people who are in their 40s. Urge them to wait at least a couple of years, both to give themselves time to mature a bit more and to see how the current situation sorts itself out.

Do you have advice on this problem? Please share your thoughts.

Call 07031028714 or 08131161840.

Email: ireto007@yahoo.com Note: If you have fertility problems like childlessness, inability to conceive or get pregnant, miscarriages, fibroid, low sperm count, STDs, or need a male child or female? Call 07031028714, 08131161840. Love Doctor can help you succeed in your marriage/relationship.

Chichi, 24, chocolate, needs a caring and responsible man of 35years+. 08036236683.

Call Love Doctor: 07031028714, 08131161840, 08077821830 for Counseling, infertility & Direct Hookup.

Men seeking relationship/ marriage Onyeka, 38, from Imo, businessman in Lagos, fair, needs a lady of 28-36years for marriage.

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Obi, from Anambra, tall, fair, needs a lady of 18-32 years with a very large bust, in Anambra, for marriage. 08066671433.

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36

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

It happened to me:

‘I sedated my mother-in-law’

M

y husband - James - and I have been married for nigh on a decade.

My Mother In-Law - Jasmine - has had it in for me from day one and her feelings have barely softened in almost a decade.

She made it pretty clear not long after meeting me for the first time that I wasn’t good enough for James, stating to her son that I was the kind of ‘pretty girl’ who was just after money. James laughingly said that I would have to ‘win her over’ and I initially tried to take this with good humor.

I come from fairly humble beginnings but I have worked hard all my life and I now make a good living in the executive end of the cosmetics industry. My successes have never cut it with Jasmine however.

James’ family are all legal professionals in some form or other and they have amassed a formidable empire. I love James because he is kind, strong and generally doesn’t behave like someone with a small fortune to his name.

James’ Father is one of those men who has been gradually beaten into submission by his dragon-lady of a wife and therefore says very little in my defense or otherwise.

One of Jasmine’s favorite pass-times is ‘popping in’ unannounced. She often brings with her little things that she says I ‘might have overlooked buying’; things like - you know - soap?!

She will often send a house cleaner through at her own expense to ‘pick up the slack’ (yes this an actual quote) and she often wears the expression of someone who has just stepped in ‘doggy doo-doo’ when she walks into our house - and thanks to James’ income our house is very respectable indeed.

She treats me like I’m very stupid and - get this - brings dinner for her little boy at least three times a week. I heard her say (whilst eavesdropping on a phone conversation one night) that I ‘couldn’t cook to save myself’ and at that point I fumed.

The worst thing about her making dinner for James is that 2 out of 3 times she stays to eat with us. In the past, whilst we were all

having diner she would take the opportunity to reminisce with her boy about ‘the good times’ i.e.: the period before I entered the scene.

She would list all the relatives she could think of, laughing about all the funny and witty things they would say and then use these examples as a way of denigrating me.

For example ‘Uncle Jo Jo was such a card, he would always have a hilarious response for any insult anyone could throw at him - maybe you should write some of these down Harriet (this is not my name but a ‘pet name’ Jasmine had given me). It couldn’t hurt to sound sharp once in a while.’

I had become so tired of being put down.

James would always stick up for Mummy whenever I aired my feelings so of course I felt utterly alone. I didn’t want to confront Jasmine as a) she is a very domineering character and I’m a wallflower and b) James has always been protective of his Mother and it would almost certainly cause a rift between us.

My parents were miles away across the other side of the country so although they tried to empathise with me it just wasn’t the same as having someone there with me, someone to be on my side.

One Friday night, dreading the promised appearance of Queen Jasmine, I sort of snapped. It had been a dreadful day at work and I just had nothing left in the tank. My Doctor had prescribed me some sedatives a year or so ago when I had told him of my feelings for my home situation. I was fearful of sinking into a depression and he prescribed some anti-anxiety medication.

I was sort of in a haze and I found myself setting the table and pouring the wine that I knew Jasmine would spend the evening complaining about. I crushed a sedative (okay maybe a couple) up between two teaspoons and gently tipping the powder into Jasmine’s wine glass.

James was in the bathroom shaving for the second time that day (Mummy likes her

boy to look clean) and so I had some time. I poured the wine into the glass (I selected red to be safe) and stirred the hell out of it. There were still some floaty bits in it (this I can tell you is nothing like it is in the movies) and so I ran it from one glass into another through a tea strainer. Success! The wine looked quite innocent and I couldn’t wait until the deed was done.

It wasn’t until Jasmine arrived that I started feeling nervous. She breezed in kissing her hellos and I secretly wondered whether she had an allergy to this kind of medication.

What if she died?! I couldn’t go to prison I just couldn’t! I couldn’t kill James’ Mother no matter how much I disliked her.

I decided to abandon the plan when before I could even make it to the kitchen, Jasmine floated in, grabbed the glass and downed it in one fluid motion. “Oh mercy did I need that!” she blurted with the usual air of drama.

“A bit young though Harriet, I like it aged way more than that”, she added. Blow it all, I was then glad that I had gone through with my scheme.

We were about halfway through Jasmine’s hand-made crab ravioli when she started to nod. It looked like she was just sleepy at first. James asked whether she was okay and when Jasmine answered she sounded a little drunk. James shot me a private glance and I made the ‘drinky drinky’ motion with my hand. James made a face that indicated he understood and agreed.

Jasmine nodded again and again and then - to my delight and mild horror - her face fell smack down into her ravioli. There was a wet thud and I panicked. Was she still alive?

James dived to her aid and felt her pulse.

She was okay.

‘I’d better call a Doctor’ James said almost in tears. My heart was in my mouth.

While James was cooing over her I had a sudden moment of clarity. I called out that I would grab a cloth from the bathroom for her face. I quickly bolted to the wet bar and poured out about three quarters of a bottle of

scotch into the bathroom sink. I poured a tiny bit into a tumbler also and when I returned to the kitchen with said washcloth and also the ‘evidence’ I had staged. I slammed the scotch bottle and tumbler down in front of James and quickly began wiping Jasmines’ face, saying nothing all the while.

‘Oh Jeez’, exclaimed James in a weary sort of way. Jasmine had been known to overdo it now and again with the booze and this all just fit together as another one of those occasions.

We lay Jasmine down on the day-bed and went back into the kitchen. ‘We really should keep this low-key’, I said to James. ‘We don’t want to embarrass your poor Mum’, I added.

‘You’re right’, James said after some thought.

‘Thank you for being so good about this it’s not the kind of thing I ever wanted you to see and I know Mum’s hard to get on with sometimes’. This was the understatement of the century but I took it. I felt pretty bad seeing as how James thought I was being so very understanding.

We kept an eye on Jasmine that night and the old girl only woke the next day at 2pm when James’s father came to pick her up looking quite hard done by. She was very sheepish and her memory was scratchy so she believed James when he said she had ‘taken liberties’ with the scotch bottle. I almost felt bad for her when she kissed me on the cheek and whispered that she was ‘so ashamed’.

She didn’t bring dinner over for several months after that and when she did finally, she rarely stayed.

I have never told James about what I did that night and I have never repeated it, although I have to say I have been very, very tempted on occasion.

Your say: Have your say about this true confession...

Have you had a similar experience? Tell us your story. Call 07031028714.

37

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

Love & Living

I

MAGINE loving and even marrying someone only to find that they cannot love you back that way, not because they don’t want to but they just can’t. Being entangled with an opposite sex whose rather turned on by persons of his own sex can be frustrating and a huge waste of emotions.

In many parts of the world, gayism is all the rage and is now seen simply as a natural /normal sexual orientation that deserves to be accommodated.

The world is fast becoming genderless and at this rate, even the already married need be aware of the greater odds of losing their spouses to the most unexpected people, spouse’s best friends of the same sex.

Just recently, an Anambra-based mother of two sued for divorce after she caught her husband of five years in bed with his best friend. Unknown to her, the two men had been inseparable ever before societal pressure forced them to settle down and have their own families. But they couldn’t keep their hands off each other and took turns to visit their homes to keep the spark alive until they were caught in the act.

I can only imagine the intense pressure and strain this sort of issue can deal to any family especially because in most cases, it is discovered and not told. That is, the one who’s gay hardly considers it necessary to mention it, rather conscious of keeping it low to avoid stigma especially in this part of the world. But when it is found out, the straight one suffers most because it only goes to show that there was nothing at all in the first place, the heart was always elsewhere.

It is very important to know your partner’s sexual orientation not just so you can leave them if you both are incompatible but also because some

Ify

ARONU ifyaronu@gmail.com

and Life

Love of your life is Gay, You are Straight... cases can be helped if discovered early enough. There are stages in the transitioning process to transgender that give chances for possible straightening if gentle understanding and therapy is applied. You don’t have to stalk your spouse and friends to find out if they are gay, best bet is to know your partner’s sexual orientation through careful observation and relaxed communication. Some statements and body languages you take for granted may actually be telling you what can’t be said.

Now, everyone, “straight” or “gay”, deserves to be happy. While it’s entirely proper to seek ones “happiness” and not pretend to be “straight “ all life long, if you are not, putting people who genuinely love you through emotional trauma when they finally find out, is somewhat too expensive and selfish. It does seem that most peo-

ple are left to go through the entire process even when they would rather not because they are all alone in it. It is very important to stand by your partner even if you have just made that heart-renting discovery.

Lend your hand in support and see if you can help them come through it. If they rather decide to go through with it, then let them find happiness on their own terms while you take solace in the fact that you believed in something and did all to see it through. Remember that the journey of love is a not so sweet one, at the time you set out, you don’t know the destination, but you take the steps anyway.

Finding out that the love of your life is gay may seem like the most traumatic thing but you must come through it stronger keeping in mind that your happiness is your call.

Unguided Guidance Counsellor O Maureen Alikor

n the 13th of February, I cried. It was supposed to be a happy day for me since it was my birthday and also a day I chose to carry out one of my demystify abuse campaign , and this event as significant as it is always makes me happy and fulfilled. But this day was different.

So I got to the venue of my campaign, “DEMYSTIFY ABUSE CAMPAIGN”, a secondary school in Port Harcourt. During the counseling session, some students came to tell us of their experiences and of course ask questions on what next steps to take, while with them, a woman barged into the classroom we were using and rudely asked us all to move into another office where she called the guidance and counseling room.

I did not know who she was and it wasn’t till a few minutes that she arrogantly introduced herself as the guidance counselor in the school, and I was shocked.

Shocked at how unruly she acted. She began by saying no such event should happen without her involvement and knowledge; that was when it dawned on me that it was an ego battle.

She said if the students needed to tell anyone about their problems, it should be her and the other counselor and not just any other person – I understood her point, BUT… I told a teacher to tell her that the way she was acting was enough reason to scare the troubled students from ever going to her, she overheard it and began to scream – asking me if I was about to teach her how to do her job. She did not fail to remind me that she has a PHD in counseling.

As she kept taking, my mind quickly conjured up the lady boss in the movie “The Devil Wears Prada”.

maureenalikor@gmail.com

Me & More The she went ahead to tell us how many children she had in university JUST LIKE I WAS. Hmmmmmmm!

It was long enough before my team and I got to understand what her issue was and we went into the office, we were dealing with an insecure, inconsiderate and ‘unsympthathetic’ guidance counsellor who relay need to be taught the place of self-control and empathy in the line of her Job_ one which she had no passion, zeal and heart for.

As made to enter her enter, NONE OF THE STUDENTS AGREED to go with us – she told of how Godzilla-like she was and how one of them (a sexually abused student) went into her office to share her pain with her and the counselor flogged her and chased her back to her class and that was one of the students that came to seek a listening ear from us.

NOW, THE TEARS BEGAN to freely roll down my eyes and unto my cheek when I thought of the harm that her actions I cried because of the students.

I cried for the victims who have not been

able to tell anyone about their pain.

I cried for the generation of growing children we are breeding.

I cried for that woman’s children and for those she is guiding.

I put my children in the shoes of these students.

I HAVE a growing beef with people who are in professions and vocations they have no passion.

Could you please imagine a medical doctor with no passion for his job, he would with his scapula kill more patients than the disease or the health condition that brought them to the hospital. Imagine that same doctor with little knowledge or no knowledge about medicine; also try to imagine this same doctor with no atom of empathy.

Now, imagine an ego driven ignorant passionless medical doctor Imagine a guidance counselor with no passion and with no atom of empathy for his or her phone.

While we are trying hard to demystify abuse, to talk about it, to help change the

pattern of living for victims and to help them heal faster, while we are raising and pushing campaign against stigmatization and most importantly against rape, we cannot do these effectively if an integral part of our society – guidance counselors are silently and subtly ensuring our goal is not achieved.

While on the campaign, I noticed that it is not just parents that should reoriented on rape, sexual abuse and their role in the eradication of rape and stigmatization for those previously rape.

38

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

With Douglas Omoyooma

OJB made me the woman I am today –Korede Okungowa

O

n June 14, 2016, legendary music producer, OJB Jezreel passed on after a three year battle with kidney disease. Last week, the entertainment industry converged at Freedom Park, Lagos, to immortalize him during the first edition of a seminar which was organized by his foundation, Okungbowa Jezereel Foundation, in conjunction with Events & Entertainment Consult & Korede Okungowa Event Management. Themed: The Producer’s Take Home in a Growing Industry, speakers included Hon. Dayo Adeneye (D1), ID Cabassaa, DJ Jimmy Jat, Sound Sultan and Ayo Sonaya among a host of others. Entertainer sat down with one of his wives, who is a popular cancer and who also runs a dancing school, Korede Okungbowa, the brains behind the initiative and she opened up on how the family has fared a year after OJB transited to the great beyond.

What fond memories do you have of him, are your kids still asking after daddy?

I have a lot of memories of Jigga. We used to be very good friends and very close because we did most things together. I miss the times we shared together. I miss times he came home with ice cream and pizza for the kids and we just sat in the living room and watched movies all day. He was not the outgoing type so he loved staying indoors. We usually had fun with the kids. They miss him a lot. Every day they talk about him, especially my son. My daughter now understands that daddy is gone because.

Anytime my son sees him on TV he starts crying. There is no day we don’t miss Jigga.

God rest his soul.

What was the greatest advice he gave you?

Jigga did not just advice me.

He has impacted knowledge and wisdom in me, and when he talks to you, he doesn’t just tells you what to do; he teaches you how to act. He thought me to listen first before talking because I am not a patient person. He thought me how not to react spontaneously to situations, he taught me patience and independence. He will always lead me and say, try this and try that. He has pushed me this far in life and I am very grateful for that. I pray we will never mourn again. A

year has rolled by I think I have mourned enough. It is time to move on.

An event was held in his honour on June 15 precisely a day after he died. What inspired it?

I think Jigga inspired it.

He was selfless and gave so much to the music industry.

The OJB Legacy Semina is all about keeping his legacy alive in a way that will bring people together with a view to giving back to society just like he did when he was alive. And that was how we came up with the OJB Legacy Seminar. This year’s edition was dedicated to music producers and it was themed: Producers Take Home in the Growing Music Industry. It was organized by myself, Korede Okungbowa and s ojb foundation and that puled it together but it my idea and project. It is going to be an annual event. And we are going to be changing the theme every year andit would also include an annual concert which will reflect developments in the music industry.

We are glad that this year was such a success so we are already planning for next year and I am sure he

is somewhere up there smiling down on us. The industry could benefit by using it as a platform for empowerment.

We are not limiting ourselves to just seminars. We will be doing concerts and also, we are hoping it will grow into a talent show in future because Jigga has always wanted a talent show to encourage upcoming artistes and to give back to society. I am praying that God strengthens me so I can carry it for as long as I live. He deserved a lot more What did you learn from his life and the entire experience?

If you know OJB very well you will know he is selfless and has a heart of gold. His integrity is impeccable. I learnt to be my own person, to grow and not worry about what people think about me. Just do you and always push yourself beyond your limit. Before I met OJB I had never done any project but ever since I met him I have handled a lot of projects and I have been inspiired to even do more and part of it is the OJB Legacy Seminar I just started. The experience of living with OJB has made me the woman that I am today

‘ If you know OJB very well

you will know he is selfless and has a heart of gold. His integrity is impeccable. I learnt to be my own person, to grow and not worry about what people think about me. Just do you and always push yourself beyond your limit.

‘

A year after, how are you dealing with OJB’s exit?

I thank God for grace his grace. We have been able to cope, thanks to friends and family who have been supportive and you know, seeing them everyday inspires me and has thought me to focus because there is a bigger picture beyond crying and feeling sad every day. We thank God we have been able to pull through this one year and by the grace of God, we will keep coming through.

because I spent most of my growing years with him. And I will remain grateful to him for as long as I live.

We understand you delved into artiste management a while ago. How is it going?

I have always been interested in artiste management.

I manage LTY Sleek, that is Toyin Adelayan, an artiste and she has a band also called the originals. We perform at different clubs presently we

play at Sheraton on bank Anthony way. We perform there every month. And the OJB legacy seminar is a project that mis very close to my heart. I take that very seriously and it is the major project I will be working on every year. Then I I have a cou0ld of ideas in the incubator and as we unleash them you will see them. There is a lot on on ground now. I am working hard and we are moving on

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT Majek Fashek, King Wadada on parade as Tony Okoroji’s TOPS unleashes Dolzi

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ops Music, Tony Okoroji’s record label has unleashed its latest act on the Nigerian music industry.

Om Saturday, July 24, all roads led to the offices of Top Music, located in Ikeja, Lagos, for the unveiling ceremony of Dolzi aka King of Melody.

Indeed it was a star studded event as the likes of reggae legend, Majek Fashek and King Wadada were among a host of celebrities that graced the ceremony.

Speaking, Chairman, COSON, Okoroji said: “He is silky smooth, good looking and immensely talented. His name is Dolzi, the hugely versatile Afro-pop singer who is at home with R&B, reggae, dancehall

and highlife. Nicknamed King of Melody, Dolzi has become one of the pillars of the TOPS revolution redefining the presentation of popular music in Nigeria.

For the new act, Dolzi: “I am so excited today and feel honoured to have the likes of Majek Fashek attend my unveiling ceremony. I want to say a big thank you to all my label mates at Tops and also thank Chief Tony Okoroji for this great opportunity.”

Born Chiedozie Emmanuel Ugoala in 1990 in Lagos, at the age of 7, Dolzi joined the junior choir of his church and later graduated to the senior choir. Expected at the media presentation are the TOPS All Stars including Kasi, the June 12 Girl, G-Wilzand Kul-GP among a host of others

• Dolzi aka King of Melody

TAFF 2017: Roger Ofime’s Oloibiri is opening film

T

his must be happy times for movie maker, Roger Ofime, whose action thriller, Oloibiri, has been selected as the opening film for The African Film Festival (TAFF), which kicksoff Friday, June 30, in Dallas, Texas.

According to a statement from the organizers, while Oloibiri will be screened as the opening film, Uganda’s award-winning film, Remand, will close the festival.

Also, screening during the festival is South African crime thriller, Call Me Thief.

Commenting, Festival Director and founder, Kelechi Eke said: “We are leaving no stone unturned in our bid to record a successful outing this year. Not less than 200 filmmakers from over 40 countries are expected to storm Dallas for the festival which climaxes on July 3 with an awards night.

“My expectation is to have a better festival than last year’s with more filmmakers and Afri-

can movie fans in attendance and with more media coverage globally. We received better films this year, and some from very wellknown film makers.”

Explaining why he established the festival, Kelechi said it was to give Africans in the Diaspora a sense of belonging as well as promote the continent’s culture.

“The African film industry is growing by the day. New creative filmmakers are emerging; better quality film production is on the rise. Yet, we do not have enough platforms to showcase African films and celebrate our filmmakers. There are several other challenges that African filmmakers face and it could be quite discouraging. But the passion and drive that many of us have continue to push us to not quit. Good quality films need a large budget for production and marketing just like we observe from our Hollywood counterparts where millions of dollars are spent in making just one film,” he added.

39 July 7 date for premiere of Toyin Abraham’s The In-Laws Coming on the heels of Alakada Reloaded, actress cum movie maker, Toyin Abraham returns in a new movie entitled The InLaws, which will premiere on July 7 at the Ozone Cinema, Yaba, Lagos.

According to the Edo State born star actress: “I promised my fans great movies and this is one of them. I also said that I would only appear in movies that are women and children oriented and that is why I am on this movie. It is a movie for everyone. The InLaws is about love and family. It is about everyday issues faced by everyday people when it comes to love, marriage and family.

“Honestly, everyone should see this movie. I promise entertainment and maximum fun and I never make promises I don’t intend keeping,” the moviemaker added.

The In-Laws is the story of Tobi Balogun, a 35 year old naturalist doctor and son to a retired police sergeant, Abu Balogun, who is in love and ready to marry Nancy Okezie, daughter of Donald Okezie, an old-school Lawyer.

However, trouble starts after they secretly get engaged and introduce each other to their families. Donald Okezie remembers Abu Balogun as an unrepentant liar who scuttled his biggest lawsuit. Coupled with the fact that Tobi is a naturalist doctor, which Donald terms as an herbalist, he decides to prevent his daughter from marrying Tobi.

On the flipside, Abu Balogun remembers Donald as the man who snatched his first love and wife, and then frustrated his promotion. Hence he decides not only to separate his son from the Nancy but also punish Donald for his past sins.

The movie features Chris Attoh, Dele Odule, Binta Ayo Mogaji, Charles Inojie, Ngozi Nwosu and Woli Arole among others.

The in-laws will hit cinemas on July 14.

Mike Ezuruonye set to heat up Nollywood with new movie

H

unk, Mike Ezuruonye is poised to raise the bar following the success of his debut move production effort, Bro. Jekwu. As you read this piece, the actor has wrapped up plans for his next move entitled Divorce? Not Allowed.

“The movie is a romantic comedy and the story we are telling is one that will engage viewers such that they are not just viewers but also participants as it will ignite discussions among them.

“We are going to be shooting this movie on a different pedestal; people get to see my directorial skills, and what I have to offer after going to film school. That’s something a lot of people don’t know; I went to film school in Toronto to advance my craft, so we are bringing something fresh and

new.”

Ezruonye added that the new movie will also introduce many new and unfamiliar faces and they will be playing major roles in the movie. “Giving this opportunity to these new and talented people is one of the ways I am giving back and that is the way it will be for every movie I will be producing,” Ezuruonye said.

Divorce? Not Allowed will hit cinemas later in the year. ‘Divorce? Not Allowed’ focuses on men who, though are going through a difficult marriage are not bold enough to divorce their wives. The movie stars Mike Ezuruonye, Iyabo Ojo, Bolanle Ninalowo, Kehinde Olorunyomi and Angel Okorie among a host of others.

• Mike Ezuruonye

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT Denrele lands multimillion dollar deal with Fox TV

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V show host, Denrele Edun has landed a multimillion naira deal with American TV station, Fox TV. Speaking with The Oracle Today, Denrele thanked God for the opportunity stating that he was overwhelmed: “I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag yet but God has been blessing me.

He keeps shocking and surprising me all the time. When I got a call from Fox TV informing they wanted to do a programme around me along the lines of Fresh Prince of Belaire, I was like, what kind of prank is this? How? “Then I was in South Africa for

the shooting of Lip Sync Battle and lo and behold they called me again and we had a meeting.

We sat down and held a serious meeting. Contracts have been presented and it is a brilliant show around my essence; my brand.”

Denrele hit the industry in 1995 as a child star. Today he has emerged as one of the most sought after red carpet event anchors and has his own show on Channel O. However, the climb to the top was full of pitfalls and the comic had to claw his way up the steep slope of life against the odds.

Why I posed nude –Sybil Sparkle, child act • Set to drop African Woman

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hild act turned model, singer and blogger, Sybil Sparkle (Millennium Baby) has opened up on why she did a nude photo shoot recently with photographer, Chris Agana Nwobu (Funky Nomad).

“I think I am comfortable in my own skin and I like to flaunt it since I am not ugly. I am proud, pretty and sexy. I am an artistic person and a musician. I am a social media person so the nude shoot is just one side of me. I was just having fun with myself.”

Speaking on what inspired the shoot, she continued: “Funky Nomad had been asking for this and I am happy I finally did it. I am adventurous and a model so I said ‘why not?’ The impression was to show pain and what it takes to breakout of bondage; that is the message.”

How much she paid for the shoot? “I can’t tell you that. It is private and confidential. And by the way, do you want to give me a contract?”

Meanwhile, she has wrapped up plans for the release of her latest single entitled African Woman.

Stella Monye, Azeezat to thrill @ Hang Out with D’Lyte

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oming on the heels of the success of her show, D’Lyte and D’Stars, the superwoman singer is set to slay her fans with the best of Live music at the Slay Karaoke Lounge, Lekki, Lagos, on Saturday, July 1 and the show kicks-off at 7pm.

Speaking, D’Lyte said: “Hangout with D’Lyte is a monthly hangout session in a beautiful atmosphere with live music, dance, comedy and networking.

It’s an atmosphere where entertainers can hang out and be celebrated, display their creativity, network and have fun.

“The July edition will feature the likes of Azeezat, the Queen of Love, Humble Smith the Osinachi crooner, Dezign and Xtacy while comedy will be dished out

by Efe Warriboy and Odogwu and a special appearance by music veteran, Stella Monye will also bless this.”

According to D’Lyte: “The music session is an all Live performance as there will be no CD performances. Please come and hang out with us as it promises to be a night of laughter and excitement.”

Inspire Us with FCMB debuts on Love Idoko’s Activating Success

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new inspirational 30 minute segment, Inspire Us, sponsored by FCMB debuted recently on Love Idoko’s popular TV show, Activating Success, which airs on AIT and features inspiring words from celebs like Ali Baba, Omotola Jalade Ekiende, Desmond Elliot, Cobhams Asuquo, Ayo Makun and Adam Nuru, Managing Director of FCMB, among a host of others.

According to Love Idoko: ‘’It is such a great opportunity; The fact that such a big organization like FCMB is sponsoring such

an educative and inspiring programme speaks volumes about their interest to contribute to society.

“Inspire Us is a new segment of Activating Success aimed at inspiring young people to maximize their potentials. The segment features people from all facets of life. They will not only be sharing their success stories but also the challenges they have faced, their experience, their mistakes and ultimately, how they became the inspirational figures they are today.”

• Sybil Sparkle

Okowa, Emefiele advocate support for MSMEs From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, and others have identified paying attention to micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs) as the fastest way to Nigeria’s economic growth.

While identifying MSMEs as great employers of labour, they observed that investing in them would not only boost Nigeria’s economy but ensure speedy technological development of the country.

This position was made known at the maiden edition of Ika Economic and Investment Summit organised by the Ika Village Square in Agbor.

The summit had as its theme as “exploiting the economic potentials of Ika nation through strategic partnership.”

“As it concerns MSMEs, we have done a lot to encourage our people to be entrepreneurs but a lot more needs to be done; a lot of our people are not knowledgeable enough, and as such, they make a lot of mistakes. We are not only training our people to acquire skills as government but we are training our youths, equipping them

to function on their own, monitor and mentor them to succeed as entrepreneurs because education backed by skills is the way to go for our country,” Okowa said.

He observed that it was important for the people to go into agriculture, noting that job opportunities abounded in the agriculture value chain.

He called on parents to instill in their children the right values, saying, “without the right family values of bringing up children who appreciates hard work, we will not achieve the desired results.

Parents must realize that if they don’t know what their children do

to earn a living, they have failed as parents. Most of us may not want to talk about it, but, most of us have no control over our children, which means we have failed as parents.”

The Governor of CBN, in an address delivered on his behalf by Chief H. C. Ikeghagu, stated that “MSMEs are recognized worldwide as a catalyst for rapid growth, job creation and poverty reduction; they have been described as the incubators of innovation and employment, which are usually resilient to most exogenous shocks.”

Major-General Lucky Irabor, Commander of Operation, Lafiya

Dole North East Theatre Command, stated that “without security, there is no development; development and security are interwoven.”

Dr Kingsley Emu, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, in a welcome address, stated that the Economic and Investment Summit was organised to address economic issues facing the Ika ethnic nationality.

Those who spoke at the occasion included Prof. J.C. Egbon, Prof.

Eric Eboh, Dr Jude Ogala, Commissioner for Police David Igbodo and Prof. Stella Chiemeke, among others.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

NEWS

2017 budget: Workers’ welfare not properly captured – NLC

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IGERIA Labour Congress (NLC) says workers’ welfare is not properly captured in the 2017 national budget.

The NLC President, Mr Ayuba Wabba, said this while speaking with newsmen on in Abuja.

“Our budget system is not transparent enough, if you look at the estimate of this year’s budget, a lot of issues have arisen, especially the allocations for capital and current expenditure.

“But importantly, the fact also is that a lot of issues pertaining to the welfare of workers have not been properly captured.

“On the issue of pension, we are very certain and convinced because there is a liability presently of over N300 billion that is supposed to be accommodated in the budget for the payment of pensions.

“Especially the contributory pension scheme which actually we have interfaced with the leadership of the National Assembly to try to see how this can be accommodated.

“And we are all aware that this has not been captured adequately. There are also some earned allowances which also have not being earned but a portion of it has being provided in the budget.

“So, in terms of how the budget directly affects the workers, I think some of the issues certainly have not being captured very effectively,” he said.

On the overall performance of the 2017 budget, Wabba noted that time was of essence.

He, however, decried the late implementation of the budget, saying that substantial time has been lost in the preparation that ought to have taken effect.

“Therefore our position is whatever needs to be done, needs to be done properly.

“Especially, the capital projects that have to do with putting in place our very importantly critical infrastructure need to receive the most desired attention.

“So that those issues can then kick start the economy and then stimulate the economy and create jobs for the teeming unemployed youth in the country.

“Because, one, we are not producing and ones those critical sectors are not working then we will remain in pathetic situation that we will not be able to get out of it,” the NLC president said.

Wabba added that the process and the manner of implementation of the national budget has certainly not being encouraging to Nigerians.

He noted that a study of the figures in the budget shows that, major priorities were given to areas that do not address the fundamental issues that Nigerians are passing through.

“I think there is a need for a transparent budget process where it would start very early and it will be open for public scrutiny and also the input can be made into the process.

“This will be able to address the very critical issues of our development, because if you look at some aspects of the budget, the overhead seems to be much more than the capital budget.

“I think that is not good for us, that is not good for our system and that is why we are in this situation,” Wabba said.

Agitations symptom of rot in Nigeria – Sultan S ULTAN of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, says ongoing agitations in the country are symptoms of rot in the Nigerian system.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Abubakar disclosed this in Sokoto when Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers paid him Sallah homage.

The sultan said: “In the past, a lot of things were done by some people with impunity and nothing

was done.

“That is why you find lack of good governance now weighing us down in the country.

“However, as it is now, no matter how bad your hand is, you cannot cut it and throw away,” the monarch said.

Abubakar stressed the need to use dialogue to resolve all the misunderstandings and problems in the country.

The royal father said Nigerians

should sit together, brainstorm, look at what went wrong, retrace their steps and move forward.

The sultan also appealed to statesmen in the nation to intervene and assist in this direction.

According to the monarch, we are not short of statesmen across the country and they should help in championing the dialogue.

“We should not allow sentiments to rule our heads. Nigeria is a very big and lucky country and

• Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa (middle), former Ag. Governor, Prince Sam Obi (right) and Major General Lucky Irabor, Theatre Commander of Operation Lafia Dole, during the maiden edition of Ika Econmic Summit at Ika Hall, Agbor.

we have no any other nation we can call our own.

“We should love one another irrespective of any religious, ethnic or cultural differences,” Abubakar said.

He also extolled the developmental strides of Wike in Rivers, as well as his existing relationship with the Muslim community there.

Speaking earlier, Wike said that the people and government of Rivers believe in the indivisibility of Nigeria.

Wike further averred that there were better ways to solve the agitations and problems of Nigeria, rather than a pondering on a break up.

“Rivers and its people believe in the oneness and unity of Nigeria and that is our stand.

“The sultan is a father to all Nigerians and he is a peace builder in Nigeria and beyond.

“We have also been friends with Tambuwal since and before his emergence as a Speaker, House of Representatives and this will be sustained in spite of party differences,” Wike averred.

Tambuwal, who accompanied Wike, had earlier said that the visit would not have come at a better time than now, and restated his belief in the unity of Nigeria.

The governor said that the visit would help to strengthen the bond of unity between the two states.

Politicians hijack school feeding programme in Anambra From RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka

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HE feeding programme for primary schools across the federation as launched by the Muhammdu Buhari administration has been hijacked by politicians in Anambra State.

This was the view of some teachers who spoke at the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) State Wing Executive Council meeting held at the Teachers’ House in Awka.

The teachers recounted their ugly experience in the hands of some politicians who had allegedly hijacked the exercise, making school children go hungry either because the food was non-existent or very inadequate, even though government had paid for it.

Mrs. Chibueze Nonye Cicilia of Community Central School, Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area, when presenting a situation a report on the school feeding programme in her school, stated that they were asked to screen food vendors for the programme but that she was amazed that the exercise was hijacked. She alleged that only members of the ruling party in the state, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), were selected as food vendors.

Chibueze alleged that most times the vendors put small food in a bowel for the pupils and they would crowd the bowel scrambling for food from it with unwashed bare hands.

Though she commended the Federal Government and the Anambra State Government for the initiative, she made case for the inclusion of nursery school pupils in the scheme, admitting that since the programme

started, the children began to look healthy and energetic. She remarked that the feeding helped the schoolchildren a lot, especially those who didn’t feed at home and those staying back for extra lessons after school hours.

Also, Achukwu Chris, the state Chairman of Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria, maintained that there were challenges confronting the school feeding programme in the state. This, he said, included non inclusion of nursery schools and lack of consistency in the scheme which at times resulted in the vendors being unable

to provide food when the children asked for it on the ground that they had not been paid.

He also disclosed that the food vendors did not come every day contrary to the modalities of the programme and that the vendors used the old population figures given to them even though public schools were getting more intake from time to time.

Meanwhile, state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers Anambra State Wing, Comrade Ifeanyi Ofodile, who presided over the meeting, said the situation was worrisome but that the union would consider

the reports as well as take adequate remedial actions to ensure that the feeding programme was well implemented in the state.

It would be recalled that on December 8th, 2016, the government of President Muhammadu Buhari launched a school feeding programme for primary schools across the federation and about 9 pilot states were selected to kick start the scheme which Anambra was one of.

The programme was intended to provide food for schoolchildren during school hours.

Quit notice: Obiano, Muslim community, others condemn Arewa youths From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka GOVERNOR of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has condemned the quit notice given to Igbos to vacate the northern region of Nigeria, and consequently called on Muslims across the country to, in the spirit of Ramadan, toe the path of peaceful co-existence and shun utterances and actions that encourage strife and violence.

The governor made the call when Muslim community in the state paid him visit at the Governor’s Lodge, Awka, ahead the Eid-el-fitri celebrations.

Obiano emphasized that through his friendly disposition towards Muslims in the state, he aimed to demonstrate his belief that Nigerians should be free to live and do their businesses anywhere in the country without fear of any form of ill-treatment or discrimination.

While condemning the recent threat by Arewa Youths on Ndigbo

living in the northern parts of the country to vacate the area before 1st of October this year, the governor urged the Muslims in the state to join all well meaning citizens of the country to preach unity and peaceful co-existence, reminding them that in an atmosphere of violence, no meaningful development could take place.

He called on his counterparts in the North to emulate the gesture and always identify with Christians in their area, adding that such would help cement the bond of unity among Nigerians.

He advised that they remain vigilant to ensure that lawless elements in their midst are fished out and handed over to the appropriate authorities, assuring them that their lives and property are safe in the state.

The leader of the Muslim community in the state and State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr Sule Momodu, said Gov Obiano had shown

that he was a detribalized Nigerian by the way he related with Muslims, assuring him that for the love he had shown them, they would continue to stand with him.

In a goodwill message, the Auxiliary Bishop of Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese, Most Reverend Denis Isizo, frowned at recent move to create a common national programme for religious education in secondary schools in which the content of Christian Religious Studies had been watered down and advocated reciprocity of gestures of friendship and protection of the right of parents to choose religious instructions for their children.

The leader of Fulani Community in the state and South East Zonal Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Alhaji Giddado Sadiq, commended the efforts of the governor in carrying everybody in the state along and prayed that God would grant him the wisdom to effectively steer the affairs of the

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

NEWS

MASSOB condemns Uwazuruike’s visit to North

From COLLINS UGHALAA, Owerri in Owerri, MASSOB said “It is very shameful and uncultured for Ralph OLLOWING the visit of Chief Uwazuruike who has lost and still Ralph Uwazuruike to the losing the trust and confidence North after the coalition of Ndigbo bestowed on him to shamenorthern youths issued October lessly go to Arewa House in Kaduna 1 ultimatum to the Igbo living in claiming to speak for Ndigbo.” the North to leave, the leadership They accused Uwazuruike and of the Movement for the Actual- his Biafra Independence Moveization of the Sovereign State of ment (BIM) of “dragging the name Biafra (MASSOB) has dissociated of MASSOB to their filthy smelling itself from the visit, describing it as mud of shame by attaching it to “Judasitic sabotage of Ralph Uwa- their Biafra Independence Movezuruike”. ment as MASSOB-BIM.” In a press release signed by their Madu insisted that there was leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu, nothing like MASSOB-BIM or BIMand obtained by The Oracle Today MASSOB and that Igbo people

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should not allow themselves to be deceived.

MASSOB condemned Uwazuruike’s meeting in the North, accusing him of having “a meeting with our oppressors and enemies of Biafra that have been romancing with him since 2013.” It also said the Arewa House meeting was evidence that Uwazuruike had been romancing with the North.

“MASSOB therefore advised members of BIM who still believe in genuine struggle for Biafra actualization and restoration to immediately leave Uwazuruike’s BIM now and rejoin MASSOB now”,

Madu said.

In a related development, a proBiafra group under the Biafra Shadow Government has called on the Igbo living in the North to return home within the next four weeks, saying that they should stay away from the October 1, 2017 independence celebration.

The Biafra Shadow Government which consisted of about 20 groups including the Biafra Regional Emancipation Movement (BREM), Biafra Zionists Movement (BZM), and Biafra Must Stand (BIAMUS), etc, in a press release signed by Comrade

Inetimi Brown, claimed that Biafra was a legal entity recognized by the nations.

The group assured that every legitimate property and investment owned by the Igbo in the North must be recovered, stressing therefore that the Igbo living in the North should not be afraid of losing their businesses.

They called on the United Nations to as a matter of urgency conduct a referendum in “Biafra Land”, warning also that parents should keep their children indoors and away from the October 1 celebration.

Anambra institutes health insurance scheme From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

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NAMBRA State Governor, Dr Willie Obiano, has announced that the State House of Assembly has passed the bill establishing the State Health Insurance Scheme and that he has also signed it into law without delay.

He disclosed this at the flag-off of a medical mission facilitated and funded by a philanthropist, Chief Chidi Anyaegbu, an indigene of Amichi community in Nnewi South LGA of the state and CEO of Chisco Group,.

Obiano stated that immediately it was passed by the State House of Assembly, a special committee was set up to advise government on how best to implement the scheme.

According to him, his administration had already earmarked N200 million required to kick-start the scheme before reaching out to wealthy Ndi Anambra and corporate bodies for support.

He praised Chief Anyaegbu for his decision to undertake the mission which he noted would have a tremendous effect on the health of his people. Obiano said it was consistent with his administration’s vision for the transformation of the state health sector.

He appealed to wealthy Ndi Anambra to emulate the philanthropic gesture of Chief Anyaegbu and utilize their wealth to impact positively on the lives of people even as he pointed out that government alone could not effectively perform the task of developing society.

Chief Anyaegbu, in his remarks, noted that the programme was part of his own way of giving back to the society that made him. He said he decided to involve the State Government this time because of the genuine commitment Gov Obiano had shown towards improving the health of the people.

The leader of the Medical Team, Dr Sony Acho, who noted that their major observation was high incidence of surgery-related diseases and advocated constant medical checks upon suspicion of any medical anomaly.

The governor was later conducted round the centre where he observed ongoing surgeries of various kinds by over 40 medical doctors and nurses on the mission.

• Cross section of participants at the fair on promoting financial stability and economic development organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, Anambra State.

Photo by MODESTUS IGUDOBI.

Anambra: Lawmaker flays opposition over flyovers From RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka

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ONTRARY to the opinion of the opposition in the state that the three flyover bridges built by the Willie Obiano-led state government in Anambra were mere waste of resources, Chief Pete Ibida, representing Njikoka II State Constituency in the state legislature, has said that the flyovers stand out as the pride of the southeast region.

The lawmaker, who spoke to our correspondent in Awka, explained that if the opposition parties said the flyovers were not standard, it would not imply that the governor was not performing even as he described such talks as mere political gimmicks

intended to incite the people against the governor.

Ibida maintained that although the opposition parties ought to be alive to their duty of criticizing the government, he emphasized however that their criticisms were a clear case of hypocrisy as they were targeted at rubbishing the administration rather than keeping it on its toes.

The lawmaker who doubles as the chairman House of Assembly Committee on Trade, Commerce and Industry, noted that industrialisation in Anambra State was growing by the day especially considering that the Anambra State Investments Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) was attracting investments into

the state just as the state governor had provided a business-friendly environment and guaranteed security of lives and property.

He was of the opinion that due to the insecurity in the state prior to the advent of the Willie Obiano administration, the state witnessed capital flight as investors took their businesses to other states. However, with the coming of the present administration, there had been an influx of businessmen and women into Anambra for investment purposes.

He expressed optimism that Governor Willie Obiano would address power problem to light up the state, grow the economy and encourage industrialisation.

obligations of the council included the production of a database of all teachers in the country which he said was the remote reason why all teachers were expected to register with the council.

The Anambra NUT scribe disclosed that recently the Federal Government wrote to all professors who were in the teaching profession to begin to vacate the profession if they were not registered with TRCN. According to him, the state council visited the Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunze where the provost of the institution affirmed that before he was given appointment as provost of the college, he was compelled to show his TRCN number.

He also stated that students in universities and colleges of education upon graduation were compulsorily inducted into TRCN emphasizing that anyone who did not possess the TRCN certification, should vacate the teaching profession.

He noted also that TRCN had come up with a scheme that from 18 October, 2017, teachers not registered with TRCN would be made to write professional verification examination, pointing out that such people would go to the state offices of TRCN and purchase forms for the exams. He also informed that TRCN had written to all teachers across the federation to register to avoid being eliminated from the profession.

Professors not TRCN-certified to quit teaching From RAYMOND OZOJI, Awka

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EACHERS’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has said that professors not registered with the council may quit teaching profession as all teachers in the country are mandated to register with the body for proper regulation of the teaching profession in Nigeria.

Presenting an update on TRCN at a meeting of stakeholders in the teaching sector in Awka, Aanmbra State Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Livinus Eta Omini, stated that TRCN was the statutory body for the regulation of the teaching profession in the country.

Omini explained that the duties and

NLC queries Ayade over N31.1bn bailout funds From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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HE organized labour in Cross River State is demanding for the whereabouts of the N31.1 billion bailout fund Governor Ben Ayade allegedly received from the Federal Government for payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities.

Comrade John Ushie, Chairman of NLC and Comrade Clarkson Otu, Chairman of TUC, in a press release titled “There is Money in Cross River State,” and pasted at strategic locations within the state, said that Ayade collected N31.1 billion bailout funds from the Federal Government.

The unions queried why the Paris Club refunds had not been channeled to the purpose for which it was released to the state in the first place. The funds, they claimed, was primarily for payment of arrears of workers’ salaries, pensions and gratuities.

According to the release, the breakdown of the funds included “N7.8 billion bailout funds; N11.3 billion Paris Club refunds and another Paris Club refunds of N12 billion.”

The unions urged the government to “pay gratuity to retirees… pay salary to unpaid staff of Ministry of Justice, Internal Revenue Service, CRGIA and all casual staff of the Garment Factory, Water Board, etc.”

They called on the government to take the welfare of workers seriously and “stop playing politics with workers’ interest because we are the engine room of the government.”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

TRIBUTE

By UZOR MAXIM UZOATU

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NUORA Nzekwu lived a life that was magical in terms of his many cherished accomplishments. It’s as though he was blessed with a magic wand; little wonder his first novel published in 1961, that is a year after Nigeria’s independence, was entitled Wand of Noble Wood. It’s cool by me to recall an incident in this groundbreaking novel in the annals of African literature.

The protagonist of the novel, Peter, who incidentally is a journalist, as Onuora Nzekwu then was, goes to the hospital where an elderly Onitsha friend of his, Mr. Agbata, lay dying. The horrified nurse informs Peter and Agbata’s son and daughter that the dying man cannot stop talking of the number of people he had killed. The man on his deathbed speaks on thusly: “Didn’t Emena say he was strong and wise? Did he not say he was powerful? Yet he could not survive the simple test to which I put him. He could neither stop my magic arrow from entering his side nor wrestle with it for long. Or is it Ikebundu, that man who was so proud after taking the Ozo title? He only breathed the air, which I set in motion with my leathern fan … and that sent him to his death two days later...”

The man who everybody thought was a good man pointedly tells his daughter Miriam that he killed Oduanu because he beat her, stressing: “Yes, it was you, Miriam… it was you he beat. In revenge I touched him with my fan and that alone sent him to his grave.” The bad man refuses to die in the hospital and is taken back to his Lagos home where some strange discoveries are made at his bed: “The space was empty, but at a point underneath his pillow, hanging from the spring of the bed, was a string of black, red and yellow threads. At the other end of it was the fresh bleeding heart of a goat. Surprisingly the heart was contracting and expanding. It was suspended over a hole dug in the floor.” The man only dies after asking them to cut the thread, stressing that he must be taken to his hometown of Ado, to wit Onitsha, for burial thus: “As the heart fell into the hole, two things happened: the dying man breathed his last. The old goat bleated urgently, ‘Kpaa!

Kpaa!’ and became silent.”

Literary scholars talk of magical realism mostly in relation to Latin American literature without, for instance, taking cognizance that Onuora Nzekwu published Wand of Noble Wood in 1961 while Gabriel Garcia Marquez released One Hundred Years of Solitude in 1967. Nzekwu had been weaving magic with the wand of words before the coming of the Latin American so-called masters.

In his second novel, Blade Among the Boys published in 1962, the tragic hero Patrick who was brought up in a Christian home aspires to be a Catholic priest but perforce relocates to the rural village when his father dies. He discovers that he has a call to the traditional

Nzekwu, who passed on at 89 with some of his books, Eze Goes To School, is his most famous work

Inimitable Onuora Nzekwu Goes Home

divinity but this doesn’t deter him from going to the seminary until the charms of the femme fatale Nkiru leads to pregnancy and Patrick’s signal ruination.

Onuora Nzekwu is most famous as the co-author of the juvenile novella Eze Goes to School which he co-authored with the historian Michael Crowder, author of the historical book The Story of Nigeria. According to Nzekwu, “The reason I wrote Eze Goes to School was because a few books had been written for Nigerians by Nigerian writers, but there was nothing about Nigerian children or for them to read. All the books that we had, when I was in school and when I came out, were books about European children. So I thought I should write something about our own children and how they live. And I wrote it based on our surroundings so that the child

• Author of Eze Goes To School goes home June 30 in his native Onitsha

who is reading it will understand and appreciate that this is something that is familiar.”

The overwhelming success of Eze Goes to School led to the writing of the sequel Eze Goes to College.

After many decades of silence on the literary front, Nzekwu in 2012 published his novel Troubled Dust based on the Biafra war. The book made the 11-book penultimate shortlist of the NLNG-sponsored Nigeria Prize for Literature. At the Annual Book Party organized by the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA) which held at Freedom Park on Broad Street, Lagos Island, an interactive forum between the media and the writers on the list, Nzekwu explained his release of the novel 42 years after the end of the war: “The question should not be why I wrote the book now. It should be why is it being published now? I have been working on the book since the civil war ended, but one of the problems that I met is the question of getting a publisher who will accept it the way it is. I didn’t write the book now. I published it when I got a publisher who took it the way it is and did a good job for me and for himself…”

Nzekwu international standing is highlighted by his receiving of the Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship in 1961. The coveted fellowship enabled him to study “American Methods of Magazine Production” at Crafts Horizons in New York. He forged further ahead in 1964 with the award of the UNESCO Fellowship with which he studied Copyright Administration for three months in Geneva, Prague, Paris, London, New York and Washington.

Born in Kafanchan in the then Northern Region on February 19, 1928 to Onitsha parents, Mr. Obiese Nzekwu and Mrs. Mary Ogugua Nzekwu (née Aghadiuno), the young Joseph Onuora Nzekwu began his primary school education in Kafanchan but had to go back to his native Onitsha in 1939 while at Primary Four when his father who worked in the

railways died. An uncle who equally worked with the railways took him to Zaria for three months and eventually to Kano where he completed his primary education. He came back to Onitsha and was made to repeat Elementary Six before getting enrolled into the teacher training college, first at St Anthony’s and then to the prestigious St Charles. He earned the Higher Education Certificate in 1946.

He served as a teacher for nine years before joining the Federal Ministry of Information in Lagos in January 1956 as an editorial assistant of the esteemed Nigeria magazine. He became the editor-in-chief of the magazine in 1958. He had to leave his post in Lagos when the Nigerian crisis began in 1966. He worked in information and cultural divisions in Biafra, and returned to Lagos at the end of the war in 1970. He served as a senior information officer from May 1970 before being appointed the protem General Manager of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He became the first General Manager of NAN on July 1, 1979. He retired in 1985 after nearly 40 years of meritorious service and was on August 8, 2006, at NAN’s 30th Anniversary in Abuja, presented with the “Maker of NAN” plaque. He was conferred the National Honour of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 2008.

He got married to Ononenyi Justina Ogbenyeanu Mbanefo, the daughter of the legendary Chief Isaac Aniegboka Mbanefo, Odu II of Onitsha, in June 1960. A traditional being of high culture, Nzekwu was inducted into the distinguished ancient Agbalanze Society of Onitsha in May 1991. He held dear the renowned customs and traditions of Onitsha whence his publishing in 1977 the book The Chima Dynasty in Onitsha, which traces the monarchical history of Onitsha. He authored in 2003 Faith of Our Fathers, a well-researched “compendium of the arts, beliefs, social institutions and code of values that characterize the Onitsha traditional community”. He was also the author of Ahmad Daggash - Story of the True published in 2016.

Odinigwe Joseph Onuora Nzekwu died on April 21, 2017, at the age of 89, and Onitsha his much-beloved hometown is agog with the theme: “Eze Goes Home”.

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The Oracle Today, Wednesday July 5, 2017

Crime

•The Suspects

Nine arrested for killing bank agent

Stories by XAVIER NDAH

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ine suspected armed robbers, who allegedly killed a bank agent Awodiran Sunday and dispossessed him of money and other valuables, have disclosed that they killed him because he was well known to them.

They said they killed him to avert the repercussion that may follow after robbing him.

The nine suspects have already been arrested and are cooling their feet in the police cell in Ogun State Police for allegedly killing the agent recently.

The late Awodiran was accosted on his way home and murdered in cold blood by the suspects after close of work.

Police said the 38- years- old indigene of Ekiti State was attacked by the hoodlums at

… says we killed him to ‘die’ the case

Lambe junction, Alausa Village in Ifo local government area of Ogun State at about 9:45 pm. of May 14, and was dispossessed of the cash sum of N200,000, some recharge cards and ATM cards after which he was stabbed to death.

Police Public Relations Officer ,Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Abimbola Oyeyemi told the The Oracle that the case was reported to the Police at Ajuwon Divisional headquarters and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Superintendent Kazeem Afolabi was given a matching order by the Commissioner of Police (Cp) Ahmed Iliyasu

‘I chained my son to teach him a lesson’

his money because they were all known to him, one of them Taiwo specifically said they killed him according to their language, to ‘die the case’ but against their wish they were caught .

Meanwhile, the case has been transfer to the Force Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS)for discreet investigation and possible prosecution of the suspects.

The CP also appealed to members of the public to assist the police always by giving them necessary information that will enhance the effective performance of their duty.

Illegal Varsity Operator Bags 10 Years

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41- year-old man, Adeoye Oreyomi, wno is now in the custody of the police in Ogun State for allegedly dehumanising his 13 year old son, Demola has pleaded with the police not to further with the case in court as he treated his son that way to teach him a lesson.

The suspect said as a father he wants the best for his son so that he will become a good child in the future both to his family and to the society “ so when he stole I treated him as a thief, to teach him a lesson,” he was quoted as telling the police.

The suspect was arrested by police detectives attached to the Ogun State Police Command at the suspect’s residence at No. 9 Dokun Street, Ewuga Shagamu.

Oreyomi in his statement to the police claimed that his son stole his N2,000 as a result of which he striped the boy naked before using chain to tie him on both hands and legs and padlocked the chain.

It was gathered that people in the neighborhood who feared that the boy might give up the ghost quickly alerted the Police at Shagamu Divisional Headquarters and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Superintendent Aduroja Moses led his men to the scene where the boy who was found soaked in his own blood was rescued and taken to Owokoniran hospital Shagamu for medical attention while the father was also arrested.

Police Public Relations Officer ,Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Abimbola Oyeyemi who disclosed the matter said the Commissioner of Police Cp Ahmed Iliyasu has ordered that the suspect be charged to court as soon as the investigation is concluded.

He equally warned that the command will not tolerate any act of lawlessness from anybody no matter how highly placed the person may be.

to bring the perpetrator of the dastardly act to book by all means.

“In compliance with the CP’s order, the DPO and his men swung into action and their efforts led to the arrest of nine suspects Lukman Taiwo, 30, Taiwo Babalola,29,David Gbenga, 25, Wasiu Olaegbe,24, Ojo Aliu, 30, Taofik Sulaimon, 24,Jamiu Taiwo,31,and Igwe Ofosile” she said.

The police spokesman said a toy gun and assorted charms has so far been recovered from them adding that they all made confessional statements stating that they decided to kill the victim after robbing him of

•Oreyomi

ustice I. M. Sani of the Federal High Court, Akure, has convicted and sentenced one Dr. Martins Olurankinse to ten years imprisonment on a nineteen-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Olurankinse ‘s ordeal followed a petition dated July 22, 2008 from the National Universities Commission, NUC, alleging that he operates an unapproved institution in the name of Open International University, Collombo Sri-Lank, Akure and using the said institution to fraudulently obtain money from unsuspecting students.

Upon arraignment, defendant pleaded not guilty to the counts when they were read to him.

The defendant was first arraigned before Justice G. C. Okeke but the matter suffered a setback after the Judge retired and the defendant was arraigned afresh on February 28, 2013 before Justice Sani.

After a successful trial with the prosecution presenting four witnesses including one blessing Awogbami Ayobami (one of the victims) and the testimonies of the defence, Justice Sani found the defendant guilty on five counts and discharged him on fourteen counts because the victims could not come forth to testify.

The judge, consequently, sentenced Olurankinse to two years imprisonment on each of the five counts without option of fine.The convict is also to restitute the victims while the “The sentence is to run concurrently”, said the judge.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

SPORTS Rivers United goal margin worries Eguma

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ivers United Fc Technical Adviser, Stanley Eguma, has expressed worry over the goal margin with which his charges won their Confederation Cup match on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, against visiting KCCA of Uganda.

According to the experienced football tactician, his boys ought to have won by a bigger goal margin to improve their chances of going beyond a tight CAF Confederation Cup Group A. Rivers United defeated KCCA of Uganda by 2-1 on Tuesday in their Group A game at the Adokieye Amesiemaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, same score-line that the Ugandan KCCA defeated them at home.

The result has shot Rivers United to second place in the standings with six points from four games before Club Africain of Tunisia host FUS Rabat of Morocco in the other game of the group same day.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State financed club could enhance their chances of reaching the knockout rounds of the competition when they host Club Africain on July 2, by making sure that their triumph over the Tunisian club with a better goal margin.

“Yes we won but I expected more goals because for us to qualify from this group, we have to score goals,” Eguma said at the post-match press conference in Port Harcourt.

“We were hungry for goals and we started well but we were a bit careless in front of goal especially in the first half.

“We planned to finish this game in the first half.

“We should have ended the first half with at least four goals or more but all the same we won, which was the most important thing.”

Eguma said his team remained confident of a place in the knockout stage of the tournament.

“It’s a tight group, we are new on the continent, but we remain optimistic we can qualify from this group, we will improve on our performance especially away from home,” he said.

Adopt African tactics if you want to succeed, Shorunmu tells Rohr

Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

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ormer national team goalkeeper, Ike Shorunmu, has advised the national team Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, to adopt African brand of Football if he really wants to get good result from the forthcoming double header World Cup Qualifiers against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon which will hold in two months’ time in Nigeria and Cameroon.

According to Shorunmu, there is no way Eagles will get positive result from the two legged encounter if they continue with their European style of football which they displayed against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying game in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

According to the former

national team goalkeeper trainer, African Football is physical and rouged and the Cameroonians are known for their physical games.

He explained that playing European brand of football in an African game will be counter-productive.

So, he is calling on the Franco-German tactician to hasten up in changing the mentality of his players to suit the coming battles.

“My take is that Eagles’ handler, Gernot Rohr, should as a matter of necessity change the mentality and tactics of players if at all he wants to get the desired result that everyone is yearning for,” Shorunmu began.

“He must change from playing European system to African system. African Football is physical, it is rouged. You cannot adopt European style of football while playing an Africa team.

Mikel N nears full recovery

“African Football is physical and our opponents are known to be very physical in their game. So, for you to get any positive result from such a game, you have to be mentally and physically strong to match them in the encounter.

“That is why Rohr and his assistants should start in earnest in re-orientating their boys for the crucial double header against the African champions in August,” Shorunmu advised.

Speaking further, the ex-international; explained that the inclusion of experience players such as John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses, and Carl Ikeme etc. will amount to nothing if the mentality of the players is not changed to realize that they are not going to play European team but a physically strong African side.

“Inasmuch as I sincerely pray and welcome the senior players in

igeria and Tianjin Teda captain, John Obi Mikel, has stepped up his recovery from injury by engaging himself in intensive ball work.

The 30-year-old has missed 10 games for the Tianjin Tigers since suffering a strain in his side’s 2-0 win over Chongqing Lifan – where he got his first league goal.

Mikel insisted that his recovery was going well and took a step towards his return to first-team action by taking part in ball work with his coach.

the team, such as the captain of the team, John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses, John Odion Ighalo and goalkeeper Carl Ikeme etc. it will amount to nothing if we approach the game with the European tactics which we adopted against South Africa in Uyo. “The return of some of these senior players will definitely help the team there is no doubt about, but it will be a costly mistake to think that because these senior players are now going to play these matches we are home and dry.

“We can only make meaningful impact in the matches if we realize that we are playing an African team, a physically strong side, and rouged side by being mentally and physically strong as well. We should be able to match them man for man, player for player. That is the only way we will be able to get the result we so much desired,” Shorunmu

‘’Few more weeks and I’m back on the pitch with my boys #TianjinTeda #SuperEagles #recovery,’’ he wrote on Instagram.

That meant he would face a race against time to be back for Tianjin’s home game versus Shandong Luneng on July 9.

And having missed out of Nigeria’s 2-0 defeat to South Africa in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, he will be expected to lead Gernot Rohr’s side to victory against Cameroon in August’s 2018 Fifa World Cup Russia qualifier.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

SPORTS

Anichebe lands in Beijing Enterprises

Quit City now, Agali charges Iheanacho

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igerian and Sunderland striker, Victor Anichebe, has completed a move to Chinese club, Beijing Enterprises.

The forw a r d , who was released by the B l a c k Cats following their relegation from the Premier League, moves to the second-tier side in China and will be available as soon as he regains his match fitness.

Having been signed by David Moyes, the former Everton striker scored three goals in 18 Premier League appearances for Sunderland but missed a chunk of the season with a knee injury.

Anichebe joins fellow Nigerian Leke James at his new club who sit 11th in the 16-team China League

Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

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ormer Nigerian and Schalke 04 striker, Victor Agali has charged Nigerian and Manchester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho to leave Manchester City and show the world what he is capable of doing.

The charge by Agali is coming ahead of the 2017/18 season, as the former Nigerian striker believes that for Iheanacho to remain relevant both for club and country he has no business remaining in Manchester City where he is match rusty.

“His situation at Manchester City is expected because I was once a player in those shoes and I took a decision; instead of going straight to a big club, I went down to lower one get more playing time, get developed quickly and then hit it big,” Agali said.

“For him starting on a big level already and a club like Manchester City that has all the money to throw around, they can always replace him with an Aguero and the likes of other top strikers. It’d definitely affect him. I’m not saying he is a bad player, but he needs to prove himself and he has to prove himself somewhere.

“If Manchester City are doing well and having success, fine, he’s going to play.

But where they are struggling, the coach has to do something and the management would say ‘come on we have money to spend. Why not go for the big strikers,” he concluded.

Kelechi Iheanacho was considered as a backup to main striker, Sergio Aguero, went further down in the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium following the arrival of Brazilian youngster, Gabriel Jesus in January.

But still he managed to finish the season with four goals in 20 English Premier League appearances - mostly coming off the bench - in a turbulent season which saw Pep Guardiola record his worst spell as a coach.

His situation at City has led to couple of English outfits jostling for his signature as Leicester City reportedly lead the race to prize him away from the Citizens.

One.

“We are delighted with the signing of Victor, who played in the Premier League.

It’s a positive development for our whole club,” said head coach Gao Hongbo. “ V i c t o r hasn’t trained on the pitch since the Premier League season ended, so it may take a while for him to integrate into our team. We have to be patient with him.”

The club are still reeling following the sudden death of former Newcastle midfielder Cheikh Tiote, who he suffered a heart attack during a training session last month.

Dan Evans: Great Britain Davis Cup player fails drugs test

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ritish No 3, Dan Evans, has announced he tested positive for cocaine in a drugs test taken in April.

The 27-year-old, who has played for Britain in the Davis Cup, learned of the failed test earlier this week and said he had “let a lot of people down”.

“I made a mistake and I must face up to it,” said the world number 50.

Evans last played at Surbiton on 10 June, retiring with a calf injury before withdrawing from events in Nottingham, London and Eastbourne.

He was ranked 772nd in the world in April 2015 but had reached a career-high ranking of 41st in March this year.

Rohr insists on Uyo venue for Eagles’ matches

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uper Eagles’ Manager, Gernot Rohr, has warned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) not to contemplate moving Eagles’ match venue away from Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

According to the Franco-German tactician, removing the team’s match venue from Uyo will seriously affect the psychology of the players as they have already made the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium their fortress.

This warning is coming on the heels of the report in the media recently that the country’s football governing body (The NFF) said they were no longer confort-

able with Uyo as Eagles’ match venue, siting some bad results and the fact that the distance between the team’s Hotel, Le Meridian Hotel to the Stadium is about 45 minute drive, as their reason but Rohr and his boys does not want to take that.

Despite coming out to deny the media report, many stakeholders seem not to trust the denial made on behalf of the Federation. They believe that the denial is just face saving mechanism following the team and their handlers’ position on the matter.

It is recalled that the NFF’s General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi on Monday declared that the

Federation never told anybody that they want to change the venue of Eagles’ matches.

Reacting to that media report, Gernot Rohr made it clear that he has been talking with the senior members of the team including the captain, John Obi Mikel and that all of them were unanimous in stating their desire to continue to play all their matches in Uyo. “I have been in touch with my players including the senior member of the team and I have been talking with them in respect of the task ahead of us,” Rohr began.

“I don’t think there is anything wrong with our match venue, the Next of Champions.

“The players are comfortable with Uyo as our home ground.

Like I said, I have sampled their opinion and they are unanimous in Uyo as our home ground.

“For them, they have already made Uyo their home ground and any attempt to take them away from there will have negative effect in their psyche and I don’t think that is what we need at this point.

“As far as we are concerned, we will continue to prosecute our home matches in Uyo. Our home ground is not our problem, the greatest problem we have at the moment is time. Time in the sense that many of our senior

players are nursing various injuries just as our World Cup Qualifying matches are around the corner.

“However, we are hopeful that before the World Cup Qualifying double header against Cameroon in August, most of them if not all would have recovered and will be available,” Rohr stated.

Meanwhile, the German football tactician has jetted out of the country to Russia for the FIFA Confederation Cup where he plans to spy on our opponents, Cameroon with a view to discovering their weakness and plot how to utilize it to Eagles’ advantage.

47

The Oracle Today Wednesday July 5, 2017

SPORTS

Mourinho loses father, Felix, aged 79 M

anchester United gaffer, Jose Mourinho, has lost his beloved father, Felix Mourinho. The senior Mourinho died aged 79 after battling undisclosed ill health for months.

The funeral was expected to have taken place yesterday (Tuesday), June 27, 2017. Jose Mourinho was reportedly said to be in a devastating and sad mood following the death of his beloved father. The Oracle Today Sports was made to understand that the legendary goalkeeper had battled against ill health since the beginning of the year before he fi-

nally passed-on, aged 79.

Jose Manuel Mourinho Felix made more than 250 appearances as a goalkeeper for Vitoria Setubal and Belenenses in his career along with one for the national team. Jose He also managed his son, Jose during his early playing days as part of a 20-year career in the dugout which took in some 11 clubs.

The Manchester United manager, however, posted a touching black and white photo of himself as a child alongside his father on Instagram.

Blake takes sprint double at Jamaica nationals K

ingston - Olympic Games silver medallist Yohan Blake copped his third sprint double at the Jamaican national track and field championships on Sunday, winning the 200 meters in 19.97 seconds.

It was just the second 200m race of the year for Blake who also won the 100m on Friday night and says he is pleased with how his comeback is progressing.

“I have been working for this, making my comeback,” he said. “I just want to keep doing what I am doing.”

Blake dominated a 200m field that was without superstar Usain Bolt, as he easily beat Commonwealth Games champion Rasheed Dwyer (20.26) and World and Olympic medallist Warren Weir (20.39).

“I am putting in the hard work ev-

ery day in training and while I have not done a lot of 200m, I will get it right when the time comes. I will run faster as I am getting better and better,” he said.

Danielle Williams, the World Championships defending champion, ran a personal best 12.56 seconds in the 100m hurdles.

Her time beat her previous 12.57 seconds set while winning in Beijing two years ago.

She says there is still room for improvement.

“I was hitting all the hurdles and that was not as good or as efficient as I wanted,” she said.

“I am happy with the win, but not the execution. My aim is to get back on the podium. Each race I run I aim to get better.”

Williams is the defending champion has a bye into the London World Championships in August.

Megan Simmonds was second in a personal best time of 12.63 seconds.

Yanique Thompson who ran 12.69 seconds took third and Rushell Burton was fourth in 12.70 seconds.

Nathon Allen and World and Olympic medallist Shericka Jackson were first time winners of the 400m events.

Allen clocked a 44.58 seconds to snap the season-long unbeaten run of Demish Gaye, who ran a personal best of 44.64 seconds. Steven Gayle was third in 45.09 seconds.

Both Allen and Gaye came off the last corner in front and raced together until about 40 meters to go when Allen pulled ahead to win.

Jackson won in 50.05 seconds to win the women’s race and beat Chrisann Gordon who ran a personal best 50.13 seconds. Novlene Williams Mills was third in 50.14 seconds.

•Jose Mourinho and father, Felix

Neymar splits with girlfriend again B

razilian and Barcelona star, Neymar, has announced that he has split from his partner, Bruna Marquezine.

The Brazil captain rekindled his relationship with the actress last year after the duo had originally split up in 2014, with Marquezine in attendance as Neymar steered his country to Olympic gold success on home soil.

However, the flamboyant forward told reporters in Sao Paulo at a charity event he was organising that they have once again opted to go their separate ways.

“I do not like to talk about personal things, but yes, me and Bruna are separated,” he said. “It’s a decision we have taken.

“It was a decision of both parties. Bruna is a girl I admire a lot and I hope she is happy, not only professionally but in her personal life. Life goes on, because this is a part of it.

FIFA slam one-year ban on Inkoom over agent debt F

IFA have handed Ghana international, Samuel Inkoom a one-year ban from all football-related activity over money he owes a former agent.

The ban will be lifted earlier if the defender pays the total outstanding amount he owes to Andy Evans.

In December 2014, the Disciplinary Committee of world football’s governing body ordered Inkoom to pay Evans and fined him.

Inkoom, who currently plays in Bulgaria, failed with an appeal against the decision that he took to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

After the 28-year-old failed to pay him by the deadline set by Fifa, Evans requested the implementation of the one-year ban.

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Wednesday July 5, 2017

Evans: The making of another Clifford Orji E VANS ONWUAMADIKE is already a legend in his rare choice of career-some would prefer ‘profession’.

On a flight on the omnibus wings of the social media, his forays into kidnapping have been romanticised. A historisation of Evans is more challenging as it would be a battle between a high net-worth news-maker who committed a crime, or a crime suspect who has admitted the folly of his fabulous wealth that came though a combination of the collapse in currency rates, and failure of governments to protect the people.

Whichever way we look at it, the failure of government is implicit in Evans being a billionaire just by kidnapping people. Where do the people get the ransom to pay Evans? Are there banks that give loans to customers so that they can meet their obligations to kidnappers?

Before social media made all things immediate, there had been prominent cases that the police after exciting the public never prosecuted, or did not prosecute with any diligence. Most of us would remember Clifford Orji, who was arrested at Toyota bus stop on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Lagos, 18 years ago.

There are similarities. He was caught with human parts, the police said, and accused of many murders at that part of town. The police told us his best times were late and early hours. Orji was sane enough to tell reporters that his patrons were ‘big men’. He was enterprising enough to maintain a diary of his activities with them. He had their telephone numbers with which he called, once there was business.

Clifford handed the evidences over to the police before we suddenly learnt that he was mad. The police did not tell the people if they investigated Clifford’s list or the allegations he made against ‘big men’. After a few appearances in remote magistrate courts, with non-media presence, later enquiries were that he was in detention in Kirikiri Prisons.

Twelve years after his incarceration, prison officials confirmed Clifford mad beyond cure. He was deemed unfit for trial. In the 12 years that he was sane enough to grant interviews, nothing was done about the allegations that he made. A year after, he allegedly “died in his sleep”, and everything about all his allegations against the ‘big men’ died.

Is Evans not sounding the same way?

He reportedly asked police to arrest those he mentioned or his lawyers would release the list. There have been insinuations that he could escape or be killed in prison, as was the case with one of the Otokoto suspects in 1997.

It is only a matter of time. These nexuses would find expression in Nollywood films that would twist and turn them in blockbuster and further areas of contemplations. Those are not necessarily the immediate concerns of this piece. I had pondered what Nigerians

for more than seven years? In all those years, hardly one month passed when he was not allegedly involved in a high profile crime. Did the police not know?

What changed that arresting him became such priority and suddenly possible? The police’s sense of proportions is porous. Is it possible that there would not be any probe of police’s involvement in the booming enterprise that Evans created?

Global Dimensions To Evans The police may beat their chests in self-congratulations for as long as they want, but it is better that they get on with the trial of Evans, rather than the public and media trials that they have conducted for weeks. Evans is not a Nigerian case, it is an alleged crime with international extensions.

Ghanaian authorities are conducting investigations about how he got passports for himself and his family as Ghanaians, with the family name as Asare.

Possible crimes could have been committed in Ghana on this score.

He ownes properties in Ghana; how he acquired them could be a subject of international investigation. Was money laundry involved? Which banks did he use? Who are his partners in Ghana?

Which immigration officials facilitated his border crosses? Are there further international collaborations to the ECOWAS axis of the crimes?

Evans has mentioned partners in Malaysia, possibly other Asian countries.

Since some of them could be citizens of those countries, would the countries not be interested in the crimes that were committed from their jurisdictions, or criminals who find havens in their countries?

Which countries, outside South Africa, did the ‘Asare’ family visit with the Ghanaian passports? Those countries would indicate interest in the trial of Evans, may be trials, depending on how many jurisdictions would be interested in him.

Some countries may ask that he be extradited to face the law in their domain. Have our police prepared for these possibilities? Do they realise what they are dealing with in the Evans trial?

I doubt it.

• Evans Onwuamadike would have been debating now if Evans did not intrude into national discourse.

Would we have paid more attention to distractions to the economy other than kidnapping? Could the National Assembly, its appropriation of items in the budget, its contentious provisions for itself, have been fertile issues in the contentions for national space?

With Evans, we would never know.

We would not be sure if there would have been another incident that would

have infused the police with the obtuse jubilation that calls to question the police’s understanding of their role. More pathetically, the police appear to live for the moment, without a gauge for their performances. Definitely, the police are too engrossed to absorb what Evans represents – a huge question mark on the essence of the police.

Are the police celebrating the arrest of a suspect who stayed in a wellmapped part of Lagos State with them

Back To Evans Criminal as all the portrayals of him could be, Evans has rights, constitutionally guaranteed rights to a fair trial.

The police are already in violation of his rights in not charging him to court with 48 hours of his arrest. The test of the police’s seriousness would be the vigour with which they prosecute Evans.

All that has been said in the media trials, the titilations and the thrills of his exploits are matters that would be put to test under the microscopic probes of the law. The police should get back to work and ensure that Evans does not become another Clifford Orji.

The Oracle Today is published by The Oracle Newspapers Limited, 116 Awka Road, Onitsha, Anambra State. ISSN: 2545-5869 Email: oracletoday2016@yahoo.com, Twitter: @oraclenews.ng Facebook: oraclenewsngr@facebook.com Website: www.oraclenews.ng Advert hot lines: 09078310060, 09061836916. Editor: FELIX OGUEJIOFOR ABUGU.

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