Wednesday may 17 edition

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The Oracle SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

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racle www.oraclenews.ng

WEDNESDAY MAY 17, 2017

ISSN: 2545-5869

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Today Today

VOL.2 No. 21. N200

Zik forgotten!

• 21 years of unfinished grave • FG promises – 1996, 1999, 2003, 2007 ...

• Associates can’t believe it From HENRY CHIGOZIE DURU, IBE NWACHUKWU (Onitsha), TITUS AGBO (Abuja) and CHUKS COLLINS (Awka).

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HE Federal Government has come under attacks for what pundits have described as its “unkindness to the memories of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President of Nigeria and the Owelle of Onitsha.”

Zik, the first President of the Senate of the Federal Republic and first Premier of the defunct Eastern Region, died on May 11, 1996 and was buried on November 16 of the same year. It will be 21 years on Thursday, May 11, this year, since his death.

Some people who spoke with The Oracle Today on the anniversary of Zik’s memorial noted that

although some institutions and places had earlier been named after the late Nationalist and pan-Africanist by the Federal Government, not much has been done to preserve things that were personal to Zik. “Nowhere is the neglect of Zik’s memory so evident as in the federal government’s failure to complete the much-hyped Zik’s Mausoleum started by the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, shortly after Zik’s burial in 1996,”

•Continued on Page 4

Nnamdi Kanu to challenge his bail conditions •LNC to Ndigbo: Stay in Nigeria and perish or get out and live From COLLINS UGHALAA, Owerri, and CHUKS EZE, Enugu

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were on to secure release for his colleagues that are being held back in detention, insisting that they committed no crime.

Kanu’s remarks came just as the Lower Niger Congress has challenged Ndigbo to either remain in Nigeria and perish or get out of it and live.

The Lower Niger Congress, in a press release signed by its Secretary General, Mr. Tony Nnadi, said Ndigbo must decide whether “to

POB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has expressed his resolve to challenge the bail conditions given to him by the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The IPOB leader, who described the bail conditions as obnoxious and unconstitutional, made the disclosure when he visited the leader• Abandoned Zik’s Mausoleum at the Inosi Onira Retreat, Onitsha, Anambra State, where Nigeria’s fore- ship of the Igbo Youth Movement most nationalist, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, was buried in 1996. Repeated calls on the Federal Government (IYM) and Eastern Consultative As•Continued on Page 4 to complete the project and all promises to that effect have failed to yield any positive result. Photo by sembly (ECA) in Enugu.

MODESTUS IGUDOBI. He also disclosed that efforts

Pastor Paul Igwe @ 50, Pastor (Mrs) Sandra Igwe @ 40

Pages 17-22

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION Femi Kuti breaks world saxophone record T

Amnesty office collaborates with agro firm

he Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Office said it would collaborate with the American-West African Agro (AWAA) to train 500 ex-agitators from the Niger Delta in agriculture development.

The Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brig.Gen. Paul Boroh (Rtd), made this known on Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Boroh said this was in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to diversify the economy and empower people from the region.

He added that the project would revamp the economy, create massive jobs and food sufficiency in the Niger Delta region and country at large.

“I would ensure that the partnership with AWAA takes into account knowledge-sharing and expertise in the field of agriculture, including the entrepreneurial interest of the beneficiaries,’’ he said.

Boroh said PAP would continue to collaborate with different stakeholders in the agriculture sector towards training and retraining of Niger Delta people to ensure jobs, food security and wealth creation.

“The Amnesty office is still working in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive that Nigerians should shift attention from oil to non-oil income, especially agriculture, to revamp the country’s economy.

Lawmaker asks FG to fast-track release of remaining Chibok girls Asabe Bashir, (APC Leralawmaker, Damboa/Gwoza/Chibok FedConstituency of Borno) in

the House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to ensure the speedy release of the remaining Chibok girls.

The lawmaker made the call in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

The Federal Government on Saturday announced the release of 82 abducted Chibok Girls after a successful negotiation with their abductors.

More than 200 girls were abducted from their dormitories in 2014 at Government Girls Secondary School Chibok, Borno, preparatory to their final examination.

However, 21 of them were earlier released in October 2016 after negotiation between the Federal Government and the insurgents.

Bashir, while commending the Federal Government for the number of girls released so far, said that speedy release of the remaining girls would bring succour to their parents.

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frobeat star, Femi Kuti. Son of legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has broken the World record for the longest single note held on a saxophone at the New Africa Shrine.

He attained the feat on Sunday at the New Africa Shrine as shared by his sister, Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti on her Instagram page @yenikuti; “This evening 7th May at the New Africa Shrine, Femi Kuti broke the world record for the longest single

note on a saxophone note set in 1997 by Kenny G. The record stood at 45mins 37 seconds….Femi did 46mins 38seconds!! Give it up, we have a world champ.

This was witnessed by a large audience that included Sen. Ben Murray-Bruce, the deputy high commissioners of Netherlands and The United Kingdom.“ The record was previously first

set in December, 1997 by legendary saxophonist Kenny G when he held an E-Flat for over 45 minutes.

Kenny G was reported to have used a technique called Circular Breathing, which keeps a steady stream of air flowing through the saxophone even as the player breathes.

For Femi Kuti, it is unclear yet what technique he used or even, the member of the sax family he used to achieve the massive feat.

He started playing the sax when he was 15 and joined his father’s band “The Egypt 80.”

He later formed his own band, “Positive Force’’ in the late 80s.

Femi, four-time Grammy award nominee, is skilled on other musical instruments including the trumpet and the piano.

According to media reports, Femi awaits an official recognition by the Guinness World Record.

PDP can’t form new party without organs’ input –BoT From TONY AILEMEN, Abuja

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President Muhammadu Buhari, Ali Mungono and Kyari before jetting out for medical attention ... last Sunday.

JAMB registers 1.7m candidates for 2017 From Ojoachele Ejigbo, Lagos he Joint Admissions and Tweekend Matriculation Board, JAMB, announced the regis-

tration of over 1.7 million candidates, at the close of sale of application forms for the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, making it the highest since inception 39 years ago.

According to a statement by its spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, JAMB urged Nigerians to have trust in its processes as they were meant to enhance productivity, eliminate examination malpractice and promote transparency.

He said: “We registered a number that has never been done in 39 years of the existence of JAMB within a time frame Nigerians were skeptical about. The highest we have ever had was 1.5 million, this is record breaking.

“We will look at the system so far and make adjustments where necessary to ensure a fool proof process of registration and examination. We are always sure of our systems and will continue to expand our frontiers of thinking to transform the board to an agency

that Nigerians will be proud of.

“JAMB wishes to state clearly that it will continue to be very open in all its activities and ensure inclusiveness even in the areas of its finances. The disclosure of the actual number of candidates registered is a clear invitation for the public to know what the Board has realised from the sale for this year and we are not perturbed because we have nothing to hide in our dealings. We are determined to make Nigerians proud of us.”

According to the JAMB spokesman, the examination is all about transparency and an agency that conducts such a competitive examination must be above board in all its life cycle.

“As we conduct the 2017 examination beginning from Saturday May 13, we call on all Nigerians to give us the needed support. We will do our very best and where they notice challenges, we will work without hesitation to ensure that it is corrected immediately for candidates to have a smooth examination” he said.

Benjamin also cautioned “that there could be one or two challenges in some centres; but the

most important thing is our ability to urgently address such when they rear their face. We use this opportunity to call for patriotism.

Let us learn to always support our agencies, they are not as bad as we are always quick to want them to be.

“Nations are grown through innovation and there is no innovation if there is no trial. Please don’t be quick to condemn, rather look at the end result and see how all of us can contribute to the Nigerian education of our dream. We have resolved to bell the cat in order for other public examination agencies to thrive.”

The spokesman said the board would not be distracted by “some highly placed Nigerians who, for selfish personal interest of what they were making but which they are no longer making through corrupt practices and others for sheer envy and personal grudges against actors in JAMB, resolved to do everything to paint all our processes even at infancy level in bad light.

“Thank God, the number of registration in short period as against the six months in the past has vindicated us,” he stressed.

embers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Board of Trustees (BoT) rose strongly Tuesday to save the party from imminent collapse, saying that no section of the party has moved to register any new political platform.

Members of the BOT while denying knowledge of such move within the party, said “if there was any such move, all organs of the PDP would be involved.”

The BoT Chairman, Senator Walid Jibrin, issued the statement in Abuja on Tuesday in an apparent move to douse tension following recent moves by prominent members of the party to dump the party using the current crisis rocking the party as the basis for such actions.

But, the BOT Chairman declared through the statement “that no new party has been formed by PDP elements as a fall back position arising from its present crisis which the Supreme Court is adjudicating.”

He, however, warned that whoever was troubling the former ruling party, would themselves not find peace.

Many prominent members of the party, including serving lawmakers, ex- governors who were mostly major beneficiaries of the 16 years the party stayed in power are reported to have either dumped the party already or are planning to do so.

According to the statement, Wali said: “The attention of the PDP BoT has been drawn to a series of publications alleging that PDP has adopted a particular political party just newly registered as its fallback position.

“I want to make it very clear that PDP has never formed any alternative party.

“If it has to agree on something like that, all organs and forums of the party Viz BoT, National caucus, PDP Governors forum, National Assembly caucus, State PDP Chairmen Forum, Former Ministers Forum, Former Governors Forum, various youth forums, elders forum nation wide, women’s forums etc will be fully consulted before such a very sensitive decision is taken.

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

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he board, management and staff of Chrisnak Group of Companies (CGC) heartily rejoice with Most Distinguished Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy President, Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as he marks yet another anniversary of his birth.

We wish him many more years of good health, strength and great accomplishments.

Signed: Prince Chris O. Igwe Group Managing Director

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

NEWS

Zik forgotten!

• Promise makers: Gen. Abacha, Gen. Obasanjo, Dr. Jonathan Continued from Pg 1 a close family source who did not want his name in print told The Oracle Today. “It is regrettable that the government could treat Zik’s memory with such levity.

Former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Dozie Ikedife described the development as shameful and disgraceful to Nigeria, urging the government to rise up to its responsibility because, according to him, “nobody in Nigeria would say he did not appreciate what Zik did for Nigeria.”

“Honestly, the federal government would have completed that project by now because government has what it takes to do that but I feel government is treating the man and his family with levity,” Ikedife said in an interview.

The elder statesman said it’s unfortunate that “Zik of Africa who is appreciated in North Africa, South Africa, East Africa and West Africa is not appreciated in Nigeria,” adding that “there is no reason whatsoever to justify the length of time the federal government wasted without completing the Mausoleum project.”

Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, Chairman of Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), Anambra State

Continued from Pg 1 remain in that pit (called Nigeria) or to charge their way out of it by whatever means.”

“The LNC and all those who have expressed their desire for Biafra have made that choice in favour of the latter, and now await those who have not.”

It would be recalled that Kanu’s bail conditions had attracted wide condemnation both from Igbo and non-Igbo alike, with many declaring them as unconstitutional, too stiff and unacceptable.

The IPOB leader hailed the efforts of all those groups and individuals that were consistent in pushing for his release from detention, and vowed that he would never shy away from the fight for Biafran liberation.

Kanu, who was received by top members of ECA and IYM, including Evangelist Elliot Ugochukwu-Ukoh and Chief (Mrs.) Maria Okwor, among others, said he was in Enugu on a thank you visit to offi-

chapter, said it is a very big disgrace for such a project meant for immortalization of Zik, a pan-Nigerian who championed the unity of Nigeria more than his contemporaries, to be practically abandoned as is the case now.

Ezekwueme, therefore, urged the federal government to “swallow its pride and complete that project before this year’s 21st memorial anniversary of the late sage.”

For his part, Prof. Peter Emeka Katchy, Vice Chairman of Nigerian Red Cross Society, Anambra State branch, said: “It is highly regrettable that such a historical monument has been abandoned by successive governments whose duty it is to protect, provide project and uplift the historical independence of the nation.

“It is an abysmal negligence to abandon such a historical place meant to honour and immortalise the foremost Nigerian nationalist, Republican and fighter for independence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief (Dr.) Nnamdi Azikiwe of the blessed memory.”

He queried: “What will it take the nation to prepare a memorial momento and semento for those who laid their lives for the liberty of others?” cially appreciate the groups.

He specifically singled out for special commendation members of the Eastern Consultative Assembly (ECA), the Igbo Youth Movement (IYM), and all the market men and women, who he said, repeatedly closed their shops to see him and his fellow detainees regain freedom.

“I desire Biafra, I want Biafra, I want nothing else other than Biafra, I will not settle for anything else other than Biafra. That was what I was born to do and that is what I will do till the day Biafra will come; that we may live as free men on this very earth as the Most High God ordained it,” he said.

Kanu said he chose to fight for the liberation of the people of Biafra, insisting that there was no going back on his decision until the goal is achieved.

He said Ndigbo must be liberated as a nationality and enjoy their God-given freedom on earth, and pointed out that he would witness that in his lifetime and not in heav-

When The Oracle Today visited Zik’s residence, the Inosi Onira Retreat, along the popular Limca Road, Onitsha, his hometown, the unfinished structure was in an apparent state of abandonment.

Investigations showed that it had been so for several years.

Our reporter observed that the structure holds the promise of becoming a magnificent edifice befitting of Zik’s stature, when completed.

Inside the mausoleum, about eight feet from the wall, 28 columns of cylindrical shape form a circle round the interior.

Zik’s grave lies at the centre, below 10 stairs built in a circular form. The grave was covered with a wooden material and a metal sheet.

It was, however, observed that grass has begun to sprout in a few spots within the building.

An old mattress and a pillow were found lying by a corner suggesting that someone was using the uncompleted facility as a resting place, probably at nights.

Outside the building, grass has grown round the structure, which contrasted with the residential buildings farther inside the compound, which appears

decent and well attended to.

Facing the mausoleum to the right is another building, larger in size, which was identified as Zik’s Library, also being built by the Federal Government.

Like the mausoleum, the edifice appeared abandoned.

Two water tanks, four containers and a generator set belonging to BNL Engineering & Construction Limited, the firm handling the contract, were found lying at different corners close to the two buildings.

However, not a single worker was sighted around the premises.

A source at Zik’s residence told The Oracle Today that all materials for completing the projects had been procured and kept within the premises but that work could not continue until the Federal Government intervenes with funds.

Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first President, died on 11th May 1996 at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, and was buried on November 16 the same year.

Shortly after the burial, the government of late General Sani Abacha began the construction of the mausoleum.

However, work on the project ceased after some time with successive Federal Governments promising to complete it, though none of such pledges came to materialize.

Work on the project had re-started a number of times in the past but completion had remained a mirage.

The contract, which was initially awarded to Lemmy Akakem Construction Co. Nigeria Ltd in 1996, had been re-awarded four times, the latest being in January 2013 when the government of President Goodluck Jonathan awarded it to Bouygues Construction Nigeria Limited (BNL) at the cost of N1.49 billion. The contract, which covered Zik’s mausoleum, a library, a gallery and a conference centre, was expected to be completed within 13 months.

However, the project still remains an unrealised dream with

Kanu to challenge en.

“Agitation for Biafra is my life.

Nothing would distract me from the pursuit of the cause, and I want to witness the liberation, here on earth, not in heaven,” he said.

For its part, the LNC noted that Igbo land has become a “a damaged society in need of remediation,” stressing that “One Nigeria” is the cause of the problems faced

by Igbo people in all spheres of their life.

The LNC said the physical damage done to Ndigbo could easily be remedied but that what could not be easily remedied “is the collapse of values which Ndigbo have suffered in Nigeria.”

“Whether anyone sees it or not, the causative factor-in-chief in all these is One-Nigeria as defined and imposed upon us by the Victorious Alliance of the rest of Nigeria from the 1967 – 1970 War,” the LNC add-

ed.

The group lamented the prevailing rate of drug trafficking among Igbo youths whom, he disclosed, constantly listen to “an audio message where the narrator presents the illicit trade as the norm.”

“Listening to the content of this audio gives a window peep into the cauldron that is the real world of the millions of mostly semi-literate Igbo youths, banished from Eastern Nigeria by the harrowing offerings of Nigeria,” the LNC agonized.

“These youths are exiled as human dregs into the global drug subsurface beltway, to hades where they end up in all kinds of odd death-chambers, including prisons, where their labour is forcefully deployed in the most unsafe, most

several Igbo groups and stakeholders repeatedly calling for its completion.

The Anambra State Government had in 2010 threatened to take over the mausoleum if the Federal Government failed to complete it before October 1 that year.

Meanwhile, the government of President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed its commitment towards the completion and hand over of the final resting place of the Dr. Azikiwe at Onitsha.

According to the ruling APC frontline governorship aspirant and National Auditor, Chief George Moghalu, the mausoleum and other key projects that are very close to the heart of citizens of the geopolitical zone including the 2nd Niger Bridge, Enugu/Onitsha, Enugu/Portharcourt, and Oba/Nnewi/Okigwe highways among others would be completed and delivered.

Commenting on the 21st anniversary of Zik’s death, Chairman, South East Caucus and spokesman for the Senate Minority Caucus, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe described the late political icon as a symbol of one Nigeria.

He noted that the Late Zik lived a selfless life, fighting for the unity of Nigeria.

“He desired a Nigeria that would give every Nigerian equal opportunity irrespective of tribe, religion or geographical location,” Senator Abaribe said.

According to him, “the late Owelle left a legacy that should have served as the yardstick for grading the later day political leaders but unfortunately, this has not been the case. The contemporary political leaders are selfish chauvinists and parochial in views and thoughts when it comes to national issues.”

“Zik was a rare gift of a leader who had good plans and vision for the country and did his best to turn them into reality for posterity. It’s hoped that someday those unfulfilled dreams of his would come to pass,” Abaribe surmised.

inhuman form as factory hands until they drop dead.”

Lamenting that Igbo youths have suffered untold hardship in the course of engaging in illicit drug trade, the LNC declared: “There are steady thousands from amongst these lost brethren of ours whose body parts are forcefully removed as spares for the medical needs of the host countries where they are entrapped.

Their dead or living remains are then disposed of in some way while parents and siblings wait for their glorious return, like others.”

The pro-Biafra group urged Ndigbo to not only “look backward at the 3.5 million that died in Biafra 50 years ago” but to also “look more at those real damages of now, mostly invisible and hard-to-quantify, that stare us in the face, deepening the rot that sets in by the hour.”

More News on Pages 2, 6, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44

Zik

21 Years After He remains

Father of Nigeria Leader

Pathfinder

Reference point The only Zik

We will always miss you

Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe Signed.

Hon. Nkem-Uzoma Abonta Chairman, House Committee on Public petitions Representative, Ukwa East/Ukwa West Constituency (On 21 years after the transition of Owelle Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, first President of the Senate, first President of Nigeria)

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION Agip to build 150,000 bpd refinery in Port Harcourt--Kachikwu From TONY AILEMEN, Abuja

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IGERIA’S refinery capacity is set to rise by 150,000 barrels per day with the planned construction of refinery in Port Harcourt by oil giant, Agip Oil. Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu disclosed this at the Presidential Villa, Tuesday shortly after leading the oil company to meet with Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

Briefing State House Correspondents after the meeting, Dr. Kachikwu who disclosed that Agip has invested over $15b in the areas of power and refinery said the development would further boost local refining capacity, ahead of the planned halt to importation of refined petroleum products “We just finished a meeting with the Acting President and Agip. In the meeting we dealt with the issue of Agip investment in Zabazaba field and their cooperation with us in the repairs of port harcourt refinery.”

According to him, the meeting with the Acting President was used to review and conclude plans by Agip to build “a brand new refinery of 150,000barrels capacity which will be located in port harcourt or Brass, they have accepted and preparing an MOU along this line “ “The effect of this is that oil companies operating in Nigeria will begin to migrate from only exporting crude and begin to look on how to start refining these crude so that we will be able to meet our local consumption,” Kachikwu said.

“This new refinery along with other things we are going to do with the refinery in Port Harcourt gives us hope in our quest to try and increase our local capacity to produce every refined product we need in the country and to meet the time line of 2019. We are now going ahead to work out the modality with Agip,” the minister of state for petroleum said.

Dr. Kachikwu used the opportunity to also call on other multi-nationals to see what they could do along the line.

Teenager launches campaign against child abuse in Kaduna

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teenager, Usman Gashash, has launched a campaign against all forms of child abuses through his guitar music in Kaduna State.

Gashash spoke with the journalist shortly after his performance with little kids at his parent’s house on Sunday in Kaduna.

The 10-year old boy appealed to the African Union to end child exploitation, early child marriage, kid-soldier, the killing of albinos and violence against children accused of witchcraft in the continent.

Gashash has held series of campaign in schools, homes and in his neighbourhood, against all forms of child abuse and tortures, through his musical group.

The creative and talented young music artiste appealed to the continental body to find means of ending terror activities, religious extremism and insecurity destabilising millions of children.

The young artist said child abuse was a major problem “in our world today and it is the responsibility of everyone to contribute toward finding lasting solution to it’’.

He expressed worry over the increasing violation of child right throughout the African continent.

He noted that action must be taken urgently to enable every child have his or her freedom and right as a citizen.

SON opens Seme Border office to curb influx of substandard products T he Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has inaugurated its Seme border office with assurance to intensify efforts at checking influx of substandard products into the country through land borders.

Director-General of SON, Mr Osita Aboloma, said at the ceremony that the new border office would strengthen the organisation’s surveillance at the land borders.

According to him, a sizeable amount of substandard products find their way into the country via land borders.

Aboloma said that the Seme office, near Badagry, was a product of collaborative relationship between

SON and other agencies, adding that some of the working tools were donated by stakeholders.

“All the departments of SON with different roles towards combating influx of substandard goods are now here. We have our customer service, sampling and other departments here to serve Nigeria well. This is also part of our effort at creating an enabling environment for ease of doing business in Nigeria,” he said.

He promised that his organisation would continue to review and update its standards to ensure goods and services conformed to the minimum requirements of the Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS).

The director-general said these steps were in line with general retooling of SON targeted at efficient and enhanced service delivery.

“Standardisation is a continuous process; we have to keep on renewing and updating some of them and we recently cleared a backlog of 114 standards to help people carry out their duties of production of goods and services efficiently.

“Also, very soon we will be reviewing standards for soft drinks, food and other related products.’’

Aboloma pointed out that emphasis in the agency’s bid to diversify Nigeria’s economy was by upgrading standards for agricultural

products for export.

He said that the organisation was working on a product that would provide standards for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as a means of retooling the sector.

In his remarks at the inauguration, Deputy Comptroller, Nigerian Customs Service, (NCS), Mr Jubo Mohammed, commended the management of SON for establishing the facility.

Mohammed said that‎ the facility would help in reducing the influx of substandard goods into the country and enhance the collaboration between SON, NCS and other stakeholders in the interest of the nation’s economy.

Health Ministers to call for sustainable financing mechanism From: TONY AILEMEN, Abuja

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See who reads The Oracle Today...former governor of Old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo.

Photo: Oliver Udeogu

Rejection of coroner‘s inquest by Adeleke’s family unfortunate –Osun govt.

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he Osun Government has described the rejection by the Adeleke Family of the coroner inquest it instituted into the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke’s death as unfortunate.

Mr Semiu Okanlawon, a media aide to Gov. Rauf Aregbesola, said in Osogbo that the step taken by the government in setting up the coroner inquest was the most responsible action to take.

The younger brother of the late first civilian governor of Osun, Deji, had alleged on Sunday in Ede that the outcome of the inquest was already predetermined.

“The family, hereby, denounces in its entirety the ill-advised and self-serving coroner inquest ordered by the Osun State Government, purportedly setup to determine the cause of death of our dearly beloved Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke.

“We condemn, in strictest terms, the continuous politicisation attempts by the state of this great loss to our family, particularly the ordering of this inquest at a time we are still coming to terms with the harsh reality of his sudden

departure and the pain and grief therefrom.

“We have been reliably informed by credible sources that the outcome of the kangaroo inquest is already predetermined by the state.

“It is also designed to serve its own interest with distorted facts and misinformation which will clearly not be in the interest of the good people of Osun in general and the Adeleke family in particular,’’ Deji had said.

Okanlawon, however, said government’s decision in setting up the inquest was the acceptable standard in any civilised society.

“The attention of the Government of the State of Osun has been drawn to a press conference purportedly held by the family of Sen. Isiaka Adeleke, where it rejected the Coroner’s Inquest instituted by the Government into the unfortunate and sudden death of our beloved former Governor. ”This is rather unfortunate; as a government the step that has been taken is the most responsible and the most acceptable standard in any civilised society. The decision to institute an inquest into this sud-

den death was not to please or satisfy anyone at all.

“It was set up for the good of the society. And to the extent that this was set up not to please anyone but for the good of our society.

We are all bereaved and mourning with the unfortunate death of one of our illustrious sons and most importantly a former Governor of our dear state.

It would not be in the best interests and honour of the departed soul for the government to engage the family on a matter of this nature.

“It is therefore trite to state that the Adeleke Family has right to all the choices open to them just as we are sure this is a matter that is already in the court of public opinion.’’

Aregbesola had on May 2 signed an executive order setting up a coroner inquest into the death of the senator.

The first civilian governor of the state, who died on April 23 and was buried on April 24, represented Osun West Senatorial District on the platform of the APC. He was aged 62 years.

HEAD of the meeting of Commonwealth Health Ministers fixed for Geneva on 21 May this year, on the eve of the 70th World Health Assembly, The Oracle Today gathered in Abuja that the group would be calling for “Sustainable Financing Mechanisms” for the health sector.

Already the theme for the meeting is: ‘Sustainable Financing of Universal Health Coverage as an Essential Component for Global Security including the Reduction of All Forms of Violence’.

At last year’s meeting, Ministers recognised the importance of health security as a bridge to peace and stability, as well as the role the health sector can play in strengthening global security, including preparedness for, and responses to, public health threats and disasters.

The 2017 meeting will build on these discussions by exploring the role of health as part of a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to promoting global security, with particular focus on preventing violence and building safe and resilient societies.

A statement by the Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said: “Financing universal health coverage is a priority for all countries in the Commonwealth – and there is well-attested evidence that it enhances resilience and security as part of a package of approaches.

Robust health systems are also direct contributors to equitable growth and sustainable development. This year’s meeting of Commonwealth health ministers will seek consensus on a collective plan of action for the Commonwealth to ensure that accessible, affordable health systems are a reality for all our citizens.”

Recall that four years ago, the United Nations unanimously endorsed universal health coverage as a cornerstone of sustainable development and global security, underpinning its role in promoting collective security and prosperity. Universal health coverage also reinforces attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals under Target 3.8 to: “Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

BU$IN£SS •Energy •Finance

•Stock

•Insurance

•Aviation

•e-Platform

Inflation: Consumer Price Index drops by 0.52%

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

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Calendar

GMT

Buying (NGN) 304.85 394.5064 333.2011 307.6186 2.7353 0.4866 416.7529 44.1995 81.2803 44.7835 417.3397

Actual

Previous

Consensus

Forecast

2017-02-15 12:00 PM Jan 18.72% 18.55% 18.6% 18.71% 2017-03-14 08:50 AM Feb 17.78% 18.72% 18.81% 2017-04-13 08:40 AM Mar 17.26% 17.78% 17.50% 2017-05-16 09:00 AM Apr 17.26% 17.1% 2017-06-14 09:00 AM May 16.9% 2017-07-18 09:00 AM Jun 16.3% Nigeria Trade

Last

Previous

Highest

Lowest

Balance of Trade

227044.30

348299.50

2177553.08

-592200.72

NGN Millions [+]

Exports

985816.90

1062854.30

2648881.76

322.93

NGN Millions [+]

Imports

758772.70

714554.80

1554732.90

167.88

NGN Millions [+]

Current Account

-404.65

1432.44

9455.37

-5695.27

USD Millions [+]

Current Account to GDP

-3.80

0.20

32.80

-18.70

percent

Terms of Trade

100.23

102.71

160.25

49.48

Index Points [+]

Foreign Direct Investment

673.95

887.32

3084.90

501.83

USD Million [+]

Capital Flows

-5821.99

5330.35

20302.97

-15439.95

USD Million [+]

Nigeria Trade

Last

Previous

Highest

Unit

Lowest

[+]

Unit

Gold Reserves 21.37 21.37 21.37 21.37 Tonnes [+] Crude Oil Production 1269.00 1426.00 2475.00 675.00 BBL/D/1K [+] Terrorism Index 9.31 9.21 9.31 3.86 [+] External Debt 11406.28 11261.89 11406.28 3627.50 USD Million [+] Annual core inflation rate was 15.44 percent, the lowest since April last year. On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased 1.72 percent. Inflation Rate in Nigeria averaged 12.36 percent from 1996 until 2017, reaching an all time high of 47.56 percent in January of 1996 and a record low

of -2.49 percent in January of 2000.

Nigeria’s consumer prices increased 17.26 percent year-on-year in March of 2017, easing from a 17.78 percent rise in the previous month. The inflation rate slowed for the second straight month, due to food and non-food prices, namely housing and utilities,

clothing and footwear and transport.

Consumer price index for May is expected to drop by 0.25 percent from 17.26 percent in March to 17;1 percent. June inflation rate is forecast to further reduce to 16.9 percent while July rate is expected to fall to 16.3 percent.

Cash Call: FG still owes JV partners N1.7 trn

F

ederal government has declared that it has reduced its debt liability to its partners in the oil and gas exploration and production joint venture by $400 million (N144 billion) from $5.1 billion (N1.84 trillion) to $4.7 billion (N1.7

CBN EXCHANGE RATES APRIL 28, 2017 Currency

US DOLLAR Pounds Sterling EURO SWISS FRANC YEN CFA WAUA Yuan/Renminbi RIYAL DANISH KRONA SDR

Reference

Central Selling (NGN) (NGN) 305.35 305.85 395.1534 395.8005 333.7476 334.2941 308.1231 308.6276 2.7398 2.7443 0.4966 0.5066 417.4365 418.12 44.2724 44.3454 81.4136 81.547 44.8569 44.9304 418.0242 418.7087

trillion).

According to official sources, NNPC owed its partners $6.8 billion as at September 2016, under the previous funding mechanism but government secured 25 percent or $1.7 billion discount on this

debt following the agreement reached with the private companies.

The private companies operate oil and gas assets captured in the

rices of key consumer goods and services in Nigeria eased by 0.52 percent in March, according to key economic indicators released by the Nigerian Bureau of statistics, indicating that recovery of oil prices and production volumes have started trickling impacts down the economy.

According to the agency which generates data for economic planning and advances market indices to the public, Nigeria’s consumer prices increased 17.26 percent year-on-year in March of 2017, easing from a 17.78 percent rise in the previous month.

The inflation rate slowed for the second straight month, led by food and non-food prices, namely housing and utilities, clothing and footwear and transport.

Compared to March of 2016, prices went up at a slower pace for food (17.26 percent vs 17.78 percent in February), including soft drinks, fruits, coffee, tea and cocoa.

Meanwhile, biggest increases were recorded for bread, cereals, meat, fish, potatoes, yams and other tubers and wine.

In addition, cost slowed for housing and utilities (18.85 percent vs 20.44 percent); clothing and footwear (16.65 percent vs 17.39 percent); transport (15.43 percent vs 16.75 percent); furniture and household equipment (12.47 percent vs 13.27 percent); education (18.56 percent vs 19.12 percent), health (10.3 percent vs 10.5 percent) and miscellaneous goods and services (11.52 percent vs 11.86 percent).

Meanwhile, cost rose faster for recreation and culture (10.30 percent vs 9.99 percent) and restaurants and hotels (8.55 percent vs 8.18 percent).

Annual core inflation rate edged down to 15.44 percent from 16.01 percent in the previous month.

On a monthly basis, consumer prices went up 1.72 percent compared to a 1.49 percent rise in the previous month, as cost increased for: food (2.21 percent vs 1.99 percent); housing and utilities (1.08 percent vs 1.02 percent); clothing and footwear (1.54 percent vs 1.04 percent); transport (1.16 percent vs 0.99 percent) and furniture and household equipment (1.29 percent vs 0.93 percent).

Continues P14

•Tourism

Energy

Nigeria’s oil production up 60 kbd in April P16

e-Platform Stakeholders want tight internet control to protect minors P17

Aviation NCAC, BoI guarantee N300m credit facility for MSMEs in crafts industry P20

Insurance Leasing Industry Net Income Up But Combined Ratio Weakened P22

Stock Market Highlights As At 28 April, 2017

Summary

ASI 26,418.33 DEALS 3,907.00 VOLUME 267,637,143.00 VALUE 3,257,215,329.33 CAP 9,132,248,665,259.58 Most Traded S/N Coy (By Volume) Volume

Value

5 Top Gainers Company Last Close Current Change NESTLE 734.99 760 25.01 7UP 94.69 103.89 9.2 NB 127.3 130 2.7 UNILEVER 33 34 1 OKOMUOIL 47.05 47.8 0.75

Top Losers Company Last Close Current Change 1. OANDO 47,534,245 374,645,780.30 ETI 8 7.89 -0.11 4.3 4.2 -0.1 2. ZENITHBANK 30,371,644 489,169,559.36 DANGFLOUR 2.14 2.04 -0.1 3. GUARANTY 27,266,425 737,184,695.16 CHAMPION UACN 14.49 14.4 -0.09 4.

DIAMONDBNK 19,901,054 17,047,779.93 5. FBNH 17,627,281 62,438,824.97 CCNN 4.6 4.51

8

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

BUSINESS

FG still owes JV partners N1.7 trn

Continued from P13 joint ventures (JVs) in which Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) holds overriding interest on behalf of the government.

Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, stated that the paltry instalment activates a new funding mechanism for upstream ventures aimed at boosting investment in the oil and gas sector.

Such arrangements like the Modified Carried Arrangement (MCA) had been used by the previous administrations to drive key industry projects like the Chevron drilling programs, Shell’s Utorogu gas development project and similar others.

With the change of government in 2015, policy changes and personnel movements impacted the funding arrangements and resulted in deepening debt crisis in the industry.

With an average of 57 percent in all the assets operated under a multiplicity of JVs the inability of NNPC to meet its funding contributions despite taking the bulk of revenue from the business had stalled progress in work programmes and further developments. The result has been dwindling reserves base and falling production volumes despite new development in assets operated by same companies under different agreements.

Worst hit are shallow pocket indigenous companies like Seplat Petroleum which has recorded negative balance sheet last year when low oil prices, production disruptions and bad NNPC debts plunged the domestic oil industry into financial difficulty.

Acute funding deficits, loss of confidence among partners and a spate of simultaneous outcry in the industry hastened government to activate dormant alternative funding arrangements earlier evolved by past administrations of the government.

In response, government had in December 2016 signed a new funding arrangement with Shell, Exx-

onMobil, Chevron, Total and Eni, that would form a smoother alternative to the traditional funding cash call on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to meet public sector obligation for JV operations capital.

However, the new funding arrangement appears to be addressing NNPC’s debts instead of spurring investments in new exploration and development.

Dr. Kachikwu said the first payment of $400 million was paid as part of cash call debt owed the IOCs in 2016.

He said the new funding arrangement, despite concerns over the cost of funding, would

help increase net government revenue per annum by about $2 billion through increased activity in the upstream petroleum industry.

He stated that sustainable funding of the joint ventures would lead to an increase in national production from the current 2.2 million b/d to 2.5 million b/d by 2019.

Apart from the disruption in the Niger Delta, the lack of proper funding had stunted the growth of Nigeria’s oil production and state oil firm NNPC said late last year that joint venture production dropped to about 800,000 b/d now from 1.2 million b/d six years ago following the government’s inability to properly fund the joint ventures.

Needs to overhaul NAFDAC –Expert

By KINGSLEY CHRISTOPHER, Lagos

Worried about the influx of substandard products and drugs imported into the country by unscrupulous businessmen who are out to make high profits to the detriment of safety and health of Nigerians, a pharmaceutical industry operator, Pastor Paul Igwe has called on the Federal Government to look into the activities of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) with a view to overhauling the agency for effective and efficient execution of its mandate.

In an exclusive chat with The Oracle Today, Igwe, who is the General Overseer of Lagos-based Dominion International Church, said the agency needs a total overhauling to step up its activities to save lives, positing that Nigerians are dying given the nefarious activities of Nigerian importers who go about faking products and or importing fake and substandard products into the country.

Igwe who acknowledged the fact that NAFDAC needs to be empowered and be well equipped to be able to perform its statutory functions effectively and efficiently, posited that Nigerian importers should be blamed for bringing substandard products and drugs into the country.

The cleric maintained that while Chinese manufacturers at the other end are prepared to cheat foreigners including Nigerians, the Nigerian businessmen would simply play into their hands by placing orders for reduced quality products.

“For Substandard products that come from China, I can say that the blame should be put on the doorsteps of Nigerians who are the importers. Why I say this is that most times when they come they would tell the Chinese that the need lower quality and you know Chinese by their nature like cheating people.

So by the time you go to them and ask for 70percent quality, be rest assured that they will give less may be 40per cent.

“And this has a lot of implication because most times when you begin to investigate the cases you find out that the problem is because of the compromise from an importer.

And once an importer compromises

from the beginning by asking for a reduced quality they will now see the lacuna to cheat the foreigner.

“They are cheating our economy which is very bad and this is the reason why we have substandard products coming to Nigeria. And greed too…that is why more Chinese are beginning to learn English language because Nigerians on getting there would not want a fellow Nigerian to mediate between them. They want to go direct to the Chinese and you know Chinese in their nature have a mindset to cheat foreigners not to kill them,” said Pastor Igwe.

The businessman added that the federal government should also step up action in fixing the steadily decayed infrastructures to attract Nigerians in diaspora to settle here and set up their businesses to grow the economy.

He explained that there are a lot of Nigerians out there in China who are clamouring to return home but due to poor state of infrastructures, especially, power in the country they cannot make up their minds to resettle in their father land.

•Director, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and President of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Mr Denja Abdullahi (2nd left) flanked by International Students of the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, during the African Youth Action Network’s ‘Create Your Own Story’ grand event which held at the Kwara Hotels, Ilorin, the state capital, weekend.

South East Governors move to improve power supply T

he South East Governors’ Forum has described the power situation in the zone as worrisome.

They also called for urgent steps to be taken by the relevant authorities to ameliorate the challenges.

Briefing newsmen after its meeting in Enugu, the Chairman of the forum, Gov. Dave Umahi of Ebonyi said that the zone needed quality electricity supply to attain its much needed development.

Umahi said that the power situation in the zone featured prominently in their meeting.

He said that they were at a loss that the only independent power plant in state had not been injected into the system.

He said that the injection of power from Geometrix Power Plant in Aba, Abia, would solve the power needs of the area.

The governor said the forum had

taken necessary measures to ensure that the right things were done for entrepreneurs and investors in the area to get value for their businesses.

“We discussed about the power needs in the South-East which is catalyst for our economic development.

“We want to know why Geometrix has not been injected into the system. We believe that its injection will power the zone and assist us in the area of our commerce,” he said.

Umahi said they were not unmindful of the situation with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, adding that there would be an interface with the management to find solution to their challenges.

“We shall interact with the management of EEDC and find out ways to improve power generation in the zone.

“We thank our governors for the interest in our people. We are at work and assure you of our commitment which is divine,” he said.

Umahi said that the South-East economic agenda was on course and the railway development, power, commerce and seaport development would feature prominently in the agenda.

“We have taken some steps by referring them to the economic team to do preliminary studies and make presentation in our next meeting.

“We also had an interface with the Bank of Agriculture which is very importance in the agricultural programme of the zone.

The Anchor Borrowers’ programme of the Central Bank of Nigeria is handled by them.

“Through the governors, we shall get our due share, though they are

not happy that the funds to the South-East are not as it should be,” he said.

Umahi said that the economic team of the forum had been constituted and would be inaugurated at their next meeting.

“In furtherance to our commitments, each state has submitted two names to make up our economic team,” he said.

The governor gave the names of members of the economic team as Dr Chukwuma Agu, Dr Eme Okoro, Mr Ifeatu Onejeme , Mr Mark Okoye and Prof. Benard Odo. The others are Chief Dennis Ekuma-Nkama, Prof. Barth Nnaji, Prof Osita Ogbu, Mr Obinna Mbata, and Chief Iyke Njoku.

He said that the committee would be inaugurated at their next meeting on June 5.

9

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

BUSINESS FXTM named best online forex trading company for 2017

By SAMSON AKINTARO

I

Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mr Folusho Folarin-Coker (m) flanked by Management Staff of the agency as well as members of the Association of Nigerian Writers and Journalists of Tourism (ANJET), who paid a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja, weekend

Dynamics of marketing Nigeria tourism has changed –NTDC DG

By VICTOR NZE

N

ewly-appointed Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mr Folusho Folarin-Coker, has stated that his agency will embrace new technologies in the marketing of Nigeria tourism in line with trending global practice and standards.

Coker who was reacting to a 13-point agenda presented to him by the umbrella body of tourism and travel writers in the country, the Association of Nigerian Writers and Journalists of Tourism (ANJET), during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja, Thursday, further noted that modalities of marketing Nigerian destinations has gone beyond traditional brochures, flyers, leaflets to the online technology.

According to him, the marketing of Nigerian tourism is better driven via the platform of new technologies provided by the social media, which he posited, has the capacity of reaching millions in one single message, hence his resolve to leverage on it to promote and market the country’s attractions.

Coker also used the platform of the courtesy visit to reveal parts of his blueprint for the industry which included prioritizing the growth and development of the domestic industry.

“Marketing Nigerian tourist attractions has gone beyond printing brochures and all that. It has to embrace global practice which has

recognized the online platform as its biggest driving tool, hence all major destinations in the world use it to promote their attractions. Nigeria will not be an exception.

“I’m not saying the NTDC will not print brochures and the like. What I’m saying is that the power of a single tweet via your Twitter account goes for miles more than what a brochure can achieve. So we must embrace that technology and move along with the rest of the world.

For instance, if one celebrity posts a positive message about your destination via Twitter or Facebook, Instagram account, that message will be seen by a multitude of people far more than the conventional marketing tools can achieve.

“We have to accept that the dynamics of tourism marketing has changed and then proceed to embrace it. In the same manner, we also need to identify our key products in comparative terms now. What do we have that others don’t have.

That is what we have to identify and market. It has gone beyond the traditional products we used to know and talk about because hose no longer bring in the figures anymore.

We have go with the times. We need to identify our target market as well and zero in on it.

“Right now our entertainment and hospitality have become our selling point, and with that we identity our niche market and age bracket of that market. Our fashion and film industries under the entertainment are al-

ready known all over the world. We need to key into these markets and indentify the segment of the society shopping in that market.

“My focus for now will be the development of the domestic industry which I believe is much more sustainable and which if properly done will drive the international market for us.

If we are able to get it right then the international segment will naturally take care of itself. We have to start from home. I’m deploying,” said Coker.

On eco-tourism, Coker said states of the federation need to invest in their attractions so it becomes feasible for the corporation to market such that the viability of that attraction is achieved for that state to benefit from.

“States need to put in some money by way of investment so that we can come in and explore the potential of that destination. Take for instance, the Yankari game Reserve in Bauchi, if we bring in the tourists, what are the security guarantees as well as conveniences so that the guests do not have to be forced to into the forest to ease themselves.

These are the things we are talking about. We have the capacity to market destinations but these state governments should also see the need to invest in some of these attractions such that other stakeholders like the travel agents and tour operators can also come and sell these destinations as packages,” the NTDC boss said.

In seeking a working relation hip with the ANJET, Coker described the journalists as ambassadors of Nigeria tourism who have the capacity to make or mar any attempt at repositioning the industry. This is just as he ruled out a wholesale adoption of a foreign template as the country’s tourism model, insisting that it has to be unique to our culture and people.

“All over the world, there are templates to be looked at but in fashioning out a model for Nigeria tourism, it has to be unique to us. So we are not going to copy any country’s model, it will be entirely ours, but we can always look at what others have with a view to developing our type.

“For you the journalist, you are the ambassadors of Nigeria tourism, so for that we must reach a pact,; to safeguard our products and objectively point out the way forward.

This is so because in this digital age, your words carry effect and reach to influence opinions and viewpoints around the world,” he stressed.

Earlier, the writers in the presentation read by their leader of the delegation, Mr Andrew Okungbowa, had charged Coker to among other things, create a model for Nigeria tourism, restructure and repackage some the country’s tourism products, evolve a tourism plan of action, improve on data collection, produce a workable tourism calendar, liaise with relevant stakeholders and governments at all levels to grow the domestic brand, as well as restructure domestic tourism.

Lagos Task Force demolishes 120 illegal shops in Lekki

By OJOACHELE EJIGBO he Lagos State Government Tstructures has demolished over 120 illegal and shops built under

high tension cables at Itedo area of Lekki Phase 1, in Lagos.

The operation was led by the head Of Task Force, Superintendent of Police Olayinka Egbeyemi.

The spokesman of the Task force, Taofiq Adebayo, said the 120 illegal shops and other structures were constructed under high-tension electricity cable.

The owners and users were said to have received six months demolition notice. Egbeyemi said owners and occupiers of the illegal

shops and structures were served a reminder demolition notice four weeks ago by the government.

“Radiation from these high tension cables poses serious danger to human health, no responsible and responsive government would put any of her citizens lives at risks. The illegal shops including structures constructed under high tension cables are a sorry sight with miscreants and hoodlums freely smoking marijuana” he said.

Egbeyemi urged them to take advantage of the newly introduced “rent-to-own” housing policy scheme of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, which has more than 4,355 fully equipped housing units

spread across the state.

He added that the housing policy was meant to alleviate the housing problem of both low and middleincome earners and to equally discourage people living in any restricted area.

Egbeyemi also urged traders and middle income earners to apply and benefit from the N25 billion Lagos state empowerment Trust Fund scheme, which is intended to help residents grow and scale their micro small/medium enterprises with N500,000 to N5 million soft loan.

He further urged Lagosians to stop trading at restricted areas, including under high-tension cables.

He urged both owners and occupiers of shops and structures constructed under high-tension cables across the state remove them as the demolition exercise would be extended to other areas.

Dr. Femi Ololade a resident of the area commended the government for saving the lives of both traders and residents living under high-tension cables. He made reference to an incident where no fewer than seven persons died when a high-tension cable fell on a viewing centre in Calabar, Cross Rivers during a football match. He urged citizens to co-operate with the government and stop endangering their lives.

nternational forex broker, Forex Time (FXTM) has been named best online forex trading company of the year 2016 at the Beacon of ICT Awards for its commitment to local traders. Earlier, FXTM was recognized by the Global Brand Awards, as the best forex broker in Nigeria for 2016.

The Beacon of ICT awards ceremony which took place recently in Lagos drew top politicians and government officials, as well as captains of the ICT and finance industries. Global award-winning forex broker FXTM achieved record growth in Nigeria in 2016, with an impressive 25% increase in actively trading clients. This rapid growth is down to the launch of several innovative products and services, including FXTM invest and the broker’s naira denominated trading accounts, as well as the expansion of FXTM’s local educational program.

Since November 2016, the company has offered its leading standard and ECN trading accounts in naira, as one of the few brokers offering the naira as a base currency for trading, and traders can now deposit and withdraw funds in naira without worrying about conversion fees.

The company’s copy trading and investment program, FXTM Invest, which launched last February, has also proven highly popular with Nigerian traders. At present, clients from Nigeria account for 36% of FXTM’s active investors, with a growth of 114% in registered accounts in 2016 and 2017 is on track to surpass these figures.

Lukman Otunuga, market research analyst at FXTM said, “2016 has been a fantastic year of global expansion for FXTM, with significant investment in innovative products and services by our exceptional R&D team”. “We are very proud to see that our dedication to offering localized products and services has been so well received in Nigeria. We believe traders in Nigeria have a lot of potential and we are excited to

FG offers 2, 3 years savings bonds at 13.1%, 14.1%

F

ederal Government on Monday offered for subscription two-year savings bond at 13.18 per cent and three-year savings bond at 14.18 per cent, the Debt Management Office (DMO) has said.

According to the offer circular derived from the DMO website, the two-year bond will be due in May 2019 while the three-year bond will be due in May 2020.

It, however, did not state how much was offered, but added that the maximum subscription was N50 million at N1,000 per unit, subject to minimum subscription of N5,000 and in multiples of N1,000.

The website said that the bond was fully backed by the full faith and credit of the Federal Government, with quarterly coupon payments to bondholders.

The savings bond issuance is expected to help finance the nation’s budget deficit.

10

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

ENERGY

Nigeria’s oil production up 60 kbd in April N

By Sopuruchi Onwuka

igeria’s average daily crude oil production continued on the path of fluctuation in the month of April, adding 60,000 barrels per day (60 kbd) to reach 1.65 million barrels per day (1.65 mbd), according to figures compiled from international shipping statistics and figures from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

The figures which is regularly assembled by Platts’ market intelligence services group does not however agree with parallel figures released by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).

Alternate figures by government agencies are not immediately available.

Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, had stated last week that Nigeria’s oil production was 2.0 mbd, while OPEC gave Nigeria’s oil production figures at about 1.7 mbd.

Dr. Baru said however that production disruptions associated with militancy in the Niger Delta resulted in a dive to 1.5 mbd.

Platts’ figures showed that Nigeria, Angola and Qatar posted higher production figures in April than in March but total production cuts from Libya and Iraq stabilized total OPEC output for the month at 31.85 mbd, unchanged from March figures.

The survey by S&P Global Platts survey showed that OPEC maintained high compliance with its production cut agreement, as increases in Angola and Nigeria were offset by declines from Libya and Iraq.

Nigeria’s lead producer, Shell, concluded maintenance on key export grade Bonga in April, with production at the field ramping up throughout the month to push output to an average 1.65 mbd in April.

OPEC ministers will meet in Vienna on May 25 to review the agreement and potentially extend the cuts past their June expiry, but Nigeria and Libya, both impacted heavily by militancy over the last year, are exempt from the production deal.

But the two countries’ combined

January-April average output of 2.273 million b/d is just 6,300 b/d higher than their October levels, according to the Platts survey.

In Libya, a blockade of a pipeline from the Sharara field to the Zawiya terminal in the country’s west by a militia knocked production down significantly in the month to 550,000 b/d.

Libya’s National Oil Company declared force majeure on Zawiya on April 9, but NOC Chairman Mustafa Sanalla last week announced that a deal had been struck with the Petroleum Facilities Guard militia to reopen Sharara, as well as the nearby El Feel field.

Angola saw new production come online in its offshore East Hub development, with the country’s output rising 80,000 b/d in the month to 1.68 million b/d.

Thus, the April production figures in the Platts survey and the five other secondary sources used

by OPEC to monitor output will be some of the final data points that the organization considers at its meeting.

OPEC’s collective April output was some 80,000 b/d above its stated ceiling of 32.5 million b/d,

when Indonesia, which typically produces about 730,000 b/d, is added in. Indonesia suspended its OPEC membership in November and is not included in the Platts survey estimates for 2017.

OPEC’s largest producer Saudi Arabia averaged 9.97 mbd in April, according to the survey, below its quota under the deal of 10.058 million b/d.

The kingdom is seen as a driver of OPEC’s production cut deal, with energy minister Khalid al-Falih saying at a conference in Abu Dhabi last month that there appeared to be a growing consensus on a need to extend the cuts, as global inventories remain stubbornly high.

Iraq, which has faced criticism for not fully complying with its required cut, produced 4.36 mbd in April, the survey found, as the Taq Taq field in the Kurdistan Region of the country has seen output decline, while exports from Iraq’s Persian Gulf terminal also fell during the month.

The country’s April output is 9,000 b/d above its quota under the deal, the closest it has been to compliance. Over the January through April period, however, its

average remains 60,000 b/d above its quota, the highest among OPEC members.

Iran, which is allowed a slight output increase under the deal, held production steady in April at 3.77 million b/d, the survey found, below its quota of 3.797 million b/d.

The UAE, also under pressure from fellow OPEC members to come into compliance with its quota, lowered production slightly to 2.84 million b/d, down 10,000 b/d from March, the survey found.

Of the 11 members of OPEC that have a quota under the deal, compliance is 117%, based on January through April averages.

In concert with OPEC, 11 nonOPEC countries led by Russia have also agreed to cut output by a combined 558,000 b/d in the first half of 2017, with many of those countries phasing in their reductions or relying on natural declines.

Russia last week announced it had reached its commitment to cut 300,000 b/d.

Ministers from those 11 non-OPEC producers will also be meeting in Vienna with OPEC on May 25 to review their participation in the deal and any extension.

OPEC production (in million b/d) Member April Change March February Algeria 1.04 0.00 1.04 1.04 Angola 1.68 0.08 1.60 1.66 Ecuador 0.52 0.00 0.52 0.52 Gabon 0.21 0.00 0.21 0.19 Iran 3.77 0.00 3.77 3.75 Iraq 4.36 -0.04 4.40 4.40 Kuwait 2.70 0.00 2.70 2.71 Libya 0.55 -0.07 0.62 0.67 Nigeria 1.65 0.06 1.59 1.70 Qatar 0.61 0.01 0.60 0.63 Saudi Arabia 9.97 -0.03 10 9.85 UAE 2.84 -0.01 2.85 2.90 Venezuela 1.95 0.00 1.95 2.01 Total 31.85 0.00 31.85 32.03

Schlumberger Launches Fluid Mapping-While-Drilling Service

S

chlumberger today launched the new SpectraSphere* fluid mapping-while-drilling service at the 2017 Offshore Technology Conference.

The service is the industry’s first to deliver downhole fluid composition during drilling with real-time pressure measurements-whiledrilling. Applicable in a variety of environments, from exploration wells to highly deviated development wells, SpectraSphere lowers risks associated with fluid analysis and sampling operations while enhancing well placement,

maximizing reservoir contact and ultimately boosting future production.

“Understanding the parameters of the reservoir in real time is critical for all our customers during all stages of field development,” said Richard Brown, president, Drilling & Measurements, Schlumberger.

“The SpectraSphere service enables customers to obtain laboratory-quality fluid analysis while drilling, which reduces the overall cost of operations and risks associated with conventional fluid analysis.”

The SpectraSphere service is the industry’s only service to enable real-time fluid mapping by providing critical fluid properties, including fluid composition, fluid typing, fluid fractions and gas/oil ratio while drilling. The reliable characterization of these properties is essential for estimating reserves, optimizing completions, designing surface facilities and meeting production goals.

The service has been field tested in the Gulf of Mexico, Middle East, Africa, the North Sea and offshore Malaysia. While developing a field

offshore Malaysia, a customer used the new service to acquire formation fluid samples and pressure measurements in a highly deviated wellbore that intersected pressuredepleted zones with increased risk of differential sticking. The customer obtained all fluid samples and pressure measurements in one run, with fluid samples showing less than 1% contamination. The customer completed sampling in two hours per station and eliminated the need to conduct further formation testing in two additional wells, saving three operating days.

FG to invest $50 bn petroleum industry

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ederal government is to pour in princely $50 billion in reviving activities across the full segments of the petroleum industry.

Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, about $15 billion each would deployed in upstream , midstream and downstream segments of the petroleum industry.

According to him, the investments would form part of the National Economic and Growth Plan for the next four years which is anchored on the Nigeria Oil and Gas Roadmap among others.

“This roadmap presents exciting opportunities for financial and strategic partnerships in excess of $50 billion.”

According to the Minister, an estimated $13-$17 billion will be funneled into the upstream for the development of gas assets. Kachikwu said that these assets total about 34.7 Tcf. The downstream sector will be on the receiving end also with $14-$17 billion going towards the development of the Trans Nigeria gas pipeline project, the gas revolution industrial park at Ogidigben, and three power plants. These power plants are expected to add an additional 3.2 GW of capacity to the country’s power sector.

Refining, and more specifically, modular refineries will benefit from the funds. Kachikwu said that up to $5 billion will be invested in licensing and establishment of modular refineries, and rehabilitating/upgrading three refineries.

LPG and CNG plants will also be established with some of the funds.

Elcrest, NPDC think EPS for Opuama Field

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pstream consortium comprising Eland, Starcrest and Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) now have a clearer vision for early production at Opuama Field after positive evaluation report by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (NSAI).

Elcrest is special business entity bonding Eland Oil & Gas and Starcrest Energy Limited while NPDC retains government interest in the field which was divested by Shell during its asset sale in Nigeria.

According to a declaration by Eland Oil & Gas results from its reserves and resource evaluation on the Opuama-1, Opuama-3, Opuama-7, and Gbeitokun-1 wells on Nigeria’s OML 40 showed that Opuama fields total reserves previously reported in the NSAI from June 2015 CPR remain unchanged.

However, the significant increase in oil recovery from the existing well inventory (Op-1, Op3, Op-7 and Gb-1) are expected to lead to less infill wells being required to access the remaining reserves on OML 40 and therefore reducing future total Capex spend.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

INSURANCE & PENSION Stories by KINGSLEY CHRISTOPHER

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he Nigerian Leasing industry has decried the lingering foreign exchange challenges saying it is militating against smooth business pursuit in the country, saying that the situation affected the sector’s operations negatively in 2016.

The sector recorded what it referred to as the outstanding lease volume of N1.26trillion in 2016 from N1.1trillion in 2015, representing 14per cent growth in leasing activities.

According to Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria (ELAN), the sector witnessed a 14per cent dropped in its 2016 growth index compared to 27per cent up in 2015. The body of leasing operators added that though the sector recorded a 14per cent growth in leasing activities in that year, the high cost of business deflated the growth by the same ratio.

ELAN, in a statement released recently said: “The industry recorded a drop in growth; 14per cent when compared with 27per cent in 2015.This was mainly due to the inability of the industry to cope with the demand due to high cost of equipment, necessitated by foreign exchange situation and the funding challenge”.

The body, nevertheless, noted that the appetite for leasing is still increasing, with new lease transactions being booked on a daily basis, adding that the level of patronage has increased given the current economic situation, which has made outright purchase increasingly difficult and demand from multinational and other large corporates for service–oriented leases like fleet management.

ELAN, however, maintained that despite all odds, the Nigerian Leasing industry was vibrant and remained succour to many organisations across all sectors in the economy despite the challenging economic situation; buttressing the fact that leasing thrives during seasons of economic boom and recession.

ELAN added that the level of patronage has also increased given the current economic situation, which has made outright purchase increasingly difficult and demand from multinational and other large corporates for service–oriented leases like fleet management.

The analysis of the volume by sector reveals that the oil and gas, with its present challenges

Leasing Industry Net Income Up But Combined Ratio Weakened …Attributes 14% Drop to Forex Challenges

• Wole Oshin still out played other sectors with the lead of N398billion, a 24per cent of the total portfolio, while transportation followed with N319billion, or 19per cent of the total portfolio. Manufacturing N180billion, with Agriculture, Government, Telecoms sectors and others (education, healthcare, construction and consumer sectors) recording considerable growths.

Categorising the lease transactions according to types, finance leases retained the dominant position accounting for 70per cent of all lease transactions while op-

• Femi Oyetunji erating lease accounted for 30per cent. This revealed the increasing trend of operating leases in the recent times, due mainly to risk mitigating mechanism and response by industry players to current market dictates, by provision of vehicles (trucks, cars and staff buses) and other assets to support the operations of their corporate customers.

The industry continued to witness the banks as the lead players, particularly financing big ticket leases, and also providing funds to lessors for lease transactions. The non-bank lessors

contributed 70per cent of lease transactions concentrating majorly on the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs). The report from the body noted that many financial investment and capital market companies are coming into the industry to tap into the opportunities in leasing, as a way of hedging against other non–performing product offerings, while also, vendors, and service providers (telecom and oil) are getting more involved in leasing.

In terms of asset categorisation, about 40per cent of leased assets are vehicles including trucks for

haulage and buses for inter-state commercial transportation, which have been major attraction in recent times. Financing of specialised assets is emerging in the market especially in the health sector.

“Our market projections show that the leasing industry will blossom, owing to the various initiatives of Government aimed at re-inflating the economy and the increasing relevance of leasing, to capital formation in view of the challenge to access to finance especially to MSMEs”. It was stated in the release.

The also observed that the focus on agriculture will create huge market for the leasing business, as a whole range of equipment would be required across the agric value chain, from seedlings/inputs to fertilizers, harvesting, processing and storage as well as distribution and that the special focus on infrastructure will open up business opportunities for the leasing industry as specialised and general equipment would be needed, to support the massive construction that would take place in the rail, roads, power, housing etc.

“The manufacturing sector as well as the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will equally present enormous opportunities for leasing, as the demand for assets for productive ventures is expected to continue to increase”, ELAN added.

While ELAN is already exploring ways to harness opportunities by partnering with healthcare vendors, to provide assets for players in the sector, in the education sector, various assets are being leased including modern instructional equipment including computers, communications, laboratory, technical and research equipment in addition to the general assets like vehicles, generating sets. Indeed, leasing has immense scope in the sector given the large numbers of educational institutions across the country and the infrastructure financing gap.

NSITF Explains Variance Bw Employees Compensation, Health Insurance

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he Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has thrown some light in the relationship between the Employees Compensation (ECS), managed by the federal agency and the health insurance scheme, saying the two are not in conflict with each other.

The implementation of Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS) is different from health insurance scheme, the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has said.

The Acting Managing Director of NSITF, Ismail Agaka, who explained this in Abuja while addressing state commissioners of finance recently, added that ECS, which NSITF implements does not overlap with the functions of the

National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) or any other insurance scheme in the country.

He stressed that ECS has clear terms of definition that do not conflict with any other insurance scheme. Represented by the General Manager, Claims and Compensations, Stephen Bathanna, Agaka said the clarification had become necessary in view of misunderstanding of ECS mandate.

He said that the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA) of 2010 stipulates that ECS as a social insurance was designed to ensure that employees who suffer injuries from workplace accidents, injuries in the course of work as well as diseases emanating from working condi-

tions or occupational diseases were protected and adequately compensated.

Agaka pointed out that the NHIS covers natural diseases such as malaria, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, among others, that are not categorized as employment related injuries or diseases.

He said: “The beauty of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme is that it is a no fault scheme, meaning that NSITF is not going to be asking questions about who is at fault when a workplace accident happens, but will swiftly compensate the employee when all the statutory forms are duly filled.”

He added that the processes of treating and rehabilitating oc-

cupational victims differ from the traditional insurance business. He encouraged the commissioners to see the scheme as a way of boosting the morale of Nigerian workers, which has the capacity to boost productivity.

He, however, urged them to key into the scheme because the law mandates NSITF to implement the scheme as well as prosecute employers that refuse to key into it.

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Finance, Adamawa State and Chairman of the Forum of State Commissioners of Finance, Mahmood Sali commended the NSITF for the noble scheme it was saddled with.

He explained that the scheme, if

properly executed, would make Nigerian workers feel protected and propel them to put in their best.

He also thanked NSITF for throwing more light on ECS, saying that, “now we know that the Employees’ Compensation Scheme has no direct conflict with the NHIS.” He pledged support for the scheme and urged his colleagues to go back to their states and come up with a blueprint on how to complement the ECS. Sali however, implored NSITF to employ an aggressive public awareness approach about the scheme and its benefits to workers, adding that nothing much has been heard about the scheme at the state levels.

12

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

INSURANCE & PENSION Custodian & Allied Insurance Paid N13.2bn Claims in 2016 management of CustoTsaidhedianit paid and Allied Insurance Plc claims amounting to N13.2billion in 2016. The figure increased from N9.2billion paid out in 2015.

In the same vein, the Underwriting expenses increased to N2.4 billion from N2.2billion recorded in the period of previous year. The company also proposed a dividend payout of 18 kobo per share for the financial year ended 31st December, 2016.

Addressing the shareholders during the company’s 22nd Annual General Meeting (AGM), the Board Chairperson, Omobola Johnson said the firm earlier in September, 2016 settled its shareholders with an interim dividend of seven kobo per share, making it a total dividend of 25 kobo per share for the period under review.

The proposed dividend was approved by shareholders at the AGM, while the dividend would be payable to shareholders of the firm whose names appeared in the company register.

Johnson said that Custodian and Allied has maintained its usual practice of rewarding its shareholders by declaring the dividend.

“The company sustained its practice to regularly payment of dividend to the shareholders by paying an interim dividend of seven kobo per share in September, 2016 and following another stellar performance, for the year ended 31st December, 2016, your board hereby proposes, subject to your approval, the payment of an additional 18 kobo per share in respect for the result of the 2016 financial year”, she assured.

The firm within the period under review recorded a gross premium income of N28.3billion against N23.6 billion recorded in the comparable period of 2015 while investment income grew to N3.8 billion against N2.8 billion within the same period.

Swiss Re reports Q1 Net Income Of $656mn

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•Mr Ganiyu Musa, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Cornerstone Insurance Plc, with Mr. Martins, Head, Technical of the Company during the firm’s event held in Lagos recently.

Wapic Insurance tasks Nigerians on target savings

By KINGSLEY CHRISTPHER, Lagos

W

apic Insurance Plc has reiterated the need for Nigerians to engage in target

savings.

Target Savings, a savings account that helps holders save money for a specific purpose, is fast becoming the norm in building a sustainable savings culture particularly where it concerns specific financial goals or objectives. This is something Wapic Insurance is fully aware of, and has taken steps to bring it home to customers.

Shedding light on the product, Yinka Adekoya, Managing Director of Wapic Insurance Plc stated that “it is difficult to make progress without a plan and goals, and these products make planning and financial goal setting easier”.

While Wapic may not be the first to offer target savings prod-

ucts, its new SMART Plan products definitely provide more options to choose from, especially with the life insurance cover that comes with the products.

The company notes that in terms of personal finance management, saving toward a particular objective requires a ton of self-discipline and that considering the different channels through which customers can easily withdraw from the savings account, it makes perfect sense to utilize a vehicle that gives a much required control.

The leading insurance company, with vision to transform and illuminate the insurance industry for the benefit of its customers and other stakeholders, understands this as why people tend towards fixed deposits as an option to save and not ‘touch the money’.

Attempting to building a beneficial savings culture raises posers

on fixed deposits. These are: As customer of a financial institution, are you saving just to save or do you hope for an extra on what has been deposited? And if the latter is the case, how much interest exactly does fixed deposit guarantee?

While observing that fixed deposit is absolutely a good financial decision to make, Wapic urges Nigerians as well as foreigners in the country to also consider target savings.

Currently, many financial institutions are seeking to grab mind and pocket share with target savings products and but only a few have benefits that can compare to Wapic’s SMART Plan.

Wapic adds that it did its ground work 100per cent and is evident in the tailored target-savings products which give the account holder the chance of efficiently saving towards specific goals, and getting an insurance cover at the same time.

U.S Experiences Another Weather & Flooding Week- Report

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he United States has experienced another week where severe convective and thunderstorm weather, as well as flooding is estimated to have caused more than a billion dollars of economic impact, with the insurance and reinsurance industry loss likely another significant to the 2017 toll.

The last week saw what Aon Benfield’s Impact Forecasting terms a “complex weather pattern” that led to severe flooding, convective storms, tornadoes and even blizzard conditions across the United States.

At least 20 lives were lost in this latest round of severe weather, with 70 more injured, as floods impacted the Mississippi River wa-

tershed and severe storms struck the Midwest and Mississippi Valley areas.

Big hail, tornadoes and destructive straight line winds were reported from the convective storm component of the weather systems affecting the U.S., with two tornadoes striking the Van Zandt County, Texas area on April 29th causing extensive damage.

The storm systems also brought blizzard conditions to the Rockies, Plains and Upper Midwest, extending the regions affected and the sources of insurance and perhaps reinsurance loss.

“Prolific rainfall” affected the Mississippi area causing rivers within the watershed to reach

major flood stage.

Over the four day period, from April 28th to May 1st, 68 tornado reports were received, with over 550 reports of strong winds and around 120 reports of large hail.

Insurance losses from severe weather have been rising steadily in the U.S. in 2017, with tornado activity running above average and insurance or reinsurance losses in the first-quarter of the year alone nearing $6 billion.

This last week has seen further losses occur which will be driving that figure higher now, with the inevitable impacts to insurance and reinsurance interests, as well as the potential for aggregate deductibles on ILS contracts and

even catastrophe bonds, that are exposed to severe thunderstorms, to be eroded further.

On the potential scale of the financial loss, Aon Benfield said it is too early to call.

“Given the significant multi-peril footprint across more than one dozen states, it remains too early to provide an exact economic or insured loss estimate at this time.

With several rivers and streams additionally forecast to crest in the coming days, it will likely take weeks until the full scope of the event is realized. At a minimum, the total economic impact is expected to reach USD1.0 billion,” Impact Forecasting explained.

wiss Reinsurance has recorded a net income of USD 656 million for the first quarter of 2017 even as the firm is set to pay over $350 million expected insurance claims from Cyclone Debbie The break down shows that Property & Casualty Reinsurance net income of USD 321million, Return on Equity (ROE), 10.8per cent; noting that P&C Re portfolio remains attractive following April renewals, while Life & Health Reinsurance net income USD 193 million, ROE 11.6per cent; business continues to generate stable earnings Life Capital gross cash generation strong at USD336 million, net income USD 73million, ROE 3.9per cent; open book activities continue to deliver attractive growth, according to report. High quality asset portfolio provides solid return on investments of 3.4per cent; 2.9per cent running yield stable compared to year-end 2016 Swiss Re maintains very strong capitalisation with Group SST ratio at 262per cent; well positioned to respond to market opportunities “Despite expected insurance claims from Cyclone Debbie in Australia and pressures from a challenging business environment, Swiss Re generated a net income of USD 656 million in the first quarter of 2017. The annualised Group return on equity (ROE) of 7.5per cent demonstrates Swiss Re is able to generate positive returns even when challenged by rate pressures, low interest rates and natural catastrophe losses”.

The Group capitalisation remains very strong with an SST ratio of 262per cent, and Swiss Re remains well positioned to respond to market opportunities while continuing to focus on its capital management priorities. As a reminder, Swiss Re has adjusted the format of its financial reporting for its first and third quarters to promote a longer-term view of its performance and align with recent changes in reporting practices across Europe.

Swiss Re’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Christian Mumenthaler, says: “I am satisfied with our performance in the first quarter, given the challenging market environment. We have responded decisively to the continued pricing pressure across the industry by not accepting unprofitable business, and our top line clearly shows that. Our high-quality investment portfolio continues to make a significant contribution to the overall result”.

“Events like Cyclone Debbie do take a toll on our short-term performance, but more than anything, they take a toll on people’s lives, destroy infrastructure and weaken economies. At the same time, natural catastrophes like this one underscore the purpose of the insurance industry overall.

It is during such times that we can deliver our core services and demonstrate the value we provide to our clients and to society.”

13

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

Travel & Hospitality Nigeria, others post highest sustained demand growth for March -- IATA Stories by VICTOR NZE

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he International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released March 2017 demand growth results for global air freight markets showing a 14 percent expansion measured in freight tonne kilometers (FTKs) compared to the same period last year.

This is also the Africa carriers’ posted the largest year-on-year increase in demand of all regions in March 2017 with freight volumes

growing 33.5percent.

Capacity increased in the region by 6.3 percent over the same time.

The report indicates the fastest pace of growth recorded since October 2010. Freight capacity, measured in available freight tonne kilometers (AFTKs), grew by 4.2 percent year-on-year in March 2017.

March performance contributed to very strong first quarter (Q1) growth in freight volumes. After adjusting for the impact of the leap year in 2016, freight demand in Q1 2017

increased by nearly 11percent. Capacity increased by 3.7percent over the same period (leap year adjusted).

The strengthening of air freight demand in March is consistent with an uptick in world trade and a sixyear high in new export orders. An increase in the shipment of silicon materials typically used in high-value consumer electronics shipped by air, is also likely underpinning a portion of the strong performance.

“March capped a robust first quarter with the strongest year-on-

year air freight growth in six-anda-half years. Optimism is returning to the industry as the business stabilizes after many years in the doldrums. There is, however, still much lost ground to recover while facing the dual headwinds of rising fuel and labour costs. It remains critical to use the improvement in the industry’s fortunes as an opportunity to enhance the value offering by implementing modern customer-centric initiatives that streamline processes and reduce

costs,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director general and CEO. All regions, with the exception of Latin America, reported yearon-year increases in demand in March 2017. Airlines in Europe and Asia-Pacific posted the strongest growth accounting for two-thirds of the industry-wide increase in demand. The remaining growth was split between North American and Middle Eastern carriers, with African airlines making a modest contribution.

Sustain operations at Kaduna airport –Stakeholders urge FG F

ollowing the reopening of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, penultimate week, on completion of its six-week runway repair work, stakeholders in the aviation sector have called on the Federal Government to sustain activities at the Kaduna International Airport where flights were diverted to for the duration of the repairs.

The Kaduna airport as at April 18, had already recorded a total of 189,734 passengers and 3,274 aircraft movements during the six weeks operation, according to statistics released by the federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

Joining in the call, Friday, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Skypower Express Airways, Mr Muhammed Joji, while commending domestic airlines for maintaining operations at the airport, urged the Federal Government to complement efforts of the state governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai who had been working to woo foreign airlines to the airport.

“We have to solicit the assistance of some foreign airlines but the domestic airlines are still coming to Kaduna. So, there is no problem about that.

“It is only international airlines that are not coming and even during the six weeks operation, it was only Ethiopian airlines that operated in Kaduna.

“The governor of Kaduna state is trying so hard to woo other international airlines,’’ he said.

On his part, Mr Isaac Balami, President of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), said Kaduna airport had the prospect to sustain traffic because of its position

in the northern region, positing that if the challenges of insecurity could be addressed, the state would regain its position as the heart beat of the north thereby attracting investments to the state.

According to him, the major sustenance factor for Kaduna airport is the guarantee of relative peace and security in the whole of Kaduna of which the governor is trying his best.

“There are lot of investments and industries like textile and other business activities that can guarantee sustenance of flight operation in Kaduna. First and foremost, the state has to be safe, secure and peaceful for people to come and live and do businesses.

This is because if we have more people coming to do businesses and other activities in the state, the airport will be busy.

“Also, the Instrument Landing System (ILS) that has been installed at the airport is also another confidence booster. Now that the airport is in good condition, whenever there is any emergency, it means that any international airline will feel comfortable to divert flight into Kaduna which is also an advantage,’’ he said.

Balami also called on the government to continue to maintain the Abuja-Kaduna highway and disallow potholes from resurfacing on the road.

According to him, as long as you have more people traveling on the road on daily basis, definitely, potholes will come back.

“Maintenance is one thing we don’t have in this country because our maintenance culture is too bad. So, all the agencies in charge of road maintenance should not relent,’’ Balami said.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (m) flanked by Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Mr Folusho Folarin-Coker (r) and immediate past Governor of Cross River, Mr Liyel Imoke at a discourse session of the Nigerian Association Of Tour Operators (NATOP) held during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos, last week

Passenger complaints drops at Nigerian airports Q1 2017

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he Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it received a total of 67 complaints from both domestic and international air passengers in the first quarter of 2017.

The Consumer Protection Department of NCAA gave the figure in Lagos on Thursday, represents a decline from the 1,536 complaints received by the regulatory author-

ity in the first quarter of 2016.

The document indicated that some of the complaints by the passengers included overbooking, denied boarding, pilferage and discourtesy by airline employees.

It said 65 complaints were received from passengers flying international routes while only two were received from passengers on

Domestic flight operations decline by 67 % in Q1 T he Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has said that domestic flight operations declined by 67 per cent in the first quarter of 2017, compared to the same period last year.

The NCAA’s Consumer Protection Department disclosed, Monday, that 10,366 flights operated in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the 15,434 flights operated in 2016 by the same eight domestic airlines.

The agency, in a document, said the domestic airlines are Aero Contractors, Arik Air, Air Peace, Azman Air, Dana Air, First Nation, Med-View and Overland.

It added that out of the 10,366

flights operated in the first quarter, there was 6,789 delay and 318 cancelations.

Air Peace, which operated 3,262 flights, topped the chart of delayed flights with 2,036; Arik Air recorded 1,059 delayed flights and 246 cancellations out of its 1,665 flight operations; while Dana Air operated 1,525 flights with 1,017 delayed and five cancellations.

Meanwhile, the domestic airlines said that various factors militated against their successful operations in the country.

These included high cost of aviation fuel, inadequate navigational aids and multiple charges by the vari-

domestic routes.

According to the document, 23 of such cases were successfully resolved with compensation paid by airlines to the affected passengers during the period under review.

General Manager, Public Relations, NCAA, Mr Sam Adurogboye, said that the agency was committed to the protection of the rights of passengers.

Adurogboye explained that the reduction in passenger complaints showed that both the airlines and their passengers were living up to their responsibilities.

“The passengers have also realised that for every right there is a responsibility attached. For example, more passengers now arrive at the airport on time before their flight departure to avoid any issues. So with this alone, the complaint will reduce, and that is exactly what has happened compared to last year.’’

The NCAA spokesperson emphasised that safety remains key to aviation business and advised both airline operators and passengers to always comply with the recommended safety practices.

14

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

AVIATION

NCAC, BoI guarantee N300m credit facility for MSMEs in crafts industry T

he N300 million credit facility to be provided by the Bank of Industry (BoI) under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed, last Friday, with the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), portends a window of opportunities geared towards fast-tracking growth and development for micro, small and medium scale operators in the country.

This is against backdrop of the fact that before now, no channel had clearly defined funding for micro, small and medium-scale entrepreneurs in the sub-sector, just as these operators had been forced to compete with other business sectors for accessing credit facilities at the conventional commercial bank rates with their unfavourable conditions for obtaining such facilities.

The MoU, therefore, is seen as key to driving development of the industry as a whole not just for the art and crafts workers, as it eases their operations and further opens up the market for them both at home and abroad as contained in the agreement that will be guided by the NCAC, which Director General, Otunba Segun Runsewe, noted was the first of its kind in the country for handicraftsmen.

The MoU not only guarantees funding for the artists spread across the country, it also remarkably comes with the provision of a closed and condusive work-friendly environment that knocks off overhead costs for the artists, which by implication means an easing of the repayment of loans obtained, and this in addition to the Bank of Industry activating its partnership agreements with countries and foreign counterparts and unlocking them for the the artists.

The deal which attracts a single digit interest rate on short - medium term loans of three to four years gestation period is further guaranteed by the Dangote Window initiative that backs the seed fund with prospects of raising the sam sum to up to N1 billion.

Under the terms of the agreement, NCAC will shortlist visual artists, potters, weavers, fabric makers, fashion designers, and other craftsmen to the BoI, while the bank will deploy facilities as well as trained personnel for the evaluation and eventual certification of the beneficiaries of the facilities.

At the official signing ceremony which took place at the Bank of Industry House, Abuja, Managing Director of the BoI, Mr Waheed Olagunju, said the credit arrangement was in line with the company’s mandate of growing the MSMEs in businesses that add value to the national economy.

“The conditions for the loans are easy and we will also provide a condusive localized environment for the entrepreneurs who were part

of the scheme under which amenities will be provided free so that overhead costs are reduced which by implication also means that repayment of the loans is made easier for the participators since they are not paying much in overhead.

“Also, we will explore our other existing agreements with international bodies like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as well as foreign countries like Taiwan where we have working deals that we intend to avail the loan beneficiaries as part of the MoU. We will link them with foreign markets as well as broader local market.

“This MoU will enable us to boost the handcraftsmen with credit facilities which ordinarily would have been difficult to access but for the NCAC intervention. Through the MoU we also structure their businesses by encouraging them to join cooperatives and others organization through which the loans will be made available.

“In addition, we will deploy our officers who will monitor these art-

ists, whose positive reports about their activities will aid the accessing of the credit facilities to be provided by us. Although the initial seed money is N300 million, it can be raised to up to one billion naira,” said Olagunju.

On his part, the NCAC Director General of NCAC, Otunba Runsewe, described the project as an epoch-making one which will in days to come impact positively on the art and crafts makers spread across the country.

According to Runsewe, the MoU with the BoI will ‘open up opportunities for art and crafts makers will get the much needed boost and exposure to international market, an opportunity to expand their businesses and touch their lives and that of their families as they are in a position to obtain the much needed funding support.’

Runsewe who commended BoI for its support, also lauded what he described as the bank’s ‘corporate presence’ in the arts and culture sector, ‘the first by any bank in the

“

This MoU will enable us to boost the handcraftsmen with credit facilities which ordinarily would have been difficult to access but for the NCAC intervention.

“

Stories by VICTOR NZE

country.’

The MoU was signed by Otunba Runsewe for NCAC, while Olagunju signed for the BoI at a ceremony observed by the entire Management Teams of both parties.

Later, the NCAC boss, Runsewe at another ceremony inside the Conference Room of the Ministry of Culture and Information, in Abuja, formally presented the MoU to the Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed who added that the deal would create over 200,000 jobs in the country.

“I have been reliably informed that top on the list of the benefits that will accrue from this landmark MoU is creation of over 200,000 jobs for the sector. This is epochal and in line with one of the cardinal programmes of this administration, which is job creation and empowerment’’, he said. ‘’The MoU will also act as a catalyst for the development of the country’s craft industries, create a financing window and make available loanable funds to be accessed by all NCAC stakeholders, as well as assist the stakeholders in capacity building,” he said.

Alhaji Mohammed said the MoU will equally enhance the capacity of producers of cultural products and services to work towards attaining the standard of modern practice in the packaging of their cultural products, to enable them compete favourably at the global markets and earn the nation’s Artists a decent living.

The Minister commended Otunba Runsewe for putting together ‘’this momentous event’’ just a few

days after assuming office as the NCAC DG , and also thanked the Acting MD of BoI, Mr Waheed Olagunju, for his support for the Creative Industry.

“As you may all be aware, one of the factors militating against the promotion of the Nigerian creative industries has been lack of access to funding for the Artists to develop their creative works as well as weak access to international markets, due to poor packaging and standard. I am therefore happy to say that with the signing of this MoU, Nigerian Artists can heave a sigh of relief,” he said.

Also remarking, Otunba Runsewe described the document as a milestone in the creative sector, being the first time in history that the sector will access funds from a financial institution with a single digit interest rate.

“Today, we have come to make a history-making presentation to the Honourable Minister. Today happens to be a day that will create a change and we are going to tell our story the way it should have been told some few years ago,” he said.

The NCAC DG acknowledged the leadership role of the Minister, particularly in leveraging on the unique potential of the Creative Industry to drive the diversification of the economy away from oil.

The Minister used the occasion to decorate some journalists with a special pin with the inscription: “Our Culture, Our Pride”, as part of a conscious strategy to mobilise the media to promote the nation’s Creative Industry.

(L-R): Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, with the Managing Director, bank of Industry (BoI), Mr. Waheed Olagunju at the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a N300 credit facility for MSMEs in the art and craft industry in Nigeria, which took place, Friday, at the BoI House, Abuja

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

e-Platform

LG HOM-BOT sales hits 1 million record

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takeholders in the Nigerian telecom sector have urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to include stringent control measures that will protect minors in its proposed ‘Internet Industry Code of Practice’, to which the regulator is currently seeking inputs. The stakeholders in their inputs to the impending regulation said the internet offers a lot of benefits to both adult and minors yet could cause serious harm to the minors if not controlled.

The NCC had in February opened a platform for all stakeholders, including the general public to make inputs into its planned internet code of practice, which the Commission said, is part of its Internet Governance functions. The proposed Code of Practice, according to NCC, seeks, among other things, to: Protect the rights and interests of Internet Service Providers and consumers; Provide jointly agreed and effective solutions to the issues of discriminatory traffic management practices; Ensure adequate safeguards are put in place by service providers against abuses such as unsolicited messages; Outline the obligations of Service Providers in relation to offensive and potentially harmful content for minors and vulnerable audiences; Promote the safe, secure and responsible use of Internet Services with due regard to provisions in existing legal instruments; Establish best practices for Internet Governance in Nigeria, in line with emerging issues and global trends; Provide transparent rules for the assessment and classification of Internet content.

To this end, the regulator opened a platform on its website where all stakeholders can make inputs until June 23, 2017. From the inputs seen by our Correspondent, most stakeholders are concerned about protection of minors on the internet and would want the regulator to take a bold action on this more than any other areas. According to one of the stakeholders, Joy Okorodudu, the planned internet code of practice is a laudable initiative that would bring about the much desired sanity in the indus-

Stakeholders want tight internet control to protect minors

try, adding, “I am particularly concerned with children’s access to undesired sites, how can these sites be restricted at source and how can defaulters be penalized?”

Another stakeholder, Babagana Digima, said the most important aspect of the code should be on how to protect minors on the internet.

He therefore suggested that NCC should compel operators to “tag SIMs/IMSIs registered to minors with MINOR tag such that some websites/contents are automatically barred from reaching such SIM/IMSI.” Digima who also wants a stop to posting of insults and derogatory comments by internet users, suggested: “We should mandate all websites/webpages hosted or belonging to Nigerian company’s such as newspapers, blogs, chat groups etc. to always capture the user names, IP addresses and Phone numbers (where applicable) for individuals posting messages or comments and make it readily available for law enforcement in cases where such users continue to encourage violence, threats and derogatory statements/remarks on public forums. Those websites should also display warnings as such to discourage the perpetrators of such acts.”

Another telecom stakeholder, Tina Adem, said as much as the internet is very useful for kids who visit the web their academic works, games, etc, their safety must be guaranteed online, through the control being proposed by the telecom regulator. For Moradeyo Onamusi, “control of Internet access by minors and vulnerable audiences in Nigeria is imperative because the Internet is filled with a lot of

information that could have even worse implications on Nigerians that are already demoralized by the current economic situation.”

Meanwhile, a staff of NCC, from Technical Standards and Network Integrity Department, Engr. Kunle Olorundare, has also put forward suggestions to aid the Commission in drafting its internet code of practice code. According to Olorundare, countries all over the world are looking for ways to make the Internet better either through monitoring, censorship, making rules, guidelines and regulations.

“Consequently, it is important that code of practice is established for the Internet industry in Nigeria”. Speaking specifically about regulating Over the Top Services (OTTs), he noted that the Internet traffic represents the flow of data across the Internet and as a result of the free and robust nature of the Internet, it has proved impossible to locate a single point for controlling Internet traffic. ”The trends in Over the Top Services

should not be neglected. The Commission does not need to regulate Over the Top Services but rather encourage disruptive innovation and strong competition through light regulation that points in that direction. Encouraging disruptive innovation is a strategy towards sustaining a strong competition in the industry all over the world. Perhaps the Commission may consider sections on disruptive innovation in the Code of Practice” he said.

On privacy and safety on the internet, Olorundare suggested that in order In order to re-affirm the public’s faith in the safety of the Internet; a few steps must be taken to attempt to alleviate the public of the negative impact of the Internet on data security. He listed data encryption and decryption; passwords and access level restrictions; firewalls; token security coding for Internet financial transactions; digital signature and Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) for e-mail encryption as methods that can be applied to make the internet safer for all.

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The planned internet code of practice is a laudable initiative that would bring about the much desired sanity in the industry, adding, “I am particularly concerned with children’s access to undesired sites, how can these sites be restricted at source and how can defaulters be penalized?

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Stories by SAMSON AKINTARO

G Electronics has announced the success of its innovative robot vacuum cleaner, HOM-BOT, which it said has reached a cumulative sales total of one million since first entering the market seven years ago. According to LG, after its 2003 domestic launch, the HOM-BOT vacuum cleaner was introduced to more than 40 countries beginning with European markets in 2010, across Asia the subsequent year, followed soon after by releases in the CIS region, the Middle East, North America, and Africa.

“With its average annual growth rate over the past decade reaching nearly 60 percent, the HOM-BOT’s reputation continues to soar at home and abroad. As South Korea’s topselling robot vacuum cleaner, HOMBOT sales surpassed the 400,000 mark in the first half of 2016. In addition to impressive sales in South Korea, the HOM-BOT remains immensely popular among consumers across the globe in countries including Russia, Australia, and Taiwan” the company said.

LG is the first to incorporate innovative technologies such as the ultrasonic obstacle sensor and the ‘Dual Eye’, which set the standard for all succeeding robot vacuum cleaners.

Equipping the HOM-BOT with Korea’s first ultrasonic obstacle sensor in 2003, the company then released the world’s first ‘Dual Eye’ feature in 2009, adding cameras both above and below the unit. Two years later, LG integrated a front camera into the robotic vacuum, developing the ‘Triple Eye’ in addition to voice command capabilities. In 2012, the company shook up the premium robot vacuum market by breaking away from the conventional round form in favor of a square design to enhance cleaning performance.

“LG has been working on the development of the HOM-BOT’s location awareness and learning technology. These technologies are equipped in the HOM-BOT Turbo+, which made its debut last year. The HOM-BOT Turbo+ utilizes three cameras that scan the front, ceiling, and floor in addition to 51 sensors that keep it aware of its environment while cleaning. At the same time, the HOM-BOT’s Smart Inverter Motor comes with a 10-year warranty, guaranteeing the quality and durability of its motor technology while giving the ability to clear away particles the size of beans and cereal flakes” LG said.

“The LG HOM-BOT vacuum cleaner offers a superior cleaning performance in addition to its array of user-friendly features,” said Song Dae-hyun, president of LG Electronics and Home Appliance & Air Solutions Company, adding that “LG will continue to maintain its leading position in the global premium robot vacuum cleaner market with its constant development of new and innovative cleaning technologies.”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

e-Platform

Samsung S8, S8+ hit Nigerian market Stories by SAMSON AKINTARO

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he newest flagship smartphones from Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the Galaxy S8 and S8+, have been launched into the Nigerian market, following their unveiling at the company’s unpacked event in New York. The Galaxy S8 and S8+ feature polished metal chassis covered by curved Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and back. The devices are available in Midnight Black, Orchid Gray and Maple Gold colours with internal memory of 64GB and up to 256GB microSD support. The Nigerian launch event took place at the Renaissance Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, recently.

Boasting some of the largest wrap-around screens ever made, the long-awaited Galaxy S8 and S8+ come with 5.8-inch (14.73 cm) and 6.2-inch (15.75 cm) curved screens, respectively. Both devices have 1,440X2,960 screen resolution and are equipped 3,000mAh and 3,500mAh batteries, respectfully. The display quality is Super AMOLED, featuring a new design named “infinity display”, which wraps around the devices in a smooth, perfectly curved pristine end-to-end screen, giving it a perfect symmetry while eliminating the bezels. Thanks to the new display, the physical home button usually located in the front of the phone has been replaced with a digital home button, built in the glass. Both devices feature a rear mounted fingerprint reader, quite close to the camera lens. Speaking at the launch event, Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West

•L-R: Head, Product Marketing, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Ms. Jumoke Okikiolu; Director, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Olumide Ojo; Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Paul Lee and Business Manager, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. HB Kim during the launch of the company’s latest flagship smartphones, Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ which held at the Renaissance Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos

Africa, Mr. Paul Lee said, “Samsung consistently pushes the boundaries of possibilities with a focus of unlocking value by delivering products that are, not only stunning to look at but, also comfortable to hold.”

“The launch of these smartphones marks the beginning of a new era of smartphone devices without edges or limits. This is a new way for our consumers to experience the world, capture every moment and share every memory through a device that is sleek

and small enough to fit into their hands, but big enough to contain everything needed for work and play,” Mr. Lee stated.

The Galaxy S8 and S8+ come with exciting new features for remarkable user experience. The extended screen is perfect for multitasking. Users can open their favorite IM app whilst watching a video simultaneously, by using Multi Window; this is same for typing text with the full keyboard without having to hide the video.

The smartphones offer five types of security technologies: iris recognition, face recognition, pattern, password, and PIN; users can easily choose their preferred method.

Users can use the iris scanner to unlock their devices without having to swipe the phone. With Face Recognition, users can instantly unlock their devices with just a look even without the PIN or pattern; simply look into the camera on the lock screen and the device is unlocked.

The Galaxy S8 and S8+ 12 MP rear

camera utilizes Dual Pixel technology for incredibly fast autofocus, allowing users capture important moments. Thanks to the F1.7 lens, pictures appear bright and crisp even if taken in low-light environments. Samsung did revamp the front-facing camera to an 8MP with auto focus. This will definitely excite ‘selfie queens and kings’ as pictures come out sharp and vibrant.

Similar to the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, the Galaxy S8 and S8+ are IP68-certified for dust and water.

This feature protects the device from immersion in up to 1.5m of fresh water for 30 minutes, allowing users capture memories at pool parties or on the beach with loved ones.

Director and Business Leader, Information Technology and Mobile, Mr. Emmanouil Revmatas, said that Samsung is delighted about these smartphones as they display the company’s heritage of great innovation and stunning design, and will continue to define barriers and ensure that consumers get the best out of their devices. “The revolutionary design of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ smartphones begins from inside out. These devices come with several amazing features, including the infinity display which gives an incredible full screen experience and fits comfortably in the hands.

The bezels have been removed to provide more space for things that matter and the bigger immersive screen that allow users multi-task seamlessly; chat while watching a video. These innovations will change the way users see their smartphones and everything in it,” Revmatas said.

Two Nigerians among best African female tech entrepreneurs N

igeria’s Oluwayimika Adelaja and Temie Giwa-Tubosun have been named among the best emerging female technology executives in Africa ahead of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa held in South Africa.

Adelaja of Fresh Direct Nigeria pioneered stackable container farms, which is helping urban populations gain access to highquality produce, reduce stress on land use and reduce the need to import vegetables. Her countrywoman, Giwa-Tubosun’s LifeBank firm is deploying the latest in digital supply chain thinking to deliver blood and other highvalue medical products to hospitals and health centres using predictive modeling Also named among the best in Africa are South Africa’s Darlene Menzies, whose FinFind innovation aims to remove a major bottleneck to Africa’s growth; and Aisha Pandor, whose SweepSouth has created employment opportunities for 3 000 domestic cleaners since it was founded in June 2014. Other female tech entrepreneurs that emerged from the search are Esther Akorion of Uganda and Kenyan Charity Wanjiku. Akorion devel-

•Oluwayimika Adelaja

oped software that integrates smallholder farmers into digital value chains, helping them sell directly to agribusinesses.

•Temmie Giwa-Tubosun

Wanjiku’s Strauss Energy’s proprietary solar roofing tiles are able to undercut conventional solar tiles by 30%. Having start-

ed with the domestic market, the company is looking to scale up the technology and recently completed a pilot project at a

secondary school where it was able to cut the power bill by 30 per cent, ensure uninterrupted teaching of vital IT skills and provide students with captured fresh rainwater for the school’s vegetable garden.

According to the World Economic Forum, the search was initiated to demonstrate the positive role that women are playing in helping drive growth, create employment and prepare the region for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

“Of the hundreds of entries received during the search, judges were able to manage the unenviable task of selecting only six laureates. Under the search criteria, all companies considered are to be less than three years old, with at least one year of revenue and innovative technology or business model operation”.

The forum noted that “if Africa’s burgeoning young population holds the key to the region’s economic fortunes then the future is looking bright, considering the quality of responses to the World Economic Forum’s search for the region’s best new female technology entrepreneurs”.

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

PROFILE Paul and Sandra: Stronger together

Pastor Paul Igwe is the General Overseer of Dominion Faith International Ministry: the church that offers not just spiritual guidance to its members and general public but empowers its followers with skills for honest and sustainable enterprises.

He is also the Managing Director of Pacmai Pharmaceuticals Limited - the frontline provider of world class pharmaceutical products, medical products and sundry health service accessories. Pastor Paul Igwe also sits on the board of many companies in service lines that traverse shipping, legal services, oil and gas, air travel services, freight forwarding, hospitality, retail shops, et cetera. His pillar of support, Pastor Mrs. Sandra Igwe, remains a solid woman that adequately fills the gaps for a man of many parts. Deputy Editor, SOPURUCHI ONWUKA, profiles Pastor Paul Igwe and Pastor Mrs Sandra Igwe as they celebrate 50 years and 40 years of life respectively.

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The striking compatibility and consonantal harmony that define the marriage of the two can only be a product of celestial approval.

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astor Paul Chukwuma Igwe and Pastor Mrs Sandra Igwe are vivid testimonies that the philosophical concept of determinism finds space in our contemporary substantial realities. The striking compatibility and consonantal harmony that define the marriage of the two can only be a product of celestial approval.

The couple, though from totally different social backgrounds, share a lot of things in common: strength, calmness, discerning mind, compassion, intelligence and vision. More importantly, they share the strength of faith in God, the will to serve him, the courage to become agencies of the gospel, and the passion to advance humanity with valuable services.

It is in the foreground of the above that family, friends and associates of Pastor and Pastor Mrs Paul and San-

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dra Igwe will gather this weekend to celebrate the lives and accomplishments of Pastor Paul Igwe in the fields of business, voluntary services and the gospel ministry.

Born to Late Joseph Igwe and Mrs Oyiridiya Igwe from Umuogele Amuda Isuochi Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, Pastor Paul Chukwuma Igwe commenced his academic career at the Isuochi Central School.

He then moved on to the Obinaola Secondary Technical School and the

Isuochi Secondary School, and thereafter, the Federal College of Education Technical, Asaba and the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo for his First Degree.

A foremost Missionary who God has used immensely to plant many international business firms outside the shores of the country, particularly in China, Pastor Igwe notably set up the first African Shipping Company in Mainland China.

This company not only services the Chrisnak Ventures Ltd, it also caters to

the needs of other companies outside Pastor Igwe’s Business Chain helping to raise many millionaires in the country and outside.

In addition to being the Managing Director of an outstanding pharmaceutical company in Nigeria, the Pacmai International Ltd, Pastor Igwe combines business with the work of God as he is also the Senior Pastor at the Dominion Faith International Ministry, one of the fastest growing Pentecostal churches in Nigeria.

He is also a published author with many best-selling literary works in the market.

A family man to the core, Pastor is happily married to Pastor Sandra Igwe, who is a well-grounded Educationist, Motivator and Missionary.

Daughter of Elder Godson Ezeobi and Late Edina Ezeobi in Igboukwu, Aguata Local government Area of Anambra State, Pastor Sandra Igwe is also a Misionary who has worked extensively alongside with her husband in the Vineyard of the Lord since their blessed union in 2001.

She is an exceptional motivator who has championed the cause of the womanhood while strengthening them in the work of God. She is also an Educationist and an Entrepreneur.

Having commenced her academic sojourn at the Olumore Primary School in Lagos, Pastor Sandra Igwe moved on to the New Era Girls Secondary School in Onitsha, Anambra State and thereafter the Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Enugu.

She was at the Federal College of Education, Akoka, Yaba, in Lagos and then bagged her First degree at the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Lagos.

Like her husband, Pastor Sandra Igwe is a published author with many works in her library.

The couple is blessed with five wonderful children.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

INTERVIEW

‘God turned my rejection to celebration’ Pastor Paul Chukwuma Igwe is a man of many parts who has distinguished himself in all. Though gentle, calm, soft spoken and reclusive, Pastor Paul moves with the stealth of a wild cat and launches for goals with the power of a stallion. At 50, he has traversed many lands, thawed his way through frozen blocks, pushing back the frontiers and providing new opportunities for those following him. In this chat with Deputy Editor, SOPURUCHI ONWUKA, he narrates how preaching the gospel in a strange land opened doors of opportunities that keep widening.

At 50 what would you say are grateful for?

I am very grateful for many things. The foremost is that I am a child of God. I became born again after an encounter with Jesus in April, 1984 in Owerri, from that very moment my life changed. I became a new man, and along the way I got into deeper relationship with God. That is not to say I was not going to church.

There is a great difference between going to church and being born again.

That experience was very remarkable in my life even-though the fire was not sustained sometime along the way, haven come from a particular church background. It was difficult for me to leave the family church after very long period of being with them. They told me: ‘since you got the fire, it is better you remain with us and allow that fire to also affect us. So, I stayed with them only to observe that the fire was no longer as hot as it was after my first experience.

Another experience that was remarkable hit me in 1996 at the Wind and Fire Conference by Redemption Ministry in Port Harcourt. That experience marked a turning point in my spiritual life. I think the fire was so much after the Wind and Fire Conference that I was no longer myself on the way home. I felt paralysed, but not physically. It was then that I decided to remove sentiments in making my choice about the race of life. So I decided to face God. So, when I got home I told my mother that I was a changed man altogether. I declared to her that I would no longer continue with the family church because it had not helped me any better. So when we came back to Onitsha we started looking for a place where the fire could be sustained, and by the special grace of God we were the pioneer members of Winners Chapel. We were there when the

church started. We were there with Pastor Afolabi who gave us the initial exhortation. He preached from Isaiah 64. While he was preaching the revelation was quite striking. So after that very session, I decided to worship with the Winners.

So, we were just 13 people that started Winners Chapel in Onitsha. From that moment there was a tremendous change in my life. And by 1998 I was working to leave Nigeria after my younger brothers declined the opportunity to travel. So I left Nigeria in that year.

Where were you headed?

I planned to go to Korea but had to change the course midway due to several circumstances. I had bought tickets to Korea en-route Hong Kong. When we reached Hong Kong I became very conscious of the predicament of being denied entry into Korea. Many Nigerians were declined entry on reaching South Korea in those days; it was a very challenging period for Nigerians in those days. The anxiety over the uncertainty of entry kept me restless. However, I met one guy called Richard who now suggested that we routed our journey to Korea through China instead of direct flight from Hong Kong.

Why Korea?

The whole purpose of my sojourn in Asia was to work legitimately for money. I needed to save up some investment capital, and the only option available to me at that time was to work in an environment that offers good reward for honest services. So, I planned to work for some time and come back to Nigeria.

I chose Korea above other options because of my Christian faith and personal reputation.

There were opportunities to travel to Europe

but I decided to go to Asia after running some checks on what was going on among Africans in Europe. I made a lot of enquiries and I was told that many Africans in Europe engaged in drug pushing, pimping and other illegal activities to make quick money. But in Korea, you could work.

So, looking at it I thought it was better for me to go to Korea and work, then come back in a short period of time. But that is how the journey to China started. We actually reached Korea but just as we feared, we were denied entry primarily because we were Nigerians. We were five Nigerians but one of us had a Cameroonian passport and he was allowed entry.

The four of us that had Nigerian passport were barred from entry because of our nationality.

So we were sent back to China via Southern China Airways. That was September 1998.

China received us. China was opening up to the world then, and many Africans had not discovered the country as a land of opportunity.

They were very kind, so friendly and quite hospitable. The reception was overwhelming.

How did you start up in China?

The good reception gave us hope on arrival even though the agent that helped us on the first stay avoided us when we were turned back because he thought we were becoming a liability. He didn’t want to involve himself in our problem.

So, we stayed longer than necessary in the hotel and inevitably ran short of cash. We faced challenges of diet and language. The food was alien to us and we couldn’t understand Chinese language. To make matters worse, the local agent didn’t show up as planned. We bought things by means of sign language and ate more of bread and soft drinks.

Finally the agent came back, took a fee to help us get accommodation. So we rented a house and moved out of the hotel. From then we started shuttling between China and Hong Kong.

I remember those days when I called people at home to tell them what happened and they were crying because I failed to enter South Korea. Everybody at home then believed that Korea would have been a better place for me than China which was seen then as a police state.

Nobody was coming to China. People would always stop at Hong Kong. Nobody wanted to do business with Chinese. We tested the waters for Africans now doing business with China.

So we were trying to find what to do in this isolated place. What do we do? Chinese visa was easier to get. We didn’t have resident permit in Hong Kong, so we would only stay for short period in Hong Kong and return to China.

So we discovered that virtually everything our people were buying from Hong Kong was produced in China. And they were cheaper in China. We, then, started to convince our people to come down to mainland China and buy their wares at cheaper prices. None of them listened to us because their customers in Hong Kong scared them with stories of violence and crime in China. It was a very big challenge for us to lure them into China.

How did you sustain your Christian faith in China?

What happened was that we were virtually idle when we arrived. So, some of us who were Christians started doing one thing or the other, for the kingdom. I personally started associating myself with people who love God. We started having fellowship. The fellowship stirred us up for evangelism. We initiated missionary work

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

We broke the ice for NigeriaChina trade in China, and that was very engaging for us at that time. It fully occupied us.

We spread the word of God at the parks, hotels, international fast food centres, eateries.

We would go to liberal Hong Kong to collect bibles, gospel tracts and other materials for evangelism.

Then there was language barrier. We overcame that with the strategy of involuntary recruitment. We would hang out in public places hunting for those that speak English and once we found one we would log into the person immediately to assist with interpretation. We also tapped into the curiosity of local Chinese who were then unveiled to the outside world for the first time. They were curious to find out whatever we did or said.

I remember the days when we rented our first home, the Chinese neighbours kept following us to wherever we went. Sometimes they would intentionally touch you to feel your dark skin. You could imagine what went on in their minds! So that way we turned their curiosity into communication advantage. We started using some of them that could speak English. In no time, we started planting Chinese churches in the local areas. So our evangelism had bases where we preached the word of God to Chinese and other Asians. And some of them helped in bringing more converts to the churches.

So, we did more of evangelism in our early stay in China and their response to the word of God was very encouraging. Their turn out was high.

Our successes with evangelism also carried a high level of risk because China is a socialist state and it was still opening to the world at the time we launched the churches. The government was uncomfortable with rallies and gathering of people. In fact, in Chinese law if a gathering of more than 10 people is not allowed, you must have official permission. You could imagine the position of the law when you are not just assembling more than 100 people but preaching gospel to them. The government doesn’t like the gospel of the church because they see Christianity as part of western religion and culture.

So, it was risky but that is part of the reason why God directed our steps into China. Our missionary work in China had two phases. One was for the Chinese. The other one was for Nigerians and other Africans. We saw ourselves as African pioneers in China. So when we started stabilising, people then knew that it was safe to come to China and settle down. All these opportunities were not available earlier.

What ventures did you undertake in China apart from evangelism?

When we began evangelism in China, God began to open other doors. The bible said: ‘seek ye first the kingdom of God and its righteousness and every other thing shall be added unto you.’ So, God started opening doors to us.

Those days, people that came to China to buy wares would always send their consignment of goods through Hong Kong. Most of our people who came to China didn’t have enough money to order large quantities of goods. They bought in small bulks. And whatever they bought they sent home through Hong Kong. And they separately spent more money than a big buyer would spend in sending containers of goods.

So the inspiration came to me to create services that would make the trade easier and cheaper for our people importing from China.

That is how we ventured into shipping services.

So we started convincing people to ship their goods direct from China and cut the cost of routing them through Hong Kong.

So, I partnered one of our Chinese friends who was handling freight for us, and we started tinkering with the idea of establishing shipping services for Nigerian traders importing goods from China. To convince him on the potentials of the business, I took him to Hong Kong and showed him the people offering similar services to Nigerian traders. There I showed him how agents were handling merchandise for export: how they compressed the cloths for loading, how they process different materials and wares for export and how the actual freight was done.

Our services helped people who came to China with limited funds and could afford limited quantities of various goods. With us, people could buy any quantity and ship to Nigeria very conveniently.

The services earned five per cent of face value of every deal from the importer, and another five per cent from the Chinese producers. Altogether we were earning 10 per cent charges on every deal we brokered. This made China to open up very rapidly. Our competitors in Hong Kong began to feel the effect because the volume that went to Hong Kong reduced drastically, and it came to a point that most of them started closing up because virtually everything they were shipping to Africa came from China.

So, we opened China’s doors for our people, and those we were able to stabilise started inviting other people and the trade continued to boom for both Nigeria and China. To be honest with you, a lot of our clients became multimillionaires through our services. We are proud to be the hinge between the parties.

Trade with China was unidirectional, mainly Nigerians importing Chinese good?

Of course! As at that time, the Chinese didn’t allow our goods or our people to deal with them unlike what obtains today. In those days, they can’t even allow you to open a shop. Their laws only allowed us to open up representatives’ offices. My company and a few others were the ones that opened representative offices in China.

It was actually our representative office that afforded our clients resident permits in China. It was our services that sustained the first crop of Nigerians that established in China. But today most people can open trade offices and buy whatever they want from China. In those days, the Chinese laws were totally hostile. Things have really changed. We broke the ice.

How did you sustain in such a hostile space before setting up the business?

I must say that I am grateful to God because He showed me a lot of favour. I used to be very active in the shipping business than today. And my Chinese partners invested a lot of trust in me because of my principles of honesty.

I was very active in the Chrisnak-Choice Ventures, but when my partners saw my passion in the things of God, they encouraged me to face the ministry so they could face the business. So, I reduced my scale of involvement in the business and my younger brother filled the gap. But I am very much around to provide guidance and opinion as the need arises.

I also established a representative office in China which was also working. Apart from the shipping business other Nigerians used to

Cont’d on Page 21

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

INTERVIEW

Insurance managers ought to prove they can be there to meet public needs –Sandra Igwe Pastor (Mrs) Sandra Igwe is an Associate pastor in a Lagos-based Dominion International Church.

She is also preparing for her 40th Birthday Celebration with her spouse who incidentally is also celebrating his Golden Jubilee on the same day. In this interaction with KINGSLEY CHRISTOPHER, she spoke on insurance service and how this all important service to the public is being conducted here in Nigeria vs-à-vis other climes; excerpt:

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They will frustrate you to the extent that you feel discouraged having anything to do with insurance at all.

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As an insurance consumer what has been your experience in Nigeria?

With my overseas experience I think insurance in Nigeria is under-subscribed.

What I mean is that if you check from all the cars we use here, about 90percent have just Third Party insurance policies, which is not the experience in other countries.

In overseas with comprehensive policy in place one does not need to trade issues because if your car hits mine, the problem I have is with your insurance company. But here you have to fight because nobody has comprehensive insurance policy. The summary investigation I did on insurance here showed that the cost of the Comprehensive policy is on the high side.

My advice is that if insurance companies can review the cost of comprehensive insurance and bring it down a bit, they will get about 80percent of cars on the Nigerian road and it will be a boom for the industry as well as reduce rate of people fighting each other whenever there is an accident.

What has been your experience in the area of service deliveries?

In terms of service deliveries, my experience with them has not been that bad by my observation and encounter with them.

Although it is difficult to access claims when there is an issue on that even when you put up with them and you are able to meet up with their conditions. The protocol is stressful somehow, you discover that it is easy to pay in some money but when it comes to withdrawal, them meeting up with the so

called benefit, you see a lot of issues coming up which you never envisaged. But all the same they are trying.

Do you think insurance is playing its role as a catalyst for economic development of Nigeria?

I don’t think insurance in Nigeria really plays its role as a catalyst for economic development because I know insurance supposed to do a lot in the economy, but looking at its contribution to the Gross

Domestic Product (GDP).

You also find out that people are not subscribing much to it, for instance, in the areas of health and car insurances. What you have people using is the Third Party Motor Insurance. Yes there could be reason for that most times the insurance companies come out with stories when there is an accident. They will frustrate you to the extent that you feel discouraged having anything to do with insurance at all.

Then when it comes to health insurance we discover that health insurance does not cover only typhoid and malaria, it goes beyond that. If you are going to overseas for medical trip you discover that for insurance to take its responsibility is difficult, most times they try to be diplomatic in the sense that they will be telling you that your insurance policy does not have this or that extension in order to avoid paying claims.

When it has to do with the economy in general I think insurance sector ought to do more to prove to the public that they can be there to meet their needs and the stress reduced.

21

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

Cont’d from 19 come to China and the office was providing them valuable services. Income from the representative office helped so much because it removed the traditional concern over standards.

We ensure that whatever that was produced for our clients met the regulatory standards.

With this kind of service, why do we still have substandard products imported from China?

Substandard products that come from China should be primarily blamed on the Nigerian government regulators and importers themselves. We discovered that our people who came to China ordered lower quality products at cheaper costs. And the Chinese take advantage of that to churn out products that are far below the standard the importers ordered.

And because everything about the deal is illegal, there would be no room to protest or even seek redress anywhere.

We must understand that the Chinese are very crafty. When you order 70 percent quality from a Chinese firm, be assured that he might give you anything around 40 percent quality standard. This has a lot of implications because when you, who are a representative, begin to investigate you would be shocked that the problem arose from compromise by the importers.

You know, we work with the embassies and consulates of most African countries, and we take the cases on behalf of our clients. So we discovered that once you order a quality standard that is below what regulation says, the Chinese producer would now see the lacuna to cheat not just the importer but our people and our economy. That is very bad. I can say it is as a result of greed.

Another thing that affected control was when people started boycotting the local representatives in China. With China now becoming popular and most of the Chinese speaking English, our people now prefer to deal with Chinese producers directly without mediation by the registered representative offices.

The Chinese have a local slogan: ‘don’t kill foreigners, cheat them.’ So, with this mentality, they are likely to take advantage of a foreigner.

So most times our people go to a Chinese factory to make order, deposit their money, go back and wait for the goods. They won’t be there when the goods are produced.

What happens after is for the Chinese producer to send good samples to the buyer for him to confirm his orders. By the time the payment is completed, the Chinese would now ship in substandard products for the importer because nobody is there to protect his interest.

That is why the Chinese law provided for the representative offices so that the importers’ agents would be there to monitor the quality of the products.

Did you establish a church in China?

Yes, we planted many churches in China. Like I told you, the church helped in playing some informal consulate roles for visiting Africans.

The churches served travellers better than some embassies. I don’t say this to underplay the role of our embassies around the world.

They are doing great job. But there are things the embassies cannot statutorily do for you.

That is where the church steps in.

In those days there was influx of black people into China. Most of them were tricked into going to China by travelling agencies. Some of them were actually convinced by their travel agents that they could swim to Japan on arrival in China. So there were crowds of stranded African travellers in China.

So, what the church did was to absorb them and provide them palliatives to cushion their suffering. We tried to re-orientate them, settle them down, and offer them accommodation.

We had some apartments that we rented for that purpose. The church fed them and catered for them.

So, we have international churches and we have Chinese churches. Because of the Chinese law, the churches are always in cell units. We have many cell churches in China, but once in a while we hosted conventions. That was not often because of the nature of the political environment. We held the first Christmas Carol in China in 2000.

You are a pastor, shipper and producer of pharmaceutical products. How have you

Health sector is under attack by drug fakers been able to balance out the personalities of businessman and spiritual leader? Are there conflicts or synergies?

Right from the beginning I have an apostolic call, and I believe in empowering people. So, I don’t want to concentrate responsibilities on myself. I have always involved people in everything I do, and I also allow them to function so that everything doesn’t just fall on your head.

That philosophy has always helped me.

As you rightly said, it is practically impossible to involve in all these and be a strong man in all of them. I believe that you can always get people who are competent, people who are faithful and committed. You put these things into their hands and allow them to run it. That is my philosophy and I think it has been helpful.

With the toll every disease has taken on the lives of Nigeria, the pharmaceutical industry is regularly challenged with providing rapid solution to health challenges in the country. Given the position of Pacmai Pharmaceutical Limited in the industry, how would you evaluate the health system in Nigeria?

I think the health system in Nigeria needs a critical attention. If you look at the structure as presently is, there is need for urgent overhaul.

Let’s look at the regulatory body. I think NAFDAC is increasingly growing weaker in regulating the industry. It is either the agency is not adequately resourced or it is underfunded.

NAFDAC used to be very strong and proactive in monitoring and regulating standard and quality. I know that the people in NAFCDAC today are doing their best and working tirelessly but I don’t think they are adequately coping with the challenges that have overwhelmed the health sector in terms of standards and quality.

There are many substandard products in the country today. Pacmai is a victim of product and brand faking in the market! People counterfeit our products, put our names there, put the names and addresses of our manufacturers and keep selling them as if the products originate from us.

So, when you go to the market or any pharmaceutical outlet and because of our reputation and high quality that associates with our name, you go and pick such products you wouldn’t know that you bought fake product.

We are not the only company crying. There are other companies under attack by counterfeiters. And when you want to get reprieve you discover that the law enforcement system is not reliable. We have a lot of law but when it

comes to enforcement, you discover that getting justice in Nigeria is very difficult. We have cases of people caught red-handed in faking our products but the process has been in court for over five years and there is no judgement.

So they keep adjourning the case and the person keeps faking the products.

It is only in Nigeria that someone can deliberately fake your product and remain bold to threaten you. It won’t happen in these our neighbouring countries. So the implementation of the law in Nigeria is very weak.

The successful effrontery on the law in Nigeria has affected the standard of pharmaceutical products in the country. The situation has emboldened the crime side of the business.

They circulate fake good brands and people are buying these fake products and we now have various cases of drug failure even in reputable hospitals, pharmacy shops and everywhere life is supposed to be saved.

So there is need for government to strengthen the regulatory agencies, equip them and empower them to sanitise the system.

When Akunyili was there, she used to raid the markets, test products at random, and destroy fake and expired ones. The job is a tough call that must be delivered. Market raids fake factories are no longer raided.

Today, you have many Chinese and Indians that have come in here to register their products only for the purpose of importation.

They are not Nigerians and nobody is checking what they bring in. It is a very big problem, an accident that will happen.

So, there is a need for government to look into all these things and restore sanity into the system. A lot of our people are dying and they don’t know what is killing them.

Sometimes you hear them saying that you could scratch PIN to identify the original and fake medicines. The question is: how many Nigerians are enlightened to work that process?

How many Nigerians are patient enough under emergency situations to start scratching cards and waiting for sms?

The real shock is that some of these fakers are also putting scratch PIN in their products too. So where do you go?

What values do your brands offer the market?

Our brands are there, announcing themselves and delivering testimonies for themselves.

Anybody that takes our products, and I mean the ones that originate from us, will always be satisfied with result.

Cont’d on Page 22

22

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

INTERVIEW

Pacmai’s building world-class drug manufacturing plant Cont’d from Page 21 The efficacy of our products ranks top in the industry. All the people that produce for us have world class reputation in quality.

Second, we are not just into that business to make money. We also see it as extension of the ministry which is to save lives. So our manufacturers know what our values are.

They know that there is no room for compromise.

All our products exceed regulatory limits for quality, and it is not a boast. We take responsibility for failure if the product originates from us. We stake our names on these products.

Which reputable institutional customers rely on Pacmai Pharmaceuticals?

Our customers cut across the full market chain. You get our brands from reputable pharmaceutical stores, reputable private hospital and government hospitals.

We supply FMC, Umuahia; Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital; NAUTH, Nnewi; Calabar General Hospital; and many more reputable health institutions.

Normally, before these hospitals take your products they must have tested them. Now we have agreement with LASUTH to supply them from this month. Before now, they have placed our brands under laboratory tests: series of tests. It is after analysing these products that they would now come with the result.

At UNTH, Enugu, none of our products failed their rigorous laboratory tests. They are now ready to place orders with us.

So, feeding our institutional customers with our products is not what you wake up in the morning and start doing. The products

must undergo very rigorous clinical tests and emerge tops. If they are not convinced they would not order from you.

We have intention of reducing drug failure at our health institutions through direct supply to reputable pharmacies and hospitals. But the problem of this country is acute shortage of faithful men; we have been victim of fraudsters. Some of these young people who say they are looking for job, when you make them your sales representatives and supply them with products they disappear with your products and money.

How do you guarantee quality since your products are imported?

We produce our medicines with reputable WHO certified manufacturers in China. We source also from India and will soon start sourcing from Nigeria too as part of our contribution in keeping the economy vibrant despite the negative cost impact.

Our products are of highest standard and they pass formal process of certification. Their quality is guaranteed. Why you have fake is because you have people who go to produce anything and cut corners during checks. A company like ours cannot risk such things. We pass through the full official certification process because we deal with top range clients.

When we have overseas orders, we pay for NAFDAC to run stringent laboratory tests on our products before we even consider them for freight into the country. The result of the laboratory analysis is part of the document we use to clear the products.

In future, we will set up our own pharmaceutical plant in the country and produce locally.

These are some of the things we plan to do.

Is there a possibility that you attract your

partners to establish plants in Nigeria?

Attracting manufacturers to establish in Nigeria is not even the problem. If you look at the time we have been in China, as I told you we opened up China for thousands of Nigerians. Most of them have even married Chinese.

So, it is very easy for them to bring back a lot of factories here. The major challenge is that we lack infrastructure that support profitable investments. For these investments to come, we need to fix some issues like water supply, electricity, roads, security’ Electricity is the key.

If government could fix just electricity, there will be massive growth in the local industrial sector.

Most Nigerians overseas are already tired of staying there. They want to come back, and it would be very easy for them to return with investment partners that would build factories in the country. But the major issue is that you need electricity to power the manufacturing sector. And if government can just fix power supply, our nation’s import bills will plunge and we begin to have foreign exchange surplus.

On our own, we want to start local production of our products because we think it would be much easier for us to cut costs associated with importation like port charges, freight charges, demurrage, and custom duties. That is what we expect to happen by the end of the year.

What is the estimated budget for the plant?

The pharmaceutical industry takes deep pocket investments. So we will be shopping for hundreds of millions of dollars.

You have three books to present. May we have a quick view on them?

The books are inspired. One of them is cap-

tioned ‘The Poverty Capsule.’ The other one is ‘Marriage Passport’; and the next is ‘Dominion Wisdom Words’.

Dominion Wisdom Words is just a compilation of weekly word nuggets for over 11 years of ministering the word of God. Some of the quotes are either inspired or brought in. So we are able to bring the full wisdom compendium together and term is Dominion Wisdom Words.

Marriage Passport is a very inspiring book for both married and single people, especially for the singles. We believe that many singles face a lot of challenge when it comes to marriage. Some don’t even know how to go about it, how to make the right choice, and even how to hear from God to be able to be convinced that they have found the right life partner.

We have run a lot of summits on marriage: Singles Seminars. So we were able to put that book together so that it can really be a guide.

That is why it is called Marriage Passport.

Poverty Capsule is a very powerful book, and I believe that it is will offer some kind of relief and succour to millions of people across the globe. I started that book on my tour to 2012 Olympic Games in the UK. There is high level poverty in the country and there are lots of schemes by government, churches and organizations to offer people strategies of escaping poverty. I think that giving people cash stipends would not provide permanent solution to the problem.

And through inspiration, God started putting a burden on me to write the book. I believe God that the book will really offer a lot of help to millions of people. It doesn’t just analyse the problem of poverty in the country, it also offers solution.

23

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

Export Platform

By CHINYEMIKE TORTI

Hibiscus Flowers Exports (Zobo)

Hibiscus flowers (Zobo) are export product

A

GLANCE at the Nigerian commodity map, indicates a cornucopia of money making non traditional crops, plants, products in literally every village, town, homestead in the six geopolitical zones of the federation; which if properly harnessed and exploited could take the heat out of the resource control arguments.

Take for instance, the hibiscus flower that is mainly cultivated for aesthetic and decorative purpose; is in very hot demand in USA , Germany , and Switzeland.

A few months ago we got a confirmed order from a buyer in UKRAINE for 5x40 FCL container of dried hibiscus flowers.

Demand for hibiscus variously known as Roselle, Karkade, or Bambara has leap frogged from the beverage wine industry, and herbal teas industry.

In places like China , the seeds are used for their oil and plant is for medicinal purposes. Over 30,000 metric tons, produced are traded internationally annually.

And various varieties of Roselle (hibiscus) are grown in other parts of the world like China, Thailand and Sudan whose quality is reputed to be best in the world, albeit there poor processing often hampers the market value, which are mostly shipped to Germany and USA. Due to the long running political problems in the Sudan, most US importers are forced to seek for new supply routes elsewhere. Martin Bauer is one of the largest and oldest buyers of in the world.

In Germany, they are principally used for herbal teas, herbal medicines, syrups, wines and food colouring. Hibiscus for export must be dark red in colour, sun dried, free of impurities, with 10% maximum moisture content, and must be eco certified which is a guarantee that the plant was organically cultivated, free of chemicals or fertilizers.

The European Union and USA quality parameters dictate the paradigm of the trade, viz: Grade A: 2 – 5% broken flowers Grade B: 20 – 25% broken flowers Sifting: 100% broken flowers but not crushed. Grade A flowers are packed in 12.5kg PP bags Grade B is packed in 25kg PP bags.

Buyers may make additional quality specifications just like the Ukrainian im-

porter who listed thus: Colour: Red, Light Red, Dark red.

Smell: Aromatic.

Taste: Sour. No mould, no rotten. Moisture: 12 max. Broken pieces of less than 1 cm: 5% max. Ash total: 12 max. Foreign matter (organic impurities, inorganic impurities & other parts of plant): 1.5% max. Damaged by moth Flowers: not allowed. Mouldy Flowers: not allowed Black and brown Flowers: not allowed. Presence of any kind of barn pests and/or their larva’s in the goods: not allowed. Total bacterial count: 1.0 x E7/ 1g mm Packing: PP bags of 25 kg net weight max.

Requirements for export and quality assurance Common Guidelines and Specifications for Dried Hibiscus sabdarriffa Guidelines Specifications Description Hibiscus sabdarriffa Packaging Items must be packed in polybags (or less) lined boxes or multi-walled sacks (adequately protecting product for shipment) with clear markings indicating the item contained.

Shipment must be accompanied by packing list clearly indicating the consignment, weight and country or origin. Raw ingredient sample: (a) Visual Purple-red color (b) Aroma Floral, berrylike aroma. Free from objectionable off odors. (c) Texture Lump free, free flowing particles Prepare sample: (a) Visual Clear, deep red solutions with some background purple hues.Blue hues are undesirable. (b) Aroma Slight berry aroma. (c) Flavor A well-balanced, tart and astringent flavor. Some cranberry notes as well as a slight drying effect. Not excessively tart, acidic or bitter.

Should be free of off-flavors and other undesirable spice/botanical notes. Testing Parameters: Test Unites: Specifications (a)Free Flow Density G/CC Minimum 0.45, Maximum 0.60 (b) Moisture 12% (c) Total Ash 10% (d)Acid Insoluble Ash 1.50% (e) Sieve Analysis Thru US#20 95.0% 5 Min Rotate Thru US#60 5.0% (f)Insect Fragments cash 400 (g) Whole Insects (field/storage) each 25/5 (h) Salmonella Negative (i) Colifoem 2 of 5 over 10 CFU, 0 of 5 over 100 CFU (j) E. coli (MPN) 2 of 5 over 3 CFU, 0 of 5 over 20 CFU (k) E. Coli (Film) 0 of 5 over 10 CFU (i) S. Aureus 1 0f 5 over 100 CFU, 0

of 5 over 1000 (m) Standard Plate Count 0 of 5 over 1,000.00 CFU (n) Yeast/Mould 0 of 5 over 10,000 CFU Germany and US regulations regard Roselle as safe by virtue of it being dried. No special import permits are necessary and producers do not need to be registered Quality and reputation are everything in the specialty botanicals marketplace. In order to gain market share and develop a trustworthy reputation, producers must be able to consistently product a reliable quantity and quality. It does not necessarily have to be the quality product, but it needs to be of a reliable quality, and of course, clean Cost & profit estimates for the export of 1x40 FCL container of dried hibiscus flowers on FOB Apapa Basis Cost 1) 21m/t dried hibiscus flower (ex Lagos ) 1, 47000:00 2) Packaging (840 PP bags) 42,000:00 3) Stuffing (Inside NPA) 19,500:00 per containers 4) Forwarding Charges 70,000:00 5) Documentation 5,000:00 6) Miscellaneous 10,000:00 TOTAL COSTS: N1, 616,500

fmali.com Email: annhuang@chia-i. com San Francisco Herb and Natural Food Company R.C. Bigelow Inc. Frmont , CA 94538-7319 Fairfield , CT 064325512 Tel: (510) 770-1215 Tel: (203) 334121 or 1-800-243-5587 Fax: (510) 7709021 Fax: (203) 382-5509 Contact: Mr. Eli Meltzer Contact: Ms. Denise Ferris Email: dferris@bigelowtea.com Starwest Botanicals Inc. Stash Tea Inc. 11253 Trade Centre Drive 9040 SW Burnham Street Rancho Cordova CA 95742 Tigard, or 97223 Tel: (916) 638-8293 Tel: (503) 684-4482 or 1-800-547-1514 Contact: Ms. Bonnie Sadkowski Contact: Ms. Joy Edlund Email: bonie-s@starwest-botanicals. com Email: stach@stachtea.com Whole Herb Company P.O.Box 1203 Sonoma , CA 95476 Tel: (707) 935-1077 Fax: (707) 9353447 Contact: Ms. Rena Jaracek Email: rena@wholeherbcomapny.com GERMANY Heinrich Klenk GmbH Postfash 16 Schwebhem Tel: +49-972360933 Fax: +49-973-60944 Contact: Mr. Klaus Brandt Purchasing Manager J.G. Schuter & Co Bornstr. 1617 28195 Bremen Tel: +49-421-3042330 Fax: +499163-88219 Contact: Mr. Michael Gable Email: gae@jgs.de Head, Purchasing Department Martin bauer GmbH Dutendrferstr. 5-7 D- 91487 ventenbergsgreuth Tel: +49-9163-88230 Fax: +49-9163N 88219 Contact: Mr. Martin Weder Email: $1100/mt x monica.unger@martin-bauer.de

REVENUE Selling Price: 21mt ($23,100) 3,003,000 Less total costs 1,616,500 PROFIT N1,386,500

Importers of hibiscus flowers USA Celestial Seasonings Operations manager 4600 sleepytime Drive Sambar trading Boulder , CO 80301-3284 1705 14th Street Tel: (303) 530-5300 Boulder , CO 80302-6321 Fax: (303) 581-1249 Tel: (303) 499-7480 Contact: Ms. Kay Wright Fax: (303) 727-4026 Email: Kwright@ celestialseasonings.com Contact: Ms Kirsten Augustad Email: sna.kaugustad@ ibm.net Chia 1 Foods Co Ltd. FMALI Herbs Co. and Gooder’s Teas 1711 Floradale Avenue Santa Cruz , CA 95060-5899 South El Monte , CA 91733 Tel: (831) 423-4463 Tel: (626) 401-3095 Fax: (831) 423-7913 x 213 Fax: (626) 401-9519 Contact: Mr. Chang Contact: Mr. Steve Huang Email: info@

Email:montcastrepresentacoes@gmail. com Phone: 55-27-98024994 Fax: Country / Region: Brazil Message Origin: Brazil • djalma_sellimoveis@hotmail.com • montcastrepresentacoes@gmail. com • montcast2@yahoo.com.br Regards, Djalma Neves CHINYEMIKE TORTI, Chief Executive Officer, Federation of Nigerian Exporters, Alumnus, World Bank Institute, Washington DC Resource Person ITC/WTO, Geneva, Switzerland. Moderator, EXPORT ADVOCACY GROUP

24

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

ISSN: 2545-5869

VOX POPULI SACRUM

www.oraclenews.ng

EDITORIAL

Just believe everything about Chibok T

HE ancients invested a lot of time trying to celebrating the freedom of 82 of them in one distinguish between fact and truth. They swoop? Where are the parents and the families ended up with a tiny line that can produce of the released girls? Are they too angry with more confusion. The Chibok story attempts the government to celebrate? an admixture of fact and truth. In the end, Another crucial stakeholder, the Bring Back Our we are all confused by it all, leaving many in Girls, BBOG, coalition that was the arrowhead a quandary whether to celebrate the release of the campaigns that put Chibok on the front of another set of the more than 270 school burner for more than a year, is silent. The resogirls that were kidnapped from a secondary nance of the silence is weighty. Why its silence? school in Chibok, an otherwise unknown Are members of the BBOG also at a loss about Borno settlement to which the incident what has just happened? Or sad? brought global attention, or be indifferent. The unhappy and non-believing crowd could What do we know? How did we know it? What include the Borno State Government, once the do we believe? Why do we believe them? Anchief mourner over Chibok. It has said nothing swers we give apart, increasing doubts have reasonable about this great news, which is in bedevilled the Chibok story. There are good tandem with another round of release about reasons for these. this time last year. Who knows what is going No matter what one wants to believe, disbeon? Why have the media been prevented from lieve, or contemplate about the Chibok interviewing the girls? Why do the girls disstory, the freedom of the young women solve into anonymity once they are released? calls for celebration. Rather, what we see Why the muted celebrations that filled the surare layers of controversies, chiefly to interroundings of the presidential residence where rogate the entire Chibok saga. The central the girls were received? Was the President’s theme of the queries centres on whether imminent departure for treatment abroad the Chibok ever happened or that there was a dampener at the occasion? Could the sheer grand conspiracy to use the girls to justify weight of the occasion have swallowed ululaa scheme that no longer tallies with the tions? expectations of events that would align with Even the girls seemed unable to muster the happithe freedom of the girls. ness that should attend an unexpected release Why are the questions issuing? The Chibok setfrom long captivity. Why were they blasé? Did tlement in Borno seems to be more distant they know what the event was? Did they think from these affairs with each new release of they were still in captivity? Could someone not the girls. Whatever happened to the Chibok have briefed them that Nigerians wanted them community in Abuja that demonstrated for to express their gratitude to the President with the release of the girls? Why are they not wide smiles that matched the occasion?

A set of girls released earlier had mentioned that they were kept in a house in Maiduguri for six months.

The security agencies that we assume are investigating the Chibok story have said nothing about the lead. It is one of many reasons why the people doubt. They are also unwary of a government that tells the people to accept what it has offered, without letting them into what happened.

While it transpired that the government has accepted that the Chibok girls, the 82, earned their freedom from a prison swap of arrested leaders of their captors, Nigerians do not know who the released terrorists were. Who were they released to? What are the terms of the release? Are they back to Maiduguri or Sambisa Forest? If the government had gone into negotiations with the terrorist group, Nigerians were not sufficiently briefed.

The story as we know it is that some girls have been released, according to the government. People have queried the healthy looks of the girls, which it would seem, could not have been acquired after a few days from captivity?

Others have expressed concerns about the rapid absorption into ‘normal’ life that the girls have made, without treatment for trauma, meeting with their parents,

and after living for more than three years in strange settings that should set off abnormal behaviours in them.

The streets are replete with jokes about how heavenly life could have been from wherever the girls issued, in relation to how other Nigerians were living. No mosquito bites, no evidence of torture, no visible psychological disorders – everything appears in order. What is happening?

More questions on Chibok dent the release of the girls. Is it possible that these were among hundreds of girls that the terrorist group held, but they are not from Chibok? Everyone is asking, the answers are not forthcoming. The popular responses tend to attack the inquisitiveness of Nigeria, and their ingratitude to a government that has done its best for Nigerians in two years.

Here comes the dilemma with the Chibok story.

If you accept the definition of fact as, “concrete realities that no amount of reasoning will change,” you are accepting that you should not bother about the contradictions of Chibok, but accept them with the facts of Chibok. If you further accept that “facts are not discovered, facts are not created, facts are simply acknowledged,” in another turn, you admit that we have no rights to question Chibok.

Truth, on the other hand is almost like the opposite of fact. Truths are those things that are not simply acknowledged, but must be discovered. So, if fact is empirical, truth lies more in the realm of belief. Again, should we believe Chibok?

Is the Chibok story, the release of the girls, their captivity, and the trials and torments truth or fact? Nigerians struggle with placing them wholesomely in either container. The secrecy around the girls’ release is an embarrassment.

We agree there are security considerations, including the continued safety of the girls, but Nigerians need to know what is going on.

Government should tell Nigerians what it knows about the Chibok girls without further delay.

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 May 17, 2017

OPINION

Senator Chris Ngige and politics of Anambra State (1)

By OLIVER OKPALA

O

N Monday, the 17th of April 2017, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige featured on Odenigbo 99.5FM, Obosi, Anambra State, and took an unnecessary swipe at the Obiano administration. While one is not surprised at his position, during the programme, because as an opposition figure he must be seen to be living up to expectation especially as an election is in sight, one must however point out the litany of lies and half truths which he spewed during that show to set the record straight and to properly guide public discourse.

In his words, Dr. Ngige described Chief Willie Obiano as “Governor-do-nothing”; that the three magnificent flyovers in Awka are “bus culverts and monstrous obstructions” on a federal highway; that the state government has no right to put a barrier on the bridge; that the flyovers would soon collapse and that an APC State government would “pull them down”. Ngige should be ashamed as he is confirming the perception of many Nigerians that the APC government is a ‘pull down government’.

He should be told that this is the time to build up and not to pull down.

Ngige was only trying to be clever by half when he scored Obiano 50 percent only on Security saying that his administration between 2003 and 2006 had a “better and more efficacious security initiative”. But is he denying that today Anambra State is one of the most secure states one can think of? Is it not known to everyone that

throughout the month of December during the yuletide, there was no single shot fired by armed robbers, and no single case of kidnapping and other crimes in the State?

Ngige argued that Professor Soludo’s high rating of Obiano’s government is “politically motivated”. This is to say the least preposterous as Ngige has no matching pedigree where Professor Soludo, a globally acclaimed economist stands. When it comes to economy and administration what does Ngige, a medical doctor who abandoned his practice because of filthy lucre know?

Ngige was not ashamed to say that he was the one that first came up with the idea of an airport in the state at Igbariam.

That Obi abandoned the idea and that the one Obiano wants to build at Umuleri is overpriced, and shouldn’t have been a PPP arrangement.

This is at best laughable! Because if he is asked why he did not build the airport, he would readily hide under the fact that he was removed from office. Then the next question should be: why was he removed from office? The answer to that question reveals the fact that indeed Ngige is a Failure who should bury his head in shame for being an Electoral Thief. who stole the peoples mandate and was disgraced out of office.

Ndi Anambra have not forgotten that Ngige became Governor through fraud as confirmed by the Court of Appeal, Enugu, on March 15, 2006. He was indicted for vote rigging by the court; therefore

Ngige is a negative role model for our youths.

It remains appalling that he was involved in voodoo by subscribing to an Oath at the dreaded Ogwugwu akpu shrine in Okija. This led to his abduction in July 2003 and the ensuing mayhem in November 2004 during which public property worth billions were destroyed in a clash between his supporters and those of his estranged allies over the conduct of local government elections.

Acting true to type, he failed to rebuild the destroyed public property until he was sacked by the Appeal Court. So the people have not forgotten that for nearly two years, Ngige left the state in ruins for devious reasons.

Indeed, Ngige denigrated and desecrated the office of the governor as he was roundly humiliated - locked up in a hotel toilet and slapped severally by his former political allies all because of the lure for power! He personally made these scandalous revelations while narrating his ordeal after his abduction in 2003. This shows his Mercantilism and desperation for power at all cost.

By this, he made a notorious headlines and an ignoble record as the first Governor to be so abducted for his treachery. He proved to be a man without honour as he failed to repay his sponsors.

In the very first place, if he was

competent, why did he have to cringe and crawl to be thus sponsored to the detriment of the Anambra people?

Many still recall that era with a sense of shame and regret. No way, Anambra people who are known to be hard working and of a proud heritage would not go back to that era of servitude and shame! Never again!

When asked if he would run for the forthcoming governorship, Ngige’s fears came to the fore as he said he hadn’t taken a final decision on the issue. But the truth which Ngige himself knows is that till date Dr. Ngige is seen as being synonymous with political crises and instability.

Therefore, Ndi Anambra would keep avoiding him and his cohorts like a plague. That was why he was roundly rejected in his bid to return to the senate. The likes of Ngige cannot be entrusted with power and the destiny of Anambra state again. His first coming has shown that he is an epitome of treasury who should not be trusted.

This is a man who was living in a two bedroom flat in FESTAC, Lagos and managing a Volkswagen , Beetle car before being picked up by Chris Ubah. But now that he has been helped to limelight, he now attacks Governor Obiano, who was a seasoned banker that retired as a Director of one of the nation’s leading banks before entering politics upon popular demand of the people.

To be cont’d next week

PRCAN, Ministry of Finance and affirmative PR action (2)

By CHIDO NWAKANMA

D

O Nigerian public relations firms do more than press agentry? Yes, they do. A PRCAN survey of members in 2014 showed that they ooffer services in at least 21 areas of public relations. PRCAN under my leadership even ran a thematic campaign on the service offerings of our members.

Agencies under the umbrella of PRCAN offer services in 21 areas. These are Advocacy, Brand Building, Content Development, Community Relations, and Corporate Communication. Others are Corporate Social Investment, Crisis Management and Communication, Digital and Social, and Event Management. Member agencies also offer service in Government Relations, Internal Relations, Investor Relations, Issues Management and Lobbying. Services include Media Engagement, Perception Audits, Public Affairs, Publications & Editorial Services as well as Reputation Management, Strategy and Trade Promotion.

Responses to the 2014 survey show that PRCAN agencies offer service in six areas per agency on the average. That survey noted: • The 17 respondents collectively service 132 clients.

• Respondents have 258 staff.

• Core staff are 146 and support staff 112.

• PRCAN agencies collectively hold 57 retainers and carry out 83 project-based assignments.

• Our agencies render service in an average of six areas per agency.

• Event Management is the most common service offered by agencies that

responded. It accounted for 7.6 per cent closely followed by Corporate Communication at 7.4 per cent.

Other key service areas are Crisis Communication, Media Engagement, Reputation Management and Brand Building.

That survey also showed most importantly the absence of government on the client list of Nigerian agencies. Government communications in Nigeria suffers from unprofessionalism and philistinism. It takes the form of failure to engage Nigerian professionals or even any professionals at all across state, local and federal government. When they do, they go low with inferiority complex and corruption, seeking foreign firms. The colonial and succeeding initial governments in Nigeria understood and carried out best practice in communications, involving professionals. The government gave the nudge to public relations practice in the country at the onset.

The weak response to the survey is one area where the writer of the Brandish article makes a point: not enough PR firms in Nigeria take themselves seriously. However, anyone involved in insights would be familiar with a low response rate as a generalised behaviour.

So, Africa Practice describes itself as “a strategy and communications consultancy”, and the writer celebrates it? Amazing.

Let us examine how Nigerian agencies describe themselves in contradistinction.

Mediacraft Associates, affiliated to Fleischmann Hillard, says it is a “public relations and brand communications firm”. C&F Porter Novelli is part of the Porter Novelli “global” network. It says “We are a stra-

tegic communications consulting firm, with over 20 years experience in Nigeria and West Africa”. Chain Reactions says it is a “Strategic Public Relations and Reputation Management” agency. It holds affiliation with the world’s number one agency, Edelman. The Quadrant Company is Nigeria’s first full-service PR agency. It has won the Sabre Award for African PR practice. It proudly says it is a “Public Relations” firm.

We could go on to show that the description of Africa Practice is beside the point.

Non-sequitur.

So a few clients have experienced poor service? Welcome to the real world globally. It is not a sufficient or necessary condition to subvert a country.

Government as Enabler The economic history of the world shows that government is an enabler. Government enables professions and its citizens through positive discrimination, favouring its citizens with contracts that allow capacity development. PRCAN is therefore not asking for any unwarranted or unheard favours. PRCAN is calling for the enthronement in Nigeria of best practice and doing away with the inferiority complex mindset evident in articles that celebrate discrimination against Nigerian firms by a Nigerian government ministry or agencies.

On its part over the last ten years, PRCAN has run a capacity building programme, the Public Relations Masterclass®. It is best practice to do so. It is also best practice to insist that government in Nigeria do right by professional groups in the country. It means obedience to the letter and spirit of Nigerian Law as encapsulated in the NIPR

Act, 1990 and its byelaws. As in the oil sector, there should now be a local content provision in the award of government bids for the provision of communication services in Nigeria. Global best practice so dictates.

• Nwakanma is a past President of PRCAN and Chief Executive of Blueflower Limited .

Ended.

THE GROUP Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Ikeddy Isiguzo Editor Felix Oguejiofor Abugu Deputy Editor/Head, Lagos Bureau Sopuruchi Onwuka Production Editor Henry Duru Business Dev. Manager Amaka Onumajulu Head, Graphics & Designs Nnamdi Alex Chukwu Circulation Manager Ben Obika Head, Advertising Femi Anamelechi

26

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT Aftermath of battery: Mercy Aigbe moves on D

ESPITE reports that she was beaten to pulp by her husband of eight years, Mr. Gentry, actress and movie producer, Mercy Aigbe has moved on with her career.

The actress showed up at her office earlier in the week dressed in brown maxi gown that got tongues wagging, a sharp contrast to images of the battered actress that popped up online after they were leaked to a popular blogger.

Meanwhile, there is speculation that her hubby might be charged to court by the Lagos State government for the beating Mercy Aigbe allegedly suffered in his hands.

However, her husband had taken to Instagram and posted images of him and Mercy together, spurring rumours that the couple had since kissed and made up.

However, attempts to speak to Mercy Aigbe were not successful.

Africa Fashion Week Nigeria returns with a bang!

T

HE model casting call for the Africa Fashion Week Nigeria 2017 would go down in history as one of the biggest of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa.

As early as 8 am on Friday, 27 April, hundreds of aspiring models had besieged the venue. It was a massive turnout which provoked discussions among those present at the Women Society Skill Centre, Lekki, venue of the casting.

The Founder of Africa Fashion Week, Ronke Ademiluyi said she was overwhelmed by the large turn of models: “The platform keeps growing every year with remarkable shows. We are not going to relent. That is why government and multinationals should support us. AFWN is more than entertainment.

We add economic value to African designers on our

AppyDay set to conquer Norway’s Got Talent

H

IS story reads like the proverbial stone, which was rejected but which has now become the corner stone. Welcome to the world of AppyDay (Daniel Appyday) Anambra State-born Nigerian singer/performer poised to rule the music scene in Norway.

“When he left Nigeria a couple of years ago, little did he know that he would dominate the music scene in Norway,” a close pal told The Oracle Today. “AppyDay is serenading the Nordic country with his voice and as you read this piece he has qualified for the semi finals of Norway’s Got Talent, christened Norske Talenter (one of the biggest TV Talent shows in Norway) showing on major stations across Europe.

“This is just incredible! He has made it to the fourth stage. He will be performing on the platform again on May 12 when the semi finals kick-off,” the source added.

Checks revealed that AppyDay is the only Nigerian on the platform. Meanwhile, the star prize is a whopping N23m plus a contract with Sony Music.

Added the source: “If he wins, he wants to pursue his dream of starting a foundation for motherless and abandoned babies in Nigeria. His dream is to give homeless children a good home and education that will position them for life changing opportunities.

“When he started music, some fellow Nigerians in Norway said he was wasting his time insisting that he was not even talented and he did not stand a chance in Europe with his Nigerian Afro beat and dancehall Music. They believed that white folks will not appreciate his style.

Before he left Nigeria, he was a reputable actor popularly known in Nollywood circles following his success in popular sitcom, After the Storm on NTA Network.

He also played the lead role Ogaga in

Royal Tears which aired on AIT including the role of Eze in Dance of Shame which aired on Galaxy TV. He is also the founder of Excellency Nigeria Children’s Theatre.

A graduate of UNILAG, AppyDay has a B. A HONS in Theatre Arts and a PGD in Mass Com-

munication from the same institution.

Want to vote for him and make Nigeria proud? Voting starts Friday May 12 from 6:30pm and closes same day at 8:30pm. You can vote by clicking the link Norske Talenter TV2.no.

Joke Silva, others set to shine in Battleground

T

HERE’S a new drama series to watch out for, courtesy of Africa Magic entitled Battleground.

Battleground tells the intriguing tale of the controversial and wealthy lives of The Badmus family and it stars veteran movie stars Joke Silva, Shaffy Bello, Yinka Davis as well as Ini Dima-Okojie, Ozzy Agu, Chike Osebuka and more.

Synopsis: They might be exceptionally wealthy and powerful but the Badmus family’s love for one another is put to the test when an unfortunate series of events leads to greed and power struggles within their ranks. It’s a classic tale of love and war.

platform with our creativity every year.”

AFWN casting team had on board, AFWN Head of Production, Bayo Hasstrup, AFWN Chief Operating Officer, Aiki Odiawa, Eke EKE Group Merchandising Officer Daviva, Mr Jide Adedeji the head stylist, Mr Zuby Enoma AFWN hair director and Mr Barrectt Akpokabayen the official photographer. The team went through rigorous session after session before the final selection of 70 models.

The model casting is part of build up towards the AFWN 2017 which will come up between June 3 and 4 at the National Arts Theatre, Lagos. The organizers had two iconic shows in April as pre-events shows. The first one took place at the National Theater, while the second one was at the Tinubu Square, Lagos.

FOGMON releases peace song for Nigeria

F

ELLOWSHIP of Gospel Music Ministers of Nigeria (FOGMMON), the umbrella body representing gospel musicians in Nigeria have released a peace song dedicated to Nigeria.

According to the president of FOGMMON, Lagos Chapter, Aity Dennis: “It is my joy to inform you that FOGMMON has released a peace song for Nigeria entitled

Peace Song. This is the first time in the history of Nigeria that gospel musicians are uniting for Nigeria regarless of status and age.

“Peace Song is focused on promotion of peace, healing and unity in Nigeria. The essesnce of the song is to stir up hope and uplift the dampened spirits if Nigeria especially at this time of economic recession,” Aity Denis added.

Yinka Adewale now a professional filmmaker

Y

INKA ADEWALE, Remember her? The actress cum producer who produced Voiceless Scream in 2014? Anyway, she is back again.

After her graduation from UNILAG last year she enrolled at Tunde Kilani’s Mainframe Film &Movie Institute, located in Abeokuta, Ogun State and she only graduated last week.

And to express her joy, Yin-

ka held a graduation party which attracted the crème de la crème of the industry at Olomore Housing Estate, Abeokuta Ogun State.

“I am so excited. This is like a dream come true for me. I trained under one of my icons and the joy knows no bounds. My film, Voiceless Scream will be in cinemas very soon,” the thespian crooned.

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The Oracle Today Wednesda May 17, 2017

ENTERTAINENT Gist

Funke Akindele unleashes new TV series Industreet

S

CENE ONE Production has finally released the trailer for the much-anticipated TV Series, Industreet, produced

by Funke Akindele and directed by her husband, JJC Skillz.

The TV series is a music-oriented television drama based on the African entertainment scene. Industreet is set to be the premier television drama series rocking the airwaves with its line-up of amazing actors and musicians entangled in its plots full of intricate twists and turns.

I am now officially a music video and film director. For the past few years I have been telling people that I was about to move into Nollywood but they didn’t believe me. I am now one of the directors of Jenifa’s Dairy. I shot all the London scenes and now we are back to Nigeria. I am also one of the brains behind an upcoming TV series, Industreet, produced by my wife. We came up with the concept of creating a story around the entertainment industry in Nigeria. I am also part owner of the SOP Music label that has four new acts.

We are planning a lot of movies this year; my hands are full. Speaking on the project, JJC Skillz said: “I have 20 years of experience in the music entertainment industry and I believe nobody has been able to tell the story of the African music scene. I was there in the beginning so, I want the world to know what is really going on behind the scenes in the Nigerian entertainment industry. “It is the story of the betrayals, the rise and fall, the success, failures and lots more. It is a story of a group of young people who started a label, SOP Records. When you watch you will understand how the street took over the industry that is why we called it Industreet.” According to him about 70 per cent of his personal experience was infused into the story line. “I actually came up with this idea in 2009 and shot about half an hour pilot for it. It will premiere on May 19 and a week after; you can watch

Wizkid, Tiwa Savage for Jay-Z’s Made In America Festival

T

HE lineup for this year’s Made In America Festival has been announced by Jay Z and guess what, Nigeria’s starboi, Wizkid and Mavin First lady, Tiwa Savage made the list.

Others are EDM stars, Chainsmokers, Solange, Run

it on our website. Even Jenifa’s Diary can be watched on the sceneone App. Industreets stars Funke Akindele Bello, Linda Ejiofor, Lydia Forson, Leo Ugochukwu, Daddy Freeze, Kay Switch, Charles Okocha and a guest appearance from Niniola, Ushbebe, Gemstones, Mo Eazy, to mention a few from its star-studded ensemble.

the Jewels, Migos, DMX, Tiwa Savage, Little Dragon, Pusha T, Marshmello, Maleek Berry and Kaskade among a host of others.

They will all be performing when the festival kicks-off on September 2nd and 3rd at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

28

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

SOCIETY

All for the Egwus! Abakaliki pauses to honour former gov at son’s wedding

As Ekwueme, Saraki, Ugwuanyi, Ekweremmadu, Umahi, others grace event. From Enugu, CHUKS EZE who attended the event reports.

I

T WAS RICH, majestic, spiritual and epoch-making – the wedding ceremony of Chuka Egwu, first son of the first executive governor of Ebonyi State, and serving Senator of the Federal Republic, His Excellency, Dr Sam Ominyi Egwu.

The younger Egwu Chuka took his beautiful wife, Chidinma, to the altar, in a historical nuptial ritual that possibly passes as the best of its kind in the history of the state.

The event attracted many dignitaries including elder statesman and former Vice President of Nigeria, Chief Alex Ekwueme; Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. David Umahi, who was the chief host, and his wife, Chief Mrs Rachel Umahi who was Mother of the Day. Others are President of the Senate, Senator Dr. Bukola Saraki, Special Guest of Honour; Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremmadu who was Chairman of the occasion; Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, Justice Alloy Nweke Nwankwo, Father of the Day. Former President of the Senate, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim,

and former Military Administrator of Ebonyi State, Navy Capt. Walter Feghabor (Rtd), among others, were also there.

The bride, former Chidinma Iwe, is the daughter of Professor Madu Iwe, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State. They Iwes hail from Isuochi in Abia State. But as was interestingly divulged by Senator Egwu, both parents of the newlywed (Senator and Mrs Egwu; and Prof. and Mrs Iwe), were undergraduate mates at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, about 30 years back.

According to the former governor, they all used to meet at general Christian students forum at the time but they belonged to different fellowship groups. However, they never knew that someday, they would become couples. They also never had any inkling that their children would as well get hooked up in marriage.

The Senator further explained that they had all lost contact with one another, after they passed out of the UNN. Meanwhile, the joy of Sen-

ator Egwu’s wife, former First Lady Eunice Ukamaka Egwu, and the bride’s mother, Nkechi Iwe, knew no bound as they beamed with infectious smiles all through. The weather was also clement, thereby enabling guests to feed their eyes with maximum concentration.

Both the church service and reception held at the Abakaliki Township Stadium, thus leaving the arena with a constellation of the high and mighty from various spheres, just as the locals and less-privileged occupied the rest of available spaces at the stadium.

It was as if the entire State paused to honour the Egwus and Iwes. The expansive stadium came alive like never before as it was filled to capacity, with overflows extending to the park outside the stadium gate. Even the high-capacity mobile marquee (executive mobile tent), which was stationed at the venue, to accommodate special dignitaries during the reception, was also overwhelmed by the unprecedented crowd at the event.

Yet, dignitaries kept thronging in and out of the venue while the occasion lasted.

Some other prominent guests at the occasion were Senators Uche Ekwunife, Anthony Agbo, Obinna Ogba, Emmanuel Ajuaboki; former Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly and current member of the House of Representatives, Hon Chukwuma

Nwazunku; Deputy Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon Odefa Obasi Odefa, and several other serving and former federal and state legislators and political office holders.

Professors Bath Nnaji and Chinedu Nebo, who are both former Ministers of Power and Steel, were also in attendance, just as there were many bishops and other members of the clergy from across virtually all Christian denominations.

In his speech at the event, Governor Umahi poured encomiums on Senator Egwu, describing him as father of Ebonyi State. According to the governor, the state owes Egwu unending gratitude for all that he had done for Ebonyi State and her people.

“Our father, Senator Sam Egwu was the one who laid an indefatigable platform for peace in the land of Ebonyi.

He brought peace, he brought love and he uplifted our people when we did not know what civilization was due to marginalisation,” he said.

Umahi also appreciated citizens of the state for coming out en masse to honour and support the Egwus, and prayed God to bless and fortify the marriage and family of the new couple.

For President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, his presence at the event was on several fronts. According to Saraki, who said he was pleased to

be part of the occasion, he had attended the event, not just to wish the new couple well, but also to honour Chief Egwu, whom he described as a colleague, fellow Senator and co-former governor, and a good friend.

“But more importantly,” he said, “I am also here to continue to give hope to our people; to reiterate that Nigeria belongs to all of us. We all have interest in this nation and we are all together in this. I can assure you that I will continue to play my part as the President of the Senate, to give a sense of belonging to all of us in this country.”

Earlier in his sermon during the Church service, the presiding pastor and General Superintendent (G.O), of the Assemblies of God Church, Rev. Dr. Chidi Okoroafor urged the new couple to ensure that Jesus always remains at the centre of their marriage. According to the G.O, “With Jesus at the centre of your union, your marriage would be great, it would witness multiple testimonies and you would experience a happy, happy home.”

Many other prayers were said for the couple followed by goodwill messages and pieces of advice. One of such came from the bride’s mother just before the magnificent wedding cake was cut. Mrs. Iwe, who said she had personally prepared the amazing cake herself, urged her daughter to always respect Chuka and be submissive to him.

“I am your mother, but today, you are now a wife,” she said.

“The only word I have for you is submission. That was the same word I gave your sisters when they got married. You will be happy when you obey what your husband says. Once you apply that word (submission) effectively in your relationship, you can go ahead and enjoy a blissful marriage,” she said.

On her part, the groom’s mother, former First Lady Eunice Ukamaka Egwu, was certain that God had already taken control of the marriage.

She expressed deep gratitude to God for making the event a huge success and one devoid of any sad story. She thanked all who came from far and wide to grace the occasion, adding that the two families were humbled by the immense solidarity that was extended to them at the wedding.

“I am humbled; I am speechless, I am full of gratitude to all our guests who came to hour us today. It was as if the entire country converged here to honour us. May God bless and reward all of you, and everyone who contributed in a way or the other to the success of this occasion,” She said.

29

The Oracle Today, Wednesday May 17, 2017

Love and Living Oracle Girl of the Week

... With Ireto Temofeh

LOVE NEWS “There’s nothing romantic between me and Katie Price,” says Tom Zanetti

R

UMOURS that Tom Zanetti and Katie Price are anything more than friends have been dismissed as “pathetic” by sources close to the DJ. Tom, 27 , was seen on set with the mum of five as she filmed for her new reality show, My Crazy Life, in Florida.

His appearance in the Sunshine State triggered reports that there might be trouble brewing for the model’s third marriage after reports her 30-year-old hubby Kieran Hayler was “jealous”.

However, a source close to Tom has furiously denied their relationship is anything but professional.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun online they fumed: “The speculation about their romance is just pathetic.

“Tom’s there filming with Katie for her new show - and she’s a married woman!

“He might feature in one of the episodes, that’s it.”

After Katie posted a picture of the pair of them hanging out on Saturday, Tom followed suit, and gave a clue as to what he was doing in Florida.

ODD NEWS

Lawyer claims secretly taking a condom off during sex could be a crime

Name: Emelda Tel: +234 816 633 9597 *Do you want to be our next Oracle Girl?

Send your photos to ireto007@yahoo.com and call 07031028714.

I

F a man agrees to having sex with a condom and removes it, without saying, then he no longer has consent.

IT’S the disturbing, non-consensual new trend that sees men secretly remove their condom during sex.

‘Stealthing’ is on the rise according to a harrowing new US study by Alexandra Brodsky, and victims’ charities say it must be treated as assault.

‘Stealthing’ is when a man secretly removes a condom during sex.

But where does the law stand on this horrifying new phenomenon?

Rape has legally been defined in the UK as the penetration with a penis of the vagina, anus or mouth of another person without

their consent, states Rape Crisis, a UKbased charity.

And Ian Kelcey, a Senior Partner in the Criminal Law team at Kelcey and Hall Solicitors, believes stealthing could potentially be classed as rape.

“If the other party made it a strict condition that they only wanted sex if it was safe, it is possible the courts could construe such activity, post-removal of the condom, as being rape,” he told The Sun Online.

“We are still waiting for a case to come to court on this point but I think that is a possibility.”

In non-legal language, it means that if a man agrees to having sex with a condom and removes it, without saying, then he no longer has consent. Then it is rape.

Ian, who has specialised in cases involving sexual allegations, said he would “caution a man to be very careful about partaking in this activity” as it could have grave repercussions.

He added: “The other consequence is that if the woman were to catch a sexually transmitted disease it could be deemed to be a serious assault.”

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The Oracle Today, Wednesday May 17, 2017

True Confession

‘My husband taught me to trust him by transferring all his properties to me’

I

am a 55-year-old woman and mother of five girls. I got married at the age of 30 to a building engineer from the Eastern part of the country.

Before we wedded, I remember how my parents and his parents too had prayed for us as a couple to have many children, both male and female, and also to have a happy marriage.

My mother said it was her duty to ensure that I had a happy home, so she promised to assist me in every way possible to be a good wife to my husband and mother to my children. When I had my first pregnancy, my parents and in-laws rejoiced. And when I eventual gave birth to a bouncing baby girl nine months later, it was celebration all the way.

However, my happiness started going downhill after I gave birth to a second and third child - girls as well. After my fourth child - a girl, my husband started acting strangely and disinterested in our family affairs. He even no longer appeared keen on having sex with me.

Because I had given birth to four girls, our sex life nosedived as well as our level of intimacy. My husband now found it no longer necessary to hug, kiss or cuddle me. He used to give me a peck initially, but when I started giving birth to more and more female children, the era of pecks gradually came to an end.

My husband wasn’t happy. And I wasn’t happy too, because he wasn’t happy. He told me that all he wanted was a male child that would bear his name and maintain his lineage. And all I wanted too was to give him that male child he so wished for. But I wasn’t God, so there was nothing I could do.

When our fourth child was five years old, we decided to try again, the last time, to have a male child. I prayed and fasted even while I was pregnant in order for the child to turn out as a son. I even went to several spiritual quacks, so-called men of God who prophesied that I would give birth to a male child.

Many of these so-called pastors and prophets told me to sow seeds of millions of naira or hundreds of thousands of naira in order for God to answer my prayers. It got to a point that I even stole my husband’s money in order to have money to sow seeds, just to please the fake pastors.

In the end, their prophecies turned out to be false prophecies. I had another girl, my fifth. At the hospital, my husband tried to hide his disappointment but it was hard for him to hide it.

My in-laws were also disappointed and some of them started to put pressure on my husband to marry a second wife. But because my husband loved me, he couldn’t give them an answer.

Shortly after having my fifth child, I broke down. I became an emotional wreck even while breastfeeding and my husband was so scared that I was going to die. He woke me up in the middle of the night for a discussion and told me that I shouldn’t see my giving birth to only female children as a curse. My husband said that

he had accepted his five lovely daughters as gifts from God. But no matter how hard my husband tried to comfort me, my situation continued to deteriorate because I suspected that he had secretly married a second wife outside and started a second family without my knowledge.

At my age I knew that some men secretly run two or more families in their quest for a male child, without the knowledge of their legally married wives. I was afraid that if anything happened to my husband (God forbid), a desperate lady would appear with a male child and claim all the properties and wealth that I and my husband had worked to acquire all these years.

Worry nearly killed me. It made me develop high blood pressure and I had to be admitted in the hospital on some occasions as a result of my high blood pressure.

My husband kept asking me what was wrong and at a point in time I had to tell him that I was afraid and that my fear and worries were killing

me. He asked me why I was so afraid and worried and I told him that the future of all our five daughters would be ruined if a strange woman with a son came and claimed all his wealth and properties after his death.

I asked my husband: “How can I train all these girls on my own and pay their school fees to university level if another woman comes from nowhere and claims all your properties just because she has a son for you?”

My husband promised that he would never abandon me and our five daughters because they are his children too.

He begged me to trust him because he was never going to have a mistress or marry a second wife. He said that male children were the problem of black people.

“President Barack Obama of the USA has two daughters and he is not bothered. Even President Clinton only has one girl,” he said. “So what’s the big deal in having a male child?” he asked rhetorically.

But I just couldn’t trust him and my health continued to get worse. Later, a family friend invited us to see a Catholic priest for counseling.

The Catholic priest advised us not to follow the ways of the world that do not conform to the way of God. He told us to rather focus our hearts and minds on things of heaven and work together in love to bring up our five girls.

To my surprise, the Catholic priest didn’t ask us to sow any seed with millions of naira or hundreds of thousands of naira. He simply counseled us and

prayed for us.

After the Catholic priest had counseled us and prayed for us, my husband decided to transfer ownership of all his properties to me in order to finally put my mind at rest. He also made me a signatory to all his bank accounts. I never knew that my husband could ever do so a thing! That singular action of my husband in transferring all his properties to me taught me that my husband was a man willing to sacrifice everything for the love of God and his family. He is indeed the ideal Christian man.

I no longer live in fear and suspect my husband’s movements. My mind is now at rest, because I know that nobody can take away my husband’s properties or wealth from me just because I didn’t give birth to a male child for him.

The future of my five daughters is now assured.

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

31

The Oracle Today, Wednesday May 17, 2017

Relationship and Love Advice

‘My love for him is controversial’ Dear Love Doctor,

Love Search Women seeking relationship/marriage Rosemary, 29, from Anambra based in Abuja, self employed, good looking & homely needs an educated God fearing, comfortable man from the East between 32-45 years strictly for marriage. 09092942483.

Maureen, 24, needs a kind and sincere person who can love her. 08035653647.

ing, a Christian, either single, widowed or divorced for a relationship. 09026823456 or 08168485612.

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08090925014.

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Men seeking relationship/marriage

H

ello, my name is Idowu and I am from Oyo state. I am dating a guy from the East and he has proposed. I’ve accepted his proposal, but the problem is that my family members object to our getting married since my boyfriend is not from the same tribe with me. Right now, my love for him is controversial among my family members, because it is causing a lot of arguments and quarrels.

We are not from the same place, but still I love this Igbo guy. What should I do?

From Idowu.

Love Doctor’s advice: Dear Idowu,

L

ove knows no limit. Love knows no boundaries, tribe or nation. It is a thing of the heart. Therefore you need to hold on to what you feel and in the end they will you be. It’s not right for any person or group of persons to try to make you feel bad or ashamed of falling in love with a man from a tribe other than yours.

It is also unacceptable for your family members to promote tribalism or ethnicity as a barrier to true love and/or marriage. If they have any logical reason to disapprove of your getting married to that man, they ought to tell you, rather than rejecting your suitor based on his ethnic background. It is indefensible to reject a man who truly loves you and wants to marry you, on the basis

of ethnicity, language or religion.

Trying to limit your desire for true love or trying to keep your romantic feelings within the limits of race, ethnicity or religion is a recipe for unhappiness in life. However, your happiness should be the most important thing to consider in this situation. Their rejection of your suitor is probably based on common misconceptions and prejudices that exist between African tribes/ethnic groups. Tribalism is a local form of racism in Africa.

Education and enlightenment ought to change such a mindset.

However, ethnicity should not be used to separate two people who love each other.

Ethnicity/tribalism should not be a barrier to true love and marriage. Ethnicity has been used as a divisive factor for a very long time in Nigeria and is partly respon-

sible for the poor political, social and economic state of the country.

Inter-tribal marriages ought to be a welcome development since it helps unite diverse ethnic groups and promotes greater understanding and friendship among members of different ethnic groups. Basically, the two most important requirements for marriage are love and the mutual consent of both parties involved.

Therefore, you are the only one to take the decision to get married to him or not.

However, you must search your heart to know if you truly love that man and want to spend the rest of your life with him. If you truly love him, listen to your heart. Go ahead and marry him. Stand firm on this true love you believe in, and with time your family members will back down and/or support you, and the controversy will go away.

Goodheart wants a tall, fair, beautiful, working class Yoruba, Akwa-Ibom, Kogi or PortHarcourt lady for marriage.

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Call Love Dr. 07031028714, 08131161840.

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32

The Oracle Today, Wednesday May 17, 2017

My L0ve & Life

How to win any lady’s heart ARE men short-sighted when they are meeting a girl for the first time?

Or simply blind, blinded by loved?

IFY ARONU, pretty, charming, enchanting, tells you about openers that are passé. It would do you a world of good to take her advice…

“You look so familiar”.

That starter for guys is easily the most abused and over-used of all. Ladies hear that all the time and it’s now no more than an opening for guys who aren’t creative. In our time, trends are born and reborn daily and only the trendy gets to trend. Social relationships now require responsive dynamism and guys will find that “ancient toasting patterns” are hardly as effective. I should think that the men themselves are tired of telling every girl they fancy the same thing each other time. How boring! Just makes it seem that all girls are the same and will fall under the same unworthy words.

For men, striking the match could pose a huge challenge since there is no general template of what works; ladies differ and so should the approach. We also meet people at different places under varied conditions; this should also be taken into account when devising an effective approach. Most men insist that ladies are moved by what they hear and that’s why sharp guys do well to make an impressive intro on the very first meeting. But is this still the case? Does impressive rhetoric still stir the hearts of ladies these days? I think not, things are way different now!

When it comes to breaking the ice, there are no hard and fast rules; it’s all about leaving a good and lasting impression that gets her heart over to your side. So guys, now is time to rethink the whole approach to toasting. In truth, those mind blowing lines you wrote down and memorized many years back have been overtaken by time. Times have changed and still changing, no one seems to have time to listen to carefully drafted lines aiming to impress. Typically, sure ladies easily get suspicious of the guy who tries to force a conversation. If he’s just talking away then it means that’s all he’s got.

We want no more than a hint of what he’s about on that first day, not the whole lot. Ladies need tit bits that make them want more. That is why being

straightforward about your intentions on the first meeting can harm your mission outright if the lady in question feels rushed and belittled.

Finding the right approach that fits the occasion

is a worthwhile skill therefore, for men. Sometime ago, I hardly noticed the young man by my side in a public vehicle as I was seeing a very engaging movie on my phone. Next thing I knew, he asked to share my earpiece. I obliged him easily since I least expected that; what’s more, that was the first time a total stranger would ask me for such. It only dawned on me that he had just effectively struck the match when he finally asked for my contact. His approach was really strange and out of the box but it worked! Now that’s a sharp and creative guy who can find his way around with ease. It was so subtle that I hardly even noticed. It did take some effort for him to focus on a movie for about an hour, for all its worth, he may not have even enjoyed the movie but he made it seem like he absolutely loved it and did it pay off? Sure, he got my attention. The time it took to see the movie together may have seemed too long for quick guys that just want to rush things but in this case, this guy let the time work on my nerves, got me relaxed, it was so natural and effortless.

Ladies want to fall for something that’s unique and different. We want to know that our guy is dynamic and that he’s got a lot of pleasant surprises to spring at us. Whatever your approach, the surprise factor does the magic. Getting her attention boils down to doing it differently while keeping it natural and spontaneous.

Please email recommendations, commendations, and condemnations to ifyaruonu@gmail.com

33

The Oracle Today, Wednesday May 17, 2017

It happened to me:

‘My sister-in-law lured me into lesbianism’

I

met Peter straight after high school at a friend’s 18th birthday party. Not having much experience with boys I was very shy at first, but Peter was very chatty and charismatic which made it easy for me to talk and connect with him.

That night I chatted to him for hours and afterwards cursed myself for not being brave enough to ask for his phone number. I wasn’t very confident and assumed he was just being friendly and wouldn’t want to see me again. But, to my surprise, I received a call from him the next day!

He had rung around a few people who had been at the party until reaching my best friend Melissa, who promptly provided him with my digits. I had never had a boyfriend before but Peter was everything I expected one to be like.

At the time he was 22 and older than me. He had a full-time job as an apprentice electrician. Peter had the cutest cheeky smile that he would flash whenever he wanted something and I fell in love with him within weeks of meeting him. I remember at the time thinking he was perfect “husband material”.

He had a future career, was tall, muscular, good looking and I got along well with his family. Peter had even confided in me that he wanted to settle down and buy a house once he became fully qualified.

Peter and I dated for three years while I studied at university. Our relationship wasn’t as physical or affectionate as I wished but not having anyone else to compare him to I never brought it up.

Peter was your typical gentleman and while he was chivalrous in that he always paid for our meals and always looked out for me, driving me to parties and picking me up to make sure I was safe, he was never very affectionate and our love making was always short and to the point.

We were married shortly after I finished my course.

At dinner after my graduation ceremony he proposed to me in front of all my family and friends. My parents were thrilled and I was so excited. After our beautiful wedding we bought a house and started our new lives together.

Shortly after our honeymoon Peter’s younger sister Katie came to stay with us. Katie was the same age as me but had been studying in Sydney for the last few years and I had only met her a couple of times at Christmas dinners. She had moved back home to start searching for a job and Peter was happy to let her bunk with us.

Katie certainly came from the same gene pool as Peter. She had a stunning physique with beautiful big eyes and she had the same charming, confident manner.

I was nervous about her staying with us at first but soon found that we had a lot in common. We would sit up late and watch DVDs together while Peter, tired from a long day’s work, would go to bed early.

It was on one of these late nights that I asked her if she was seeing any guys or if she had left a boyfriend in Sydney. She was so gorgeous I couldn’t believe that I had never heard Peter or his family mention a boyfriend.

She laughed and said that her family had always been awkward about this and liked to pretend it wasn’t true.

I looked at her quizzically, not understanding. Katie laughed and said she was a lesbian and that her family weren’t very accepting of this so they never talked about. I was surprised at first; I hadn’t picked it up at all.

Weeks went by before the topic was brought up again. I was sitting with Katie on the couch when she asked me if I had ever been with a woman. I confessed that I had only ever been with Peter. She told me she was surprised and that she thought I was very pretty.

I started to get a bit concerned. Was she trying to hit on me? Would she try something?

But then I started to get excited and decided that I wasn’t afraid. Before I knew it, Katie and I were kissing.

She was so soft and affectionate, it was something I had never experienced before. It wasn’t long before we were in her bedroom. Later on I snuck back into my and Peter’s room.

Surprisingly I didn’t feel guilty at all! Katie had given me something that Peter never could and what he didn’t know couldn’t hurt him. My

sister-in-law lured me into lesbianism but I made sure that I didn’t tell my husband.

Katie ended up only staying with us for another week. She got a job a few suburbs away and moved into a share house with a friend. We never did anything like that ever again but she always gives me a cheeky smile or wink across the table at family dinners.

Whenever I thinking about Katie, I wonder if she will ever be able to get married to a man. I also wonder how long she may be able to hide her darkest secret from her family, especially from her elder brother, my husband.

I know that my husband will never forgive me if he ever finds out that I had a lesbian relationship with his sister.

Romantic Joke Still Celebrating

A

married couple are out one night at a dance club. There’s a guy on the dance floor giving it large: break dancing, moon walking, back flips, the works. The wife turns to her husband and says, “See that guy? Twenty years ago he proposed to me and I turned him down.” The husband says, “Looks like he’s still celebrating!

34

The Oracle Today, Wednesday May 17, 2017

The Law and You

Validity of a will

I

T is said that a Will speaks from a testator’s grave. This simply means that the last wishes and desires of a deceased which is embedded in his last Will speak after his death.

A Will is made during the lifetime of a man and fashioned by him in the way and manner he wants the affairs of his struggles and sacrifices here on earth to be administered even after he is no more. However, there are usually controversies surrounding these his last wishes/ desires if not validly made, by those whom the Will did not favor and in most cases this leads to untimely deaths and wastages of the family’s resources which ought to be invested to increase the estates of the deceased. It is predominant in polygamous families where expectation of each section of the family is very high.

Even in monogamous homes it does happen, especially where some children feel they are the favorites of the testator/testatrix and don’t believe that the gifts bequeathed to them are actually the will of the testator. This results in perpetual hatred, division and disintegration of a formerly peaceful family. It is to avoid these types of rancor and unpeaceful attitudes in the deceased’s home and to prevent those who are always sowing seeds of discord from reaping where they never sowed that it is impor-

tant to know the requirements for a valid will especially in statutory marriage. Therefore the following are the requirements for a valid Will: 1. Writing: It may be handwriting (holograph), typed, printed or even a combination of any of these forms that is necessary. The language used in writing does not matter.

2. Signature of the testator: This is usually the mark or means of identification of the testator which is usually recognizable by all who knew it when he was alive. It may be an initial, across or even full name which a person uses in signing a document and letter known to all. The signature should be complete. It is a known fact that it is not everyone that knows how to sign signatures, such persons as the illiterates or blind person. In this case a jurat should be inserted indicating that the content of the Will were first read and interpreted to them before they made their marks.

Note: This topic is very technical in nature and it is only the experts in the field, that is Lawyers that can handle them perfectly and confidentially for you, so consult any Lawyer around you immediately or you may wish to call me via 08075763840 for any further advice or/and assistance.

3. Attesting the will: This must be done in a

Case 1:

I

have been following your series of articles on Will for some time now and I feel like making my own Will. Can I as an individual or as a woman make my Will alone or must I consult an expert as you always say, (lawyer) and why?

From Itunu, Akure, Ondo State.

ALTERATIONS OF WILL Generally, any alteration made on a will after execution is not valid. If there is need to effect any alteration, it is expected the testator and the witnesses must execute the altered portion of that Will the same way it was previously made to make it valid. However, in most cases executing and attesting to the alterations made are usually at the margins of the Will close to the altered part or memorandum signing the alteration or better still by making a codicil.

There are more complications to this process which a lay man cannot effectively and efficiently process except by the use of experts on this field (the Learned Lawyers) who do it perfectly and execute it same to keep your homes peaceful after you have gone as if you are still in control. Consult any Lawyer around you now for more actions or if you can’t see one around you call on me on my numbers or email for more assistance.

REVOCATION OF WILLS Questions most of my callers usually ask me

include “Whether they can revoke or annul the contents of a will after it has been made?” The simple answer is YES. A will is revocable during the lifetime of the testator and it does not matter if the will declares itself to be irrevocable.

This revocation idea most often happens if the beneficiary in the will turns out to be a disappointment and the testator regrets his initial assumption about the person. There are four ways of revoking wills. They are: 1. Marriage: This, by operation of law automatically revokes a Will. However, the marriage here is not marriage under customary law or Islamic law.

2. Codicil: This is a later Will.

3. Writing with a declaration of intention can as well revoke a Will.

4. Destruction by means of burning, tearing with the intention to revoke.

Note: All these processes in the filling of a Will at probate is the work of experts on the field (Lawyers) to forestall contest after death.

If you are still not clear or have any question regarding these or more, please call or E-mail me or consult any Lawyer around you. *Do you have questions or seek legal clarification on issues concerning your marriage, probate, property, etc? Call Barr. Ken: 08162016410, 08075763840. Email: kenakpom@yahoo.com

I

am married in both traditional, church and court marriage with my wife who has three progressive children for me for over 18 years now. However, I fell in love for reasons I cannot understand with my secretary in my office and my wife observed this and always quarreled with me. I wish to make my Will and want to give substantial portion of my estate to my secretary but the Lawyer that I consulted to do this for me said that it would not work. Please, is my Lawyer correct and why?

From Chief Balogun, Lagos.

Lawyer’s Answer:

A

formal manner as the experts, the Lawyers, will guide you. If you do it wrongly it nullifies your interactions.

Note: A solicitor (Lawyer) owes you a duty to explain the proceeding rules to make your Will perfect.

Dear Lawyer,

Dear Lawyer,

s an individual you can make your own Will whether as a man or woman but the problem is that you might not be able to perfect it when you do it alone. There might still be some

With Barr. Ken Akpom (08162016410)

Case 2: “I want my Will to favour my Secretary instead of my Wife”

“Can I make my Will alone?”

Dear Itunu,

flaws. Therefore, my advice to you is to consult the experts so that there will be permanent peace and love in your family even when you are no longer there. The expert knows the best way and form of perfecting your Will to avoid unnecessary contest after you’re gone.

Lawyer’s Answer: Dear Balogun,

I

am very happy that you used your hand to write that you are happily married with your wife and children. How then did you allow an accidental into your

marriage? Your lawyer acted in line with the profession of lawyers by advising you wisely. This is because the will can be contested after your death on the ground of undue influence and the court shall annul it if found to be so.

Lawyer Jokes The Young Lawyer A young lawyer, defending a businessman in a lawsuit, feared the worst. He asked a senior partner whether he ought to send the judge a box of cigars.

“The judge is an honorable man,” the horrified senior partner exclaimed. “If you do, I guarantee you’ll lose the case.”

The judge eventually ruled in favor of the young lawyer’s client.

“Aren’t you glad you didn’t send those cigars?” the senior partner asked.

“I did send them,” the young lawyer answered, “I just enclosed the opposition’s business card.”

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

POLITICS

35

‘Imo government has not managed its finances transparently’ PROF. PROTUS UZOMA is an activist and critic of the Okorocha government. He was the deputy governorship candidate of the United Progressives Party (UPP) in the 2015 governorship election. A journalist, columnist and author, Uzoma, in this interview with The Oracle Today in Owerri, looks at several issues in the polity, ranging from economy to the fight against corruption and due process in governance. COLLINS UGHALAA reports…

APC has failed Nigeria

I

F YOU look at what is generally happening, one would say that the APC has failed Nigerians. But, a proper reflection would reveal that the problem of Nigeria is not a party problem. The problem of Nigeria is the individuals pioneering the affairs of the nation and the various states. It is obvious that we have enough registered political parties that are capable of making impact politically, economically and socially and in every aspect as relates to the wellbeing of Nigerians. But, when you begin to objectively look at the functions of the people in power, one would be tempted to say that they appear to have lost direction. And when people who are leading you, when political navigators lose concentration, it is obvious that the people who are led would be dazzled, dazed and bamboozled. And that is where we have presently found ourselves.

One thing about life is that when you realize you have a problem as a human being, the next step should be “what should I do to get out of this problem?”

We are cocooned in a political environment that has bedevilled our socio-economic development. Look at the state of our economy; it is completely dead. Look at the state of infrastructure – well, you would see that APC has not done much. In terms of education, everything is gradually dwindling. But in the aspect of the fight against corruption, it could be more holistic but I give credit to Mr. President and not the party.

What I am saying is that the APC government has a long way to go in order to get us out of our current predicament and economic problem. I am glad that the President talked about setting up an economic team to look into the economy.

I think too that we should have a roundtable discussion by economic experts who would help to propound a very suitable system that could advance our cause.

Fight against corruption has always been one-sided It is in the mouth of every Nigerian that the fight against corruption is not holistic. But if you also look at the history of the fight against corruption in the country, you would see that it has always been one-sided. It is difficult to see the members of the ruling party being prosecuted, unless they are core enemies – like Obasanjo did to Bode George. I am sure they must have had problems that led to that. I don’t think he was just fighting corruption. The issue is that, so far the fight against corruption has not been holistic. But, I am also yet to see any organization that has written a petition to the EFCC or ICPC or any other security agency, indicting these people and they refused to act on it. But, I recall the case of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Chief of Staff to the President who were indicted in some report but they refused to appear before the Senate. I think it is just a matter of impunity. But, if the fight against corruption must succeed, it must be holistic.

Fight against corruption at state level I don’t see the impact of the fight against corruption in Imo State (for instance). Because when you have a corrupt governor, a corrupt leader, what do you expect? To an extent the President is an old man. No human being on

earth is perfect. But to an extent, President Buhari has shown a degree of credibility and whatever we see that might have not been favourable because of some lapses could be occasioned by old age. But, in the case of Imo State where corruption has given birth to twin babies, it is a case of robbery in the daylight. How many people has the EFCC arrested? EFCC came here and arrested some officials of the state government and we don’t know how those cases ended. There were allegations of misuse of funds.

He might be one of the governors that will have problems later on, because he is not following the due process.

Look at the case of Ilomuanya that came up the other day. In a law-abiding society, if a court of competent jurisdiction gives a ruling, what is the executive expected to do? Is it not to implement it? But, the Imo governor said he is not going to implement that. Then, what is he telling other people? He is telling the people to forget about the judiciary, and if we should forget about the judiciary, then we are gone. From 2011 till now, I can tell you that Okorocha seldom obeys court rulings. So, it is not a function of the APC but the person. are some groups that have come up to stop him. One of the groups is Imo Zurukwuo, which The economy is made up of high profile personalities in the The problem we have is not with the political state. The governor has done a lot of misdeeds party. A political party is just the machinery used and would appear to want to impose someone by the individual to pass his message to the peo- on us. He wants to put someone who will speak ple. The economic crisis started long before this for him. But Imo people are wiser. time but former President Jonathan was able Look at what COREN said about the projects to manage it well. Despite President Buhari’s and contracts the governor is putting up and announcement that he has instituted a pro- down. It is obvious that he is speaking one thing gramme to help manage the current situation, I and doing another. Imo is too big for him, and if think that what we need is restructuring. Nigeria he thinks he can pick someone from his cabinet is a mono economy and we just have to diversify or family or anywhere to succeed him, then we the economy. must resist him. Imo people must decide their IMF says the Naira has been 20% over valued fate. Let me tell you, Imo youths are not silent.

IMF may be right because we cannot call the They are watching and by the time they come policies good policies, even though the Naira up, I am sure that the governor will not survive has appreciated for some time now against the it. dollar. What I am saying is that there was a problem and the principles of handling that problem Ohakim’s recent letter to Okorocha generated another crisis. That is the point I am For someone to say that the report from CORmaking. They have not done anything different. EN was a beer palour gossip and that it lacked integrity is a function of mediocrity. How could 50 years age limit for governorship aspirants someone say such a thing? We know COREN in Imo and how they function. So for anybody who is Sometimes I find it difficult to understand not an engineer – in fact, I did say in some of where the governor of Imo State belongs be- my articles in the past that Okorocha was using cause he is a person you cannot fix anywhere. bricks to build the flyovers. I am sure of that. If Prior to this time, it was Okorocha that told us you look at the flyovers and other projects, they that he had endorsed President Buhari for the are all death traps. Neglecting the report from 2019 presidential election. And Buahri is more COREN is the same thing as neglecting that fire than 70 years old, but in Imo State, he says that harms. Okorocha should revisit the report from someone above 50 years should not contest. If COREN. Suppose the flyover falls someday and someone at the age of 80 can contest for presi- people die? If I were to advise the governor, dential election, my question then is, between I would advise him to constitute a team that Imo State and Nigeria as a country, which one would look into that report. Using the same is bigger? That tells you his reasoning capacity. people, they should come to the projects sites Essentially, every human being is a rational and look at them again. These are the kinds of human being. That means that he is free to things the elite should be doing. But Ohakim think. But, the truth of the matter is that you is the only person doing it. He had written the don’t place such limitations. This is a democracy. governor the first letter last year and wrote the Even if you are 50, 60 or 70, you are free to con- second one this year. I read what the governor test. I have always said that age is a function of said, that he was not going to respond to Ikedi the mind and old age is a gift from God. But ma- Ohakim. He said so because he did not know the turity comes from experience and virtue. facts to present. If you look at the so-called demI also think that the Governor himself was olition going on in the state, as Chief Executive targeting some people when he said that. He Officer of the state, you are dualizing roads that is just scheming. But, the truth of the matter is had been dualized and all the walls of commerthat Imo is too big for the governor to decide cial banks were pulled down without considerwho would govern. He will not succeed. There ing the security implications. That was a serious

threat to the security of the banks.

And coming to the issue of Ilomuanya as mentioned in Ohakim’s letter, I think the governor should separate governance from personal enmity. I don’t know why he does not like HRH Eze Ilomuanya to the extent of saying he would banish him from the state. In the first place, the governor has no legal or constitutional right to banish him. Instead, it is Ilomuanya that has the customary right as a traditional ruler to banish him. That is the truth, going by Igbo tradition.

It is the king of a community that has the right to banish anyone who commits abomination.

And Okorocha has committed more and more abominable things and no one has thought of banishing him.

Zoning in 2019 I have a problem with the statement from the governor that zoning promotes mediocrity. The problem I have with that is informed by the fact that in 2014, during the Imo Political Summit where the issue of zoning and equity was raised, I was the first speaker on the summit and I discussed the Imo charter of equity. In 2015, I paired with the candidate of the United Progressives Party (UPP) as his deputy. The intention was to assist Owerri to produce the governor because it was their turn. But what I saw surprised me because Oweri Zone did not speak with one voice. And that has brought us to where we are today. In the first place, zoning does not promote mediocrity. There are three zones in the state: Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe. Are you saying that if it is zoned to Okigwe, that in the whole of Okigwe there is no man or woman of integrity? That statement is a complete abuse of the principles of equity. As a human being who believes in natural justice, I believe that the principle of equity should be maintained. Oweri and Okigwe zones have the chance to produce the next governor. Zoning is a moral thing but not constitutional. In zoning we are talking about morality and not constitutionality. And based on the merit morality I would want the three zones to come together and ask themselves what they want in 2019. Because you would see that in 2019 the same old people would line up everywhere. And it would be very disappointing if Imo State makes the second mistake.

36

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

POLITICS

How Amaechi’s APC in Rivers DESPITE some feeble attempts by the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to reinvent itself after its crushing defeat in the 2015 general elections, the APC appears to still have its feet stuck in the mud. Put more precisely, the general elections, relative to Rivers State, was essentially a combustive political contest between former Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the then Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike. NATH OMAME JR, in Port Harcourt, reports.

A

S THE cloud of uncertainty that enveloped Rivers State following the results of the 2015 general elections thickened, many feared for the worst. Many feared that the continuing power play between the two political gladiators in the state, former governor, Chibuike Amaechi and former Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, was a political tinder box that could blow up and do a lot of damage.

Wike, who emerged as the political satellite of former President Goodluck Jonathan, from Otuoke, Bayelsa State, and the former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, from Okrika, in Rivers State, both from the South South, used his support from the central government, to his utmost advantage.

His motorcade appeared like that of a sitting governor. To justify his indubitable position as Amaechi’s political adversary numero uno, he massively empowered his political supporters, foot soldiers more or less, leveraging on his closeness to the seat of power at the centre do many political exploits.

Today, the positions have changed.

While Amaechi is now minister of transportation, Wike is the governor of Rivers State.

True, Wike re-invented the PDP in Rivers State after Amaechi defected to the then newly formed APC with members of his cabinet, aides, loyalists and supporters from the PDP. The financial muscle required to sustain the political survival of the PDP was provided by Wike.

In the same vein, Amaechi had no problems funding the APC because even though the country was already on the threshold of a nagging recession, the state was relatively rich, what with the hitherto Rivers State Reserve Fund bulging with about N53 billion in the kitty and, thereby, acting as a veritable bulwark against the opposition to his political moves.

And so, power changed hands: Wike replaced Amaechi as governor of Rivers State while Amaechi moved to the centre as the minister of transportation. With this new development, Amaechi’s loyalists, supporters, former aides and members of the APC were expectant that Amaechi would do what Wike did for his loyalists, supporters, aides and members of the PDP in Rivers State when he was a minister of state, and later the supervising minister of education.

For the records, Wike as a minister of the Federal Republic, operating from Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, made it as a point of duty to be in Rivers State every Friday evening and returned to Abuja to resume work the following Monday—unless

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Amaechi was supposed to hold a meeting with the APC youth leaders from the 23 local councils in the state on the 1st of last month but the youths turned down Amaechi’s request on the grounds that they have been marginalised by the leaders of the party, led by the Minister of Transportation

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he was out of the country. He was mostly on the road, visiting grassroots politicians and mobilising.

Responding to a question asked by this reporter in June last year, Wike stated: “I was always in Rivers State during the weekends while I was a minister. I wanted to be effective. I personally paid for my airfares. And today, I am the governor of Rivers State. If I set my mind on doing something, I go all out to put in my best.”

Amaechi’s style is a huge contrast to that of Wike. Amaechi visited Rivers State for the first time after the 2015 general elections after the APC suffered a humiliating defeat by the PDP, on August 29, 2015, about three months after Wike had been sworn-in as the governor of Rivers State.

Expectedly, Amaechi made promises to his supporters, assuring them that he would give them a sense of belonging upon being appointed into the federal government by President Mohammadu Buhari. It was clear to all unbiased minds in Nigeria that Amaechi who was the director-general of Buhari’s presidential campaign would get an appointment in Buhari’s gov-

ernment.

Despite mounting opposition from the PDP-controlled Rivers State government, Amaechi was cleared by the 8th Nigerian Senate after two botched attempts to appear before the Senate for screening, and appointed as the minister of transportation by President Buhari.

On record, Amaechi was said to have been instrumental to the appointment of Dr. Dakuku Peterside as the APC gubernatorial candidate in Rivers State for the 2015 governorship election; Amaechi was also instrumental to the appointment of Dakuku as the director-general of NIMASA. Similarly, Amaechi facilitated the appointment of his former Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mrs. Ibim Seminitari as the Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Others are the former Assistant National Secretary of the APC, Orji Ngofa, and former Chairman, Eleme Local Council an ambassador, and the current Executive Director, Finance and Administration, of the NDDC, Terry Mene, from Ogoniland.

But, despite all that, the APC in Rivers State is currently entrapped in a vicious whirlpool of defections. Grassroots political mobilisers, leaders and their members are decamping from the APC to the PDP with the rapidity of a Sahel fire.

A former chief of staff in former Governor Peter Odili’s government, Chief Emeh Glory Emeh, from Emohua Local Council defected to the PDP with a dose of fanfare. Other notable APC chieftains including a former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sunny Nwokekoro, under Amaechi’s first term as governor have also decamped to the PDP. Two weeks ago, a former Speaker of Asari-Toro Legislative Assembly, Orolosama Amachree and a former Chairman, Degema Local Council, Samuel Ikirioma, announced their defection to the PDP. Sources close to some of those that have decamped indicate that more APC chieftains will defect from the APC to the PDP before the end of 2017.

Amachree who spoke at the Alfred Diette-Spiff Cultural Centre, on Thursday, last week, when Governor Wike formally received the first batch of those who defected from the APC to the PDP, lamented that Amaechi abandoned them when they needed him to show them love and support as their political leader.

His elder brother, a former Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Council, Ojukaiye Flag-Amachree, was arrested and detained by the Police on April 19, last year. Worried that security agents might swoop on them, the next level of APC political leaders in the local government, they travelled to Abuja.

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is losing ground to PDP Former Speaker of Asari-Toru Local Legislative Assembly said he was shocked when Amaechi asked them what they were doing in Abuja when they had no money to pay for their accommodation. Flag-Amachree was later released on bail on the orders of the Court of Appeal on November 16, last year.

Many other APC leaders have their own painful stories to tell. Some influential members of the APC in Rivers State are nurturing snowballing angst towards Amaechi, claiming that the former governor is fixated on always availing a very small niche of his aides with political offices while running the party like an emperor.

In March, Amaechi conveyed a meeting at the Dome, along Odili Road, in Port Harcourt where he addressed the state leaders of the APC. The former Rivers governor then informed the leaders that there would be no primaries for the APC governorship position, Senatorial and the membership seats for the House of Representatives in 2019.

When some leaders asked what would happen to the political ambitions of Dakuku and Abe, the minister was said to have told those present at the meeting that he had settled both politicians.

When pressed to explain, Amaechi reportedly stressed that he influenced Dakuku’s appointment as the director-general of NIMASA, while he ensured that Abe was provided adequate security to enable him campaign for the Rivers East Senatorial seat, which he won on the second legislative re-run election, on Saturday, December 10, last year.

Amaechi was supposed to hold a meeting with the APC youth leaders from the 23 local councils in the state on the 1st of last month but the youths turned down Amaechi’s request on the grounds that they have been marginalised by the leaders of the party, led by the Minister of Transportation.

After an appeal by some of the leaders of the party, the youths agreed to attend the rescheduled meeting slated for Saturday, April 8. The meeting was to start at 9.am at the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI) Centre, at 120, Woji Road, GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt.

Amaechi did not arrive at the venue of the meeting until 3.pm. No valid explanation was given to the youths for the delay. At the meeting, Amaechi was said to have carpeted Senator Abe for refusing to support Dakuku’s candidature in 2015, despite all the support, he, Amaechi, gave to Abe. Amaechi accused Abe of being partly responsible for Dakuku’s failure in 2015.

The minister of transportation further infuriated the youths from Ogoni when he vowed that he would never support Senator Abe’s quest to become the governor of Rivers State on the platform of the APC as far as he remains the leader of the party in the state.

Youths from Ogoni were said have protested and shouted at Amaechi for betraying Senator Abe on his preference for Dakuku as the APC ‘s governorship candidate in 2016. The youths from Ogoni were said to have thrown

• Amaechi chairs and threatened to disrupt the meeting should Amaechi continue to blame Abe for the troubles of the APC in Rivers State.

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f Amaechi is not bothered that his former political aides are decamping to the PDP, along with their members in droves, essentially those whose political careers were nurtured by him, then, he should worry about what APC youths told him at the high-tempered meeting at Woji Road, GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt

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Without doubt, Abe was clearly the front runner for the APC governorship ticket in 2015, until Amaechi surprised most people in the state when he announced at an emergency stakeholders meeting he convened at t Government House, that the leaders of the party had unanimously chosen Dakuku as the preferred candidate of the party.

As it later turned out, unfolding events later indicated that Amaechi had long settled for Dakuku but, however, continued to encourage Abe even when he knew that he was unwilling to anoint Abe as the APC governorship candidate.

APC youth coordinator Oseleye Ojuka, later pleaded with the youths from the Rivers South East to give the minister another opportunity to address them. Amaechi then continued with his earlier train of thought, blaming politicians that he had given appointments or elevated politically in the past for betraying him.

When the youths asked his position on the spate of defections from the party, he gave no convincing response. The youths were vexed that they had been ignored by Dakuku who heads NIMASA, as well as by Mrs. Seminitari, when she held the reins at the NDCC. The youths were disappointed that party leaders working with NIMASA and the NDDC were absent at the meeting. Tempers flared again when

Amaechi could not make a categorical statement on what his plans for the APC youths are. It was at that point that pandemonion broke out. The youths, furious, insisted that the minister would have to fulfil some of the promises he made to them before the 2015 general elections.

The youths called for the dissolution of the state executive. They asked the minister to restructure the party and bring on board more dynamic men and women to give the party a sense of direction. Head of Social Media, Friday Nneye, was also blunt in his address. He told the minister that the leaders of the party have collectively turned their backs on the youths.

Tempers, again, rose when the youths failed to extract a commitment from the minister that he would roll out welfare packages for the youths before or within 14 days and his blunt refusal to address the need to sack the current state executive of the APC. It was at that point that some youths, switched off the main power supply to the venue of the meeting.

The minister’s security details quickly rushed Amaechi into a waiting vehicle, abandoning his official cars as the youths began shouting “you people will come back from Abuja and Lagos to meet an empty party.”

Sources at the meeting disclosed that the minister of transportation is plotting to draft the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sahara Energy, Tonye Cole, as the governorship candidate of the APC in 2019.

Amaechi will be repeating the costly mistake he made in 2015, by influencing the choice of Dakuku over that of Senator Abe who many people in Rivers State believe has a broader acceptance across the state.

Importantly, Ogoniland, consisting of four local councils--Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme, collectively have 400 ,000 voters in the revised register that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, used for the last general elections.

Ogoni has the largest votes after that of the four Ikwerre local councils of Obio/Akpor, Port Harcourt, Emohua and Ikwerre. Within the APC as currently constituted, Senator Abe has far more electoral relevance than any other politician seeking elective office in Rivers State.

Abe spends far more time in Rivers State than Amaechi and Dakuku put together. Abe is on the ground.

He built his own political structures, which have delivered him three times to the state and national legislature. The APC will wither if Amaechi attempts to run the party as a one-man show like he did to the PDP while he was still a member and governor, and of course, the APC, after he defected from the PDP. If Amaechi is not bothered that his former political aides are decamping to the PDP, along with their members in droves, essentially those whose political careers were nurtured by him, then, he should worry about what APC youths told him at the high-tempered meeting at Woji Road, GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt.

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Dr. Dozie Ikedife: As a people and a nation, DOZIE IKEDIFE, former President Gneral of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and deputy Chairman of the Customary Government of the Indigenous People of Biafra (CG-IPOB) speaks on Biafra, CG-IPOB’s relationship with Nnamdi Kanu, calls for restructuring of the country and other issues of national importance. He spoke with IBE NWACHUKWU, in Nnewi. Excerpts:

Since you left the seat as President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, we have not been hearing from you. How have you been faring?

I

WAS succeeded by Amb. Raph Uwaechue who also succeeded Enwo Igeriwey, who handed over to his own successor, Chief Nnia Nwodo, the current President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Since then, I have been a member of Anambra State Elders’ Council and later the Chairman of Anambra State Elders Council. I was a member of the 2014 National Conference.

I have also received the National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) since relinquishing my Ohanaeze seat. I have received some other honours from the State, Achievers award and things like that. I have also received an honorary Doctorate Degree from UK, Dr of Science and I have been commenting on national issues. If you have been reading papers you will see some of my interviews.

Currently I am a convener of Incorporated South-East Elders’ forum. That body met recently in Enugu and we deliberated on the state of the nation including the agitation for State of Biafra in South-South and South-East. We also discussed the question of detention and trial of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu the Director of Radio Biafra, London, and leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) (who has been released on bail).

We also discussed the situation in the country with particular reference to the prolonged detention and trial of Nnamdi Kanu and others. It is high time his case is brought to a conclusion.

After long prison incarceration, if he and others are finally acquitted of the charges, their incarceration would have amounted to unjust punishment. It is still a well-established legal maxim in Nigeria that justice delayed is justice denied and the accused is presumed to be innocent until proved guilty.

It worries us that sometimes cases are not held with sufficient dispatch and my own personal suggestion is that the Federal Government should create more courts to handle political and constitutional cases, to help shorten the duration of cases pending in the courts. It is regrettable that sometimes civil litigation often lasts beyond the lives of the litigants. The cases therefore go from one generation to another.

Constitutional courts should be established and cases emanating from elections should not go and grind other matters already in the court to a halt, to the detriment of regular civilian litigations. The constitutional courts should be dealing with constitutional and election matters. And ordinary courts deal with civilian matters. Things like land dispute, husband and wife issues, individual groups and corporate bodies, so that justices will be dispensed with some greater speed.

And then of course, government and individuals will be encouraged to respect decisions or judgments of the courts and continue the way like clean-up the system of corruption both in civil society, civil service, academia, judiciary, the legislature, the executive--none can be said to be totally not effected by this corruption. As I said, corruption is not a native of Nigeria. All other countries of the world have cases of corruption. But where it is very common, you have the heads of states, presidents and leaders of countries who are forced to resign. Once their actions are tainted with suspicion, many of them will resign. But, in Nigeria, everybody who is found guilty by the court of proper jurisdiction will continue to protest. And soon after filing one suit

or the other, the person will get a state pardon and it makes our judicial system ridiculous. These are the things that government should certainly look into and speed up the trials of accused persons. The process of dispensing justice here is very slow.

Did both groups disagree at any stage along the line, over the pursuit of the Biafra agenda?

Both of them are pursuing the self-determination agenda; it’s a question of method. The one led by the Supreme Council of Elders believe in legal process, diplomatic process, consultation and dialogue without ever using hot words, not to talk of insults and abuses at anybody. They believe in proper, civil, civilized, diplomatic and legal processes and there is a big window that they are about to succeed by the enactment of the United Nations (UN), adopted and accepted by the African Union, AU and by extension the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This is the position.

Both of them of course now talk of peaceful process and the one led by the Supreme Council of Elders has never spoken about anything other than peaceful process. It is not worth it to lose the life of one more Biafran in the pursuit of self-determination. Enough lives have been lost. No more fighting a war with Ogbunigwe or rocket launcher or bombing or air strike. No. It is now a question of going to the courts to pursue diplomatic channels. That is what the Supreme Council of Elders of IPOB believes in and that is what they are pursuing.

What is the relationship between the Supreme Council of Elders of IPOB and the Kanuled IPOB? The bodies started out together for the agitation to restore Biafra. In fact, there were no two bodies at the first time but down the line, Nnamdi Kanu who at that time at the early stage, was the Director of Radio Biafra, London, went with some people and registered IPOB in London as a Limited liability company. And there has been a little bit of confusion in the whole scenario because they both answer IPOB. The Supreme Council of Elders of IPOB took FG to the Federal High Court sitting in Owerri, Imo State to contest some issues regarding Biafra restoration. The one that took the FG to court which is under the Supreme Council of Elders whose President or Chairman is His Royal Majesty, Hon. Justice Eze Ozobu (rtd), former Chief Judge of Enugu State, while my humble self, Dr. Dozie Ikedife, former Do you support restructuring of the country?

President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo am his Is there anybody who does not support reDeputy, just as General Joe Achuzia is the Secretary. This body has traditional rulers, religious structuring? Except some people who are enleaders, some professors in the universities and joying the inequality and unjust system we run.

Of course, there is need for restructuring. It is some legal luminaries as its members. not a question of I believe. Any body who is fair-

minded must believe in it. Anybody who does not believe in restructuring is not fair-minded.

Let me give you an illustration. Kano State has a population comparable with Lagos State but Kano alone has 44 local councils recognized by the federal government while Lagos has only 20 local councils recognized by the federal government. Local governments are the bodies through which allocations are sent to various states as well and direct to the states.

Now, when 20 or 22 LGAs receive allocation for Lagos and 44 receive for Kano that has comparable population with Lagos, is it fair? Similarly, both Kano and Jigawa States (Jigawa was carved out of Kano) have between them 70 local councils while the five states of South East put together have just 95 local councils. Is it fair?

Finally, in restructuring, we should be talking about real fiscal federalism. Recent publications circulating round the country have it that in Okrika land and Kalabari area, the Amanyanabo of Opobo does not have any oil well, whereas somebody from Kano and other parts of the North has about five oil wells allocated to himself alone. This is a situation where an individual from the North has oil blocks even more than he required. They are reputed to have enough whether it is true or not, I don’t know.

Similarly, other areas and towns in Niger Delta have oil blocks in their doorsteps but none of them from the Delta areas has any oil well allocated to him. The blocks are allocated to people from North East, North Central, North West and so on. Individuals from the North, as they published in some national dailies have so much money that they don’t know what to do with it, to the extent that they are even embarrassed about the size of their wealth. How can that be equity? Some people wake up at 3 a.m. and start working till 1 a.m. the next day to be able to eat at lease two square meals in a day, while others are sleeping in the comfort of their homes because they have abundant money at their disposal yet people still think there are equity, justice and fair play.

Certainly, there is dire need for restructuring.

Look at admission into federal institutions. Cut off points are meant for people from certain areas. Distribution of patronages and amenities is also disproportionately done. That is unfair.

So, certainly, restructuring may even be too late for some people and that is why some people are saying: “Go your various ways” because in the amalgamation, nobody from Biafra land was consulted before it was done. The British started the process since 1913 and finalized it in January, 1914. Even though Nigeria tied itself when it had a republican constitution in 1963, that constitution can still be amended and if you look at what is going on in the world today, the United Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) has disintegrated, leaving out 11 new countries. Even the United Kingdom, UK doesn’t sound comfortably united now. Scotland last year did a referendum and narrowly lost it by 48 per cent to 52 per cent.

They now heard that Britain voted for a tinge to opt out of European Union, EU and when Scotland heard this move, they voted against Britain as a reprisal of Britain’s refusal for Scotland to separate from Britain.

Now that Britain has voted to exit from EU, Scotish people voted 68 per cent in favour of staying in the EU. Today, Scotland is saying that since England wants to leave EU, they are pushing for another round of referendum and nobody is shooting at anybody or killing anybody or locking anybody up. Self- determination is

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Ndigbo can survive very well on their own being done diplomatically and legally with civility and behold, why can’t we copy that and allow referendum?

Africa was a beautiful bride for (the Europeans) to be divided among themselves and they told themselves: “You exploit these areas, while we exploit the other areas”. That insult should end. They should allow people self-determination. Those who want to stay together should do so as they wish. At the end of the day, we all may choose to stay together as one Nigeria with greater sense of equity, fairness and greater quantum of patriotism and not by force. As it is now, patriotism is not as loud as it should but if we are allowed to have a sense of belonging then we may choose to stay together.

Buhari said Igbo gave him only 5% of votes while others gave him 95% and that he would take care of those with 95% votes first before looking at those with only 5% votes and he has been behaving as such. How do you react to that?

Well, my reaction is that once a president, governor or local council chairman is elected, he should accept the whole constituency as his own, whether one segment voted for him or not. He has actually won and he should not expect to get 100% votes because if he does, then it ceases to be democracy. That was what used to happen in the USSR, which was interpreted as corruption. In a united socialist nation, candidates used to score 99.9%,which means that there was no other contestant in the election.

Buhari should be magnanimous enough to accommodate contrary views because an English adage says: “many men, many mentality.”

Political parties are enmeshed in crises; what in your opinion is the cause?

I am not a member of any political party but I know that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a party is quarrelling about leadership. I don’t know if the All Progressives Congress (APC) has less friction within. If they do, that is the essence of democracy. That is the essence of divergent of opinions. Minority must have their say and majority will have their way and that is all about it. If there is no opposition at all in any organization, then such organization will not be healthy.

Opposition is important in a democratic setting. However, there are constructive opposition and negative, destructive opposition and there is a difference between two of them. Constructive opposition is healthy and should be allowed to exist. If you go to the extent of impeding cooperation and good governance, then it becomes negative and counter-productive. In a democracy, constructive opposition is healthy.

Do you think the oil deposits in the South East and South South are responsible for the North not wanting separation?

Well, I cannot speak for the North. I don’t know their reason. I am sorry I cannot answer that because I have never consulted them, even though I have friends in the North. We have not discussed it to say why are you doing this or that? So, it will be unfair to give any opinion.

Recently, the North said they won’t support restructuring.

It depends on who said so, whether it was an individual or group opinion. Individuals have the right to express their opinion and a group of people also has the right to discuss issues.

If that is the opinion of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), so be it. But, I know that ACF is not the only component of Nigeria. There are other groups, which may have their own opinion too and their opinion may be contrary and that is why some of us are saying: “Let us go to the table and dialogue.”

Please, let us dialogue, discuss and thrash these things out once and for all through jawjaw, rather than through war-war. Those of us who saw and were old enough to play active role during the Nigerian civil war don’t want to see another war. In the long run, we still have to go to the table to sort things out. So, why waste lives and ammunitions,

Dozie Ikedife money and time? Because in the long run, we end up at the table and avoid loss of lives, loss of materials and time. Please, I am appealing to ACF, Oduduwa, pro-Biafra groups and the federal government to go neck deep into discussion where these things will be thrashed out if Nigeria still likes to stay together.

But, the agitation will go on so long as people are feeling the pinch. It is natural. It will still be self-determination and if you don’t heed it, you will regret it. Some people don’t want to hear about restructuring. The other option is to secede because if people don’t want restructuring, the other option is to break up and part ways Do you think Ndigbo will survive if they secede?

Yes of course. If Ndigbo secedes, they can manage themselves properly and survive. Take a look at map of Africa. At least, 13 newly created countries are surviving. The population of Taiwan is about seven million and they are doing very well, to the extent they now have strong economic power in the world even though China is still trying to colonize them.

Therefore, any situation we find ourselves, we can survive it. Other countries in existence are not as big as Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Abia or Anambra states, yet they are surviving. There is oil in the field and there is gas in Biafra land and the people are genius. They will certainly survive. They are technically very clever. There is no country or continent in the world where you cannot see somebody from Biafra land. They can bring home some of the experiences, ubiquity, technology and the contact they garnered from all parts of the world and make things work.

Some people are saying that Ndigbo are selfish and that they don’t love one another.

I don’t like hearing that insult. If I hear anybody saying such a thing, I will tell him to go to hell. Tell me any ethnic group that gathers their money and then go and burn it inside a bush.

Saying such a thing is just like giving a dog bad name in order to hang it. Don’t insult Ndigbo any more.

Has President Buhari implemented his campaign promises to your satisfaction?

I don’t know his campaign promises and I don’t know whether he is implementing them or not. But, I know he is pursuing a vigorous battle against corruption. I will score him a very

big pass mark, even though he is fighting a battle that one man alone cannot fight. It is a battle of the mind. People have to re-orientate their perception about corruption. War against corruption can only be fought and won when a greater quantum of patriotism is imbued into the people that they now think and say: “I do”.

More often, it takes a lot of reorientation of the mind and re-ordering of perception. It is not a thing that can be done within a twinkle of an eye. The war has to be continuous and sustained. If it starts and stops, then you won’t get it. Nobody is saying that there will be no more corruption in the society whatsoever. It is not possible in our dear life time. But if there is continuous reduction, progressive reduction, slow and steady progression, not one step forward, two steps backward, then I think it will work.

I am sure right now, there is certainly some fear in the minds of many people when they are talking about 10 per cent, 50 per cent or 90 per cent whenever contracts are being awarded. People are now conscious, knowing that there are eagle eyes and whistle blowers everywhere waiting to expose them and the way other countries are co-operating with Nigeria, there will be no hiding place for the thieves and corrupt people here in Nigeria.

Now, if you move money around irregularly, the money will go to prison and then they will chase you. As it is now, you cannot just today be earning N10 or 10 pounds a month and suddenly you start building a mansion and people will be clapping for you, instead of asking you how you got the money. That is the beginning of something. And then, you so find that if you have money and you hide it in a bush or in a house somewhere and lock it, whistle blowers will spot them and the money will run to them.

There was a case reported recently where money was found packed in a hole. Those currency notes have been in the prison while people are dying of hunger. But it is because of pursuit of corruption that people are forced into hiding their money both where they should and where they should not and I think it is part of the success story in the issue of corruption as I have said. President Buhari said he will fight corruption and he maintained it. Therefore, he has tried as an Army General.

Is it true to say that the current recession in Nigeria is Buhari’s fault?

How can you say it is his fault? The recession has many clauses, one of which is the drop in the use of fuel reserve for power generation, which is worldwide. The fall in the oil prices is worldwide and the reduction in the production as agreed by OPEC is also a worldwide affair.

How can you blame Buhari for that? Another area that is killing the economy of this country is inadequate power generation and supply. If you have a factory, you have to use self-generated power supply, which is diesel plant. You will be buying diesel at N220 per litre. This situation is forcing investors out of Nigeria into places like Ghana where there is public power supply at a cheaper rate.

Power generation, power transmission and power distribution must be carried out simultaneously. They require coordinated efforts to work. You can’t do it segmentally. Power is capital intensive. Before independence, there was a company they called NESCO that was generating and distributing power at the same time for tin mining. It helped to develop industries in the North then because they had relatively cheap public power supply.

Are you happy with the way Igbo play their politics?

There is nothing wrong with the way Ndigbo play their politics. In the West, they had Action Group, UPN, AC, ACN then APC. In the North, they had GNPP, PRP, NPC, CPC, ANPP and now APC. Here, there was NPN, NPP, APGA, PDP, PPA and UPP. They are not peculiar to Igbo land. Igbo adage says: “You don’t watch masquerade from one place alone. You have to follow the masquerade from place to place in order to get a clearer view of it. So, if you ask me, I will tell you that there is nothing wrong with the way Ndigbo play their own politics.

Are you in support of conducting another round of the national Census?

Yes, there is need to have a census to correct the lingering accusations and counter-accusations of inflated figures. An accurate national figure will surely help to distribute our nation’s resources equitably without cheating any section of the country. In fact, I am of the view that the census should hold sooner or later to correct the imbalance in the system.

What is you reaction to the introduction of custom duties on old vehicles and Hameed Ali’s refusal to appear before the Senate on uniform?

I think the Senate got it right in one aspect and chased shadow in another aspect. So long as Ali dressed decently, the Senate should have spoken with him. So long as he did not go there naked like a mad man, I don’t see the need of making a noise about uniform. Once you know that he is the man you want to talk to, talk to him. He is not a schoolboy that must come to school in his school uniform, either white and white or red and green. So long as he does not dress shabbily when appearing before the senators, they should have talked to him. He served as a military personnel and retired. He is now a civilian appointed to head the Nigerian Customs, which is a para-military and as such he may prefer to be dressing as a civilian instead of going back to khaki.

On the aspect of his introducing duty of old vehicles, I must say that I think the Ali of a man is over stepping his bounds by enacting laws.

He is not there to legislate, saying that vehicles used for about 10 years will now produce their documents for clearance or pay customs duty.

He is not there to make laws because that his order amounted to making laws. That takes me to the issue of constituency projects being carried out by the legislators. They are there to make laws, which the executive will execute. To me, it is wrong for legislators to embark on constituency projects as they usually boast. Ali has no right to decide a new law with respect to this development.

As a medical doctor, what is your assessment of the health sector in Nigeria?

The health sector is in shambles. There is inadequate equipment, gadgets and technology in our health sector. Why can’t we import gadgets that will enable us to take care of our health needs here in Nigeria? Because not everybody can afford the money to travel to overseas countries like India, Britain, Germany, France or Italy for medical treatment and because the majority do not even have the money to go to local hospitals when they are sick, Nigerians are now dying in their numbers, while many others are sick.

When I was President of International College of Surgeons, Nigerian national sector, after seven years of my regime, and while I was leaving office in 1995, I lamented the lack of sufficient investment in medical gadgets and medical technology. That lamentation is still valid till date. It is a great pity. Many people cannot go to hospitals and be able to deposit something like N50,000 to buy some of the things needed for their surgical operations. They can’t afford it.

They will rather choose to go and die or go to prayer houses or even to shrines or herbalists or soothsayers. What else can I tell you? We are still wallowing in a lot of ignorance?

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

NEWS

Why Ugwuanyi deserves Most Student-Friendly Governor award –NANS Stories from CHUKS EZE, Enugu

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HE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Enugu State chapter, has said that it bestowed the Most Student-Friendly Governor award on the governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi because of his exceptional humility and visionary leadership.

NANS’ State Chairman, Comrade Chidi Ilogebe, who made the explanation in Enugu, also praised the governor for showing immense love for students and for maintaining adequate peace and development in the state through, what he called, uncommon leadership style, since the governor assumed office.

The event, Enugu State Students Mentorship Summit tagged, ‘A Day with the Governor, was organized by the State chapter of NANS to mentor students and youths on sensitive issues bothering on their future, and to proffer sustainable ways of developing the society, through innovations, good behaviour and entrepreneurship.

According to Ilogebe, it is under Ugwuanyi that, for the first time in the State, the State governor, stakeholders and heads of institutions ever sat together to discuss with students’ representatives on sensitive issues bordering on their welfare.

He described the summit, which he said was the maiden edition, as historic, adding that it impacted positively on the students and would also shape them as pillars of the society.

He also said the summit would go a long way in actualizing the

needed rapid reforms in the 21st century educational system.

“The governor deserves the Most Student-friendly Governor award because he is humble, visionary and hardworking and transparent in governance. And his commitment to the welfare of

students in particular and youths in general, is awesome,” he said.

Addressing the students after the award, the governor thanked them for honouring him and reiterated his administration’s determination to revamp the education sector in the State.

(L-R): ThankGod Ofolue, ED Vine Shield Limited, Enugu, Nwada Chekwube Ugwuanyi, Lolo Enugu and Nwada Onyekachi Amajuoyi, Lolo Igbo Gburugburu, shortly after Nwada Ugwuanyi was crowned Lolo Enugu, at a ceremony in Enugu...recently. Photo: Chuks Eze, Enugu.

Vine Shield unveils Lolo Enugu, announces sale of forms for 2017 pageant competition

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INE Shield Limited, organisers of Lolo Igbo cultural pageant, has announced the commencement of sale of forms for the 2017 Lolo Igbo cultural beauty competition.

The official announcement was made by the Executive Director of the company, ThankGod Ofoelue, at the crowning of Lolo Enugu, Nwada Chekwube Ugwuanyi, who emerged after the revocation of the crown of the erstwhile Lolo Enugu, Chisom Ogbodo, who was sacked for allegedly violating contract agreements of the agency.

Chekwube, who had lost the con-

test to Chisom, in November last year, was all smiles and full of gratitude to Vine Shield, after she was decorated

by Lolo Igbo Gburugburu, Nwada Onyekachi Amajuoyi.

Speaking at the investiture, the Executive Director of Vine Shield Limited, ThankGod Ofoelue, explained that Lolo Igbo is not a beauty pageant but a cultural pageant, which is aimed at preserving the dignity and heritage of the Igbo woman.

“Please, note that this is not a beauty pageant. It is a cultural pageant where the best qualities that make the best daughters, wives, mothers and grandmothers are what

Youths honour Obiano as ‘Best Governor in Agriculture’

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HE Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has been honoured with “The Best Governor in Agriculture” award by the youths of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha.

Gov Obiano received the award during a holy mass at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha to mark the annual archdiocesan Youth Day and Divine Mercy Sunday.

In his address to the congregation shortly after receiving the award, the governor assured that his administration is determined to diversify the Anambra State economy through investment in agriculture as a veritable socio-economic platform to boost the economy of the state and as the quickest means of creating meaningful employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths in the state.

According to him, his major development pillars are geared towards improving the standard of living of the people and promoting activities that will make the economy robust for all stakeholders, including the youths.

Gov Obiano urged the youths to tap into available opportunities the state has created in the agriculture sector, the skills acquisition programme and the loan facilities made available through the Anambra State Small Business Agency (ASBA) to enable them realise their positive ambitions.

He thanked the youths for their kind gesture and love, which they exhibited to him through the award.

The governor also acknowledged that the honour would motivate him to relentlessly continue discharging his duties and responsibilities to Ndi Anambra.

we search for in deciding winners. In other words, our pageant preserves the dignity and heritage of the Igbo woman,” he said.

While shedding more light on the programme, Ofoelue noted that the 2017 edition of the programme would offer a two-week crash course camping on Igbo tradition and culture, in an Igbo remote village, where the finalists shall compete for grades, online voting and promotions, with the grand finale slated for November this year. He also announced the official commencement of sale of forms for the 2017 edition and urged prospective candidates to visit their official website, facebook page (www.facebook.com/ignboawards), or their Corporate office at Suite D2, Bethel Plaza, opposite Diamond Bank, Garden Avenue, Enugu, for further enquiries.

According to Ofoelue, the pageant, which used to cover only five states of the south east, has been further expanded to accommodate other Igbo speaking states like Anioma (Delta State), and Mbammiri (Rivers State).

However, the 2017 edition would incorporate Lolo Anioma and Lolo Mbammiri, respectively.

Speaking on her emergence as Lolo Enugu, Chekwube said she was humbled by the fact that after she had lost all hope about the pageant, she was

later called upon to come for her crowning.

Her father, Emmanuel Ugwuanyi, who was present at the occasion, was full of gratitude to the organisers and her daughter’s supporters for making the awards come through when all hope was already lost about the pageant. While wishing his daughter a successful enriching tenure, he promised to support her in every possible to ensure that she puts up a satisfactory record as Lolo Enugu.

Her mother on the other hand, expressed delight that her daughter was the one that emerged Lolo Enugu in the history of their community, Iheakpu Awka, in Igbo Eze-South Local Government Area of Enugu State.

She prayed God to guide and guard her throughout her tenure.

Present at the occasion were Lolo Anambra, Udechukwu Oluoma; Lolo Imo, Nnaji Ogechukwu and Lolo Igbo, Onyekachi Amajuoyi, among others.

Some of the past beneficiaries of Vine Shield awards, according to Ofoelue, include, Nollywood veteran, Pete Edochie; Professor Bart Nnaji; Archbishop Olisaemeka Chukwuma; Mike Ejeagha and Lady ifeyinwa Ezenwa, among others.

EEDC assures of quality service delivery …Launches 24-hour call centre

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ANAGEMENT of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has assured its consumers that it would continue to introduce various innovative measures to ensure that its customers experience quality and timely service delivery, including a unique customer relations experience.

This was disclosed by the company’s head of communication, Emeka Eze, in a telephone interview with The Oracle Today. Eze, who described the 24-hour platform as critical towards addressing customers’ needs, also pointed out that it would as well enhance customer engagement activities and increase turnaround time in resolving complaints and fault clearing.

The facility, which according to the EEDC spokesperson, was staffed with qualified and courteous personnel, operates round the clock daily.

He also explained that the facility was designed to accommodate calls on diverse customers’ complaints and enquiries from across its 147 Service Centres within EEDC’s 18 District Offices across the South-East for necessary action.

“In addition, we have also set up a live chat on our website, www.enugudisco.com, where customers can log on and chat with customer service executives on a real time basis, but for now, the service is only active on week days from 8am to 5pm. Customer care is one of our core values; they are the reason why we are in business and we will stop at nothing to make their experience worthwhile,” he said.

Odedo joins Anambra governorship From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

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HE last may not have been heard about those jostling for a ticket in the coming November 18, 2017 gubernatorial election in Anambra State, especially with more aspirants joining the race almost every week.

Latest entrant in the race appears to be a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Charles Chinwendu Odedo, a two-time member of the House of Representatives (2008 – 2014) for Idemili Federal Constituency.

Odedo, from Nnobi in Idemili South Council Area of the state, known to be a very close confidant of the Sokoto State Governor and immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, told our reporter exclusively that he would declare his interest formally within the month.

He said representation and leadership revolved around touching the lives of the people and attracting democracy dividends to better their living standard, claiming that this was exactly what he did within the six years he had the opportunity.

Change of Name

Change of Name

Change of Name

I, formerly known as Nnedu Joy Uchenna now wish to be known and addressed as Tagbo Joy Uchenna. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and called Miss Uthman Rahmat Talatu now wish to be known as Miss Noah Talatu.

All former documents bearing my former name remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Nwosu, Ebere Jacinta now wish to be known and addressed as Ezeilo, Ebere Jacinta All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

41

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

NEWS Voters’ registration paralyses business in Anambra

By THEO RAYS, Onitsha

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USINESS and other activities were paralysed in Anambra State following a twoday public holiday declared by Governor Willie Obiano to enable those who don’t have voters’ cards to take part in the ongoing voters’ registration exercise.

Some markets in the commercial city of Onitsha and its environs were partially closed for the exercise just as people showed their interest to register and obtain voters’ card.

Traders who usually visit Onitsha to buy goods were, however, negatively affected by the holiday as they expressed regret that they were taken unawares.

A trader, who gave his name as Emma Okoro, who came from Awuchi in Edo State, told The Oracle Today that he never heard about the public holiday in Anambra, lamenting that he didn’t come with his ATM card and couldn’t make withdrawal to buy goods.

Both residents and visitors were seen at every ATM point, struggling to get some cash.

Some of the customers lamented that banks ought not to have been shut down since the ex-

ercise was targeted at only people who don’t have voters’ cards, describing the closure of banks as embarrassing and unacceptable.

The Oracle Today correspondent, who monitored the exercise in Onitsha, observed a high turnout of people at the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the headquarters of Onitsha North Local Government Area.

However, only one functional data-capturing machine was sighted at the registration centre.

Effort made to get INEC officials to comment on the situation failed.

Speaking on the situation, the president of the Bridge Head Market, Mr. Sunday Obinze said the closure of some of the markets was in solidarity with Governor Obiano as well as to mobilise traders who had not registered to take advantage of the public holidays to do so.

Mr. Obinze noted that although the exercise was not compulsory, the traders considered it very important to register and obtain voters’ cards to enable them to participate in the governorship election in the state in November this year.

Obiano, monarchs at loggerheads over welfare From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

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HIS is certainly not the best of moments for Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, as some monarchs in the state have threatened to drag him to court over alleged failure to implement the state’s Chieftaincy Law. His Majesty Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo, the traditional ruler of Nawfia in Njikoka Local Council of the State, who confirmed the problem, told journalists that the Anambra Traditional Rulers’ Law 2007, which took effect from September 10 2007 provided for setting aside of five percent of the revenue from the State Joint Local Government Account from where the monarchs would be drawing their monthly salaries and other applicable allowances.

Nwankwo alleged that Gov Obiano had in a meeting with them minced no words in rejecting compliance with the law.

He accused the governor of persistently refusing to comply with the law, hence the determination of the traditional rulers to seek justice in court.

Osuofia noted that they had for so long been discussing the matter internally even with Obiano’s predecessors, but have come to a point that action needs to be taken to get the state executive to comply with the law.

He pointed out that all monarchs in the state are keen on achieving the implementation of that law to enable them take proper care of themselves.

He appealed to the governor to take steps to comply with the law rather than allow the parties resort to lawsuits to settle the matter.

Monarchs, lawyers now motor park workers –NURTW From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

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BOVE 10, 000-member strong Anambra State Chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has threatened to pitch their political support elsewhere should the state governor, Willie Obiano, continues to flout the court order restoring them to their duties in Anambra motor parks.

More so, they raised alarm that some lawyers, traditional rulers and billionaire business executives had cashed in on the situation and taken over their functions at motor parks, apparently as part of political patronage from the governor.

In an interview with journalists at headquarters in Onitsha, the state Chairman of the Union, Chief Austine Udozor, disclosed that the issues they had with the state government in the past had been resolved in their favour by the State High Court in October 2016 and that it was sad that their job had been handed over to all manner of persons ranging from some Akure-based lawyers to traditional rulers and businessmen, thereby turning the parks and the state’s transport sector into an all-comers’ affair, despite two subsisting court verdicts to the contrary.

Chief Udozor said, “...despite these, we are still appealing to the governor to restore us back to our duty posts in the parks.

“It is very unfair and unnatural to take away the job of a medical doctor and hand it over to a carpenter.

“Let all the lawyers who have taken over our jobs go back to the courts to argue

cases; let the traditional rulers who have invaded our motor parks go back to their thrones and palaces to run their communities, while those traders/businessmen who took over the parks withdraw and move back to the markets and mind their shops and wares.

“We, NURTW should be allowed to take back the motor parks. That is our area of specialization and calling. We frown at the way our job was take away from us and given out to even lawyers who operate and reside in faraway places as Akure, Ondo State; Jos, Plateau State; Eleme, Rivers State and traders in Onitsha Main Market, Agbor, Wuse Market (FCT), Tejuosho Yaba, Mile 12 Ketu, and some in Balogun Lagos Island and Gwagwalada (FCT)...”, he claimed.

The union, according to Udozor, has made several representations to the governor for amicable settlement and audience but had been repeatedly rebuffed.

He claimed to have written several letters and applications for a five-minute audience with Gov Obiano, through some of his top aides, but none had yielded fruit, stating that they had therefore concluded to make one final attempt after which they would mobilize their large membership and dependants to another political camp in the forthcoming November 18,2017.

The NURTW boss disclosed they would move over and deliver whoever amongst the governorship aspirants who promised to restore their job back, because they have mounting personal, domestic and business financial challenges that must be taken care of, like any other person in society.

42

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

NEWS

Rampage over murder of community leader ...Residents flee community From NATH OMAME, P/Harcourt

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ENSION continues to heighten in Oro-Akwor community at Mgbousimini Ruemueme in Obio/Akpor Local Council, Rivers State, over the assassination of a prominent community leader, Chief Minikwu Chukwu, by four unknown gunmen.

Chukwu was a member of the Ruemueme Council of Chiefs.

The assassins fled the area before the Police arrived at the scene. A young man identified as Optimism Pepple from Opobo who was hit by bullets during the attack died at the hospital from excessive loss of blood.

A young lady identified as Onyegi Nyeche, who also sustained gunshot injuries, was said to be alive and responding to treatment at an unnamed hospital.

Sources said Chukwu was shot at close range by his assailants in his family compound as he was about leaving to attend a community meeting in the evening. He was reportedly shot five times by the assailants who escaped after they confirmed their victim dead.

A source recalled: “They gunmen first shot him in the chest. Chief Chukwu then ran to one boy’s house where he fell down, but they pursued him and used the gun on his head and chest. The men were carrying AK-47 and pump action rifles.”

Another source at Chief Chukwu’s family compound narrated: “We saw about five gunshot wounds on his body. They shot him five times: head, chest, ear, stomach and leg.

They confirmed him dead before they left.”

He explained: “Well...there was an issue in the community which has been settled. There is a piece of land where the mechanic is. It is owned by Oro-Akwor and Oro-Owhor communities, both in Ruemueme Kingdom.

Both communities have agreed to sell that portion of land and share the proceeds in a percentage agreed by both communities for peace to reign.”

A family member stated: “These guys have been doing this for some time now. They come into this community with several guns. I don’t know who gives them the guns. All I am saying is that we need justice.”

“These guys need to be arrested for peace to reign; if not they will continue to terrorise innocent people

in the community. Already, they said that they are coming back. They said that they are not through with their mission. We need justice,” the source stressed.

The news of Chief Minikwu Chukwu’s assassination sparked a wave of protest in Mgousimini community, spreading to Ruemueme up to the Agip Area of Mile 4, in Port Harcourt. Angry youths set houses and properties of those suspected to be connected with Chukwu’s murder ablaze.

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IVERS State branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), has condemned the continued kidnapping and killing of its members in the state.

The Public Relations Officer of the Association, Dr. Uhako Justice bemoaned the recent killing of Dr. Florence Onuah, who was shot several times by unknown gunmen who had wanted to kidnap her in the GRA axis of Port Harcourt.

Onuah, a consultant family physician, worked with the Stateowned Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH), Port Harcourt.

He stated: “We are pained by

that three persons had been arrested by the police and are helping with ongoing investigations. They are helping the police to unravel the real sponsors of the killing and the motive behind dastardly act.”

A group known as the New Rivers Vision has condemned the assassination of the community leader by unknown gunmen. The Coordinator of the group, Chimse Ihunwon, appealed to the security agencies to intensify security in the community.

Another group, the Ikwerre Youth Movement, IYM, has also condemned the current wave of violence in the state, especially in Ikwerre land.

King Job Williams Okuruket Nnabiget XIV, Okan-Ama Ngo of Ngo Land (l) conferring a chieftaincy title on Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike during a grand reception/thanksgiving service for the recently recognised First Class Chief, King Job Williams Okuruket Nnabiget XIV, Okan-Ama Ngo of Ngo Land... recently. Photo: Nath Omame Jr.

Residents commend FG over Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene road From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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OMMUTERS plying the notorious Calabar-Itu Road may now heave a sigh of relief following the decision of the Federal Government to award a contract for the reconstruction of the dilapidated highway.

The federal road, which was first

NMA decries abduction, killing of doctors in Rivers From NATH OMAME, P/Harcourt

Sources within the community said residents who are non-indigenes of the community had been packing out of the area for fear of being caught in a crossfire of reprisal attacks.

A police detachment consisting of mobile policemen, Special Anti-Robbery Squad officers, Anti-Cultism Unit and Central Investigation Department, CID, and soldiers have been deployed to Oro-Akwor, Mgboursimini, Ruemueme and around the Mile 4 area of Obio/Akor Local Government Area.

Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, stated

the latest killing of our colleague, Dr. Florence Onuah by unknown gunmen. She died from multiple gun injuries sustained apparently while she resisted an attempt to abduct her from a location in GRA, Port Harcourt.

“We are calling on the State government and the police to act fast in tracking down the killers of Dr. Onuah to face justice. We are also appealing to the security agencies to assist in securing the release of our colleague, Dr. Mark Bob-Manuel, who was abducted since March 25.”

Dr. Justice pleaded: “We ask that our colleague be released unhurt and unconditionally to us. Our duty is to save lives. We serve the public.

We are surprised that we have become targets of kidnappers.”

constructed over four decades ago, has been in a very bad state for a long time following the failure of the government to carry out routine maintenance on the highway.

The Calabar-Itu Road is in such a deplorable state that commuters usually spend hours on it and sometimes have to abort their journey to save them the tedium of travelling on it as well as their lives.

It is also common to see trailers carrying farm produce fall on the road.

Worried by the plight of motorists and the grave dangers posed by the state of this road, the Federal Executive Council recently awarded a contract for the reconstruction of the highway to construction giant, Julius Berger.

Following this cheering development, residents of the State have expressed gratitude to the federal government for the intervention.

They noted that Cross River would have been cut off from the rest of the country if work on the road which is a major entry and exit route to the State, particularly the state capital Calabar, was further delayed.

Motorists commended the efforts of the government but were critical of past administrations in the country for their insensitivity, noting that the total collapse of the Calabar-ItuIkot Ekpene road was as a result of long years of neglect by previous administrations.

Mr. Sylvester Nsa, the Commissioner representing Cross River on the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), said the reconstruction of the roads is a “positive development.”

Nsa, whose Commission had earlier carried out remedial work on the road to ameliorate the difficulty faced by commuters, noted with regrets that the trauma commuters had to pass through while using the road and commended the Federal Government for seeking to alleviate the plight of the people by awarding the contract for reconstruction of the road.

The state NDDC boss assured that the Commission would complement Federal Government’s effort by embarking on projects that have economic and other benefits to the people.

Edet Asuquo, a driver, also commended the government for this gesture. “I am a driver and I travel to Uyo on a daily basis. The journey from Calabar to Uyo usually takes 45 minutes but due to the poor state of this road, I spend over 2 hours going from Calabar to Uyo. To make matters worse, my car breaks down a lot due to the poor state of this road and it becomes double jeopardy for me.

“To me, this is the best news I have heard from government these days and I really commend the Federal Government for this,” he said.

C’River gets first private university From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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ead of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Angela Oyo-Ita, has inaugurated the first private university in Cross River State, Arthur Jarvis University, with a call on the management of the nascent institution to entrench sound moral values that would properly equip its products for the challenges of national development.

Oyo-Ita gave the charge in Akpabuyo Local Council while officially unveiling the logo of the institution at the Prof.

Fidelia Ngozi Obasi main campus.

The management of the school, she stressed, should strive to institutionalize sound moral values that would make students compete favourably with their contemporaries around the world.

She commended the proprietor of the institution, Mr Arthur-Jarvis Archibong, for siting the institution in Cross River State and expressed pleasure at being a part of such noble endeavor, which has made the state indeed proud.

“I am very proud of you. What we are seeing here is going to transform into an economic boom for the people Akpabuyo. Education is a good initiative that is capable of transforming the society to enviable heights.

“Education is not just for the present but for the future. You can lose all the money and other things of life but you cannot lose education.

“As I officially declare open the commencement of this university today, I wish to commend the proprietor for nursing the idea to invest in education.

“I am well convinced that this university will add economic value to Akpabuyo local government and the state in general”, she said.

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Julian Osuji said that the university was founded on strong academic principles.

Bayelsa govt bows to teachers’ demands From CHRIS EZE, Yenagoa

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AYELSA State government has moved swiftly to avert strike by teachers with the payment of April salaries of primary school teachers.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), in the state had threatened to embark on a three-day warning strike after the May Day celebration to press its demand for the payment of the backlog of teachers’ salaries.

Speaking in an interview in Yenagoa, Commissioner for Local Government Administration, Dr Agatha Goma said the ministry engaged the teachers to avoid strike.

The Commissioner, who applauded the primary school teachers for their patience, assured them that the state government is committed to implementing all agreements reached with the Nigerian Union of Teachers.

According to the Commissioner, lack of fund due to dwindling revenue arising from economic recession is responsible for the inability of local councils to meet salary obligations to their staff, including teachers She explained that the local government share of the Paris Club refunds was deployed to the payment of salaries of primary school teachers.

Goma said as part of government’s demonstration of good faith, full salaries are now being paid as against half salaries paid last year even though there has been no significant improvement in the income of the councils.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

NEWS

Relocation of headquarters of oil firms: Group threatens to stage protest at NASS From CHRIS EZE, Yenagoa

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IGER Delta Youth Coalition for Peace and Progress (NDYCPP) has condemned some House of Representatives members kicking against relocation of oil firms to the Niger Delta region.

Rising from an emergency meeting held on Saturday in Yenagoa, the group condemned the objection raised against the motion at the floor of the House, which led to the

throwing out of the motion.

Mr Kennedy West, Pioneer Coordinator of the group, described the objection as a calculated effort to further impoverish the people of the Niger Delta region despite its abundant oil deposits, which the country depends on.

The Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, during his visit to the Niger Delta region in February, directed all the oil companies operating in the region to relocate their headquarters

to the region.

Hon. Opiah Goodluck Nanah had, in a motion, prayed the House to mandate his committee on petroleum resources to liaise with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to fast track the policy.

The motion wanted a review of policies and guidelines of oil companies regarding location of their administrative and operational offices.

“Presently we have withdrawn our respect for members of the

House because the reason for which they shouted down the motion was not really tangible.

“Is it that they are afraid of the revenue that will come to the Niger Delta if the oil majors relocate their headquarters to the region?

“It is targeted at creating mayhem in the Niger Delta. It gives us a picture that there is a coup against the peace and progress of Niger Delta.

“It makes us feel very worried and sad in spite of all that we have gone through, the sacrifices we have made in trying to make sure that

Group blasts Bayelsa over failure to pay for scholarships

Delta police parades 175 suspects From Asaba

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BURIAL

Elder Pa Edwin Okoroahor will be laid to rest in his home town Umuozo Umukparo Mbala Isuochi, in Umunneochi local government area, Abia State, on Friday, May 12th.

He is survived by wife and children.

JONATHAN

AWANYAI,

I

From CHRIS EZE, Yenagoa

non-governmental organization, Patriotic Citizens of Nigeria (PACON), has lashed out at the Bayelsa State Government for allegedly abandoning five law students on its scholarship at the King’s University College, Aplaku Hills, Ghana.

A statement issued by the organization and signed by Aluzu Ebikebuna and Debekeme Powedei said it is insensitive of the government not to cater for students on its scholarship in foreign universities.

According to PACON, the five law students who are in their final year at the KUC may not sit for the end of semester examination scheduled for May 18, 2017 if the State government fails to pay up their outstanding fees.

The group quoted a letter from the university’s management to the students dated May, 3, this year and titled “Payment of Fees Owed the King’s University College by the Bayelsa State Scholarship Board,” and signed by the registrar, Simon Peter Tsekpo, wherein the institution reminded the Scholarship Board of the need to fulfil its obligation by settling the owed fees.

The group stated that the university also reminded the board of its earlier assurances to pay the outstanding fees without default.

It said that following the Board’s pledge, the university gave the five students concession to sit for their London University Metropolitan final examination in the hope that the Board would honour its obligations.

The university, therefore, informed the students that should the board default in the payment of the outstanding fees before the start of the end of semester examination on 18th May, 2017, no such concessions would be made for the students to take the examination.

there is peace in this region.

“It makes us very sad and very bad and we expect an apology from them and we want to commend our brother Eric Opia and we ask him to take up the matter again.

“For this reason, we are going to march down to the National Assembly and make our point very strongly and heard in every place, let the world and God judge.

“Those people seated in the House of Representatives have done injustice to the Niger Delta,” West said.

L-R: Dr. Ogaga Ifowodo, Delta Representative on the NDDC Board, Hon. Nicholas Mutu, Chairman, House Committee on NDDC, Mr Nsima U. Ekere, NDDC MD/CEO, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, Chairman of Senate Committee on the Niger Delta and Engr. Samuel Adjogbe, Executive Director Projects, NDDCvisitingthe NDDC booth at the OTC Conference in Houston Texas.

Calabar Soccer Tragedy: Oyo-Ita recommends sanction for PHEDC From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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EAD of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita has recommended that punitive measures be taken against the management of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) over the tragedy that befell football lovers in Nyahasang, Calabar last month Oyo-Ita made her feelings known in Calabar when she paid a visit to some of the survivors of the football tragedy who were recuperating at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.

Electricity providers, she opined, ought to be made to account for acts of omission or commission when the quality of their service is below acceptable standard. She noted that a situation where electricity lines and transformers blow up intermittently is not in the interest of the citizenry.

“Utility providers have to be more efficient. PHEDC has a lot of work to do in ensuring that they carry out their work with all due diligence. We have had cases like this in the past and a situation where PHEDC lines and transformers get blown up and cause fatalities should cease forthwith.

“I think this is a call for all electricity and other infrastructural providers to be extremely careful and they should be brought to

book whenever they have fallen short of what is expected of them.

There should be sanctions against them, really”, she said.

She expressed satisfaction with the medical team at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for their professionalism in administering care to the victims, saying she was impressed that no fatality had been recorded thus

far among victims brought to the hospital for treatment.

She thanked the state government particularly the Governor, Senator Prof. Ben Ayade, for making arrangement to send one of the victims abroad for proper medical surgery, hoping that “the badly electrocuted” victim would return to the country in good health.

T was harvest of suspected criminals as Delta State Police Command paraded no fewer than 175 persons including an exsoldier arrested over alleged involvement in various crimes across the state.

The suspects were apprehended for various offences including kidnapping, armed robbery, rape and defilement, fraud, car snatching, murder, cultism and vandalism.

Among the kidnap suspects was a 40-year-old discharged lance corporal from the military, Tola Saliu, who was a suspected ringleader of a kidnapping syndicate that specialized in abducting women driving flashy cars in Asaba and its environs.

Saliu, a native of Adamawa State, who regretted his action, said he voluntarily opted out of the military when he was working at the bureau de change, adding that the kidnap of a Nollywood actress was his first operation.

The suspect admitted that relatives of the victim coughed out N1 million to have her freed from the custody of the hostage takers.

Meanwhile, armed robbery had the lion share of 69 suspects, with cultism and kidnapping trailing it, according to the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Zanna Ibrahim, who paraded the suspects at the command headquarters in Asaba.

Mr. Ibrahim bemoaned the high rate of cultism in the state, vowing that the police would not relent in its determination to reduce the trend to the barest minimum.

Group wants FG to stop Shell from transferring mining lease to NDPC “The Federal Government must enHe stated: “It is wrong for Shell to From NATH OMAME, P/Harcourt

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group in Ogoniland known as the Ken Saro-Wiwa Associates has petitioned the Federal Government over alleged moves

by Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, to secretly transfer its interest in Oil Mining Lease, OML 11, to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC. National Coordinator of the group, Chief Gani Toba told The Oracle Today that the group, in its petition, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately set up a commission of inquiry to investigate the circumstances that led SPDC to engage in such a clandestine business transaction with NPDC without the knowledge of major stakeholders in Ogoniland.

engage in moves to transfer OML 11 to NPDC without input from stakeholders in Ogoniland. Shell cannot unilaterally transfer or sell OML 11 to another company without the knowledge of Ogoni people.

“The Federal Government should ensure that stakeholders from Ogoniland make their input in matters relating to the transfer of OML 11 by SHELL to NDPC. The Federal Government should allow Ogonis to make their input on the company that will take over from Shell when it comes to oil exploration in Ogoniland.

“Shell cannot transfer this asset without notifying the Ogoni people.

The Ogoni people, the federal government, Shell, the NDPC, and all relevant stakeholders must be on the same page on this sensitive issue.

sure that Shell actually complies with honouring its liabilities in Ogoniland.

The Federal Government should allow the Ogonis to decide which company that will prospect for oil in Ogoniland.”

The SPDC pulled out of Ogoniland following the unrest that erupted after the arrest, trial, conviction, sentencing, and the eventual hanging of Mr. Ken Saro-Wiwa, former President of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoniland, MOSOP. Saro-Wiwa, a writer, environmentalist and human rights activist was hanged at Port Harcourt Prison on November 10, 1995.

Saro-Wiwa’s associates are currently in court challenging the conviction of Saro-Wiwa under the military regime of the late Gen. Sani Abacha, who died on June 8, 1998.

44

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

NEWS

Delta judiciary employee sentenced to death by hanging From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Warri

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former counsellor and an employee of Delta State Judiciary is to die by hanging for stabbing his flatmate’s wife to death.

A Delta State High Court sitting at Ughelli Judicial Division sentenced Narebor Stephen Donbrapade to death by hanging for using a kitchen knife to stab his neighbour’s wife to death.

The court presided over by Honourable Justice F. O. Ohwo, in suit number UHC/21c/13, found the accused guilty on one-count charge of murder preferred against him by the State Attorney-General through the Director of Public Prosecution.

The accused, a 49-year-old employee of the Administration Department of the Delta State Judiciary from Esama town in Bomadi Local Council, on or about the 31st day of January, 2013 at Otobor Street, killed Stella Avwenayerhe by stabbing her on the chest, an offence punishable under section 319 of the Criminal Code Cap C.21, Volume 1, Laws of Delta State, 2006.

Donbrapade popularly known as “honourable” shared a room in a three-bedroom flat located at No 15 Otobo Street Ughelli with the husband of the deceased with a separate entrance to his room.

On the fateful day, the accused and the victim were said to have had a minor altercation after he walked through the rug in the sitting room without removing his shoes. Still

boiling with rage, the accused was reported to have subsequently dashed into his room only to appear with a knife and immediately stabbed Stella Avwenayerhe in the chest. She was confirmed dead on arrival by doctors at the Ughelli Central Hospital where she was rushed to by neighbours who came to her rescue.

In his defence, the accused alleged that the victim was stabbed to death by some unidentified hoodlums in the area.

While delivering the death verdict, Justice F.O. Ohwo of the Ughelli High Court ruled that he disbelieved the accused whom he described as not a witness of truth and believed the evidence of the four prosecution witnesses called by an Assistant Director in the Ministry of Justice including the husband of the deceased, Mr. Lucky Okorodudu.

He ruled that the prosecution proved beyond all reasonable doubt the essential ingredients of the offence of murder against the accused person.

“I hereby sentence you to death by hanging on the neck until you be dead, may God have mercy on your soul,” Justice Ohwo ruled.

We need no more than 50 personnel to drive performance – DESOPADEC MD From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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ANAGING Director, Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission

Herdsmen behead welder at Abraka From EMMANUEL OGOIGBE, Warri

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BRAKA community in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State is gripped with fear of suspected herdsmen as residents of the agrarian town now seek refuge at police stations following the beheading of a welder.

The welder identified as Solomon Ejoor lost his life in an attempt to rescue their mother from the den of the suspected herdsmen.

The deceased, a native of UrhuokaAbraka community, had gone with his siblings to rescue his mother from the suspected herdsmen at Abraka before he met his untimely death.

It would be recalled that a senior staff of the library department of the Delta State University, Mr. Sunday Idama, father of 14, was recently killed at his cassava farm in a similar manner.

Piqued by the continuous killing of indigenes and non-indigenes in the area, residents of the community accused the king and community leaders of inaction even as the corpse of Ejoor was seized from security agents and dumped at the palace of the traditional ruler; an act described as abomination by the President General of the community, Chief Tedwins Emudainohwo.

The community also accused the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, over what they saw as his continued silence on the killings by herdsmen.

Accusing the monarch and the Council of Chiefs of not doing enough to stem the incessant attacks, the protesters invaded the palace destroying cars and air conditioners with a threat to torch the palace, but for the timely intervention of a detachment of army personnel.

According to the President General, Chief Emudainohwo, “they brought the corpse to the palace with the in-

Right-Left: Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Ikunyi Ibani, Former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili, Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Wife of the Archbishop of the Anglican Niger Delta Province, Mrs Beatrice Kattey and the Archbishop of the Anglican Province of Niger Delta, Most Rev Ignatius Kattey during the Golden Jubilee Dedication and Thanksgiving Service at the Saint Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Port Harcourt on Sunday

tention of defying the palace coupled with the fact that it is a taboo for the Ovie (king) to see corpse of a person.

“The victim in the company of his younger brother and two friends had gone to the bush to rescue their mother who had gone to farm and was trapped in the bush following a sporadic shooting by herdsmen in the area.

“Their mother had gone to her farm on Monday to work. While there, she started hearing sporadic gunshots inside the bush and had to take cover at a spot. In her hiding position, she was able to see some Fulani herdsmen walking past as they continued shooting.

“After the situation had calm down, she called her children and told them that she had been trapped inside the bush.

“One of the sons, who heard the distress call, called the younger one in company of two of their friends, and immediately, they proceeded to the bush to rescue their mother in a motorcycle without informing the community leaders.

“On arrival at the bush, the Fulani herdsmen exchanged fire with them and overpowered them. Fortunately enough, three of them were able to run for their lives, but the eldest son could not as he fell from the motorcycle and was taken away by his assailants.

“Though the woman slept in the bush, the next day, the boys went back to the bush, rescued her but her son was still missing. We filed a missing person report over the incident but later in the day, we got information that his remains were discovered in the bush after he was killed and beheaded.

“Immediately, I called the DPO who mobilized his men and the vigilant group who went to the bush to recover the body.

(DESOPADEC), Dr Williams Makinde, has said that the staff strength needed to effectively drive performance in the commission is not more than 50 persons.

Makinde stated this recently in Warri at the 2017 public lecture organised by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), Warri Branch, with the theme “Driving Performance in the Public Sector.”

He said the Commission’s current staff strength of about 4,000 would not encourage the expected performance comparable to what is found in the private sector.

According to Makinde, the work environment in the public sector is a major challenge to effective performance of duties.

“We currently have a staff strength of about 4,000 in DESOPADEC; we do not need more than 50 of those to run the

commission to enhance performance,” he said, observing that performance is key in every sector, particularly the civil service which he said drives other sectors in the country.

Makinde, however, urged employers of labour to take issues of retirement seriously in order to cultivate good conscience and encourage those in the service to build their confidence and improve their performance.

The Chairman of the occasion, Sir Monday Onyeme, Executive Chairman, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue (DBIR) said the current size of the State civil service could not spur that performance as in the private sector.

He, however, advised government to do something to drive the expansion of the private sector to enable it absorb the redundant hands in the public sector.

“The culture of private sector is driven by profit but that of the public is driven

by the fact that government desires to give people means of livelihood and to check poverty,” he said.

Mrs Irene Edemirukewa, Head, Corporate Strategy and Planning, Lily Hospital, Warri, charged leaders to be accountable and create enabling environment for workers to perform.

“We must take away bureaucracy and apply rewards and sanctions without bias in order to drive performance in the public sector,” she said.

On his part, Mr Anthony Osanakwu, a retired civil servant, said government must ensure payment of workers’ benefits and entitlements including the 13th month as motivating factor to drive performance.

Earlier, the guest lecturer, Dr Charles Ugwu, Director, Professional Development, CIPM, Lagos, said to make things work in the public sector, performance must be pushed, pulled or lifted.

Ritualists on rampage, kill 6, remove body

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ITUALISTS operating across Delta State have allegedly killed six persons and parts of their bodies removed in the last one month.

Investigation revealed that the ritualists frequently strike in the cities of Asaba, Warri, Ughelli and Effurun where they have allegedly executed bizarre murders of unsuspecting persons, many of who are salesgirls and boys.

Four of such bizarre incidents involving female teenagers whose vital parts were found to have been cut off, were recorded in Effurun and Ughelli towns in the last one week.

The Oracle Today however gathered that fresh lifeless body of a lightcomplexioned girl was deposited along Effurun-Warri road recently with some parts of her body allegedly removed.

In the Easter period, another lifeless body of a female victim was deposited at Giwa Amu by Airport Road Junction where her body was mutilated.

It was reliably gathered that the suspected ritualists operated often in Ughelli, Asaba and Ibusa where there had been outcries over persons alleg-

edly killed at night and vital parts of their bodies removed.

But, the Police Commissioner in the state, Mr. Zanna Ibrahim, in a swift reaction, said the police are on top of the situation, and called for a collective responsibility among wellmeaning Deltans, especially in the provision of useful information to

the police, that would help to arrest those behind the evil acts.

He said the police recently arrest a 52-year-old man (name withheld) for allegedly killing a 12-year-old girl for rituals.

He explained that efforts were being made to ensure suspects are brought to book.

Ezinne Comfort Ngbakwala Nwosu goes home TODAY, Friday May 12th, 2017, in Umuokpo Autonomou Communicty in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State stands still for the burial of Ezinne Comfort Ngbakwala Nwosu.

Ezinne Comfort Ngbakwala Nwosu was born in the family of Agoha Ashiobi, in Olokwu Emeabiam, Owerri West LGA in 1925 and died on 2nd April (Sunday), 2017 (92 years).

According to a statement signed by one of his sons, Okenze Dr. John Nwosu (Traditional Prime Minister) of Umuokpo Autonomous Community,

the Wake-keep shall be on Thursday, May 11 by 7pm till Dawn.

Madam Ezinne Comfort Nwosu was a Devout Christian and Women Leader who lived examplary life wor-

45

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

FAITH

‘BCS is the kingdom of heaven on earth as prophesied by Daniel’ In this exclusive interview with JONATHAN AWANYAI at the world headquarters of the Brotherhood, where the 16th anniversary of the physical coronation of the spiritual leader, Olumba Olumba Obu took place, spokesman of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Christ Ambassador Edet Archibong spoke extensively on the message of the brotherhood and other controversial issues that have impeded their registration by the Christian Association of Nigeria. Excerpts: Insight into the belief of the brotherhood:

T

HE brotherhood of the cross and star is the new kingdom of God on earth. We remember that during the time of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, they disobeyed God and He was not happy with them and so He threw them out of the garden. That garden was supposed to be the kingdom of God on earth where God will relate very well with His children, speak with them and do all the things that He planned to do with them but unfortunately they could not keep to the agreement that they made with Him. He told them not to eat the fruit that is in the middle of the garden but they did that and they fell off with God and He drove them out.

From then on, iniquity increased on earth up to the point that that generation was wiped out by flood--remember the case of Noah. From then on, after that generation was wiped out, God decided that He was going to have mercy on mankind and so he selected Abraham as the vessel through whose seed He would bless humanity and so Abraham had a wife Sarah and God was to use the seed of Abraham through Sarah which was Isaac to save mankind.

Rebecca, Isaac’s wife was pregnant and had twins in her womb and we were told that the prophet then told her that what she had in her womb were two nations and two manner of people to be separated from her bowels. The two children who were in her womb were Esau and Jacob. Esau was named Edom while Jacob was named Israel. The plan of God was to salvage mankind in two phases. The first phase was the atonement that involves shedding of blood to appease God and save mankind by washing away the sins of mankind and that was to be done by one of the nations. Then the second phase was the establishment of the kingdom of God on earth, which was to be done by another nation. The first nation that did the assignment was Israel and our lord Jesus Christ came down to do that on behalf of Israel.

After he did it, he then prophesied that the kingdom would be taken away from Israel and given to another nation and that other nation could be no other than Edom because they were two nations. So, the kingdom was to change from Israel to Edom. To find out how this came about, God had to reveal it through some of his prophets and even through somebody who was not even a prophet and that was Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. The children of Israel were in captivity and were taken on exile to Babylon and one of them was Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream and so he wanted somebody to interpret the dream and because Daniel was very good in such matters, they sent for him. The interpretation was that the Lord God of heaven would come and establish a kingdom on earth and the time he would do that would be after the decline of the Roman Empire when the offshoots of the Roman Empire would be reigning.

Daniel also saw a relation about that and said that as he looked up to heaven, he saw that the thrones in heaven were cast down to earth and the ancient of days sat on that throne on earth.

He went on to describe the ancient of days as a human being. The ancient of days came down to the earth in human form and the purpose of coming down to the earth was to establish the kingdom. This you can find in the book of Daniel chapter 7 verse 9.

In 1918, something spectacular happened. An

extraordinary child was born in a village called Biakpan and when he was born, a lot of miracles trailed him. A lot of people were wondering what type of child he was but before he was born, there was a revelation about him that God would send somebody who would lead the flock of God and they would be wearing white. Many people did not know where to place his powers and therefore the young man after he grew up left Biakpan and settled in Calabar. What he was doing was to preach the word of God to whoever came his way. He went about healing the sick and performing so many miracles.

Eventually, he had a following due to all the things he did. Subsequently, he organized them into a group, had them baptized and with time performed a kind of fellowship with them. He then named the organization the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star. He was an epitome of the word of God. And his name is Olumba Olumba Obu. The Brotherhood of the Cross and Star is the kingdom of God established here on earth and, therefore, it is the fulfilment of Daniel’s prophesy--that the ancient of days would establish His kingdom on earth.

Leader Olumba Olumba Obu told us that God Almighty has sent him to earth and he was also to hand over this kingdom to the son of man and this son of man was to be born through no other but him because he was identified as the ancient of days. His first begotten son was whom he handed the kingdom of heaven to in fulfilment of the prophesy of Daniel. The kingdom was handed over to his son who is also known as his holiness, Olumba Olumba Obu. The plan of God was for the ancient of days to establish the kingdom and then hand over it over to the son of man who will now administer it and what is taking place today is the anniversary of the coronation of the son of God and son of man, his holiness Olumba Olumba Obu, which happened

16 years ago. The doctrine of the brotherhood is peace, love and togetherness.

What is the significance of the 144,000 virgins to the BCS? If you go the book of Revelations, we were told that there would be one 144,000 people who are not defiled by anything and they would follow the lamb of God wherever he goes and whatever the lamb tells tell them, that is what they will do and that is what the virgins in the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star stand for.

What is the significance of the 16th anniversary of the physical coronation?

When the brotherhood was established, it was established by the Ancient of Days and then he handed over to the son of man. Handing over the kingdom was signified by the coronation of the person who will rule in the kingdom because he is called the king of kings and the lord of lords.

Before the physical coronation, he had already been spiritually crowned.

How did the spiritual leader of BCS come about the title ‘king of kings and lord of lords’?

If you read Revelations chapter 5,verses 9 and 10,you will find out that there was a seal that nobody could open and it was only the lamb of God who could open it and when he opened the seal and read the content, there were some who were at the altar of God and one of the things they said was that the lamb of God was worthy to open the seal and had made them king and queens unto God. And he is to lord over them, so he should be king of kings and lords of lords.

What is the difference between the doctrine of the Brotherhood, Christianity and traditional worship?

African traditional belief as we know is about ancestral worship. In the case of the brotherhood, we are taught by God Himself. We know that the man we have in our midst is Christ that has come back. Just like other Christians believe, Christ has used his blood to wash away the sins

of the world, so there will be no need for any other sacrifice. There is nothing like ancestral worship here. Worship is only for one God who is the Almighty. We believe in prayers and fasting.

A lot of Christians do not understand that our lord Jesus Christ was to come back to earth.

People think that he will descend from the sky but that is not so. The nature of God is spirit and before our lord Jesus Christ came in the first advent, the bible says that he was the word and the word was with God and the word was God and there was nothing that was made without the word and that this word came down and lived with men and we saw his glory.

After his assignment, he decided to go back to his father in the spiritual form. During the ascension the angels said that he would come back in the same manner as you see him go up. I do not understand why Christians interpret that to mean that he will drop from the sky whereas what the angels meant was that you have seen him go up in the flesh as a human being, he will also come back as a human being. Heaven is not in the sky, so when they say that he rose up to heaven, it is just a way of talking. Heaven is a spiritual realm and it has no geographical location.

Therefore, our Lord Jesus Christ did not go to heaven, all he did was to change into the spiritual form and for him to come back to the earth he has to change into the physical form just like he did in the first instance. And if he has to change back to the physical form, it is only in the womb of a woman that flesh can be acquired. The book of Revelation chapter 12 verse 5 says that the one who will rule the world shall be born of a woman and he will rule the world with an iron hand.

Does the brotherhood believe in reincarnation?

As far as we know, if somebody who was living before passes on, the spirit in him takes up another body that we know is reincarnation. Incarnation means when a spirit takes up a body.

Reincarnation means when that spirit which took that body comes back and takes another body as in the case of our lord Jesus Christ.

Why is your spiritual leader addressed as ‘god’ by his followers?

In the vision of Daniel, what he saw was what he described as the son of man. The son of man is our lord Jesus Christ who was to come back to the earth. What we are seeing now is our lord Jesus Christ who was to come back to the earth in fulfilment of Daniel’s prophesies. Christ said to his followers that he was going to prepare a place for them and then come back and take them to the place. That place that he went to prepare is on earth .The scripture in Revelation said that they are now to reign on earth. Christ told his followers that wherever he will be, that is where they will be. If they are reigning on earth, where then will Christ be?

Is the brotherhood a member of the Christian Association of Nigeria?

The Brotherhood of the Cross and Star is not a member of CAN. We tried to register with Christian Association of Nigeria but we were faced with a lot of obstacles. They told us that they had a separate belief from ours because we are saying that Christ has already come while they are still expecting him and as such they don’t want to associate with the brotherhood.

Brotherhood is not a church. It is the kingdom of God, which we pray for. In the Lord’s Prayer, we pray, ‘God, let thy kingdom come.’ That is why Christians cannot comprehend the brotherhood because what we are doing must be different from what others are doing

46

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 17, 2017

SPORTS

Rohr has vindicated me – Amaju

By MADUABUCHI KALU

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resident of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Melvin Pinnick has expressed satisfaction on the performance of the Super Eagles’ gaffer, Gernot Rohr. According to Pinnick, the result of Rohrs performance since taking over the reins of the national team has vindicated his decision to bring him in to steer the ship of the country’s flagship football team, the Super Eagles.

Amaju explained that there is no gain saying that Nigerian coaches are good but explained that the country has gone beyond having a coach, saying what the country needs is a manager who will be able to manage the ego of the players. Somebody who will be able to serve as a father figure to the players, someone who can talk to the players on what his plans are, who can talk to the parents of the players and their respective club managers and backroom staff.

“Of course the result of what Gernot Rohr has been able to achieve since taking over the reins of the Super Eagles is there for all to see,” Pinnick began.

“I must thank my colleague in the executive committee of the Nigeria Football Federation who gave me the rare privilege to bring in a foreigner and at the same time employ him. I am grateful to them because without their support and approval it wouldn’t have been possible.

“There is no gain saying that Nigerian coaches are good and competent

•Says “Nigeria needs manager not a coach” but we have gone beyond having a coach to handle the Super Eagles.

What we need is a manager not a coach and that is what informed the idea of bringing in Rohr.

“We needed a manager who will be able to tell a player, I am here to coach you and not to sell you. We need a manager who will be able to manage the ego of the players, someone who will be able to explain to the players what his plans for the team are.

“Someone who will serve as father figure to the players, someone who will be able to talk to the parents of these players, someone who will be able to talk to the coaches of these players in their various clubs and say, hey coach; why are you not playing maybe Mikel, Iheanacho, Iwobi etc.

“Somebody who will be able to talk to the backroom staff of the various clubs of these players and that is what Rohr has been doing and we are seeing the result.

“The players have a lot of respect for him because they trust him and understand his plans for the team; that is why they have shown maximum commitment to the team,” Amaju explained.

“I can assure you that the commitment of the players is 100 per cent and they are determined to ensure that we qualify for the 2018 World Cup and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nation and we have been talking with them.

Nigeria to participate in World Swimming Championship –Jesimiel

•Jesimiel

A “To buttress their commitment, we had a meeting during the last friendly match in London against the Teranger Lions of Senegal and they pledged that the issue of bonuses should not slow down their commitment to the team. That is huge commitment I assured them that they will certainly get what is due to them once the re-

sources are available and everyone is happy.

“So, there is no fear as to whether we will qualify for the World Cup and Nations Cup because the players are out to ensure that we do not only qualify for the two competitions but also do well in them,” Amaju explained.

Bahamas 2017: Brazil’re FIFA Beach Soccer Champions

By MADUABUCHI KALU with agency report

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razil on Sunday emerged this year’s FIFA Beach Soccer Champions after handing a humiliating 6-0 defeat to Tahiti to make it the fifth time the South American giants would have won the FIFA Beach Soccer at the expense of other countries that have been taking part in the FIFA Beach Soccer Tournament.

There is no gain saying that the final game of the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer was one sided as Tahiti had no answers to the mesmerizing moves of the Brazilian Beach Soccer team.

Therefore, it was not a surprise to the followers of game that the result was emphatic, at 6-0.

Brazil dominated in every department of the game on Sunday. Brazil extended their all-time record to 35 consecutive win in all FIFA organized competition with the 6-0 win over Tahiti.

Despite the humiliating 6-0 defeat Tahiti suffered in the hands of the adidas Golden Ball: Mohammad Ahmadzadeh Iran South American football giants, they emerged runners up of the 2017 FIFA adidas Silver Ball: Mauricinho Brazil Beach Soccer while Iran took the third position after seeing off Italy adidas Bronze Ball: Datinha Brazil with 5-3 victory.

The Iranian third position repadidas Golden Scorer: Gabriele Gori Italy resents the best finish for the country in any world competition and the adidas Silver Scorer: Rodrigo Brazil best finish for Asia in the competition history. adidas Bronze Scorer: Mohammad Ahmadzadeh It is recalled that Nigeria participated in the 2017 FIFA Beach Soccer but adidas Golden Glove: Peyman Hosseini Iran exited the tournament after the first round of matches having lost two Fair Play Award: Brazil of their matches with a victory over Mexico to show for their effort. Ni- countries that represented the con- from April 27-May 7. The other coungeria happened to be one of the two tinent at the competition which held try from the continent is Senegal and

Beach Soccer Awards

they also crashed out of the competition without making it to medal zone.

Meanwhile, the third placed team at the just concluded FIFA Beach Soccer, Iran was Nigeria’s last opponents in the group stage in Nassau, Bahamas.

There is no gain saying that the Nigeria Beach Soccer Team did their best but it was not good enough because there is no way anybody can give what he/she does not have. The Nigerian team did not prepare well for the championship and the blame goes to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

So the team should not be blamed because even the first Vice President of the NFF, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, acknowledged the fact that the team did not have adequate preparations for the tournament.

board member of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF) and Chairman of Open Water Swimming in Nigeria, Rev. Sam Jesimiel, has expressed the hope that the country will take part in the forthcoming world swimming championship which will hold in June/July in Budapest, Hungary.

Jesimiel made this known in exclusive telephone interview with The Oracle Today Sports. According to him, the Federation has expressed the desire and interest to participate in the world swimming championship if the funds are there as funds has always been the problem of the Federation when it comes to the issue of participating in international championships of this nature and staging of local championship.

“Well, we have expressed our desire and interest to participate in the World Swimming Championship which is holding in June/July in Budapest, Hungary,” Jesimiel began.

“Of course our participation in the world championship is tied to the availability of funds. You know that funds have always hampered our participation in international championships like the one that will be holding in June/July in Budapest.

“If we are able to find money we will certainly participate but let keep hope alive that we will be able to find money by that time.

“The major problem is that the ministry does not give us any financial help and we hope that this time, the Hon. Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung will be able to assist us,” Jesimiel enthused.

Meanwhile, Jesimiel has described the just-concluded swimming events of the Nigerian Universities Games as very successful as there was no accident or any form of trouble throughout the duration of the championship.

According to him, The University of Port Harcourt emerged the champions of the swimming events even as he expressed regrets that some notable swimming institutions such as the University of Ibadan were absent.

He, however, said that about 12 universities qualified for the finals of the swimming events, including the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife, Ekiti State University among others.

47

SPORTS

•Gianni Infantino

We’ve no business with who handles Bafana Bafana-Erico

F

ollowing the re-appointment of former Bafana Bafana coach, Stuart Baxter, as a result of the sack of Stanley Tshabalala some weeks ago, former national team goalkeeper and coach, Joe Erico, otherwise known and addressed as ‘Jogo Bonito’ which means good football, has advised Nigerians to stop worrying over who handles the South African national team.

According to him, the country has no business in who is the coach of President Zuma boys as it is not our business.

He explained that instead of dissipating energy on talking about who is the coach of Bafana Bafana, it will pay us more to concentrate and focus on our preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying match involving the two countries in June in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

Erico explained that as far as he is concerned; it a mere waste of time for Nigerians to be talking about the appointment of Baxter as the Bafana Bafana coach as it is not our business because whoever coaches them is none of our business.

“Well, I don’t really quite get it when we start expressing concern over what does not concern us. What is our business with who handles or coaches the Bafana Bafana?,” Erico queries.

“With all due respect to those who are bothered about the appointment of Mr. Baxter as the coach of South African national team, I don’t know why they should be bothered in the first place.

“As far as I am concerned, I think that the proper thing to do is for us to concentrate and focus our attention on how to prepare well for our Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier against the Bafana Bafana next month in Uyo. “All our efforts should be geared towards getting the maximum points from the game and if possible equally secure the maximum points in their home and I believe that it is possible and doable.

“We should be planning on how to ensure that our record against South Africa is maintained. What I am saying in effect is that South Africa has never beaten us in any competitive game and we should maintain that record because I don’t see them rubbishing that record this time round,” Erico explained.

•Joe Erico

I did not reject Joshua –Nwankpa

•Says “allegation, distortion of facts” Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

F

ormer African and Commonwealth boxing champion and the immediate past national boxing coach, Obisia Nwankpa has denied rejecting Nigerian born British heavyweight world champion, Anthony Joshua when he made effort to represent the country at the global biggest sports fiesta, the Olympics in London in 2012.

Obisia was reacting to the allegation which went viral on the social media immediately the British boxer knocked out former International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight champion, Wladimir Klitschko at the 90,000 capacity Wembley Stadium in London, in the much hyped boxing bout.

Nwankpa made the denial in exclusive telephone interview with The Oracle Today Sports. He explained that the truth of the matter is that he was aware of the time Joshua was said to have indicated interest to represent Nigeria at the London Olympics in 2012 but that the world champion never returned to the country.

He further explained that at that time, he was the national coach but that then Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Dr. Patrick Ekeji brought in one Idika Nsofor and made the Technical Adviser of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF)

•Nwankpa

and empowered him to take control of affairs of boxing and not him as people presumed.

Speaking further, the Abia State born former national champion explained that by the time Joshua demanded to be a part of the Nigerian boxing team to the London Olympics, he (Joshua) wanted to stroll into the team without passing through the normal process of coming to prove himself that he was better than those on ground which Nwankpa explained is the right thing to do.

He said accusing him of rejecting the world champion is a distortion of

fact as he was not in-charge due to the imposition of Idika Nsofor on the board of the Nigerian Boxing Federation (NBF) by the then DG of the NSC, Dr. Patrick Ekeji and queried how he would have rejected someone who didn’t come to Nigeria in the first place.

“Well, I would like to start by saying that there was never a time I rejected Anthony Joshua as people are accusing me of in 2012,” Nwankpa began.

“I was actually the national coach for boxing but then, the then Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Dr. Patrick Ekeji brought

in one Idika Nsofor as the Technical Adviser for boxing and imposed him on the board of NBF, thereby relegating me to the background. Nsofor was the man who was in-charge during the period and not me.

“And for those who went to town to accuse me falsely that I rejected Nsofor, I want to remind them that I was dropped for the Olympics. I didn’t go for the Games because Ekeji made sure that I was denied the opportunity of following the team to London. It was Nsofor that was in-charge of the Nigerian boxing team to the London 2012 Olympics.

“Therefore, if I am not in-charge, how would I have rejected Joshua?

Nwamkpa queried.

“So, it was a distortion of fact for anyone to accuse me of rejecting Joshua when he wanted to join the Nigerian boxing team to the London 2012 Olympic Games. This is the fact I am telling you which is the truth and those who could remember what transpired then will be able to recall whether what I have stated now is the truth and nothing but the truth,” Nwankpa explained.

“Again, I want to put the records straight for posterity. I was aware that there was report that Anthony Joshua wanted to come and join the Nigerian Olympic Boxing Team for the 2012 London Olympics but he never did. Anybody who is in doubt should go and find whether Joshua ever returned to Nigeria in 2012 and these things are easy discover.

“The truth of the matter is that from what I was made to understand then, he wanted to stroll into the team, without going through trials which is the normal procedure. In other words, he wanted to join the team without proving that he is better than the boxers we had in the team and it is not done like that. But the fact still remains that he didn’t even set his foot on Nigeria in 2012 let alone being denied being a part of the team trial or no trial.

“We have cases of athletes who are based abroad coming back home to represent the country and they are beaten by those at home. So, it is not enough for you to just return from abroad and said you want to represent the country without proving that you are better than the athletes we already have.

“Every Nigerian is qualified and entitled to represent the country but you need to first and foremost prove that you are worthy of representing the country because the country goes to any championship with her best,” Nwankpa explained.

“I also know that at that time we had very good boxers like Durodola, Leti and Gbenga Onunuga. Had it been that he returned home at that time, he would have gone on trial to see whether he is better than these boxers that we had then or not but unfortunately, he never returned home and some mischief makers have gone to town to spread falsehood that I rejected him.

“However, I am happy for him and I want to congratulate him on his success. He has proved me right in the sense that I have always maintained that we have the best of boxers in this country but we lack enabling environments. With good environment, look at what he has been able to achieve at age 27. Congratulations to him once again,” Nwankpa said.

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THE FRONTIER

ISSN: 2545-5869

Wednesday May 17, 2017

By Martin Ike-Muonso (Ph.D, DBA) 08033148722

Fraud, greed or Nigerian brand of entrepreneurship?

E

CONOMIES thrive and grow based on the quality of entrepreneurship existing within them. The quality of entrepreneurship in turn depends on the predominant approach to competition and value creation. Entrepreneurs in their pursuit of profit create things of value and in the process, foster macroeconomic growth, employment and income for many agents within the system.

The Nigerian entrepreneur, just like their counterparts all over the world, typically lives with the ever-present threat of business failure arising from many possible sources, including government’s policies and regulations, limited financial resources, high costs of doing business and aggressive competition in the marketplace etc. In the face of these regularly challenging circumstances as well as other difficulties, the demand to create appropriate balance between ethical exigencies, economic convenience, and other societal expectations arise. Thus, faced with certain dilemmas and conflicting priorities in seeking to resolve these, entrepreneurs must often rely on their own judgment to determine ‘‘what is right’’.

The challenge of determining what is right is heightened by the fact that the entrepreneur and the society where he or she operates have a fairly different and seemingly contradictory set of goals. Thus, while the individuals making up the society want to receive well paid jobs, the entrepreneur will rather want to minimize cost; while the individuals want to purchase goods at the lowest prices possible, the entrepreneur wants to maximize as much profits as possible; while the government will like to collect as much taxes as possible, the entrepreneur wants to save as much income as possible.

And the contradiction goes on. The entrepreneur wants to succeed at all cost. But the possibility of success, however, hangs on certain morality threshold in the marketplace.

On one hand, sustaining high ethical threshold will make the business successfully function and remain competitive; it can also impose burdens that can slow down the pace of entrepreneurial growth. This fear which has been heightened over the years by business failures due to macroeconomic problems have tended to make the Nigerian entrepreneur develop a somewhat brand that seems to be on average empty of morality and ethics. But the question that arises pertains to whose responsibility it is to define different varieties of ethical standards.

The Nigerian entrepreneur on average appears desperate and seems to act it out at every opportunity. In a lot of ways, this desperation or extreme fear of failure is justified

where more than half of start-up businesses die annually and up to 30% of already existing ones equally go into extinction due to ravaging effects of many years of destructive macroeconomic policies. These desperations manifest in equally entrepreneurial device of every ingenious way to beat the law and subvert longstanding moral principles in bids to stay on in business. In it, therefore, lies the wisdom and seeming entrepreneurial morality in the conscious importation of fake drugs, expired food items, repackaged as if they are not, under-reporting of financial performance, outright fraud and deception of customers, tax evasion, intellectual property, piracy etc, that are on average the hallmarks of many Nigerian entrepreneurs.

Sometimes, the desperation is seen in activities whose ethical content is a subject of controversy such as hiring women who will be made to clad half naked with substantial sex appeal for marketing purposes. To some, this is immoral since some level of manipulation may be involved while to some, it is not anything entrepreneurially unethical since the near or full nakedness of a lady does not coerce any party into participating in a business transaction.

But entrepreneurship is not fraud; even though greed may be necessary to motivate the actors into the pursuit of higher profits, still, entrepreneurial acumen does not accept subversions of legal and well and clearly defined moral dictates. The entrepreneurial risks are most evident in the competitor spirit, which underlies the project motive. Thus, when the entrepreneur deals with the competition and competition situations, concerns about business morality and ethical behaviour

frequently arise. The intensity of the challenge to survive and be profitable also comes with a corresponding pressure whether or not to act in an ethical manner.

Some of the causes of unethical business behaviour at least in this environment include the overly ambitious financial or business objectives, rationalization based on the fact that other businesses have done it, saving of jobs, resisting competitive pressures etc.

Let us examine the most prominent, which is the striving of businesses to meet certain ambitious targets. For such terms, the employees are oftentimes stretched to the limits of what is ethically possible. For those who are endowed with ingenious criminal entrepreneurship, they device different strategies ranging from what is morally acceptable to the ones which are not; particularly if those activities do not seem to out rightly contravene written codes. For those who probably do not have that iron-mindedness to clearly overstep the un-arguable morality threshold, they hang on at the margin where it is easy to defend or out rightly deny their actions.

Take for instance women working in a bank with such crazy and unrealizable target at a threat of possible sack if target is not met. If the prospects of such women securing alternative employment in the short-term are very hard or near impossible, the two options left can be rightly guessed: either resign or prostitute within the system or among potential clients. This is actually not far from the current position of things in that respect Pursuit of highly ambitious targets is behind most of the unethical beahviours in business among Nigerians. This, in itself is not bad.

Businessmen need to be greedy and overly

ambitious to make it. But ambition and accompanying goals should be set within a set of realizable or realistic strategic actions. For instance, a palm oil trader who wants to sell up to 500kg worth of oil needs to device appropriate strategy for sourcing the produce cheaply rather than adulterating about 300kg worth of palm oil with another in the absence of a clear strategy for competition. That has been the situation among Nigerian business people.

Three fundamental ethical considerations are important for entrepreneurial strategy and success. These are (a) the extent of ethical considerations (b) the cost of ethical considerations and the (c) the recipient of the responsibility. The consideration of the extent of ethical considerations raises the questions such as “beyond the legal minimum, to what extent does the entrepreneur wish to consider the ethical issues that could arise in his conduct of its business?” An example that comes to my mind here relates to the operations of the wonder banks. Legally speaking, some of these companies are well covered to carry out their activities if viewed on the surface.

Yet a closer look will reveal a criminal or fraudulent undertone.

In terms of cost associated with ethical considerations, many of the conflicts arise in the first place because such measures were without cost and, therefore would be easily be undertaken. There seems to be no abstract rule here but each entrepreneur considers this extensively. The cost considerations here are subjective and oftentimes related to what may be considered as the corresponding benefits. For instance, the wonder banks may consider as costs the facts that the justice system may wake up one day and correctly interpret its deposit taking activities which have been unethically misrepresented and packaged as ‘investment contribution’ as deposit taking with implications for sanctions.

But they also know that the justice system is weak and before it can get itself together to act, the bank would have sufficiently rippedoff unsuspecting clients. This type of example is seen in virtually every sphere of operations of the Nigerian entrepreneur.

Finally, the entrepreneur takes into consideration in the light of particular circumstances that it may have some kind of responsibility to the state, local community, individuals etc. For the Nigerian entrepreneur who is faced with the enormous challenge of maximizing profits within the bounds of law, there are no easy solutions to ethical problems. But shortcuts, shoddy professionalism garnished with some levels of tainted fraud appear dominant. Is this the brand of Nigerian entrepreneurship?

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.