Wednesday May 30, 2018 Edition

2nd Niger Bridge: Contract still not awarded

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O much is said about the percentage of work done on the 2nd Niger Bridge that those familiar with the outcome of work rated in percentages should be concerned. For more than two decades, the Ajaokuta Steel Mill has been at 98 per cent completion.

By the time the multi-billion-dollar Ajaokuta Steel Mill, the largest steel mill in Nigeria, was awarded to the Soviet Union in 1979, it had been conceived since

The Oracle Today Comment the 1960s. By 1994, the complex had attained 98% completion. It has not been completed and to date, it has not produced a single sheet.

A 1987 contract for the construction of a standard gauge railway from the iron mines at Itakpe to the steel-

works at Ajaokuta, continuing to the Atlantic Ocean port city of Warri, remains uncompleted. The section from Itakpe to Ajaokuta has been vandalised.

IT is apparent that the 2 per cent uncompleted part of the mill in Ajaokuta is so important that without it,

The

VOX POPULI SACRUM

there is no mill. Without the rails, the mill would be unable to get its products to users at competitive rates.

It would be worse if the products were for exports.

THE resort to percentages in deciding the work that has been done on the 2nd Niger Bridge, after the

WEDNESDAY May 30, 2018

Ajaokuta experience, gives confusing signals. Ajaokuta, in addition to the mismanagement of the funds for its construction, and political interference, suffered the global consequences of the dissolution of the Soviet Union into 15 countries on 26 December 1991.

UKRAINE inherited Ajaokuta following a long tango with Russia. Whatever it is that has held the completion of the steel mill in 23 years “at 98 per cent completion” should be instructive about the 2nd Niger Bridge, which like Ajaokuta, has been on the drawing board since the 1960s. The challenges are only slightly

racle www.oraclenews.ng

ISSN: 2545-5869

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Today

VOL.3 No.21 N200

Restructuring: IPOB, Ohanaeze sheath sword •Pro-Biafra group, youth wing dialogue •Ohanaeze re-fires flagging campaign •Demands capture Igbo, others’ needs •Buhari, APC must restructure before elections

From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka; THEO RAYS and IBE NWACHUKWU, Onitsha

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fter what seemed like a lull in the clamour for restructuring

•Knights in Uyo participate in nation-wide Catholics’ protest against herdsmen

Photo: Ini Billie

Catholics march against herdsmen –P2

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of the Nigerian federation, following a shift of emphasis by the political elite and the media to PVC and 2019 election, the political class appeared to have found its voice again with Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s clear-cut declarations at a summit in Awka, the Anambra State capital, on what the apex Igbo socio-cultural and political organization said is the Igbo stand on the way forward for Nigeria.

Although the Summit, which held on Monday, May 21 went on peacefully and produced what may well be the most comprehensive position yet on how to restructure Nigeria, perhaps of more significance to the organizers and other stakeholders is that the Summit actually held after a “brotherly” dialogue between the youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which had threatened to disrupt the Summit.

IPOB, which does not believe in restructuring but in a UN-organised referendum in which ‘Biafrans’ should vote to decide whether to remain in Nigeria or in a separate new state, had threatened to disrupt the Summit to press home the point that “what Ndigbo want is Biafra not restructuring.”

But, in a chat with journalists shortly after the Summit on Monday, lead-

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Experts predict decline in headline inflation for May

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

NEWS Anambra Police Commissioner, POWA raise funds for police children’s classroom block

By OGE ONYEANUSI

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upils and staff of Police Children’s School, Onitsha who are currently occupying a dilapidated block as learning centre have reason to smile as the state Commissioner of Police in collaboration with the Police Officers’ Wives Association(POWA) has organized a N20million school project for the school.

The fund-raising ceremony, which took place last weekend at the Central Police Station [(CPS) field, Onitsha attracted dignitaries and notable industrialists who donated to the project.

Addressing the crowd who trooped to the field for the event, Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Garba Umar who personally acted as the second Master of Ceremony (MC) at the occasion pleaded with well- meaning people of the state to see their donation as a call to duty by contributing immensely to ameliorate the sufferings of the pupils and their staff who have been working under a severe environment.

Umar who sounded emotional throughout his speech, however, expressed hope that with the co-operation of the people, the children would enjoy relative comfort in their classrooms if the project is actualised.

He advised donors not to see any donation made in cause of the school project as that of his or the police, but that done to uplift the standard of learning of the children, stressing that money realized at the event would be judiciously utilized.

In an interview, the Chairperson, Police Officers’ wives Association (POWA), Anambra State, Hajia Khadizar Umar said POWA was moved to tears when the organization learned about the dilapidated condition of the present block where pupils in the police children’s school, Onitsha were having their lessons and appreciated the contributions of all who donated money for construction of a school block for the children.

In a remark, the representative of the State Governor and Commissioner for Basic Education, Prof. Kate Omenugha noted that Gov. Willie Obiano was excited to hear that POWA was contributing to the welfare of school children in the state, adding that the governor had pledged to support immensely in the construction of the project.

Dignitaries that attended the event included Chief Ike Okonkwo (Onwa Ifitedunu) who was the chief launcher, Dozzy Oil and Gas, Godwin Okeke (GUO) who was represented by the wife, Lady Pat Okeke, DPOs and other notable personalities.

High point of the event were musical performances by the Police Band, pupils of police children school, Onitsha, and a solo musical effort by a police sergeant who later thrilled the crowd with his songs.

... IPOB, Ohanaeze sheath sword Continued from Pg 1 er, Anambra State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu said the peaceful and successful restructuring meet organized by the national body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo took place owing largely to “the strategic dialogue the youth wing had with IPOB before the summit.”

Okpalaezeukwu expressed gratitude to both the IPOB for not disrupting the all-important event, and the Ohanaeze parent body for successfully hosting the Summit.

The youth leader, who bemoaned what he called “undue proscription of IPOB by the federal government,” however said Ohanaeze youths would henceforth engage in constant dialogue with IPOB to ensure that peace reigns in Igbo land, insisting that there is no need for confrontation between Ohanaeze and IPOB because both parties are pursuing a good cause for Ndigbo.

He commended the Summit Organizing Committee led by Prof. Charles Soludo and the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo for a successful outing and urged the Ohanaeze parent body to swear in the newly elected National Youth Leader, Mazi Uchenna Arthur Obiorah (Chinetugo), without further delay.

He expressed gratitude for the transparency and professionalism exhibited by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo NEC Panel of Enquiry into the election of Ohanaeze National Youth Leadership and urged the parent body to graciously and expeditiously submit their report on the youth leadership election in order to ensure that the leader-elect is sworn-in as soon as possible, for effective leadership to the Igbo Youths”.

The Ohanaeze Summit came nine months after a similar summit by the Yoruba in Ibadan in September last year and those of the South South in October last year and Middle Belt in February this year.

In January this year, Southern and Middle Belt leaders also met in Enugu, the Enugu State capital, at a conference organised by a group called Nzuko Umunna, where they demanded that the 2019 election should not hold if the country is not restructured.

But, the Igbo position as projected by Ohanaeze Ndigbo at its recent Summit in Awka appears to be the most detailed and specific so far.

The Igbo rose from their “Summit on the Restructuring of Nigeria” with a 10-point demand for a balanced federation that would meet the needs of all ethnic groups in Nigeria.

The 10-point demand includes, among others: •A constitutional conference backed by a law from the National Assembly to provide platform for the peoples of Nigeria to hammer out a new “The People’s Constitution.”

•In the Declaration delivered by the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who was chairman of the organizing committee, the Igbo also demand a slight amendment to the current system of government, recommending a retention of the presidential system only at the federal level while the regions or states should choose the type of government that best suits them.

•They also demand that the tenure of the office of the president be a single term of six years with five vice-presidents representing each of the geopolitical zones except the zone that produces the President. According to the Igbo, tenure for governors and deputy governors, which would be rotated among the senatorial districts, should also be one term of six years.

•Thirdly, the Igbo demand that six geopolitical zones form the federating units or six regions of the country. Thus, there would be six regional governments, each comprising the current states within each zone and any other

•Pupils in a primary school ‘classroom’ at Ngor Okpoala, Imo State

...Catholics march against herdsmen •Two Priests murdered in Benue buried

From VICTOR NZE, Lagos, CHUKS EZE, Enugu, and INI BILLIE, Uyo

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igerian Catholics have marched staged a nationwide peaceful protest to register their displeasure at the killing of two priests and 17 other members of the Mother Church by suspected herdsmen in Benue State in April this year.

The protest came in response to the directive by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria that all Catholic faithful across the country should embark on a peaceful and prayerful protest, tagged, ‘March for Life.’

According to the directive, mem-

bers were to be dressed in “all Catholic society groups, apostolate, Bishop’s installation or parish uniforms,” while those who do not have any of such uniforms were advised to wear a white top.

Priests were all in cassock and habits.

The 19 victims of the attack were buried at the Ayati pilgrim site near Ikpayongo in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State on Tuesday, May 22.

In Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, parishioners, priests, vicars and reverend sisters gathered at the SS Peter and Paul Major Seminary in Bodija area of the city and were led in a procession by Archbishop

Gabriel Abegunrin to the state secretariat in Agodi, where they were received by Dr. Gbade Ojo, the Chief of Staff to Oyo State Governor.

The protesters carried placards bearing various inscription, among them, ‘No more killing’, ‘Christians are citizens too,’ ‘We say no to herdsmen killing’, Every person is created in the image of God’, Nigerians, arise and stand for justice,’ and ‘We must demand what we deserve’.

In Enugu, the Church held solemn prayer procession and Holy Mass in honour of the two priests and 17 faithful murdered in Benue State by hoodlums suspected to

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state that may be created within the zone from time to time.

Besides, each region would have its own constitution, for the good governance, peace and development of the region. Such regional constitutions have to clearly delineate levels of authority between the regional government and the component states (that is, defining powers that are exclusive to the region and powers that are residual to the states). The regional constitutions will not be inconsistent with the constitution of the federation, and will be invalidated to the extent of its inconsistency with the federal constitution.

•The Igbo seek a review of the current revenue sharing formula based on local governments to a new structure based on regions. Consequent upon this, the Ekwueme Square Declaration therefore demands an additional State for the south East in line with the 2014 National Conference, which states that in the spirit of reconciliation, equity, fair play and justice, a new State should be created in the South East.

•Fourth, the Igbo demand equality of all the regions or states that become the federating units.

•Fifth, the Igbo demand that the concept of ‘state of origin’ be scrapped from the constitution and replaced with the ‘state of residence’, explaining that ‘any child born of Nigerian parents anywhere in Nigeria should acquire the indigeneship (residency) rights of the area at birth and that any Nigerian citizen who has resided in any part of Nigeria and paid taxes there for a period of 10 years can acquire the indigeneship (residency) rights of the area, except the right to their traditional stool.

•Sixth, they demand that a two- or three-tier police structure with defined responsibilities that would be controlled by the federal and state or regional governments respectively be put in place.

•The Igbo also seek the abrogation of section 162 of the 1999 Constitution, which vests control of resources in the federal government, recommending “a truly” federal system that gives control of resources to the federal units, vesting ownership rights, control and exploitation of resources in the states. To this end, they argue that the federating units should keep 50% of rents, royalties and profit taxes on minerals from their lands while paying 20% to the regional government and 30% to the federal government.

•Eight, the Igbo make a strong case for the replacement of the Federal Character Commission with ‘Merit and Equal Opportunities Commission’ to ensure that merit is entrenched in the conduct of national and regional affairs, prescribing that 60% be reserved for merit and 40% for affirmative action.

•Nine, the Igbo demand that elections into the office of the president and federal legislature be conducted by the electoral body of the federal government while elections into regional/state offices be conducted by electoral bodies set up by the regional/ state constitutions or laws.

•10th and final declaration, the Igbo want the federating units to have their own judicial systems with courts of first instance, appellate courts and supreme courts to adjudicate on matters that are in the concurrent and residual lists as well as matters exclusively pre-

Cont’d on page 44

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

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The Oracle Today

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Wednesday May 30, 2018

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

Herdsmen killings: Taraba Govt, groups back Danjuma, reject Army Panel’s report

By VICTOR NZE

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ARABA State Government and some social cultural groups have rejected the Army Panel’s report which exonerated the force of allegations of collusion with armed herdsmen leveled against it by Lt. Gen Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), as well as some agencies and groups.

General Danjuma (rtd), it would be recalled, had accused the Army of colluding with the armed herdsmen who were terrorizing communities in the state, further calling on Taraba people to defend themselves against the invaders, a development which prompted an investigation by the Army.

However, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Taraba State on Media and Publicity, Mr. Bala Dan-Abu, Monday, stated that the State Government rejected the Army Panel’s report in its entirety, as he further accused the Army of ‘taking the position of a judge in their own case.’

“The allegations were made against the army and what we expected them to do was to set up an independent panel to investigate the allegations and not to assemble their own men to give them justice in their own case.

“The Army should set up a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the allegations if they must be taken seriously.

“The allegation against the army of colluding with armed

herdsmen to kill Nigerians was not only made by Rtd Lt. Gen. TY Danjuma and the Taraba State government, but by the Amnesty International too which also accused the Army of complicity in the killings. So they cannot deny that.

“The Army were the ones that set up the committee, provided term of reference and received the report from the panel. No one was invited to review the report of the panel. They sat on the report and came up with their findings, so what do you expect,” he queried.

On his part, National Youth Leader of Jukun Development Association, Mr. Zando Hoku rejected the report describing it as window dressing to appease the powers that be.

“We the Jukuns have rejected the report. However, we are not surprised at the report because we saw it coming. The evidence of collusion is so glaring for all to see. We are on ground and we knew all that had happened, but the Army was the judge in their case and they did what was pleasing to them,” he said.

Also reacting, President-General of the Tiv Cultural and Social Association, Taraba State chapter, Chief Goodman Dahida, said the army is deceiving the world.

“They first denied the allegations before setting up the panel which was an afterthought. We expected the army to have set up an independent joint civil and

Protect lives of Nigerians

– Catholic Bishop urges Buhari

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atholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to prioritise the security and welfare of the country’s citizens.

Martins gave the advice on Tuesday during his sermon at the Requiem Mass for the slain priests and lay faithful in Mbalon, Benue State.

The two Catholic priests, Rev. Fathers Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha, and 17 worshippers were killed when assailants invaded St. Ignatius Quasi Parish, Ukpor-Mbalom in Ayar-Mbalom community of Gwer East LGA on Tuesday, April 24.

“People today feel a sense of helplessness and hopelessness in their homes especially when signals they are getting is that they do not have enough personnel to secure every inch of this nation. We ought to have intelligence agencies that will act to prevent attacks and to nip the attack in the bud.

“This is the least we can expect from our government, so that people can feel safe in every part of the country without the presence of gunmen. The president should act fast and try to restore the confidence of the people; he is the au-

thority and father of the nation.

“We urge the president to intervene in this problem in a more divisive way in order to save the country the country from tribal or religious war, we say all of these with due sense of patriotism for our nation Nigeria, because we believe in the strength and unity of Nigeria,” he said.

serving army committee to investigate the allegations to proof to Nigerians and the world the truth of the allegations or otherwise.

“We reject the report and call on

the Army to revisit the allegations which were not just in Taraba, but also in other states of the federation,” he said.

Dahida said the international

• Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode (2nd right) presenting gifts to Mr. Augustine and Jessica Obiefuna, for their newborn quintuplets, at the Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos, on Wednesday.

Obaze’s public policy book on Buhari set for Abuja presentation

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LL is set for the Abuja presentation of a new public policy book on President Muhammadu Buhari’s first year in office.

Titled, “Prime Witness: Change And Policy Challenges In Buhari’s Nigeria”, the public policy evaluation book is scheduled for presentation at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre, Abuja on Thursday, May 24, 2018.

Prime Witness, which is published by Safari Books Ltd. is au-

thored by a public policy expert, Mr. Oseloka H. Obaze, the MD/ CEO of Selonnes Consult Ltd. who coincidentally, was the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2017 governorship election in Anambra state.

The 448-page book chronicles and offers recommendations to various public policy challenges in the Buhari-led Nigeria.

According to Obaze, a former United Nations official, and one time Secretary to Anambra State

register in a government hospital where standard medical care is guaranteed. This woman registered early and regularly attended her ante-natal clinics. The result is that all five babies were safely delivered to the glory of God,” she said.

Mrs. Ambode also presented other welfare packages to the Obiefuna family such as a supply of diapers and baby milk for one year, in addition to two bus-loads of baby essentials like beds, mattresses, diapers, boxes of clothes, socks, pants, caps, and others, donated to other infants at the Lagos Island Maternity.

She commended the entire medical team, especially the Consultant, Dr. Ogungbemile Babalola, for their professional service, stressing that the government would always prioritize healthcare service for expectant mothers, to eradicate maternal and

infant mortality in the State.

Some of the baby items presented by the wife of the governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, to the quintuplets and their mother, Mrs. Jessica Obiefuna, at the Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos, on Wednesday, 16th May, 2018.

The First Lady, who later inspected the maternity ward, promised further donations to the hospital, to strengthen maternal and infant service delivery in the hospital.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode also gave an undisclosed sum of money for the care of the babies who weighed an average of 1.5kg.

Father of the babies, Mr. Augustine Obiefuna expressed gratitude to the Governor and his wife, for their rare benevolence and generosity, which according to him transcended ethnic and tribal considerations.

Ambode’s wife gives parents of quintuplets N.5m

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ife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has volunteered a monthly allowance of N500,000 for the next twelve months, for the care of five babies – three boys and two girls – born to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Augustine Obiefuna of Orile Iganmu, a suburb of the state.

In her remarks during the visit to the mother at Lagos Island Maternity Hospital in Lagos, the First Lady thanked God for the safe delivery of the infants, expressed joy for the safe delivery and commended their mother for regularly attending her ante-natal sessions in a government hospital.

She urged expectant mothers in the State to shun quacks and selfmedication, but to register early and diligently attend ante-natal clinics for standard medical care.

“You can all see why it is good to

community is watching happenings in Nigeria even as he called on the Army to rebrand its image and rebuild confidence in the minds of Nigerians by doing the right thing.

Government, the book “is essentially a product of my observations, my exchanges with my various interlocutors in and out of government, and Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike, during the first year of the Buhari administration.”

The book addresses an array of topical policy issues and challenges. It acknowledges areas of discernible progress, gives credits for accomplishments, but also underlines fault lines and failings.

On a key national and still trending issue, Obaze reiterated the call for restructuring, saying that “every ethnic jigsaw component of Nigeria feels sufficiently aggrieved, marginalized and therefore, seeks equity via restructuring.”

Obaze goes on to warn that “Nigeria is at risk unless it finds the courage to restructure.” Alternatively, he opined that, “A default restructuring, will happen, certainly not by choice, but definitely like an uncontrolled experiment with attendant risks and indefinite outcome.”

The book’s initial presentation took place at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, Lagos on May 2, 2018. The event was chaired by Chief Chris Ezeh and was attended by several eminent Nigerians.

The Oracle Today

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Wednesday May 30, 2018

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

We’re still interested in Ekiti guber poll – U.S

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HE United States has again said it expects nothing less than credible and fair exercise in the July 14 governorship poll in Ekiti State, disclosing that it will closely monitor events, before, during and after the poll.

This was stated in Ado-Ekiti by the Political/Economic Chief, United States Consulate, Lagos, Mr Osman Tat, during a courtesy visit to the State Governor, Chief Ayodele Fayose, Wednesday in Ado Ekiti.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Idowu Adelusi, on Thursday, the envoy was quoted as saying that the conduct of the poll should set a higher standard in the organisation of elections in the country.

“We are here for the monitoring of events leading to the conduct of the governorship election in the state. We are here to see the governor, to assess the situation of things and to dialogue with him on preparations for the election. America is interested in the election.

“We are to monitor purposely to ensure free, fair, transparent election. We are to ensure that there is no violence or intimidation of voters during the election. To ensure that the election is credible. Ekiti is controlled by the opposition party and that is why the US is interested in the election,” Tat said.

In his remarks, Fayose thanked

the American Government for taking interest in the Ekiti election.

He told the envoy of plans by the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government to use federal might to rig the election.

“They are planning to do this because they know that in a transparent and credible election, the APC cannot win in Ekiti State. We are popular and our party, the Peoples Democratic Party, is popular because of our performance in government and my brand of politics.

“In 2014, I defeated Dr Kayode Fayemi, even as he was the sitting governor then. The United States applauded the 2014 election and even recommended it as a benchmark for the 2015 general elections because it was transparent and devoid of violence and intimidation of voters. The letter written by the American Government on the election is still here for the records.

“Ekiti people will resist rigging.

They will resist the Federal Government or the Independent National Electoral Commission rubbishing their votes. The people’s might is greater and potent more than the federal might,” he said.

Tat, who was accompanied by some American Embassy officials, made the visit as a follow up to an earlier one led by the American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Williams Stuart Symington, some months ago.

Former APC chieftain apologises to Jonathan

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FORMER member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has publicly apologised to former President Goodluck Jonathan claiming that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has battered and bruised Nigeria’s economy.

Frank who was suspended in 2016 as deputy spokesperson of the ruling APC disclosed this on Sunday in an open letter.

“I would first of all like to use this opportunity to formally apologise to the immediate past President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, for all the tantrums and mistreatment orchestrated by me against his person while he held sway at the helm of affairs of our great country.

“Indeed, I and many others may have misunderstood Jonathan’s silence for weakness and thus pushed harder to malign his person and portray him as a weak leader. Having achieved the Change Agenda, it is now crystal clear, that the change we had clamoured for is not the change we got,” he said.

Frank added that Nigeria’s current situation may appear as a rude shock to many including himself who preached the change mantra assiduously, he is consoled by the fact that, Nigeria will get to the promise land someday. He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to take steps to fix the current state of Nigeria’s economy which according to him is faced with challenges of impunity and lack of transparency.

“I am sure that the current state of our dear country should

be a cause of genuine concern.

The damning assessment of Nigeria under your (Buhari) leadership as released by the United States Department of State in its 2017 country reports on Human Rights, cited impunity as being widespread at all levels of government and lack of transparency by your administration.

•Vice President and Chairman of the National Boundaries Commission (NBC), Prof. Yemi Osinbajo receiving a delegation from the NBC at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, led by Director General of the Commission, Dr. M. B. Ahmad, on the sidelines of the agency’s a one-day retreat organized for the officials by the NBC in Abuja, Monday.

Lagos registries can conduct marriages – High Court reaffirms

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HE Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has issued a restraining order to the Federal Registry in Ikoyi from conducting marriages, saying it was unconstitutional for the Federal Government to usurp the power and duties of the State and Local Governments.

Delivering judgment on Suit No: FHC/L/CS/1760/16, Justice Chuka Austine Obiozor of the Federal High Court Ikoyi, Lagos reaffirmed that all Marriage Registries in the Local Government and Local Council Development Areas of Lagos State are the authentic and

legally-binding government divisions established to carry out such functions.

Addressing a Press Conference on the development on Thursday, the Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr. Muslim Folami said the Ministry will officially communicate the judgement to concerned stakeholders, especially the various Embassies in the State, stressing that the decision of the Court is supreme and is legally binding on all.

He added that the Press Conference was held in order to intimate the general public that all Mar-

Ishaku gives N57m to 114 schools in Taraba for projects

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overnor of Taraba State, Darius Dickson Ishaku has presented cheques amounting to N57 million to 114 primary and secondary schools in the State to enable the schools to carry out some minor projects.

Presenting the cheques to the schools at a ceremony which took place in Jalingo yesterday, Governor Ishaku said the money was grant received from the World Bank under the State Education Programme Investment Project, SEPIP which took

Lagos generates N34bn IGR monthly – Commissioner

By JEROME USHAKANG

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he Lagos State Government declared, Monday, that it has achieved an average monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of N34 billion this year in contrast to monthly averages of the last three years.

State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade who disclosed this during the annual Ministerial Press Briefing to mark the third anniversary of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration which held at Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, attributed the gradual improvement to the impact of the ongoing reforms and growth in the State’s economy.

“Notably, we are recording

gradual improvement in our average monthly IGR in 2018 compared to the levels achieved in previous years due to the impact of ongoing reforms and growth in the State’s economy. Based on our first quarter results, Lagos State has so far achieved an average monthly IGR of N34billion in 2018 compared to monthly averages of N22bn, N24bn and N30bn in 2015, 2016 and 2017 respectively,” said Ashade.

The Commissioner expressed optimism that the IGR would continue to rise even further as the State continues to implement the various reforms, driven by wider technology adoption and innovation, adding that the target to grow the State’s IGR to N50billion by next year was well on course.

off in Taraba State last year.

The governor said the grants would enable the schools to carry out minor projects such as the renovation of classrooms blocks, constructions of desks and procurement of instructional materials.

Governor Ishaku warned that the grants were not intended to be shared as a national cake, stressing that the principals and headmasters would be held responsible in the event of any mismanagement of the funds. He, however, assured them that the judicious utilization of the grants would attract additional allocation.

Earlier in his address of welcome, the State Commissioner of Education, Mr. Johanes Jigem said the grants were part of the World Bank scheduled to enhance the development of Education in Taraba State, adding that other components of the Banks included training of teachers and deploying them to hard-to-reach and conflict-prone areas.

He said so far, three thousand teachers had been trained and deployed to the affected areas, out of the five thousand teachers earmarked for training under the programme.

riages conducted and registered in any of the 20LGs and 37LCDAs are valid and in accordance with the Marriage Act. According to him, the judgment would undoubtedly put a stop to the seeming perception of superiority of Ikoyi Marriage Registry over the Local Government Registries.

Folami said that the State government would explore every available platform to enlighten the generality of the citizens about the development, assuring that the Ministry will not hesitate to schedule a meeting with all the embassies in the State to enlighten them about the new judgement if the need arises.

“We are going to use every available platform in the five divisions across the State to sensitize our people and inform them about this latest development; From Epe to Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja and Lagos Island. The sensitization today is also a way of creating awareness and letting the people know of this latest development”.

He congratulated the Management of the various Local Governments, specifically the Marriage Registrars in the LG/LCDAs, for their efforts and urged the members of the public to take cognizance of this landmark judgment by patronizing the legally approved Marriage Registries for the conduct of their Marriages.

In his remarks, the President of the Marriage Registrars in all the Local Government and Local Council Development Areas, Mr. Deji Sokeye, described the judgement as landmark, saying that the responsibilities of the LGAs/LCDAs has come back to them by the virtue of the law and as provided for in Section 30 (1) of the Marriage Act and Section 7 (5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

NEWS

Delta Govt. to construct world class trailer park in Warri

By JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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n order to discontinue trailers parking indiscriminately along roads in Warri and Effurun environs, the Delta State Government has disclosed plans for a 1000 capacity World Class Trailer park in the state.

Commissioner for Transport, Hon Vincent Uduaghan, disclosed this when he took time to brief the press on the activities and achievements of his Ministry at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Information, Asaba.

Uduaghan stated that Government had approved the construction of the 1,000 capacity Tankers/Trailers WorldClass Park at Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area, on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

According to the Commissioner, “When fully operational, the scheme will provide direct and indirect jobs for the teeming youths in Delta State.

“The essence of the tankers park at Warri is to decongest the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) Expressway where petroleum tankers park indiscriminately and in the process poses danger to lives of other road users.

“It will also address the menace of highway gridlocks and environmental degradation caused by commercial and private petroleum tankers and other high axle trucks that visit Warri and environs.

“The revenue generated from the park will be used to maintain the existing park as well as boost the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the State.

A consultant has been commissioned to collect the fee and a task force for the decongestion of petroleum tankers from the NPA Expressway, Refinery environs and the Ubeji-Ifie axis has been inaugurated.”

He also stated that the State Government had inaugurated a supervisory Committee to continuously supervise and monitor the operation of commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators in the State.

The scheme will enforce compliance with the wearing of vests and helmets, and had provided about 1,041 jobs for its members and other Deltans.

The scheme has also ensured the harmonious relationship between the State Government and the tricycle operators across the State as well as contributing to the internally generated revenue of the State, he said.

Speaking on the privatization of Delta line, the Commissioner said: The present administration deems it fit to privatize the Delta Line Company to divest 60% of the State share under a Private Public Partnership to avoid issues of mismanagement over the years concerning the Company.

He declared that the process of the privatization was still on-going, saying that the benefits when privatized include, repositioning the Company in a better position to serve Deltans better and that Deltans would have a feel of reaching their desired routes through the new partnership.

To build an effective drivers pool for the State, Uduaghan disclosed that 200 drivers are currently being trained in the 2017/2018 session while approval had been given for the training of more 250 drivers for 2018/2019 training session had been secured by the Directorate of Transport from the state Government.

He explained that the issues concerning stagnation of drivers in the State Civil Service would be a thing of the past, even as he said the benefits of the drivers training school include progress in drivers career from Salary Grade Level 07 to 14 in the Works Superintendent Cadre; polish Drivers in terms of character and expression in the discharge of their duties.

APC FG plans to assassinate me – Wike alleges

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ivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has alerted Nigerians that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government is plotting to assassinate him in a crowd and claim accidental discharge.

The governor made the revelation during the third year anniversary thanksgiving service of the Wike administration at Living Faith Church in D-Line, Port Harcourt on Sunday.

He said: “Intelligence report available to us as at this morning indicate that they are plotting to assassinate me in a crowd and claim it was accidental discharge “.

The governor said that the plots of the APC Federal Government and her associates will not intimidate

him as he remains committed to the defence of democracy and Rivers State.

He said that the plot will fail, because God will continue to defend him.

He said: “The level of conspiracy against Rivers State is unfortunate.

Instead of focusing on governance, they focus on how to assassinate me or frame me up”.

Governor Wike informed the church, that the APC Federal Government through the Inspector General of Police plotted to plant millions of dollars and AK 47 at his Abuja residence, when the Police sought search warrant from an Abuja court.

He noted that last week the Court

ruled that the Police cannot search his Abuja residence, stopping them from their evil plot.

“I am not afraid of my residence being searched by the Police, but I know their evil intention”, he said.

Governor Wike said that the State Government has come to thank God for his protection in the face of continuous plot by agents of the APC Federal Government.

He said: “We are born to win, we are born to reign, we are destined for greatness. While other states are commissioning wheel barrows, we are commissioning infrastructure “.

He said despite the declaration by the former governor that his administration will not be able to salaries let alone do projects, his administra-

tion has succeeded in delivering outstanding projects.

Rivers State Pastor of Living Faith Church, Pastor Isaac Folaji said thanksgiving engenders growth and blessing.

He said thanksgiving enhances God’s protection and financial multiplication. The cleric noted that as a result of the dedication service, God will bless Rivers State.

The Dedication and Thanksgiving Service to mark the Third Anniversary of the Administration of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike attracted traditional rulers, prominent leaders of Rivers State and Wife of the Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience Jonathan.

Bayelsa Assembly backs Dickson on public sector reforms

By CLEM ONYEMAECHI, Yenagoa

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• The Catholic Church procession in Umuahia protesting the killings by Fulani herdsmen across the country.

Killing of 220 Christians in only 15 days, sign of total regime collapse – Intersociety

By IBE NWACHUKWU

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he International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety), a human rights group based in Onitsha, Anambra state has described the killing of a total of 220 Nigerians within 15 days (May 1 - May 15, 2018), by those they identified as Jihadist Fulani Herdsmen in the states of Kaduna, Taraba, Adamawa, Benue and Kogi states as a sign of total regime collapse and anarchy.

Intersociety said it was very disheartening to record as much as 71 confirmed and 87 unconfirmed deaths in Kaduna state alone, while 59 other deaths were recorded in the states of Taraba, Adamawa, Benue and Kogi since the beginning of May 2018 or between 1st and 15th May 2018.

In a press statement issued in Onitsha, Monday,, signed by its leader, Emeka Umeagbalasi, Intersociety contended that more than half of the 87 citizens feared killed along Birnin-Gwari Road in Kaduna State on Sunday, May 13, 2018, following their abduction and possible killing by the so-called “Zamfara Bandits” are strongly believed to be members of Nigerian Christian faith mostly from Southeast zone.

According to the statement, the

innocent and defenseless passengers were on their way to the north or back to the south particularly the Southeast when over 15 vehicles including lorries, cars and commercial buses conveying them were ambushed and grounded.

It further stated that independent and Government media reports, as well as accounts of the officials of Nigeria’s National Union of Road Transport Workers indicated that the passengers were carefully identified and selected according to their tribes and religions, using their dress codes, facial looks and threats of instant death before being herded into the bush.

“The 87 innocent passengers are presumed or feared dead by Intersociety until the contrary is credibly and verifiably established by the authorities of Kaduna State Government and security agencies”.

“The Kaduna high death toll included victims of the Gwaska/Birnin Gwari massacre of Saturday, 5th May 2018; carried out by those the Federal Government of Nigeria and its censored mainstream media tagged “Bandits”. The massacre claimed the lives of no fewer than 71 innocent persons who were mainly members of the Nigerian Muslim faith”.

“In summary, no fewer than 59 Christian lives have been confirmed lost in Nigeria in the past two weeks

of May 2018 and no fewer than over 50 others are also feared lost in last Sunday’s ambush, abduction and possible death of 87 innocent passengers along Birnin-Gwari Road in Kaduna State. This further indicates in totality that no fewer than 109 Christian lives may most likely have been lost to Federal Government protected non State violent actors in the past two weeks of May 2018”.

“Till date, the Nigeria Police Force does not have credible and independently verifiable records showing the number of innocent citizens killed through non-traditional crimes such as Nigerians killed by Jihadist Fulani Herdsmen and the “Zamfara Bandits” as well as those who died from traditional crimes of armed robbery, abductions, civil homicide, ritual killings, domestic violence including rape; etc as well as traffic and industrial related deaths”.

“The NPF, specifically, does not have credible records showing patterns and trends of these sundry killings or deaths as well as the number of perpetrators or offenders arrested, detained, prosecuted, convicted, sentenced or acquitted. The NPF’s criminal investigation and prosecution skills and tools and their general management are also a disaster yet Nigerians squander over N300 billion in keeping the Force yearly”.

he Bayelsa State House of Assembly has passed a vote of confidence on the state Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson following the controversy being generated in the state over the ongoing public sector reforms.

Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon Konbowei Friday Benson who read a prepared speech after the closed door meeting which lasted about three hours at the Speaker’s Conference Room in the Assembly complex said they had the confidence that the reform committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Gboribiogha John Jonah would do a job that would meet the best standard, using the civil service reforms.

“We have observed with keen interest the issues in the state as it affects the civil service reform exercise which is currently ongoing.

It is noteworthy that the chairman of the reform committee, His Excellency, Gboribiogha John Jonah is a man of proven integrity whose credentials cut across national and international spheres.

“Therefore, we have no doubts in our minds that while the Governor has entrusted to him the task of investigation, we believe the outcome of investigation shall meet best standard using the civil service reforms” The Speaker implored all employees of government and the public to be law abiding and respect, support the reforms. He also urged those who may be aggrieved to channel their grudges through the appropriate authorities.

Konbowei Benson expressed optimism that at the end of the exercise, the intention of government to promote good governance and responsiveness to the plight of Bayelsans would be realized.

“Those who intend to disrespect, disregard due process and the state government are only demonstrating the answers they owe their instigators.

“We, therefore, stand shoulder to shoulder with the governor in the ongoing reform exercise and pass vote of confidence on the governor to ensure that the exercise is well concluded.”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

NEWS Expanding Nigeria’s production base, key to economic sustainability -- Don INI BILLIE, Uyo

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he expansion of productivity and the production base of the country has been described as the key required to sustain the economy of Nigeria.

A lecturer in Economics at the University of Uyo Prof. Emmanuel Onwioduokit, stated this in Uyo when he spoke on the consumption of sugar and the need for Nigeria to concentrate more on production than importation.

He stated that for the nation’s currency to appreciate, the consumption of more locally produced goods was necessary. He added that importing more goods into the country than what is produced is unhealthy for the economy.

He called for the expansion of the production base of Nigeria, noting that it is the key to the economic sustainability of the nation.

He further said there was need for the government to sensitise farmers and encourage them to grow crops in commercial quantity.

He explained that sugar cane plantation thrived more in the savannah region like North Central Nigeria than in the tropics, adding that the nation can profit from the production of sugar.

“For naira to appreciate we need to consume more of what is produced in the country. If what is produced at home is not enough, we need to import. That is why expanding productivity and production base is the key to economic sustainability, otherwise you will be dependent on other countries.

“Businessmen will only go where there is profit, so government should embark on sensitisation of farmers to encourage them to grow sugar cane in commercial quantity. Once people know they can have ready market, they will be willing to invest their money.

“We can make income and make a living from sugar cane plantation so government should encourage the people to grow the plant. The importation of sugar has affected the economy of the country, so there is need for government to do everything to reduce the importation of sugar, “ he said.

2019: Group backs Johnny for Senate

By EMMANUEL OGOIGBE, Warri

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socio-political pressure group, Delta South Political Pathfinders (DSPP), has thrown its weight behind the ambition of High Chief Michael Johnny for Delta South Senatorial district in 2019.

Chief Michael Johnny, a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta state and immediate past Chairman of Egbema Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation, EGCDF, has not publicly declared his intention to vie for Senate or any political office for 2019.

However, the group in a statement, Tuesday, signed by its coordinator, Newwold Bralade, said: “We have endorsed Chief Micheal Johnny as our preferred candidate for the Senate to represent Delta South Senatorial district come 2019, we are urging him to publicly declare for the Senate under his ruling party of All Progressives Congress APC.” According to him: “The Ijaws will still produce the Senator for Delta South in 2019, it is not notable, and urged all Ijaws in Delta South to support the senatorial ambition of Chief Micheal Johnny. We have done a thorough investigation on his tenure as former Chairman of EGCDF and discovered that Johnny was the first former Chairman of EGCDF whose account was audited and given a clean bill of health by Chevron Nigeria Limited.”

Group seeks end to money marriage in Cross River community

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hief Executive Officer of Twin Initiative, Buchi Oyeniyi, has called for an end of the barbaric practice of money marriage among the Becheve people of Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River.

Oyeniyi made the call at a strategic meeting of stakeholders held in Calabar on Tuesday.

According to her, money marriage is a situation where young girls and unborn children are sold off to prospective husbands before they are 18 without the consent of their mothers by male relatives.

She said this type of marriage was slightly different from child marriage because the girls were mere commodities and meant to fend for themselves, children and husbands.

They are also allowed to live promiscuous lives as any money got from such illicit affairs belongs to their husbands, she said.

Oyeniyi said these marriages were conducted in the shrines where the girl’s spirit was invoked, tied to a wooden item called olambe and given to the husband.

Whenever the girl absconds, the

husband simply kills her by destroying the olambe or he drops it in a swamp and as the olambe soaks water the girl gets swollen wherever she is, Oyeniyi said.

She described this type of marriage as modern day slavery, pointing out the infants were sold off for life, as even when their husbands died, they were transferred to their brothers.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs in Cross River, Stella Odey, said the meeting was necessary to deliberate on how to end money marriage in Becheve.

• State Secretary to Delta State Government, Hon. Ovie Agas (2nd left); Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Vincent Uduaghan (left); Commissioner for Special Duties Government House, Hon. Henry Sapkra (2nd right) and the Controller of Prisons, Delta State Command, Sam Iyakoregha, during the handing over of two Toyota Hiace buses to Nigeria Prisons Service, in Government House Asaba

We’ll deliver development despite challenges -Emmanuel INI BILLIE, Uyo

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he Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has assured that the state government was committed to the development of the state and would deliver on its promises despite challenges.

He also said he did not collect bail-out funds from the federal government because he did not want to mortgage the future of Akwa Ibom people, especially the youths.

Emmanuel stated this in Uyo during the commissioning of 28 rural development projects including 1.2kilometre Atlantic 104.5FM road, 1.28kilometre Concrete Hotel road in Ewet Housing and 0.5kilometre of Youths Avenue road, Mbiaobong Etoi, and the flag off of the construction of Ring road 3 in Uyo. The governor said that the state is blessed with much natural resources, noting that it would amount to injustice for the people if the resources are not exploited.

He said he would continue to plan and implement strategies aimed at building a strong economy for the state, a factor that was responsible for his strong industrialization drive.

He added that in addition to other industrial efforts, machineries have been put in place to process and package food related products with some of the products to serve as sources of raw material for further production by manufacturing firms that would still spring up in the state.

He revealed that arrangements have been concluded for the building of a modern cocoa plant that would com-

pete with others in the international market, adding that his emphasis on coconut production and processing remained because of the over 300 uses of the plant.

He said with the direct and indirect employment opportunities resulting from the multiple chain of activities in the coconut business, over 160,000 employment opportunities would be created for indigenes and residents.

“We have a blueprint for the devel-

opment of the state and aggregating efforts towards that and so we should have no excuse not to deliver even in the midst of challenges and constraints.

We should be able to do the much we can do.

“I want people at the grassroot to also feel the impact of my administration and though these roads are short, their summation will make much impact in the lives of the people,” he said.

PUBLIC NOTICE OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION NATIONAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL, NIKE, ENUGU. This is to inform the general public that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commision for Registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Surveyor Leonard Ugwu General President 2. Barr Ikenna Aroh General Secretary 3. Chief Emeka Okoli Patron 4 Elder Barr Ndukwo Ndukwo Ogbuja Patron AIMS AND OBJECTIVES (a). To create common forum where all the Old Boys have to meet, sit, table and deliberate on burning issues of common importance and interest of their school. (b) To identify problems facing our Alma Mater students, staff and management and profer solutions to them.

Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this lublication.

Signed: Elder Barr. Ndukwo Ndukwo Ogbuja

“A situation whereby a child is betrothed because of a debt of N10,000 is abominable and must not be condoned in our society,’’ Odey said.

She urged discussants to be openminded and contribute meaningfully to ways of properly solving the problem as human right issues were serious.

Similarly, the Commissioner for Information Cross River, Rosemary Archibong, said to solve the problem, there should be constant engagement with the leaders of the Becheve community.

“We need to engage the people even the women because some women in Becheve community even prefer to be money wives as there are some benefits,’’ she said.

Archibong said the problem could not be solved with the use of force but constant engagement as there were no police stations or hospitals in the area.

In his response, the member representing Obanliku, Moses Ucheche, said he was ignorant of the practice but asked for the cooperation of all stakeholders in ending it.

He said: “Since we have gotten this far, we must not give up in trying to fight this devastating malaise called money marriage in Becheve community.’’

A representative of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Kenneth Ehouzou, said the culture was terrible and wrong but could be changed since it was made by the community.

He said that the elite from Becheve community should educate the people of their community on the dangers of money marriage.

Ehouzou said for effective remedy of the situation, the girl-child should be in school, while psycho-social support should be provided girls and victims of money marriage.

He said the people of Becheve should not be ostracised and the women should be empowered.

The meeting resolved to take concrete steps to end money marriage in the community, including constant sensitisation of members of Becheve community.

Meanwhile, as part of the activities to mark the third anniversary of the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration, Delta State Government would hold an inter-denominational praise and worship programme in Asaba.

Chairman of the organising committee for the anniversary celebration, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, in a statement, said that the programme which is billed to hold on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at the Event Centre, Asaba from 9.00am will feature eminent preachers, and renowned gospel singers.

According to him, “Deltans have a lot of reasons to celebrate, it is celebration of peace, unity, positive development in terms of landmark infrastructure. This year’s celebration is unique, we are celebrating three years of God’s goodness on Deltans through the instrumentality of Governor Okowa’s administration” He enjoined Deltans and lovers of democracy to come and celebrate God’s goodness to the State through praise and thanksgiving, Artistes expected to perform at the event, according to him, include Chioma Jesus, Sammy Okpozo, Prosper Ochimana, David G, Samsong, Elijah Oyelade, and Onyekan Dunsin.

Prominent Deltans from all walks of life including Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his Deputy. Deacon Burutu Otuaro is expected to grace the thanksgiving event.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

NEWS

Anambra to revive 200 skills acquisition, entrepreneurial centers

By CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

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he Anambra State Government has concluded plans to revive all its owned and privately-owned skills acquisition and Entrepreneurial centers in the state, numbering over 200.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Youth Empowerment and Creative Economy, Bonaventure Enemali during an interactive session with Non-Governmental Organizations, Community/Faith-based organizations in the state at the Ministry’s conference hall yesterday.

The Commissioner said the centers would be made functional with adequate training facilities, qualified facilitators and sustainable skills and entrepreneurial programmes.

The interactive session, Enemali noted, was the first in efforts to foster mutual relationship with the organizations.

He announced plans of the state to form a formidable common front to be called Anambra State Network of NGO’s (ANSNGO), focusing on youth and women development, education, health and community development.

He tasked the NGOs to take responsibility of monitoring and evaluating government projects in the state especially those within the purview of the ministry of Youth Empowerment and Creative Economy like the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurial centers.

The Guest Speaker, and Anambra state Coordinator, Network on Water and Sanitation in Nigeria (NEWSAN), Prof Stanley Udedi, insisted that only affective monitoring and evaluation of projects can lead to sustainable impact on social development in the society.

The Professor of Applied Biochemistry, spoke on the topic ‘’Effective Monitoring and Evaluation: A Panacea to sustainable Impact social Development’’, pointed out that there is no management without monitoring unless one anticipates a monumental waste and failure.

Prof Udedi who is also the Dean, Students Affairs, Nnamdi Azikiwe University emphasized that the essence of locating a project in a community is to have impact and once that aim is defeated, the project has no usefulness to the community.

He therefore tasked communi-

APC congress: Factional chairmen emerge in Ebonyi

Restructuring summit: Our dialogue with IPOB paid off – Ohanaeze Youth

By CHINEDU NWAFOR

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By IBE NWACHUKWU

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he Anambra State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Youth Wing, Tuesday, attributed the peaceful and successful Restructuring Summit organized by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo parent body in Awka, Anambra state to strategic approach and dialogue which the youth wing engaged IPOB with, before the summit.

Speaking to newsmen in Awka, shortly after the event, the Ohanaeze Youth leader in the state, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu said expressed gratitude to both the IPOB for not disrupting the all-important event, and the Ohanaeze parent body successfully hosting the summit.

Okpalaezeukwu who, however, bemoaned what he called undue proscription of IPOB, by the federal government, said the Ohanaeze youths have resolved to be in constant dialogue with IPOB to ensure that peace reigns in Igbo land, adding that there was no need for confrontation between Ohanaeze and IPOB because both parties are pursuing a good course for Ndigbo.

He commended the Summit Organizing Committee led by Prof.

Charles Soludo and the Presidenteneral of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo for a successful outing and urged the Ohanaeze parent body to swear in the newly elected National Youth Leader, Mazi Uchenna Arthur Obiorah (Chinetugo), without further delay.

He expressed gratitude and contentment over the transparency and professionalism exhibited by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo NEC Panel of Enquiry on the election of Ohaneze national youth leadership and urged the parent body to graciously and expeditiously submit their report on the youth leadership election in order to ensure that the Leaderelect is sworn-in as soon as possible, for effective leadership to the Igbo Youths”.

He also condemned what he termed the malicious, unruly and over-zealous approaches employed

by Maxi Tony Uche Ezekwelu, against the mandate of the general Igbo Youths on the just concluded Ohanaeze National Youth Election, which was credibly and fairly conducted in favour of Mazi Uchenna Arthur Obiorah.

ties to own these projects located in their areas from inception to completion and usage, even as he regretted that projects fail because of lack of effective monitoring by government.

State Commissioner for Indigenous Art Works, Diaspora, Culture and Tourism, Dr Sally Mbanefo informed the participants she was delighted serving her state and particularly impressed by the talented youth of the state, who require only a little motivation to actualize their potential.

• From left to right: Minister of Labour and Employment, Chief Chris Ngige; Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu; Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; exchanging pleasantries during the official flag-off of the Federal Government’s vocational and apprenticeship programme tagged; N-Power Build, by the VP at ANAMCO, in Emene, Enugu

State congress: Enugu APC crisis deepens

By CHUKS EZE, Enugu

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he All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Saturday, witnessed one of the over ten parallel state congresses that were recorded across the country.

This was even as the loveless atmosphere between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and the Chairman of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Chief Osita Okechukwu, continued to soar. The parallel congresses were held on Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20, respectively, by supporters loyal to both Onyeama and Okechukwu.

Both chieftains of the party have been enmeshed in deep power tussle, over who should be the rightful leader of the party in the state.

But since the tangle arose, with either of them recognising the other as the leader, there is yet a record of any official adoption of anyone, by the national secretariat of the party, as the leader of Enugu chapter of the party, which incidentally parades other political heavyweights such as former Governor of old Anambra State, Sen. Jim Nwobodo; former President of the Senate, Ken Nnamani, and former governor of Enugu State, Sullivan Chime, among others.

Recall that during the ward and

local government congresses, which held on May 5 and 12 respectively, the party had also witnessed parallel congresses which saw the election of double ward and local government executives across the state.

The state congress, which was originally billed to take place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, had turned sour midway into accreditation, when the faction loyal to Sen. Nnamani and Chief Okechukwu, staged a walkout from the official venue of the congress. But they later reconvened on Sunday, at the same venue, where they re-elected the incumbent State Chairman of the party, Ben Nwoye, alongside other state executives, for a fresh term.

The Oracle today observed that before shunning the exercise, the Nnamani/Okechukwu faction had arrived at the venue, in high spirits, but afterwards, they suddenly began to complain that unaccredited individuals, suspected to be loyal to Geoffrey Onyeama, had, allegedly, infiltrated the scene, an indication that the team had probably, bolted away to forestall possible organised humiliation at the polls.

Some of those involved in the walkout were Sen. Nnamani; Barr.

Sullivan Chime; Chief Osita Okechukwu; Chief Ben Nwoye; the National

Vice Chairman of APC, South East, Emma Eneukwu; and a chieftain of the party, Chief Baywood Ibe, among others.

Meanwhile, the exit of the Nnamani/Okechukwu faction created a rowdy atmosphere at the stadium as many party faithful were thrown into confusion, as they did not initially discern what was happening.

And in the midst of the confusion, representatives of the party from the APC national secretariat, as well observers from the Independent national Electoral Commission, INEC, went away.

However, normalcy was later restored and the Onyeama’s faction went ahead with the exercise, which saw the emergence of Okey Ogbodo as the new State Chairman of the party. Ikechukwu Oloto was also elected as the State Secretary; Adolphus Ude as the Deputy Chairman; and Queen Nwankwo emerged as the Woman Leader, in that order.

The Minister, who had previously frowned at what he had alleged as mass disenfranchisement of delegates and candidates, in the state convention processes, had cautioned the state leadership of the party to eschew fraudulent acts in order to deliver a rancour-free exercise.

he just concluded Saturday state Congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi state was crisis ridden as the two factions hitherto existing in the state held their parallel congresses.

While a faction loyal to the former governorship candidate of APC in 2015, Senator Julius Ucha held their separate congress at the party Secretariat, a faction loyal to the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, held theirs at Nkwegu Ugbala grand arena, a property owned by a member of the faction, Edward Nkwegu.

Earlier on that Saturday, delegates from Ucha’s faction had moved to Nkwegu Ugbala grand arena to join Onu’s faction, for them to test their popularity through the congress but security operatives barred them from gaining entrance into the venue.

The Police also apprehended and whisked away three delegates from Ucha’s group who tried to gained entrance while other delegates who clustered at the gate were dispersed with teargas and sporadic shooting on the air.

Journalists were also barred from entering the venue, except some select few who they claimed were accredited.

Ucha’s group however, relocated to the Party Secretariat to hold its congress where Dr. Sylvester Nwambe eventually emerged as a factional state chairman of the party.

Nwambe replaced Hon. Ben Nwobasi after he polled 521 votes to defeat two other contestants, Barr. Patrick Ngbabu and Comrade Lawrence Nwezza who polled 108 and 33 votes respectively.

Other positions were all won unopposed.

However, delegates of the faction loyal by the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu were allowed access to the Nkwegu Ugbala grand arena by security agents where they held the faction’s congress and reelected Eze Nwachukwu Eze as a chairman.

Onu had pulled out of the party around 2015 and formed a faction with some aggrieved members of the party and decampees from Labour Party and made Eze Nwachukwu Eze, the then vice chairman to Nwobasi, their factional chairman.

In an interview, Senator Ucha who alleged that APC was in a life support in the state accused National Working Committee of the party led by Chief John Oyegun, of being behind the crisis in the party across the country.

He however, expressed confidence that when a new national leadership of the party emerged, they would look into the problem.

Also speaking, the national President of Initiative for demonstrating change, Comrade Chinedu Ogah accused the faction led by Onu of working against the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari.

But Onu’s faction is also accusing Ucha’s faction of working for the ruling PDP in the state.

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

POLITICS Abians did not need further proof to believe that there was a new broom in the house. As soon as the last set of commissioners were inaugurated by Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, on November 14, 2017, the heaps of refuse in Umuahia and environs which were almost becoming a health hazard, quickly disappeared.

That was how Dr. Aham Uko announced his arrival at the Ministry of Environment.

The capital city of Umuahia began to wear a clean look.

Speaking to The Oracle Today, shortly after his swearing in, Uko promised to bring about changes in the state’s environmental outlook which will improve existing methods and introducing new measures for environmental cleanliness so as to make environmental sanitation more effective and efficient in the state.

“People must see a difference in my emergence as the Commissioner for Environment. I can assure you that within 30 days, maximum 90 days, there must be visible changes going on and we seek the cooperation of everybody to ensure that we change the environmental landscape here in Abia.

Last week, Uko took some Journalists on tour of some of the ongoing “visible changes” under his ministry.

The team visited the 12-year-old refuse dump site along the Enugu-Aba Expressway, the only dump site in use for the whole solid waste refuse collected in Umuahia and environs, which has been closed on the orders of the governor.

The government has already engaged Arab Contractors have to evacuate the caked massive debris in the area.

He said great efforts were made in the last two years to identify a new dump site.

“As I speak, the moment the governor identified an alternative site, he decided to shut this place down,” he said, explaining that the initiative was met with initial resistance.

The old dump site, he said, would be a place of scenic beauty in the next three months as government plans to plant ornamental trees in the area, “so much so that at the end of the refuse evacuation, people would hardly ever believe that it had served as a refuse dump site.”

The Dump Site manager of Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Mr. Kelechi Chukwuemeka Aguiyi, who was on hand during the inspection of the ongoing evacuation of refuse at the Old dump site, described the identification of the new dump sites as miraculous saying it was a tedious exercise to get a dump site.

He said the governor did not only make alternative arrangement but provided two dump sites: one for the modern way of refuse disposal and a temporary one to be used to assist in the closure of the old dump site. “I never believed that it will come to pass, because I know what it entails to get dumps,” Aguiyi said.

At Umuagu Mgbarakuma, Ubakala in Umuahia South local government area, construction of a 700-metre drainage to check perennial flooding in the area is in progress.

Dr Uko said the Mgbarakuma Erosion Control Project, which he commended its quality, was in response the clarion call by the people of the area on the governor to rescue them from being submerged by the perennial flooding.

It was gathered that flood had sacked some families while commercial activities are suspended in the area during the rainy season.

An indigene, Hon. Mark Francis Udo, confirmed that the people actually sought government help.

A happy Udo said: “We went to his office with a clarion call to save us from being submerged by flood. He gave us his word, telling us that the problem of flood in our area will be a thing of the past.

“Now we have seen it with our eyes. So, we are very happy because he has fulfilled what he told us in his office. We have not had it so good like this. So, we are testifying that seeing is believing. Okezie Ikpeazu, through the Commissioner, is working,” Udo enthused, assuring that the community would reciprocate the governor’s kind gesture in due time.

You’re my pillar, Ugwuanyi declares at Igbo-Eze North special civic reception Pg 12

We will revive oil city of Warri, vows Hon. Tidi Pg 13

9

Ikpeazu’s re-election will boost development in Abia – Uko Dr. Aham Uko, a Ph.D holder in Economics and Econometrics, a finance expert is the Commissioner for Environment in Abia State. After six months on the saddle, he decided to take stock of the achievements recorded by his ministry, explaining that his ministry is poised to establish environmental court to curtail the indiscipline of people who have no value for environmental cleanliness, among other plans to grow a healthy environment. He is of the strong opinion that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has done well and deserves to be given a second term to ensure completion of these projects he has initiated, pointing out that not doing otherwise would amount to aborting Abia’s development, reports BONIFACE OKORO.

•Gov. Ikpeazu Director of Engineering in the Ministry, Engr. Tom, is leading two young engineers: Okezie Ndubuisi and Obioma Echereoma, to deliver the project through direct labour.

The Abia Tower, built in 1991, is a monument of identity. It is essentially made to herald a person’s presence to the capital city of Abia and signposts the entrance to the city centre. Before now, the monument has been a shadow of itself as it was completely vandalized.

“We met a simple carcass,” Uko said, explaining that government was trying to rehabilitate and modernize the Tower and make it stand out as a major symbol in Nigeria.”

The monument is being remodeled. One of the new features is the inscription of the names of all the 17 local governments in the

state to signify the unity of Abians.

“What the government of Okezie Ikpeazu is trying to enthrone is that there should be oneness and unity in Abia. That is why in his vision, he has introduced the inscription of the names of all the local government areas of the state on this monument, so that that unity and oneness as Abians should be the slogan,” the Commissioner highlighted.

Other new features of the new Abia Tower, currently beautified with granite tiles, include light stands pointed at the names of each of the local government areas to properly illuminate it at night and water fountains on the left and right, with royal palms adorned with garden and solar streetlights.

A 50 KVA transformer will be dedicated to the monument for constant power supply.

Perhaps, the most ambitious project of the ministry is the Umuagu Ibeku/Umuda/ Amafor erosion control and remediation works which sits on a ravaged but reclaimed expanse of land in Umuahia North local government area.

The gully erosion developed due to channeling of flood waters during the construction of Umuagua road, sources said.

Because of the topography, the floods were all descending towards the projects site and it got to a stage where the Umuagu Ibeku Primary School and other buildings were threatened. One of the school buildings actually caved in, forcing the pupils to relocate to some other blocks inside.

The World Bank is executing the project

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

PUBLIC INTEREST

10

‘We’ve metered all Maximum Demand (MD) customers, now focusing on residential customers’ How would you rate the performance of EEDC within your franchise area?

First, I would say that at EEDC, we are work in progress. We are making conscious efforts to deliver on our brand promise to our customers, which is to distribute and market electricity within the South East. It is however important to note where we are coming from, which is part of the factors that make it difficult for us to move at our targeted pace. There was high level of rot in the sector at the time EEDC came on board, which was occasioned by perennial neglect of the sector over the years. But nevertheless, we are consciously working on those challenges. All we need are understanding, cooperation and support from our customers as we strive to fully address the enormous challenges facing us as a business.

What other challenges are you referring to?

There are several of them, which are in two prongs: challenges from the customers’ side and those from EEDC. Adequate funding is needed for us to be able to run the business effectively; and for us to be able to meet our financial commitments and drive business effectively, our customers must pay for energy they consume. But unfortunately, we have a situation where many consumers steal energy via meter bypass. They criminally hook up cables and use energy without paying for it, which cause us huge revenue loss. We purchase about N5 billion worth of energy per month, but end up struggling to realise only about N3 billion.

The highest that we have ever got was N3.3 billion, out of N5 billion. The other N1.7 billion was lost to power theft and indebtedness. How can you become efficient under such scenario? However, we are working on it hoping that things would get better as we progress. We have commenced special Customer Enumeration Exercise (CEE) which is aimed at addressing certain issues including power theft among others. By the time we enumerate all our customers and get them unto our billing platform, we would be able to bill them for the energy they consume.

That would end the era of people just building structures and going ahead to connect electricity and start consuming energy without EEDC’s knowledge.

The other challenge is vandalising of our installations such as armoured cables, intermediate cables and draining of transformer oil among others, thereby depriving our customers the right to enjoy our services. Vandalising of our installations always leaves huge impact on EEDC because it compels us to deploy resources that had been earmarked for other projects to replace vandalised equipment.

Is such shortfall the reason for popular notion around town that the poor power supply is as a result of EEDC’s refusal to buy up its power allocation from the GENCOs? That is an unfounded, mischievous allegation that certainly, emanated from uninformed hecklers. As a matter of fact, we have a partner bank where we opened Letter of Credit (LC). The bank pays for the energy that we import and as well bears our shortfalls. EEDC allocation is 9 per cent of total energy that is generated, which is just about 300 to 400 MW, while we have installed capacity of over 850 MW. So, the 9 per cent is even too meagre for us and most times, we even take more, which attracts official stiff fines from the regulators. The issue is that the amount of power generation by the GENCOS is never enough in the first place, and that also results to inadequate allocation of power to the respective distribution companies (DISCOs), including EEDC.

•Application for smart meter now online The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has assured of its determination to complete its on-going smart metering of all electricity consumers in the South East. This was disclosed by the company at a recent forum of the House of Representatives ad-hoc Committee on Power, in Enugu, where the DISCO enumerated its corporate successes and teething challenges as well, stressing that energy theft is its major albatross. In this interview with CHUKS EZE in Enugu, the Head of Communications of the company, Emeka Eze, sheds more light on various initiatives of the company towards continued enhancement of its services to ensure cordial relationship, as well as mutual satisfaction, between EEDC and its teeming customers. He as well speaks about a number of customers’ allegations, misconceptions and other challenges facing the company.

•Emeka Eze Many Nigerians are not aware of this. There is no way 300/400MW of electricity could power the entire South East states. So, what we do when we pick up our 9 per cent allocation is to load-shed it to all the states within our franchise area. The implication of that is that all our consumers cannot possibly get supply at the same time.

It has been alleged that because majority of your customers are on estimated billing, EEDC refuses to distribute imported energy to customers because whether there is sup-

ply or not, they would be billed at the end of the month; Is that true?

That is another unfortunate and unfounded lie. It is not possible to store power. Once energy gets to distribution point, it keeps running. You could only channel energy to specific targets through the injection substations. The correct information is that power cannot be stored or horded by any DISCO, including EEDC. What capacity does EEDC need to adequately feed all customers under its coverage

area daily, all things being equal?

About 2000MW would be a near comfortable start because some of our customers are enjoying nearly 24 hours supply, even with our meagre allocation.

Do you rate some customers more important than others?

We are a business and it would not be good business idea for us to keep supplying power to consumers who refuse to pay for energy they consume, at same rate with others that are consistent in payment of

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

PUBLIC INTEREST

billing by consumers under estimated billing?

We bill our customers based on feeder records. The feeder captures all energy that goes to respective areas, and that is what we use to bill our customers at the end of the month. But any customer that feels his billing is not transparent is free to contest it officially in writing. We have marketers that report to every Feeder Manager and if for any reason, an area did not have supply, the marker in charge of the area would be in a position to know about that and take appropriate action.

•Prepaid metres bills. Another thing is that we have business sympathy to industrialists, who usually operate with heavy machineries and provide jobs to the populace. We know that when they thrive, the society also thrives as well. So, we target such industrial clusters as Emene Industrial Area and Nnewi Industrial Cluster, for instance, and ensure that we feed them with constant energy to run their businesses.

Emene industrial layout is currently enjoying close to 24 hours power supply while Nnewi Industrial, Ogbaru and some others are currently in the pipeline and would soon be up.

These are high energy consuming clusters where a lot of energy is needed to run businesses. And for other customer, most of them do not pay, yet they want to enjoy 24 hours power supply. And like I stated earlier, our partner bank pays for energy that we import, on our behalf, but at 22 per cent interest rate. The bank however bears the cost of our monthly shortfalls at same interest rate, and the interest keeps piling up in our books every month. As a matter of fact, we have over N80 billion outstanding debts in our books, as we speak. It is really a worrisome situation, and no business can continue to run in that manner. So, there is nothing like EEDC refusing to buy up its energy allocation or that the company refuses to distribute energy to customers.

Our smart metering project is one that we are seriously committed to and it is a continuous process. So far, we have metered all our Maximum Demand (MD) customers within our network, which covers all the South East states and metering of our residential customers is still on-going. The problem is that we met a metering gap of over 700,000 unmetered customers and there is no way we can supply such number at once. But we are making steady efforts to meter all our customers. And we continue to appeal to our customers to be patient with us.

What are the current official cost and other procedures for obtaining the smart meter; we gathered that many people have been swindled while seeking to acquire the device?

EEDC does not charge any money for meter supply to her consumers. Customers are only required to apply for meter supply online at www.enugudisco.com, by filling the meter request form. After filling the form, they should just seat back and wait for phone call from our engineers. After the application, we gather the data and prepare the device for deployment. EEDC has so far committed over N10billion to the smart metering project and we have not even gone half way. The project demands huge fund-

Talking about concern for industrial clusters; what about your close-door neighbour, Ogbete Industrial Area, aka, Coal Camp, which hosts nearly thousands of amazing fabricators and manufactures, but even as we speak, their major setback is lack of power. Do you have any plan for that large cluster?

Like I said, some projects are still in the pipeline. We are taking projects gradually but steadily because they are capital intensive projects. We have identified several cluster areas but one thing is that we also consider the ability and readiness of our customers to reciprocate our efforts by paying for the energy that we feed them.

I am talking about citizens that spend each day, almost equivalent of a month’s cost of public electricity bill, to gas their respective generators…?

We have a feeder Manager in charge of that area. We shall discuss your observation with him and take necessary action in that regard. We have broken down our operations to feeder levels and we have a mini Managing Director in charge of all clusters in his area. Whenever they bring up justification about the needs of their customers, management swiftly looks into them and addresses them adequately.

What is the update on smart metering; it is generally believed that that is a sure solution to most issues that cause complaints, suspicions and allegations against EEDC, by consumers, especially those that are still on estimation billing?

•Emeka Eze

ing, and the rise in foreign exchange rate had made the issue even more challenging. But we are committed to the process, against all odds. The reason we introduced the automated meter request format was to ensure that applicants do not have any human interface while applying, in order to curb possible fraud or extortion in the process.

Non-literate customers or those that cannot access the internet could visit any of our offices for help, at no cost. But they may have to exercise patient before they are attended to. Also, customers who have outstanding debts in their accounts are qualified to apply for the smart meter, but their old debts would be migrated to the new metre so that as they vend, a certain percentage would be gradually deducted to service the old bills until they are cleared.

Do you have meters in stock at the moment?

We have meters in large stock. I would take you to our warehouse as well as the configuration unit, to see for yourself. It takes various processes before the device is certified ok for installation. That is why we urge customers to be patient with us. We are carrying out the metering feeder by feeder to ensure that we have a clean project.

What can you say about allegations of over-

You may also want to address the allegation that you temper with your current meter version and configured them to be gulp credit much faster?

That is not true. All our meters are standardised and officially certified. There is an arm of the regulator that certifies all meters that are imported into the country. As a matter of fact, to clear the general public over that allegation, we had to carry out an open demonstration where we invited our customers – those using the older version and those using the latest meter version.

Some customers even brought their engineers, along with their meters, which were subjected to open and transparent public test. And after the demonstrations, everyone saw that that all EEDC meters were ok.

The thing is that our people need to be reoriented so they can stop their old manner wasting energy. The smart meter captures every-energy that passes through it and all we are required to do is to use energy saving appliances and as well learn to turn off all appliances when they are not in use. It is wasteful to leave your bulbs on during the day because there is no need for that. But several times, I have passed by households with their security lights fully on in the afternoon. There is no truth in the allegation that EEDC smart meters drain energy because all DISCOs are under stiff official regulation and monitoring. It is not possible for any sharp practice to occur unnoticed and without attracting the heavy harmer of the regulators.

There was certain squabble between EEDC and the Enugu House of Assembly over what the legislators described as poor services by your company; has that been ironed out?

O, yes it has. Part of our challenges is that many people do not have correct information about our operations. I am sure that if the honourable members did, they certainly would have acted otherwise.

Did you invite them to witness the meter demonstration that you talked about?

No, we did not invite the House as a body.

We invited the regulators and our customers – those we have installed meter for, and members of the public, via an open public invitation. All the meters that were brought by customers were transparently subjected to open test by engineers and in the end, everyone saw that the meters were in good condition and doing normal energy capturing.

Apart from funds, do you have any other challenge about the metering exercise?

There are several other challenges. For instance some customers reject the smart meter due to all those fake rumours that are flying around. There are others who would not be there when our men arrive at their premises to carry out the installation. We would alert them about our coming but web would reach their house and they would not be there. Sometimes, we end up repeating for up to twice or trice, thereby wasting time and resources that would have been used to serve other customers. However, paucity of funds, mainly occasioned by shortfalls due to meter bypass by our customers and vandalising of our installations still remain our top challenge. After investing so much money in the system, we end up losing almost on all fronts. We lose funds used to acquire meters, because customers destroy them while trying to temper with them to bypass them or while attempting to recode them. We lose funds invested in purchase of energy, because customers bypass our meters and use energy without paying, and we as well, lose money used to acquire installations to vandals. It takes EEDC minimum of 15 years to recoup the cost of meter we deploy to a customer. So, when the device is bypassed, or it is damaged, the business is being suffocated in various ways.

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POLITICS

•Com Ezeja giving directives to party members and supporters

•Rt. Hon. David Atigwe moves a motion for the endorsement of Gov. Ugwuanyi for reelection in 2019

You’re my pillar, Ugwuanyi declares at Igbo-Eze North special civic reception

I

t was like a grand homecoming for the governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Saturday, where he was treated to an exceptional civic reception by the people of Igbo-Eze North Council Area, in appreciation of his good works since he assumed office, not only in the area, but across the state as a whole.

The people also seized the august event, which took place at the Temporary Stadium, Ogrute, the council headquarters, to endorse the governor for re-election in 2019; but not without drawing his attention to some of their pressing needs. Top on their request was that the governor should use his good offices to attract a viable commercial bank to the area, arguing that the area was the most populated local government area in Enugu State. They also stressed that the area as well is reputed for producing second largest block votes at all past elections in the state, but added that it was regrettable that it was devoid of any functional commercial bank.

They commended the governor for his giant strides in the education and other sectors, and requested him to add at least extra two per cent to the current government’s vote to the education sector, in future budget appropriations. Rt. Hon. Simon Atigwe, spoke on behalf of the people. They appreciated the governor for on-going and completed projects, as well as political appointments that his administration had extended to Igbo-Eze North, adding that, like Oliver Twist, they still looked forward for more.

Meanwhile, the multi-faceted occasion, which passes for a show-stopper, also featured other key items including inauguration of Gburu Gburu Movement (GGM), Igbo-Eze North chapter; prayer session, goodwill messages, as well as special royal blessing, which was administered by the host monarch, HRH, Igwe Willy Ekere, the Eze Igijikwu 1 of Ogrute-Ulo/Ezilo autonomous community.

The royal father, who led a college of monarchs to pray for the governor, his family and government, declared that both man and spirits were in support of Ugwuanyi’s re-election. He prayed that since Enugu East and Enugu West Senatorial Zones had produced governors, who had served the state for two terms each without any opposition from the Local Government, that God and the ancestors of Enugu North Senatorial Zone should oppose anyone that opposes the re-election of the governor, who he said, was performing creditably by all standards, and by the rating of the greater majority of Enugu citizens.

•Gov says Enugu now model for peace, security, good governance •Inaugurates GGM support group CHUKS EZE, who was there, writes on the grand reception for Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State at Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, which, along with Udenu, his own local government, he represented at the House of Representatives for 12 years.

•Traditional Rulers, led by HRH Igwe Willy O. Ekere, Patron, Gburugburu Movement, Igbo-Eze North L.G.A The event, which witnessed a gathering of various dignitaries, party supporters and well-wishers of the governor from across religious and party lines, also drew guests from across other council areas in the state and beyond, who graced the occasion in solidarity to the governor.

While performing the official inauguration of Gburugburu Movement, the Chairman of Ferotex Construction Company (FCC), Chief Festus Oshaba, who carried out the exercise on behalf of the governor, urged

all members to continue to carry out all their activities peacefully, without rancour and in accordance with the laws of the land.

In his address, Director-General of GGM, Hon. Innocent Agbo, assured the governor of his re-election victory in 2019. He noted that for the group, the governor’s second tenure was already a done deal, stressing that GGM had already started targeting a higher office for the governor ahead of 2013 general election. According to Agbo, the governor’s performance as the Chief execu-

tive of the state, has been sterling, stressing that every facet of the state were earnestly yearning for Ugwuanyi’s re-election as the Enugu governor, in 2019.

“The assemblage, here today, of the highly cerebral and finest political minds from all facets of the political, socio-economic classes and indeed, the grassroots, clearly demonstrates that all hands are on deck to ensure your smooth re-election in 2019. And for us at GGM, we have already sealed the Gbu-

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

Political Personality

We will revive oil city of Warri, vows Hon. Tidi Chairman, Warri South Local Government, Hon. Michael Tidi has promised to embark on aggressive renovation of the battered areas or sports in order to bring back the lost glory of the oil city in Delta State. In this interview with EMMANUEL OGOIGBE in Warri, Tidi reveals how he has served Delta in various capacities as a civil servant, political aide to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Special Assistant to the Governor before he was called upon by his people to serve in the densely populated Warri with a complex mix of ethnic groups--Itsekiri, Urhobo, Ijaw even non-Deltans from others parts of the country. Excerpts: For almost four months now, you have been on the saddle as chairman of the council, what are the challenges you have encountered so far?

I can say that the job has been challenging because, we met a system whose mood of operation can best be described as analogue, which was not in tandem with modern day practice. We met a workforce that was not motivated - yes, they come to work because of this clock-in, clock-out system introduced by the Delta State government, but, most times, they were idle. So, we injected fresh ideas to change the situation. We re-jigged the place. Some members of staff were deployed to areas where they would be most useful, where they have comparative advantage so we can get the best out of them. We looked at their files and ensured that as much as possible, we put round pegs in round holes.

Besides payment of salaries, what else have you been doing?

On resumption, I met with the workers and we discussed extensively. I also appreciate efforts of the NULGE Chairman--we talked about welfare and as a welfarist, I assured them that their demands would be met. As I speak with you, their claims have been attended to and we believe that as our revenue increases, we will pay off all that we owe them.

Still on our activities within two months, you can see that the Secretariat is wearing a new look--we don’t joke with issues of cleanliness and comfort because we must show examples to others. Don’t forget that this is the mother of many local councils in the State as several councils were carved out of Warri South. Today, it is a tourist attraction.

We believe in delivering capital projects to the people, we have injected fresh blood into the market. We felt that the market was not good enough and through our engagement with the market women, we got them to carry out a sanitation exercise in the market every Thursday, besides the monthly sanitation declared by the state government. Some of the requests of the market women are being attended to. We are supplying electricity to the market because it’s very dark there at night. We are also installing solar powered streetlights.

You are a Journalist, you can visit the market which is the biggest market in Delta State, the Igbudu market to see things for yourself. In the area of sanitation, the Council has paid for compactor truck to help the PSP people to evacuate wastes from the market. We have also engaged the youths to ensure that the communities are kept clean.

We have instituted an award for the cleanest community in the local government to encourage the communities to ensure clean environment.

Am I right to assume that the backlog of salaries you met must have contributed to the low performance of staff?

Of course, when we came on board, we met a backlog of seven-month salaries. We were able to defray three-months through the magnanimity of the governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa who insisted that payment of salaries must be of top priority. But, I will disagree that it was because they were not paid that workers were generally unproductive. Our people generally have poor attitude to government work. For instance, I resume work by 8 am and close at times by 5 pm, the workers are happy to em-

of the residents and the business owners in our environment. We have witnessed substantial compliance as people now believe that the money will not end in the individual’s pocket. The money comes to the council and we are working with law enforcement agents to ensure that anyone who poses as agent to collect cash would be arrested because the money we get through sales of scratch cards go straight to the Council through the designated banks that sells our scratch cards. So far, so good, the sensitization has been effective. Government needs money to provide security for the people, make the environment clean for business activities. Our traders need soft loans while our youths need to be equipped with required skills that job owners are demanding. To acquire the skills the multi-national oil companies are demanding are expensive but with money, which we can raise from IGR, we can sponsor our people to acquire the necessary skills and carry out our activities.

•Hon. Tidi ulate what I am doing. The Head, Personnel Management (HPM), senior staff including the junior staff must stay around, because I may need any of them. They appreciate the payment of salaries and so far, we are doing very well, with the re-shuffling that we did, everyone is happy to do their job.

How are you raising funds to actualize various projects?

We have projections, we have budget. We even projected to pay salaries from our IGR, so, outside allocations from FAAC, we are doing well, but, His Excellency, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has done very well for us. If you look at the NPA, it was resurfaced by Governor Okowa’s administration. If you look at some of the link roads like the one leading to Court 4, the drainage has been constructed.

Areas that used to be death traps have been asphalted, we are not there yet, but, with the commitment of Dr Okowa’s administration to the provision of infrastructure, the situation can only get better.

How is nightlife in Warri?

I must say that it is a serious matter. We are doing a lot to revive nightlife in the oil city. You are aware of the forthcoming Warri Economic Summit that we are organising for us to reclaim the lost glory of Warri and make the future of the oil city better. We

have concluded plans and resource persons who are those mainly nurtured by Warri will come and make contributions on how to make Warri a better place. We are confident that in the next few months, the Warri that we used to know will bounce back stronger.

His Excellency, our governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa will be at the summit.

How are you coping with issues of youths disturbing developers popularly called ‘deve’ in your area?

It is not really common in Warri South but that is not to say there are no dissidents. As an Economist, I know the impact of disturbing developers, so, we are working with the communities to ensure that no one disturbs the pace of development in any part of the local government area.

How is the revenue generation effort of your Council?

To avoid duplicity in the collection of revenue thereby adding burden to our people, we have looked at all the relevant laws. We have deployed technology in what we are doing, injecting fresh ideas to avoid doing same thing all over again. So, what we did is to introduce scratch cards. All that you need to do as a good citizen is to purchase the scratch cards and log in to show that you have paid your tax. The tenement rates have different cards and it will help us have a data

There is a seaport in Warri, are there plans to make it more functional?

Yes, His Excellency, our governor is passionate about reviving the Warri Port. I discussed the issue with him before I became Chairman and I have also continued with the moves as Chairman. What I see playing out about making the Warri Port more functional is politics because, I see no reason for Ports in Lagos and Port Harcourt would be functioning and ours will not function. This is a cosmopolitan town for crying out loud.

It is not a private port, it is not a state port but the powers that be somewhere want this port to die. So, we are doing a lot of advocacy for the federal government to come and dredge the port. The benefits of having a functional port cannot be quantified. The federal government does not want the Port to work so that everybody will patronize the Lagos Port. It is not only the Warri Port, the Burutu and Koko Ports are here in Delta State and are not also functional. What has the dredging of these Ports to do with Lagos? They will compliment each other and make the goods get faster to their owners.

Lagos is congested while this Port is wasting.

As a politician, how do you see the strength of your party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State?

Deltans are happy that Delta State is a PDP state. PDP is a big family, if it is not your turn today, it will be your turn tomorrow. There is no other political party in the state. During the local government elections, our leader, His Excellency, the governor went round the 25 local government areas campaigning for the party’s candidates; there was no other political party that campaigned. So, during the elections, it was just one way, it was all about the PDP in Delta State. That obviously buttressed the fact that Delta State is home to the PDP. What are we expecting in the 2019 politics?

It is PDP all the way. Governor Okowa is a blessing to Delta State; he has managed the resources of the state so well. He is prudent and is one of the governors in the country today who is not owing salaries; projects are evenly spread across the state, his support to farmers, the true farmers, micro-credit scheme, empowerment programmes are wonderful and our people who appreciate good things will ensure easy sail for him back to Government House in 2019, I can assure you of that.

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POLITICS

You’re my pillar, Ugwuanyi declares

•The Enugu State Comm. for the Environment, Chief Fidel Ayogu, exchangingpleasantries with Chief Ejike Odumegwu, when he was being ushered into the venue by a cream of party supporters

Cont’d from page 12 rugburu 2019 project, and have already commenced working out modalities towards a higher office for you in 2013,” he said.

All other speakers at the event were unanimous in passing vote of confidence on Governor Ugwuanyi, enumerating his achievements in various sectors, and also eulogising him for ensuring even distribution of projects across board. There were various appreciation and goodwill messages from the host Council Chairmen, Comr. Uwakwe Ezeja; Senator representing Enugu North at the Senate, Chuka Utazi; Member representing Igbo-Eze North /Udenu federal constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Denis Agbo; Members representing Igb-Eze North 1, and Igbo-Eze North 11 constituencies at the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Ethel Oyibo Ugwuanyi, who is the Chief Whip of the House; and Rt. Hon. Tony Ogidi, Chairman House Committee of Water resources.

Others were elder statesman and a chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Chief Nduka Eya; Dr. Sally Adukwu; Commissioner for Environment and Mineral resources, Amb. Fidel

Ayogu; Enugu North Zonal Chairman of PDP, Rt. Hon. Michael Onyeze; and PDP Chairman in Igbo-Eze North, Hon. Alexander Urama, among others.

They all took turns to praise Governor Ugwuanyi for what they termed special leadership model, which, according to them, included policy of inclusiveness, humility, equality of all individuals in all schemes of affairs in the state, notwithstanding differences in their political or religious affiliations.

While welcoming the governor to the local government, Comr. Ezeja told Ugwuanyi that the people of the council area were happy with him and proud of him, as well, because he has been exceptionally in office. And on as regards 2019, Ezeja pointed out that for the people of the council area, Ugwuanyi’s re-election was already a concluded matter, adding that even the grasses were ready to vote for the governor if it was possible for grasses to cast votes.

“When you have a good product, you do not need much talking. Gburugburu has already finished the 2019 campaign for us through his wonderful performance, which has turned him into a colossal phenomenon not only in Enugu State politics but in Nigeria as a whole. Your Excellency, you have be-

come a political ideology, sounded in humility, infrastructural development and ability to carry everybody along,” he said.

For Dr. Sally Adukwu, who spoke on behalf of various women support groups, the governor’s achievements since he assumed office in 2015, was in agreement with his slogan – Gburugburu (everywhere) as projects done by his administration were spread across the length and breadth of the state, including Igbo-Eze North Council Area. She assured the governor that all the women of Igbo-Eze North, and Enugu State, in general, were solidly behind him, adding that they were also battle ready to spoil any effort that may arise against the people’s wish of re-electing him for a second term as their governor, in 2019.

The woman leader also noted that Governor Ugwuanyi is one politician who is reputed as one of few Nigerian politicians who do never rent crowds wherever they go, adding “you did not purchase your present position, you earned it. Our verdict, as women, therefore, is that let everybody earn where they are and not purchase where they aspire to be.

“You are leading a unique leadership style – leadership that does not forget the days of little beginning. Because of that, your focus is clearly and fixed. You serve the people with humility and sincerity of purpose, never forgetting your days of humble beginning.

You have refused to be intoxicated by power and that is why God and man will continue to be with you.

“You have become a study in leadership, and we are proud of you. We, the mothers, have blessed you and nobody will un-bless you; and we will catch and deal with whoever that tries to un-bless you.” she said.

On his part, elder statesman, Chief Nduka Eya advised the people be always vigilant as 2019 general election draws nearer, warning that until all the forthcoming national elections were conclude, nobody should relax and wait for victory to be handed him on a platter of Gold. Eya, who said he was not partisan and did not belong to any political party added that as an elder, he would always stand by the truth no matter whose ox was gored, adding, while referring to Governor Ugwuanyi, “please, do not rest because, before you, is a young man, a healthy man and a man who can perform”.

And when it came to the official endorsement of the governor for second tenure, the onus fell on another elder statesman, Rt. Hon. Simon Atigwe who moved a motion to that effect. The motion was seconded by yet another elder statesman, Chief Simon Ossai

and received total voice adoption from the crowd – men, women and the youths.

In his response, Governor Ugwuanyi thanked the people and assured and reiterated his administration’s determination to provide quality leadership and good governance to all citizens of the state. He thanked the people for what he called, their age-long support, and paid special tributes to youths of Enugu State for their roles in the continued existence of peace, security and good governance in the state since he assumed office, pointing out that all achievements recorded by his administration were possible because of absence of criminality, hostilities and breakdown of law and order in the state.

The governor specifically, poured immense gratitude on all citizens of the local government for their roles in his emergence as governor of the state, adding that he would always appreciate them for their show of love upon him, not just as governor but also for having elected him into the House of representatives and as well sustaining him at the National Assembly for three consecutive times, back-to-back.

“My mission here is to pour out my gratitude, the good people of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area. You had elected me into the House of Representatives and kept re-electing me for three consecutive times.

You continued to support me until 2015 when you were hugely instrumental to my emergence as the governor of Enugu State, through your tremendous block votes,” he said.

He promised to continue to advance peace and harmony, and as well, continue to provide more evenly distributed democracy dividends in the state, pointing out that his administration had put an end to the politics of name-calling, backbiting and vindictiveness in the state because all citizens of the state were brothers and sisters, first, before becoming members any political party.

He thanked his teaming supporters, who had attended the rally under various support groups, and urged them to continue to pray for him and his government, assuring that, ” with your continued support and prayers, we will take Enugu State to the next enviable level, in Jesus name”.

Other dignitaries the event were the State Chairman of PDP, Chief Augustine Nnamani, who led other state and zonal executives of the party; Chief Mike Ejinima; Nze Mike Onyeze; Leader of Three-in-one Political Solution, Hon. Chukwudi Ezinwa; Barr COC Egungbe; and the Founder/Coordinator of Gburugburu Support Group (GGSG), Chief Ejikeme Odumegwu, among several others

Ikpeazu’s re-election will boost development in Abia – Uko Cont’d from page 9 through the Nigeria Watershed and Erosion Management Project (NEWMAP) which awarded the contract to Heartland Nigeria Ltd. The site is a beehive of activities as many engineers and support staff were seen doing one thing or the other when the inspection team arrived. The work is expected to be completed in 12 months’s time.

Grasses, including Bahama, and ornamental trees are being planted to hold the soil.

A 10-kilometre road, flagged off last Monday, is being constructed around the communities affected by the erosion to ensure that the drains are directed to link up with the river where the erosion remediation channel would empty into. This would help to protect the vegetation and control flooding in the entire area.

“This thing could not have happened if Dr Okezie Ikpeazu did not provide the counterpart funding in 2015,” Uko said narrating how the designs were approved by World

Bank before the contract was awarded.

“Upon completion, that place will rank among the best well-constructed sites when it comes to erosion remediation across the country, to tell you that the governor has emphasized quality, durability; standards and best practices in all he does,” the Commissioner said.

To realize his promise of making Abians adopt a new habit of environmental cleanliness, the Commissioner said that the Ministry would activate its Environmental Court.

He explains: “What also is very critical is the fact that we now have an Environmental Court. The absence of an environmental court, to a large extent, permits lawlessness when it comes to aberrations that impact on the environment.

“With the creation of the Environmental Court now, we are going to make sure that environmental laws are being enforced.”

With the court in place, anyone caught littering the environment, blocking the roads with heaps of building materials – be it sand or rods; disposing refuse improperly; preparing food in an open place or channeling of untreated human waste into drains, among

other common practices by residents, would be tried and fined, if convicted.

He said that his ministry would “re-introduce” Environmental Health Officers and Abatement Officers “who will go round to ensure that all of these infractions are put to a stop.”

“We are determined to enhance the level of the cleanliness of the environment. We will also introduce some level of aesthetics by reintroducing parks in some identified locations, both in Umuahia, Aba, Arochukwu and Ohafia areas,” he added.

His worry is the sustenance of the execution of the several projects initiated by the governor, particularly the vision and the quality. This, according to him, is the anchor on which the re-election of Ikpeazu revolves.

He asserts that Ikpeazu “was touching genuinely on those areas that impact on the welfare of people and things that are not ephemeral, not transient, things that endure and could stand the test of time;” for which people staying around areas where projects were being executed were pouring out from their hearts, “genuine love and appreciation.”

He urged Abians not to be deceived by smooth-talking politicians who would promise them what they could not deliver in the end.

He concurred with the governor that people should judge him based on his performance.

“Judging him from the things he has done here, for me, is based on viability; viability, in terms of the level of impact on the welfare of the people and durability, in terms of also quality. So, I think that the governor means well for the people,” he said.

He fears that lack of continuity may be the bane of Abia’s development if Ikpeazu is not returned, arguing that Ikpeazu was not seeking for “extension of time” for the sake of it, for the sake of occupying office or for personal aggrandizement.

Uko stressed that only the visioner knows exactly what he wants to achieve.

“From what I have shown you, there are things that are ongoing that he would desire to complete and then take the state to the next level and then for some other person to come and build upon it. This is how some states achieved success,” he signed off.

15

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

FOR THE RECORD

I

t is a special privilege and honour to be here at the formal inauguration of the new Headquarters building and auditorium of the Deeper Life Bible Church.

This is one of the proudest moments for me as a Christian, seeing this great edifice being dedicated for the propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ and for the disciplining of the saints.

This is not merely a large building, it is expertly done, built by the best workmen, with the most modern amenities and cutting edge technology.

In the surroundings of this edifice in this neighbourhood, are investments in the community, a connecting bridge, streetlights and greatly improved access roads.

Because we know the Deeper Life Bible Church and we know of its commitment to the full gospel of Jesus Christ, we know that the motivation for this is to honour Jesus Christ and glorify His name in this land.

There is no question at all, for those of us who have watched how this church has grown, for those of us who lived in this neighbourhood at one point in time, saw what was here before, that the ‘glory of this latter temple is greater than the former,’ says the Lord of hosts.

‘And we declare in the words of scripture that in this place the Lord of hosts will give peace’.

But there is another reason why the dedication of this sanctuary is at an exceptional moment in the history of the church of Jesus Christ in Nigeria and the world.

We are in the end times. Indeed the time of his return is closer than when we first believed. The immediate implication is that there must be an urgency in the fulfilment of the great commission. We must work harder to obey the command and commission in Matthew 28:1920 – “to go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded”.

As we work and recognise that we must work to meet with this commission, we must accept that there will be resistance, the devil is even more desperate and devious as the end comes nearer. So, what

‘We must word harder because we are in end times’ Being the full text of a speech by His Excellency, Prof. YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN, GCON, Vice President, Federal Republic Of Nigeria, at the inauguration of the Deeper Life Bible Church headquarters building in Gbagada, Lagos State on Tuesday, April 24, 2018. are some of the resistance we see?

First, there is a resistance to the building of churches, there are specific cases of places where specific allegations have been made of valid applications to build churches have been refused.

The President has mandated that I take up those cases with the specific State and local authorities, the right to freedom of worship is also the right to build places of worship.

Second is the physical persecution of Christians; a phenomenon we have seen for years. Just this morning on my way here, I was notified the violation of a catholic church in Benue State by armed killers who went in while a burial mass was taking place and they killed a priest and some worshippers.

It is not only a heinous sacrilege, but high wickedness to kill persons in a place of worship. As I discussed these issues with the President and other ministers in the Security Council, it is evident to me and to many, that the devil’s bigger agenda is to stoke up a religious conflict in Nigeria, one that will make it impossible for anyone to preach the gospel or even for Muslims to worship in their mosques. A few days ago in Bama, a mosque was bombed and many died. Many such examples abound.

While the security agencies continue to work relentlessly to hunt down the perpetrators of these evil acts and to bring a permanent end to all of the killings going on in the name of herdsmen, Boko Haram, or in any other name, we as a body of Christ must not lose focus.

The enemy wants us to stand on our pulpits and preach hate, we will not. We will obey the Lord Je-

•Vice President Osinbajo sus Christ who said that we must love our enemies and pray even for those who persecute us. No person born or yet to be born, can stop the march of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Indeed as the Word of God says, this Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

In any event, we are assured by the Lord Himself that He is building His church and gates of hell shall never prevail against it.

In this we are supremely confident. For those of us Christians in government are sometimes referred to as Esthers. We are told that we are in office for a time such as this. What is often forgotten, is that when Mordecai told Esther that she was in the palace for such a time, she said to him in Esther 4:16 “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” This I say to the church as well. It is the duty of the church, as we ask that the church prays for

those in government, that the church upholds the hands of those in government, not by complaining but by supporting us in the place of prayer. I ask that you pray for every one of us in the place of authority in this land.

Let me congratulate our father in the Lord, and the General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor W F Kumuyi, a man of uncommon humility and commitment to the spread of the undiluted gospel of Jesus Christ, with candour and integrity.

Despite these permissive times, your preaching of holiness and righteous behaviour and all of what you preach not just to the people of Deeper Life Bible Church, but the whole of our nation. These are important messages, especially for our country as we battle the cancer of corruption.

God blessed the generations of David for merely thinking about building a temple for the Lord.

Sir, you have gone beyond thinking about building, you have rallied the church, to put their resources small and large, to build this incredible edifice, the 4th largest in the world. But more importantly, God has helped you to build the true temple in the hearts of so many. Surely, the Lord will reward you and your generations in the way only He can in Jesus name.

Finally, as we dedicate this temple in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, I pray in the words of Solomon in 1 Chronicles 6:40 – “now, my God, I pray, let your eyes be open and let your ears be attentive to the prayers that are made in this place by all of the people in this place in Jesus name Amen!

Human Right sDefenders honour SARS Commander for ‘effective policing’

By Oge Onyeanusi Group, Human Rights Defenders of Nigeria, has honoured the Anambra State Commander of the Federal Special Anti Robbery Squad (FSARS), Mr. Sunday Okpe, a Superintendent of Police (SP) for his giant strides in policing.

The ceremony, which took place at Awkuzu, the Anambra State Headquarters of the Federal Special Anti Robbery Squad (FSARS) attracted members of the human rights group led by its national chairman, Dede Uzor A. Uzor, as well as men and women of the FSARS and members of the general public.

While honouring the FSARS boss with a plaque as “Best Crime Buster of the Year, 2018”, for his outstanding performance in crime reduction in Anambra, the leader of the group, Comrade Uzor A. Uzor, noted that Mr. Okpe, who had served in various capacities in Awka, Nnewi and other places, has been instrumental to crime reduction, arresting of notorious criminals, armed robbers and kidnap kingpins in the state.

Uzor noted that Okpe’s outstanding devotion to his police duties and rare courage have translated into enormous crime

reduction, an effort which has contributed to the present rating of Anambra as one of the safest states in Nigeria.

He went memory lane to the days when parts of Anambra State were death traps and dens of robbers and notorious criminals, stating that in the days of intensive fight against the criminals in the state, Okpe’s contributions have been outstanding.

He said that the purpose of the honour was to thank the FSARS boss for his rare performances, task him to do more and encourage other officers to be patriotic and hardwork.

Mr. Okpe, reacting to the honour bestowed on him, said he was moved and humbled.

He said the honour was indication that his efforts did not go unnoticed, promising that he would work harder for the safety and security of residents of the state and to promote the image of the police force.

He commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Idris Ibrahim, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Mr. Garba Baba Umar and Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State for working round the clock to ensure that citizens

•Sunday Okpe (m) Dede Uzor A. Uzor (r) & Barr Onwuemekai during the event ,

under their care are safe and secure.

Present at the ceremony were chairman of the Award Organizing Committee, Comrade Udemadu;

Legal Adviser of the group, Barr Ada Obinna Edozie; O/C Legal, Anambra State, Barr Ben Onwuemekai and O/C Legal, FSARS Awkuzu, DSP Obi.

Highpoint of the event was the release of a 61-year-old suspect, who was held at the FSARS custody for allegedly aiding and abating crime.

16

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

WOMEN & SOCIETY

F

or Dr. Elishama Ideh, the love to serve country and citizen has never been in doubt. A successful businesswoman with fear of God, Mrs. Ideh didn’t take long to discover her passion for social entrepreneurship starting with assisting and helping the downtrodden and other socially vulnerable persons in Lagos and other parts of the country.

Her vision and passion have been to give new life and confidence to the rejected, oppressed and destitute, those generally regarded as dregs of society, restore hope to them by sharing God’s love, not just by word of mouth, but also by practical demonstration.

As the only girl in the family, Elishama was the centre of attraction and affection of not only her parents but also by her siblings as well. Her primary education at Mayflower primary school Ikenne, Ogun State, and secondary school education at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Onitsha, before proceeding to study Mass Communication at Bowie State College, Maryland, USA equipped her to face the challenges she carved out for herself. On her return from the USA, she went into business and was doing wonderfully well. Consequently when the urge to go into social work came, she hesitated.

Interestingly, when the passion and vision for helping the poor on the streets came, Dr. Ideh did not envisage she would also be rescuing and giving new lease of life to the area boys as an addition to her social responsibility. She was initially just focusing on the abandoned, the destitute, the orphans, prostitutes and the widows.

“But it got to a season in my work on the street, that we now desired an office where people could meet with me for counseling because prior to that time, we would just carry our chairs and tables to the streets and under the bridges and that was where my office was as we moved along in the work,” she said.

Even when an office space was procured in Ikeja, Lagos, it did inhabit no fewer than 150 area boys, drug addicts and drug sellers.

“That scared me to death because I was wondering why it should be an area occupied by armed robbers, drug dealers, miscreants that have to be our office location in Ogba area,” Ideh said. “Anyway, by faith, I stepped out to do the assignment. But on my first attempt to enter the land, my workers were beaten black and blue for trying to come in to possess the land.”

“This particular land happened to be a property I was working on before the Lord handed me the responsibility of taking care of this section of the society,” she added.

She would feed and organise counselling for all the area boys, repentant armed robbers, reformed drug dealers who changed their ways.

“My team and I made sure we come down to their level; we organised a setting in order to catch their attention. The sort of music we play is the sound they are used to. We bring gospel music to them in the form of Apala, juju, reggae, alanta, generally street sound but imbibed with anointing of the Holy Ghost, then we feed them and clothe them, we identify what brought them out to the street.

“The ones we can reconcile with their families back we reconcile, and the ones we can give a new lease of life we gave. A lot of people think that this group of boys called the area boys is a set of completely wasted people. This happens to be the people God called me to minister to and we have recorded tremendous testimonies. We have watched the lives of these young men transform dramatically in a very short space of time. Most of them have been empowered economically and are doing well.”

Her social entrepreneurial work no doubt has brought her face to face with the stark realities of poverty.

“In Nigeria right now, poverty is on the increase and this is because we’ve failed to understand that poverty arises as a result of the mismanagement and failure to properly harness our God-given natural resources and the insensitivity of past and present government to the welfare of its people.

“Thus, I have been making conscientious efforts to educate leaders of churches on the importance of getting involved in the polity of the nation and why the walls of the church needed to be broken so that the light and the salt of the earth, which they have been called to be, will be extended to the exteri-

The path to New Nigeria,

by Elishama Ideh

An accomplished businesswoman, she started by picking up the rejected, abandoned and other dregs of society to give them a new life. After two decades of social engineering and entrepreneurship, Dr. Elishama Ideh’s dream is metamorphosing into a bigger national service, writes ROLAND OGBONNAYA ors of the nation since only righteousness can exalt a nation,” she emphasised.

She believes that the commonality of our humanity should invest our thinking and action with the best of intentions towards one another. She believes that looking out for one another as Nigerians is the right attitude to imbibe in order to impact and promote selfless service amongst her leaders. This has reflected in her social entrepreneurship of two decades and her willingness to touch others with the love of God, which has now defined her politics.

Elishama Ideh has remained a strong and purposeful voice across the several meaningful endeavours her life and time are distributed over. She has also gained the attention of both the local and international media and has been called upon to speak on a plethora of issues ranging from work and career, business and human development to the socio-spiritual.

The place of women in the history of the governance of nations is quite strategic.

Nations and societies in the throes of misgovernance and decrepit leadership have, in many instances, landed the fortune of strong women who bring sanity and order to the national quagmire.

Our national lore is replete with the exploits of these iconic women including Queen Idia of the Benin Kingdom; Queen Amina of Zaria; Princess Inikpi of Igala land; Queen Omu Okwei of Onitsha; Moremi of Ile-Ife; Margaret Ekpo; Funmilayo Ransome Kuti etc.

And in contemporary history, women like Madame Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May of the United kingdom; Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, just to mention a few. It is becoming increasingly known, backed by the authority of empiricism, that women are best suited to serve a nation in need of a rebirth.

Dr. Elishama Ideh is acutely aware of this burden for national rebirth. She has carried it for many years.

At this point in Nigeria’s history, she has decided to take responsibility for the birth of a New Nigeria under a unified vision, mission and mandate to make this nation an enviable patch of paradise in the global space. This is the summary of her leadership leanings – orchestrating unmistakable change.

Her core advocacy is a New Nigeria unequivocally founded on patriotism and justice; prerequisites for building a sustainable and united Nigeria.

In recent years, she has repeatedly championed the dignity of our National flag and the need for it to be the rallying point for Nigerians as well as the symbol of our unity. She has spent millions of naira on partnering with Individuals and organisations across the different religious groups and tribes in a bid to find a common ground for a prosperous Nigeria – a Nigeria where peace and justice reign, as expressed in the country’s national anthem.

The enormity of the national rebirth is never lost on a woman of Elishama Ideh’s calibre. The sophistication of her mind infrastructure and the sheer audacity of a fiery and humane reformer unite behind her noble ambition to usher Nigeria into a new day.

“Nigeria will cease to be a potential. It will become one of the most pleasurable experiences on earth,” she assured. These words

propel her towards 2019 where, with every Nigerian citizen, the work for a truly great Nigeria begins.

On her plan to give birth to a new Nigeria, she has been asked on several occasion about the appropriateness of clerics getting involved in governance and her position has been spontaneous: “We make Christians realize that as long as they distance themselves from direct or active participation in governance, ostensibly under the notion that politics is dirty, we will continually be under the rule and dominion of the kind of leaders we have unfortunately been saddled with since independence.

“Before now, I had been able to create enough awareness in all the local government areas of the nation, in cities, towns, villages and everywhere apart from what we are doing in our lit-

Dr. Elishama Ideh

tle way to effect changes in the plight of the poor and needy in our generation. Our plan is to create a lot of awareness on the plight of the needy in our society.

“This is to make sure that there is provision, social security schemes and homes for the poor, misplaced, abandoned and afflicted, and that the government will adequately put schemes in place to make sure that the needs of these people are being met in the whole nation.”

For her, the journey for the continued social entrepreneurship takes a greater meaning as the 2019 elections beckon.

17

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

BU$IN£SS

•Energy •Finance

•Stock

•Insurance

Business

•Aviation

NSE holds disaster recovery failover test May 26 P18

Experts predict decline in headline inflation for May

Energy

Budget revenue outlook steady as Nigeria lowers oil output P20

By KAYODE OGUNWALE

F

e-Platform

Artificial intelligence: Why Nigeria must implement ITU mandate – FG P22

Travel Attention to detail, key to success in hospitality business – Grand Capital Hotel boss P26 “Consequently, we now expect 2018 average inflation to be lower at 12.00 percent,” Meanwhile, the Nigeria annual inflation stood at 12.48 percent in April, its lowest level in more than two years and its 15th straight monthly drop.

The nation’s data custodian in April inflation report released on Tuesday revealed that, the headline index increased by 0.83 percent in April 2018.

The percentage change in the average composite Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the twelvemonth period ending April 2018 over the average of the CPI for the previous twelve-month period was 15.20 percent, showing 0.40 percent.

The data shows that, the Urban inflation rate eased by 12.89 percent year-on-year in April 2018 from 13.75 percent recorded in March, while the Rural inflation rate also eased by 12.13 percent in April 2018 from 12.99 percent

CBN EXCHANGE RATES MAY 22, 2018 Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central (NGN) Selling(NGN)

304.85 US DOLLAR POUNDS STERLING 409.566 358.6255 EURO 304.972 SWISS FRANC YEN 2.7402 0.5284 CFA 432.4593 WAUA YUAN/RENMINBI 47.7229 RIYAL 81.2868 SOUTH AFRICAN RAND 23.6924

305.35 410.2377 359.2137 305.4722 2.7447 0.5384 433.1686 47.8016 81.4202 23.7313

305.85 410.9095 359.8019 305.9724 2.7492 0.5484 433.8779 47.8803 81.5535 23.7701

in March.

On month-on-month basis, the urban index rose by 0.85 percent in April 2018, down by 0.01 from 0.86 percent recorded in March, while the rural index also rose by 0.82 percent in April 2018, recording no change from the figure obtained in March (0.82) percent.

The corresponding twelvemonth year-on-year average percentage change for the urban index is 15.47 percent in April 2018.

This is less than 15.87 percent reported in March, while the corresponding rural inflation rate in April 2018 is 14.95 percent compared to 15.34 percent recorded in March.

However, the Composite Food Index rose by 14.80 percent in April 2018. The rise in the index was caused by increases in prices of Potatoes, yam and other tubers, Fish, Bread and cereals, Oil and fats, Vegetables and Meat.

On a month-on-month basis, the Food sub-index increased by

0.91 percent in April 2018, up by 0.01 percent points from 0.90 percent recorded in March.

The average annual rate of change of the Food sub-index for the twelve-month period ending April 2018 over the previous twelve-month average was 18.89 percent, 0.4 percent points from the average annual rate of change recorded in March (19.29) percent.

The rise in the food index was caused by increases in prices of Potatoes, Potatoes, Yam and Other Tubers, Fish, Bread and cereals, Oil and fats, Vegetables, Coffee, tea and cocoa, Meat, Milk, cheese and eggs.

The “All Items less Farm Produce” or Core inflation, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce is 10.9 percent in April 2018, down by 0.3 percent points from the rate recorded in March (11.2) percent.

INANCIAL experts have predicted that going forward there will be reduction in headline inflation rate in Nigeria.

Reacting to the recent inflation figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which declined to 12.48 percent in April, analysts at United Capital Plc expect deceleration in headline inflation to be sustained supported by a continued pullback in food inflation and continued stability in the foreign exchange market.

They projected May inflation rate to decelerate faster to 11.3 percent which below the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) target of 12.0 percent with month on month inflation rate anticipated to steady at 0.82 percent month on month.

“Looking ahead, we expect the recent deceleration in headline inflation to be sustained, supported by a continued pullback in food inflation, thanks to base effects from 2017 and continued stability in the FX market. However, the feedback effect from the herds-men crisis in Benue State, Taraba State and environ, is disturbing, especially on food inflation. To this end, we highlight the marginal uptick in m/m food inflation (to 0.91 percent in April 2018) for a second consecutive month, after touching 0.85 percent in February 2018. Nevertheless, we project May 2018 inflation rate to decelerate faster, to 11.3 percent below the CBN’s target of 12.0 percent, with month on month inflation rate anticipated to steady at 0.82 percent.”

In the same vein, analysts at Cordros Capital revisited their model and revise the May inflation projection lower by 30 basis points to 11.36 percent year on year while expecting month on month to stand at 0.86 percent.

Insurance

Lagos begins N11.88b compensation to property owners

P27 Equity & Capital Market Sterling Bank targets Holdco, as investors grumble over 2kobo dividend P28

Money Market

Economy growth slows to 1.95% in Q1 P29

Cont’d on Page 21

Stock Market Highlights As At MAY 22, 2018

Summary

ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE EQUITY CAP BOND CAP ETF CAP

S/N

40,249.29 4,304.00 281,260,349.00 N4,092,078,307.17 N14,579,502,203,201.90 N10,189,638,780,005.90 N7,640,449,377.40

Coy (By Volume) Volume

IKEJAHOTEL FIDSON ZENITHBANK FBNH SOVRENINS

Value(N)

34,552,808 N70,487,606.01 32,433,248 N180,203,970.70 26,463,426 N740,882,298.40 17,721,652 N189,735,602.40 17,187,700 N4,366,932.00

5 Top Gainers

Symbols Last Close Symbols Last Close OKOMUOIL N78.4 CCNN N24 NNFM N6.55 ACCESS N10.7 N10.9

Five Tope Losers

Symbols MOBIL DANGCEM NB DANGSUGAR FLOURMILL

Current Change %Change Current Change %Change N82.3 3.9 4.97% N25.2 1.2 5.00% N6.85 0.3 4.58% 0.2 1.87%

Last Close Current Change %Change N181 N172.5 -8.5 -4.70% N245 N244 -1 -0.41% N123.7 N123 -0.7 -0.57% N18.95 N18.25 -0.7 -3.69% N34 N33.35 -0.65 -1.91%

18

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

BUSINESS

CBN, HMFB shareholders clash over forensic audit

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

O

FFICIALS of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and some shareholders of Hassal Microfinance Bank Limited trade legal tackles over their differing positions on the manner and speed of executing forensic audit on the financial books of the commercial bank.

It was gathered that the legal battle sparked from a mandamus order issued by an Abuja High Court compelling some CBN officials accused of working against the execution of the forensic audit to restrain themselves from involvement in the process.

Sources privy to the dispute disclosed that two top executives of the CBN were ordered by the court to abdicate their supervisory functions in the forensic audit over their alleged role in stepping down an earlier executive order from the apex bank’s Governor on the exercise.

In response, the CBN is challenging the decision of the court in an appeal which has surprised observers who think that the decision of the court was actually in same purpose with earlier objective of the apex bank that the forensic audit be speedily carried out with further interference.

According to impeccable sources, CBN Governor had in 2016 ordered the forensic audit in response to a petition by the directors of Hasal Microfinance Bank Limited but the two top officials of the apex bank assigned to oversee the process were alleged to have frustrated the implementation of the directive.

The demand for forensic audit, it was gathered, followed suspicions of financial mismanagement by estranged managers of the microfinance bank, and delays in execution of the CBN Governor’s directive prompted a board member and majority shareholder of the bank to petition the Abuja High Court to compel implementation of the CBN directive.

Honourable Justice B.F.M Nyako of Abuja High Court had few weeks ago upheld the applications made by the plaintiff and ordered that the second and third defendants in the case (names withheld) should “not to interfere directly or indirectly, participate or in any manner supervise the audit of the 4th defendant (Hasal Microfinance Bank Limited).”

The court also indicated that the CBN has a duty to properly regulate, ensure best practices and to identify through careful and transparent audit, any malfeasance of any nature in the management of

•Emefiele, CBN Governor

Hasal Microfinance Bank Limited.

Inside sources said the order became necessary based on the alleged roles of the two CBN officials and the estranged Chief executive of the bank whom the petitioners suspect of driving unprofessional processes in running the business of the commercial bank.

However, shareholders of the bank are surprised when the CBN which ordered the forensic audit and for whose letters, orders and directives the court upheld the petitioners applications, aligned with the estranged management of the microfinance bank to challenge the position of the high court.

Whereas some investors express worry over the high level of confusion in the position of the apex bank on the matter and its objective in the appeal, others point out the duty of the bank in protecting its top officials from integrity damages that could result from their oversight roles in tryof Unilever Nigeria, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe flanked by other some direcing to resolve internal issues of a •Chairman tors of the company during penultimate Thursday’s 93rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the firm at the Shell commercial player.

Hall of the Muson Center in Onikan, Lagos.

Ayade explains investment in cocoa processing plant

By ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

T

HE Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade has justified the decision of his government to construct an ultra-modern cocoa processing facility as well as massive cultivation of the produce.

According to him, the decision is hinged on the need to add value to cocoa production in the state as well as shore up the revenue base of the state as cocoa is more expensive than oil in the international market.

The governor who spoke through his Special Assistant on

Cocoa, Oscar Ofuka while conducting newsmen around the ultramodern cocoa processing plant being undertaken by his administration stated that in addition to this, the state aims to overtake Ivory Coast in cocoa production besides creating more employment opportuni-

tion of the 41 items will ensure that the currency deal does not stifle local companies and make Nigeria a dumping ground for Chinese goods.

“The fear is unfounded and I’ll give you reasons why. The first one is that we are going to focus on exports to China. Also, remember that we already export cassava products to China as well as leather, hides and skin amongst others.

“So, this deal will open further the

export market to China. Also, I want Nigerians to know that the items that will come in are not necessarily finished goods. So, the issue of Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for China does not arise.

“This is because the 41 items that had initially been banned from the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market will still not qualify under the deal,” he said.

ury bills.

Commenting on the app, the Chief Executive Officer of Parthian Partners, Oluseye Olusoga, said: “I-invest extends the use of mobile technology beyond money transfers, utility bill payments and airtime purchases.

“It broadens the choice of money market products available to new and experienced retail investors in the Nigerian money market to include Treasury Bills.

Potential investors require only a smartphone with a functional mobile phone line and data subscription to use I-invest.”

Olusoga added that I-Invest will appeal to the typical Nigerian who is looking to grow their savings through a diversified money market portfolio but has hitherto encountered numerous challenges while attempting to do so. Now they can invest in Treasury Bills irrespective of their location in Nigeria.

Also, the Chief Marketing Officer, Sterling Bank, Ibidapo Martins, said: “I-invest is a secure and convenient mobile app that

deflates the elitist and upmarket status associated with investing in treasury bills. A first-time investor can download the app from the android app store, follow the step by step instructions to register and start investing within five minutes.”

He disclosed that the Bank chose to partner with Parthian Partners on I-invest because it was a long overdue financial solution that will benefit many Nigerians.

“It was only right we collaborate with Parthian Partners on this innovative mobile solution that will save our customers the commute time required to get to a banking hall while also encouraging Nigerians at large to imbibe an investment culture”, he said.

The user-friendly interface of the application allows account holders to fund their account with a debit card or pay at any bank branch of their convenience for the account to be funded real time. Users can top up directly from their mobile banking platform.

Nigeria/China currency swap deal won’t cover 41 banned items – CBN

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has declared that the Nigeria-China currency swap deal would not cover the importation of the 41 items banned in its 2015 circular on items not valid for foreign exchange.

CBN’s acting Director, Corporate Communications, Isaac Okorafor, who made this known in weekend, in Abuja, explained that the exemp-

Sterling Bank, Parthian Partners unveil first T-bills investment app

By VICTOR NZE

I

nvestors in the African finance sector have been availed of a new platform with the launch of I-invest, a mobile application that allows users purchase Treasury Bills (T-Bills) directly from their smartphones.

Developed by Parthian Partners, a pan African inter-brokerage services firm in partnership with Sterling Bank Plc, I-invest enables both new and experienced investors match their investment maturities to their needs.

The first-of-its-kind investment app levels the playing ground for new investors providing them with equal opportunities available to experienced and institutional investors to save money and improve their money market portfolios through Treasury Bills.

It eliminates entry barriers such as lack of education and information to make smart investment decisions and the ability to get a broker and/or time required to visit banks to fill forms for treas-

ties for youths in the state.

“The earnings from oil are not sufficient to run the economy that is why the governor wants us to focus on cocoa because it is an international crop and it is more important than oil.

“That is why we are involved in massive acquisition of land to plant more estates and of course we have advantage over every other state and we want to overtake Ivory Coast that is the leading producer of cocoa.”

He stressed that the state has been producing cocoa for the past 60 years and have not added value to it, adding that it takes a political will to establish a premier cocoa processing factory and the factory will be crushing about 30, 000 tons of cocoa.

“The government has directed that moribund cocoa estates be expanded and also given approval for the acquisition of 300, 000 additional hectares of land for cocoa production. We are already at that point and at Akamkpa for instance we are developing 3, 800 of not just cocoa but organic cocoa which is more expensive in the international market,” said Ayade.

Also speaking, the National President of Cocoa Association of Nigeria and Vice President of World Cocoa Association, Ayina Areman said the processing plant is the first ever cocoa factory east of the Niger and the plant will add value to cocoa produced in the state.

In her remarks, Rosemary Archibong, the Commissioner for Information disclosed that the level of work on the plant is a clear demonstration of the government’s plans to develop the state and stressed that the plant is a complete facility with ancillary structures including administrative quarters, clinic, cafeteria, warehouses and many others.

19

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

BUSINESS

Fidelity Bank makes Children’s Day SWEETA W

ITH many financial services companies running to market with innumerable products designed to meet the future financial security of young Nigerians, competition in securing children’s education and sundry training funds comes with many sweet incentives.

However, no financial services company including insurance, banking or associated firms have thought of any children’s future packages that could be sweeter than the SWEETA account offered

by Fidelity Bank Plc. And with the upcoming 2018 Children’s Day celebrations, no gift for the lovely young ones can really be sweeter than the SWEETA for a number of reasons that Fidelity Bank thinks are not just unique and rare but also indispensible in guaranteeing a child’s future funding needs in a time of economic and financial instability.

According to the bank, the SWEETA account, specially designed for children from birth to 17 years, is one of the best and reliable children account in the country today with numerous value accruals that benefit the children, parents, trainers and institutions involved in moulding bright future for the young generation.

Fidelity Bank beats its chest with the challenge that SWEETA remains the best gift to give children for the forthcoming Children Day, pointing at some of the benefits the account offers schools and trainers.

According to the bank, SWEETA provides benefits that include excursions and events sponsorships.

Beyond the children who are the direct beneficiaries of SWEETA, the account is also for parents, guardians, benefactors and anybody interested in carving great future for children and wards while enjoying a stream of benefits and rewards on their accounts all the way.

Dwelling on the details of benefits attached to the account, the bank flaunts high interest rate of up to 9 percent per annum.

Other benefits include interest rate of seven percent per annum on N20,000 to N99,999 deposit; while average monthly balance of N100,000 or more attracts an incremental 2 percent interest per annum.

With the SWEETA, a child learns savings and banking culture from cradle; and with just N20,000 a child becomes a member of the SWEETA Kidz Club and enjoys free customized welcome packages that include exercise books, pencils, rulers, erasers and sundry classroom work materials.

Other club membership benefits include SWEETA fun day events that include parties and free birthday gifts; free back-to-school packs; and education endowment up to 10 times account balance and up to a maximum of one million Naira.

Same benefits are also available to teenagers with SWEETA. At age 13, according to Fidelity Bank, an account holder graduates to SWEETA Teen’s Klub and earns all existing packages in addition to SWEETA email addresses.

As part of the package of incentives, Fidelity Bank provides SWEETA account holders with consistent average balance of N200, 000; access to vacation jobs; and opportunity for permanent employment for account holders who graduate with First Class Honours from the University.

Parents supporting their children with SWEETA account also stand to gain cash collateralized loan of up to 95 per cent of account balance; ready for school facility to a maximum of N350, 000 at reduced interest; standing order for the payment of school fees, and cheques and dividend warrants lodgement.

According to Fidelity bank, SWEETA is one of the Fidelity Bank accounts that qualify customers for Get Alert promo in which they could win up to a million Naira.

“The ‘ember period always in full swing and with it are the several promos that companies place at Nigerians’ feet. One that is very likely to get the interest of several people is the Fidelity Bank Get Alert Promo. The promo is targeted at both new and existing customers of the bank and promises several lucrative rewards,” Fidelity Bank stated in an information brochure.

The Get Alert promo is divided into two sections- one that qualifies eligible participants to the monthly draw and another that qualifies participants for the bimonthly draw.

Fidelity Bank states that it has

promised rewards according to the grouping with monthly draws attracting fantastic cash prizes of N2.0 million and N1.0 million as well as consolation prizes of Fridges, TV sets and generators.

For the bi-monthly draw, the bank flaunts a Star prize of N3.0 million per draw while a Grand Prize of N10 million is also up for grabs.

However, the monthly draw is available to SWEETA account hold-

ers with balance of up to N20,000 for new customers. Existing customers expect to top up existing savings accounts with incremental of N10,000 to qualify for monthly draw.

To qualify for the bi-monthly draw, existing customers expect to top up any of the existing savings accounts with a minimum of N50,000 qualify to win the Star prize or maintain a monthly aver-

•Nnenna Eunice Opara and Samuel Chukwudum Onuigbo holding their cheques for N1m as they emerged winners in the Fidelity Bank’s ‘Get Alert In Millions (GAIM) Reloaded Promo’ to reward its customers for their loyalty to the mid-tier lender.

FG to establish development bank for Niger Delta

C

HAIRMAN of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Victor NdomaEgba, has stated that a development bank would be established by the Federal Government for the region.

Ndoma-Egba made this disclosure while addressing State House Correspondents at the Presidential Villa after a meeting with the Vice President, Mr Yemi Osinbajo, weekend.

According to him, the financial institution, to be known as the Niger Delta Development Bank

(NDDB), should commence before the end of 2018.

“We have timelines and we are strictly adhering to the timelines.

We believe that by the end of this year, we should take off the ground,” Mr Ndoma-Egba told reporters.

He explained that the bank is to ease project funding in the oil rich region, pointing out that funding NDDC projects had always been problematic due to shortfalls.

“For once, the Federal Government and NDDC are sitting to-

in the financial institution.

Apart from these two new millionaires, the Deposit Money Bank (DMB) gave out several consolation prizes to other loyal customers who participated in the Fidelity Get Alert in Millions Promo Reloaded.

Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Mr Nnamdi Okonkwo, who was represented at the presentation by the bank’s Executive Director in charge of Shared Services and Products, Mr Chijioke Ugochukwu, assured customers that the bank will continue to keep to its words and congratulated the winners.

The Fidelity Get Alert in Millions Promo Reloaded was created to encourage savings cul-

ture and promote the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) financial inclusion policy.

Since it started, the promo has made many of its customers millionaires and more are expected to be produced in the coming months.

Fidelity Bank has made it possible for customers to win N1 million, N2 million, and N3 million monthly and bi-monthly.

Apart from that, the lender has put in place several consolation prizes like television sets, refrigerators and generators.

The bank said its customers could win N10 million grand prize during the promo that has positively changed lives in the country.

...Two customers win N2m in GAIM Reloaded promo

By VICTOR NZE

T

HE sum of N2 million has been credited into the accounts of two lucky customers of Fidelity Bank Plc.

•Okonkwo, Fidelityu Bank MD

The customers, Nnenna Eunice Opara and Samuel Chukwudum Onuigbo, emerged winners in the ‘Get Alert In Millions (GAIM) Reloaded Promo’ organised by the bank to reward its customers for their loyalty to the mid-tier lender.

They were presented with N1 million each on Wednesday at the Festac branch of Fidelity Bank in Lagos in the presence of their family, media, officials of National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Consumer Protection Council, Lagos State Lotteries Board and others.

Nnenna Eunice Opara thanked the bank for keeping to its words, while Samuel Chukwudum Onuigbo asked other customers to continue to have faith

age balance of N200,000 to win the Grand Prize.

The Oracle Today reports that Fidelity Bank which is a consolidated bank that emerged at the end of 2005, following a merger with FSB International Bank and Manny Bank, currently has one of the most attractive banking products for school children in the banking industry.

gether to reconcile what is due and what is outstanding. So, we believe that from the shortfalls, we would be better off funded.

But we are also looking beyond the traditional methods of funding the Federal Government’s budget and NDDC budget.

“As you know, we are already working with NDDB that will take over the issue of funding beyond the oil and beyond particular boards,” the former Senator said.

Managing Director of NDDC, Mr Nsima Ekere, who also spoke to newsmen, said the board made a presentation of planned initiative to introduce digital learning in primary and secondary schools in the Niger Delta at the meeting with the Vice President.

“We had interface with state governors because as you know, the schools belong to the state governors with the exception of the private schools. So, they bought into the programme.

“Following the approval of the project, an implementation committee involving the nine states of the Niger Delta, the NDDC, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science and Technology, was set up.

“Basically, what we are doing is to try and digitalise learning. All of the traditional textbooks used in primary and secondary schools will be put into digital formats, into tablets that will be distributed to pupils and students in the Niger Delta Region,” he said.

20

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

ENERGY

Budget revenue outlook steady as Nigeria lowers oil output

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

N

IGERIA pumped out crude oil from production sites at a rate of 1.88 million barrels per day (mbd) in the month of April, gradually falling to the country’s 1.8 mbd production limit imposed by 24 key producing nations working to keep oil prices up The April production figures is still some 80,000 barrels per day above limit but government says the country’s production growth plan and oil output benchmarks that support revenue projections for the 2018 budget are unshaken.

The production and price dynamics come just as the prices of crude oil in the international petroleum exchanges continue upward movement in defiance of predictions by market pundits.

With estimated 600,000 barrels of condensate per day and crude oil price of about $80 per barrel, the oil and gas revenue estimate of the 2018 budget is set to increase by over 50 percent even if the country’s total oil production falls under multilateral restrictions.

The daily output average recorded in April showed sustained decline in Nigeria’s crude oil production, indicating continuous moderation as the country tries to align with implied production ceiling of 1.8 million barrels per day (mbd) handed down on it by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in coalition with other 10 producing nations.

The coalition of 24 countries comprising 14 member OPEC and 10 major producing nations led

by Russia had in collaboration to control supply glut in the crude oil export market decided to wipe off some 1.8 mbd from global supply by limiting output from participating nations.

The decision came in response to sharp fall in crude oil prices in 2016 as huge oil volumes from new sources flooded the market and eased supply concerns. Since them, demand and supply dynamics have diversified with geopolitical conflicts and trade wars that spiked prices. And strong prices support the cyclical supply boom from lean margin shale industry.

The output cuts by OPEC plus 10 country coalition initially excluded Nigeria and Libya which were contending with internal supply challenges amid revenue pressure to contain social insurrection and terrorist invasion.

On November 30, 2017, OPEC and 10 non-OPEC producers decided to extend their 1.8 million b/d production cut agreement through the end of 2018.

At the group’s meeting, Libya and Nigeria were given a combined 2.80 million b/d cap, near their presumptive maximum sustained production capacities of 1.00 million b/d and 1.80 million b/d, respectively.

Since the output ceiling was imposed on the two countries, Nigeria’s oil output has steadily fallen amid rising concerns about new developments expected to

flow new production in imminent future.

The country reduced output in April by 40,000 barrels per day from the 1.92 mbd posted in March, according to a table of output by OPEC members compiled

by Platts.

The March output figures are also 30,000 barrels per day lower that the 1.95 mbd recorded for the country in February.

It is not clear whether falling oil production is deliberate strategy to comply with output cap by OPEC coalition or consequence of operations mishaps.

Part of the drop is supposed to result from shut-ins associated with attacks on Shell operated Trans Forcados Pipeline which affected production by a lot of indigenous companies most of whom have already evolved alternative routes to export terminals.

The crisis on TFP leaves Shell as the likely operators accounting for the output cut in April affecting the Forcados crude blend.

Supply outlook in May also sees Nigerian production falling again as ExxonMobil plans to carry out maintenance on production facilities that would affect major Qua Iboe offshore crude oil grade.

Discussions among industry pundits wind around concerns over impact of the output ceiling and consequent declining production will have on commercial investments in huge deepwater development projects planned by multinational oil companies in the country.

Some of the developments raising concerns about the production cap on Nigeria include the 200, 000 barrels per day Egina field by Total, 250, 000 barrels per day Zabzaba field by Agip, 200,000 barrels per day Bonga Southwest

by Shell, and other near term development investments currently under plans.

Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, told The Oracle Today that the production cap on the country would not stop Nigeria’s aspiration to grow its production capacity to over 3.0 mbd in the medium to long term, adding that players whose operations are sub-economic would take some blow from the output ceiling.

According to him, companies with lowest cost of production would be allowed to pump more volumes under the new output restriction order in order to afford government more revenues from the industry.

He said cost efficient operations would be allowed to pump more production while costly per capita production would be denied high volume production allocations until the situation in the market and associated response from OPEC coalition eases.

Analysts insist that the dynamics playing out in the international commodity market and production management in the domestic industry have significant implications in the flow of revenues that fund government business.

It would be recalled that the ambitious N8.612 trillion 2018 federal budget is premised on benchmark crude oil price of $45 per barrel

OPEC production (in million b/d) Member April Change March February Algeria 1.01 0.01 1.00 1.05 Angola 1.53 -0.02 1.55 1.61 Ecuador 0.52 -0.01 0.53 0.52 0.13 0.00 0.13 0.13 Equatorial Guinea Gabon 0.18 -0.01 0.19 0.19 Iran 3.83 0.01 3.82 3.83 Iraq 4.42 -0.04 4.46 4.43 Kuwait 2.71 0.01 2.70 2.70 Libya 0.97 0.00 0.97 1.03 Nigeria 1.88 -0.04 1.92 1.95 Qatar 0.59 -0.01 0.60 0.60 Saudi Arabia 9.95 0.03 9.92 9.98 UAE 2.87 0.01 2.86 2.80 Venezuela 1.41 -0.08 1.49 1.57 TOTAL 32.00 -0.14 32.14 32.39 and estimated daily oil production of 2.3 mbd, while foreign exchange rate is pegged in the budget at N305 for a dollar.

With gradual compliance to OPEC output restriction, the cut in volumes is expected to be compensated from profitable low oil production cost amid robust outlook for more oil from deepwater field development projects.

Dr. Kachikwu said that the 1.8 mbd cap would not stop Nigeria from achieving the 2.3 mbd budget benchmark production, explaining that OPEC restrictions apply mainly to crude oil production, excluding condensate and natural gas liquids with which Nigeria primes its crude oil to premium grades.

According to him, Nigeria has developed capacity to produce over 600,000 barrels of condensate per day which could boost market supply to over 2.4 mbd.

Besides the guarantee of meeting the projected production for the year, The Oracle Today reports that oil prices has since exceeded the $45/bbl budget benchmark since first quarter of the year.

Crude oil prices have risen by more than 75% in value over the last year amid growing concerns over security of supplies from the OPEC led coalition of 24 countries which works to reduce global oil supplies by 1.8 million b/d.

Oil prices hit new four-year highs above $80/bbl weekend due to concerns over lost Iranian barrels

after Trump announced his decision to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Tehran, a situation that comes with threat cutting Iranian supply to the market by about 1.0 mbd.

It is not clear that US would impose oil sanctions on Iran but market sentiments are already high over supply hitches that could trigger higher prices.

What is clear however is that sanctions on Iran are likely to spike oil prices and flow more revenues to the federal purse, and cruse production restrictions by OPEC led coalition will not affect both the production volume and revenue projections in the 2018 budget.

largest oil play in the US, and also the most active drilling basin by far with 463 rigs as of Friday, out of a total 844 oil rigs working last week.

In addition, the number of drilled but uncompleted wells in US unconventional plays appears to be slowing down.

Those so-called DUCs rose by 55 to 7,677 in April, half the increase of 110 seen in March.

Domestic DUCs have risen gradually, but steadily, by more than 2,100 wells since November 2016 when they numbered 5,495.

Upstream producers have typically always had some DUCs in their inventories - normally because they simply did not have time to complete them. But since the downturn that began in late 2014 and early 2015, many operators deliberately drilled but did not complete wells for other reasons. Initially, it was because of low oil prices -- producers

did not want to produce their best wells in a market where oil prices were low.

More recently, the DUC build occurred because of lack of sufficient completion crews and potentially, oil takeaway capacity. Operators are ramping up drilling in the Permian especially, and there is just not enough infrastructure to carry it to market.

Also, even though oilfield costs are starting to rise, for awhile drilling costs were low enough that it was cost effective to drill when prices for rigs, services and equipment were cheap.

During the downturn of 201516, oilfield services companies gave producers price breaks to allow them to continue operating. But now costs are rising -- many say at least 10% to 15% this year -- although producers claim they will mostly offset rising costs through efficiencies.

US unconventional oil to hit 7.178 mbd in June

U

S unconventional oil output is estimated to jump 144,000 b/d in June to 7.178 million b/d, the US Energy Information Administration said in its Drilling Productivity Report, the biggest month-onmonth increase in the four-anda-half years since the agency has published the report.

The Permian Basin of West Texas and New Mexico appears slated for the largest increase by far at 78,000 b/d, for a total 3.277 million b/d of oil output, EIA said.

Trailing the Permian by less than half is the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas at 33,000 b/d of projected oil production growth next month for a total 1.387 million b/d.

Following the two big plays is the Bakken Shale of North Dakota and Montana, which is expected to show 20,000 b/d higher oil output in June, for a total 1.238 million b/d.

The Permian is, by far, the

21

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

ENERGY

Baru proposes simplified petroleum lease administration

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

N

IGERIAN National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is canvassing simple short term lease administrations in the petroleum industry in order to provide diversified opportunities for exploration and production among players.

The lease administration model proposed by the corporation in the Petroleum Industry Administration Bill (PIAB) under industry and legislative review provides a more pragmatic ownership swap arrangements and makes relinquishment and reassignment quicker and simpler.

Group Managing Director of the corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru, who had earlier called for amendment of the security of

tenure for his office in the series of industry reform bills, told a legislative panel in Abuja that petroleum licenses should be split into smaller manageable short term lease tenures to address prevailing activity lull in held acreages in the country.

He recommended the splitting of petroleum licenses into prospecting and production phases in order to prevent a situation where operators would sit perpetually on oil acreages.

He called for acreage licenses under the PIAB to be broken up into Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) - to prospect for petroleum; Petroleum Lease (PL), for, win, work, carry way and dispose of petroleum.

ON license tenure, he called for

slashing of long lease tenures proposed in the PIAB from 25 years for onshore and shallow water petroleum license and 30 years for deep water and frontier acreages; and proposed five years prospecting license for onshore and shallow fields and a duration of 10 years for deep offshore and frontier basins.

Dr. Baru also recommended 20 years production lease for onshore and shallow fields as well as deep offshore and frontier basins, noting that only the pro-

duction lease period should be renewed for a period not exceeding 20 years.

On the Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill (PIFB) Dr. Baru recommended a three-stage licences regime consisting of: Exploration Licence (EL) - to explore for petroleum on a non-exclusive basis; Petroleum Exploration Licence (PEL) - to prospect for petroleum on exclusive basis; and Petroleum Lease (PL) - to search for, win, work, carry away and dispose of petroleum.

Beyond the clause by clause recommendations, he also advocated for the simplification of the fiscal system for ease of implementation and to ensure progressivity, adding that the industry regulator should be more effective and autonomous.

He also canvassed for clauses that would ensure easy review of provisions of the bill in response to economic, technical and other considerations, while disallowing legislation on issues bordering on contracts.

Petroleum players now build roads to boost products distribution

D

ESPITE the huge financial appropriations traditionally made for the Ministry of Works and agencies under it, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says it has started building and rehabilitating roads nationwide to reduce incidents affecting distribution of fuel.

Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, declared at a conference hosted by fuel truckers in Abuja that NNPC has started intervening in rehabilitation of roads in support of truck wheelers’ unit of technical oil workers that distribute petroleum products by road.

The Oracle Today reports that the corporation runs over 5000 kilometers of pipeline that interconnect its major distribution deports and loading terminals but most sections of the pipeline have caved in to rust and vandalism, limiting fuel distribution operations in the country to clumsy use of wheeled tankers.

However, bad state of roads makes fuel trucking in the country dangerous and prone to losses as tankers that fall into ditches on the roads spill their products and, in worse cases, burst into flames.

The risks faced by truck drivers in

the petroleum industry prompted the blue collar petroleum workers’ union to host a meeting in Abuja to task stakeholders on the condition of roads used by their members.

Dr. Baru stated that NNPC has taken steps outside its official mandate to tackle road rehabilitation in places leading to fuel supply sources in Nigeria.

Dr. Baru disclosed that it was in line with the corporation’s commitment to ease distribution operation operations that it intervened in the rehabilitation of the Dikko Junction to Suleija Depot in Niger State last year.

He listed other palliative road rehabilitation intervention to the union by NNPC to include: MokwaJebba Road and Iwuru 1 and Iwuru 2 portion of Ekpet-Ugep Road in Calabar, Cross River State.

“To cap it all, NNPC is working with the Honourable Minister of Power, Works and Housing on the rehabilitation of various portions of the Jebba-Mokwa Road that need immediate intervention based on the observations of PTD members who complained about the failed portions which take many long hours for tankers to navigate through”, he stated.

Cont’d from Pg 17

and other articles of clothing and clothing accessories, Hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishment, Paramedical services and Pharmaceutical products In analyzing price movements, NBS data on State profiles revealed that, CPI is weighted by consumption expenditure patterns which differ across States.

Accordingly, the weight assigned to a particular food or non-food item may differ from State to State making inter State comparisons of consumption basket inadvisable and potentially misleading.

NBS data noted that, all items inflation on a year on year basis

GMD NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Kacalla Baru, receiving an award from the Vice Chancellor, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Pprof. Saminu Abdulrahman Ibrahim after delivering the 23rd, 24th and 25th combined convocation lecture of the institution.

Nigerians spend N24b monthly on micro-power generators

O

ff grid energy provider, Lumos Nigeria, has called on urban Nigerians to adopt the use of solar energy as option for their basic electricity needs, lamenting that homes and small businesses in the country spend princely N24 billion monthly on self power generation.

The company which boasts of being the leading Mobile Electricity Service provider in the country stated that over 60 million micro-power genera-

Experts predict deceleration headline inflation for May On a month-on-month basis, the Core sub-index increased by 0.87 percent in April 2018, this was up by 0.03 percent when compared with 0.84 percent recorded in March.

The average 12-month annual rate of change of the index was 12.02 percent for the twelvemonth period ending April 2018; this is 0.31 percent points lower than 12.33 percent recorded in March.

The highest increases were recorded in prices of Fuel and lubricants for personal transport equipment, Vehicle spare parts, Garments and Clothing materials

was highest in Kebbi State with 15.94 percent, Rivers State with 15.01 percent and Yobe State with 14.93 percent, while Kwara State was at 9.77 percent, Delta State at 10.46 percent and Benue State at 11.19 percent recorded the slowest rise in headline year on year inflation.

On a month on month basis, April all items inflation was highest in Kebbi State with 1.73 percent, Rivers State with 1.72 percent and Lagos State with 1.60 percent, while Bauchi State was 0.01 percent recorded slowest rise and Kaduna State and Kano State recorded price deflation on a month on month all item basis in April 2018.

tors are in use in urban Nigeria, adding that the mobile solar electricity model would provide scalable solutions to domestic energy crisis in the country.

Lumos Nigeria CEO, Houssam Azem, whose presentation was delivered at the Solar Future Nigeria 2018 conference, held in Abuja, stated that adoption of solar solutions is growing across urban, semi-urban and rural areas.

Mr. Azem whose presentation was delivered by Vice President in charge of Marketing, Mr. Olufemi Ashipa, noted that power supply remains a major issue across Nigeria, adding that solar energy offers long term cost effective solutions to domestic energy deficits.

He said 61% of micro, small and medium enterprises in Nigeria spend between N500 to N1000 per day on fuel and as many as 85% of micro and small businesses rely on generators for the supply of electricity.

“The same survey showed that users experienced an increase in profit and revenues by an average of 70% compared to those who had not yet adopted to Lumos Mobile Electricity Service”, Mr. Ashipa said.

“With 60m generators in Nigeria, mostly held in the urban environments, Nigeria’s elec-

tricity sector continues to lose N24 billion monthly to the electricity-generator market. Yet if we carefully look through the issues surrounding power in Nigeria, we would understand better that solar power solutions can solve quite a bit of the problems we currently face in the sector, from domestic, to commercial and industrial uses”, he added.

He said that Lumos has close to 90,000 active subscribers across Nigeria, positively impacted the lives of about 450,000 Nigerians, at an average of 5 individuals (per family or business unit), connected to each installed system”.

He argued that Nigerians need to harness in full, the opportunities inherent in the green and clean electricity solutions.

“Perhaps the biggest opportunity rests with consumer education and understanding what solar home systems can or cannot do. If we all remember the suspicion that greeted the introduction of ATMs and debit cards in the Nigerian banking system; it took a while for people to trust the system... this is the same for solar solutions, although it is more complex considering the technology and financial enablers” Ashipa stated.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

e-Platform Artificial intelligence: Why Nigeria must implement ITU mandate – FG ... Cannot afford backstage in global AI ecosystem

By ISAIAH ONWUANUMBA

F

EDERAL Government has announced that it is set to key into International Telecoms Union (ITU) Mandate on Artificial Intelligence (AI) ecosystem for sustainable development as the nation cannot risk being left behind in the next global Information Technology revolution.

In a document made available to our Correspondent, Minister of Communications, Dr Adebayo Shittu revealed this at a Conference to mark World Telecoms and Information Society Day on Thursday in Abuja, adding, government hopes to achieve this by supporting stakeholders in the Nigeria ICT ecosystem to create and strengthen AI related innovation in the country.

Government objectives, he said, reflects this year’s the theme which is: “Enabling the positive use of Artificial Intelligence for All” and focuses on the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to accelerate the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The minister noted that “the ministry would also encourage crosssector, cross-agency and cross-border collaboration, by developing unified standards for emerging AI sources and interoperability.”

Efforts would be to establish an AI driven decision making, service delivery and operational efficiency culture by developing national policies and strategies to promote AI, open data and Big data analytics as well as an unambiguous regulatory framework for enhancing data transparency and utility, he said The Secretary General of the ITU, Mr. Houlin Zhao called for a deliberate Action by member nations to ignite a global dedication to leveraging the insights provided by AI for new opportunities to address development challenges.

Artificial intelligence is no longer confined to labs, but can be seen in many instances in our lives. Example is individual monitoring live happening on a real time bases via smartphone Our Correspondent gathered that World Telecommunication Day has been celebrated annually on 17 May since 1969, marking the date of the founding of International Telecommunication Union ITU and the signing of the first international Telegraph Convention in 1985. It was formally instituted by the Plenipotentiary Conference in Malaga-Torremolinos in 1973.

In recognition of ITU as the lead United Nations Agencies for ICTs, the World Summit on information Society (WSIS) in Tunis, November 2005, called on the United Nations Assembly to proclaim 17 May as World Information Society Day According to Shittu, Nigeria, like other IT Members states must contribute towards building political momentum to embrace AI and leverage insights to identify new opportunities to creatively address sustainable development chal-

lenges.

“Government is committed to forward-looking policies to enable citizens, businesses, societies to prosper, improving lives and livelihoods, while mitigating the possible adverse effects that can accompany economic change. This we are sure will encourage investment and promote development of digital economies, while building an inclusive digital future for its citizens.”

Recalled, On 27th March 2006, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 60/252, proclaiming 17 May as World Information Society Day to focus global attention annually on bringing the enormous benefits of the digital revolution in ICTs to the world’s inhabitants. The ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in November 2006 welcomed the General Assembly’s decision and amended Resolution 68 to invite the Council to adopt a specific theme for each World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. “Government charge parents to allow their children and wards to take coding classes and buy them educational toys that can contribute to the spirit of invention and creativity in them. Don’t throw away those old or damaged appliances in your houses. Instead use them to enhance the creativity and ingenuity in the children.”

“Private sector should take the lead in the field of artificial intelligence, sponsoring of research activities in these areas should be likened to oil exploration. The field of artificial intelligence presents a crucial building block for furthering the human cause from its use in self-driving cars and medical diagnosis to strategic planning and game theory and optical character recognition.

However, given the unprecedented technological unemployment it can bring to existing jobs and structures, organizations need to invest in agile infrastructure that can adapt to the growing use of the technology to balance the disequilibrium due to disruptions in the economy” Shittu said We also learned that as the global community celebrate the 2018 World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD), It is also marking the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union.

The purpose of WTISD is to help raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide In recent years there has been significant progress in AI technology, made possible by tremendous advances in contributing fields, such as Big Data, machine learn-

•L-R: Mr. Arnob Roy, co-founder, Tejas Networks Ltd, Mr. Bimbo Abioye, MD, Fintrack Software Ltd and Dr Jobi Adeloye, CEO, NovaDOC Healthcare Africa at the Indo- Africa ICT Expo in Lagos, Nigeria. ing, computing power, storage capacity and cloud computing, among others. AI-based technologies are already emerging as a key component of proactive tools and applications being used to help people lead better lives by improving healthcare, education, finance, agriculture, transportation, and a wide range of other services.

The 2018 theme will allow ITU Membership and other key stakeholders to focus on the opportunities on how AI can help accelerate the achievement of the SDGs by 2030.

Market analysts predict that in-

telligent machines, programmed to think and reason like the human mind, will revolutionize health care in the very near future. In fact, proponents of the transformative power of artificial intelligence usually give two examples: self-driving cars and the delivery of health care.

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is taking center stage with a lot of impact on people’s lives. AI’s potential power is being exploited and developed at an unprecedented speed. AI brings us many opportunities and challenges. AI will greatly change our economy and society.

Artificial intelligence is a new frontier for the ICT and health sectors. As so often happens, the speed of technological advances has outpaced our ability to reflect these advances in sound public policies and address a number of ethical dilemmas.

Artificial intelligence can give data a structure, and by detecting patterns, guide some informed policy decisions. By reducing the likelihood of human errors, they can contribute to more precise diagnoses and predictions of patient prognoses, and to enhanced patient safety just to mention a few.

Indo-Africa ICT Expo 2018 : India’s First 4G LTE Telecom System Berths In Lagos

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ihaan Networks Limited (VNL), a leading global telecom equipment manufacturer, today announced the launch of its LTE based communication portfolio for the African markets in Lagos.

The products are being showcased for preview at the Indo-Africa ICT Expo 2018, Lagos, Nigeria, at booth numbers 3B &4B, Eko Hotel & Suites. The rugged systems have been designed and developed keeping in mind the requirement for high speed voice and data connectivity, particularly for African rural and remote areas.

VNL’s LTE portfolio consists of compact, power-efficient systems which guarantee a superior radio performance and flexibility in various scenarios. The Self-Organizing-Network can self-configure, self-connect, self-heal and self-optimize. The LTE portfolio also consists of do-it-yourself installations, which can be setup in less than a few hours. VNL’s connectivity solutions have been appreciated globally for offering low CAPEX and low OPEX in low ARPU regions. Because the offerings come with our vision of creating sustainable and environment friendly products, the

deployed sites can be 100% solar powered. Another advantage of solar power is that it can run without electricity for days and can be deployed in areas bereft of roads and basic infrastructural facilities.

Additionally, the LTE systems can cover a variety of deployments such as remote enterprises (mines, off-shore fields, shipping yards); remote islands and forests, disaster and public aid agencies, homeland security communication solutions.

VNL’s global telecom deployments have enabled the rural and remote citizens enjoy the benefits of e-Governance, telemedicine, eEducation and more.

The LTE portfolio was launched in India by Hon’ble’ Telecom Minister Shri Manoj Sinha, along with Mr. H. E. Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Shittu, Telecom Minister, Nigeria; Mr. Meas Po, Secretary of State, Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, Cambodia, and other global dignitaries, at the India Telcom 2018 event.

VNL is now taking the 4th edition of the Indo-Africa ICT Expo 2018 as an opportunity to bring its vision of connecting the unconnected to Africa. The grand expo is being organized by Government of In-

dia’s Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council and NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Service Companies), to strengthen the relationship between Africa and India for a mutually profitable partnership.

Commenting on the launch, VNL’s Founder, Chairman Mr. Rajiv Mehrotra said, “The latest range of technologically robust 4G/LTE telecom products is the outcome of our strong in-house R&D capabilities and signify India’s inherent strengths in the area of telecom equipment manufacturing. These systems offer compact and versatile radio applications and can operate flawlessly even in harsh environment.” He added, “Africa is amongst the fastest growing markets in the world with immense potential for further economic growth, and VNL believes that connectivity will help Africa reach greater heights. VNL’s offering for Africa includes portable solutions that allows deployment in a wide range of scenarios, thereby giving admirable flexibility for quick and efficient radio installations. With VNL’s commitment towards Green Telecommunication, the solutions can operate solely on renewable energy.”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

NEWS Extra Ebonyi varsity, ANA to host 2018 Int’l Conference & Creative Workshop

By VICTOR NZE

F

ederal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (FUNAI) and the Association of Nigeria Authors (ANA) have concluded arrangements to host the 2018 edition of the International Conference & Creative Workshop billed for the Ebonyi State-based institution from June 18 to 19.

A statement to that effect jointly signed by National General Secretary of ANA, Dr. Ofonime Inyang and Dean, Faculty of Humanities, Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (FUNAI), Prof. G.M.T. Emezue, also called for submission of abstracts.

The organizers requested interested contributors to register and submit abstracts, which may be comparative in approach, of 250 to 300 words to the conference’s web portal, even as they asked workshop participants to register online at the same website, which comprise that of ANA and FUNAI. “Deadline for submission of abstract and early bird registration is May 2018,” the statement informed.

Theme for this year’s conference and workshop is; ‘Expanding Frontiers: Nigeria’s Creative Writing in the 21st Century,’ with the event to be hosted at the university in Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State.

“Four workshops shall hold simultaneously within the period of the conference. These workshops shall, among other things, provide for professionals and distinguished writers to engage younger writers in creative enterprises.

“These workshops, which shall be participatory in nature, shall enable participants to gather skills in the following areas: Poetry, prose, drama as well as drawing/painting/tie & dye,” the statement read.

Continuing, the statement explained that: ‘The ‘Expanding Frontiers’ conference will provide scholars the opportunity to articulate as well as interrogate these new trends and the stylistic evolutions of Nigerian literature in the 21st century.

“Specifically, the conference aims to answer questions such as (but not limited to): In what ways do the thematic preoccupations of the new literatures of the 21st century (both in the indigenous and foreign languages) differ from the previous generations of creative writing in Nigeria or Africa? In what ways do the styles, and methodologies of Nigeria’s literatures of the 21st century differ from literary practices of the past? How have the new technologies and new media affected the practices, reception and disseminations of literary practices in Nigeria and beyond?

Don’t remove elected chairmen – Anambra market elders warn

By IBE NWACHUKWU

M

arkets elders in Anambra state, under the aegis of Anambra State Markets Elders Forum (ASMEF) yesterday expressed concern over the state government’s penchant for removing democratically elected chairmen of markets and replacing them with appointed chairmen or caretaker committee members.

ASMEF warned that such an ugly development would not augur well for a healthy market environment because according to them, since Nigeria is presently practicing democracy, we should allow democracy to trickle down

to other segments of the country, including markets and town unions.

ASMEF’s Chairman and Secretary, Dede Uzor A. Uzor and Cyprian Mgbemena who sounded this note of warning, Tuesday, in Onitsha, while speaking to newsmen, said institutionalizing caretaker management system in the markets was an old pattern of leadership which should not be encouraged by individuals or government itself.

Uzor and Mgbemena cited an example of Onitsha Main market where the elected chairman, Mr. Gozie Okeke was recently removed unceremoniously midway into his tenure and replaced with

a care-taker committee.

They also complained that they heard from a grape vine that the incumbent chairmen of Ochanja Central market, Nelson Ojukwu, his Igboukwu market and Onitsha Electronics market counterparts, Chief Okafor Uzu and Izuchukwu Okoye have been marked for removal from office while their tenure are still running and for replacement with caretaker committees.

They contended that the worst aspect of it all was that those being appointed as caretaker committee chairmen are from Omambala area of the state, an indication that there is a clash of interest, adding, “we need to sus-

tain democratically elected leadership in the markets and not to dismantle democracy and replace it with caretaker arrangement, particularly when there is no crisis in any of the markets to warrant appointment of caretaker leadership”.

They however commended Governor Willie Obiano for setting up a task force to remove all the shanties along the roads and markets to ensure a clean and healthy environment in the state but complained against the return of armed bandits on the streets and charged the government to protect lives and properties of the citizenry.

2019: No substitution of candidates after party primaries – Delta PDP

By JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

T

• Chairman of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba (l) in a handshake with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (r) as Managing Director of NDDC- Nsima Ekere (m) watches during the VP’s meeting with Governors of the Niger Delta states on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) E-Learning Programme, at the State House, Abuja.

APC new executive in A’Ibom emerged by consensus – Enang INI BILLIE, Uyo

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State selected 37 state executive committee through a consensus arrangement during the state congress, according to Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang.

A veteran politican, Mr. Ini Okopido emerged the state chairman of the party after a unanimous decision by delegates through a voice vote witnessed by the Chairman of the Congress Committee in Akwa Ibom State, Alhaji Ahmed Ashemi.

It was learnt that to avoid a contentious congress, leaders of the party after a series of meetings decided on a consensus arrangement to achieve peace, unity and a common front aimed at ousting the ruling People’s Democratic Party in 2019.

Speaking on the election, Enang who brokered the peace deal that brought about the emergence of Okopido said the reconciliation was necessary, adding that the reconciliation succeeded in per-

suading aggrieved members and stakeholders to bury personal interests for the greater interests of the party, which is to take over the Government House in 2019.

“In arriving at the consensus arrangement, we had to accommodate the interests of all the legacy parties that came to form the alliance for APC to emerge to contest and win the 2019 elections.”

While announcing the new state officials of the party, Chairman of the Congress Committee in Akwa Ibom State, Alhaji Ahmed Ashemi said with the unification of all the warring factions in the party, the APC have secured the antidote it needs to dislodge the ruling PDP in 2019.

The leaders who endorsed the accord include the former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Senator John Udoedehe; Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Obong Nsima Ekere; and Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang.

Others include former Minister of Petroleum, Atuekong Don Etie-

bet; Managing Director of Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, Obong Umana Umana; former Senator Aloysius Etok; and senator representing Akwa Ibom South in the National Assembly, Nelson Effiong.

The APC leaders in the state all noted that the process followed a series of consultations and consensus aimed at presenting a common front that would challenge the incumbent governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr. Nsima Ekere, who was elated at the harmonious nature of the congress, added that the exercise was a model in the country.

“We have shamed the ruling party in the state; we have shamed the devil. We can announce here today that the Akwa Ibom State APC is totally intact. Today, at this congress, what we have proved to the whole world is that there is no winner or loser. APC is the winner,” he said.

He served PDP a quit notice to end its misrule and vacate office by May 29, 2019, and promised that the incoming APC government will rule the state with the fear of God and proper utilisation of resources.

he Delta State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olorogun Barr Kingsley Esiso has stated that there will be no shortchanging of any candidate that emerge as the party flag bearer after party primaries.

Esiso who disclosed this at his residence when he played host to a frontline aspirant of Delta State House of Assembly, Ukwani Constituency, Hon. Chris Ochor Ochor assured the aspirant of a level playing ground for all come 2019, maintaining that only candidates that are accepted by the people of their constituency will fly the party’s flag.

“Everyone has the right to aspire for one position or the other but we must desist from the use of ugly languages against other Party aspirants vying for same elective position. I am not saying that you should not do your consultations, but while consulting convince delegates to vote for you, stop destroying the personalities of other aspirants,“ he said.

While assuring aspirants of free, fair and credible Primaries, he called on all aspirants and party faithfuls to see themselves as brothers and sisters revealing that the party can only record electoral victory when party leaders and followers are united”.

Earlier, Chief Ochonogor Ossai who led the delegation to the residence of the chairman described Hon. Chris Ochor Ochor as a committed party man who has contributed immensely to the growth and development of the people in his constituency.

Hon Chris Ochor Ochor in his speech thanked Olorogun Barr Kingsley Esiso for receiving him with open heart, while stressing that his ambition to represent the people of Ukwani in the State Assembly is borne out of his desire to add value to the lives of the People, maintaining that the People of Ukwani Local Government Area deserves better representation.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

ISSN: 2545-5869

EDITORIAL

www.oraclenews.ng

VOX POPULI SACRUM

2nd Niger Bridge: Contract still not awarded Cont’d front page 1

and maintenance of the bridge and adjacent roads of Phase 1 under a 25-year concession. different.

“The Federal Government contributed N18.31billion By 2012, the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authorout of its commitment of N30billion, comprising ity (NSIA) had given a breakdown of the cost N8.464billion from SURE-P budget in August 2014 and commitments of the Second Niger Bridge for early works II and a further $50million (about project. “The project which Julius Berger Nigeria N9.8billion) from its Eurobond loan for the execuPlc-NSIA Motorway Investment Company Ltd, JBtion of early works III. NMIC, Consortium was handling, was estimated “The Sovereign Wealth Fund contributed N10.4 billion to cost $700 million- that is, N108 billion (at the of the fund allocated by the Federal Government then exchange rate of N154/$). NMIC is a subsidihas so far been disbursed, leaving a balance of ary of NSIA. about N7.94 billion of government contribution “The Second Niger Bridge project comprised Phases with the sponsors.

The Second Niger Bridge, along 1, 2a and 2b and includes a southern bypass of with adjacent roads, would be 11.9km in length and both Asaba and Onitsha cities with an approxihave six (6) lanes with three (3) in each direction. It mate total length of 44km. The phase 1 of the was expected that the bridge would be constructproject, which is the bridge and adjacent roads, ed and delivered in 48 months.” is approximately 11.9 kilometres and will be constructed and operated under a Design, Build, VICE President, Yemi Osinbajo announced at flag off of the governorship campaign of the All Progresand Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) basis sive Congress, APC, in Onitsha, 20 October 2017, under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) scheme. that the Federal Government had paid contractors “The bridge will comprise a 3.31 kilometre-long road $2b for works to commence work on the bridge, in section on the Delta side, including a 500 metrefulfilment of electoral promises APC made in 2015. long toll plaza; a 1.59 kilometres tolled concrete Hours after, a statement from his office said the box-girder bridge with two superstructures; and actual amount that the Sovereign Wealth Fund had a 7.0 kilometre-long road section on the Anamreleased for the project was N2 billion. bra side. It is expected that the bridge would be OSINBAJO made two different statements about the constructed and delivered in 48 months. When bridge in two months. “President Buhari went to completed, the bridge and approach roads will China to negotiate with them about the Second have six lanes with three in each direction. Phase Niger Bridge and East-West road,” Osinbajo, said 2a is connected to the Asaba-Benin Expressway at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Ifitedunu, Anambra while Phase 2b is connected to the OnitshaState, on 29 September 2017, during the funeral Enugu Expressway. Phases 2a and 2b together mass for Mrs. Rosaline Ezinma Akabueze, mother constitute the feeding approach roads. of Ben Akabueze, Director-General of the Budget “Out of the N108 billion project cost, the Federal Office.

Government has already made a commitment to THE 2nd Niger Bridge is not in the list of 2016/2017 procontribute N30 billion, which represented 28 per jects of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory cent. The JBI-NMIC consortium would raise the Commission nor is it listed for PPP among the 95 remaining funds for the construction, operation ICRC projects “under documentation and procurement by 19 January 2018” nor is it among the 51 others “under implementation”.

Section 2(4) of the ICRC (Establishment etc) Act 2005 requires the Commission to publish all Federal Government projects eligible for Public Private Partnership (PPP) contracts. Is the project no longer a PPP? What are the implications for parties that had been involved?

NONE of these should surprise anyone.

There is no contract for the major works on the 2nd Niger Bridge. On March 10, (2014) President Goodluck Jonathan performed a ground-breaking ceremony of the Second River Niger Bridge at the Krisoral ground, Atani, Ogbaru Council Area of Anambra State. Julius Berger is carrying out the early works on the project and has been named preferred bidder of the EPC contract on the project’s main phase,” Berger said on its website.

BERGER celebrated its hold on the contract during its annual general meeting in 2014 in Abuja. “Work on the long-awaited second Niger bridge has commenced, Wolfgang Goetsch, its Managing Director told shareholders at its the 43rd annual general meeting. According to Goetsch, the bridge is to be built under the private public partnership arrangement.

LATEST outings on the bridge • Saturday 19 May 2018 – Minister of Power, Works & Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola was at the site in Ogbaru.

He promised the bridge would be completed. He complained that landowners were making high demands for compensations.

• Monday 30 April 2018 – The Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu, a close ally of President Muhammadu Buhari, when he inspected works at the Second Niger Bridge in Onitsha, Anambra, and Asaba, Delta, said contract for the bridge would be awarded before the 2019 elections.

Federal Controller of Works in Anambra, Innocent Alumonah who was with him told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), “The entire Second Niger Bridge is 1.59-kms. The second Niger Bridge project will cost N14.45 billion”.

• Friday 27 April, the Director of Highway Bridges and Design, Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Sogbesan Adetokunbo in Asaba that the main project of the second Niger Bridge will cost N210 billion. He listed the procedure that would lead to the realisation of the project and the extent of work done• A memo had been written to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

•Then Federal Executive Council for approval • Early works in four phases • Phases one, two and three were 100 per cent completed • Road design, soil investigation, preliminary drawing final engineering drawing • Phases two and three comprise piling and embankment works 45 percent of early works completed and currently ongoing at Onitsha, Asaba axis • “The main works will be awarded in the next one or two months and the approach roads from Asaba and Onitsha axis will be awarded before the end of the year.

ALL the visits and statements have failed to tell Nigerians when (date) that the contract for the bridge would be awarded. How does the government intend to fund the bridge? When will the bridge be completed?

MORE can be done about the construction of the bridge than its politicisation through visits that result only in duplicitous positions on the 2nd Niger Bridge.

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.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

OPINION Onitsha: How far can Obiano’s de-congestion drive go?

By THEO RAYS

L

ike every other such city in the world, Onitsha, the leading commercial city East of the Niger is home to the good, the bad and the ugly. While the city is famous for its ability to raise people from nobody to somebody, zero to hero, from puppets to millionaires or, better still, from mere traders to wealthy importers and manufacturers, the city is not also devoid of negative things like crime, outright indiscipline or lack of social order and dirty environment.

In most cases, news emanating from the bad and the ugly side overshadow the good side of the city before outsiders. Consequently, outsiders appear to associate the city more with the bad. For instance, the constant market leadership tussles among the traders in those days did not do the city any good. So also did the constant reports about daredevil armed robbery attacks on residents and visitors, crude security measures and jungle justice of yore not do the image of the city any good.

People, mostly outsiders, cannot forget in a hurry the activities of hardened criminals like the late Otondo, Chiejile, Derico and several others that terrorized residents of, and visitors to, Onitsha in those days. Also the crude, jungle justice meted out to suspected criminals by the defunct OTA Boys and Bakkasi Boys may still remain fresh in the minds of those who wouldn’t like to associate the city with good things.

Before the adequate security measures put in place by Governor Willie Obiano on assumption of office in 2014, outsiders

viewed Onitsha as a den of criminals due largely to reported cases of armed robbery attacks on residents and visitors alike. Before Obiano’s giant feat on security, places like Upper Iweka, Fegge, Nkpor Junction, Owerri Road, Okpoko, the Bridge head and Main market and its environs were regarded as no-go areas in the night due to high level of crimes.

While it is clear that the city is now safe and secured against daredevil criminals, there are still other challenges at hand. The challenges this time are lack of social economic order, outright indiscipline and poor condition of the environment. The city is looking dirty to a fault. Not long ago, the World Health Organisation (WHO) labelled the city the most polluted in the world.

Evidence of lack of soco-economic order and indiscipline is clear with the activities of hoodlums and touts who disguise as revenue agents or task force men parading all sorts of tickets and extorting money from people including market women and even wheel barrow pushers. Another evidence is conversion of every available space into market place and massive roadside trading.

It is clear that every available space in Onitsha has been converted to mini or mega plaza, petrol filling stations, boutiques for ladies and men’s wears, GSM shops and all types of business outfits.

Worse still, people, erect petrol filling stations beside residential houses without any measures against fire outbreaks whatsoever The above, coupled with indiscriminate dumping of refuse, has all combined to-

gether to congest the city, make it look rough and dirty. Disturbed by the ugly trend, Governor Willie Obiano, on his swearing-in for a second term, set up a four-man Decongestion Committee headed by a retired Commissioner of Police, Chief Aduba.

The Committee is working with the police, soldiers, Civil Defense Corps members, Ocha Bridge and local vigilante boys, backed by the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Works and Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Wealth Creation.

The Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government Area Hon Patrick Mba Agha and his Onitsha Onitsha South counterpart Hon Emeka Asoanya also threw their weight behind the Committee.

As expected, the activities of the Committee such as pulling down roadside structures and checkmating illegal revenue collection by hoodlums have elicited mixed reactions from members of the public, some of who have even resisted the attempts to chase them away from where they are doing business on the grounds that they are occupying illegal locations.

While they have succeeded to clear the major roads and streets, the issue of war against illegal revenue agents continues to linger as the Committee appears to have met strong opposition.

Apparently irked by the difficulties facing the war against illegal revenue collectors coupled with the the dirty look of Onitsha, a member of the Decongestion Committee Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka is of the view that relevant stakeholders have to throw their weight behind Governor Obiano and

mobilise stronger force against those who are bent on giving Onitsha in particular and Anambra in general, a bad name.

According to Ezeonwuka, Proprietor Rojenny Games and Tourist Village Oba, the degree of social disorder in the State, which is very evident in the dirty state of its environment, especially in the cities, is worrisome, indeed. He believes the solution lies in massive support for Obiano’s effort to rid the environment of very disturbing social trends that make Anambra unattractive to visitors.

“It’s complete bedlam: people behave the way they like; people recruit hoodlums, manufacture tickets, emblems and unleash them on the general public as revenue agents,” he agonized. “People extort money from petty traders as tolls without being questioned, erect shops and kiosks anywhere they like, dump waste inside gutter and along the roads without being questioned; that is why the environment is dirty but all these have to stop henceforth.”

Calling for support for the state administration, he said: “Government is not a lone ranger; it is not a one-man riot squad. Government succeeds in its endeavours only with the support of the people that matter, so people should not see what Obiano is doing to sanitize Anambra as government’s project alone. Rather, they should support it, educate people about it and use their positions to boost the drive to sanitise the State and make more habitable in the interest of its inhabitants.

•Theo Rays The Oracle Newspaper staff

Fayemi, APC’s battle to reclaim Ekiti

By EHICHIOYA EZOMON

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major challenge for the opposition All Progressives Congress, in its desire to regain control of the governorship of Ekiti in the July 14 election, is how to counter the avalanche of disinformation, misinformation and mischaracterization that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party dishes out to the unsuspecting voters in the state.

A sampler. Barely a few hours after the Saturday, May 12 re-scheduled primaries won by former Governor and Minister of Solid Minerals and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, a spokesperson for Governor Ayodele Fayose claimed that Fayemi was “set to pick a 73-year-old man as deputy.”

However, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, a special assistant to Fayemi, rebutted the assertion by Mr. Lere Olayinka, special assistant to Fayose on Public Communications and New Media, which was posted on his Facebook wall. Said Oyebode: “We finished the governorship primary late Saturday night, and we’re just trying to get over the stress.

So, where did Lere Olayinka hear that information? Please, disregard it.”

Expeditious refutal of such claims is one way of defeating the deliberate false or misleading information hallmarking the battle of wits and grits that foreshadows the remaining seven weeks of campaigns before the poll, which heralds the 2019 general elections.

And talking about picking a deputy, the clamour for a Muslim as governor of Ekiti had never been louder, culminating in the PDP adroitly nominating youthful Deji Ogunsakin, a former chairman of Ado Local Government Area, as the running mate to Prof. Kolapo Olusola, a Christian and current deputy governor of the state.

The development, which drew applause from the South-West Muslims, who held a celebratory rally in Ado-Ekiti last Tuesday, has put the first real pressure on Dr. Fayemi and the APC to quickly respond, albeit with equal measure, to avoid alienating two vociferous segments - Muslims and youths - of the Ekiti electorate.

That said, Ekiti 2018 is principally a struggle by a former governor (Fayemi) to checkmate an incumbent (Fayose) that removed him from office in 2014. Although Fayose is not on the ballot, he has vowed to install his deputy, Prof. Olusola, to carry on his “legacy projects” for the Ekiti people.

Fayose, relying on his political philosophy of “100% of 100” (winning all seats on offer), has thrown down the gauntlet, derisively telling Fayemi that he and the APC would be vanquished, once again, in July.

Reacting to Fayemi’s nomination, Fayose, via his Tweeter handle, @GovAyoFayose, wrote: “I thank the APC for giving Ekiti people a candidate they love to vote against at all times. Fayemi should not celebrate this pyrrhic victory (at the primaries) yet because it is nothing but a flame that will be quenched on July 14.”

Another statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, said: “In 2014, when he (Fayemi) was the sitting governor and I ( Fayose) was not in power, I trounced him mercilessly. I gave him 16-0, defeating him in all the (16) local governments, including in his home town.

“Now, I have been in power for more than three years and have served the people of Ekiti well... Fayemi will suffer the worst defeat of his political career. After the July 14 election, he will go into political oblivion. He has nothing to celebrate because of the electoral disaster awaiting him.”

Oddly, the man that gives no thoughts to another’s strength is likely to kiss the dust.

Thus, Fayose’s cockiness is a distraction calculated to make Fayemi take his eyes off the ball. With a lot of ground to cover, he should concentrate on getting his “rescue mission” message across to the grassroots, who are better positioned to judge his past administration and the incumbent’s.

The large number of hopefuls at the APC primaries indicates that virtually all 16 local governments in Ekiti are represented in the scramble to spread the governorship slot to all sections of the state. This places the APC in a good stead to win at the July poll.

But only if Fayemi carries along his cocontestants, whose numerical strength, if well-cultivated and harnessed, could do the magic for the APC. He should have at the back of his mind the allegation by Mr. Adelusi that, “The manner of his (Fayemi) so-called victory also leaves much to be desired, as it has turned many of their party leaders and followers against him.”

Certainly, there’s no contest without dissatisfied or aggrieved parties (as Ekiti PDP primaries also show). The good news is that Fayemi recognizes this reality. Hence, in his acceptance speech, he appealed to his co-contestants for supports, and coopted them into the “Candidate’s Advisory Council,” for the prosecution of the APC campaigns for the election.

His words: “In all electoral contests, tempers often rise and nerves are frayed.

I, therefore, humbly appeal to all my supporters, and to my co-contestants and their supporters... that we put our differences aside... Together, we are greater and stronger than the sum of our individual parts, and no individual, myself inclusive, is bigger than our great party.”

With President Muhammadu Buhari ral-

lying the South-West Caucus of the APC, including Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, and the zonal APC governors, behind him, Dr. Fayemi only needs to build confidence in his 31-member advisory council as “co-owners” of the campaign, and put all issues on the table for consideration, and adoption as an acceptable roadmap for success in July. * Mr. Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria.

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

26

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

Travel & Hospitality Attention to detail, key to success in hospitality business – Grand Capital OLUGBENGA OMOTAYO SUNDAY is a banker-turned hotelier, with over 10 years of experience in senior strategy and operational positions at various hotels in Nigeria. The Idere, Ibarapa Central Council in Oyo State-born accountant is also the General Manager of one of high-flying hospitality establishments in Akure, in Ondo State, the Grand Capital Hotel. In this interview with VICTOR NZE, the hospitality expert shares his broad knowledge and experiences in Nigeria’s challenging hospitality industry. Excerpts:

T

RANSITING from the banking sector to that of hospitality, how was it like? And what are the prospects in your new terrain?

After my exit from the banking industry, I discovered that both sectors have share common relationships in terms of the fact that banking is service-oriented and that is quite applicable to the hospitality sector. This made it easy for me to cope in the hospitality industry easily.

On the prospects, I would say that the tourism Industry is very huge. It has a lot of segments and markets based on the fact that people constantly move from one place to another and that will continue to be and that will always prompt the need for hospitality services with hotels as the key players. Each hotel

has at least 10 departments like house-keeping, administration, accounts, security, front desk, maintenance and so on and all these require qualified personnel to manage them. From the statistics on hotel management, it was discovered that hotels contributed 60 per cent which is like N1.7 billion in Nigeria today How important is the hospitality sub-sector to the tourism industry in Nigeria?

Tourism and hospitality are inseparable. Tourism cannot thrive where there are no appreciable hospitality services provided mostly by the hotels. Hospitality is a subsector that takes care of the need of the tourists. It is vital to state that every tourists needs water, food, shelter and others, these fall back to hospitality industry. So if a destination has

‘ The reality on ground, however, is that 4,000 of those rooms were not even under construction as at the time of our data collection – which was the first quarter of 2018! It would not therefore be amiss of us to suggest that there is a degree of over-optimism on the part of the chains regarding their expansion plans

’

ticked all the boxes for a tourist and he plans on returning based on those good grades, then you know the hotels must have provided friendly and satisfying services to him.

What’s your take on hotel classification and grading?

Grading of hotels gives a standard in terms of facilities, staff quality, service and these ratings guide the tourist in terms of expectations from that particular hotel. Also, it is reassuring for a tourist or hotel guest to know that a five-star is a five star while a 3-star is a 3 star hotel. You could also say that it helps the hotel management to sit up and aspire to improve on their standard of services.

In your opinion, what are some of those challenges confronting the hotel business?

The number one challenge is the erratic power supply. It is a major problem because a good percentage of profit that would have been injected to sustain the business goes to providing electricity through fuelling and maintenance of generators.

Secondly, I would say that from experience, the hospitality sec-

Mr. Olugbenga Omotayo Sunday, General Manager, Grand Capital Hotel, Akure.

tor lacks manpower as many of the employees are not patient enough to build their capacity in one hotel before moving on, so what you get is a pool of half-baked personnel revolving around the various hotels constantly changing employers.

Thirdly, is the problem of multi-

Newly-opened Hilton Garden Inn transforms Nairobi hospitality

By VICTOR NZE

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HE debut of the Hilton Garden Inn close to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has now transformed the face of hospitality in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

The magnificent hotel is strategically situated on Mombasa Road, adjacent the airport which serves as an easy access for both business and leisure visitors to Nairobi.

With complimentary shuttle available for pick up and drop off at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for all resident guests, the hotel is about 15km Downtown Nairobi and the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.

Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi is a place for travellers who looking for a satisfying hospitality experience

peculiar with global Hilton brands in more than 720 locations in 33 countries and territories.

The high level of hospitality from the committed team from the first “hello” on guests arrival to the cheery “goodbye” on departure after blissful stay at a great value will always reflects good memories with desires to return to the hotel for another exciting experience.

With 175 rooms comprising 114 Kings, 56 Twins and 5 Deluxe Suites, guests enjoy high speed complimentary Wi-Fi, complimentary 24-hour fitness centre, infinity rooftop heated swimming pool at no charges.

The bell-decorated rooms provide a relaxing getaway as a visitor in Nairobi. All the 175 air-conditioned guest rooms have easy connection with the complimen-

tary Wi-Fi, a well-lit work area, minirefrigerator and flat-screen 40-inch HDTV with Free view channels.

Laying on the comfy bed with crisp white bedding at Hilton Garden Inn while watching favorite shows on the 40-inch HDTV makes you feel at “home away from home” as each room features a functional work space, ergonomic chair and mini-refrigerator, iron & Ironing board, Laptop safe and Tea/ Coffee making facilities.

The Garden Grille Restaurant has a full-service restaurant, offers cooked-to-other breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is also a full bar to unwind at the end of a busy day.

The state-of-the-art fitness Centre for stress-bustling workouts is available for guests with 24/7 business Centre providing complimentary printing and Wi-Fi for the serv-

ices rendered.

As comfort zone for Meetings, Incentives, Conference & Exhibitions (MICE), Hilton Garden Inn has 6 meetings rooms all with natural daylight, the conference room can host up to 220 delegates in theatre setting.

For intending tourists to Nairobi, Hilton Garden Inn is the right choice with easy access to major tourist attractions like Nairobi National Park, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum (Out of Africa) and National Museum of Kenya All guests have the opportunity of benefitting from the ‘Hilton Honours’, the guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 14 world-class brands comprising nearly 5,000 properties with more than 812,000 rooms in 103 countries and territories.

ple taxations. It is also important to state that most of the hotels find it very difficult to access loans from the banks for expansion.

What would you say is the key to success in hotel business?

For any hotel to succeed, attention must be paid to every little detail. Starting from the gate, the lobby the concierge, and to the rooms, the staff must be friendly and courteous in welcoming the guests. It goes a long way in building a lasting relationship with guests. Also, the proactive as well as maintenance cultures must be cultivated. Security of guests must not be underestimated including the provision of good culinary services.

Tell us about your hotel?

Grand Capital Hotel is a 3-star hotel in Alagbaka GRA, inside the ancient city of Akure, the Ondo State capital. With 33 well furnished rooms comprising: 1 Presidential Suite; 1 Apartment; 16 Deluxe; 2 Studio; 4 Golden Suite; 7 Superior and 2 Classic, as well as a 28-seatre restaurant, and a 20 to 150 capacity conference room, the hotel’s facility can also accommodate about 300 guests for a cocktail party.

The Oracle Today

27

Wednesday May 30, 2018

INSURANCE & PENSION

Lagos begins N11.88b compensation to property owners

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AGOS State Government says it has commenced payment of over N11.8billion as compensation to owners of properties that had to give way for construction of roads, flyovers, ramps and other critical infrastructural projects across the State.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands Bureau, Mrs. Yetunde Onabule who disclosed this at the annual Ministerial Press Briefing to mark the third year anniversary of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, said

the payment was for properties demolished for projects including the Abule Egba road expansion, Epe Road expansion, Lekki International Airport, Pen Cinema flyover, ultra-modern bus terminal in Oyingbo and upgrading of Muritala Mohammed International Airport

Road.

She listed other projects to include Mechanic Village, Gbagada Phase1, Ojokoro Specialist Hospital, construction of Freedom Road/ Drainage channel, reconstruction of Agri-Ishawo Konu-Arepo Road, among others.

“I can confirm to you that in line with the provisions of the Land Use Act 1978, which is the enabling law for the revocation of Right of Occupancy (C of O)and payment of compensation thereof in the country, interest in the affected properties have been promptly revoked and enumeration of these properties completed and payment of over N11,814,844billion approved as compensation for property owners on the Alignment/Right of Way for construction, re-construction/ dualization of roads, flyovers and ramps aimed at alleviating traffic

gridlock and other forms of infrastructural development of Lagos is ongoing,” she said.

Giving its financial report for the year under review, Onabule said the Bureau generated over N10.5billion from land transactions last year, representing over 50 percent short of the N20.7billion it generated in 2016, a development she said would improve when the sale of the new land schemes begin.

Onabule said that the quest by the present administration to ensure that Lagosians obtain title documents with ease, the Governor signed a total of 727 Electronic Certificate of Occupancy (E-C of O) in the year under review, thus bringing the number to 5, 172 of such certificates in the last three years.

PTAD suspends 22,000 from payroll

P •(From left to right): M-D Mutual Benefit, Mr Olusegun Omosehin; Council Member, CIIN, Sir Muftau Oyegunle; Chief Operating Officer, New India Assurance, Mr Mayak Kumar Jha; President/Chairman of Council, CIIN, Mrs Funmi Babington-Ashaye; Tai Insurance Brokers Director, Dr Wilson Cheung Jiang; D-G, CIIN, Mr Richard Borokini, M-D Nem Insurance Plc, Mr Tope Smart; and Mr Chu Heung Ming Stephen, during the International Exchange Conference of Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) in Hong Kong.

ension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) says it had suspended 22,021 pensioners from the payroll following the non-appearance of the pensioners for the verification exercise in 2017.

Executive Secretary of PTAD, Ms Sharon Ikeazor, who made the disclosure at a news conference in Abuja, Wednesday, said over N6 billion had been saved annually from the process.

3,500 Kebbi retirees get N9bn

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EBBI Government says it has paid over N9 billion as pension and gratuities to over 3, 500 retirees in the state.

The state governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, disclosed this, Tuesday at the May Day 2018 celebration organised by the Nigeria Labour

Congress (NLC) in Birnin Kebbi.

“From our inception to date, we have made payment to over 3,500 retirees whose entitle-

USAID urges Osun Assembly to pass Health Insurance Scheme bill

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nited States Agency for International Development (USAID) has called on the Osun House of Assembly to ensure the speedy passage of the Health Insurance Scheme Bill before it.

The call was made at the end of a two-day workshop organised for the state’s lawmakers by the Health, Finance and Government (HFG) group, a USAID project, in Osogbo.

The workshop was in partnership with the Osun Health Insurance Agency.

Legal Head of the group, Mrs Abiola Giwa, who highlighted the benefits and practical approach to be adopted for the implementation of the scheme, said that a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) approach would be adopted, where everybody in the state, both in the formal and informal sectors, would be covered under the scheme.

She explained that those in employment would be required to contribute 1.5 per cent of their monthly income.

“Their employers will pay three per cent to make up 4.5 per cent monthly contribution for enrolees of the scheme.’’

Executive Secretary, Osun Health Insurance Scheme, Dr Niyi Ogini, explained that if the bill was passed, it would be financed and

sustained by contributions from enrolees and their employers.

Ogini said finance would also come from funds from the Federal Government, international donors and multi-national companies.

Chairman, House Committee on Health, Mr Leke Ogunsola, said res-

idents of the state would benefit from the passage of the bill, assuring that the house would expedite its passage.

Ogunsola said the scheme would provide good health care for the people as obtained in developed countries.

Pensioners’ 11 months accrued rights not N98bn -- PenCom

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ational Pensions Commission (PenCom) has refuted claims that pensioners’ accrued rights from May 2017 to April 2018 was N97.55 billion.

Head, Research and Corporate Strategy Department, PenCom, Dr Amino Farouk, said in Lagos, Wednesday, that the faulty claims were by some media organisations.

Pensioners’ accrued rights is the term used to describe what the Federal Government owes its workers who have been in service before the commencement of the Pensions Reform Act, 2004.

That is, the contributions accumulated in the pensioner’s Retirement Savings Account and their accrued rights from the time they joined the service to the time they migrated to the Contributory Pen-

sions Scheme (CPS).

The PenCom official said that the pensioners’ accrued rights for the 11 months was actually less than N70 billion.

“From my reckoning, the accrued rights are actually less than N70 billion. I have no idea that the accrued rights from May 2017 till date stands at N97.55 billion,’’ Farouk said. He added that the commission was working closely with the Federal Government to ensure the payments of the rights.

Farouk said the commission had already submitted a report of the total amount outstanding to the Federal Government as it ordered.

“We are waiting for the Federal Government to get the budget approved by the National Assembly and for money to be released to pay the outstanding,’’ he said.

ments ranged from N500, 000 downwards,’’ he said.

Bagudu assured the organised labour that the government would strive to do more to improve the standard of living of workers in the state.

“The government and labour unions will work closely together to ensure that petty traders and commodity sellers were carried along for proper and holistic integration and engagement,’’ he said.

The governor commended the organised labour in the state for their unflinching support to the government.

Earlier, the State Chairman of the NLC, Alhaji Umar Halidu, appealed to the state government to review pensioners’ entitlement to reflect increment of regular workers’ salaries that had taken place in the past, especially for 2012 and 2013 retirees.

“We also urge the government to restore the payment of annual increment, which was not being enjoyed for the last eight years by all categories of workers,’’ he said.

Halidu also called for the provision of staff quarters for primary school teachers, especially in the rural areas, to boost the morale of teachers posted to such areas.

“This will encourage teaching as a profession,’’ he said.

The theme of this year’s celebration is “Labour Movement in National Development: Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win.’’

Ikeazor said the pensioners, who did not show up for the exercise, were given up to end of March to appear, saying that the basis of verification was to identify genuine pensioners.

She, however, said the directorate had also taken cognisance of pensioners living in the Diaspora, adding that pensioners in that category, who had updated their status with PTAD would however not be affected.

“The suspension of the pensioners is resulting in the saving of N495 million monthly for the Federal Government, which amounted to approximately N6 billion per annum,’’ she said.

The PTAD boss also disclosed that over 19,000 pensioners whose accounts did not have the required Bank Verification Number (BVN) were identified in the data management process and suspended from the payroll.

She, however, added that the pensioners would only be re-instated after provision of their BVN and due verification conducted.

On update of Civil Service Pension Department (CSPD), she said the directorate had successfully added 7,969 verified civil service pensioners to the payroll.

“These are pensioners who were verified in the South West and North Central in quarter four of 2017. Before this addition, over 19,500 verified civil service pensioners from the North West, South East, North East and South-South had been reinstated and paid their arrears,’’ she said.

She further said another 8,564 civil service pensioners verified in the South-South between January and February 2017 were pay rolled and paid arrears of a total of N4.9 billion from June to Dec 2017.

She also noted that the computation benefits for over 5,000 verified civil service pensioners were ongoing.

She said the directorate had also concluded the computation of benefits of 467 verified pensioners of New Nigeria Newspaper (NNN) and their 17 Next -of -Kins (NoK) in first quarter of 2018. She, however, noted the NNN pensioners were yet to be pay-rolled owing to some judicial issues that needed to be resolved.

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

EQUITY & Capital Market Sterling Bank targets Holdco, as investors grumble over 2kobo dividend Stories by JEROME USHAKANG

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TERLING Bank has announced plans to change its current operating structure to a Holding company (Holdco) at its 56th Annual General Meeting (AGM held in Lagos.

Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, who disclosed this at the AGM said the new holding structure will group the commercial bank and its other subsidiaries under a Holding Company (HoldCo).

However, this didn’t go down well with the shareholders who complained bitterly that the two kobo dividend paid to them was worthless in the face of hyper-inflation in the country no matter the volume of units held.

Majority of Sterling Bank shareholders who spoke at the occasion, vehemently opposed the donation of N180 million to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Security Trust fund.

They were particularly bitter saying the NPF took a lion share of N180million out of a total sum of N346million donations and gifts to security and charitable organizations in Nigeria.

They advised the Board to rather do more for the less privilege in the society, such as the orphanage, the handicapped among others. They also noted that bountiful donations are pouring into NPF security Trust Fund from many corporate entities apart from budgetary allocations from the Federal Government. And as such, they reasoned that NPF security trust fund ought not to have taken lion share of the total donations Analysis of the donations and charitable gifts by Sterling Bank as

part of its Corporate Social Responsibility for the Financial year ended December 31, 2017 showed the NPF got N180million out of a gross of N346million representing 67 percent. It was followed by Judiciary E-Library with N58million and other security trust funds N53million.

Others are: Environmental sustainability partnerships N26million, Digitalization programme Support N17million, Market Fire Victim Support N5million, Fashion Empowerment Support N4million and Flood Victim Support N4million, thus bringing the total donation to N346million.

One of the aggrieved shareholder and president of the Nigeria Shareholders solidarity Association (NSSA), Mr. Matthew Akinlade while addressing members of the company inquired from the Chairman and members of the Board whether the donation to NPF was a forced one or voluntary. He observed that the donation and other regulatory sanctions have eaten up substantial amount that would have been paid to shareholders as dividend.

Akinlade told the Board to note that most of the minority shareholders are retirees who depend on return on their investments to survive, stressing that the two kobo dividend is completing useless, no matter the volume of investment especially in the hyper-inflation environment such as Nigeria. Moreover, the two kobo dividend paid is subject to withholding tax of 10 percent, he added.

However, the Chairman Board of Directors, Asue Ighodalo in response, told shareholders that the donation to NPF was voluntary. He explained that the huge donation to NPF was part of its support to

•Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, addressing shareholders at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the lender which held in Lagos on Thursday. equip the force against incessant armed robberies and attacks on banks.

But, he reassured the shareholders that their advice is noted as more would be done for the less privilege in current financial year.

On why the two kobo divided was paid, Ighodalo said, “Due to additional capital required to finance our growth ambition and fund the bank’s proposed Holding company structure, the Board has to proposed a dividend of two kobo per share for the 2017 financial year.

This will enable us retain a substantial amount of profit generated to strengthen available capital in the best interest of shareholders”.

The stated the faced inflationary

pressures and a weak business climate across the non-oil sector of the economy during the year under review. However, he said, “we continue to focus on key growth sectors of the Nigerian economy and leverage on our areas of strength to drive sustainable growth and deliver superior returns to our esteemed shareholders”.

Meanwhile, an overview of the bank’s 2017 performance showed that Gross revenue stood at N133.

5billion, an increase of 19.8 percent from N111.4billion achieved in year 2016.

Similarly, Profit Before tax rose to N8.6billion during the year under review, representing an increase of 43.4 percent from N6.0billion

The Chairman who expressed optimism told investors that the gradual recovery of the Nigerian economy from recession in 2017 had meant stability in foreign exchange rate. Thus, allowing businesses to source needed raw material for production as well as foreign direct and portfolio investments into the economy.

“While the impact of this recovery has gradually begun to be felt across various sectors of the economy, construction activities lagged this recovery in 2017 with overall domestic demand for cement which closed at 22.6metric tones for 2016, down to 18.5metric tones for 2017.”

Balogun explained to the shareholders that the intended N100 billion bond issuance is mainly to refinance the company’s debts.

“The proposal this year is to refinance some of that debt. We cannot continue to sit on a large concentration of dollar-denominated debts and therefore, we need to

refinance,” Balogun, informed shareholders.

According to Balogun, Lafarge Africa also announced a reduction in its total debt from N389 billion to N238 billion, adding that the N151billion reduction was through the Rights issue and cash generated.

Also speaking on the debt issue at the AGM, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Michel Puchercos, said key projects in Nigeria, such as road construction in Calabar and a moth-balled assets in South Africa, led to an impairment of N19.1billion.

“The combination of these impairment and the net loss in South Africa of N18 .7billion led to a group net loss of N34.6billion, compared with a profit of N16.8billion in 2016,” he said.

Puchercos said that South African business thrived in a challenging environment, noting that operations would stabilize in 2018.“The

Lafarge set to raise N100bn bond amidst debt burden, N34b loss L AFARGE Africa Plc has secured the approval of shareholders of the company to raise N100billion from the capital market locally or on any international platform by way of bond later this year.

This was the fallout of the group’s 59th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos last Wednesday.

Following the shareholders backing, the Board is authorized to utilize any suitable market within the country, continent or intercontinental deem fit for the successful execution of the proposed bond issuance. However, this is subject to regulatory approval.

During the year under review, December 31, 2017, Lafarge Africa Plc, Group recorded N34.3 billion loss After Tax. Despite the Loss, the company recommended a dividend of N1.50 per share and was approved by its shareholders for payment. Thus, translating to N13.01 billion in contrast to N5.75

billion or N1.05 per share paid in 2016.

Addressing shareholders on the dwindling finances of Lafarge Africa, the Chairman, Mr. Mobolaji Balogun, attributed the overall drop to low domestic cement demand, stressing that it was instrumental to the group’s N34.3 billion loss.

Balogun said that cement sold in 2017 was lower by 15.6 per cent compared with 2016 and, as a result, operating profit depreciated to N7.9 billion in the year under review, from N12.4 billion the previous year.

“Cement selling prices recovered in 2017 which helped to partly offset the impact on cost of production of the over 40 per cent devaluation of the local currency in 2015 and the consequent spike in local inflation.” The Chairman added.

According to him, this helped to strengthen the Group’s turnover to close the year at N299.2 billion from N219.7 billion recorded in 2016, an increase of 36 per cent.

28

in 2016, while Profit after tax grew by 65.0 percent, from N5.2billion in 2016 to close at N8.5billion in 2017.

Thus, contributing to 20.2 percent rise in shareholders fund which currently stands at N102.9billion from N85.7billion in the previous year.

Ex-CIBN President harps on Enterprise Risk Management

T

he outgoing President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Professor Segun Ajibola has advised the Nigerian banking sector to give more attention to “Enterprise Risk Management”.

Professor Ajibola who was speaking at the 2018 Presidential Valedictory address at the CIBN Ijewere Hall in Lagos, on a theme “Enterprise Risk Management and Banking Industry: The Nexus” said, “Risk Management was at the heart of the banking sector”.

Ajibola acknowledged the fact that there was a nexus between “Enterprise Risk Management” and banking performance. This according to him is one of the reasons Switzerland has one of the most efficient financial systems, owing to the adoption of the “ERM” framework.

He informed stakeholders that in carrying out the report on “ERM” data was sourced from 11 deposit money banks in Nigeria, across the three tiers for the period 2006-2016.

Ajibola who is the 19th President of the CIBN stated that Enterprise Risk Management coordinates all risks across an organization. The study according to him revealed that when risks are properly managed from all sides, banks performance improves.

29

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

MONEY Market

Economy growth slows to 1.95% in Q1 2018 – NBS Stories by KAYODE OGUNWALE

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HE National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has indicated that Nigeria economic growth slowed to 1.95 percent in first quarter of 2018, from 2.11 percent recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report published on Monday indicated that GDP rose by 1.95 percent in first quarter 2018 compared to 2.11 percent (revised from 1.93 percent) in fourth quarter 2017 and -0.91 percent in first quarter 2017.

The agency said real GDP value as at end March 2018 stands at N16.106 trillion as against the nominal GDP figure of N28.464 trillion.

The main difference between nominal and real values is that real values are adjusted for inflation, while nominal values are not. As a result, nominal GDP will often appear higher than real GDP. Values for real GDP are adjusted for differences in prices levels, while figures for nominal GDP are not.

NBS stated that agriculture sector grew 3.0 percent (4.23 percent fourth quarter 2017, 3.39 quarter first quarter 2017); Industry by 6.86 percent (4.87 percent fourth quarter 2017, -5.83 percent first quarter 2017); while services declined by 0.47 percent (0.10 percent fourth quarter 2017, -0.37 percent quarter 2017).

In the period under review, the

nation recorded an average daily oil production of 2.0 million barrels per day (mbpd), higher than the daily average production recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017 by 0.05 mbpd and the real growth of the oil sector was 14.77 percent (year-on-year) in first quarter 2018.

This represents an increase of 30.37 percent points relative to rate recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2017. Quarter on quarter, the oil sector grew by 13.24 percent in first quarter 2018. The Oil sector contributed 9.61 percent to total real GDP in first quarter 2018, up from 8.53 percent and 7.35 percent recorded in the first quarter 2017 and fourth quarter 2017, respectively.

Meanwhile, the non-oil sector grew by 0.76 percent in real terms during the reference quarter. This is higher by 0.04 percent point compared to the rate recorded same quarter of 2017 and 0.70 percent point lower than the fourth quarter of 2017. This sector was driven mainly by Agriculture (Crop production); other drivers were Financial institutions and insurance, Manufacturing, Transportation and Storage and Information and Communication. In real terms, the Non-Oil sector contributed 90.39 percent to the nation’s GDP, lower than 91.47 percent recorded in the first quarter of 2017 and 92.65 percent recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017.

•L-R: Principal, International School UNILAG, Dr. M. Brai Malik, Group Managing Director, United Bank for Africa, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka and Executive Director, Lagos and West Bank, Marketing, Liadi Ayoku, during the launch of the bank’s online Learning Platform for students that was held at ISL, Lagos.

Fitch forecasts 2.4% GDP growth for Nigeria in 2018

T

HE renown rating agency, Fitch Ratings has said Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is expected to accelerate to 2.4 percent this year, as the country continues to climb out of the oil price shock recession that characterised 2016 and first

Cordros Asset Management expands mutual funds offering C ORDROS Asset Management Limited (CAML) has held a significant ceremony for its proposed Milestone Funds 2023 and 2028 following the clearance of its offer documents by the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Speaking at the ceremony which held at its Ikoyi Office in Lagos last week, the Group Managing Director Cordros Capital Limited, Wale Agbeyangi said “The Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 and 2028 are target date mutual funds which pursues a long-term investment strategy to manage the asset allocation of the fund to become more conservative as the target dates (2023 & 2028) approach. Globally, target date mutual funds have become increasingly popular and at the end of 2017, the Investment Company Institute (ICI) estimated a total of $1.1 trillion was invested in these funds worldwide.

It is surprising but also laudable that the Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 and 2028 are the first set of target date mutual funds to be launched in Nigeria. This represents a significant achievement for not just Cordros but the entire capital market. The Funds which are initiatives of our asset management subsidiary is a strategic move aimed at providing products which cater to the retail segment of the economy. These are specially designed to provide for individuals and corporations saving towards a ‘target’.”

Concurring, the Acting CEO, Cordros Asset Management Limited, Leye Adekeye said ‘We are indeed excited at the prospects that the Funds hold. The Milestone

Funds are balanced funds and will have a mix of equities, fixed income and money market instruments. The funds will start out seeking capital appreciation and will become more conservative by seeking capital preservation towards their target dates.

Opportunities abound in the capital markets and these funds will ensure we are leveraging these opportunities and providing diversification for our clients. We will like to encourage individuals saving towards different goals and targets to take advantage of the professional fund management when the offer opens.’

The Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 and 2028 are open-ended funds, authorized and registered in Nigeria as Unit Trust Schemes under Section

160 of the Investment and Securities Act. The Funds objectives are to maximize total returns and reduce volatility as the Funds approach their target dates (2023 & 2028). The investment focus is initially on growing assets and shifts towards capital preservation to manage future income risk. As the Funds gets closer to their target dates, the asset allocation shifts to reflect shorter investment time horizons. The minimum amount required to subscribe to the fund is N2,500 and investors can make an additional investment of 10 units or more. 500 million units at N100 per unit for each Milestone Fund will be offered to investors for subscription at the launch of the fund.

quarter of 2017.

The agency noted that the growth turned positive in the second quarter of last year, and the recovery of oil production to 2.1 million barrels per day by the fourth quarter boosted oil sector output, adding that greater foreign exchange availability provided a lift to the non-oil export sectors, particularly agriculture.

“Fitch expects that these trends will continue, but notes that tight monetary conditions will continue to weigh on Nigeria’s growth outlook. Fitch forecasts 2019 growth to rise slightly to three percent, compared with 4.8 percent for the five years prior to 2016,” it said.

It affirmed Nigeria’s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating (IDR) at ‘B+’ with a negative outlook.

It said the ‘B+’ rating reflected Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest economy and most populous country, its net external creditor position, and its well-developed domestic debt markets, balanced against a high level of hydrocarbon dependence, low levels of domestic revenue mobilisation and GDP per capita, and low rankings on governance and business environment indicators.

The negative outlook, according to a statement, reflects uncertain-

UBA innovates with another first ‘UBA Learn’ targeted at empowering students

U

NITED Bank for Africa(UBA) has introduced a unique and innovative product, called ‘UBA Learn’ targeted at helping students achieve all round academic success.

The Product, an online Learning Platform for students powered by Roducate, was launched on May 17, 2018 with particular emphasis on helping students within the age range of 5-16 years and 17-24 attain academic excellence, while ensuring that the parents and teachers keep track and monitor their ward’s educational developments and performance.

UBA Learn is accessible online, through a downloadable mobile

app and USSD (*919*33#) and is open to both existing customers and non-customers. Intending customers can have account numbers automatically generated once they enroll on the platform. The platform features academic curricula (e.g. WAEC), NECO, Continuous assessments and tests, financial education, learning/fun games, etc.

Speaking at the launch of the Product, Group Managing Director, Kennedy Uzoka said: “United Bank for Africa is a technologydriven company with enormous capability in business. Because education is key to us and is a fundamental human right, we felt a

need to extend our capability to education, by revolutionising access to education through technology. “ That’s the main reason we are here today- to bring knowledge to the doorstep of everyone across Africa and other parts of the world, through this Unique innovation, called UBA learn”.

Uzoka continued: “The app is a distinctive and well-tailored product loaded with all the needed learning tools and required subjects put together in a robust manner that is guaranteed to grow with the student early on to when he or she becomes a young adult.

ty about the sustainability of the economic growth momentum as the impact of earlier shocks eases and progress on addressing highinterest service ratios.

The rating agency noted that the Central Bank of Nigeria at its meeting in April held its monetary policy rate at 14 percent, where it had been since July 2016.

“The need to support the naira and lingering inflation pressures mean that the Central Bank of Nigeria will ease monetary policy only gradually,” it added.

The naira had fluctuated close to N360 per dollar on the Investors and Exporters window since its introduction in April 2017, Fitch noted, asserting that “Given most forex activity is now handled on the Import & Export (I&E) window, this implies a devaluation by 45 percent since the start of the FX regime adjustments in June 2016.

“Together with higher oil prices and production, this has contributed to the convergence between the parallel market and the I&E rate. However, the forex market remains segmented and the continued use of exchange controls inhibit greater foreign-currency liquidity and capital inflows. In Fitch’s view, there is unlikely to be any further substantial change by the CBN to the existing FX rate regime before the 2019 elections.”

It said increasing oil receipts and import compression had buoyed Nigeria’s trade surplus and brought the current account surplus to an estimated 2.2 percent of the GDP in 2017.

“Fitch expects that imports will begin to return to historical levels, especially as government capital expenditure increases and the current account surplus will narrow in 2018.”

The agency noted that Nigeria’s reserves position had increased to a four-year high due to stronger oil receipts and considerable hardcurrency bond placements.

Gross international reserves were $47.5 billion, or eight months of current external payments, as of end-April.

30

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

Crime

I robbed with toy gun because daddy stopped paying my school fees - Varsity student

Stories by XAVIER NDAH

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200 level computer science student of the Caleb University has said that he went opted to robbery to make ends meet because the father stopped paying his school fees.

The suspect Gideon Bamidele 19, was arrested by the police along with one Afeez Anifowoshe 20, for attempting to rob a commercial driver with a toy gun.

The suspect in an interaction with The Oracle newspaper said the father stopped paying his school fees because he was caught smoking.

“We just resume school and since he didn’t pay I had to look for a way to help myself. My friend said we can use toy gun to threaten people and snatch phones and vehicles. So I went with Afeez to shoprite shopping mall at Bode Thomas, Surulere to buy this toy gun for N1,000. When I came out I met the driver with the Toyota corolla car and I offered to pay him N4, 500 to convey me to Agric area of Ikorodu and the man

agreed. When we got to that area I showed him gun and threatened him. I held him on the neck but the man dragged the steering of the car with me and in the process the car summersaulted. When we attempted to escaped from the scene the man was able to grab the two of us and people gathered and we were arrested. When asked what he has learnt from the experience he said “ I feel useless to the world this is not what my father should have done as a father he supposed to have shown mercy , see what he has made me to go through, my father is an Estate developer and he has money and my mother is in the United States of America” At this point the suspect started sobbing and asked this reporter” please I want to ask you one question, the question can be very stupid, please am I going to die here?

Please beg them to spare my life.

He pleaded.

Commenting on his arrest Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command Edgal Imohimi said the suspects

were arrested red handed while attempting to snatch a Toyota Corolla car marked KJA 911 EG belonging to one Mr Otun Olugbenga, near Itowolo bridge with a toy pistol.

The Cp said they hired the driver and on getting to Itowolo bridge, Gideon grabbed the driver on the neck “the driver lost control of the car,hit the pavement and the vehicle summersaulted. The driver raised the alarm which attracted the policemen at the scene. They chased after the robbers and arrested them and recover the vehicle”.

He explained.

Edgal warned criminals that they should desist as he has discovered a new trend that some of them rob with toy gun with the idea that when caught they may be pardoned because they are not with real gun but what they don’t know is that it attracts same punishment either toy or real gun it attracts same punishment’ he explained.

Meanwhile, police said they will soon be charged to court for armed robber.

•Gideon Bamidele (right)and Afeez Anifowoshe

Two friends hack bike rider to death

Doctor turned international hacker warns Nigerian banks … Says your e-banking is porous

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•The suspects

T

wo men have been arrested by the police for allegedly hacking a motorcycle rider to death and dispossessed him of his commercial motorcycle (okada).

The suspects we gathered had joined in sympathizing with the family of the deceased after committing the heinous crime before they were scooped out by the police as the perpetrators of the crime.

It was gathered that the ugly incident took place in Imodi-Imosan in Ijebu-ode was promptly reported at the Police Divisional Headquarters in Obalende by the deceased’s elder brother, Moses Utuede, leading to a discreet investigation by crack detectives.

Police investigation we gathered has revealed that the deceased was last seen with one Patrick Udom, 35, who lived in the same community with him and, as such, he was arrested as the principal suspect.

On his arrest and questioning, the suspect we gathered had owned up to have committed the dastardly act and named one James Roland, 25, as his accomplice.

Police said the victim, Happy Patrick, had left home as usual for business at the early hour of that day May 15, never returned.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Assistant Superintendent of Police ,ASP, Abimbola Oyeyemi, who confirmed the story to The Oracle newspapers said “On the strength of the report, the DPO, SP Jaiye Richard, detailed detectives to embark on a full scale investiga-

The victims body recovered by the police

tion, in order to unravel the mystery behind the sudden disappearance of the victim.

“Investigation later revealed that the victim was last seen with Patrick Udom and he was promptly arrested.

After a thorough investigation, the said Patrick Udom confessed to have killed the victim, ably assisted by Roland James”. He said According to him, the suspects who lived in the same Imodi-Imosan community was killed because they wanted to steal his motorcycle which they actually did after terminating his life.

The suspects had led detectives to

where they had dumped the remains of the dead body which they had tied with a mat and threw it in a bush.

The image maker disclosed that two cutlasses, a hammer and a digger with which they allegedly hacked the victim to death, were recovered from them.

Oyeyemi also said that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Iliysasu, had ordered that the case had been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) for discrete investigation and prosecution of the suspects.

he Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’ has Tdisclosed that 14 suspects have been

Unit for living up to their statutory responsibilities in suppression of smuggling, blocking all revenue leakages, and enhancing trade facilitation towards sustaining best international standards. Having deepened our anti-smuggling operations between April 10 to May 15, 2018, we have intercepted various contrabands and other goods on detention with a Duty Paid Value (DPV), of one billion, ten million, two hundred and ninety five thousand, six hundred and sixty-six Naira, two kobo. “he explained.

The Customs boss added that in the same vein, the Unit through its interventions recovered N28,860,788.00 from underpayments making a cumulative of N1,039,156,454.00 within the weeks under review.

Customs ‘FOU’ ‘A’ arrest 14 over contraband goods arrested in connection with 125 seizures it has made for the past five weeks.

Making the disclosure was the Area Controller of the Unit Comptroller Mohammed Uba Garba, who disclosed that goods worth N1,010,295,666.2 was realised through interception of various contraband goods, while N28,860, 788.00 was realised from underpayment of duty to the Federal Government According to him, the unit has generated N1,039,156,454.00 in the past five week to the Federal Government.

He said the achievements were as a result of officers and men of the

medical doctor turned hacker identified as Michael Thompson has warned Nigerian banks to employ the services of professional hackers to manage their e-banking activities to save them from being defrauded of their money.

Thompson said with his knowledge in hacking none of the Nigerian banks are safe as they are so many loopholes that are not closed in area of e-banking.

The suspect was arrested by police detectives attached to Lagos State Command within the week.

Commissioner of Police Edgal Imohimi said the hacker, who had been on the police wanted list, was finally arrested after he hacked into a businessman’s account and rip him of N28million.

Williams said: “I am a hacker via internet. I am a professional medical doctor and have worked in Tolu Medical Centre and at the Eko medical hospital. I was denied the opportunity to go for a training programme abroad by my employer and out of frustration I left the country to Canada where I met a group of professional hackers who taught me hacking.”

“I can hack into any organisation, bank, corporate agencies, government account and any other but my target are celebrities and billionaires.

Nigerian banks are not safe and I feel for them because they are not practicing real e-banking.

“I don’t know my worth financially because I use credit cards to transact my businesses.

“Nigerian banks are not secured.

If I want to hack into any bank I can clear their money anytime. Nigerian banks do not know that they need to hire professional hackers to protect their accounts.

“I can buy something worth N40 million without paying a dime and still generate bank alert. The bank will still confirm the alert. I have what it takes to do that.

“What I want to advise Nigerian banks is to advance to international

standard and employ the services of professional hackers. That is what is applicable abroad to safeguard their banks.If not one day they will close shop” he explained.

Disclosing how he was arrested Edgal said he received a complaint that there was a syndicate that was swindling car dealers.

According to him, “The syndicate goes to car shops, buy cars, configures a computer programme that will send a fake payment alert to the seller and by so doing, obtains a car under false pretenses. “ Such was the case of Abidogun Adewale whose car shop played host to the leader of this syndicate by name Michael Thompson Williams who bought a Porsche car at a whooping price of N28 million. He thereafter requested for the seller’s bank account and paid him with fake alert using HTTP tunnel.com. “ The suspect drove the car away unknown to the seller that he had been scammed. However, based on his complaint, a manhunt was launched on the fleeing suspects.

“This suspect was interrogated and he confessed to committing the crime. He also led detectives to Asaba, Delta, where the stolen Porsche car was recovered. He also led detectives to Owerri, Imo state where two camry saloon cars he stole in a similar fashion were recovered” “The modus operandi of the suspect who has a mastery of cyber environment is that he creates a credit card through cyber ghost 12. When the credit card matures. It is then funded through a hacked Swiss account. Any transaction done through Swiss account, the suspect manipulates such and wires the fund to his contrived credit account.

“This is possible with the aid of cyber ghost 12 HTTP/tunnel.azintv4/vpn (virtual private network).

“The suspect stated that through the credit card, he could buy softwares to protect his job so that he cannot be traced.”

31

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

NEWS We have left our fate with God’s hands – Ebonyi pensioners

By CHINEDU NWAFOR

P

ensioners in Ebonyi state said they are hoping on divine intervention for solution to their plights since all efforts to get government address them have failed to deaf ears.

Chief Donatus Okemini, the state chairman of Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), stated this during a one day prayer retreat at the People’s Club Hotels in Abakaliki.

“We have tried every othes means including meeting with relevant state authorities, peaceful demonstrations to the Government House, wrote letters all aimed at drawing attention of the government to our plight to no avail.

“We have decided to petition the Almighty God who controls the minds of the leaders for intervention in our situation.

“God can do all things and we believe that having exhausted all human strategies that it is time to bring in God ‘s dimension in our struggle.

“We have gathered here today for no other reason but to cry out to God and appeal to Him to personally intervene in our sorry plights,” Okemini said.

He blamed government for deliberately subjecting pensioners to untold hardship by withholding their monthly pensions thereby creating arears of these pensions.

“If they pay these pensions every month there won’t be stock-pile of arrears and the issue of non-availability of funds to pay the backlogs will not arise.

“No local government area (LGAs) pensioner has received the October 2016 arrears in the state while about five LGs are yet to receive February 2017 pension,” he added.

Okemini said that government adopted a policy of payment of gratuity to retirees in piecemeal noting that the policy was a clear violation of extant public service rule.

“Workers gratuity is paid in block and we are demanding that Ebonyi government stop the policy of paying retirees their gratuity in bits.

“Our public service rule should be respected and followed in paying retired workers their retirement benefits hence we are demanding 100 per cent block payment of gratuity.”

Also speaking, the union’s secretary, Chief Ukpai Arua further urged state government to do the needful to high rate at which pensioners die.

He lamented that pensioners die every day not because of sickness but due to ill treatment given to them by the government.

He therefore urged governments at all levels to have a rethink on the way pensioners were being treated.

He expressed optimism that the prayer session would attract God’s intervention and change the situation pensioners for good.

“You cannot predict God and that exactly why we decided to go back to God and we believe that He will respond to our cry because this prayer is a cry to God. “So many pensioners are dying daily and they die not due to ill health so to speak but due to government neglect to their welfare,” he said.

Biafra Day commemoration turns bloody in Anambra, Ebonyi …As BIM accuse JTF of killing 5 members

By IBE NWACHUKWU and CHINEDU NWAFOR

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ctivities marking this year’s 18 year anniversary celebration of New Biafra, Tuesday, turned bloody in Onitsha, Anambra state as members of the Biafra Independence Movement (BIM) accused the joint military task force (JTF) operating in the state of killing about five of its members.

BIM also accused the military task force of breaking the sculls of four of their members and arresting 206 others in what they termed a most gruesome manner.

Confirming the killings, injuries and arrests to newsmen shortly after the encounter, BIM’s Director of Information, Mazi Chris Mocha stated that while their members gathered at Obosi By-pass along the Onitsha/Owerri road, near Onitsha, the joint military task force including the Army, Navy, Police, Civil Defence, Department of State Services, DSS and others swooped on them with over 45 Hilux vehicles and opened fire, killing five of their members instantly.

According to Mocha, the JTF also used machetes to cut some parts of the bodies of four of their members, including their sculls, adding

that the four victims of the machete cuts included Chief Vincent Iloh, Ebuka Emmanuel, Innocent Okolie, and Mrs Virginia Ubaezuonu in the desperate attempts of the JTF to disperse the crowd.

Mocha mentioned Chief Christian Ifejika, Declan Okafor, Gloria Umejesi, Rose Oforbike, Fidelis Oduenyi and 173 others as those arrested and whisked away to unknown destination by the JTF among the in Onitsha.

According to Mocha, “Today marks our 18 years of independence anniversary celebration of the New Biafra which is in continuation with our desire to achieve a sovereignty from Nigeria but it is unfortunate that the JTF opened fire on us, even when we we did not exhibit any autumn of violence and even when they know that we have a non-violence posture in our quest to actualize Biafra”.

He however insisted that the struggle for actualization of a new Biafra would continue unabated until the dream becomes a reality.

As at the time of filing this report, yesterday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Haruna Mohammed (SP), told newsmen on phone that he was not yet aware of such an incident, adding

that besides, he is only the spokesman of the police and not of the JTF. Meanwhile, operatives of Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Army and Department of State Security in a joint operation, Tuesday, arrested scores of members of Biafra Independent Movement (BIM), which is Ralph Uwazurike’s group of Biafra agitators in Ebonyi state.

The group had earlier announced the event through the media and social media channels in the country. It said it is to commemorate the declaration of Biafran Republic by its leader, Ralph Uwazuruike.

However, security agencies in the state accosted them along Nkaliki road as they started the peaceful march, sprayed teargas on them and arrested some of them, it was gathered.

Commandant of Nigerian Military, Nkwegu Cantonment, Col. S. O. Sadiq confirmed the participation of the Army in the operation, adding that all the arrested persons were handed over to the police.

He stressed that BIM did not notify security agencies in the state of the event in writing which necessitated the action to stop them by security agencies.

Police Spokesman in the state,

• The MASSOB members demonstrating along the streets of Enugu.

Imo Assembly considers Bill for compulsory medical services

A

Bill for a Law requiring the provision of emergency medical services at mass gathering events and other related matters has passed second reading at the Imo House of Assembly on Tuesday.

Reading the Bill, the Chief sponsor, Mr Arthur Egwim (APC-Ideato North), decried the non-provision of emergency medical services at special gatherings of more than 100 persons in the state.

He explained that the proposed law, if passed, would ensure that there were healthcare profes-

sionals to attend to emergencies which may arise in the course of events involving crowds.

He listed such events to include political rallies, social or religious gatherings, crusades and other special events which would attract more than 100 persons, including young children.

The Bill also called for a fine of not more than N500,000 or a prison term not exceeding two years for defaulters and persons obstructing duties of healthcare providers.

Supporting the Bill, Mrs Uju On-

wudiwe (APC-Njaba) described it as timely especially with the onset of political rallies in the state.

Contributing on the debate, the Majority Leader of the House, Mr Lugard Osuji (APC-Owerri Municipal) however called for the reduction of the penalties.

The Speaker of the House, Mr Acho Ihim, ruled in favour of the Bill after votes and committed it to the House Committee on Health for further action.

Ihim directed the committee the committee report back its inputs on May 30.

Loveth Odah also confirmed the incident to our reporter but could not give the actual number of persons arrested.

“I don’t have the details of the actual number of persons arrested right now, when I get the full details I will let you know” she said.

But Gideon Iloke, a leader of BIM from Ebonyi central zone, alleged that members of the BIM were manhandled and over four hundred of them arrested by security agents.

“As we are celebrating a jubilating, the law enforcement agencies under the government of Nigeria did not allow us to enjoy our independence. They used their arms and teargas to disperse our members. About four hundred of them have been arrested by the police.

Some of our members who are on their way from Afikpo South were arrested. They were meant to lie down on the road. They also threatened our lives.

“They did all these to us without any reason. We were just moving along the road because we are non-violent agitators. We were not caught with any weapon, we were only moving peacefully with our flags. We are calling on the entire world to come to our rescue. We have been caged by the Nigerian government and we cannot move freely,” he said.

Also speaking, another leader of the group from Ebonyi South zone, Sunday Ezaka, accused Nigerian soldiers of maltreating them.

“We are not happy the way Nigerian soldiers are maltreating us. We are celebrating the first independence of Biafra, the first of its kind.

Before the event, we informed the whole world, Nigeria inclusive that we are celebrating our first independence, but to my greatest surprise, particularly in south-south and south-east, Nigeria soldiers were mobilized to come and maltreat us. They regard us as slaves and that is why we say we are not happy to stay in Nigeria.

“We are calling on the world powers that gave us the mandate to do this today to come and get us out of this country. We have not gotten information that anybody was killed, but about four hundred persons were arrested”, he said.

Also in Ebonyi North zone, a leader in the area, Nwamini Vincent, expressed displeasure that each time they hold any function, security agents would be on their trail.

“It is a great dismay that anytime BIM is having any function, the police will arrest them. But Boko Haram and herdsmen have been disturbing the peace of the country and nobody is arresting them. We are non-violent.

“We go without arms and there is no time we can use banners and our flags to destroy lives and properties. We are not terrorists or IPOBS. This is our first new Biafra new independence which we have not done before. We are appealing to the international community and Donald Trump to come to our aid. They should intervene because we are tired of being Nigerians. We can die for our freedom instead of living as a slave. We do not want peace anymore,” he said.

32

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Full Page (14”x6 cols) 520,000.00 Half Page (7”x6 cols) 27o,000.00

14”x 5 cols

433,300.00

14”x 4 cols

346,640.00

14”x2 cols

173,320.00

10”x6 cols

371,400.00

10”x5 cols

309,500.00

10” x4 cols

247,600.00

9”x 6 cols

334,269.00

9”x 3cols 167,130.00 9”x 4cols 222,840.00

N

Full Page (14x cols) surcharge of 30% 676,000 10 x 5 cols surcharge 30% 402,350 Half page (7x6 cols)

surcharge 30% 351,000 Quarter Page (7x3 cols) surcharge of 30%

168,987 Inside Front cover (full page) surchage 30% 780,000 Inside Back cover (full page) surcharge 30% 780,000 Outside Back page (full page) surcharge 30% 1,000,000 (Earpiece

400,000

Special Position

N

8” x3cols 148,560.00

Front Page strip 2 x 6

465,000

Backpage strip

2 x 6

450.000

7”x5 cols 216,650.00

Back Page strip

6 x 2

530,000

7”x4 cols 173,320.00

Front Page solus 6 x 2

500,000

Quarter Page

Earpiece Window (2 x 2) Front 205,000

8”x5 cols 247,600.00

125,000.00

6”x3 cols 111,426.00 6”x2 cols 74,280.00 2” x6 (Strip ROP)

74,280.00

cols 74,280.00 4”x3 4”x2 cols 49,520.00 3”x3cols 55,710.00 2”x2 cols 24,760.00 1”x3 cols 18,570.00 1”x2cols 12,380.00 1”x1 col 6,190.00

Earpiece Window (2 x 2) back 179,000 Centre Spread

1,000,000

Double Spread

850,000

Wrap Around

16,500,000

Half Wrap Around

10,000,000

Classified

3,000

Loose Inserts Rate Per 1000 Copies 43,000.00 Handling Charge 45.000.00

For adverts placements and bookings contact the following number: 08091999222, 08033580234, 08036682255

33

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

Love and Living

...With Ireto Temofeh

MODEL OF THE WEEK

LOVE NEWS

Harry and Meghan look deeply in love as they reveal their official royal wedding photos

T

hese are the extraordinary official photographs released by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle today in what must be the most bold and intimate royal wedding portraits ever seen.

The couple, who wed on Saturday during a moving multi-cultural ceremony that reflected the diversity of modern Britain, said they feel ‘so lucky’ to have shared their big day with 120,000 people in Windsor and millions watching around the world.

The most striking image shows Meghan sitting between Harry’s legs on the east terrace of Windsor Castle as the prince looks smiling at the camera while his new bride laughs at someone to their left.

Even the formal family wedding shot featuring the Queen has an informal feel and the bride’s mother Doria Ragland, 62, stands proudly next to her daughter looking firmly part of the royal family ‘firm’.

The final image shows Prince George and Princess Charlotte grinning cheekily with the other bridesmaids and page boys with Harry and Meghan both wearing wide and clearly joyful smiles.

Meghan and Harry’s choice of official images can be seen as yet another stage of their royal revolution because they contrast with royal portraits of the past.

The couple were captured by Alexi Lubomirski, 42, the protege of photographer Mario Testino who was famously beloved by his mother Princess Diana.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: ‘The Duke and Duchess of Sussex would like to thank everyone who took part in the celebrations of their wedding on Saturday.

‘They feel so lucky to have been able to share their day with all those gathered in Windsor and also all those who watched the wedding on television across the UK, Commonwealth, and around the world. They would also like to say thank you for all of the generous messages of support they have received.’

Mr Lubomirski, 42, whose own wife looks very much like Meghan, called

Name: Angela Okorie

the star’s relationship with Prince Harry a ‘wonderful love story’.

He said: ‘It has been an incredible honour and privilege to document The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s inspiring journey of love, hope and family; from the engagement photos, all the way through to the official wedding and family portraits on Saturday.

This has been a beautiful chapter in my career and life, that I will happily never forget.’

The Duchess of Sussex has made it clear she intends to take the royal family in a bold new direction, declaring she is ‘proud to be a woman and a feminist’.

And their US-influenced and multi-cultural wedding ceremony with gospel choir and fiery Chicago preacher’s sermon was something conservative royals had never experienced before.

Mr Lubomirski, 42, was chosen after he photographed the now-newlyweds on their engagement in a series of stark images released in December.

The pictures taken at Frogmore House in Windsor included one intimate black and white portrait of the couple embracing. This is where the couple held their evening reception on Saturday night.

Body language expert Judi James said at the time that the couple look ‘so in love’ in the three new official royal portraits viewers felt like they were ‘intruding’ on a private moment.

Meghan has been hailed for her part in the most diverse royal wedding ever.

In a candid biography published on the Queen’s official website, Meghan highlights a speech she gave at the 2015 UN Women Conference, in which she forcefully stated her guiding principles.

The profile recalls how volunteering in a soup kitchen in LA’s Skid Row, and campaigning against a ‘sexist’ washing up liquid advert, helped shape her ‘lifelong commitment’ to ‘social justice and women’s empowerment’.

The new page on Buckingham Palace’s online guide to the royals lists the duchess’s interests, saying she has a ‘keen awareness of social issues’.

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

A

ODD NEWS

70-year-old woman who claims that she is six months pregnant with her eighth child will become the oldest woman to give birth if it proves true.

Maria de la Luz has shown reporters ultrasound scans which she says confirm she is six months pregnant with a baby girl.

‘They told me it is a girl. Look, you can see her little face,’ she said at her home in Mazatlan, a city in the Mexican state of Sinaloa.

De la Luz, who did not reveal any details of the pregnancy including whether she had had IVF treatment or other similar procedures, said she first suspected she was pregnant three months ago.

‘My legs hurt and I was vomiting and felt dizzy. Now they have done around 10 ultrasounds in a private clinic and in the (public) social security hospital. The doctors could not believe it,’ she told reporters.

If the baby girl is born, it will make

Pregnant 7oyr old become the world’s oldest woman to give birth if proven De la Luz four years older than the current record holder, Maria del Carmen Bousada de Lara.

Currently the oldest verified mother in the world, Bousada de Lara was 66 years and 358 days old when she gave birth to twin baby boys, Christian and Pau, in December 2006.

They were delivered prematurely by caesarean section and weighed 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) each.

Omkari Panwar from the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, gave birth to twins in 2008 but her claim to have been 70 was not provable.

Likewise, there were also other women that were older when they had children and claimed to be of a similar age but again none of the ages

have been verified.

De la Luz said some of her children were not happy with the news that she was pregnant, saying they told her she was too old for ‘those things’.

She has an appointment with a gynaecologist on July 18 and she said she is expecting to have a caesarean-delivery because of her age.

Bousada de Lara previously admitted that she had lied to physicians about her age when seeking in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment at a clinic in California.

She then went on to become the world’s oldest documented mother, surpassing the record established in 2005 by Romanian mother Adriana Iliescu, who was also 66.

ROMANTIC JOKE JUST KIDDING

Wife: “How would you describe me?”

Husband: “ABCDEFGHIJK.” Wife: “What does that mean?”

Husband: “Adorable, beautiful, cute, delightful, elegant, fashionable, gorgeous, and hot.”

Wife: “Aw, thank you, but what about IJK?” Husband: “I’m just kidding!”

34

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

NEWS

Stakeholders proffer solutions to drug abuse

By EMMANUEL OGOIGBE, Warri

E

xperts have called on government, teachers, parents as well as faith based organisations to take the lead in the campaign to stem the tide of rising drug abuse among our teeming youth.

The experts came out with this resolution at a round table discussion on Campaign Against Drug Abuse and Bad Habits (CADABH) organized by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in collaboration with the Foundation for Development and Community Engagement (FDCE) in Warri, Delta State.

Speaking on the occasion, the experts agreed that, it was time for all to rise up and attack the ‘monster’ called hard drugs abuse in order to save nation’s future leaders, adding that for the scourge to be tackled, parents, teachers, faith-based organisations and the government must play their expected roles.

In his comments, Mr. Okoro Ivan, Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Delta State, said, “Drug Abuse is the root or platform upon which all social vices breed. Examples are, armed robbery, arson, prostitution, vandalisation of government properties and other criminal activities against humans.”

He blamed the scourge on parental failure, peer group influence, lack of discipline in educational institutions among others, saying that the only solution to this menace is for the youths to wake up from slumber and start thinking positively, adding that the youths should imbibe good virtues by using their minds to tackle these vices.

According to him, “all hands must be on deck, all security agencies must be on alert. Health workers must put in extra efforts to nip this menace in the bud. Our organizations saddled with inculcating values e.g, discipline, integrity, hard work, social justice, patriotism, self-reliance and religious tolerance should raise this awareness to our youths.”

In his contribution, Mr. Obiefule Dennic, Commander, National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Delta State who was represented by Mr. Samuel Campbell, Principal Staff Officer, (Drug Demand Reduction Department) of the Agency in a graphic demonstration of the effects of hard drugs on the brain and internal organs in the human body, highlighted the role of the NDLEA, saying that the Agency can only arrest those who abuse drugs and not those who abuse other substances.

He said drug abuse is a well-known problem in the society and advised parents to monitor their children and should not leave the responsibility of taking care of them to a third party.

Also speaking, Mrs, Omiwade Olukemi, Supervisor, Health Education, a Nurse, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL )in her presentation said every family has one person who is abusing one drug or other harmful substances, she stressed that most youths go into drugs because of parental deprivation, poverty, homelessness, unemployment, lack of ownership and depression.

In his submission, Pharmacist Hassan, Chevron Nigeria Limited, (CNL) talked about other harmful substances apart from the popular ones that the youths are indulged in to get high. He named such other substances like, aerosols, fumes from latrines, dried faeces, solvents, thinners among others.

Osinbajo flags off ‘N-Power Build’ scheme in Enugu

By CHUKS EZE, Enugu

F

ederal Government has said that it is establishing a major strategy for creating highly skilled technical personnel in Nigeria, and as well creating thousands of technical jobs to engage the teaming unemployed youths in the country, which, he said, had become “a multi hydra-headed challenge”.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo dropped the hint while flagging off a federal government’s vocational and apprenticeship programme tagged “N-Power Build,” at ANAMCO, in Emene, Enugu,

Enugu State.

He described N-Build a sub-component of N-Power, adding that it is a “curated vocational training, certification and apprenticeship programme that would engage and train 75, 000 young and unemployed Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 35, to take care of inappropriate skilling and low practical competence of our young workforce”.

The VP, who disclosed that 20,000 beneficiaries of the programme, who were captured in the 2017 appropriation budget, started their training on March 1, 2018, also said that govern-

ment’s plan was to build a new crop of highly trained and competent technicians, artisans and service professionals, through the scheme.

“The uniqueness of our training model is that we do not just do a skills training; we work with the companies and organisations that need these types of technicians.

So, we train to meet the needs of those companies, and they also give the trainees practical work experience through an apprenticeship programmes in their companies, such as we have here, in ANAMCO, which is one of our partners,” he explained.

• Catholics clergy during their peaceful march in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, protesting the gruesome murder of two Priests and 17 parishioners by herdsmen in Benue State.

According to Osinbajo, areas that the benefitting youths would receive competent technical training, were the auto industry, as well as in the construction industry, including electrical, plumbing, welding, carpentry and painting skills, among others.

He further disclosed that government was running the programme in collaboration with the Council of Registered Builders Association of Nigeria (CORBAN) and the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), under the supervision of the job implementation Committee, which is chaired by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige.

He said that the federal government has already approved 250 standard training centres across the country, including ANAMCO, Enugu, and the Multi-skill Entrepreneurship Development Centre, in Obingwa, Abia Sate, in order to fasttrack the efficiency of the scheme.

The Vice President informed that 20,000 youths, who were captured under the 2017 budget appropriation, commenced training on March 1, 2018, across the country, pointing out that government has so far expended about N1.4billion to acquire the required tool kits and training consumables, which has already been distributed to participating training centres across the country.

He as well announced that each trainee would be entitled to the sum of about N35, 000 covering their monthly stipend and other cumulative investment spread through the 12-month training.

It was also gathered that each beneficiary under the N-Build programme expected to receive a complete tool box, relevant to their specialty trade discipline, for their training, which they would take home at the end of the exercise to run their own businesses.

5 feared dead as police, mob clash at Niger Delta University

U

pwards of five protesters were on Tuesday feared to have been shot dead while several others were injured following a clash between the police and protesters at Niger Delta University, (NDU) Amasoma, Bayelsa State.

NDU, which was shut in March following incessant protests over alleged hike in sundry fees payable by students, was scheduled to be reopened today by the University Management.

Earlier in the day, members of Amasoma community, aggrieved by job losses following ongoing reforms in Bayelsa public service had blocked all major roads leading to the NDU for the past one week.

It was gathered that the security agencies deployed to reopen the gates of the institution clashed with the angry crowd that insisted that the institution remains shut.

Residents near the university community said that the clash turned violent as the policemen

resorted to firing gunshots to disperse the protesters, resulting to death of five while several others were injured.

The protesters comprising the host community and NDU staff, including non-academic staff who were part of the 1,700 staff that lost their jobs in what Bayelsa State Government described as ‘retirement’.

They maintained that the ongoing reforms had led to massive job losses from members of the University host community who gave up their ancestral land to accommodate the university in exchange for job opportunities for the people.

“We feel that the school is part of our community and we gave up our lands to support the establishment of the school with the understanding that the school will provide some jobs to our people and now those jobs are gone.

“The reforms is targeted at members of the host community,

the loss of 1,700 jobs is not a joke and we urge the government to respect the understanding we had with the university management in the early day,” one of the protesters said.

Two lifeless bodies dripping with blood were seen carried away for medical attention while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries were also taken to a nearby hospital.

Community source said that two Policemen and a civilian lost their lives in the shootout while the arms and ammunition of the policemen were carted away.

Mr Don Anwunah, said by telephone on Tuesday that the protesters attacked policemen deployed to reopen the gates of the university which was sealed by welding the metal gate.

He denied that there was any death recorded in the clash, saying that policemen deployed to the scene were rather attacked and injured by the protesters.

“There is no death as we speak,

their modus is to put some old women who are naked in front while the youths behind them shoot at the police and they had torched a total of eight police vans unprovoked.

“The vice Chancellor wrote to us to forestall the vandalism and carting away of the university property by the community people even when the gates are locked and we sent our men there.

“Our men have been attacked and there is no death so far; we are battling to dominate the place with our men to restore normalcy,” Anwunah said.

It was gathered that the military has been drafted to the area to reinforce Police presence.

35

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

Relationships and Love Advice

I need a real man in my life

Love Search Women seeking relationship/ marriage Oluchi, 34, tall, dark, busty, single mother, in Festac Town, Lagos, needs a responsible, working Igbo man from 3845 years for marriage. 08164007657.

Deborah, 35, Igbo, orphan, needs a widower from 35-45 years. He must be educated, humble, tall, educated, comfortable, for marriage.

07065658063.

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Dear Love Doctor, I need a real man in my life. I’m a very beautiful lady from the East living in Lagos. I’m educated and I plan to start up my own business soon, if I can get a good man that will support me in my business and also marry me. My kind of man is a man who is ready to love and receive love. All I want is a real man to love me and I will love him in return from the bottom of my heart.

Thanks.

From Juli, Lagos.

Tel: 08144069613.

Love Doctor’s Advice:

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Dear Juli,

F

irst make yourself the right woman to be with, and then you will find your Mr. Right.

Real men treat their women the way they ought to be treated. A real man is an ever-loving gentleman who knows what a woman deserves and gives it to her.

Don’t give up because it seems like you’re yet to find your ideal gentleman, because like they say, God’s time is the best. Destiny can only be delayed but never denied. So never give in to despair because what belongs to you will eventually come to you.

You will definitely find your

soulmate. Just keep searching and praying and God will help you find the one for you. Money is not everything. So don’t assess a man only by how much money he has in the bank.

Don’t focus your attention on outward appearance but look out for the inner beauty that will reveal the truth about him.

Do you have advice on this problem? Please share your thoughts. Call 07031028714 or 08131161840. Email: ireto007@yahoo.com Do you have a marriage/wedding, birthday, anniversary or club or town meeting announcement to make?

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36

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

It happened to me:

Living Separately Saved Our Marriage

I

remember reading an article when I was younger about the increasing number of married couples living in separate homes/apartments. Aside from being a huge waste of money, I judged the amount of love those couples had for one another. But then I grew up to become one of those couples and my opinion completely changed.

My husband and I had been dating for three years and living together for twoand-a-half before he proposed. In fact, we were so comfortable with our future together that the proposal was a complete non-event. He asked “So, do you want to, maybe, marry me?” and I said yes. Then we went to bed because nothing had really changed -– we’d already made the commitment to one another.

Now all we were going to do was sign a piece of paper and plan a party.

In three years of dating we had never truly yelled at one another. The majority of our “fights” consisted of one of us sitting the other down and calmly explaining why it wasn’t OK to leave a wet towel on the other person’s pillow after a shower (apparently there are towel racks for that sort of thing), or why a comment in front of the other person’s parents was entirely inappropriate (in general, penis jokes should be left out of family conversations).

Our voices stayed level, we hugged at the end of the discussion and then we’d change our behavior for the other person’s benefit.

Moving in together was just as simple. Besides a slight disagreement over one person’s hideous silverware, living

together required no adjustment for us.

Basically, we were a TV couple; nothing bad ever seemed to happen and if it did we resolved the problem by the end of the episode.

That all changed when we started to plan a wedding.

The first few months of planning were perfect. We both wanted something simple and family oriented. I liked saving money and he liked low-key, making us a wedding-planning match made in heaven.

Until the last month.

All of a sudden my husband-to-be turned into a mute, uncooperative sea cucumber. I would ask him for something simple like an email address for one of his friends and in return I’d get a blank stare. Which, in turn, made me act like a crazy person. I would shout, and scream and threaten to stab him in his sleep We devolved to the point that I yelled at him on our wedding day and he spent most of the night ignoring me. In short, our wedding was the antithesis of our previous relationship.

As soon as we got back from our honeymoon, I took off to my hometown in the Midwest. My mom was starting a business and my family was moving one of my older relatives to a new apartment so I headed back to help. The original plan was for me and my husband to move together so he could experience the town I grew up in.

However, his office denied him work-remotely privileges at the last min-

ute. When he told me he couldn’t come, it was just another thing that made me want to karate chop him in the throat. In hindsight, being forced to live apart for those six months was the best thing that could have happened to us.

I found an apartment for myself in my hometown and my husband got to spread out in our tiny Manhattan one bedroom. I threw myself unapologetically into work, where I find myself most content, while he had the chance to live completely on his own for the first time in his life and procrastinate as much as he wanted. We loved every second of it.

After the stress of wedding planning, it was as if we both got our own, wonderful honeymoons.

Everything was fabulous.

Until something strange happened. I slowly started to miss my husband. Sure, he came to visit me every few weekends, but day-to-day I was alone. The frustration of our wedding slowly began to fade, and I gradually became sane again.

When we spoke on the phone, I wasn’t constantly insulting him and he magically stopped zoning out in the middle of conversations. We reverted back to ourselves.

The months apart allowed me to evaluate what had gone wrong and let go of my anger. I understand now that my husband was slowly adjusting to the idea of legal marriage. While we were comfortable with the commitment, the paper signing made him think about how much younger he was getting married than he had ever planned before. He

procrastinated with his guest list because he needed a little more time to accept the event as a whole.

On a much shallower level, he was the worst person in the world to ask to keep a deadline. Some people are great at working quickly, he is not. But that doesn’t mean I can’t love him, it just means that I need to avoid planning another wedding with him. Thankfully, most couples only do that once.

I also understand that I allowed my perception of his behavior to make me psychotically irrational. At no point in one’s life should a person catch herself screaming at the top of her lungs, in public, about what a terrible human being her significant other is for being 1.5 minutes late to dinner. It took me three months of living alone to realize that.

It took another three months to fully let go of the damage that had been done to our relationship and get back to a place of unadulterated love.

So when the six months was up, I moved back in with my husband with a fresh perspective. I was more in love with him than the day we met, not only because we are naturally comfortable with one another, but because we’d been to a bad place and learned from it.

We’ve become that sickeningly happy couple once more. It turns out the saying is true, absence does make the heart grow fonder. And the forgiveness easier.

And the mind more rational.

• Do you have a story or comment about this true confession? Call 07031028714.

37

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

Entertainment Little princess beauty pageant debuts in Lagos

A

Pay Day hits cinemas July 3

I

t has emerged that new movie, PayDay, written and directed by Cheta Chukwu will hit cinemas nationwide on Friday, July 3.

Distributed by Blue Pictures, the movie, a comedy was produced by Orwi Manny Ameh, and features Big Brother Naija runners-up Bisola Aiyeola, Baaj Adebule, Comedian, Ebiye Victor, Mawuli Gavor, Frank Adekunle, Meg Otanwa and Zack Orji among others.

PayDay is the story of two best friends and flat mates, Paul (Baaj

Adebule) and Ortega (Ebiye Victor). Just before they are about to renew their yearly rent, their Landlord dies suddenly without a heir apparent. The young men seize upon the opportunity to ‘enjoy’ a little.

They go on an expensive night out. However, the Landlord’s daughter (Segilola Ogidan) turns up the following morning and gives the boys 24-hour notice to pay up or quit. Faced with the prospect of ejection, they embark

on an overnight scheme to recover the rent, leading to a dangerous encounter with an eccentric drug baron (Frank Adekunle Macaulay), a desperate robbery attempt, a gambling adventure, and an ego war with the neighborhood bully, Orlando (Mawuli Gavor). All the while they are being hounded by Ngozi (Bisola Aiyeola), the neighborhood gossip, who just wants a piece of the action.

Sack NCC boss now – Tony Okoroji

M

embers of Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), during its Annual General Meeting which was held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. on May 10, has called President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately relieve Mr. Afam Ezekudo of his position as the Director General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and passed a vote of confidence on he Tony Okorji led management team of COSON Members also condemned what they described as the ‘purported suspension of the operating licence of COSON’ and described Mr. Ezekude’s action as born of recklessness and impunity since the case was still before a court of competent jurisdiction.

Among others other resolutions taken at the AGM included the ratification of all decisions made

by the Management Board during the Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) of 2017 including the reinstatement of Chief Tony Okoroji, as chairman of COSON. The climax was when COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji received thunderous ovations when he was presented with an award for exemplary leadership by PMAN, Edo State Chapter.

Elections were also conducted to fill vacant positions on the Board.

Conducted by two top journalists, Mr. Biodun Kupoluyi and Mr. Shaibu Hussein, Sir Shina Peters, Mr. Ras Kimono Onwubayi, Ms. Kenny Saint Brown, Mr. Richard Cole, Ms. Maureen Ejezie Uso, Mr. Uche Emeka Paul, Engr Sharon Esco Wilson and Evangelist Olusegun Omoyayi were elected to the Board.

ll is set for the take-off of the maiden edition of a beauty pageant for children ‘Little Princess of Lagos Beauty Pageant 2018 which is being put together by a non-governmental organisation, Little Princess of Lagos International.

The Chairperson/Principal Coordinator of the programme, Mrs. Chinyere Vera Nweke, said the event, which is the first of its kind is not just to showcase physical beauty but also intellectual beauty. It simply aims to promote the most intelligent and vibrant child in Lagos State.

The event, which holds on September 9, at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, comes in two categories- the Little Princess and Miss Photogenic, and it is meant for female children between the ages of four and 12 years.

Among others, the programme will celebrate the cultural and intellectual abilities of young female children and build their confidence and winners would be role models and source of inspiration to children in Lagos.

“The total prize to be won is N1.2million, with other consolation prizes. The winner of the little princess contest will go home with N500,000 while the first runner up goes home with N300,000. The Second and third runners up will go home with N150,000 and N50,000 respectively, while the winner of miss photogenic goes home with N200,000.”

Registration forms could be obtained at La Diva Beauty Salon, located in Festac Town, Lagos. It can also be accessed online @www.littleprincessoflagos.com.

Platform set to immortalise Aisha Abimbola

F

resh Forest Nigeria Limited, a leading Estate property company in Nigeria, that had late Aishat Abimbola as its Ambassador has wrapped up plans to immortalise the actress who passed away in Canada after a protracted battle with cancer last week in Canada.

Speaking through his Media Manager, Mr. Murphy Ajibade Alabi, the property mogul and Chief Executive Officer of Fresh Forest Group, Mr. Ibidire Adetunji Lams, stated: “It is still a shock to us, the management of Fresh Forest Nigeria Limited, that we lost our lead ambassador, a popular Yoruba actress, Aishat Abimbola. We pray All mighty God accept her soul and continue to rest in bosom heart of God. Aishat has been our ambassador for years and we will surely miss her.

“In order not to forget her name, the management of Fresh forest Company has decided to immortalize her by naming of the street in our estate after her. One of the street will be named “Aishat Abimbola Fresh Land Estate, Igbesa” Also we plan to reduce the price of our properties in her honour,” Alabi concluded.

• Tony Okoroji

MOG returns with Expensive Laughter with MOG

O

n June 24, all roads will lead to Altima Studios, Lekki, Lagos, for this year’s edition of his annual comedy shows, Expensive Laughter with MOG. Speaking with TS Weekend, the comedian said: “We are back, bigger and better! Lovers of comedy

are in for a swell time as we host this year’s edition of Expensive Laughter with MOG which holds on Sunday, June 24 and featuring some of the biggest names in the industry.

“Watch out for the likes of Klint da Drunk, Gordons, Helen Paul and

of course, myself among a host of others as we crack you up with a high dose of laughter. It promises to be an evening f fun and excitement and the event will be anchored by Frank Edoho.”

• Tonto Dike

38

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

NEWS Bring perpetrators to justice – Bishop Adewale

By MADUABUCHI KALU

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ver 700 Catholic faithful converged, Tuesday, on the St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Toyin Street, Ikeja for the Holy Mass in honour of the two Catholic Priests and 17 worshipers murdered in cold blood by suspected Fulani Herdsman in Benue State.

In his homily, the Metropolitan Sea of the Lagos Arch Diocese, Arch Bishop Adewale Matins who led over 500 priests prayed God to grant repose to the departed souls.

He regretted that life is no longer worth anything in Nigeria as citizens are murdered on daily bases without anybody being arrested or prosecuted.

He, therefore, called on President Muhammedu Buhari to rise up to his responsibility as the President of the country and Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces by bringing the senseless killing to a stop and ensure that the murders of the two Catholic priests and worshiper and other Nigerian who have been sent to their early graves are brought to justice.

“It is regrettable that we are living in a country where life is no longer worth anything as citizens are being slaughtered on daily bases with any one of them being arrested or prosecuted,” Adewale Martins began.

“We are living in a country where purported Fulani Herdsmen have murdered so many Nigerians without any one being arrested or brought to justice. It is a shame that these people have been killing people in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kogi, Enugu and Plateau etc. without anyone of them being arrested.

“I want to use this opportunity to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to rise up and stop this carnage. I want to him to show that he is the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“He should be bold enough to show Nigerians that he is the father of the nation, that he does not belong to anybody. He should ensure that he restores the hope and confidence of Nigerian citizens who are looking up to him to deliver them from the terror of the marauding herdsmen who have nothing to offer than terror.

“They kill men, women, children, pregnant women. They burn down villages and feed their herds with the people’s crops, yams etc. It is pathetic that at this 21st century this type of thing is happening and our President seems to be helpless.

Where will the people run to for help if their leader could not save them? Bishop Martins queried.

After the Holy Mass at St Leo’s Catholic Church, the multitude from different Deaneries and Parishes of the State marched straight to Alausa, Ikeja where they met with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to register their grievances and anger over the killings that have been going on in the country for him to relay the massage to Mr. President.

The protest march coincides with the mass burial given to the two priests and other worshippers who were massacred during the Fulani herdsmen invasion of their church in Gwer, Benue State in April. Their remains have spent a month in the morgue.

Sylva, Lokpobiri plot APC take-over of Bayelsa

By CLEM ONYEMAECHI, Yenagoa

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head of the 2019 general elections, the duo of former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva and the Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri have expressed determination to wrest power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

Speaking during the just-concluded state congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yenagoa, Sylva who was full of gratitude to the party members and delegates for their peaceful conduct said it was time for the party to rebound and take over Bayelsa.

He acknowledged that the party had gone through a lot of instability over the years, and maintained that there was no going back on the new

found peace in the party.

“APC is ours, it is our own and we must take it back. APC belongs to all of us and it must continue to belong to all of us. And today marks the culmination of that process of taking back the party and giving it back to the people that own the party.

“It has been a very long and tortuous process. When we started, there were discussions of court injunctions and court orders, (but) we jumped and passed.

“When we moved down, there were discussions of parallel congresses, we jumped and passed.

Now we are here; there are all kinds of discussions, fake announcements, we don jump am pass. So you can see that we are ready now”, he insisted.

Sylva paid special tributes to members of the party who sacri-

ficed their ambitions for the interest of the party, stressing that such gesture should be the spirit in the party going forward.

He urged the party faithful to go home with that mindset of peace and prepare for the upcoming elections, saying the party must use the National and State Assembly elections which would come earlier in the state as a launching pad to clinch victory at the governorship election later in 2019.

“When we have been able to capture 20 out of the 24 Assembly seats in Bayelsa State, when we have been able to capture four out of the five House of Reps seats in Bayelsa State; when we have been able to capture two out of the three senatorial seats in Bayelsa State, who can stop us?

“That is where we are going and it

must be a common vision and if it’s a common vision, then all of us must be ready to make sacrifices where the need arises”, Sylva stressed.

On his part, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, said APC is the way to go for all Bayelsans. “This party needs to take over the governance of this state going forward. And we will start that by having a new exco, rebranded exco, strengthened exco that will lead the campaign at the state level to tell all those who are still in the wilderness to come back home.

“Those in PDP are in the wilderness, waiting for the direction to come home. And that is the mandate we will give to our new exco today”, he maintained.

Defectors are under curse – Umahi

By CHINEDU NWAFOR

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• Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson (r) and his Kaduna State counterpart, Malam Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai when the former was guest of the Executive Council meeting of Kaduna State, Monday

Stakeholders commend Ohaneze’s Restructuring Summit

By IBE NWACHUKWU

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eactions have continued to trail last Monday’s Summit on Restructuring of Nigeria Federation organized by the Ohaneze Ndigbo, a pan-Igbo socio-cultural organization in Awka, Anambra state, as some prominent stakeholders expressed satisfaction with the event.

Board of Trustees member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the Ogilisi of Igboland, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka described the even as a “round peg in a round hole and a square peg in a square hole”, adding that with its success, Ndigbo have once again appeared to have come out with something like the Aburri Accord.

Ezeonwuka who spoke Tuesday, contended that Nigeria’s enjoyment and happiness are because Ndigbo are still in Nigeria and because other ethnic sections have since discovered that Ndigbo are the light of Nigeria, even as they use the police and Army to harass and intimidate the same Ndigbo.

He noted that for the fact that only 20 Pounds were released to Ndigbo after the civil, in the midst of their millions of pounds in the banks but ‘they used it to survive is an indication that they are hard-working and dependable allies but the worrisome aspect

is that Ndigbo are still being marginalized by denying them seaport, rail line and even tarred roads and yet they still waxing strong.’

In the attempt by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to disrupt the summit, Ezeonwuka stated that what the IPOB did was expected of them. According to him, “the simple thing is that Igbo youths are angry with their elders for failing to provide for them and they are always agitating”.

The Anambra state chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Youth Wing has attributed the peaceful and successful summit to strategic approach and dialogue which the youth wing engaged IPOB with, before the summit.

Speaking to newsmen in Awka, shortly after the event, the Ohanaeze youth leader in the state, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu said expressed gratitude to both the IPOB for not disrupting the all-important event, and the Ohanaeze parent body successfully hosting the summit.

Okpalaezeukwu who however bemoaned what he called undue proscription of IPOB, by the Federal Government, said the Ohanaeze youths have resolved to be in constant dialogue with IPOB to ensure that peace reigns in Igbo land, adding that there was no need for confron-

tation between Ohanaeze and IPOB because both parties are pursuing a good course for Ndigbo.

He commended the Summit Organizing Committee led by Prof.

Charles Soludo and the PresidentGeneral of Onahaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo for a successful outing and urged the Ohanaeze parent body to swear in the newly elected National Youth Leader, Mazi Uchenna Arthur Obiorah (Chinetugo), without further delay.

He expressed gratitude and contentment over the transparency and professionalism exhibited by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo NEC Panel of Enquiry on the election of Onanaeze national youth leadership and urged the parent body to graciously and expeditiously submit their report on the youth leadership election in order to ensure that the Leaderelect is sworn-in as soon as possible, for effective leadership to the Igbo Youths”.

He also condemned what he termed the malicious, unruly and over-zealous approaches employed

by Maxi Tony Uche Ezekwelu, against the mandate of the general Igbo Youths on the just concluded Ohanaeze National Youth Election, which was credibly and fairly conducted in favour of Mazi Uchenna Arthur Obiorah.

overnor of Ebonyi state, David Umahi, said those jumping from one political party to another are under a curse.

Umahi stated this at Ishielu local government area of the state on Monday during a solidarity rally organized in his honor.

Umahi who recalled that the Senator representing Ebonyi Central senatorial zone, Senator Obinna Ogba, was a former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, revealed that there was a time they planned to chase him out of the party.

He commended Ogba for refusing to leave the party in spite of the conspiracies against him then, adding that defectors are bad losers.

“Senator Ogba was the former chairman of our great PDP and there was a time we planned to chase him out of the party, but he refused to go away. And today, he is benefiting from it. That is why it is important not to jump out of your own house and call it a bush.

“I want to tell you the secret about this type of people (referring to defectors), they are people under a curse. They won’t stay where there will be blessings. As the blessing is coming, they will remove their heads. But we are not like that in Jesus Name”, he said.

He commended Ogba who is the Senate committee chairman on sports for enjoying huge support from his people.

Umahi was also critical of the outcome of the state Congress conducted by a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state led by Minister of Science and technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, for refusing to obey their party guidelines for the Congress in their desperate move to sideline the Ezza people.

He alleged that the chairmanship position of the party was supposed to come from Ebonyi central zone, but because Onu and the immediate past governor of the state, Chief Martin Elechi, did not want Ezza man to become the chairman they manipulated it to favor another zone against the party’s guidelines.

The governor added that any Ezza person who is following Elechi and Dr. Onu, should be properly examined to ascertain whether the person is actually mentally fit.

He said Onu and Elechi can never be a party to anything that will benefit an Ezza person.

39

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

NEWS

Confront my political opponents on social media – Umahi charges aides

By CHINEDU NWAFOR

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overnor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi state, Monday, denied reports that he reached an agreement with former President of the Senate and Secretary to Government of the Federation, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim for a single term tenure, a deal which the governor has reneged on.

It would be recalled that that Anyim played a key role in ensuring that Umahi, the then deputy to former governor Martin Elechi wrestled power from his boss who had another preferred governorship candidate.

However, Umahi said there was no such agreement.

Umahi had accused oppositions in the state of recruiting young people to blackmail his government on social media especially on Facebook.

He made this known while addressing a forum of Senior Technical Assistants (STAs) and Technical Assistants (TAs), made up over 450 persons appointed by his administration who paid him a courtesy call to Government House Abakaliki.

Umahi noted that the social media critics have been dishing out falsehood to the members of the public against his administration, pointing out that they had reported on the social media that he was suspended for six months by the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) ‘which were all lies.’

“Why should they outweigh us when you have every material and other things to write? Most of you think that your appointment is political patronage but it is not. There are so many idle TAs and STAs and that is what I want to weed off.

“These over 450 STAs and TAs should have assistants because if you are earning N150,000, you should have an assistant you are paying N10,000 or N20,000. So, get 1,000 of you and move to Facebook and attack anybody that is painting us black”.

“I want to see what the 1,000 people are doing now because I promised them that I am going to roll out 4,000 people to the face book to dwindle them and frustrate them. So, I have 1,000 from you. I don’t know face book or anything about face book but I am going to have a TA on face book who will be telling me it is working or not”, he said .

Earlier, Chairman of the forum, Chief Mathew Igwe assured Governor Umahi to they will continue to support his administration.

You don’t belong here – APGA tells Okorocha

By IBE NWACHUKWU

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ll Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has stated clearly that on no account would the party re-admit Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State into its fold.

A member of Board of Trustees, BOT of APGA Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka who disclosed this, Monday, in an interview with newsmen at Oba, Anambra state, insisted that Okorocha does not deserve to come back to the party based on his clandestine political activities.

Ezeonwuka who was reacting to speculations making the rounds that Okorocha might return to

APGA and had infact offered a N3 billion gratification to APGA leadership to re-admit him into the party, after losing out in the just concluded APC wards and local governments congresses and failing to convince members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo state to accept his son-in-law, Uche Nwosu to succeed him as the next governor of Imo state, insisted that for he embattled governor to come back to APGA ‘would be as difficult as the Biblical injunction which states that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to go to heaven.’

He recalled that Okorocha had

won the Imo state governorship seat under the platform of APGA but he later abandoned the party and decamped to APC, which ‘is a betrayal of trust, adding that for him to make a u-turn now that his APC is not in support of his plan to install his son- in -law to succeed him will no longer be feasible because people like him need to be paid back in their own coin for that betrayal.’

According to the BoT member: “Okorocha is a betrayal, he betrayed APGA and caused irreparable and unforgiveable loss to the party and I doubt if he can fool APGA for a second time. He succeeded in the first fooling but second fooling can-

not work. APGA is not composed of foolish people. You can fool all the people for some time but you can’t fool them all the time.

“Governor Okorocha wants to introduce family dynasty to Igbo land and bring governance into his family by installing his son- in -law as the next governor but little did he know that Ndigbo have not attained that stage where governance will become family dynasty.

“Such a plot has never happened anywhere in Igbo land. Okorocha cannot start it for us. Ndigbo cannot allow such selfish and foolish thing to happen. Imo state is too big for him to try what he wants to do. He will not succeed”.

LFTZ to position Lagos as Africa’s next destination for business – Ambode

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• Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel flanked by Chairman, House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Estimated Billing, Hon. Engr. Israel Ajibola Famurewa and other Committee members who were in the state to carry out on - the - spot assessment of the Metering Solutions Manufacturing Services Limited (MSMSL)

Igbo language not endangered – Don

By MADUABUCHI KALU

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enior Lecturer, Department of Igbo Language of the University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Dr. Bright Chigozie Nnabuihe, has dismissed the prediction of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural organization (UNESCO) in 2012, that the Igbo Language will become extinct 2025, saying ‘there is no truth in the prediction.’

It would be recalled that UNESCO had classified the Igbo as one of endangered languages of the world, further predicting its extinction by 2025.

Nnabuihe bared his mind while reviewing the newly published and launched book by Odidi Asusu Igbo Initiative (OAII) and authored

by Mazi Kevin Ihebie and titled; “African Proverbs and Parables; Igbo version, which held inside the Afe Babalola Auditorium, of the university.

“I would like to begin by saying that there is no truth in the prediction of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) that Igbo Language is one of the languages that are in danger of going extinct.

That does not in any way mean that we should go to sleep rather what I believe they are saying by predicting that Igbo Language is among the languages that endan-

gered to go into extinction is for us to increase our effort in speaking and teaching our children their mother tongue.

“I want to also state that this is not the first time that a book has been written on Igbo proverbs and parables. There have been books written in the past on the rich Igbo proverbs and parables. As a matter of fact, the first Igbo proverbs and parables was written by a Whiteman over a century ago having been fascinated by the rich Igbo proverbs and parables.

Reviewing the book, Dr. Nnabuihe recalled that over a century ago a Briton had written a similar book but confessed that the Kevin Ihebie authored “African Proverbs and Parables” Igbo version is more detailed and complete because it also contains idioms.

“However, this current one titled “African Proverbs and Parables” is unique in the sense that it is more comprehensive and it also contains idioms. I would like to encourage us to help in teaching our young ones the Language.

“Like I said, there is no way Igbo Language will go into extinction because as we speak, other tribes are studying Igbo Language in this University (University of Lagos) up to Masters level, they are equally teaching the language in various tertiary institutions.

“At least, two Yoruba ladies have had their masters here and have gone ahead to teach the language in College of Education Ibadan and one went ahead to marry an Igbo man in Ngor Okpala, Imo State. So, despite the nonchalant attitude of some Igbo people towards their Language, other tribes are studying the language,” Dr Nnabuihe.

Speaking earlier, one of the keynote speakers and the Secretary General of Ndi Igbo Lagos, Mazi Kalu Onumah explained the reason it seems that Igbo Language is facing extinction saying: “It is when you leave your mother tongue to emulate other dialects that it seems that Igbo Language is going extinct.

“We have different versions of Igbo dilate, for example, I speak Abiriba which is my mothertongue, we also have Owerri version, Abakaliki, Ngwa, Anambra, Nsukka amongst others. So, I urged us to support Igbo Language and Culture.”

Earlier, the author of the book, “African Proverbs and Parables” Igbo Version, Mr. Kevin Ihebie during his opening remarks explained that he went into the writing of the book because of the alarm raised

by UNESCO that Igbo Language is among the languages that are endangered and in no distant time will go into extinction.

agos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has disclosed that the massive investments being jointly made in the axis by government and the private sector in the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ), saying was targeted at making Lagos emerge as the next destination for business in Africa.

Ambode, who inspected the progress of work alongside cabinet members, billionaire businessmen, Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola, among other businessmen, weekend, said the investments and the infrastructural renewal in the LekkiEpe axis simultaneously ongoing were geared towards preparing the State for industrial revolution taking place in Nigeria and by extension the West African region.

“We have just inspected the ongoing jetty project being done by Alhaji Aliko Dangote. You are all well aware that we flagged off the construction of Lekki Deep Sea Port some few weeks ago but more importantly this jetty is being done by the Dangote Group to more or less facilitate the movement of their heavy duty machinery to the petrochemical plant and other projects they are doing in this Lekki Free Trade Zone,” said Ambode.

“What we are doing more importantly, as a government, is to continue to encourage the Dangote Group to do what is right for this country and for us to join hands together and collaborate to really show that Lagos is the next destination for the industrial revolution that is taking place in Nigeria and we are very happy to be doing this with him because we know that with the kind of infrastructure that we are providing around Lagos and the kind of infrastructure he is also providing, this place should be the next destination for anybody that is interested in investing in Nigeria.

“That is what this Lekki Free Trade Zone area is all about; that is why a whole lot of what we are doing in the Epe and Lekki axis in pieces more or less when they come to fruition will really show that Lagos is the next destination for investment in Africa,” he said.

Earlier, Dangote said the combined projects under construction at the Lekki Free Trade Zone was the largest anywhere in the world, and that it was important for the right message about the axis to be communicated to the people to appreciate its impact on the economy.

40

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

NEWS Extra Congress: Confusion as two APC chairmen emerge in Delta

By JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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he two factions of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State recently organised separate State congresses with two chairmen emerging from the exercise.

In what looks like a repetition of the Ogboru/Omo Agege faction in the APC, Delta State of Saturday, May 19, 2018, another faction made up of Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, and most of the governorship aspirants of the party in the State on Monday emerged from another congress, where they elected Cyril Ogodo under Prophet Jones Erue as the new chairman.

Ogodo, who hails from Sapele in Delta Central Senatorial District, defeated his close rival, Fred Obe, who hails from Ozoro in Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta South.

Aside the chairmanship position which was contested, other positions were returned unopposed after a voice confirmation by the delegates.

Ogodo scored 731 votes, while Obe scored 99 votes. Thirteen votes were voided.

The congress, which was held under tight security, was generally peaceful, as delegates from the 25 local government areas of the State filed out to elect the new State executive committee.

The exercise, monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, was conducted by the Eugene Udoh-led State Congress Committee approved by the APC National Working Committee.

It could be recalled that despite the postponement of the congress of the All Progressives Congress in Delta State till Monday by the National Working Committee of the APC, a faction of the party spearheaded by the embattled Senator Ovie Omo-Agege on Saturday held a parallel congress to elect the state working committee.

The congress, which is conducted at St. Mulumba Primary/Secondary School, Okpanam, was attended

by Senator Omo-Agege who represents Delta Central at the Senate; and a four-time governorship candidate in the state, Chief Great Ogboru.

Jones Erueh emerged at the congress as the party state chairman while Chidi Okonji emerged as the secretary. Other principal officers were elected at the congress.

The Oracle Today gathered that the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, is also pitching his tent with this faction of the party in what members described as “a renewed effort to wrestle the structure from the 2015 governorship candidate of the party, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor.”

Expose students to more int’l competitions – Onu tasks schools

By COLLINS UGHALAA

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overnor Rochas Okorocha has turned Imo State into a terror zone, according to governorship aspirant for the 2019 governorship election under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Hon Uche Onyeagucha.

In a press release by his Chief Press Secretary, MacDonald Enwere, Onyeagucha said that despite the provocations from the Governor as he keeps terrorising the state with militants and thugs, he has maintained calm disposition and does not want to encourage anyone to take the law into his arms, occasioning the breakdown of law and order.

“We have continued to give a calm disposition to this unfortunate

incidence in the state for the interest of peace and tranquility, but we have realized that the Governor has continued in the act of using the duo of Jeff Nwoha and Kingsley Uju to ignite the flame of crisis in the state. The peace of our dear state is now in a very serious threat as the people live in palpable tension and apprehension. Indeed, our state has become a terror zone”.

He noted that “as law abiding citizens we would not want to engage in any act that may put the peace of the state into a serious threat. Also, we have resisted all attempts to encourage reprisal act or any other act that may lead to the breakdown of Law and order in the state”.

He called on the Commissioner of Police in the state to effect the

arrest of Mr. Jeff Nwoha and Hon Kingsley Uju, whom he said are being used by the Governor to cause crisis in the state.

“To this effect, we call on the commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Dasuki Galadanchi, to arrest Jeff Nwoha and Kingsley Uju whom Governor Okorocha has been using to terrorize the peace of the state, as we shall no more condone or tolerate any further act of rascality, thuggery and hooliganism aimed at threatening the peace of our dear state”, he added.

Onyeagucha noted with dismay “the continued attack, abuse, harassment and molestation of innocent citizens of the state especially traders by the duo of Jeff Nwoha and Kingsley Uju and their thugs at

the instance of their master, Governor Ethelbert Okorocha”, even he lamented that “For over some times, the Governor has continued to use Jeff Nwoha and Kingsley Uju to recruit thugs and militants in the state who he uses to threaten the peace of the state and terrorize innocent citizens of the state”.

He observed that “such act of sponsored terrorism and thuggery against innocent people of the state which has continued unabated in the state is indeed highly repulsive and reprehensible. Jeff Nwoha who is the General Manager of Imo ENTRACO and Kingsley Uju who is the Deputy Chief of Staff have remained instruments in the hands of Governor Okorocha whom he uses to instigate civil unrest in the state”.

Okowa presents operational vehicles to Prisons Service

By JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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•From right: Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma; Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Minister of Labour and Employment, Chief Chris Ngige, during the Economic Management Team (EMT)’s Expanded Meeting on Jobs with the Bank Of Industry Nigeria (BOI), Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs Nigeria (OSSAP-SDGs), National Social Investment Programme(NISP) in attendance.

Insecurity: Catholic Church leaders in A/Ibom demand Buhari’s resignation INI BILLIE, Uyo

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atholics leaders, priests, women, youths and children have staged a peaceful protest over the gruesome murder of two Catholic Priests and 17 parishioners by herdsmen in Benue State.

The peaceful protesters who marched from the Uyo Diocesan headquarters of the Church on Brook Street, Uyo were seen carrying placards bearing different inscriptions to the Government House, where they registered their complaints before the state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.

Some of the placards read: “No to religious terrorism”; “Live and let’s live”; “No weapon fashion against Christians shall prosper”; “Say no to terrorism in places of worship”, Christian lives matter”; “No to

ethnic cleansing”; “Human life is sacred”, and so on.

Speaking to journalists, Tuesday, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo, Most Rev. John Aya, expressed displeasure over the collapse of security in the country, saying the security lapses led to the invasion of the Catholic Church in Benue, and the killing of priests and 17 parishioners by armed herdsmen.

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign in line with the resolution of the Catholic Bishops Conference (CBC), stating, “any government that fails to secure lives and properties of citizens has failed and should resign.”

“The killings portray lack of security in the country and Buhari should know that there have been too many killings in the country. We should not continue to live in fear in the country”.

Also speaking, the Vicar General in-charge of administration in the Diocese, Donatus Udoette, called on Christians in the country to remain calm in the face of unprovoked attacks and advised Catholics to continually rely on prayers, mass and rosary as their spiritual weapons.

He said: “We want to live in peace. Catholics can’t carry arms for self-protection because our only weapons are prayers, rosary and mass. Therefore, we are asking Christians not to take up arms, but fight the battle with prayers and peaceful protest”.

The Akwa Ibom State Governor commended the peaceful protest over killing of Christians in the country and appealed to the Federal government to step up security in the country to forestall the further killings of citizens across the country.

o speed up the administration of criminal justice in Delta State, the state Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has donated two 18-seater buses to the Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS).

Presenting the buses in Asaba, Governor Okowa decried the congestion of Prisons in the country.

“It should be recalled that Delta State played host to the Nigeria Bar Association’s (NBA) conference on criminal justice reform recently and during the conference, Prison was identified as one of the critical sectors of this reform, especially the transportation of awaiting trial inmates to the court.

“Stakeholders, especially State governments were asked to help ameliorate these challenges, and it is on that note that the Delta State government is donating these buses to take prison inmates who are awaiting trial to the court,” the Governor stated.

He continued: “As good partners in progress, the Delta State government is presenting these vehicles to speed up the delivery of justice in the state.”

The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the Delta State Government, Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie-Agas, expressed confidence that in Delta State, things should be done right and no one should suffer as a result of injustice.

Comptroller of Prisons, Delta State Command, Mr Sam Iyakoriegha, commended Governor Okowa’s administration for providing the buses to the Nigerian Prisons Services stating: “This is a dream come true, we are very grateful to the Delta State government and all those who made this to be possible.”

The event was witnessed by the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Vincent Uduaghan, his Government House counterpart, Hon. Henry Sakpra, Permanent Secretary Government House and Protocols, Mr Edwin OgidiGbegbaje, among others.

41

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

NEWS

2019: Umahi throws Ebonyi House of Assembly contests open

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overnor David Umahi of Ebonyi has said that his administration and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would favour no candidate during the 2019 general elections’ for House of Assembly.

Umahi made the assertion, Monday at Ezillo, Ishiellu Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebony during a solidarity rally in his honour.

The governor had earlier at several fora, canvassed for the re-election of all the House members.

Umahi, however, noted that the only exceptions were the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker with all the contestants required to organise rallies in their constituencies to test their popularities.

“We are appealing to the ‘divine mandate’ his (political structure) for peaceful primaries because we are not going to stop anybody from contesting.

“Continuity will, however, benefit Ebonyi people but we are not going to impose unpopular candidates on the people during the elections.

“I will attend the rallies you are going to organise individually because it is not only the delegates that will elect you during the primaries,’’ he said.

Umahi said that his vote during the election would be tied to those of the House of Assembly contestants and the masses needed not to be disfranchised in the process.

“We will support any contestant that mobilises the greatest number of people because I don’t want to take risks during the election. You should therefore, go back to the field and mobilise the people and not go to sleep because the governor has endorsed you,’’ he said.

He said the elders of the state would sit and decide on the National Assembly positions to avoid possible crises.

“We will not allow the other parties to benefit from our situation but ensure that all matters concerning the positions are resolved amicably without rancour. I thank the people of Ishiellu for the reception and commend them for maintaining the peace we instituted in the area, especially at the Ezillo and Ezza-Ezillo communities,’’ he said.

Chief Austin Umahi, the PDP South-East Zonal Vice-Chairman, commended the people for supporting the governor and urged them to massively vote for him in the 2019 elections.

Umahi, who is the governor’s elder brother, noted that the best support for the governor was for the people to massively register in the ongoing voters registration exercise.

“Ebonyi is a PDP state as other political parties exist on the pages of newspapers, magazines and the social media,’’ he said.

PDP Chairman in Ebonyi, Chief Onyekachi Nwebonyi, also assured that the party would not endorse any candidate but allow all contestants to freely pursue their ambitions.

Chairman of the council, Mr Henry Eze, said the reception was to thank the governor for his numerous favours to the people in areas of infrastructure, empowerment and political appointments among others.

Stakeholders pledged their solidarity to the governor as he was given the chieftaincy title of “Achinagbara Oha’’ meaning the seed that spreads to all by the council’s traditional rulers.

Oil spillage wreaks havoc on Delta community communities whenever a spillage occurred as Shell was yet to meet with the community to discuss with devastating oil spillage has them and assuage their plight. occurred on the 24 inches Honourables Pondi and Yingi Trans Ramos crude oil pipecalled on Shell to immediately proline owned by Shell Petroleum Devide relief materials and medicals velopment Company (SPDC) in Odito all the affected communities modi Community in Burutu Local promising to raise the issue on the Government Area of Delta State. floor of the National Assembly and The crude oil spillage has reportDelta State House of Assembly to edly spread to over fifty communidraw the attention the internationties under the Odimodi Federated al community and government to Communities and others in the their plight of the people. creek.

While appealing for the youths Following distress calls, the and affected communities to reMember representing Burutu Fedmain calm and not take laws into eral Constituency in the House of their hands, Honourables Pondi Representatives, Honourable Juand Yingi assured the people that lius Pondi, the Member representthey would not be abandoned. ing Burutu One Constituency in The Youth President, Odimodi the State House of Assembly, HonCommunity, Comrade Dere Potoki and Assistant Secretary, Comrade Aaron Amakubakuro said the spillage occurred on four different points on the crude oil pipeline since on the 24th of April, 2018 stressing that the actions of Shell was oppressive to the community.

They said Shell was more concerned about how to recover crude oil from the damaged pipeline without thinking of providing relief materials and medicals to the affected communities adding that the youths were already getting agitated.

The Youth leaders stated that Shell had failed to do a mapping to know the entire areas affected by the spillage as their patience was fast running out with the company.

Some women who spoke said the aquatic life of the communities and their farmlands as well as fishing nets have been destroyed by the spillage and called for urgent attention from Shell and the government as hunger had set in as they can no longer go for fishing.

They expressed fears of the possible outbreak of an epidemic due to the spillage saying that it was painful that Shell was more con• Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel cutting a tape to inaugurate the Nigerian Union of Local Gov- cerned about crude oil than the ernment Employees (NULGE) Complex on Abak Road, Uyo. people and communities where they are operating.

By JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

A

ourable Daniel Yingi and the PDP Chairman, Delta South Senatorial district, Prince Emman Amgbaduba among others visited the community to ascertain and get an on the spot assessment of the situation.

Honourables Pondi and Yingi who sympathised with the various communities affected by the spillage expressed serious concern that Shell had not shown any commitments to the plight of the people since the spillage occurred.

They said though Shell had put measures in place to contain the spread and to recover crude oil from the damaged pipeline, the spillage had polluted the entire area destroying aquatic life which had made fishing which is the major occupation of the people impos-

sible.

The Federal and State lawmakers decried the situation that the report of the Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) team consisting of Shell, Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) on the spillage was yet to be made public.

The lawmakers emphasised the need for the JIV report to be released stressing that the spillage was not as a result of sabotage but due to equipment failure on the part of Shell hence the company was trying to avoid it’s responsibility to the community.

They expressed worry that multinational oil companies have always devised means of shortchanging

EEDC urged to connect Ojukwu varsity campuses to National Grid

By OGE ONYEANUSI

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he Anambra State House of Assembly has called on the management of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), to connect the two campuses of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University in Uli and Igbariam to the national grid to enable the school enjoy steady and uninterrupted power supply; so that students and teachers will work in conducive atmosphere.

This followed a motion moved under an urgent public importance to that that effect on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 during plenary by the Minority Leader of the House, Hon. (Apostle) Onyebuchi Augustine Offor, representing Ekwusigo Constituency.

Offor, disturbed by situation of epileptic power supply in the two campuses of the institution, reminded EEDC that power is necessary to productive ventures; and wondered what an academic

institution like that could achieve without steady power supply.

The lawmaker informed the House that recently, when the House Committee on Procurement and Tender Board (which he is member) visited the Igbariam Campus of the university, the committee learnt with dismay that the school is run 24 hours with diesel; a development he noted cost the school over N2 million every week.

He said that the school should enjoy steady power to enable it run its academic activities; even as he maintained that such school named after a hero like Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu should not be allowed to play a second fiddle.

Lending his voice to the call for the Ojukwu University to be adequately powered, Hon. Barr Kingsley Iruba, Nnewi South I; expressed displeasure that the school that supposed to be enjoying 24-hour power supply will be spending its little subvention

on diesel, instead of using it for some other more pressing needs.

He, therefore, called on the management of the EEDC to do the needful by urgently connecting the school to the national grid so that it will enjoy steady power supply.

Hon. Romanus Obi, Orumba North; Hon. Pete Ibida, Njikoka II; and Hon. Uche Okafor, Ayamelum; also supported the motion calling on the EEDC to connect the two campuses of the university to the national grid.

The speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Rota Maduagwu, who presided over the plenary, described the situation of inadequate power supply to the university as very unfortunate; adding that the motion was an SOS to the electricity company to do the needful so that genuine academic purpose for which the school is established to pursue will not be jeopardized.

Maduagwu expressed disappointment with the EEDC’s inabil-

• Hon Onyebuchi Offor

ity to power the university generously; a situation she said will impact negatively on the school system.

42

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

NEWS

Herdsmen killings: Catholic Church cannot restrain faithful forever -- Bishop Ugorji warns

By BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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he Catholic Bishop of Umuahia, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, Tuesday warned that the Catholic Church could not continue to guarantee restraining its faithful from resorting to self-defence if the killings in Nigeria continue unabated.

He issued the warning when thousands of Catholic faithful took to the streets of Umuahia to protest the wanton killings being carried out by Fulani herdsmen in some parts of the country, particularly the recent killing of two priests in Benue.

Rev Fr Joseph Gor, Rev Fr Felix Tyolaha, and 17 parishioners were on April 24, 2018 brutally murdered inside the church in Benue State, by Fulani herdsmen.

The killing sparked global outrage with the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria calling out Catholic faithful to protest the killings.

Bishop Ugorji led the protest

which the placard-bearing parishioners drawn from parishes across the Diocese marched in a procession through major streets of the Abia State capital.

Some of the inscriptions read: “Stop these senseless killings,’ “God is the giver of life;” “Government should rise up to its primary responsibility of protecting lives and properties;” with Bishop Ugorji warning that the church does not know how long it will continue to restrain its members from taking to self-help if the killings continue unabated.

“If these senseless killings continue and government continues to renege on its duty of providing security of life and property, I wonder how far and how long we can continue to succeed in restraining our people from falling back to self-help to defend their lives and properties,” he warned.

The protest rally commenced at Mater Dei Cathedral and ended at St.

Finbarrs Catholic Church along Bende Road with speeches given by Bishop Ugorji, representatives of the clergy, religious and church organizations in the Diocese, who all denounced the killings and government’s inaction.

Bishop Ugorji said that the rally was meant to “vehemently protest” the senseless killings of thousands of people in Nigeria by the Boko Haram sects, Fulani herdsmen terrorists and other unscrupulous groups or individuals.”

“We need to stress the sanctity and inviolability of human life. The life of every individual whether Christian or Muslim, whether believer or unbeliever, whether rich or poor, whether powerful or powerless, whether man or woman, whether young or old, whether born or unborn is sacred,” he declared.

The Bishop emphasized the need for all people of good conscience in Nigeria to speak out against the murderous activities of Fulani herds-

men and the apparent inability of the federal government and its security agencies to arrest them.

“Whenever the right to life is violated anywhere in the country, it is threatened everywhere in our nation. With the incessant shedding of blood by the Boko Haram adherents and the Fulani terrorists, the life of every Nigerian is threatened,” the Bishop said.

The Catholic Bishop, whose speech stirred emotions and drew tears from the eyes of the many women among the congregation, lamented that the killers have been shedding blood and getting away with the heinous crime hence “kill and go seems to be the

norm in the country at present”.

“We are insecure and unsafe in our homes, places of worship, places of work and business, our streets and high ways. We feel insecure everywhere in this nation. We are worried that innocent people are killed and no one is arrested or brought to book,” Bishop Ugorji lamented.

According to the bishop, the authorities of the Catholic Church have been “dissuading our people from self-help because this will spell doom for the nation,” hence the need for government and security agencies to rise up to the challenge of protecting Nigerians from terrorists.

PUBLIC NOTICE AND CHANGE OF NAME I formerly known as OKEKE NGOZI SUSAN now wish to be known as ANAKWE NGOZI SUSAN. All Former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

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I formerly known as Miss ORAEKWUTE EBUBE MARIAGORRETTI now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EZE EBUBE MARIAGORRETTI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note

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• Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu leading the Abia State team which included the Commissioner for Health, Dr John Ahukannah and Mr Chinenye Nwaogu who is the focal person for the state’s Social investment projects, to the just-concluded Transform Africa Summit holding in Kigali, Rwanda, where innovative Abia TeleHealth Initiative was reviewed

Senator Tinubu supports Ugwuanyi’s re-election bid • Inaugurates FG project in Enugu

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he Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has extolled the leadership virtues of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, describing him as “a very good and humble man” who she would wish to see return to office in 2019.

Senator Tinubu, who is former first lady of Lagos State and wife of national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, spoke in Enugu, when she represented President Muhammadu Buhari to inaugurate the gully erosion control and road improvement works executed by the federal government at Awlaw, Orji River Local Government Area.

She expressed delight at the peaceful atmosphere in the state and the warm hospitality accorded members of the committee by Gov. Ugwuanyi, saying: “The people of Enugu State are very lucky to have you as their governor”. The senator, who told Gov. Ugwuanyi that God has already ordained his re-election, added: “I wish to see you back on the seat in 2019”.

Senator Tinubu while inaugurat-

ing the project disclosed that it was “one of the 18 ecological intervention projects approved by Mr. President for the first quarter of 2017”, stressing that the intervention has brought a huge relief to the sufferings of the people of the community.

While appreciating the federal government for the project, Senator Tinubu also commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha; Gov. Ugwuanyi; the Ecological Fund Office; the Project Contractor and Consultant as well as the Traditional Ruler of Awlaw community, Igwe Samuel Uka and his people for the “timely and speedy completion of the project”.

In his address, Gov. Ugwuanyi expressed gratitude to President Buhari “for approving this very important project”, which he said “has not only brought succor to our people but will significantly reduce the threat posed by gully erosion and other ecological issues in this area”.

The governor also thanked Senator Tinubu and other members of her committee, including other relevant committees of the National As-

sembly as well as the federal ministry of Environment, the contractor and others who contributed to the success of the project.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to continue to “support and collaborate with the federal government and donor agencies to combat the menace of gully erosion and other ecological threats in Enugu State effectively and satisfactory”.

The permanent secretary, Ecological Fund Office, Dr. Mrs. Habiba Lawal, added that the project was initiated through “a request for urgent intervention forwarded from the Awlaw Community to the Ecological Fund Office in order to arrest the gully erosion and flooding that had been threatening lives and property in thecommunity”.

The community while thanking the federal government for the project also appreciated Gov. Ugwuanyi for his commitment to the wellbeing of the people of Enugu State, saying that they were touched that he is the first governor of the state to visit the community.

AMAECHI BONA-MARY CARE FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named foundation has applied for registration Under part C of the companies and allied matters act of 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE. 1. MRS CYNTHIA NGOZI CHUKA ONWUOKWU. 2. DR. EVELYN N. OKPALA. 3. Engr. OBINNA K. OKPALA. 4. PRINCE CHRIS TOOCHUKWU AMALU. AIMS & OBJECTIVES. 1. To attain a world free from injustice,diseases,infant and maternal mortality,illiteracy for vulnerable children, youth, women and the aged in line with relevant laws and treaties.

2. Promote primary and secondary education for indigent children, youth and women.

3. Provision of legal support to the marginalized children, youth and women.

4.Provision of health services for the aged, children and women.

5. Increased access to quality and prompt care for accident victims.

6. Partner with Research institution, Faith based organizations MDAS etc.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate Affairs Commission Abuja within 28days of this publication Signed: Dr.Okpala Evelyn N. (Esq) Chairman.

43

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

NEWS

Delta Govt. commits N508m to boosting oil palm production

By JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

T

he Delta State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, said it has spent the sum of N313 Million in the development of oil palm production from 2016 to 2017.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Chief Austin Chikezie, made this known at the ongoing ministerial press briefing when he presented the activities and achievements of his Ministry, at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Information, Asaba.

Chikezie who stated that the oil palm development scheme was meant to assist oil palm farmers to increase their plantations, revealed that the sum of N195 Million had been budget for 2018.

The Commissioner stated that in year 2016, 220,000 improved oil palm seedlings were raised for distribution to farmers and to cultivate 500 hectares of oil palm plantation, saying 250 oil palm farmers were empowered as a result leading to the creation of 400 direct and indirect jobs.

In addition, he said that an Office and Input Store were constructed at the Ejeme Uno Oil Palm nursery site to support the programme, indicating that five mini oil mills were fabricated and distributed to farmers.

According to the Agriculture and Natural Resources Commissioner, in the year 2017 approval was made for the expansion of the oil palm project in reaction to increase in public demand by farmers, saying two new nurseries were established at Oleh in Isoko South LGA and Arhagba Okpe, in Okpe LGA. He explained that the effort had not only brought inputs nearer to the farmers but resulted in the raising of 100,000 oil palm seedlings each at the Oleh and Arhagba Okpe nurseries respectively, while, 550,000 seedlings were raised at the nursery in Ejeme-Unor.

For year 2018, the Commissioner stated that his Ministry would further consolidate on the Small Holder Oil Palm Scheme in the State, adding that 400,000 improved oil palm seedlings would be raised at the three nurseries in Ejeme-Unor, Oleh and Aragba-Okpe.

He said his Ministry would assist 350 farmers to cultivate 700 Hectares of oil palm farm land, expressing hope that the intervention was expected to create 2,080 cumulative jobs when completed.

Police refused protection for public procession in Minna -- Catholic Diocese allege

C

atholic Diocese of Minna has alleged that security operatives refused to guarantee security for its participation in the public peaceful nationwide protest against the incessant killings in the country by armed militiamen.

The Catholic Bishop of Minna Diocese, the Most Rev. Martins Uzoukwu, who made this known in Minna, Tuesday, told journalists that when the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) were contacted, “we were told that it was not safe for us to embark on the demonstration.

“We went to the Police and the DSS to guard us during our peaceful procession, but they told us that our security was not guaranteed.

As law-abiding citizens we obeyed them; so this is why we are doing the procession within the church premises.’’

He urged the federal and state governments as well as other stakeholders to do everything possible to protect lives and property in the country.

“We challenge our political leaders as stakeholders to ensure a peaceful and harmonious co-existence among Nigerians. We want them to live up to their responsibilities so that we can once again live together as one happy people. We need the government of the day to give us a different feeling from what we perceive.’’

He said that there was a strong

• Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Tunde Fashola inspecting ongoing construction work on the 2nd Niger Bridge last week in Anambra and Delta States, as part of tour of Federal Government Infrastructure Projects in the South East Zone of the country

Ohaneze seeks regional govt., 5 VPs, others

T

he Igbo Socio-Cultural Group, Ohaneze Ndigbo has called for a review of Nigeria’s democratic structure, demanding regional government and a review of the nation’s constitution.

The group also called for the enthronement of the principles of equity and fairness noting that this will help Nigeria achieve all-round development and solve its political and economic challenges.

These among others were the demands of the Ohaneze at the Summit held on Monday in Awka, the Anambra State Capital.

Many other suggestions formed the content of the communiqué of the summit which was read by former CBN Governor, Charles Soludo.

Other demands of the group include a proposed single six-year term for the president, rotational presidency, five vice presidential seats for equal representation, resource control by states, removal of the state of origin clause and the creation of a merit and equal opportunities commission to replace the federal character commission.

The event also had in attendance representatives of the Yoruba socio-

State House of Assembly is to turn things around for the highly industrious people of Isoko North, to curb youth restiveness, encourage our youths through creative engagements and to enable the youths create employment for themselves as future leaders of tomorrow and to be a catalyst for effective and participatory leadership.

“I joined the race to add value to the lives of the People of Isoko North constituency, to bring the pains of the people to the front

burner. My ultimate goal is to restore power back to the people.

I will bring my people together to tell me what they need, what they want to be done in their communities, so that we can design a blueprint to meet their needs.

“My plan is that, within my first one month, I will call everybody together and we will design a blue print on how things ought to be done within the next four years after the general election. And we will commence work immediately,” he said.

2019 Polls: Ogbimi assures quality representation

By EMMANUEL OGOIGBE, Warri

A

n aspirant vying for Delta State House of Assembly, Isoko North constituency in 2019 general elections under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Jude Ogbimi has assured his constituents of quality and effective representation if given the mandate.

Ogbimi gave the assurance while interacting with journalists yesterday, positing that, his quest to represent his at the Delta

feeling that the government of the day was not doing enough to stop this “great evil that has befallen us”.

Similarly, Rev. Mathias Echioda, the state Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), prayed God to stop the ongoing killings of innocent Nigerians.

Echioda enjoined Christians to remain a united body in Christ, using John Chapter 17 to buttress the message.

Responding the to the allegation, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muhammad Abubakar, (ASP) told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the police was at the Church to guard them and not to prevent them from embarking

cultural group Afenifere, the Niger Delta and the north-central.

The President of the Ohaneze, John Nwodo also at the event called for equality in the affairs of Nigeria.

He added that he is not the sole convener of the summit.

“It is driven the by the majority of our people. The planning and strategic committee are derived from all strata of the Igbo society. All states, all segments and all opinion and thoughts. We went to town hall meetings and derived the opinion and views of the majority of our people.

“You can say that we propelled this but it is not just us that did it, it is the people who did it,” he said.

He added that the system has put out a structure that is nepotist and marginalised the Ndigbo people.

“The system is devoid of a balance.

The indices are so clear for all to see.

We have the lowest number of states among the geopolitical region. Even amongst us, we have only 95 local governments which is not up to the sum of two local governments in one of the zones,” he said.

Also in attendance at the event are the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, former APGA Chairman Victor Umeh, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Niger Delta Leader Edwin Clark, among others.

on the procession.

Some of the placards displayed by the faithful read; “we have a right to live; let us live,’’ “Give peace a chance,’’ and “Government responsibility is to protect lives and property”.

It would be recalled that last April 24, gunmen murdered two Catholic priests and 15 parishioners while celebrating Holy Mass in Mbalom area of Benue.

Other killings of innocent and defenceless Nigerians across the country moved the Catholic top hierarchy to organise the nationwide procession against the killings.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Tuesday held a Special Solidarity Mass and peaceful solemn procession for people killed by militias, especially those killed at a Catholic Church in Benue.

The mass was held by thousands of Catholic faithful at the Holy Ghost Catholic Cathedral, Ogui, Enugu.

The faithful and clergy within the diocese, after the mass that lasted for over an hour, also had a peaceful solemn procession within the vast Holy Ghost Catholic Cathedral compound for about two hours.

The faithful had the solemn procession while praying the rosary as well as calling for God’s intervention in the country’s security situation.

Speaking at the end of the procession, Bishop Callitus Onaga, said that the mass and solemn procession was in solidarity with Christians who had died due to activities of militia groups in the country.

Onaga, who was represented by the Vicar-General of the Diocese, Monsignor Luke Adike, said that it was regrettable that the perpetrators of the killings could not be arrested and prosecuted, especially those that killed innocent worshippers and their priests in Benue State.

“What is the essence of government and living under a government if not for government to shoulder the responsibility of security for everybody.

“Close to a month now, no single arrest had been made in connection with the church massacre. It is disappointing, to say the least.’’

The bishop, however, prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed while urging all Nigerians to be “more security conscious”.

Earlier, in a homily during the mass, Rev. Fr. Nnamdi Nwankwo, urged Christians to rise up from their slumber and dedicate themselves to more prayers and participation in politics, to effect a true change.

Nwankwo, who is the Vicar-forPriests in the Diocese, said that the recent happenings underscored the need for Christians to get their voter’s card in readiness for the 2019 elections.

“Enough is enough. We cannot continue to bury people in their numbers each day in the country as if we are in a warlike situation. What we are saying here is the issue of security for everybody in the country, whether a Christian or not.

“There the need for all to get involved and make our government answerable and accountable to us,’’ he said.

Nwankwo noted that each family, especially in the South-East must start operation “show your voter’s card’’ among its members, adding, “until we do this, the politicians will not take Nigerians serious”.

44

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

NEWS

Restructuring: IPOB, Ohanaeze sheath sword Cont’d from Pg 2 served for the federating units.

Earlier in his welcome address, host governor Chief Willie Obiano, recounted how for 58 years Ndigbo had worked tirelessly with other Nigerians to lay a foundation for a better federation and a more perfect union, describing the Summit as a step in the right direction.

In his own contribution, Ijaw leader and First Republic Minister of Information, Chief Edwin Clark criticised the federal government for branding Igbo youths in the IPOB terrorists.

Clark also blamed the federal government for not giving Ndigbo an additional state as recommended in the 2014 Constitutional Conference and noted that such denials and deprivations were at the

heart of the separatist agitations in the region.

There were also speeches from the leader of Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; leader of the Middle Belt, Dan Sulaiman; Chairman of the occasion Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, among others.

Notable voices who spoke to The Oracle Today commended Ohaneze for staging the Summit.

A current affairs analyst Dr Ejike Nwangwu noted that the Summit raised the level of political awareness needed to face and address the challenges facing Nigeria at the moment, noting that what Soludo read out as as the position of Ndigbo captured the very needs of Ndigbo and other ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.

He said: “The Summit was won-

derful by my own assessment.

Certainly the Ekwueme Square Declaration will go a long way to indicate that Nigerians including Ndigbo are not happy with the present situation. Nigerians are not happy because of the fact that there are things to do to get the county on the right track for development and progress but some people are not interested in buying into new ideas and visions.

Some people want to remain the same from generation to generation.

“I think Ndigbo have generally pointed out the way forward to a better Nigeria and that is a right step in a right direction. What it means is that Buhari and APC have no reason to keep the country as it is now because there are things

on their table and which no doubt are good enough to address the challenges facing the country, so the ball now is in the court of Buhari and APC to do us a favour and convene a national gathering for the restructuring exercise to take place before the 2019 general election.”

However, A human rights activist, Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme has called on Igbo leaders to restructure themselves and the entire South East Region first so as to make the nation’s restructuring pattern inevitable.

Ezekwueme who spoke to newsmen in Onitsha, shortly after the summit, said Igbo political leaders must face existential reality, pointing out that the leaders care less about the social, political

and economic wellbeing of the people.

According to Ezekwueme who is also Anambra State Chairman of Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), “unless they live above self and think about the common growth of the people, the future, just like the present will continue to remain bleak”.

“Recall when the PDP zoned senate presidency to the Southeast, all Igbo senators wanted to become the senate president and while they were struggling for it, many senate presidents were impeached and within a short while, their chances were overtaken by events,” he lamented.

He wondered why Ohanaeze Ndigbo did not invite civil society groups to the summit, describing the development as an oversight.

Catholics march against herdsmen Cont’d from Pg 2

be Fulani herdsmen.

Both sessions, which also featured reciting of the holy rosary and were attended by thousands of worshipers as well as priests and the religious, took place within the Holy Ghost Cathedral premises, in Ogui, the seat of the church in Enugu Diocese.

Speaking to journalists after the exercises, Bishop of the diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Calistus Onaga said the church had embarked on the exercise, in solidarity with Nigerian Christians that had been slain by armed militia groups in the country, especially the recent massacre in a Benue church where two priests and many faithful were slain in cold blood.

Bishop Onaga, who was represented by the Vicar-General of the diocese, Monsignor Luke Adike, berated the federal government for its inability to record any arrest in connection with the Benue church carnage till date, pointing out that security of lives and property of every citizen is the responsibility government.

Lamenting further, Onaga expressed disappointment that people would commit heinous crimes as bad as mass murder, in the country, and still walk away free, without any convincing result-oriented action by the nation’s security agencies, including arrest and prosecution of perpetrators.

In his homily, during the Holy Mass, Rev. Fr. Nnamdi Nwankwo, who is the Diocesan Vicar for priests, challenged the faithful to start participating effectively, but prayerfully in the nation’s politics, adding that it is the only way to effect true change in the country.

According to Fr. Nwankwo, “We cannot continue to bury people in their numbers each day in the country, as if we are in a war situation. Enough is enough,” he added.

In Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, church leaders, priests, women, youths and children staged a peaceful protest over the gruesome murder of two Catholic Priests and 17 parishioners by herdsmen in Benue State.

The peaceful protesters who marched from the Uyo Diocesan

headquarters of the Church on Brook Street, Uyo, to the Government House, where they registered their complaints before the state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, were seen carrying placards bearing different inscriptions Some of the placards read: “No to religious terrorism”; “Live and let’s live”; “No weapon fashion against Christians shall prosper”; “Say no to terrorism in places of worship”, Christian lives matter”; “No to ethnic cleansing”; “Human life is sacred”, etc.

Speaking to journalists later, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo, Most Rev. John Aya, expressed displeasure at the collapse of security in the country.

He said the security lapses led to the invasion of the Catholic Church in Benue, and the killing of priests and 17 parishioners by armed herdsmen.

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign in line with the resolution of the Catholic Bishops Conference (CBC), stating, “any government that fails to secure lives and properties of citizens has failed and should resign.

“The killings portray lack of security in the country and Buhari should know that there have been too many killings in the country. We should not continue to live in fear in the country”.

Also speaking, the Vicar General in-charge of administration in the Diocese, Donatus Udoette, called on Christians in the country to remain calm in the face of unprovoked attacks and advised Catholics to continually rely on prayers, mass and rosary as their spiritual weapons.

He said: “We want to live in peace. Catholics can’t carry arms for self-protection because our only weapons are prayers, rosary and mass. Therefore, we are asking Christians not to take up arms, but fight the battle with prayers and peaceful protest”.

The Akwa Ibom State governor, commended the peaceful protest over killing of Christians in the country and appealed to the federal government to step up security in the country to forestall further killings of citizens across the country.

In Abeokuta, Ogun State, the

•Catholics priest march against herdsmen in Uyo

•... Sisters and the Laity too Bishop Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Olukayode Odetoyinbo, led the peaceful protest along a major street in Abeokuta, the capital city, as the two slain priests and 17 parishioners killed in Benue State were being buried.

The protest was preceded by

a requiem mass held at St. Anne Catholic Church, Ibara, Abeokuta.

After the mass which ended around 11.30am, where the Bishop prayed for the repose of souls of the departed, and for peace to reign in Nigeria, the march started from the precinct of the church and moved from there to and fro

Ibara Roundabout.

Catholic faithful and clergy under the Archdiocese of Benin also protested against the killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen across the country, especially the murder of two priests and 17 parishioners in a Benue church last month.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

SPORTS Rohr reveals Eagles’ tactics against Group D opponents A

Messi warns teammates against Nigeria

Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

S

UPER Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr has revealed the tactics he would apply against Group D opponents, the La Albiceleste of Argentina, Croatia and Icelandic national team at the FIFA World Cup and reiterated that the current squad has no key player who can single handedly determine the outcome of matches.

The Franco-German football tactician however lavished praises on three Nigerian internationals who once played in German Bundes Liga, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, the Prince of Monaco, Nosa Ikpeba and Victor Okechukwu Agali and of course, ex-Arsenal striker, Nwankwo Kanu.

“Having the like of John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses are not on the same level. We don’t have Kanu, Jay Jay Okocha, Ikpeba and Victor Agali.

“We have a team. We must win together and play quality football because not one player can make us win. This is the first thing we decided for everybody to be attacking when we have the ball and everybody to be defending when we don’t have the ball.

“This quality kind of football brought us to the World Cup. When we get the ball, we have fast

attacks, this kind of style is for me among our strengths.

“What I like about the team is the fighting spirit and the capacity to suffer together,” Rohr explained.

It is recalled that the Super Eagles are the least ranked team in their group and accordingly, book mak-

ers believe the odds are heavily against the three-time Africa Champions who are to confront Croatia in their first group game on June 16, while debutants Iceland and Argentina will take their turn in that order in the group regarded as the hardest of the preliminary matches.

Eagles began their preparations for the 2018 World Cup on Tuesday at their get-together in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, ahead of friendlies against Democratic Republic of Congo, England and Czech Republic in that order before flying to Russia for the Mundial.

It is recalled that the Super Eagles last November came from behind to defeat Argentina 4-2 in high profile friendly game that was play in Krasnodar, Russia. Lionel Messi it is noted did not play the match as he was permitted to fly back to Barcelona to conclude his contract discussion with the Catalonian club.

As the two teams meet in the final of their Group D game, it is expected that it is going to be an explosive encounter as the South Americans will be aiming to avenge the lost they suffered in the hands of the Eagles in the friendly encounter in November.

Nigeria have never beaten Argentina in any competitive match at the senior level except for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic that the Dream Team beat Argentina in the final of the football event of 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

And with Messi prime for this game, Eagles have to be watchful and careful in order to ensure that at least the two time World Champions do not continue to humiliate millions of Nigerian football crazy fans.

rgentina captain, Lionel Messi has warn his teammates to be wary of average teams like Nigeria at the World Cup in Russia; saying the two time world champions must be prepared to end their long wait for a third world title. “Today, an average team can break you down defensively and on the counter can beat you 1-0.

Football has become very competitive, very tactical,” he said. Messi is giving this warning knowing fully well that the last time Nigeria and Argentina played they suffered 4-2 defeat in the hands of the three time African champions and tactically it is Nigeria’s best game so far. The Super Eagles have never beaten Argentina in any competitive contest at the senior level except at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics where the Dream Team led by legendary Nwankwo Kanu led the very mobile and disciplined Under-23 national team to inflict a painful defeat to the Argentines. They, however, took their pound of flesh when Lionel Messi led Argentina to avenge the defeat in 2008 Beijing Olympics. Messi it is recalled did not play the friendly which his side lost to Nigeria Russia last November. Nigeria came from 2-0 to beat Argentina in that friendly which has brought the three time African champions much publicity the world over.

Meanwhile, Enyimba goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, who is one of the four goalkeepers invited by the Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup, says every person in the goalkeeping arena of the team is preparing very well for the Mundial saying they are fighting for one dream and it is not a do or die affair.

Oliseh warns Eagles against group opponents Lack of funding crippling sports in Nigeria – Wil iams A

s the clock ticks for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, former Super Eagles’ captain and coach, Sunday Ogochukwu Oliseh, has warned the country’s representatives to this year’s World Cup, to be prepared to face a very dynamic midfield from Croatia in their opening group game come June 16, 2018.

Oliseh gave the warning while analysing the strength and weaknesses of Super Eagles’’ opponents at the Mundial, saying the trio of Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Mateo Kovacic offers Croatia a lot of dynamism and qualities playing in different roles comfortable.

The Super Eagles who will be making their 6th World Cup appearance in Russia will open their World Cup account in encounter against Croatia before filing out against Iceland and Argentina in their last group fixtures.

“I hope they (Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Mateo Kovacic) burn out,” Oliseh joked as he started in chat with CSN. “Their qualities are so immense, such that they can function very well when they are pressed for the ball and they are equally dangerous when they get the free-

dom to operate.”

“Croatia also have an all-round aggressive team and we (Nigeria) must watch that.

“For Iceland, they are very organized and disciplined tactically and physical. In fact, they enjoy the combativeness of the game and that’s another aspect our team must be ready for,” Oliseh warned The former Super Eagles captain also admits that the wealth of experience the Argentine national team have already make them the favourites from the Group D, but advised that stop-

ping Barcelona talisman, Lionel Messi remains key to recording a victory against the Albicelsete.

“We all see him (Messi) play every week for Barcelona, so he’s the main man. He’s also eager to win the World Cup after the heartache at the last World Cup final in Brazil.

“Stopping him, we need at least two of our midfielders to be very conscious of their positional play for 90 minutes and also cut out all return pass to him. Messi is a team player, and aside taking on players one against one, his crisp passes can create chances to score.”

•Sunday Oliseh

•Victor Moses

B

ABATUNDE Fatayi Williams, the President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), has harped on the need for adequate preparations for Nigerian athletes for any national and international sports meets.

The Nigerian Aquatics boss who just returned from Dakar, Senegal where he led the Nigeria Swimming contingent to the 6th Africa Zone Senior Swimming Championship where Team Nigeria placed third behind Ghana and hosts, Senegal who placed second and first respectively, said there is no alternative to adequate preparations for sports meets anywhere in the world.

Williams stated this in exclusive telephone interview with The Oracle Today Sports at the weekend while reacting to the performance of the Nigerian Swimming Team and the lessons learnt from the tournament in Senegal.

“Well, talking of the performance of the Nigerian Swimmers Team to just ended 6th edition of the African Zone 2 Senior Swimming Championship, I am of the view that our swimmers did well considering the circumstance under which they participated in the tournament,” Williams began.

“I must state here that prepara-

tion to any sports tournament be it locally or internationally is key. If you recall, our swimmers did not have adequate preparations before the championship yet they placed third, that is a good achievement if you asked me. “The only preparation that the Nigerian Swimming Team had before the tournament in Dakar was the two day national trials at the swimming pool complex of the national stadium, Surulere. And the reason for the inadequate preparation for the swimmers is due to lack funds from the government. There was no form of support from the government.

“The reason we were even able to attend the tournament was due to FINA support which was not enough to take care of all the requirements for the championship. In the last edition, we placed second on the overall medals’ table because we had more swimmers than we had this time. “We went to the swimming championship with smaller swimming team than we did in the previous edition in Dakar.

“Ghana who placed 2nd in the overall medals table came with a bigger swimming team than Nigeria because they had government support while we did not have any form of support from the government.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

SPORTS

Mikel, Ighalo, others to miss Eagles’ farewell match against Congo DR

Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

S

UPER Eagles’ Captain, John Obi Mikel, Odion Jude Ighalo and FC Amkar Perm defender, Brian Idowu are among Super Eagles players who are to

miss Eagles farewell friendly tie against Democratic Republic of Congo scheduled to take place Monday, May 28 at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt as a result of FIFA’s new rule for players listed to play

at the World Cup starting next month in Russia.

Mikel Obi and Odion Ighalo played for their Chinese clubs last weekend, (Friday and Saturday) respectively. Other Super Eagles’ players who will equally

the stadium, Lagos must make sure that there will be holistic renovation of the complex. He maintained that Lagos State will not chose which part of the stadium it will renovate and which one it will not rehabilitate.

Before the coming to power of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State Government under the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, had labored in vain to take over the facility and rehabilitate it but to no avail.

Fashola at that time accused the then People Democratic Party (PDP) of refusing to grant the state government’s request to take over the facility because Lagos was not a PDP controlled state. Whether the allegation by the Power, Works and Housing Minister is true or not remained an allegation because people argue that Lagos is not like any other state.

According some stakeholders, Lagos is a mini-Nigeria and transferring the National Stadium to Lagos could jeopardize the chances of thousands of Nigerians who troop into the stadium on daily bases for various trainings. They also argue that the national Stadium Surulere is not like other stadia that are lo-

cated in other parts of the country as they are far smaller than the sports city in Surulere.

Whatever is the case, it is expected that the fears being expressed by people will not come to pass with the ceding of the stadium to Lagos State Government. There is no doubt that Lagos has the capacity to renovate the National Stadium with its huge financial base or even modernize it for the good of the millions of Lagos residents who have no other place to do their training on daily bases.

FG cedes National Stadium to Lagos

A

fter one year of high politics that under mind their expression of interest, in the National Stadium Surulere, the Lagos State government on Wednesday announced disclosed that the Federal Government has finally agreed to cede the facility.

Consequently the State Government said their top functionaries will go to Abuja this week to finalize the process of handing over the National Stadium in line with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari. So at last the National Stadium will be saved.

It is recalled that Lagos State Government have battling to take over the National Stadium in order to rehabilitate the magnificent edifice and put it to good use just the way other Federal Government owed stadia across the zones are ceded to the various state government that they are sited in but that move by the Lagos State government has not yielded any fruit until now.

It is recalled that the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Honourable Solomon Dalung last year was in Lagos to conduct the Lagos State Government round the Stadium and explained to the Governor that if at the end of the day the Federal Government cedes

missed out of the farewell match are Italy based Torino midfielder, Joel Obi and Simeon Nwakwo are doubtful for the game as they featured for the Seria A club last weekend.

Amkar Perm of Russia defender, is to join 14 other players who are likely to miss the Monday friendly game against Congo DR due to the new FIFA as the defender featured for his club Amkar Perm at the weekend.

The World Football governing body told all 32 participating teams to ensure that players listed for the World Cup observed a 10 rest after their last game of the season as a means of ensuring that they remain fresh.

Therefore, because of this you do not expect to see John Obi Mikel, Odion Ighalo, Victor Moses, Brian Idowu, Joel Obi, Simeon Nwankwo and 8 other playing for the Super Eagles.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian nation-

al team maintained their last FIFA Ranking 47 to be precise and 6 on the continent. And of course; the Eagles 2019 group opponents in Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers also kept their positions.

South Africa are placed 72 in the world, Libya 100 and Seychelles 194 in the world while Democratic Republic of Congo who the Super Eagles will tango against remained 38 in the world.

Nigeria’s World Cup group opponents Argentina, Croatia and Iceland all maintained their previous rankings in the world.

Argentina for instance retained their No5 in the world while Croatia equally retained their No18 spot and Iceland did not shift ground from their previous ranking as they maintained No 22 position globally while Germany retained their No1 position.

47

The Oracle Today Wednesday May 30, 2018

NEWS

Killings: Lawyers converge on Anambra, decry insecurity

By IBE NWACHUKWU

T

he Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) yesterday decried what it termed high level of insecurity in the country which has resulted in uncountable number of deaths of Nigerians, warning that it might adopt a radical approach against the perpetrators.

They attributed the ugly situation to complete systems collapse arising from inactions of our security agencies whose constitutional duty it is to protect lives and properties, adding that it would apply the instrumentality of the law to retrieve our lost values.

Chairman of NBA, Aguata Branch in Anambra state, Clifford Iloegbune Okoye who stated this in his welcome address at the opening ceremony of a four-day activities marking their 2018 Law Week at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Bar Center, High Court of Justice, Ekwulobia, regretted that some of the security agents even take decisions that are questionable and capable of casting doubts on the integrity and impartiality of their persons.

According to Okoye, a legal practitioner in Onitsha, in the Eastern part of the country, due to failure on the part of law enforcement agents to provide adequate security, citizens

Policemen arraigned for killing three in Abia

By BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

T

hree policemen have been arraigned in court for allegedly killing three persons in Isiala Ngwa North local government area of Abia State.

Inspector Nwitoka Nwinee, Sgt. Emeto Godson and Sgt. Chigozie Onina were arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court for the unlawful killing of Joseph Nwokocha, Adimchi Sampson and Obinna Innocent at Ntigha Okpuala on March 5, this year.

Chief Magistrate John Ukpai, presiding over the court, declined jurisdiction after the charge was read to the suspects.

The Chief Magistrate directed the police to transfer the case file to the Attorney -General of the state for necessary action and ordered that the suspects should be remanded in prison. He adjourned the case to June 28, 2018 The Oracle Today reports that an Umuahia-based Constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, Dr ACB Agbazuere, and community leaders from Ntigha Okpuala had on March 21, 2018, called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Commissioner of Police in charge of Abia State to ensure proper investigation into the murder of the three young men from Ntigha, allegedly by the three Mobile Policemen.

They said the call became imperative following suspected moves by highly placed Nigerians working for the release of the suspects with the objective of helping them to evade

justice without proper investigation and trial.

Agbazuere, flanked by Ntigha Community leaders, including Nze Daniel Njoku, Hon. Chief Obioma Onyenso and Chief Omeremma Ubani, claimed that the victims were mowed down by bullets from the guns of the Mobile Policemen who, on March 5, 2018, stormed the Ntigha village hall and opened fire at the people who were holding a meeting.

Agbazuere said he was alerted of the gory incident by the traditional ruler, the Prime Minister and Chiefs of Ntigha, prompting him to fire a petition to the IGP, demanding for a thorough investigation and prosecution of the Mobile Policemen.

According to him, they Policemen went to Ntigha “with a Mercedes Benz 190 and got to the village hall and killed three young men,” adding that the vehicle used to be parked at Okpuala Divisional Police Station and it was traced and discovered that the suspects were part of the “visiting mobile Policemen.

That was how they got arrested and were taken to the State CID in Umuahia,” he said.

He said the IGP has responded to his petition by directing the Abia State Commissioner of Police to treat the matter and also forward comments to him (IGP).

A copy of the IGP’s memo dated March 6, 2018, showed that it was received by the office of the Commissioner of Police on March 13, 2018.

Congress: Why Anambra APC adopted consensus – Ngige

By IBE NWACHUKWU

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC), Anambra State chapter on Saturday cleverly avoided intra-party rancour that pervaded their ward congress by returning all members of the state executive committee in a consensus arrangement during their state congress.

The congress election which was conducted by voice votes at the Women Development center, saw Barr Emeka Ibe returned as the state chairman of the party in an election conducted by the state congress committee, led by Emma China.

The affirmative style of election, it was gathered, was adopted to forestall the kind of rancour that was witnessed during the ward congresses of the party in the state.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige who addressed delegates of the party shortly before the commencement

of the Congress said the congress was a brotherly affair, and that there was no need for rancour.

Ngige therefore urged those who did not make it in yesterday’s election to wait for a better time as the positions would go round.

Stakeholders of the party had earlier met to ratify and zone the positions being contested for, to different zones of the state.

Barr Emeka Ibe who spoke during his acceptance speech thanked members of the party for finding him worthy to be elected for a second term.

Some other stakeholders of the ;party, Chief George Moghalu, Hon. John Bosco Onunkwo and Chief Ignatius Orekie, the chairman of APC in Anambra East local government area, expressed satisfaction that the consensus arrangement adopted at the congress would help the party to achieve positive results during the forthcoming general elections in the country in 2019.

formed neighborhood watch with a view to policing their environment, a measure which to a greater extent reduced the menace of kidnapping and armed robber until the police authority ordered the vigilante group to surrender their arms.

In his keynote address entitled: “The delicate nature of the Nigeria state stigmatized by general insecurity: the legal perspective”, the guest speaker, Arthur Obi Okafor (SAN) identified ethno-religious conflicts currently plaguing the nation as the worst form of insecurity in the country as it has resulted in large volume of killings.

Obi Okafor whose address was

presented on his behalf by an Onitsha-based legal luminary and former chairman of NBA, Idemili Branch, SNS Eze, also identified terrorism as the most fundamental source of insecurity which has forced Nigeria to lose several lives to insurgency, adding that at present, Nigeria is ranked as the most insecured state in the West African sub-region.

The Senior Advocate also mentioned leadership failure, ethnic distrust, high cost of living, corporate social irresponsibility and impunity as some of the constraints militating against the progress of the Nigerian nation.

In his remarks, the Chief Judge of

Anambra state, Justice Peter Umeadi who was represented by Justice C. N. Mbonu-Nwenyi, commended the Bar for organizing the Law Week and urged them to use the occasion to formulate all the necessary policies that would help to fight insecurity in the country.

Others who spoke at the event were the father of the day, Chief Clement Analikwu and the traditional rulers of Ufuma, Nanka and Ikenga, Igwe Chika Uchime, Igwe Godwin Ezeilo and Igwe Alfred Onwuneme respectively who charged lawyers to apply legal means to deal with such lawless individuals and groups.

• Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Dave Umahi and Chief Mrs Rachel Umahi at a civic reception organized for them by the people of Ishielu Local Government Area, and also conferment of chieftaincy titles of Achi N’Agbaraoha 1 and Oka ibe Nwanyi 1 of Ishielu on both, respectively.

Enugu now reference point for peace, security – Ugwuanyi From CHUKS EZE, Enugu

G

overnor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has said that Enugu State has become a reference point for good governance, peace and security in the country.

He made the remarks during the special civic reception in his honour and official inauguration of Igbo-Eze North chapter of Gburugburu Movement (GGM), which took place at the Temporary Stadium, Orute, Enugu Ezeike, the council headquarters.

The event which witnessed a gathering of various dignitaries, party supporters and well-wishers of the governor from across religious and party lines, as well drew guests from across other council areas in the state and beyond, who graced the event in solidarity to the governor.

“My mission here is to pour gratitude to you, the good people of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area. You had elected me into the House of Representatives and kept re-electing me for three consecutive times. You continued to support me until 2015 when you were hugely instrumental to my emergence as the governor of Enugu State, through your tremendous block votes,” he said.

The governor, who was also officially endorsed for re-election in 2019 by the people at the event, however, promised to continue to

advance peace and harmony, and as well, continue to provide more evenly distributed democracy dividends in the state.

According to Ugwuanyi, his administration had put an end to the politics of name-calling, backbiting and vindictiveness in the state because all citizens of the states were brothers and sisters, first, before becoming members of political parties.

He thanked his teaming supporters, who attended the rally under various support groups, and urged them to continue to pray for him and his government, assuring that, ” with your continued support and prayers, we will take Enugu State to the next enviable level, in Jesus name”.

Meanwhile, performing the official inauguration of Gburugburu Movement, Igbo-Eze North chapter, the Chairman of Ferotex Construction Company (FCC), Chief Festus Oshaba, who carried out the exercise on behalf of the governor, Ugwuanyi urged all members to continue to carry out all their activities peacefully, without rancour and in accordance with the laws of the land.

In his address, Director-General of GGM, Hon. Innocent Agbo, assured Governor Ugwuanyi of his re-election victory in 2019. He noted that for the group, the governor’s second tenure was already a done deal, stressing that GGM was already tar-

geting a higher office for the governor ahead of 2013 general election.

“The assemblage, here today, of the highly cerebral and finest political minds from all facets of the political, socio-economic classes and indeed, the grassroots, clearly demonstrates that all hands are on deck to ensure that you have a smooth re-election in 2019. And for us at GGM, we have already sealed the 2019 Gburugburu 2019 re-election project and already commenced working out modalities towards a higher office for you in 2013,” he said.

However, elder statesman, Rt. Hon. Simon Atigwe later moved a motion for the endorsement of Governor Ugwuanyi’s re-election in 2019, which seconded by another elder statesman, Chief Simon Ossai and received total voice adoption from the crowd.

The rally featured several other goodwill speeches from various stakeholders in the local government and beyond, including, the host council Chairman, Comr.

Uwakwe Ezeja; National Assembly members, Senator Chuka Utazi and Rt. Hon Denis Agbo; Enugu State Commissioner for the Environment, Amb. Fidel Ayogu; Elder Statesman, Chief Nduka Eya; Dr. Sally Adukwu; State Assembly members, Hon Ethel Oyibo Ugwuanyi and Hon Tony Ogidi; and Engr. Simon Atigwe, who moved the motion for Gov. Ugwuanyi’s endorsement for reelection.

WEDNESDAY May 30, 2018

The

www.oraclenews.ng

48

racle Today

VOX POPULI SACRUM

ISSN: 2545-5869

Imperatives of Nigeria’s leadership in the Gulf of Guinea

T

he Gulf of Guinea (GoG) is unarguably one of the most dangerous maritime spaces in the world as it now attracts war insurance premium. Threatened by increased piracy, illegal fishing, resource theft and general insecurity, the GoG is analogous to a large swathe of honey in a thorn cluster.

Strategic and lucrative but highly dreaded maritime corridor, the region produces 3 million liters of crude oil daily with 40 percent destined for Europe and the U.S receiving about 30 percent. The recent discovery of offshore hydrocarbon deposits in the region has enhanced its status as a geostrategic region in the world. According to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), 53 piracy attacks or attempted attacks were recorded in the Gulf of Guinea in 2016 representing 28% of worldwide attacks– including 36 for Nigeria. This region now accounts for 50% of global kidnapping for ransom, making it an extremely dangerous route for maritime business.

On 3 July, 2001, States of the region established the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) to tackle the aforementioned problems but with the specific mandate to ensure “cooperation amongst the countries bordering the Gulf of Guinea in order to defend their common interest and promote peace and socio-economic development based on the bases of dialogue, consensus, ties of friendship, solidarity and fraternity”. The treaty was signed in Libreville, Gabon, by the founding member States including Angola, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria and Sao Tome and Principe. Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo joined the Commission in 2008 for purposes of peace, security and socio economic development. Ghana, in 2013, applied to join the GGC, but that application is yet to be perfected.

Seventeen years after the GGC was established, there is little to show in terms of concrete achievements. It’s acutely disheartening that leaders in the seven member States of the GGC are only beginning to realize the importance of the region and the future potentials of its immense resources. The blame lays squarely with the leadership of the GGC. As revealed by the director-general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, during a recent Chatham House speech, “65% of cargo coming into Gulf of Guinea end up in Nigeria; it accounts for 50% – 60% major maritime security incidents that occur in the Gulf of Guinea”. IMB reports shows that in 2016, there were 53 incidents of piracy or attempted piracy in the GoG with Nigeria alone recording 34 of those attempts. Angola had 5, Congo had 5, Benin had two, Togo had one and Ghana had only one incident.

Out of the 16 crew kidnapping cases in the region in 2016, ten were in Nigeria while 56 Mariners were kidnapped in 2017 alone off the Niger Delta. These challenges call for a robust response and committed leadership in that regard.

The GGC has a total population of approximately 337.4 million people with Nigeria having at least 55% of that. The second most

GUEST COLUMNIST

CHIAGO UDEH & OSELOKA OBAZE

•Oseloka Obaze

populous country in the region after Nigeria is the Democratic Republic of Congo with 84 million people showing that benefits of a prosperous GGC will accrue to Nigeria the most just like the losses are devolving on her. Ironically, since the establishment of the GGC, it has never received more than 50% funding of its budget. As revealed

by GGC Executive Secretary, Ambassador Florentina Adenike Ukonga, during a GGC experts meeting held in early 2018, Abuja, since 2009, the budget of the GGC has been pegged at the same level. Meanwhile only 25% of the annual budget has been released in the last three years. The reality is fraught with total neglect of the commission by the founding States. At the 4th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the GGC held in Abuja in November 2017, none of the GGC Head of States was in attendance. At best, they sent their Vice-Presidents or Prime Ministers with some States sending Foreign Ministers. Such attitude speaks to the value and importance the members attach to their agency.

Interestingly, at that Assembly, Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, emerged

as the Chairperson of the GGC, a cap Nigeria should naturally wear with pride given its vantage position in the region. Yet, nothing seems to be changing. There’s palpable distrust of Nigeria and her commitments by other member States of the GGC. Such attitude can be addressed and the mistrust doused via exemplary leadership. President Buhari perhaps needs to borrow a leaf from Paul Kagame of Rwanda who on emerging the African Union President earlier in the year, set four African Union flagship projects of the Agenda 2063 in motion including the popular Single African Air Travel Market (SAATM); African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA); and Freedom of Movement Protocol. To back up its commitment, the Rwandan parliament has now ratified all the instruments of the AfCFTA, which it signed in March becoming the first AU country to do so. Such defining exemplary leadership is what Nigeria must replicate in the GGC for any progress to be achieved.

Blue/Ocean economy is worth $7 trillion globally. A huge portion of the Atlantic Ocean consists the present Gulf of Guinea. Nigeria

needs to take advantage of the resources and potentials of this rich region to empower the mostly unemployed youths in this region within the next few years. Not doing so will be tantamount to a remarkable failure of leadership and foster insecurity in the GoG. GGC holds immense promise and opportunities not just for the prosperity of region, but for the entire Africa. It has global strategic importance as the region hosting the U.S. Africa Command (AfriCOM) and the core of Africom’s area of responsibility. Meanwhile, illegal fishing is a daily occurrence in waters around the GoG, but arresting violators and interdicting scofflaw vessels will not solve the problem. Nigeria must strategically harness these resources to empower citizens and create enviable livelihood. Collaboration with GCC members remains a priority.

Now that Western nations are drawing close to the GoG especially following recent discovery of hydrocarbon deposits, it is crucial that Nigeria stamps her authority as the go-to partner in the region with influence on what happens and what doesn’t. Nigeria as a matter of priority should endeavour to fund at least 50% of the GGC budget yearly, more so with a Nigerian serving as the Executive Secretary of the Commission. Such practical assertiveness will not make her a detested regional hegemon. Rather it will speak to her being the driver of collective security and underline the essence of shared responsibilities with each state lifting at her level. Nigeria can also extend a hand of partnership to Africa’s new-found partner, China, on the GoG. Funding GGC could be one of our main proposals to China at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit that will be held this September in Beijing. Considering Chinese investment on the ambitious “belt and road” initiative and partnership with the A.U. on Agenda 2063, China will relish an opportunity to help in the GoG. With the spillover effect of the Libyan crisis on the GoG now manifesting fully with the proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW), the need for cooperation has become compelling. Engaging fully and robustly in the GCC sphere is both a political and strategic imperative for Nigeria. She is being looked up to by her neighbours and partners to assume a proactive leadership role. Moreover, the rich resources of Nigeria and Angola, if well-managed and deployed, will sufficiently fund 100% of the GGC budget without affecting both countries’ primary financial commitments at the national and other international levels. But one thing is clear, if Nigeria fails to assume its leadership responsibilities in the GGC, no other country will at this point, expect if to play proxy to external interests. Hence, the policy relating to GCC must be reviewed, and made more robust. Both national and regional strategic consideration compel that this subject must be accorded priority in the immediate term.

•UDEH and OBAZE are of Selonnes Consult Ltd., Awka.

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