Wednesday October 11 edition

The

VOX POPULI SACRUM

racle

Today

www.oraclenews.ng

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 11, 2017

ISSN: 2545-5869

VOL.2 No. 42. N200

NASS can’t save Nigeria

From ANTHONY AILEMEN (Abuja), BONIFACE OKORO (Umuahia), CHUKS EZE (Enugu), CHUKS COLLINS (Awka) JONATHAN AWANYAI (Asaba) and CHINEDU NWAFOR (Abakaliki),

I

n what looked like the biblical Pontius Pilate’s dodgy act, President Muhammadu Buhari, under pressure to accede to some political re-engineering of Nigeria, in a speech last Sunday to mark Nigeria’s 57th Independence anniversary, washed his hands off the restructuring controversy and told all individuals and

•Buhari should revisit 2014 Conference Report not pass buck – Yakassai •President knows what to do if he truly wants a united Nigeria – Nnajiofor •Restructuring isn’t same as break-up – Onwordi •National Assembly can’t and won’t accede to restructuring – Nnaji groups clamouring for it to channel their requests through the National Assembly.

Said the President in the speech: “…At all events, proper dialogue and

any desired constitutional changes should take place in a rational manner, at the National and State Assemblies.

These are the proper and legal fora for national debate, not some lop-sided,

un-democratic body with pre-determined set of objectives.”

But, while some have described the President’s speech as a softening of position, he having earlier disavowed

any constitutional change, many others have interpreted it as a mere deflection of pressure to the Nation-

Cont’d on page 2

Chidoka wants another S/East State •Says there are no terrorists in Igbo land From UZO UGWUNZE, Ojoto

•From left: Former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme; South East Zonal PDP Chairman, Chief Austin Umahi; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; his Abia State counterpart, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Kelechi Igwe and the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, during a meeting of PDP Zonal Executive Committee at the Government House, Enugu.

Obiano asks Buhari for free election •Election will be free and fair – Buhari A From TONY AILEMEN, Abuja

head of the November 18th governorship election in Anambra State, Governor Willy Obiano has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure free and fair election in the State.

This is just as he charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to ensure an unbiased, error-free and fair election in the State.

Apparently disturbed by the growing tension surrounding the election in the state, the governor who is seeking a re- election as his

Page 14

first four years come to end in November, was sighted at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he had

several hours meeting with President Buhari.

But, speaking with State House

Kachikwu, Baru fight goes public Page 2

Correspondents after paying the visit to President Muhammadu Buhari., the governor said he has put all necessary measures in place to ensure a peaceful, free and fair election, even as he expressed optimism that he would come out victorious at the polls.

“Anambra remains the safest State in Nigeria today; we don’t have cases of kidnapping, armed robbery or similar crimes. We have been firmly in control of that

Cont’d on page 2

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ormer Aviation Minister and Corps Marshall Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Chief Osita Chidoka has called for the creation of an additional State in the southeast geographical zone of Nigeria, to promote equity and fairness in Nigeria.

And in an apparent reference to labeling of the Ingigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist organization by the army, Chidoka also

Cont’d on page 5

‘Nwoye’ll hold early election’ Page 15

•Asaba Massacre – 50 years after

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

NEWS

Kachikwu cries out against Baru’s impunity From SOPURUCHI ONWUKA Lagos

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resident Mohammadu Buhari might have finally dumped the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, in preference for direct working relationship with Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru.

Content of a petition to the president written by Dr. Kachikwu against Dr. Baru shows that the President may have ignored the junior petroleum minister’s complaints and also refused to grant him audience on the matter.

Obiano Continued from Pg 1

fair election is what we want and we will get the result,” he said.

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State also paid a similar visit to President Buhari to seek support for the exploitation of abundant natural resources in the state.

According to him: “We are asking the country to take advantage of the natural resources in Ondo state and we have a seaport that is very germane to our export activities in particular our mineral deposits which we have in large number and then we need to have a deep sea mining port.

“So, we impressed this on Mr. President on what we believe will be a lasting legacy if we are able to accomplish it in his own time.”

“Today I received Governor Obiano at the State House, the Federal and State government will work together to ensure free and fair elections next month”, the President said after the meeting.

To be serialised in The Oracle Today soon

Read about the great Rangers story from next edition

...Accuses NNPC GMD of awarding $25 bn contracts without due process Dr. Kachikwu had in the letter accused Dr. Baru of insubordination and flagrant abuse of process in running the affairs of NNPC, a conduct he said has flatly eroded transparency in the award of contracts and placement of senior management personnel in the corporation.

In the letter addressed to the president dated August 30, Dr Kachikwu alleged that Dr. Baru has unilaterally awarded contracts in excess of $25 billion (twenty five billion dollars) at NNPC without any deference to either the office of the junior minister or the board of the corporation.

He also accused Dr. Baru of running the corporation on a single head despite the opportunity of tapping from the wisdom of a supervising ministry and a panel of board members.

He said the manner of such contract awards and appointments at NNPC breached legal and procedural requirements for award of contracts above $20 million.

It would be recalled that a spate of public outcry trailed the recent appointment into management

•Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu (right) and NNPC GMD Maikanti Baru

positions at NNPC in which over 80 percent of the corporation’s management was selected from the North, while none was taken

from the South Eastern zone of the country.

The string of big ticket contracts and high profile appointments, ac-

cording to the minister, were not cleared with the board of NNPC as required by the law.

to stick to its earlier disavowal of restructuring or any other form of political engineering that would change the status quo.

“The National Assembly had long ago read the President’s body language and acted in agreement with him that restructuring is not in the interest of Nigeria’s ‘mainstream’ political establishment,” said Chijin-

du Ugwuadu, an Enugu-based media consultant and political commentator. “So, if the President has pushed restructuring to the National Assembly to handle, it is simply because he knows that his position, namely that there would no restructuring, is safe with the National Assembly.

What that means, according to Ugwuadu, is that the campaign for

restructuring may well have come to some grief—at least for the time being, if left entirely to the National Assembly to be, indeed, the sole determinant of its fate.

However, the communications expert believes that the cry for restructuring or any form of generally acceptable political re-engineering of Nigeria will get louder unless the powers that be take steps to accede to Nigerians’ clamour for it. “l want to ask why President Muhammadu Buhari himself has failed to revisit the reports of the National Conference of 2014,” Elder statesman, Tanko Yakassai quipped in a telephone chat with The Oracle Today. “l also do not see the National Assembly as it is currently constituted being able to go beyond what they did recently to amend some sections of the Constitution.”

Knocking proponents of restructuring for failing, in his view, to articulate their ideas on restructuring ideas in a ‘convincing’ manner, Yakassai stressed: “I am disturbed about the current confusion we have thrown the country into because of the call for restructuring. My worry is that those calling for it have not been convincing enough.”

However, the elder statesman reiterated his earlier call on President Buhari to look at the 2014 National Conference Reports “if he genuinely wants to make a difference.”

Although he is a lawmaker under whose purview Buhari’s charge to NASS to handle restructuring and other constitutional matters falls, Hon. Paul Nnajiofor, Enugu State House of Assembly Committee Chairman on Information is of the opinion that if President Buhari wants, he knows the right thing to do to make Nigeria united.

According to Nnajiofor, who represents Nkanu East constituency in the Enugu House: “Nigeria is not one--let us stop pretending about it.

NASS can’t save Nigeria Continued from Page 1 al Assembly, which had itself earlier thrown out a bill seeking to restructure the country.

Commentators who spoke to The Oracle Today believe that the President’s ‘new’ stance on restructuring was dictated by ‘absolute’ confidence in the National Assembly

Cont’d on page 47

Cont’d on page 47

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION Nnamdi Kanu not in our custody – DHQ T HE Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has stated that the various military operations going on across the country to deal with the various security challenges would be sustained. This is also as it dismissed reports that Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was in its custody.

Defence Spokesman, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche,

who disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja, Friday, also said that the exercises were being carried out by the armed forces not only to tackle the challenges but to train personnel, adding that they were being done in line with best international practices.

While further declaring the unalloyed loyalty of the military to the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces and the Constitution

of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Enenche urged the citizens not to be alarmed in the face of the presence of the military in almost all parts of the country.

He explained that they were assisting civil authorities to tackle emerging security threats, just as he noted that the emerging threats were not unexpected as the nation passes through various stages of development.

According to him, some

of the advanced countries have also passed these stages where their armed forces are called in to assist civil authorities to tackle security challenges.

On the whereabouts of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Enenche maintained he was not in custody of the military as being insinuated in some quarters.

On the quit notice issued

to the Igbo by Arewa youths to leave the Northern part of the country on or before October 1, he said that the issue had been addressed by the political leadership.

He, however, said that measures had been put in place to address any eventuality and assured the citizens that they were safe to live wherever they chose in the country to carry out their legitimate businesses.

Ortom assures Nigerian authors on 2017 confab A

By VICTOR NZE

FIVE-MAN delegation from the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) led by National President, Mallam Denja Abdullahi, Tuesday, stormed Makurdi, the Benue State capital city to assess facilities in place ahead of the association’s Annual International Convention scheduled for 26-29 October, 2017.

They were received at the ANA State Secretariat located on Number 34, former Alhaji Dash Building,Ankpa road, Makurdi by members of the Local Organising Committee for the convention.

Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Professor Idris Amali and his Vice, Professor Jerry Agada along with the Secretary, Dr. Raymond Anumve, Otse Otokpa, Dr.Tartule Tijah, Abo Abgochenu, State Chairman of ANA, Mr. Charles Iornumbe and Mrs. Dorcas Otalu among many others were on hand to receive the delegation at the ANA Benue Secretariat.

Receiving the delegation, LOC Chairman, Professor Idris Amali, who thanked the team for the visit, while also noting it would help in strengthening the commitment of members towards planning for success of the occasion., informed the visiting team that the LOC had put all the necessary machinery in place such as securing venues for activities, hotels and printed some pre-convention materials, among other things for them to make input and carried out advocacy visits to Individuals and groups to sensitise them about the convention.

Amali, who lectures at the Federal University Lafia, Nasarawa State, along with the Vice Chairman of the LOC and former National President of ANA, Professor Jerry Agada conveyed the Committee’s appreciation to State Governor Samuel Ortom for approving substantial funds for the hosting of the convention in the face of the tough economic situation.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and ICT, Mr. Tahav Agerzua was also on

hand at the Secretariat to welcome the National Officials of ANA during which he reaffirmed Governor Ortom’s commitment to the Writers’ body, urging members to continue to develop the knowledge base of the State as the world ‘could partly survive through ideas.’

Thereafter, the National Officials proceeded to hold a meeting with members of the LOC at the Hotel Bobec Makurdi where the template for the event already developed was presented and considered with improvements made, corrections effected and approvals granted to some proposals.

On the second day, the National Officials embarked on a tour of facilities where hotels identified were visited. The team also visited the JS Tarka Foundation where the arrival cocktail and Convention Play is expected to hold on the first and second days of the convention, respectively.

The team equally visited the Auditorium of the College of Health Science, Benue State University, Makurdi to assess the venue for the Convention’s Grand Opening Ceremony.

The tour was rounded off with a visit to the Royal Choice Inn, the proposed venue for registration of delegates to the convention during which the 1000 capacity hall proposed for the dinner and award night was also visited.

Addressing members of the LOC at the Presidential Wing of the Royal Choice Inn, Makurdi, Mallam Abdullahi who expressed satisfaction with the facilities proposed for the convention, stated that ‘in view of the difficult times, it would be better to plan the convention within the means of available resources in order not incur over bloated expenses in the end that would cause the LOC sleepless nights.’

He further advised ANA members against late registration, pointing out that those in the habit of attending conventions and registering on the spot would be doing so this year ‘at their own peril.’

“This year is an election year, those coming for the convention must get registered on time as adequate preparations would be made for them, and those in the habit of coming for conventions to gatecrash, would suffer the consequences of their action,” Mallam Denja noted.

Denja equally expressed appreciation at the gesture of the Benue State Government for approving funds to support the Association to host the convention and expressed hope that the funds

would be released early to enable the LOC put everything in place before the event.

“It is one thing to approve funds, it is another to ensure their earlier release, we have had situations whereby funds are released a day to our convention which adversely affected planning. But with the commitment shown by your State Governor, we are optimistic that he will release the funds on time so that the best convention ever would take place in Benue,” Denja maintained.

Chairman of the LOC, Pro-

fessor Idris Amali had earlier while receiving the National Officials, assured them of a unique convention in Benue next Month, stating that the Committee under him cannot afford to fail in that regard, just as he thanked the Benue State Chapter of ANA for the confidence reposed in him.

The ANA National delegation was made up of the Legal Adviser, Isaac Ogezi, the Secretary Dr. Ofonime Iyang, Treasurer Mr. Ikhechi Owabie and the Public Relations Officer (South) Mr. Olatunbosun Taofeek.

INEC to

release Ekiti, Osun polls timetable

T

he Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will soon to release the timetable for Ekiti and Osun gubernatorial elections coming up in 2018.

At a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), Thursday in Abuja, the National Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said that INEC had started preparations for the elections in the two states.

“The end-of-tenure governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states will be conducted next year. In keeping with the commission’s tradition of giving all stakeholders ample time to prepare, the timetable and schedule of activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections will be released on Thursday,” Yakubu said.

He added that INEC would on Saturday conduct bye-election in Eti-Osa state constituency in Lagos state.

“Only yesterday (Wednesday), we received the official declaration of vacancy by the Honourable Speaker House of Representatives for the Kware/ Wamakko Federal Constituency in Sokoto state. The timetable and schedule of activities for the election would be released, Tuesday.”

Yakubu said that as part of the preparation for 2019 general elections, which remained 505 days, the commission would continue to explore ways by which all processes associated with Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were improved upon.

He said that so far 2,786,405 citizens have registered in ongoing CVR exercise of which 1,619,513 representing 58 per cent were males while 1,166,892 (42 per cent) were females.

“In addition, 108,752 unclaimed permanent voters’ cards were collected.

The commission has also recorded 132,431 requests for transfer from original places of registration to new locations. We also received 261,429 requests for replacement of PVCs that were damaged, defaced or wrong entries of personal and other details.”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

NEWS ACROSS THE NATION

FG reassures on 2nd Niger Bridge completion

F

EDERAL Government has re-stated its resolve to complete work on the second Niger Bridge as well as other projects in the South-East zone.

Vice-President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo who gave the assurance during a funeral mass for late Mrs Roseline Akabueze, the mother of Mr Ben Akabueze, the Director-General, Budget Office, Abuja at St Gabriel Catholic Church, Ifitedunu, Anambra State, explained that President Muhammadu Buhari was committed to completing every federal project in the South East especially the bridge.

“President Buhari went to China to negotiate with them about the second Niger Bridge and East-West road,” he said, adding that everything have also been put in place to ensure the completion of Enugu-Onitsha expressway.

Osinbajo urged the National Assembly to consider and accommodate all the federal pro-

jects during their deliberations.

He re-stated that one of the cardinal principles of Buhari administration was fairness, which according to him has offered every political zone the opportunity to benefit from his government.

Also speaking, Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano recalled that the Ifitedunu Community had benefited immensely from his administration, especially in the area of appointments, as he urged the people to apply for the second phase of his N20 million community “Choose your Project” initiative, which is geared toward developing every community simultaneously as well as empowering the youths.

Dignitaries present included; the Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige, Minister for Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udo Udoma. Others were Minister of Industry, Trade and • Newly-appointed Nigeria’s Ambassador to Sao Tome and Principe, (Mrs) Queen Imaria Worlu, (l) being reInvestment, Dr Okey Enelama, ceived by President of the country, Mr. Evaristo Carvalho, after presenting her Letters of Credence, last Thursday. and Sen. Uche Ekwunife.

Quackery, poor remuneration threaten healthcare

T

HE Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has declared that quackery and poor remuneration of healthcare professionals remain the bane of the country’s healthcare system, even as the body urged the National Assembly to urgently review the Act establishing the Council so as to tighten regulations and serve as a potent deterrent.

National Secretary of the University Graduates of Nursing Science Association (UGONSA), Mr Goodluck Nshi, who disclosed this in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, Friday, noted further that the subject also informed deliberations by the Council during its National Professional Conference and Scientific Update of the University Graduates of Nursing Science Association (UGONSA) in Ibadan.

“Bringing the hammer hard on quacks and quackery with every sense of seriousness and implementing a non-discriminatory welfare and emolument package for healthcare professionals is necessary to put our health system on the path of greatness again.

“A critical study of the establishment Act of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria shows that in the fight against quackery in Nursing and Midwifery practice, the established legal framework for Nursing education and practice is rather a critical enabler of quackery

than a deterrent.

“The provisions of the Act regarding punishment for offences such as unauthorised practice without registration, employment of an unregistered person to practice as nurse or midwife and forgery of the council’s documents such as practicing license need to be thoroughly reviewed and strictly implemented.

“First, the Act in its Section 20 stated that the Courts where cases of quackery should be tried are those lower than the High Court, which in my humble understanding can be Magistrate or Customary court. Secondly, the Act prescribed the penalty for those tried and convicted of quackery as a fine not exceeding N1,000 for individuals or N2,000 for corporate bodies or a prison term not exceeding two years.

“The term `not exceeding’, as far as I am concerned, is a caricature and mockery of the fight against quackery because it creates obvious loop holes that have been perennially exploited by offenders and trial judges,” he said.

According to him, an amount not exceeding N2, 000 or N1,000 as the case may be can be N1.50k and a duration not exceeding two years can be 30 seconds or one hour, depending on the discretion of the trial judge.

He said that the act needed to be reviewed so that stiffer punish-

ment would be introduced to meet the exigency of time.

“This will improve the quality of nursing services in the country since nurses are the single largest, most visible and most effective health personnel in all healthcare facilities.

Unlike the developed world where cases of quackery are given wider publicity and tried in a higher court, here, quackery (a crime against humanity, whose punishment should be commensurate and hefty) is not considered grievous enough to deserve trial at our high courts despite that quacks, through malpractices and medical errors, kill and maim Nigerians every day.

“The slap-on-the-wrist punishments prescribed by the Act have

emboldened defaulters to keep defaulting. Little wonders most private hospitals and Churches have continued to constitute themselves into quack breeding centres with unbridled impunity.’’

This has not come by accident but through the almost fanatical single-minded pursuit of excellence by the International Committee of AFRIMA and its partners across the world. The challenge is to continue to raise the standards with every edition of the programme so that Africa will be proud of its own home grown award and rewarding scheme. Congratulations to the Art and entertainment capital of Africa as we all look forward to another exhilarating experience in Lagos”.

In partnership with the AU, the 2017 All Africa Music Awards will hold in Lagos, with main events as follows: The Africa Music Business Roundtable (November 10), a platform for engagement on music, money and evolving business practices in the continent.

Other events are the AFRIMA Music Village (November 10), an evening of non-stop open music festival of live performances from African stars and nominees, with an audience of 40,000 people, and the Main Awards Ceremony (November 12), a world-class event with live performances and television broadcast to 84 countries on 109 television stations around the world.

By VICTOR NZE

Host City rights of the 2016 edition of AFRIMA and showcased the megacity’s international repute as one of the fastest growing destinations in the world through a spectacular hosting of hundreds of international delegates who poured into Lagos for the awards events between November 4 and November 6, 2016.

The AU has also reiterated its eagerness to sustain the partnership with Lagos State towards the 2017 edition of Africa’s biggest music event in a letter with reference no: DSA/CUL/16/1233.17 signed by the Commissioner of Social Affairs, African Union, Amira Elfadil to the Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode.

In her letter, AU’s Commissioner of Social Affairs congratulated the governor and people of Lagos State on the 50th anniversary of Lagos State while also appreciating the megacity for the prideinspiring hosting of AFRIMA 2016.

“Following the successful hosting of AFRIMA last year to the pride of the continent, we again request for the partnership of Lagos State as the Official Host City of the AFRIMA 2017 events for the purpose of showcasing the unique artistic, tourism and economic potentials of Africa’s

leading city and promoting its strengths to a global audience for competitiveness,” the letter read.

The AU noted that it has awarded the AFRIMA host city rights to Lagos for the second time because the state has a clear and progressive ‘development agenda’ and a vision for tourism, culture and entertainment for Africans. ‘This is in line with ‘the AU Agenda 2063, the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance and the Plan of Action on Cultural and Creative Industries’ the AUC noted.

Reacting on behalf of the government of Lagos, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde said the state was honoured to play host to Africa for the 2016 AFRIMA events and look forward with a sense of responsibility to taking up the role of Official Host City for AFRIMA 2017.

“His Excellency, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is committed to undertaking developmental projects that contribute to the socioeconomic empowerment of the citizenry and the state. AFRIMA fits into the category of such initiatives that draw increased international attention to the cultural and artistic attractions of Lagos State.

Lagos ready to host AFRIMA 2017

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AGOS State has announced its readiness to stage the 2017 edition of the African Union (AU) 4th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) following the award of the hosting rights to Nigeria for the next three editions of the event.

AFRIMA holds from November 9 to 12 in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC).

This development comes on the heels of the successful outing of Lagos when it won the Official

Edo sacks perm sec over exam budget fraud

E

do Government has announced the sacking of the Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Youth and Special Duties, Dr. Osayuware Idahosa, over allegations of doctoring the budget for the conduct of primary school examination.

The government also announced the suspension of three officials involved in the alleged scandal, estimated to be N283 million.

The decision announced by the Commissioner for Communications and Orientation, Mr Paul Ohonbamu, was the outcome of an extraordinary session of the State Executive Council.

State Governor Godwin Obaseki had earlier vowed to unmask person who sent a N283 million request for the conduct of primary school examination in the state, which was eventually conducted at the cost of N30 million.

Ohonbamu said that the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, submitted a report of the panel of enquiry on the conduct of the 2016/2017 Primary School Leaving Certificate Examination and after due consideration of findings and recommendations, the council discussed and arrived at the decision.

He said that Idahosa was Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Education at the time the alleged fraud was committed and was referred to the State Civil Service Commission for appropriate action, according to the rules and guidelines of the service. The three other officers involved in the alleged fraud are Barr. S. A. Erhunmwunse Edokpayi, Mrs. E.I. Ero-Ugiagbe and Mr. Lucky Adagbonyin. He said that the exco resolved that they should proceed on indefinite suspension without pay and their case forwarded to the State Civil Service Commission for appropriate action.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

NEWS

Chidoka calls for additional State in the South East Cont’d from page 1

averred that there are no terrorists whatsoever in Igbo Land.

The United Progressive Party (UPP) governorship candidate for this November 18 Anambra governorship election made the call at the flagoff of his election campaign over the weekend at Amorka, Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State.

He said the choice of Amorka for the flag-off of his governorship campaign stemmed from the significance of Amorka/Uli Airport during the Biafran war, stating that the same God who saved Ndigbo and helped them survive starvation/death because of the relief materials brought by foreign missionaries through the Amorka/Uli Airport would help Ndigbo not to lose their share of entitlements from Nigeria. “ If you vote for me, my first agenda is to compel all our legislators both at the local government, state and national level to sign an agreement that would be forwarded to the national assembly telling them we need a 6th state in the South East... I will tour the 36 states, pleading with their Houses of Assembly to initiate a referendum for an additional state in the south-east after which we shall proceed to Abuja,” said Chidoka.

He pleaded with President Buhari to remember the oath he swore to treat every Nigerian as equal no matter their state of origin, insisting that Ndigbo are not terrorists and should not be branded as such.

“We are sending this message to the world that we have no terrorists in Igbo land and there would never be in the future. We call on the president today to rescind the Executive order he signed, and remove any group that he branded terrorists in IgboI formerly known as PATRICK CHUKWUNONSO JOHN now wish to be known as NWABUEZE CHUKWUNONSO JOHN. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and general public take note For your Change of Names, Public Notice & Announcements Please call: 08037029702 08036682255 09078310060 Or Visit our office at: 116 Awka Road, Onitsha.

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Abuja Office: 1st Floor, Plateau House, Central Business District, Abuja, FCT.

land because we are not terrorists,” Chidoka declared to tumultuous applause.

Chidoka asked the Igbo youths who are aggrieved by the situation in Nigeria that the war to be fought would no longer be on the streets but through intelligent calculations, industry and fear of God. “UPP will ask for equality in Nigeria. UPP will ask for a 6th state in south east. UPP will ensure that self-determination is the right of any group and we shall make that happen in Nigeria. We shall no longer fight in the street but from our own our Government House, State House of Assembly, National Assembly to make sure that the voice of Ndigbo are heard in Nigeria. It would be a war of Uche, Uchu and Egwu Chineke • The Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha Most Rev Dr Val Maduka Okeke and Priests in attendance during his Pastoral visit to St and we shall triumph because Anthony of Padua Parish Nkpor, Anambra State. Photo Modestus Igudobi we have the wellwithal,” Chidoka said He further called on federal government to abolish I formerly known as ALAFUNA I formerly known as I formerly known as MISS I formerly known as EZEMA the use of state of origin but OSOAGBAKWUEKE PEACE OKAFOR UJU M. now ROSEMARY now wish to IFEOMA EUCHARIA now employ the use of place of UKAMAKA now wish to be wish to be known as MRS be known as ALAEFUNE wish to be known as IFEOMA residence. This Chidoka said known as JOSEPH PEACE IGBONEKWU UJU ONYEKACHI ROSEMARY. EUCHARIA EZEME. All former would promote equality and UKAMAKA. All former docuMATILDA. All former docuAll former documents remain documents remain valid. remove impunity in Nigeria. ments remain valid. Banks and ments remain valid. Banks valid. Banks and general public Banks and general public “We would rebuild Angeneral public take note and general public take note take note take note ambra State and tell federal government of Nigeria if they This is to certify that OKONKWO I formerly known as ONONUJU I formerly known as EDEH I formerly known as CHIMEZIE want us to remain one to abolIJEOMA EMILIA, MBAMALU ELIZABETH, now wish to be ABUCHI PAUL now wish to IJEOMA OKPALA now wish to ish the use of state of origin IJEOMA ANN and MBAMALU known and addressed as be known as EDEH but use the place of residence be known as OMELU CHIMEZIE CHIMNEHEREM CYNTHIA refer to ONONUJU OGECHI ELIZABETH. MADUABUCHI PAUL. All forfor Nigerians. We the Igbo AUGUSTINA. All former docuone and same person, now wish to All former documents remain mer documents remain valid. have voted for Nigeria with be known as OKEKE IJEOMA ANN. ments remain valid. Banks and valid. Banks and General public Banks and general public our feet. We live and have All former documents remain valid. general public take note take note take note Banks and general public take note invested in all parts of the country. We are the only true Nigerians and we shall make I formerly known as MISS I formerly known as MBONU I formerly known as SULE I formerly known as BELLO Nigeria work for all of us. NothENUGHOBI IFEOMA now SABINA EKENE now wish to PAULINE now wish to be GARBA AUDU now wish to ing is wrong with Chukwue- be known as ANYANWUMELU wish to be known as MRS known as SULE EHI be known as GARBA BELLO meka who lives and schooled MBADUGHA IFEOMA. All FIDELIS ANIKWE. All former PAULINE. All former docuABDULLAHI. All former docuin Kebbi all his life not getting documents remain valid. Banks former documents remain ments remain valid. Banks ments remain valid. Banks and treated as an indigene of Kevalid. Banks and general and general public take note and general public take note general public take note bbi while Musa who lives and public take note schooled in Onitsha should be seen as indigene of the state.

I formerly known as I formerly known as BLESSING I formerly known as I formerly known as NZE It is not okay to tell them to go OKWUEKWU OLUGBUE ONYEBUCHI SUNDAY ANENE URAMA now wish to IFUNANYA CATHERINE now back to their states of origin if AMOKEOYISE now wish to be CHRISTIANA now wish to be wish to be known and be known as BLESSING ANENE known as ONWUEKWU they are seeking admission or known as ONYEISI SUNDAY. addressed as OFFIAH CHUKWUMA. All former docuOLUEBUBE CHRISTIANA. anything. It is bad, evil and un- All former documents remain IFUNANYA CATHERINE. All All former documents remain ments remain valid. Banks and acceptable,” the former Corps valid. Banks and general public former documents remain valid. Banks and general Marshall said. general public take note take note valid. General public take note. public take note

CHANGE OF NAME

This is to certify that RT. HON HILARY E.C UDEBUALA, UDEBUALA HILARY EZEORJI and EZEORJI HILARY CHUKWUMA refers to one and same person now wish to be known as UDEBUALA EZEORJI CHUKWUMA HILARY. All former documents remain valid Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as UGAH CAROLINE EKWUTOSI now wish to be known as UCHEGBU CAROLINE EKWUTOSI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as AKALUSI CHINENYE EMMANUELA now wish to be known as EMMANUEL CHINENYE ADAOBI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as OKEKE GLADYS OBIAGELI now wish to be known as OKECHUKWU GLADYS OBIAGELI. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and general public take note

This is to certify that my name was wrongly written as ADIGWE ROSEJANE MAGARET instead of ADIGWE ROSEJANE OGOAMAKA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

This is to certify that NWANKWO CHRISTOPHER ONYEKA and NWANKWO CHRISTOPHER is one and same person now wish to be known as NWANKWO CHRISTOPHER ONYEKA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as OKOYE REGINA OBIORA now wish to be known as OKOYE REGINA OBIOMA. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as OTOZI IJEOMA JOY now wish to be known as OKEKE IJEOMA JOY. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as UBAH VICTORIA OBIAGELI now wish to be known as OCHUBA VICTORIA OBIAGELI. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as OKPATU CELESTINA IFEOMA now wish to be known as NWEZE CELESTINA IFEOMA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as AJODO AJUMA GIFT now wish to be known as AJODO AJUMA ELE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

This is to certify that NWEZEH UZOCHUKWU JULIET, NWEZEH UZOCHUKWU LYNDA and LYNDA UZOCHUKWU NWEZEH is one and same person now wish to be known as NZEZEH UZOCHUKWU JULIET. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as MISS OBIAKU CECILIA OBIANUJU now wish to be known as MRS AJUOGU GLORY OBIANUJU. All former documents remain valid Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as EMMANUEL MARAJAH DIMARANZE now wish to be known as EMMANUEL MARAJAH DIM. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as WILLIAMS CHIBUIKE now wish to be known as ONYEAGHANA CHIBUIKE WILLIAMS. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as OBELE SUNDAY now wish to be known as OBELE SUNDAY IDEANYI. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as PETER JOHN now wish to be known as JOHN PETER OKO. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as MKPUME OLUCHUKWU VERONICA now wish to be known as OKEKE OLUCHUKWU VERONICA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as ONYEDIKACHUKWU UCHE GLORIA now wish to be known as MBAKOGU UCHE GLORY. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

I formerly known as OKAFOR OBIDIKE ALEX now wish to be known as OKAFOR OBIDIKE ALEXANDER. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public take note

6

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

NEWS From OZOR KAMSIYO, Nsukka

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s the ember months herald the approach of Christmas, kidnappers in the university town of Nsukka and environs appear to have upped their game in an apparent bid to cash in on the active months to carry out their nefarious act of abduction for ransom.

In Udenu local government area, Enugu State, a five-man gang of kidnapers operating in a dark-red Volkswagen car with registration number KWL 12 AM invaded the house of a Shell oil company retiree and bundled him into their waiting vehicle and sped off to an unknown destination.

The victim, identified simply as Romanus Eze, who hailed from ImilikeAni in Udenu, was said to be getting ready to travel to Enugu when the kidnappers pounced on him and whisked him away in the very presence of his wife who stood motionless as her husband was forced into the car by unknown gunmen.

A dependable source told The Oracle Today that Eze was blind-folded and hands and legs tied after he had been beaten mercilessly.

However, luck ran out on the kidnappers after the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Obollo-Afor, respond-

Kidnappers besiege Nsukka, Udenu Councils • Police foil attempt, rescue victims • Two arrested

ing to distress call, immediately sent officers of the police mobile squad, aided by local vigilante men, after the kidnappers.

It was gathered that of the five kidnappers, two hailed from the same area as the victim while the other three suspects were allegedly hired from different communities in Nsukka Local Government Area for the shoddy kidnap operation.

The suspects were idetified as Ejike Ozonta, Chukwueuka Nwagwu, Cyril Amechi, Izuchukwu Agbo and Tochukwu Onuora.

Sources said the kidnappers rammed into atree as they were escaping from the police, an incident, which compelled them to abandon their car and the victim and take to their heels.

The sources said the three kidnappers from Imilike who are familiar with the pathways in the area managed to escape while the ones

brought from outside the community were left roaming the bush paths in an attempt to an escape route before the police, through the assistance of local vigilante operatives, who continued searching for the kidnappers hours after the operation, apprehended two at different locations in the area.

The Oracle Today investigations revealed that the two arrested over the incident include Izuchukwu Agbo and Tochukwu Onuora while othersescaped.

In a similar development, police officers of the Nsukka Area Command have reportedly rescued another kidnap victim who was abducted along Edem/Nrobo Road off Adani/ Nsukka highway, while returning from Adani in Uzo Uwani Local Government Area, Enugu State.

The victim Mr John Nwali, from Abakiliki town in Ebonyi State, told The Oracle Today that he was re-

turning from Adani in company of one Simon Nwiboji and his wife Ozioma Nwiboji in his blue Mercedes Benz V-booth car when kidnappers accosted them.

He said that the two-man gang of abductors jumped out from the bush with AK 47 riffles, blocked the road, shattered one of his back tyres and ordered him to lie face down on the ground.

Thereafter, he said, the gunmen dragged him into bush path where he was tied to a tree till police traced and rescued him “I was abducted around 8am on Thursday, tied to a tree from that time till 2.30pm when policemen in their numbers combed the bush and rescued me. The police traced the footprints of the hoodlums till they arrived where I was tied to a tree, and blind-folded. I was shouting ‘what I have done to deserve the treatment’ but the hoodlums con-

tinued beating me unrepentantly,’’ he said.

He said that the kidnappers abandoned him on the tree when they started hearing noise of the team of policemen and fled into the bush while he cashed on their escape to shout on top of his voice for help.

Both Mr and Mrs Nwiboji said that they were rough handled by the kidnappers who after thorough beating collected their handsets and cash of N25, 000 realised from the sales of their goods at Adani.

Confirming the incidents the Area commander, Nsukka police commandSteve Yabanet (ACP) said he was in a meeting with all the DPOs in the zonal command when he received a distress call that there were shootings along Edem axis and he quickly mobilized all the patrol teams together with vigilantes and moved to the area where the victim was rescued unhurt.

IPAC to fight rigging in Abia in 2019 From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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he Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has girded its loins to fight rigging in Abia State during the 2019 general elections.

The re-elected chairman of IPAC, Abia State chapter, Prince Emeka Okafor, who gave the assurance in Umuahia, said the group would give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) maximum support and cooperation to conduct credible polls whose outcomes must reflect the wishes of the masses.

Okafor who spoke to The Oracle Today shortly after his re-election, said IPAC would do everything possible to ensure that 2019 elections in Abia would the best ever, in a bid to move the state away from its current image as a state known for electoral litigations.

“The purpose for the formation of IPAC is to cooperative with INEC to ensure free and fair elections,” he said.

“Based on this, we have to ensure that the next election in Abia, with the help of God and the present Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Joseph Iloh, who has promised that he is going to do everything possible to ensure free and fair elections, we are going to give him the maximum cooperation to succeed so that there will be a different story in Abia, that anyone that would emerge from the polls would be the choice of the masses,” Okafor, a former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, added.

“So, for the next one year, I want to ensure Abians that we will give our best to make sure that we get it right.”

He said IPAC is already working to achieve this lofty having prevailed on INEC to create more registration centres to make it possible for more people who would be eligible to vote in the 2019 polls to be registered in the State in the on-going Continuous Voter Registration.

• Rev. Fr. Charles Onyenmuo, Very Rev. Fr. Ezenmuo with the members of newly installed Onitsha Archdiocesan Mayors. Photo: Emma Ihemeje From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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here are indications that donor communities in Ikwuano and Umuahia South Local Government Areas of Abia State are at loggerheads with the federal government over the appointment of a new Executive Director for the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike.

Traditional rulers of Ikwuano and their counterparts from the nine host communities of the institute have appealed to the federal government not to appoint Prof.

Hilary Edeoga as the Executive Director of NRCRI. The NRCRI top job became vacant in June.

It was learnt that Edeoga, the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the adjoining Michael Okpara University of Agriculture (MOUAU), Umudike, applied for the plum job and is said to have been shortlisted for consideration.

But in their reaction, traditional

Host communities, FG on collision course over appointment of ED for Research Institute

rulers of the NRCRI host communities have voiced their opposition to Edeoga’s headship of the institute through two petitions sent to the appointing authority, the Executive Secretary of the Abujabased Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria.

In their separate petitions, the two bodies said that rather than give Edeoga a new job, the federal government should his tenure as VC of MOUAU. Traditional Rulers of Land Donors, in their petition dated September 21, 2017, copied to the Acting Secretary to the Federal Government, Attorney-General of the Federation, Minister of Agriculture and Abia State governor, among others, accused Edeoga of “lack of respect” for their land while serving as Vice Chancellor of MOUAU. While dissociating themselves

from Edeoga’s bid, the monarchs declared: “Let it be placed on record that Prof. Edeoga’s appointment shall be subjected to continuous and unabated, if not spontaneous reactions with its devastating potentials.”

The alleged that their communities experienced untold hardship while Edeoga lasted as VC of MOUAU, and as such, they would not want him to head NRCRI and urged the appointing authorities to listen to their appeal.

Among traditional rulers who endorsed the petition are Eze Christopher Ejirika, Eze G.C.Onwuka, Eze Larry Agwu and Eze S.N.Ubani.

Others are Eze C.E. Ironsi, Eze Ben Oriaku, Eze J.P. Anyaegbu and Eze Prof. Innocent Ezeala.

In another petition, the Ikwuano Council of Traditional Rulers said they would not want the existing peace in their locality to be shat-

tered and called on the Executive Secretary of Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria to discontinue considering Edeoga’s who they accused of “desecrating” their land by removing traditional injunction (omu).

The petition endorsed by Eze C.U.Ejirika, Eze Larry Agwu and Eze A.O.Nwagwu, stated that relationship between the people of Ikwuano and Edeoga was “gravely strained” on account of his alleged indifference to progress, development and peace of Ikwuano.

Edeoga could not be reached for his reaction as he did not pick calls or respond to text messages sent to his mobile line.

However, a source close to the former Vice Chancellor said the gang up against him stemmed from envy.

7

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

NEWS

Umuola Okpulo identifies health centre, town hall as priorities

From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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he people of Umuola Okpulo Autonomous Community in Aba North Local Government Area have identified renovation of their town hall, replacement of their transformer and renovating or building a new health centre in the area as the pressing needs of the community.

The community is also pressing for release of some portions of their land acquired by government, an action they said has deprived indigenes of farming opportunities.

These four priorities were listed during a town hall meeting attended by 50 indigenes where 20 persons, comprising 10 males and 10 females, were elected to form the Community Consultative Committee, which would drive efforts to realize the identified projects.

How gunmen killed Sun Newspaper sales rep in Onitsha – eyewitnesses

By THEO RAYS

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t a time Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State is receiving plaudits for ensuring adequate security in the State, unidentified gunmen early Monday morning took the commercial city of Onitsha by storm at the office of the Sun Newspapers located along the popular Old Market Road robbed and shot dead the sales representative, Mr. Fabian Obi. According to eyewitnesses, the armed robbers numbering three operated on a motorcycle when they went straight to the office and demanded money from the sales rep, which he reportedly handed over to them but they still turned back and shot Mr. Obi three times

on the left shoulder.

An eyewitness who spoke on the condition of anonymity told The Oracle Today that the gunmen who were dressed all-black attires with face caps to match, came at about 9.am and held Mr. Obi and his assistant along with one vendor who came to make deposits of sales in the office, hostage.

According to him, “we were in the office with the deceased when the two tall young gunmen came upstairs while the other one was waiting and standing by on motorcycle at the front of the office.” “Immediately they came in, they went straight to the sales representative and shouted ‘where is the money’?

“I am sure they saw some money on the table because he was collect-

ing money from the vendors who were retuning money and unsold papers,” the eyewitness said.

“The man (Obi) handed over the money to them and stood up and was following them out of the office, may be to run away or to close door when the gunmen turned back and shouted at him to ‘go back and sit down. The next thing we heard were gunshots fire at the late Obi three times on his left shoulder and back and he fell by the door.”

“After shooting Obi, the gunmen quickly went down to the waiting motorcycle and zoomed off. I had to run out shouting help, help before some people came and we carried him to the vehicle. He was still breathing a bit; we took him first to New Hope Hospital at Modebe

Izuwa urges Abians to assist govt empower youths From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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The meeting held at the Palace of the traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Eze (Elder) Samuel Azuka Ogbonna, on September 22, that is last month, was specifically called to identify the urgent needs of the community and seek ways of meeting such needs, as part of the Sustained Citizen Participation (SCP) programme.

The programme, funded by the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) and implemented in Nigeria by Afrihealth Optonet Association, a non-governmental organization, serves as a platform for communities to engage governments on sustainable basis such that they could identify their problems and participate actively in their execution.

The Senatorial representative of Afrihealth, Mrs Chinyere Ozuigbo commended the people for their interest in the SCP project but stressed that realization of the projects would depend on their commitment.

A representative of Home for the Sick and Needy Foundation, the sub-Implementer, Mabel Nnanna, explained to the community that the projects would be categorized into long, medium and short-term depending on their cost implications.

Nnanna also informed the gathering that the projects could be executed by the government, organizations or wealth individuals, adding that the Consultative Committee would play active roles in sourcing those that would fund the projects and equally supervise the execution.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Comrade Ugochukwu Macaulay commended Afrihealth for choosing the area for the project and pledged the commitment of the community to realizing the identified projects.

Street Onitsha where he was immediately referred to St. Charles Boromeo Hospital but before we got to the hospital, he gave up the ghost.

“We took him to the emergency ward where he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty who also told us to take his body to the morgue where it was deposited.”

The Commander in charge of Onitsha Police Area Command Mr. Abubukar Yahaya, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Central Police Station Onitsha Mr. Ikechukwu Egbochukwu, a Superintendent of Police, were at the scene of the incident and also visited the hospital before he was deposited at the morgue.

• HRH Igwe Ezekwesili Maduagwuna of Awba-Ofemmili exchanging pleasantries with Roland Odegbo of Nteje at the Gov Willie Obiano campaign flag off

Agbami Parties boost science education in Abia From BONIFACE OKORO, Umuahia

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cience education in Abia State has received a boost with the handing over of an ultramodern science laboratory built by oil firms operating in the Agbami Field, to Ibeku High School.

The firms include Star Deepwater Petroleum Ltd (a Chevron company), Famfa Oil Nigeria Ltd, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Statoil Nigeria Ltd and Petroleo Brasileiro Nigeria Ltd. At the handover ceremony, the companies maintained that the gesture was to promote science education and make it affordable.

“Today’s event represents the resolve of the Agbami Parties to improving the availability and affordability of quality education to Nigerians.

“The science laboratory, which we are about to hand over is expected to have a huge impact on the students because it will provide them up-to-date science laboratory equipment for undertaking experiments and for writing their examinations,” said the Director of Star Deepwater Petroleum, Mr

Richard Kennedy, represented by Sam Otuonye, the Manager, Policy, Government and Public Relations.

Government Relations Manager of Petroleo Baisiliero, Merg Irozuru, said the laboratory was to support government’s effort at improving standard of education, in order to equip the children with the capacity to face the challenges of tomorrow.

“As they say, the future of a nation is determined by how well educated the youth are and we believe that by supporting the government to give good education to our youth, we are not only fulfilling our corporate social responsibility to the people, but also helping to build leaders of tomorrow,” she said.

On behalf of Famfa Oil Ltd, Obinna Iheonu said the company, through the Agbami Parties project, was collaborating with stakeholders to add value to quality education and excellent healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

The Agbami Parties listed other projects they have implemented in Abia to include provision of fully equipped Chest Clinic at Abia

Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Amachara, offering of Agbami Medical and Engineering Professional scholarships to1,067 Abia indigenes since 2009 while 119 indigenes also benefitted from the NNPC/CNL JV scholarships between 2014 and 2016.

Similar projects, they added, were being replicated nationwide, as deliberate, strategic plans by the Agbami Parties in promoting better life for Nigerians.

Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, commended the Agbami Partners for lifting education standards in the State and charged the staff and students of the School to put the laboratory to efficient use.

Ikpeazu promised to provide the school with standby generating set and a security officer which the principal, Ojike Kalu Ojike had earlier requested from the state government.

Elated Ojike thanked the parties for choosing his school for the project and assured that they would make good use of it.

Lagos-based businessman, Chief (Dr) Izuwa Nwogu, says time has come for the wealthy in Abia State to support the State government in providing empowerment for youths of the State.

Izuwa said the clarion call has become necessary to curb rising unemployment, which he described as a time bomb.

Speaking at Omoba, headquarters of Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area during the OVI/ YSFON Independence Cup competition, Izuwa said he sponsored the competition as a way of contributing to converting the potentials of the youths into meaningful endeavours.

“The government can’t do everything. We have to assist the government. I call on wealth individuals and organization to team up with government in providing empowerment for our youths,” he said.

“By providing use ventures for the youths, you turn their minds away from evil inclinations, that is what I have done today,” he added.

Izuwa said he decided to host the competition in honour of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for appointing him into his cabinet as Senior Special Assistant on Housing.

In his remarks, chairman of the occasion, Chief Darlington Nwokocha noted that the competition was an avenue to carry the youths along and commended Izuwa “for doing tremendously well,” urging him to keep the flag flying.

Nwokocha, a member of the House of Representatives representing Isiala Ngwa North and Isisala Ngwa South Federal Constituency, was represented by his Chief of Staff, High Chief Iheanyi Achoromadu.

During the football match, Isiala Ngwa North football team scored a lone goal in the 38th minute of play to beat their Isiala Ngwa South challengers.

The winners were presented with a giant trophy and N100, 000 cash prize, while the Isiala Ngwa South also got a trophy and N50, 000 cash prize.

8

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

NEWS

Okowa calls for more in elective positions for women From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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elta State governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has called for the election of more women into various positions of authority in the polity.

Addressing stakeholders of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State at Delta North Senatorial District during a meeting held at Akwukwu-Igbo, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, the governor said women play vital roles during elections and should be en-

couraged to contest for elective positions.

“We should encourage women to contest for elective positions; the women are very supportive of the electioneering process but it is unfortunate that when it comes to fielding candidates for elections, they are ignored,” he said.

He urged every local government area in the state to field at least three women in different positions for the elections, reiterating that the PDP as a party is gender-friendly and as such

should be visible in the number of women who are contesting for positions.

The governor also urged members of the party to avoid any form of discrimination against those who joined them from the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff faction of the party or those who moved to the PDP from other political parties.

He said: “There is only one PDP; there should be no discrimination.

Many people have also come to join us from the APC (All Progressives

Congress); we should embrace them, treat them without discrimination and woo those who are yet to join us to do so.”

He disclosed that getting everyone to be on the PDP platform is necessary, asserting, “we are sure of winning in elections but, with what margin? We need to strengthen our party, get more persons, make it such that we are capable of standing strong.”

He thanked the leadership of the party in Delta North Senatorial District for the regular meeting of the party in

the area.

Earlier, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, Hon. Amaechi Mrakpor and others who spoke at the occasion expressed confidence that the PDP is doing well in the state.

Chairmen of the party in different local government councils in the district gave reports of how the party is faring in their areas while the party’s North senatorial district chairman, Mr Moses Iduh thanked Governor Okowa for making the party stronger through delivery of dividends of democracy.

ERA/FoEN applauds Conoil community for putting out fire on oil platform From CHRIS EZE, Yenagoa

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nvironmental Rights Action/ Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has commended youths of Akassa in Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State for putting out the fire on Conoil offshore platform, named Auntie Julie on September 29.

In a field report signed by Mr. Alagoa Morris, Head of its Field Operations, ERA/FoEN and made available in Yenagoa on Tuesday, it quoted the Chairman, Community Development Committee (CDC) of Sangana area of Akassa, Mr Benjamin Ayibatonye as saying that community youths mobilized and put out the fire when a distress call to Chevron fire fighters failed to respond.

“Actually, at the end of the day, it was not the Chevron people who came and put off the fire.

“One Ene Owei, a fire fighter from Sangana community at about 9:00am on Friday, went to Aunty Julie, Conoil platform with a team of boys from the community to fight the fire and, did so for about two hours and was able to put the fire off at about 11:00am on the platform.

“It was in the presence of Engineer

Oma, the Operational Manager of Conoil and one Mr. Bello Bina, who flew in helicopter to the platform.

“Thereafter, the team of boys was appreciated with a token of N1.5 million as a way of saying, well done by Engineer Oma”, ERA/FoEN quoted the CDC Chairman as saying.

Owei who led the community youths to put out the fire it was gathered is a fire fighter and works with the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) who was on off duty and in his community when this incident happened.

ERA/FoEN noted that the role played by Owei and other youths of Sangana community is highly commendable; not only for their bravery but considering the frosty relations between oil companies and their host communities.

“This is a positive example of community assistance to oil operations.

This is quite exemplary and worthy of commendation” ERA/FoEN stated.

The group however urged the oil firm and oil industry regulators to immediately constitute a Joint Investigation Team to conduct a Joint Investigation Visit with a view to unravelling the cause of the fire incident.

Don’t elect vengeful, vindictive leaders in 2019 – Anglican Bishop warns From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar

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he Anglican Bishop of the Anglican Communion Calabar, Rt. Rev. Tunde Adeleye has advised Nigerians against electing, in the 2019 general elections, leaders who are vindictive and vengeful.

Rather, he said, Nigerians should elect leaders who are “prepared to found a new Nigeria with a new structure because the present unitary structure is uncomfortable and not yielding results.”

Bishop Adeleye who is also the Chairman of Christian Council of Nigeria, South South Zone/Cross River Council made the call in Calabar during a State of the Nation Briefing as part of activities to mark the 2017 Synod of the Anglican Communion in Cross River.

The Bishop also reaffirmed his call for restructuring of the country stressing that until Nigeria practices true federalism, it may ground to a halt.

Restructuring, he maintained, has to do with “redressing problems of governance which will reduce marginalization, neglect, oppression and cheating of a particular area of land.”

“They should not be vengeful leaders. It is dangerous to have a vindictive leader. Such leaders kill the nation. They should also not be tribalistic. Nigeria consists of numerous nations and tribes. We are a fed-

eration of different tribes. The leaders should unite the people and not further divide us,” he stressed.

“On corruption, the war against corruption should be total and not selective. Political appointments should be equitably distributed in Nigeria. Government should be fair to all. It should not give all juicy political appointments to only a part of the country because that is corruption in itself,” he added, advising that “each area in the country should return to what they used to do – groundnut, hides and skin in the North; Cocoa in the West and palm oil in the East. It is corruption for the whole country to depend on one resource from only one part of the country.”

Bishop Adeleye, a former Chaplain of UNICAL’s Chapel of Redemption, admitted that corruption is endemic in the country and lamented that Nigeria is high among the corrupt nations in the world as acclaimed by the Transparency International.

He also affirmed his opposition to the Islamic Loan or SUKUK that has been obtained by the Federal Government for infrastructural development because the Nigerian Constitution states that Nigeria is a secular state, noting that CAN has always operated on the presumption that Nigeria is a secular state.

Otherwise, the Christian body would have thought of also floating such bonds as is presently being done, he stated.

• An overturned tanker loaded with gas at Ugwuonyeama along Enugu-Onitsha expressway. Photo Oliver Udeogu

50 years after Asaba Massacre: Indigenes set to hold ‘forgiveness anniversary’ From JONATHAN AWANYAI, Asaba

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HE people of Asaba will in October organise a healing and forgiveness anniversary to mark 50 years remembrance of the October 7 massacre of more than 700 men and boys of its people by the Nigerian troops in October 1967.

These were unarmed and defenceless indigenes of Asaba, who had trooped out to welcome Nigerian soldiers that had reclaimed the vital town of Asaba in Midwestern Nigeria from Biafran troops.

As a way of rising above the pain and anguish of the past and explore forgiveness as well as to heal and bring to closure this sordid event, indigenes of Asaba have decided to organise a memorial and that the theme for this for this year’s remembrance which will also mark the last anniversary is, “Remembrance & Forgiveness.”

Chairman of Asaba October 7 Memorial Group, Mr. Alban Ofili-Okonkwo disclosed this in a statement made available to The Oracle Today. He reminded that all the activities designed to commemorate this year’s landmark anniversary would revolve around the theme.

According to him, “Asaba indigenes under the auspices of Asaba October 7 Memorial Group have lined up a series of activities to celebrate the victims of the massacre with a focus on forgiveness.

While informing that the programme would span four days, he said that commemorative activities would commence on October 5 with a one-minute silence for the Asaba martyrs at noon.

Mr. Ofili-Okonkwo explained that the primary objective of the “Asaba

October Memorial” is to signal the rebirth of Asaba from the psychological and emotional devastation of the massacre.

He stated that the group will embark on sensitisation and citizen engagement programmes in order to achieve healing and closure which will “signal the collective resolve of Asaba indigenes to leave behind the memories of their tragic past and walk resolutely into a more promising future. “It also aims at galvanising Asaba people towards rebirth and healing.

The landmark memorial is expected to symbolise remembrance and forgiveness as the ultimate healer as encapsulated in our phrase ‘Asaba, Obodo gbayaliba’ – a land without malice, he said.

The Chairman therefore called on Asaba patriots; men and women of goodwill from across the nation to join in “erecting a befitting monument in memory of the dead where new life will be delivered nurtured and celebrated as a symbol of shared humanity”.

Community without water cries to State, FG From CHUKS COLLINS, Awka

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he people of Isiagu Ancient Kingdom in Awka South Council of Anambra State have appealed to the Federal and State governments to provide the community with potable water and access roads.

The appeal was made on behalf of the sleepy agrarian community by their traditional ruler, HRH Igwe Augustine Nwankwo at a press conference ahead of the 2017 New Yam festival scheduled for Friday, October 6.

Said he: “We need potable water for drinking and other domestic and industrial needs. Sinking of borehole here is too deep and tasking.

Consequently, it’s only in my palace that there is a borehole in the whole community and everyone fetches from it.

“Because of the deep aquifer, it is hard to reach the water bed below.

It’s very expensive to do. We need more boreholes in strategic parts of the community for the benefit of all.

“We, therefore, appeal to the state and National Assemblies, the Anambra State and Federal Governments to assist us. We have the Obizi stream as well as the Ezu River where water could be taken, purified and reticulated within the community.”

The monarch also disclosed they need inter-connecting access roads.

He listed the most strategic amongst such roads as the Isiagu - Ezinator -Ring road and the IsiaguAmansea-Orumba Road.

On the 2017 new yam festival, Igwe Nwankwo said bigger prizes have been lined up for the top three farmers with the biggest size of yam, noting that that would serve as a morale booster for others to strive to win in subsequent year.

More tourists, fellow monarchs and business allies from across the globe, he disclosed, are being expected at this year’s show which has progressively become a big international event for the state and visitors because of the cultural show.

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

POLITICS

‘My target is to create 300,000 jobs before the end of my first tenure’ Pg 10

Nigerians may forget, but Asaba remembers Oct. 7, 1967

9 Pg 14

At 57, democracy is in limbo in Nigeria – Bishop Nwosu BONIFACE OKORO, in Umuahia, reports that Bishop Ikechi Nwosu, in an interaction with newsmen during which he reviewed the country’s performance as an independent nation 57 years after, reveals, in his “thoughts for Nigeria of tomorrow,”that Nigeria’s stunted growth is a product of “mental laziness of our leaders,” agonizing that democracy is in limbo in the country.

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S Nigeria, last Sunday, October 1, 2017, marked 57 years of political independence from Britain, the Archbishop of Aba Province, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Dr Ikechi Nwosu said the nation’s stunted growth should be blamed on the mental laziness of the leaders.

Nwosu accused Nigeria’s leaders of failing to harness its numerous potentials and apply them to the growth and development of the country.

In an interaction with newsmen in Umuahia, the Bishop of Umuahia Diocese of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, also took a swipe at Nigeria’s democracy, saying it isn’t working like real democracy.

The fiery cleric decried the inability of the country’s leaders, past and present, to lift the country by ridding the grassroots of the causes of the numerous problems facing the country and dealing with them from that level.

“I tried to do some research because from the year 1926 to 1933,” he said. “There was an organization referred to as Nigerian Youth Movement and it was a very powerful movement founded by Prof. Eyo Ita, Samuel Akinsanya, Ernest Ikoli, the first Editor of Daily Times and there were many things in their mind but one major one was how to make the various tribes making up Nigeria to work together in peace and unity and then see how the country could be moved forward.”

Although he noted that Nigeria, since 1970, has changed in some structures and administrative systems, he rues the nonattainment of the lofty dreams of the Youth Movement.

“Nigeria, since 1970, has not changed.

Peoples and tribes in the multi-ethnic place called Nigeria still behave and act according to their tribal lineages: the languages have not changed,” he observed, blaming the development on the failure to exploit, harness and put to good use, the positive attributes and huge potentials of the country.

“Now, having a central government since 1960, and then1963, I refer to the brain or the mind of these various governments since 1960, up to the current, as mentally lazy,” he lashed out.

“And why I say our governments have been lazy mentally is because within the multiplicity of tribes, if only one can sit down and harness from these various ethnicities, something that can hold us together and something that can willingly allow each ethnic group to hold on there to itself!

“And one major thing that should help us move forward is to be able to agree on the rules on which we can associate and move together but mental laziness of these various governments have not enabled us to harness these views.

“Instead, the negative aspects of ethnicity have been highlighted and to the detriment of our working together as a nation. That is why there appears to be little or no progress in areas of education, economy and politics,” he surmises.

He added: “If we were able to harness our differences and bring them together to move this giant forward, by 2017, Nigeria would have contributed to global politics.

But at the moment, I don’t see any nation I know that is free and that can answer the name democracy, referring to Nigeria as a place that she borrowed one thing or the other for governance. So, we are impoverishing ourselves when everything is on our side to improve.”

Citing another example of the shortfalls of Nigerian governments, Bishop Nwosu said “our inability to run a government that will tolerate agitations from all sources is a fundamental error in our governance and marks a very huge flaw in the way we run as a government,” stressing that active minds, through agitations, learn to incorporate people into governance.

The Anglican Church leader did not mince words in condemning the militarization of the country.

“The presence of the military since 1970 on our roads and institutions and all over the place is a signal that Nigeria is a failed state.

Argue from now to eternity, that is what it is.

“Police is meant for internal security, army is meant to protect the country against external aggression. So, to see the army play the role of the police is simply a sign that the state is not working,” he submitted.

According to Bishop Nwosu, if democracy remains a “government of the people, by the people and for the people,” as is popularly defined, then its practice in Nigeria is questionable.

Given that Nigerians are hardly involved in the running of the government, the clergyman’s verdict is that “government of the people is in a limbo because it appears the people are not carried along as it should be with the very government the people put in place. Therefore, you can say that so many things are wrong with our government.”

Suggesting the way forward, Bishop Nwosu said Nigeria’s renaissance lies in the local government areas, adding that well conducted opinion poll from the grassroots would point the way forward.

“The answer to Nigeria’s future lies in the collective wisdom of the 774 local governments,” he stressed.

“The current government should devise a way to go down to the grassroots, that is the local governments, and try to carry out a kind of referendum to find out how governance is impacting on the rural populace in terms of

•Bishop Nwosu

education, housing, water, roads and other infrastructure,” he opined.

He stressed that rather than bickering and quarrelling and talking about hate speeches and all whatnot, government should “take a common exercise, get down to the local government, let them tell you how governance is impacting on them. And if you really want to help the people, take their opinion into consideration, then see if that can help you to re-plan and you see that there will be a way forward.”

“In some states, local governments are not given a chance. There lies our strength. I am urging the system that is at the moment to go to the local government system, just feel their pulse,” he stated. “That will be a good verdict on how you are performing and then if you have conscience that may help you to re-plan and see how things can be better.”

Nwosu, however, said he supports a united Nigeria and enjoined Nigerians to work for things that unite and strengthen the bond of unity in the country.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

Interview As the incumbent and 3rd civilian Governor of Ebonyi State since its creation 21 years ago, what efforts have you made to live up to the dreams of the founding fathers?

We welcome you to this media chat marking the celebration the Nigeria’s 57 years of nationhood and 21 years of the pride of the creation of our social-political identity, Ebonyi state. I join all Nigerians in prayers for the divine protection as we match on to our destiny. In our efforts to create a new Ebonyi state of the dreams of our founding fathers, we christened the platform upon which God brought us to leadership and raised us so high above distractions through the divine mandate. We remain gratitude to God. We can humbly say that we have achieved a lot through God’s divine mandate within the two years of our administration. We have kept hope alive and delivered on our campaign promises despite obstacles that have stirred us and still stirring us on our face, but we are surmounting most of them.

Today, I stand before you in total humility and in thanksgiving to Almighty God for making us partakers in the renewal and reconstruction of our dear state. Undoubtedly, this year’s celebration for us as a people is an important juncture in the annals of our statehood; because, we have worked hard to bring development to our state. In the previous years, we have devoted this celebration to enumerating our collective challenges in which insecurity had formed the major challenge. But today, we have modified this annual event such that it has become a convention for our collective achievements. We have kept hope alive and tackled our challenges as a people who are destined to succeed.

Let me emphasize that the dream of our founding fathers was that should Ebonyi state is created; it will survive based on the human and mineral resources that God endowed us with. It is important that we know how far we have harnessed these resources that God gave to us. And so, we start with urban renewal. With gratitude to God, we can now say we have a capital city which we achieved by the foundation laid by the previous administrations and the giant efforts made by the first civilian governor of Ebonyi state, Dr Sam Egwu. We dotted our capital city with flyovers and I can assure you that the lengths of our flyovers are the longest in the country.

Knowing that Ebonyi as a young State needs quality education to be at par with others states of the federation, what are have you been doing in the area of education since you came on board?

We have almost completed the school of Nursing and Midwifery in Uburu and we hope that by October/November this year, we should be able to enroll students there.

We are transforming the school of Health Ezzamgbo and we have made moves to recreate the College of Education Ikwo and of course, Ebonyi state university Abakaliki.

But the most important thing is that we are trying to improve our teachings through ICTs. Already, the Special Assistant (SA) on ICTs is doing something on that. A situation whereby if we are teaching a course in Ebonyi state university, students of Ikwo college of Education can be learning the same course via ICT and be able to ask questions. That’s where we are going. Only this morning the Commissioner of Education, Prof. John Eke, told me that the percentage of Ebonyian people who made distinctions in the just concluded NECO exam is 75.5 percent. So, you can say that Ebonyi state is ‘A’ state when it comes to Education. The examination malpractice is 0.5. I’m sure that if we had closed earlier these substandard schools we closed recently, we would have had zero percent in exam malpractice. We have accessed a total of 4 billion naira plus 4 billion naira counterpart funding making it a total of 8 billion naira. We have been able to reconstruct a number of schools and a number of new buildings are coming up. We have provided some chairs and providing ICTs in some schools. We have also provided fund to our pilot schools to invest in Agriculture. They will be self sustaining if we assist

My target is to create 300,000 jobs before the end of my first tenure – Gov Umahi Last Friday, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State had a chat with newsmen to mark Nigeria’s 57th Independence anniversary and 21 years of the creation of Ebonyi State. He spoke on a wide range of issues including efforts his administration has made to develop the state and the recent incident that led to the proscription of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), CHINEDU NWAFOR was there for The Oracle Today.

•Gov Umahi them to go into agriculture.

What are you doing in the area of IGR to complement the shortfall in federal allocation?

On IGR, I want to tell Ebonyians that we have many fraudsters that are collecting

their money in the name of IGR and what they are demanding from you are not from us. In a week time, the office of the deputy Governor will be giving out some phone numbers so that anybody that wants you to pay cash you will immediately call so that we get the person arrested. This is very

important. The Deputy Governor is working with some Consultants to reposition our IGR and I think they are going to do well in that area.

What are you doing in other sectors to reposition the State?

On Culture and Tourism, what we are

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

Interview

preaching here is that Ebonyi people should reactivate their cultural values: values of respect, values of honesty, values of contentment, value of Godliness. This is what the state ministry of Culture and Tourism preaches. We are also preaching that we should not forget our language and we are proposing that every last Friday of the month, people should dress in our native attires and speak our native languages in Ebonyi state.

On Agriculture, this is very important to us. We have said that we will soon complete our mushroom project. The solar power we are building in EBSU, under it, we are building a green house. We are making these trials because agriculture is the way to go. We activated the three giant rice mills including the first one that was built by UNIDO which we asked the rice Millers to take over. We are also running a programme of 10 thousand hectares and in the weeks ahead, we shall be identifying Stakeholders from all the local government areas that are interested in Agriculture and see how we can work with them. We have 8 billion naira soft loan for agriculture and we will partner with whoever that is interested to support agriculture and not those who would want to use the money to marry. Let me unfortunately say that we had put 2 billion naira which was Federal government loan and loaned this money to our farmers and today, we only recovered 87 million naira and the FG has started deducted that loan from our allocation. So,it is a sad news and we don’t want a repeat of this incident.

However, we have done well in terms of agriculture. Every land you see now in Ebonyi state is cultivated. If it not yam, it is cassava, rice or vegetable. We can say Ebonyi provides 50 percent of the export of yam to Ghana. We are looking at a program where we can preserve our yam and export them to the United states. So the Special Assistant (SA) on Cassava and Maize will also take up the yam. Our rice is also making wave. There is no part of this country that they don’t talk about Abakaliki rice and beyond. We have people that come from Cameroon to buy Abakaliki rice. This programme of one man one hectare is very important and I want our people to take it very seriously.

So, in Agriculture, we have moved the bar. We have done very well that if we talk about any agriculture in any gathering in Nigeria, Ebonyi state must be mentioned.

But we have not gotten to where we should be. From November, all those trees in our plantations are going to be removed. We are also talking with some companies in Germany to see if we could get equipment that will uproot these trees, chip them and make it useful for our Biomass plants. So, in the months ahead, agriculture is going to be tackled neck to neck to retain our status as number one rice producer in the country. Abakaliki rice must be defended by all means and all cost.

Ebonyi is blessed with mineral resources, what is your administration doing to harness them?

Ebonyi state is the richest in terms of solid minerals in the country but unfortunately through the compromises of our people we are not generating revenue from it. We are aware of a company involved in stealing these solid minerals. Just few weeks ago, five trucks laden with the solid minerals were arrested and by my order and words, the trucks will not be released. The charge for their penalty is 10 million naira each and that’s what they will pay before we release the trucks and they will also forfeit the minerals.

My insistence in our solid mineral is that anybody doing anything about solid minerals in the state should give 10percentage to the state and give about 15 to the host community. But the host communities shield these people not knowing that they are mortgaging the future of our children.

These solid minerals are the only thing we have and we must protect it. I am happy to announce that Ibeto group is making serious efforts to start the NigerCem Company.

He had concluded discussion with the

Chinese and very soon they will commence work. I am happy to also announce that Lafarge is investigating 5.67km of limestone in Izzi, they have done the first stage and they are on another stage to prove that we have a quality limestone for them to site a cement factory. So, put us in prayers for the quality to be good. We are very much in a haste to attract some other Investors. We have a lot of solid minerals scattered across the state and we want to make sure these solid minerals are harnessed because since there is no oil, we should harness what we have which is our own comparative advantage and in the nearest future there may be no oil and Ebonyi state will be the destination for this country.

I sent our people to go to Ghana because they have salt. They told us that there a demand by a petro-chemical companies for one million tons of salt but they cannot meet up. What they do is, because the salt is in their river, they make a very big pot which they hit the salt water and when it evaporates, the salt settles and they take it and refine. We have gone to Indiana in US, where we got machines that can turn this salt water into petro-chloride element and we are going to come up in the month of October a pilot scheme with the federal government. If the pilot scheme succeeds, we will write to FG to allow us supply the whole country with chloride solution for water treatment. That is going to be a good business for us because we have a lot of salt in our state.

erate it. We are going to come out with a programme of assessing Prisoners who are seeking for clemency and be able to place them on probation. If after 2 years, you commit any kind of crime, you will go back to prison. We are going to be doing that so that people will not be committing crimes because they have people in government that will influence their release.

The prison yards are unacceptable and we have embarked on building six gigantic buildings. These buildings are not built with blocks, they are all made of concretes. So, it is really prison and it is very expensive.

When we finish, it will be a great one.

You recently introduced electronic billboard in the state, are you planning to end the use of other kinds of bill boards?

Let me also announced that in the month of November, we will start the process of removing sign boards. Signboards will henceforth be located in the roof of buildings. We have installed some electronic bill boards and more will be installed in the weeks ahead to enable people advertise their products and services. We shall make law against indiscriminate pasting of posters in our state. We shall be arresting anybody who pates any poster, be it Governor or president poster’s poster in any part of the walls in the capital city. We will not past poster again, people should be able to advertise their goods on the roofs or you put the poster on your buildings and we won’t quarrel with you. Anybody that pastes posters even before the law is made

And some of our people that are within the state will take a grant of 250 thousand each. All you require to do is to show us evidence of what you want to do with the money. So if we empower 4000 and they employ two persons each, we will create 12000 jobs and is not difficult.

”

Since you came on board, what has your administration done to reposition the judicial system in the state?

In term of justice, we have done quite a lot in making laws. But let me say that we have a very important law we going to make and that will be on hate speeches. You will have to prove henceforth whatever allegations you put forward, whether it on the social media or on the pages of newspaper. We are going to make the law so that when you are accusing anybody you will have to prove it. We will create a department that will be in charge of that so that we regulate hate speeches in the state. Already, Kaduna state did it and I told the Governor, please export whatever you have in Kaduna and bring here. What is pulling this country down is our mouths and mindset. People just sit down at one corner and start to destroy people and cook up all kinds of things you cannot prove. We know that this is democracy but he that comments must prove his or her point and we must insist on that. The courts are there to prove our points and strengthen democracy. Anybody who stays at the corners of his/her house to accuse you, that person must be fished out to prove it.

I have said that we will not release any prisoner this October. Before we release any Prisoner again, we will have to get a report from the prisons authority on the conduct of the person. we want to examine the person (s) the prisoner offended and be able to interact with them and find out if they are ready to forgive the person because it encourages crime if somebody that kills is set free. There are certain killings that are terrible and dehumanizing but because you have people in government such person is released. We are going to mod-

will be arrested because if you go to China, England, US and other countries you cannot see such thing.

Women affairs have done quite a lot in terms of taking into custody the mad men who are moving around, treating some of them and getting Doctors to look after them. They are also rehabilitating some of our children who are below the age of being in prisons. The work they are doing is very silent one but they are doing well in the services to our state. On environment, I want to say I am happy with what is happening in our environment. Before now, some contractors were deceiving me until the New commissioner and the SA came on board. We have spent over 780 million naira in paying the contractors but henceforth the Technical Assistants (TAs) are going monitor the jobs to ensure they are keeping to terms. We have also planted enough trees and we are still planting.

What are you doing on welfare?

On Welfare, this is one department that is so important to me even though others still attend to life but this one is practical discipleship. That was the kind of thing our Lord Jesus Christ did when he was here.

My SSA on Religion and Welfare, Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali visits hospital to hospital to attend to people. When we started this programme of visiting hospitals, some people were treated and detained because they could not pay their bills. Now, what we do from time to time is to visit all hospitals both private and government hospitals and pay all bills of those who could not afford it and give them transport money and other incentives to be able to go back to the homes.

This programme is very dear to our hearts because it is one of the promises we made

to our God who brought us into this assignment. We have also involved religious body whereby we give them 20 million naira every month to be able to reach out to our indigent brothers and sisters in their churches. If you hear the story of some of these people we have assisted, you will really know that this is God’s programme. We also have moral instructors that go round our schools to teach our children moral education. We also have programme of anti-cultism in our primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. We have also assisted some of our brothers and sisters who are having one challenges or the other such as Cancer, kidney transplant, etc. We also assist CAN and our divine mandate pastors by giving them small allowances to be to assist us.

Let me thank my beautiful wife because, everything about Widows touches her because he does not want to be a widow at all. By tomorrow, we shall be having a programme to empower about 4200 widows with 100 thousand naira each. So, those who want to try this administration should try to get about 4200 widows to be praying for them every day. I want to announce that these widows pray for us every day and this is a programme that God said we should do for them.

I feel so bad when people send me text messages and say ‘I worked for you in your election and you have not empowered or given me appointment’. There is no other state that has the number of appointments as we have. I was thinking in the past that you vote for people to give social amenities and provide atmosphere for you to thrive in your business. But we are becoming too lazy and this not acceptable. We will not be doing more appointments in the near future. We have to provide security, social services and lay a foundation for a low oil economy that will soon come. This is very important but more important thing is empowerment. Instead of giving you fish, we are teaching you how to fish. So, we have made available 1 billion naira which we are using to empower our brothers and sisters that are doing hawking in different cities in the country.

And some of our people that are within the state will take a grant of 250 thousand each. All you require to do is to show us evidence of what you want to do with the money. So if we empower 4000 and they employ two persons each, we will create 12000 jobs and is not difficult. I have been getting a lot of text messages of testimonies of what this money is doing in people’s lives. I want to urge every other person to know that this is the real reason you voted for us. We have two billion naira which we have saved and have attracted another 2 billion naira from the Bank of Industry (BoI) and this money is for all Ebonyians. If you are leaving in Ebonyi state, you are an Ebonyian but the project must be sited in Ebonyi state. This is the way to go. All my appointees must have something doing outside his/her appointment by next year.

My target is to create 300,000 jobs before the end of my first tenure.

What about the ongoing agitations in the South-East and the recent proscription of IPOB? I want to thank the Governors of South-East and the North for their efforts in ending the ugly incident that occurred recently. Let me assure Nigerians that Mr. President has heard you and he is going to address all the issues raised. There is no need to continue insulting our leaders and abusing other tribes. No need trying to pose danger to the existence of our people. We are not untrustworthy people.

We are hardworking and well cultured people and so, we have made our points. I had private discussion with Mr. President in New York and I want to assure the SouthEasterners that the President will address all our problems. Nigeria is going to see peace.

We are stronger when we are bigger. Let me also tell our people that we are playing too much politics. It is only in the South-east that you see petitions that they are piling in the EFCC. Everything is now about politics and we left our hardwork for politics.

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

POLITICS

Nwodo: A new Ohanaeze Ndigbo is born!

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t 42, there is no gainsaying that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo sociocultural and political organisation, has come of age. That was the age at which Theodore Roosevelt became the 26th President of United States. And it was the age plus 1 that John F. Kennedy, easily America’s most celebrated President, became the 35th President of the United States. At 42, it is expected of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization to live up to its billing as Ndigbo’s cross-carrier in Nigeria and the world over.

In other words, Ohanaeze is saddled with the responsibility of working as the mouthpiece of Ndigbo, to defend and champion the Igbo cause, ensuring that what concerns Ndigbo in Nigeria are things they can have a handle on.

Hitherto, Ohanaeze, in the opinion of many an Igbo, just couldn’t live up to that billing.

However, with the coming of Chief John Nnia Nwodo, former Minister of Aviation and Information, as President General of the Igbo body, there would appear to be a consensus that Ohanaeze has finally found its bearing.

Until recently, the activities of Ohanaeze left much to be desired. To start with, the body was factionalized, its troubles orchestrated by political desperadoes who wanted to lead at all cost. There were also frequent financial scandals, no thanks to the politics of share the money among the executives that hitherto reigned supreme in the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.

For instance, in 2006, Ohanaeze under Professor Joe Irukwu endorsed the third term agenda of former President Olusegun Obasanjo ahead of 2007 presidential election, contrary to the collective position of Ndigbo that Third Term was a no-flyer. Endorsing the ill-fated Third Term agenda, Irukwu contended that since the South East governors who were duly elected by the people had thrown their weight behind the Obasanjo political misadventure, Ohanaeze couldn’t go contrary to the decision of the governors!

Irukwu’s support for Third Term on the grounds that the governors had endorsed it didn’t go down with the people because many knew that the governors then supported third term for their selfish interest and not for the overall interest of the people. It was clear that the governors except Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia State then supported Third Term with a view to giving themselves soft-landing after the expiration of their tenure and not for the interest of Ndigbo.

After Irukwu’s regime, two eminent people from Anambra State, Chief Dozie Ikedife, a renowned medical doctor from Nnewi and the late Chief Ifeanyichukwu Enechukwu, a pharmacist from Oba and one-time Speaker of Old Anambra State House of Assembly tore Ohanaeze into two factions and spent most of their energy in power tussle over who was the authentic President General of Ohanaeze instead of addressing the problems of Ndigbo.

Ikedife and Enechukwu’s battle for the Ohanaeze top job lingered from day one till the end of that particular two-year tenure, which was ceded to Anambra State. While Ikedife operated from his office at Nnewi, Enechukwu occupied the Ohanaeze Secretariat at Park Avenue in Enugu most of the time. As the tussle lingered, Ikedife, courtesy of his connection with Abuja power brokers, received the backing of the late President Umar Musa Yar’ Adau as the authentic leader of Ohanaeze.

Ikedife and Enechukwu were largely criticised for lack of focus on issues that affected the wellbeing of Ndigbo. After the factionalized tenure of the Anambra men, the Ohanaeze top seat was ceded to Delta State upon which the late Ambassador Ralph Uwechue emerged the President General. Uwechue had a more peaceful regime but was criticised for selling Ohanaeze to former President Goodluck Jonathan rather very cheaply.

Uwechue’ successor Chief Gary Enwo Igariwey who served the slot of Ebonyi State had his ups and down too. At the outset of his rein, Igariwey faced stiff opposition from

THEO RAYS, in Onitsha, x-rays the activities of the Nnia Nwodo-led Ohanaeze Ndigbo and concludes that the ‘New’ Ohanaeze is truly living to its billing as the apex socio-cultural and political organisation of Ndigbo in Nigeria and in the Diaspora.

•Nwodo

Senator Emmanuel Azu Agboti who fought for the seat with Igariwey at the poll in Enugu.

Agboti refused to accept defeat and dragged issues with Igariwey until some notable leaders prevailed on Agboti to mellow his antics and accept defeat.

Igariwey also faced strong opposition from Chief Mbazuluike Amechi who accused him of lack of focus and financial misappropriation. Amechi rejected Igariwey’s leadership and went ahead to inaugurate a Caretaker Committee for the leadership of Ohanaeze headed by Chief Ralph Obiora to replace Igariwey. Igariwey fought his way through and gained the recognition of former President Goodluck Jonathan as the authentic leader of Ohanaeze.

Like Uwechue his predecessor Igariwey cheaply danced to the tune of former President Jonathan and never cared to see anything bad in Jonathan’s administration. Igariwey’s greatest blunder was his refusal to give audience to the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Muhammadu Buhari during the 2015 presidential electioneering campaign. This may be part of the reason Buhari turned his back on Ndigbo.

After the inauguration of Buhari as President following his victory at the 2015 poll, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State turned his face to Ohaneze with a view to mending

fences with Buhari. Okorocha consequently started to give financial aid to Ohaneze. A reliable source revealed that Okorocha not only started giving a monthly stipend of N1m to Ohanaeze but also embarked on a multi-million naira Ohanaeze Worldwide Secretariat project in Enugu. The project is currently on going.

Okorocha’s financial gesture is well accepted as it injected much needed life into Ohanaeze but the target of selling the Igbo body to Aso Rock probably on a cheap note like Uwechue and Igariwey presumably did, is questionable. Speaking on Okorocha’s financial gesture, the immediate past president of Anambra State chapter of Ohaneze, Chief Chris Eluemuno described it as wonderful as it has helped Ohanaeze get over some of its financial challenges.

Eluemuno said: “One of the major challenges facing Ohaneze funds. Ohanaeze doesn’t have a source of revenue generation and the President General cannot go about begging for money, because that is derogatory to Ndigbo as a people. Why should the leader of Ohanaeze go about begging for money? It is not acceptable. In most cases, we lacked the money even to organise the Igbo Day, which is very important to us.

“You could imagine how shameful it is saying that Ohaneze Ndigbo doesn’t have mon-

ey to organise Igbo Day. That is very funny and opprobrious but it is real; we have had the experience so Okorocha’s gesture was a wonderful development and we must commend and appreciate him and also urge other governors and our people who are well-todo to emulate him in aiding Ohanaeze with funds.”

It is true that lack of fund and other negative factors are militating against Ohanaeze but that is not enough to give room for poor performance by its leaders. That is not enough for the leaders to descend so low and work like mere agents and praise singers of Aso Rock. That is not enough to cheaply sell Ndigbo to any sitting president who has no agenda for the betterment of Ndigbo.

Clearly, the emergence of Nwodo as PG has brought a new lease of life into Ohanaeze thereby making it a body that can truly speak for Ndigbo in Nigeria and internationally.

Without doubt, Nwodo, who goes by the traditional title of Ike Ukehe, has restored people’s confidence in Ohaneze. He has made it an independent voice of Ndigbo, changing it from being a promoter of a sitting government in Aso Rock to purely a champion of Igbo cause, one that puts the overall interest of Ndigbo at the centre of everything it does.

Bold, courageous and eloquent as ever, Ike Ukehe and his executives have fashioned out a new Ohaneze that operates on the principle of Ndigbo first, showing evidently that Ohanaeze would no longer be cheap to run over by the power that be. His critical stance on federal government’s positions on issues affecting the interest of Ndigbo is an indication that Ohanaeze is no longer a praise singer to any government at the centre, a toothless bulldog whose affairs a re piloted by a bunch of selfish, avaricious leaders.

Consider the position of the Ohanaeze on the marginalization of Ndigbo by the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration, for instance. The new Ohanaeze led by Nwodo has not minced words at all in its strident condemnation of the unabashed relegation of Ndigbo to second-class status. The new Ohanaeze has loudly condemned the attack on and killing of unarmed members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), dismissed the federal government’s declaration of the proBiafra group as a terrorist group and insisted that nothing short of comprehensive restructuring of Nigeria would point the way forward to addressing the myriad of ethnocentric challenges facing the country at the moment.

No past Ohaneze boss had hitherto dared to disagree openly with a siting President of Nigeria over the ill-treatment of Ndigbo. But, Nwodo, in very firm but constructive manners, has told President times without number and to his face that it is wrong for him as President of all to Ndigbo as second-class citizens not deserving of positions of authority and influence in his government—no Igbo man is a service chief, for instance. No Igbo man is occupying a lead position in notable ministries, agencies ot parastatals. The new Ohanaeze also inveighed against non-inclusion of an Igbo among 15 directors recently appointed by the government for the Nigeria National Petroleum Cooperation (NNPC) Commenting on Nwodo’s Ohanaeze, Dr Mike Onugha, an Onitsha-based medical practitioner and founder of Imeobi Igbo Forum noted that Nwodo has made Ohaneze what it should be: a champion of the Igbo cause in every sense of it.

“Nwodo has restored our hope in Ohanaeze,” Onugha said. “Ndigbo are now seeing an Ohanaeze that is talking about them and an Ohanaeze that is fighting for their interest.”

It is also important to note that Nwodo has taken Ohaneze to the next level at the international stage where he has given Ndigbo a well-deserved positive image before the international community. What is now left for Ndigbo is to support Nwodo with their power and might as doing so would help place Ndigbo in a stronger position to face and overcome the challenges facing them.

13

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

POLITICS

F

ormer governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, while congratulating Nigerians on the 57th anniversary of the country’s political independence from imperial Britain, has said that Nigeria must be restructured to come out of the current crisis and reach economic prosperity.

In a press statement issued in Owerri, the Imo State capital, to mark the Independence anniversary, Ohakim said that the 2017 independence anniversary is a reminder that “57 years ago, our leaders conquered tribal, economic and religious inclinations and secured the independence of Nigeria, with the dream of building one, united and prosperous country.”

He noted that the “dream of our founding fathers, who came from across the country, of a Nigeria where everyone would be free to achieve greatness for himself and the country, has not been achieved, as the country is bedevilled with a myriad of man-made obstacles on our march to unity, peace and prosperity.”

He recalled that “this dream, and of course, the unity of our country, was put to the severest challenge seven years after our independence as the nation was thrown into three years of civil war, where estimated figures say millions of people paid the supreme price and voted for one, united and prosperous Nigeria.”

“Forty-seven years after the Civil War, Nigeria has not scratched the surface to realise the dream of her millions of heroes past who laboured for her, with some paying the ultimate price. This is evidenced by the unpardonable level of bad governance, nepotism, marginalization and, in some cases, outright brutishness against some sections of the country as if some lives do not matter,” he lamented.

Declared Ohakim: “A 57-year old man should, faced with the realities in the country, have sober reflections over his life and engineer means to resolving his problems so that he can attain greater peace, unity and

Only restructuring will deliver Nigeria, by Ohakim COLLINS UGHALAA, in Owerri, writes on former Governor Ikedi Ohakim’s contention that without restructuring to achieve true federalism, Nigeria is doomed to move in circles rather than forward. prosperity.

“Nigeria should use the occasion of its 57th independence anniversary to tackle its problems headlong and admit that only restructuring is the way out of its problems.”

The former governor also allayed the fears of some sections of the country on restructuring, pointing out that “the people of the oil-bearing regions will have no special privileges because of oil.”

“The reason is simple: the economy of the world is shifting from oil economy to Clean Energy and Information and Communications Technology. China, USA, India and OECD countries have since rolled out their timetables for phasing out fuel-driven automobiles. This situation is not made any better by the USA’s plan to produce shale oil,” he said.

He warned that “If Nigeria continues to hold on to oil and refuses to take the right actions and restructure the country, in the next 15 years, we may be forced to drink our oil,” noting that “this is not the kind of Nigeria our founding fathers fought for.”

“Rushing to Abuja every month to share revenue among the states and LGAs has only created very ugly entitlement mental-

ity among our leaders. Allowing this cycle to continue means keeping Nigeria in the Intensive Care Unit for long,” he warned.

According to Ohakim: “Apart from the harsh economic conditions in the country, there are several agitations going on in the country. While most people still believe in a united Nigeria, the 57th independence anniversary should provide us the opportunity to address the issues.

“That is why the call for restructuring Nigeria holds huge attraction to many now more than ever before. Irrespective of our political divide, let all of us join hands and ensure that Nigeria is restructured.

“Our political history shows that Nigeria moved from regionalism to states, local governments and more states. Now, there is urgent need to restructure Nigeria again to strengthen the unity of our country.

“Every part of the country has what it takes to be economically prosperous. Restructuring will, therefore, enable them to look inwards and develop their areas and grow at their own pace without the encumbrance of an almighty federal government with burdensome exclusive legislative powers.”

•Ohakim

Nigeria is a divided house, drifting at 57 - Wike

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overnor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has described Nigeria at 57 years after independence, as a failed state that has lost direction like an unmanned ship adrift in the Atlantic needing rescue. He said that Nigeria started well at independence on the path of greatness, but stumbled along the way a few years into independence and has sadly, failed to find the right balance and direction since then.

Addressing the people of the state on Independence Day he asked: “57 years after independence, where does our country stand today? While most countries that got independence after us have consolidated and advanced as strong truly united nation with all their diversity, ours has clearly lost direction like an unmanned ship adrift in the Atlantic gasping for rescue.”

Wike lamented: “After nearly 18 unbroken years of democracy and despite positive assertions to the contrary, our democracy keeps floundering under the watch of the federal government just as the vast majority of Nigerians are alienated from the state and estranged from the development process and denied the dividends of democracy.”

“Notwithstanding the platitudes to the contrary, the reality is that we are today a divided nation, a nation constantly flirting with crisis from the hegemonic tendencies of the powers that be, who have failed and are unwilling to even acknowledge the depth of injustice perpetrated against other sections of the country, especially the minority resourcebearing communities,” the Rivers governor added.

He pointed out that “at independence, our founding fathers were men and women of various ethnographic, political and social thoughts.

They were also people of peace and progress.

They held and exercised power not for the sake of it, but for its intrinsic values.”

“They valued the very essence of our diversity, respect for each other’s cultures and beliefs and strived to build a virile, united and progressive nation out of our heterogeneity. They worked hard, prayed and hoped that Nigeria would be great and the citizens would before long be free from ignorance, hunger, and poverty and no faith would ever be in danger in our

•Says restructuring of the country is inevitable From Port Harcourt, NATH OMAME writes that, left to the governor of Rivers State, Nigeria must commit itself to immediate restructuring to survive. country,” Wike recalled, adding: “Our founding fathers gave us the 1963 Constitution to instil in us the virtues of democracy, fiscal federalism and the rule of law. They sought to build our democracy on the timeless pillars of social justice, liberty, equality and solidarity.”

Governor Wike regretted, however, that “for 57 years, we have moved from one constitution to another; from one type of government to another and yet failed to tackle the fundamental challenges of nation building.

We started well, no doubt, and were on the path of greatness. But, we stumbled along the way barely a few years into independence and have, sadly, failed to find the right balance and direction since then.”

“As a political norm, democracy is not a gift.

It is our God-given right to freely elect those to lead us through a free and fair electoral process. And so those who betray our democracy commit a sacrilege against God and the nation.

If social harmony is the test of democracy, then we have also failed on that score. For 57 years, we have not been able to rise above ethnic or sectional interest and forge a sense of common identity,” he stressed.

Speaking on the nation’s economy, noted that the failure of successive governments to diversify the economy has left the economy in ruins.

“If economic progress is the test of our democracy then we have woefully failed as a nation,” he agonized. “For 57 years, we abandoned all other economic options and depended on a single economic product derived from the natural bowels of the Niger Delta.

“Today, we are all paying the price for the failure to diversify our economy, which now

lies in ruins, severely battered and spewing unprecedented levels of destitution, hardship and poverty. Quite paradoxically, Nigeria is a land of plenty stunted by bad governance, nepotism, alienation, poverty and inequality.”

Governor Wike took a swipe at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the Nigeria Police of complicity in perpetrating electoral malpractices.

“We all crave for strong national institutions to support our democracy, protect our freedoms and advance our development. Unfortunately, instead of advancing our democracy and protecting our liberties, some of our most important national institutions, especially the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian Police have become the undertakers of their destruction by acts of deliberate compromise, partisanship and even sabotage in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities,” he said, asking: “What else can we attribute INEC’s manifest and chronic inability to conduct free and fair elections since 1999 to? What else can we attribute to INEC’s failures to safeguarded or credibly defend the integrity of any of its elections since 1999? Why is INEC not bordered that almost each and every of the elections it has conducted since 1999 were virulently disputed for rigging; a situation that has unnecessarily drawn our courts into becoming the defacto deciders of electoral processes and outcomes instead of the primary electorates?

“How else can we attribute INEC’s misfeasance and criminal complicity in the emerging but strange jurisprudential contraption in election disputes where fake results produced and procured from the custody of terribly partisan Police agency were validated and accepted as

evidentially superior to its own results by the electoral tribunals to overturn the returns it genuinely and rightly made in respect of the outcome of the 2016 legislative re-run elections in Rivers State?”

On the judiciary, Governor Wike stated: “Regrettably, 57 after independence, our judiciary constantly suffers from systemic intimidation and is denied the strength to act with courage and conviction to defend the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely elect their leaders through free and fair elections.

“It is obvious that for as long as the federal government continues to weaken the nation’s democratic institutions, including the judiciary, our democracy will continue to stutter and Nigerians would never have the genuine chance to effectively exercise their constitutional right to freely and fairly elect the right leaders to move the country forward.”

The Rivers State insisted that the failure of past leaders to restructure the country had stunted its progressive path, maintaining that restructuring of the country is inevitable.

“These are extraordinary times for our country made worse by our failure to successfully redefine and restructure the country towards a progressive path since independence. We know that the ashes from the old fires that threatened the stability of our country continue to smoulder unabated,” he contended.

“We have the innate capacity to overcome all the challenges confronting us, including the inevitability of restructuring the nation, devolving more powers and resources to the states and securing the wellbeing and prosperity of all. Above all, each and every Nigerian has the key to a peaceful, united and better Nigeria.

We must, therefore, all commit ourselves to sincere leadership, socio-economic justice, fiscal federalism, the rule of law, free and fair elections, respect for human rights, eradication of poverty, and access to quality education, full employment and the guarantee of peaceful existence.”

14

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

POLITICS

•Dr. Goodluck Onyeobi, (6th from left), with members of Asaba Massacre memorial committee

Photo: Modesus Igudobi

Nigerians may forget, but Asaba remembers Oct. 7, 1967 On the 7th of this month, that is Saturday October 7, 2017 to be precise, it will be exactly 50 years since advancing federal troops fell upon and massacred practically every adult male in sight in Asaba, today’s capital of Delta State. By the time the bestial event was over, nearly 1000 unarmed civilians whose only offence was that they were Igbo, lay dead, massacred by federal troops of the Second Division of the Nigerian Army led by the late Murtala Mohammed. Recently, the Memorial Committee headed by Lagos-based businessman Alban Ofili-Okonkwo addressed a pre-event press conference in Asaba. JONATHAN AWANYAI interviewed some indigenes, including survivors of the massacre, thereafter and here reports…

F

ifty years is a long time indeed, but certainly not long enough for the people of Asaba to forget the massacre of more than 700 men and boys of their people by the Nigerian troops in October 1967.

While a lot of Nigerians may have forgotten about the Civil War and moved on, for the people of Asaba, capital of Delta State, the genocide against their people has remained indelible in their minds till date, with many still hurting from the painful memories of the atrocities the Second Division of the Nigerian Army inflicted on the people in October 1967 in the heat of the Nigerian Civil War. “It’s unfortunate that 50 years after, people who are telling the history of Biafran Civil War have constantly refused to talk about the massacre in Asaba or try to remember it.

October 7 is a day I can never forget,” Peter Okoh, a survivor of the massacre told The Oracle Today.

“I looked around and I saw machine guns all around us. Some of them were also carrying automatic rifles. One of them shouted an order, and they started shooting.”

With these chilling words, Okoh described how the massacre of hundreds of innocent civilians began in Asaba 50 years ago.

The septuagenarian narrated that he narrowly escaped death through divine arrangement as a lot of dead bodies fell on him. However, he lost his father and brother, who were blown up along with others in a most gruesome murder.

Another survivor, Mary Okolie while recounting her experience said: “Somebody came, looking for my brother-in-law and said that federal troops had come into Asaba and they were burning houses. Before we knew it, they were in our house and they burnt it.

They open the door and you tell them no Bia-

fran troops were there, the house and everything would be burnt down.”

Various survivor accounts have shown that the killings in Asaba were unprovoked and stemmed directly from a chain of events that started before the war, continuing through the Biafran offensive across the Niger.

It was learnt that the bodies of some victims were retrieved by family members and buried at home. But most were buried in many mass graves, without appropriate ceremony. Many extended families lost dozens of men and boys. The federal troops occupied Asaba for many months, during which time most parts of the town were destroyed, many women and girls were raped or forcibly “married,” and large numbers of citizens fled, many not returning until the war ended in 1970.

The Asaba massacre occurred in early October 1967, during the Nigerian Civil War. Federal troops reportedly entered Asaba around October 5, and began ransacking houses and killing civilians, claiming they were Biafran sympathizers. Leaders summoned the towns’ people to assemble on the morning of October 7, hoping to end the violence through a show of support for “One Nigeria.”

Hundreds of men, women, and children, many wearing the ceremonial white attire paraded along the main street, singing, dancing, and chanting “One Nigeria”. At a junction, men and teenage boys were separated from women and young children, and gathered in an open square at Ogbe-Osawa village. Federal troops then revealed machine guns, and orders were given, to open fire.

It is estimated that more than 700 men and boys were killed, some as young as 12 years old, in addition to many more killed in the preceding days. As the crowd began to realize what might be happening, panic grew.

Eyewitnesses explained that “women who came with their sons were removing their skirts and blouses to disguise them.”

However, 50 years after, as a way of rising above the pain and anguish of the past and explore forgiveness, as well as to heal and bring to closure this sordid event, indigenes of Asaba have decided to organise a memorial and the theme for this year’s remembrance which will also mark the last anniversary is, “Remembrance & Forgiveness.”

Chairman of Asaba October 7 Memorial Group, Mr Alban Ofili-Okonkwo disclosed this in a statement made available to The

The federal troops occupied Asaba for many months, during which time most parts of the town were destroyed, many women and girls were raped or forcibly “married,” and large numbers of citizens fled, many not returning until the war ended in 1970.

”

Oracle Today.

He reminded that all the activities designed to commemorate this year’s landmark anniversary would revolve around the theme.

According to him, “Asaba indigenes under the auspices of Asaba October 7 Memorial Group have lined up a series of activities to celebrate the victims of the massacre with a focus on forgiveness.”

While informing that the programme would span four days, he said that commemorative activities would commence on October 5 with a one-minute silence for the Asaba martyrs at noon.

Ofili-Okonkwo explained that the primary objective of the “Asaba October Memorial” is to signal the rebirth of Asaba from the psychological and emotional devastation of the massacre.

He stated that the group will embark on sensitization and citizen engagement programmes in order to achieve healing and closure which will “signal the collective resolve of Asaba indigenes to leave behind the memories of their tragic past and walk resolutely into a more promising future. “It also aims at galvanising Asaba people towards rebirth and healing.

The landmark memorial is expected to symbolise remembrance and forgiveness as the ultimate healer as encapsulated in our phrase ‘Asaba, Obodo gbayaliba’ – a land without malice, he said.

The Chairman, therefore, called on Asaba patriots, men and women of goodwill from across the nation to join in “erecting a befitting monument in memory of the dead where new life will be delivered, nurtured and celebrated as a symbol of shared humanity.”

15

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

POLITICS

Why Nwoye will conduct early council election as governor, by Campaign Organisation

Chief Ken Arinze, a key and outspoken member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Anambra State governorship candidate, Dr Tony Nwoye’s Campaign Organization is former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in the State. He spoke to CHUKS COLLINS in Awka on the plans his principal has for the people and economy of Anambra State, as the preparations for this Nov 18, governorship poll fast approaches. Excerpts: WHAT does the emergence of youthful Dr Tony Nwoye as the governorship flag-bearer of the APC portend for political leadership in Anambra State?

Dr Nwoye’s emergence actually portends a new dawn in the leadership pattern of the state. He’s a 43-year old who has already achieved so much for himself, his constituents and state. So far, he has been in various levels of political and administrative seats. It started far back in his days as a student at the University of Nigeria where he emerged the first President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) from the entire South East geopolitical zone.

From there, he represented the whole Nigerian students at the Constituent Assembly and thereafter became the Assistant Secretary of the ruling party at the time. He later became the party chairman in the state.

In that capacity, he worked so hard to deliver 30 out of 30 State Assembly seats; 10 out of 11 House of Representatives seats and 3 out of the 3 senatorial seats as well as the governorship of the state then. Nwoye has really shown he has what it takes to administer and take Anambra State to the next positive level.

Remember that twice, he has run for the Federal House of Representatives and won. But, though he was prevented from being sworn in initially, we are happy he is there today representing Anambra East So, going by these antecedents, I can say without any fear of contradiction that he’s eminently qualified to become the governor of Anambra State. Therefore, with his emergence as the APC flag-bearer and the would-be governor of Anambra State, we can be sure that the persistent problems of the youth are over. Because such would be better handled by a youthful governor and chief executive that cares and has very good listening ears.

And how does he intend to do it? He would start immediately by conducting council election so as to put in place all the tiers of government in the state. This would ensure that his policies at the State level would easily percolate down to the grassroots by the councils where the dividends of democracy should be felt more.

Politicians have made the electorate see political promises as mere street corner beer-parlour talks. How does your campaign team intend to convince them that Nwoye’s are going to be different?

Well, a few days ago, I had the opportunity of discussing with the United States of American Consul-General, Mr John Bray who was in Awka, and this same issue of empty campaign promises came up. I told him that Tony Nwoye is a household name who is there with us always on the streets, that he is a proper, solid and incontestable grassroots man. He knows all the nooks and crannies of this state. He’s not imported or “been tos”, like all these other Americanas that are running around and being led around the state as governorship candidates.

So Nwoye has a mindset, a vision and knows what someone in Awba-Ofemmili is passing through. He knows the geography of Anambra State like the back of his hand.

He is not an Americana neither is he a pushover. He has guts and capacity.

Talking about antecedents, he’s been in the National Assembly for close to two years now. When you put his performance and achievements so far, what do you get?

Though I am not from that constituency, I can tell you that testimonies of his good works are all over the place and even beyond. I have seen and heard about some of his constituency projects and I can tell you he has performed far above average, more than any of those that had earlier occupied that seat. Nwoye is a people’s man and his constituents are ever singing praises of him.

He has presented many life-enhancing and transforming bills, including a bill seeking to establish the Federal University of Education, Nsugbe; a Bill to authorize the provisions of pre-natal and post-natal healthcare for all pregnant and nursing mothers. These have all passed second readings. He also moved a motion calling for the need to deploy security personnel to stem the reoccurring communal clashes between the Aguleri and Umueri communities in Anambra State. There was also the motion calling for the dredging of the Omambala River for

economic prosperity of the people in the area in particular, Anambra State and the nation generally.

These are wonderful bills, including a bill for an act to amend the Niger Delta Development Commission to include Anambra State as an oil-producing State and member of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

He has also sponsored a motion on the need to supply relief materials to victims of rainstorms in Anambra East and West and a bill for an act to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic. We all know that when an erudite God-fearing person is in charge, the people rejoice.

You can see the advantage of energy of a young, welllettered person in his achievements within such a short spell of stay in the National Assembly.

Incidentally he represents the State governor, Willie Obiano’s home constituency where two strategic federal highways pass through, namely the Umueze Anam-KogiFCT and the Nsugbe- Anaku-Uzor Uwani Nsukka Highways. While the former is not motorable at all, the later is very deplorable.

In this year’s national budget, he succeeded in getting N2b for the Anam-Kogi-FCT highway. Work would commence on the highway as soon as the rains subside.

There is another one linking Ezeagu in Enugu State to Enugwu Agidi in Anambra State. Nwoye has succeeded in getting the funds for it to be completed. This is because when the former House Committee chairman of Works Hon Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi got it up to the Enugu State boundary with Anambra, there was no one or effort to get it extended to Anambra end, until now. There were others and they are all included in this year’s budget plan. Above all, the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, especially from the Onitsha -Amansea stretch is receiving attention and is on-going right now, courtesy of Nwoye’s efforts and intervention.

I have letters of pressures on the Federal Ministry of Works and the reply and assurances of the Permanent Secretary that work would commence soon. This is because we should have some things to show and tell the people in our campaigns.

What can you say the citizens really need from the governor?

The people’s needs and expectations are just simplegood governance. What do I mean? You see what Gov Akinwunmi Ambode is doing in Lagos State. You see what Gov. Ayodele Fayose is doing in Ekiti State. Replica of all these is what Nwoye would give Anambra citizens.

Bringing smiles to the faces of Anambra people through giving and provision of basic amenities -getting the hospitals

functional, education sector going and the agric/agro extension sector bubbling with activities. He has been in the news with some of the transformation he’s going to bring to the education sector including general free education. Above all, he plans to put food on the tables of the common man. After all, it’s only a well-fed man that choruses ‘hallelujah’ There is a missing link at the moment between the masses and the State government because there is no administration in the local councils. That is why he would start from there by conducting council election to get that tier of government working. At this level, palliative works on the roads, de-silting the drains, culverts, etc are part of jobs and intervention to be provided at the council level. This would indirectly tackle the pressure on the State as it would create jobs for the jobless and they would be kept busy and active. It would then allow the governor to concentrate on bigger things. But, at the moment, the whole thing is hanging and unnecessarily tied around one man at the state. There is so much cosmetics going on and Dr Tony Nwoye intends to demystify all this power show by allowing all tiers of government happily contribute their quota.

As the election fast approaches, what message do you have for the electorates?

Let every patriotic citizen know that this is the time for the required change, the time for us to take our destiny in our hands. I, therefore, enjoin the youth, the aged, the whole electorate to come out en masse and vote in Nwoye as the next governor of Anambra State this November 18 and the rest will be history.

16

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

INTERVIEW

Paucity of fund, hindrance to education -- FCT UBEB Director Though he admits that all of Nigeria’s resources can’t be channelled to the educational sector, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Director, Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), Dr Adamu Jatau Noma, in this interview with TONY AILEMEN, opines that the sector is also being hindered by paucity of resources. Excerpts: NIGERIA is celebrating 57 years of political independence from Britain. As FCT UBEB Chairman and educationist, what is your view on the perception by many that the quality of education is falling rather than improving. What plans do you have to improve quality?

As far as I am concerned, education is improving right from primary to tertiary level. So, I don’t agree with those who say that the quality of education is going down, though they may have their reasons for saying that. But, the question we often ask is, what yardstick are they adopting in arriving at their conclusions and justifying their claims that the quality of education is going down?

Today, the children have a lot to learn contrary to what was obtainable in the past. In the past, it was not like that; in the past, it was raw learning, but these days, it is not raw learning. In education, we are doing very well and if you come to FCT, all our basic schools are doing very well, despite the challenges and what are the challenges?

The challenges are inadequate funding.

Education should compete with other sectors because it has not been easy for us to manage education. Education is capital-intensive and lot of other things are required to make it qualitative also.

What are these other things, apart from funding?

Funding is the most important, because if you have funding, others will be easy to handle. If you have adequate funding for instance, you will have others. If we have money, we build more classrooms; if we have money, we’ll establish more schools; if we’ll have money, we’ll recruit all the teachers we need; if we have money, we’ll buy all the instructional materials we need; if we have money, we’ll do all those things we need to do to modernize education.

So, as you can see, adequate funding is at the centre of everything.

Critics of the current system do believe that the current curriculum content is not aimed at preparing graduates for selfreliance, which is why, they say, we have so many unemployed graduates and in some extreme cases, graduates who are not able to justify their certificates. How do you react to this?

Again, I do not agree that what the present system of education is emphasizing is not strong enough. It is emphasizing

both skills acquisition and entrepreneurship training. But, like I told you earlier, the challenge is that of inadequate funding to procure all those things that are needed to practise those things that are being thought. If you are teaching introductory technology, you need those things with which to practise what you are teaching; if you are teaching skills, you need those things with which to demonstrate what you are teaching to make learning faster. For instance, if you are teaching soap making and you don’t have money with which to buy those ingredients for soap making, you will end up teaching just theory. So, for you to be able to achieve what is desired, you continue to demand those things that will make learning easier. Until this is done, learning will be difficult. The message I want to send across is that we combine both grammar and entrepreneurship in educational sector in FCT and that the quality of the sector is improving.

In your position, are there specific plans in place for the sector in the FCT? Our plan is to make every child in the FCT acquire sound education that will enable him or her be the kind of leaders we want in future. We also want to make sure that our teachers are happy doing their jobs and our children are happy to learn by providing very conducive environment for them. We also want to ensure that managers of the education system are very happy. We are doing everything we can to ensure that the quality of educational services improve every day in FCT. We are not relenting in our efforts to do that, because the children are ready to learn and the teachers are willing to teach, but all we are asking is financial support to enable us get those things we need to teach well.

We do know that parents also have strong roles to play in the education of their children. What advice do you have for them?

As you know, the federal government has put in place several plans to make sure that every child of school age is given the opportunity to go to school. Parents must take advantage of these policies to send their children to school. They need to allow them to be in school. Apart from this, they should look at their performance when they come back from school. You can also help your children to do their homework.

This will enable you to monitor their performances.

•Dr Adamu Noma

Our plan is to make every child in the FCT acquire sound education that will enable him or her be the kind of leaders we want in future.

”

Basic education is said to be free, but you still have so many levies which some see as school fees. What is UBEB doing to address all these for education to be truly free?

Education is truly free in FCT. Parents only participate to provide certain things before government comes in. Government is not expected to do everything.

When certain things are lacking in the school, parents have the right to come together, put heads together and do some-

thing to that effect. That does not mean that education is not free.

Are you satisfied with the amount being voted for education in the national budget?

I will never be satisfied, but you have to know that there are other sectors like transport, agriculture, health and others that education is competing with. So all these sectors are equally making their demands.

The Oracle Today

17

Wednesday October 11 2017

BU$IN£SS •Energy •Finance

•Stock

•Insurance

•Aviation

•e-Platform

Ogba Zoo invasion amplifies security concern at nature

By VICTOR NZE

C

oncerns over the invasion and deadly attack on the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park in Benin, Edo State, has heightened security concerns and threatened tourist activities on the site.

Rising security fears conicide with emerging conspiracy theories that continued to trail last Sunday’s deadly attack on the culminating in the death of security operatives and the abduction of the facility’s Chief Executive Office/Managing Director, Dr. Andy Osa Ehanire, tourism experts have expressed worry that the problem of insecurity which had plagued tourists destination in the northern regions of the country have now become a cause for concern to sites in the south.

It would be recalled that gunmen reportedly attacked the iconic Ogba Zoo and Nature Park in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, during the peak hours of tourists’ activities, leaving three policemen attached to the Edo Police Command dead with the whereabouts of Ehanire still unknown but presumably abducted by the attackers.

The policemen who were posted to provide security for fun seekers died in the ensuing surprise attack even as they also lost their service rifles to the assailants who also allegedly abducted Ehanire in the process.

Spokesman of the Edo Police Command, DSP Moses Nkombe, who confirmed the killings and abduction on the phone, said that the attackers would soon be brought to book as security had been beefed up in the area, just as he assured members of the public that the park is safe for fun seekers.

State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has since condemned the attack saying he would soon meet President Muhammadu Buhari on the need to restructure the

•Tourism

Energy

Refinery: Nigeria awaits 1.895 mbd capacity P20 e-Platform Embrace FinTech or lose revenues, experts tell Nigerian banks

P22

Aviation • Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (r) meeting with Chairman, Ogba Zoo & Nature Park Board, Prof. (Chief) EU Emovon and the company’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Andy Ehanire, in June at the Government House, Benin City.

Edo Police Command so as to strengthen the state’s security situation.

The governor, while describing the incident as unfortunate, said that Edo has not had such situation for a long time.

“As we move toward the end of the year, this kind of occurrence is not unusual, but we have taken necessary steps to stop such,” Obaseki said.

Similarly, the Federal Government in condemning the attack and kidnapping of Ehanire, described it as ‘saddening, condemnable and most unfortunate.’

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who made the government’s position known, said, in a statement that the attack on one of the country’s foremost tourist destinations was a big blow to ongoing efforts to

CBN EXCHANGE RATES SEPTEMBER 25, 2017

lift the tourism sector in the country. ”The success or failure of a tourism destination depends largely on a safe and secure environment. Incidences such as the attack on the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park therefore negate the concept of tourism as well as government’s determination to develop our tourism industry as a tool for socio-economic development. ”The killing of the three policemen attached to the zoo to provide security for fun seekers, the abduction of the zoo boss and the trauma suffered by the visitors who witnessed the attack are saddening, condemnable and most unfortunate,” he said.

Also, the umbrella body of travel and tourism operators, the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) strongly condemned the incident, as the body,

in a statement by its President, Alhaji Saleh Rabo described it ‘as a sad development for the Nigerian tourism industry and a major setback for the little gains made by the Nigerian tourism industry.’

“I find it difficult and unacceptable that such a thing should happen at a tourist site in the country.

The kidnap of Ehanire at the Ogba zoological garden is a serious setback for the tourism industry. We are putting in efforts to promote local tourist sites and also promote our sites and destinations as safe to visit. Ehanire has contributed so much to this industry and is at the forefront of the drive to develop it and make tourism a major income earner for the country. It is unfortunate that he would now fall victim of kidnap. It is important for the Nigerian tourism industry that Ehanire is safely

Benin Airport for facility, safety upgrade P27

Cont’d on Page 18

Stock Market Highlights As At SEPTEMBER 25, 2017

Summary

Currency

Buying(NGN) Central(NGN)

Selling(NGN)

US DOLLAR

POUNDS STERLING

304.85

305.35

305.85

413.6815

414.36

415.0385

EURO

364.814

365.4123

366.0107

SWISS FRANC

314.6027

315.1187

315.6347

YEN

2.7211

2.7256

2.7301

ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP

CFA

0.5342

0.5442

0.5542

WAUA

431.8414

432.5497

433.258

S/N

YUAN/RENMINBI

46.2445

46.3208

46.3971

RIYAL

81.2868

81.4202

81.5535

SOUTH AFRICAN RAND 23.0075

23.0453

23.083

DANISH KRONA

49.0199

49.1003

49.1807

SDR

434.2183

434.9303

435.6422

35,358.73 2,848.00 107,148,175.00 1,367,125,616.28 12,188,920,116,808.13

Coy (By Volume) Volume

MEYER FCMB NIGERINS FBNH TRANSCORP

Value

20,005,000 14,003,650.00 9,570,735 9,921,352.24 8,399,851 4,199,925.50 8,094,385 45,313,978.66 5,457,683 6,835,542.23

5 Top Gainers Symbols Last Close Current Change TOTAL 225 231 6 GLAXOSMITH 21.4 22 0.6 AIRSERVICE 6.82 7.16 0.34 CUSTODYINS 3.46 3.63 0.17 ETERNA 3.3 3.46 0.16 Top Losers Company Last Close Current Change NESTLE 1230 1225 -5 NB 171.01 168 -3.01 WAPCO 51.48 50 -1.48 UBA 8.97 8.7 -0.27 GUARANTY 39.6 39.5 -0.1

The Oracle Today

18

Wednesday October 11, 2017

BUSINESS

Nigeria queues for $280m PIATA programme Stories by VICTOR NZE

T

HE multi-million dollar Partnership for Inclusive Agricultural Transformation in Africa (PIATA) has been launched as an innovative and transformative partnership and financing vehicle to drive inclusive agriculture transformation across the continent.

Nigeria along with 10 other priority African countries, including Ghana, Mali, Burkina Faso, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Malawi and Mozambique have been lined up as recipients of the financing initiative.

Together, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will provide up to U.S. $280 million to catalyze and sustain inclusive agricultural transformation in the listed countries in Africa, which will in turn increase incomes and improve the food security of 30 million smallholder farm households.

The PIATA reflects a recognition that greater impact and value can be achieved through a strategic partnership that builds on what has been achieved by each partner across the continent, and pulls them together in ways that help catalyze and sustain transformation at scale.

The PIATA is an important collaboration between donors that aligns behind the Malabo agenda agreed to by African Heads of State and Government in 2014.

It signals an enduring commitment to Africa’s transformation agenda.

PIATA is but one of various means by which each of the partners are supporting African countries to deliver on agricultural transformation; its partners continue to provide support through avenues including direct support to continental agencies, government bodies and in-country partners.

The partnership will allow partners to align and complement existing efforts, making new investments in developing input systems, value chains, and policy where they will have the most impact.

Speaking at the launch, Mr.

Mamadou Biteye, Managing Director of the Rockefeller Foundation Africa Regional Office said, “We are pleased to be part of PIATA. We see it as an opportunity to leverage even more from the partners and their huge networks, for greater impact. We are looking forward to deploying the technologies that we have helped develop over the years, together with our shared knowledge and grant support, to work with our esteemed partners.

Together we hope to catalyze Africa’s pursuit for prosperity through agriculture. PIATA is critical in our ongoing push to build the resilience of farmers and systems that affect them, especially in light of increasing challenges such as climate change, among others.”

According to the 2017 Africa Agriculture Status Report, Africa needs an agricultural revolution that is distinct and that links millions of small farms to agribusinesses, creating extended food supply chains, jobs and economic opportunities for large segments of the population.

Agriculture is still the best bet for inclusive African economic growth and poverty reduction.

Such a transformation will require greater political, policy, and financing commitments from across the public and private sectors. It will also require new partnership models like PIATA, which is hailed as an outstanding example of how partners can collaborating with African countries’ visions and systems to deliver on their own transformation, in line with their national economic development strategies.

Executive Director of the Global Growth and Opportunity Division of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr. Rodger Voorhies, said: “We’ve seen significant progress when countries recognize the critical importance of agriculture to their economic development and help catalyze agricultural transformation with targeted investments, evidencebased policies, and strong national plans.

PIATA is an exciting platform that can help countries take the lead in driving agricultural transformation. Our investment reflects our desire to help countries develop high-quality plans linked

•From left: Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) presenting a gong to Alex Okoh, Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) at a Closing Gong Ceremony at the Exchange recently.

to national and continental accountability frameworks.”

Each PIATA partners boasts strong networks of local, private sector and implementers from across the continent, which, through this platform, will benefit from stronger integration of investments and alignment of approaches to boost not only development but business outcomes as well.

On his part, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Food Security, USAID, Mr. Sean Jones, said: “PIATA offers a new way of doing business across the many public and private actors working to ensure food security and economic growth as called

The operators also called on the government to increase security at tourism sites to avoid such occurrence in the future: “Tourism is big business and cannot flourish under insecurity. All tiers of government should ensure that our sites are safe and secured. This is the only way they could attract visitors as no tourist would like to go to any site that is unsafe.”

However, Oracle Today notes that the abducted Ehanire has for decades been involved in a running battle with highly-placed indigenes of the state who had engaged others from communities surrounding the zoo in destroying and encroaching on the nature park.

The battle by the zoo’s management which has also reached the court as the management had sought its intervention in checking alleged land-grabbing moves by indigenes, communities and other interested parties, only recently in June attracted the attention of the state governor, Obaseki, who granted the management team audience following a desperate appeal to his office.

At the June meeting, Ehanire in company of the Chairman of Ogba Zoo Board, Prof. (Chief) EU Emovon had urged Governor Obaseki to quickly set up a panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the loss of nearly 70 per cent of the company’s land to land grabbers.

“We seek the intervention of

ating Africa’s path to prosperity by growing inclusive economies and jobs through agriculture.

“We have witnessed significant progress in our agricultural transformation over the past decade, with countries that have prioritized the sector recording notable drops in poverty levels, improved food security and inclusive economic growth. PIATA will be critical in bringing key players together to support governments in their push to fully unlock the potential of Africa’s smallholder farming and agribusiness as the surest drivers of job creation and the continent’s inclusive economic transformation,” she said.

2 micro-finance banks receive Smart Certification

O

PERATIONS of micro finance banks in Nigeria received a boost as two micro finance institutions, Grooming Centre and Fortis Microfinance bank were given the Smart Certification for client protection.

The Smart certification pro-

Security concern at nature parks Continued from P17

for in country-owned visions and the goals laid out in the Malabo Declaration. Agriculture is at its core a private sector enterprise, and one of the best bets for job creation and inclusive growth when the right policies and investments allow the private sector to flourish. This partnership offers an innovative mechanism to unlock this investment and realize many of the targets laid out in the Global Food Security Strategy approved by our Congress.”

Welcoming the new partnership, Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), expressed her belief that the initiative would contribute significantly to acceler-

His Excellency the Governor of Edo State, to set up a special investigative panel to look into the destruction of the Zoo Staff quarters and the conversion of the land for private development, in violation of a subsisting Arbitration judgement.

“This investigation should naturally extend to the scandalous incursions and destruction of nearly 70 per cent of the zoo, since we currently hold the unenviable record of being the most vandalized Zoo in Nigeria. We have absolute confidence in the integrity of the Governor to do justice to these disturbing issues plaguing Ogba Zoo, as only a panel set up by the Governor can guarantee neutrality, rather than the intended investigation by

vided an independent, objective seal of confidence that a financial institution is doing everything it could to treat its clients well and protect them from harm.

The Smart campaign began in 2008 when a group of microfinance industry leaders came together to launch a campaign that established the Client Protection Principles.

To put the principles into action, the Smart campaign was launched in October 2009.

In her welcome address, Ms Isabelle Barres, Vice President, Center for Financial Inclusion (CFI) and Director of the Smart campaign noted that low financial literacy levels was one of the biggest client protection issues in Nigeria.

Barres said that the campaign focused on the microfinance industry and how to assist them to achieve global best practices in their operations.

According to her, the third phase of the campaign spans through 2017-2020 with a focus on Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda and Rwanda, as she further explained that each convening of the campaign was aimed at bringing key

stakeholders together to address consumer risks.

She also added that the knowledge of client protection and challenges were important in boosting the efficiency of the operations of microfinance.

While receiving the award, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Grooming Center, Dr Godwin Nwabunka, said that his experience working at the UN helped him and his team in achieving the Smart certification, noting that client protection had been the goal for Grooming Center, adding that certification came naturally.

Also, CEO, Fortis Micro Finance Bank, Tiko Okoye, said the Smart certification would , among others, would boost the bank’s brand, as according to him, being the first set in Nigeria, second in Africa and the 16th in the world to receive the certification will only make them to be more effective in dealing with their customers.

While presenting the awards to the duo, Director Consumer Protection Department of the CBN, Mrs Umma Aminu Dutse urged them to continue to strive to protect the interest of their clients.

The Oracle Today

19

Wednesday October 11, 2017

BUSINESS

Delta deploys new A330-200 on Lagos-Atlanta route Stories by VICTOR NZE

U

NITED States-based carrier, Delta Air Lines, has announced that passengers on any of its flights can text via channels of choice including iMessage, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger from an airplane 30,000 feet in the air.

The airline hit an important milestone as it carried the 1-millionth customer to fly on its nonstop service between Nigeria and the United States, even as it also announced the introduction of a new aircraft type to service the popular Atlanta-Lagos route starting from October ending.

The one millionth passenger, Ms Gbemisola Abudu, was met by Bobby Bryan, Delta’s Commercial Director for East and West Africa, as she checked in for her flight from Lagos to Atlanta and was presented with a special celebratory gift to mark the occasion.

“Delta has a lot to celebrate in Nigeria and we’re delighted to congratulate Ms Abudu for being our 1-millionth passenger on-board our Lagos route, a landmark moment for our airline,” said Bobby Bryan. “Delta’s operations in Nigeria continue to go from strength to strength. This year we are celebrating our 10-year anniversary in the market and will launch a new route to New York-JFK from Lagos next year.”

Following her surprise at checkin, Ms Abudu was treated to Delta’s Sky Priority airport service, as well as a VIP celebration in Delta’s airport lounge.

Delta is the only U.S. airline to serve Nigeria and will mark a dec-

•From left: Mr Sunday Dare, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management; Mr Yakubu Gontor, Head of Finance; and Mr Usman Malah, Chief of Staff to EVC, all of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) at the just concluded ITU Telecom World 2017 conference in South Korea. ade of nonstop service to Lagos in December. From March 26, 2018, the airline will operate daily service between Lagos and the United States, with four weekly services to Atlanta complemented by three new weekly flights to New York-

JFK. Effective October 29, 2017, all Delta services to and from Lagos will be operated using an Airbus A330200 aircraft which is equipped with larger seats throughout the aircraft, including Main; Power

outlets and USB power available at every seat in every class of service; Customizable TUMI amenity kits in Delta One, plus a sleep kits in Comfort+ and Main Cabin; Delta One features fully flat-bed seats with an angled configuration for greater

privacy, also Complimentary Delta Studio entertainment for all, featuring Nollywood blockbusters and Wi-Fi availability for purchase.

Meanwhile, the airline has said that beginning from October 1, passengers on any of its flights can text via channels of choice including iMessage, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger from an airplane 30,000 feet in the air.

The airline will become the first U.S. global carrier* to offer free mobile messaging, providing more customers access to free messaging than any other carrier. The airline will also have the most aircraft enabled with free messaging.

The airline has also appointed Shane Spyak as its new Staff Vice President of Sales for Europe, Middle East, Africa and India (EMEAI) who will oversee Delta’s EMEAI sales organization with a specific focus on the region’s broad commercial activities.

On its new messaging innovation, the new, complimentary capability will enable customers to stay fully connected with those on the ground and exchange real-time messages in flight with friends, families, colleagues, and clients via iMessage, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. The enhancement is part of Delta’s multi-billion dollar investment in the customer experience.

NCC, Nigerian innovators bag ITU awards

UBA, Air Peace win big at Interswitch Awards T

U

NITED Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, indigenous airline, Air Peace were among notable companies that scooped major awards at the at the prestigious Interswitch Awards and Gala, in Lagos.

UBA beat other nominees in its category, carting home the prize for the Fastest Growing Bank Partner with the most impressive performance in Verve card issuance as we;; as the Payment Innovation Driver for Trade Finance award.

Both awards further lend credence to the banks dominance in the digital banking space.

The award which in recognition of innovative products and services introduced by the bank in recent times, targeted towards meeting customer needs, comes on the heels of recent awards hauled by UBA, including Finnacle Client Innovation Awards, and Best Bank Awards won by its five subsidiaries across Africa by The Bankers Magazine.

Receiving the award at a colorful and well attended event, the Group Head, Consumer and Digital Banking, United Bank for Africa, Dr. Yinka Adedeji, appreciated the organizers for the recognition

noting that UBA’s dedication to hard work and particular emphasis on quality to customer needs are been acknowledged. According to him, the award affirms the Bank’s strong management and un-matched commitment to service excellence.

“This only goes to show that our resolve in continuing to deploy innovative solutions that puts customer first by using cutting edge technology for consumer satisfaction and excellent banking experience is important to us. This recognition will further spur us to do more in meeting the needs of our

customers with unequalled service hard to find elsewhere”. said Adedeji.

Also, Air Peace established itself as the leader in Nigeria’s airline business, emerging the winner of Interswitch’s “Payment Innovation Driver, Aviation “award.

Interswitch in the citation confirmed that the carrier had changed the way of doing flight business in the country.

Air Peace, the electronic payments company said, was one of the winners in the different categories of its awards that had positively impacted the nation’s

Overland increases Akure-Abuja traffic

D

omestic operator, Overland Airways has announced a frequency increase on its flights from Akure-Abuja route from three times a week to six times a week.

According to the airline, this is to enable Overland Airways passengers travelling from Akure, Ondo State, as well as Ekiti State and environs to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to enjoy more flight options which will enhance their business activities, and provide them with the flexibility to visit and bond with loved ones and enjoy other forms of leisure.

Chief Executive Officer of Overland Airways, Capt. Edward Boyo, noted that the increased flights services on the Akure-Abuja route would help to reposition the State for greater economic development.

“Overland Airways now offers increased firstrate flight services from Akure to Abuja and Abuja to Akure. Our satisfaction comes fulfilling the travel needs of our customers. That is our vision

and commitment. Akure is a choice destination because of its rich agricultural and mineral resources as well historical sites and nature’s wonders that are a tourist’s delight.

“For the past 15 years, Overland Airways has provided easy access to hinterland economies and secondary airports in Nigeria with top-notch flight services. Overland is committed to opening up under-served airports.

Akure is just one of the key destinations where Overland Airways plays a vital role in its economic development through air transport.”

“Ondo State’s economy is important to our existence as a devoted corporate citizen.

Overland Airways is here for the long-term, as we are partners in the growth and development of Ondo State. We want to see the cocoa farms and associated investments flourish. We want to see the rich art and craft heritage of Ondo State excel. We are in Ondo

State to provide the platform that gives investors, tourists, and economic development partners easy access to Ondo State,” said Capt. Boyo.

In 2016, Overland Airways opened its City Ticketing Offices in Ado- Ekiti in a bid to stay closer to the people and provide prompt solution to their ticketing and related needs in the comfort of their localities.

Chief Operating Officer of Overland Airways, Mrs. Aanu Benson, remarked: “Ondo State is fondly called the Sunshine State, which symbolizes light, life and vibrancy; and naturally Ondo has a gamut of natural resources including mineral deposits and fertile agricultural land, and impressive hills, etc. The State also offers some of the country’s most iconic tourism sites, as well as a rich blend of culture and tradition which makes Ondo State an attractive destination for investors.”

By SAMSON AKINTARO

he Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has received recognition from the International Telecommunication Union, (ITU) for its commitment to telecommunications growth globally through its partnerships with the world telecommunications body. ITU in a certificate of appreciation signed by Mr. Houlin Zhao, its Secretary General, and issued to NCC at the end of the 2017 ITU Telecom World forum held in Busan, South Korea, said it was proud to honour NCC for the Commission’s commitment and participation - remarkable expressions that make NCC a “valuable partner at ITU Telecom World events.

Three Nigerian Innovators at the event - Valentine Ubalua, Temitope Awosika and Chizaram Ucheaga - also received the 2017 ITU Telecom World RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE Awards.

The world superintendent of telecommunication says it is also proud to recognise the innovators’ excellence in providing and promoting innovative ICT solutions with social impact.

NCC had led the Nigerian contingent comprising a team of young innovators to the global telecom conference where they showcased their innovative solutions to the world.

The Oracle Today

20

Wednesday October 11, 2017

ENERGY

By SOPURUCHI ONWUKA

N

IGERIA’S total domestic refining capacity is expected to attain significant upside in the next three years when a crop of ongoing private refining project would come on stream to fill supply gaps created by wobbling government owned refineries.

A survey of local refining projects

by The Oracle Today showed that about 10 different greenfield refineries are under project or planning stages as investors enter a new profit race to position in the downstream end of the industry.

The movement of investments from the upstream industry to downstream follows predictions of long term low price cycle in the international crude oil market and abundance of feedstock channels as the market suffers all time supply turgidity.

The survey result showed that the three years will be the defining moment for Nigeria’s oil refining industry as market incentives and internal policy changes provide the right set of conditions that propel investors to realize the tall dream of 1.895 million barrels per day refining capacity.

Data mined from different sources showed that government is driving a number of incentives through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to expand public sector led investments to 845, 000 barrels per day through a combination of rehabilitation of existing 445. 000 barrel per day plants and plans for 400,000 barrel per day green field plans.

The plants under rehabilitation and optimization programmes include the 210, 000 barrels per day Port Harcourt Refinery, 125, 000 barrel per day Warri Refinery, and 110 barrel per day Kaduna Refinery.

Currently, the three legacy refineries operate at very low capacity and hardly meet domestic demand.

Consequently, Nigeria despite being leading crude oil exporter has been a net importer of refined petroleum products, providing huge market for refiners that buy her crude and mounting foreign exchange demand pressure on lean export income.

According to NNPC the country’s consumption of gasoline or Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also called petrol is estimated at 35 million litres per day, consumption ok household kerosene (HHK) is estimated at 10 million litres per day. The two products are partially deregulated and the commercial arrangement does not encourage private sector importation.

It is estimated that Nigeria currently spends about $15 billion annually to sustain the flood of imported fuel into the country.

Analysts point out that the country’s annual import bills could fund a high capacity greenfield refinery.

Despite several efforts to attract investments in private refining in the country, economics of the business and its low market returns at a time of high crude oil prices failed to hold the allure to both local and foreign investors.

Attempt by the Department of Petroleum Resources in 2002 to grant about 18 licenses to private investors that indicated interest in local refining yielded little results as only two of the licensees proceeded to site.

Government had through the

NNPC initiated the greenfield refinery initiative in 2005 to partner private investors in building local refining capacity as a deliberate measure to displace significant volume of imports with local production.

Under the arrangement, three projects were initiated to site three new refineries with combined capacity for 400, 000 barrels per day in Lagos, Bayelsa and Kogi States.

According to the arrangement which was evolved to lead the promotion of new private refineries, 200,000 barrel per day refinery was scheduled for Lagos; 100,000 barrel per day plant was booked for Bayelsa; and another 100,000 barrel per day processing plant was scheduled for Kogi.

The corporation states that capacity of the plans was based on need analysis that estimated that additional refining capacity would be required to support the mix of local production and importation in order to keep the economy running beyond 2016. The refining projets, unfortunately has remained under planning stage since 12 years.

However, an integrated field development programme in Anambra inland basin by Orient Petroleum Resources involved building of 20, 000 barrel per day scalable refinery project. The refinery became a choice following dearth of export facilities from the crude production location to coastal terminals.

The refinery’s modules, The Oracle survey showed, have since been delivered while the stream date of 2013 has been overshot without any confirmation of plant commissioning. Good news is that the refinery realization has attained advanced stages.

There are also plans by two indigenous marketing companies, Integrated Oil Limited, and Rainoil Limited to float two separate modular refineries of 20, 000 barrels per day each. Whereas Integrated Oil has reached project stages, Rainoil is conducting feasibility studies.

There is also the $3.0 billion 160, 000 barrels per day Araromi Refinery Project located in Olokola Free Zone for which KBR Incorporated, a unit of Halliburton, has been awarded a contract to provide Design and Early Engineering Services. Commissioning date remains uncertain but a major contractor has been deployed on the project.

Also, a new company, Petrolex, is in partnership with South Korea’s Hyundai to build 200,000 barrel per day refinery in Ogun state.

Already, the partners have built a 300,000 million tone tank farm for feedstock and output storage.

Perhaps the most outstanding in size, investment cash haul and delivery progress is the $15 billion 650, 000 barrel per day Dangote Refinery located in coastal area of Lekki, Lagos State.

The scale of the private projects sustains hope that if government led refinery capacity building programme stalls as might be expected, Nigeria’s future fuel demands could be met with combined private capacity of 1.05 million barrels per day.

Our checks also showed that changes in the market outlook for both upstream crude oil producers and midstream processing companies guarantee commercial viability for refining companies in the short to medium term.

Already, the prevailing low crude

Refinery: Nigeria awaits 1.895 mbd capacity

• Oil refinery

The scale of the private projects sustains hope that if government led refinery capacity building programme stalls, Nigeria’s future fuel demands could be met with combined private capacity of 1.05 million barrels per day.

”

oil cycle has stabilized at about $50 per barrel, high enough to sustain robust upstream operations across terrains and low enough to guarantee comfortable and viable commercial margins for refining companies.

The changing scenario holds significant economic benefit for Nigeria which has over half a century failed to trap the revenue and non-revenue benefits of vibrant downstream sector which, according to economists, hold the highest potential to deliver the momentum for boost in gross domestic product.

The advantages are enormous.

If crude oil were refined in-country then export charges, import charges and subsidy payments could be re-directed to more pressing projects. The country is less exposed to market fluctuation and manipulation, and retains control of supply and marketing of petroleum products.

Also, security concerns, particularly for sea-going transport,

would be reduced with domestic processing. Refineries built close to production also have the strategic advantage of proximity and enhance the ability to create local jobs, nurture skills for ancillary industries and address agitations in the operating environment.

Again, all foreign and local taxes, freight charges, insurance and other costs associated with importation would fall off the price templates and ultimately crash pump prices in the long term.

For the refiners, there is the advantage of easy access to Nigeria’s light sweet crude output right on their doorstep, as well as low freight costs and proximity to endusers.

In addition, the challenge of foreign exchange would drastically reduce as transactions would increasingly shift from dollar to Naira.

Any new complex refineries would help Nigeria meet global regulations on sulfur cap on fuels consumed in the country.

For Nigeria, bulking up its refin-

ing sector would not only service its own growing population, but would also let it act as a key refiner for a region that is more generally lacking capacity.

According to NNPC, West and Central African Region consists of 18 countries from Mauritania in the North to Angola in the South. Total population is estimated at 290 Million with a GDP of about $340 billion. This provides enormous market opportunity for Nigerian refineries to exploit.

Our survey showed that Africa’s refineries are unable to meet the region’s increasing demand for petroleum products. The continent has only under-utilised 46 refineries. This disadvantage in refining capacity is crippling.

International Energy Association (IEA) tips Africa as world’s fastestgrowing oil consumer, with projected consumption of 4.5 million barrels per day by 2018. Oil production far exceeds refinery output and while the domestic market exists, it is underserved. Angola produces 1.8 million barrels of oil per day and has only one full-scale refinery. Egypt, the fourth-largest oil producer, with 723,000 barrels per day, leads the continent with nine refineries.

Other African countries have huge refining gaps that create huge market for emerging Nigerian refiners.

The next two years will be critical for Nigeria and should provide concrete evidence of the government’s will to achieve energy independence once and for all.

The Oracle Today

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Wednesday October 11, 2017

ENERGY Shell launches NXplorers education initiative S HELL declared Monday that it has launched its global education initiative, NXplorers, in Nigeria, in the latest effort to inspire young people to find solutions to the global challenges of food, wa-

ter and energy in the face of an increasing global population.

“NXplorers will connect Nigeria to the global search for solutions to the interlinked challenges of food, water and energy by inspiring, preparing

and enabling young Nigerians to embrace complexity and address these real-life issues,” said the General Manager External Relations of Shell Nigeria, Igo Weli. “As the world population grows, the challenges

•The Executive Director, Jewels of Africa Foundations (Africa Chapter) -Mr. Deji Haastrup handing over one of the books to Dr. Mrs. D.I. Oke - Principal of Iluemeje Community Grammar School, Mahintedo.

of food, water and energy also increase. These challenges do not have set solutions but look to innovations that can address them in a sustainable manner.”

About 150 students from 12 public and private secondary schools in Port Harcourt and Lagos have been enrolled on the programme and trained by local and international consultants in collaboration with Mind Africa and LEAP Africa. NXplorers uses a unique combination of three methodologies of Systems thinking; Scenario planning; and Theory of change, to explore the issues, create solutions and effect sustainable changes that directly impact the food-waterenergy nexus challenges in the local environment.

Systems thinking prepares participants to explore complex issues particularly of food, water and energy nexus using a variety of thinking tools and strategies; Scenario planning helps them to imagine different futures using scenario planning tools; while theory of change equips them to plan for and enact positive change using theory of change methodolo-

gies. Using these methodologies, the programme provides a foundation for equipping future policy makers to develop complex problem-solving skills and change projects in the context of the food-water-energy nexus and beyond.

NXplorers was commissioned by the Projects and Technology business division of the Shell Group and is currently being implemented in 10 other countries across four continents of the world. Current beneficiary countries are: Qatar, Ghana, Oman, Brazil, England, Netherlands, India, Singapore, Russia, and Indonesia.

Other smart-energy initiatives by Shell include a global Shell LiveWire programme that encourages young people to develop entrepreneurial initiatives and energy innovations; Shell Eco-marathon which supports university students to design, build, test and drive ultra-energy-efficient vehicles; and Shell ideas360 programme which challenges university students of all disciplines to share ideas to meet the needs of a growing global population.

Chevron boasts of driving local partnership

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HEVRON Nigeria Limited (CNL) says it is contributing to the development of Nigeria’s economy through dedicated compliance with the Nigerian Content laws.

The company, in a statement declared that it has contributed towards Nigeria’s progress in acquisition of oil and gas technology and helped build indigenous capacity to service the oil and gas industry.

It stated that such contributions were in line with expectation that international oil companies (IOCs) and other players in the industry would play active role in Nigerian content development.

The statement has it that Chevron “is at the fore front of promoting Nigeria’s ideals of economic and social development. Over the years, the company has continued to add value and partner with Nigeria as it commits itself to the vision of being the global energy company most admired for its people, partnership and performance”.

“Chevron plays an active role in the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce (LCCI), working closely with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and legislators on NCD issues.

“Chevron has a four-prong approach to NCD – which is inspired by the ommitment to ensuring Nigerian entrepreneurs (both at the community and state levels) acquire the right competencies and capabilities to compete for business opportunities with their contemporaries at national and international levels.

“The approach includes: selection of qualified local contractors; facilitation of partnerships and alliances between indigenous com-

panies and foreign firms; capacity building; and development of local competencies.”

Chairman/Managing Director of the company, Mr. Jeff Ewing, is quoted as saying that Chevron is committed to the socio-economic development of Nigeria by building mutually-beneficial partnerships, and supporting the policies of government on Nigerian content development.

“At Chevron Nigeria Limited, we demonstrate our commitment to the socio-economic development of Nigeria by building mutually-beneficial partnerships, and supporting the policies of government on Nigerian Content Development. We have helped in building the capacities of several Nigerian businesses by allocating substantial scopes of our major capital projects to Nigerian companies. Chevron is also helping to grow the Nigerian economy by contributing to the development of communities in the areas of our operation. We do all this, not just because it is required by the law, but because it is the right thing to do,” he is quoted.

Chevron said it implements the NOGICD Act in Nigeria include human capacity development, facility fabrication, construction and installations.

“Others include support for facility acquisition, facilitation of partnerships between local and foreign contractors, and provision of opportunities for local community contractors through work scope allocation in Chevron’s major capital projects in Nigeria.

“On human capacity development, Chevron completed construction training for 161 Nigerians on welding, fabrication and craft at Nigerdock facility, Snake Island, Lagos for its Sonam Development

Project. Also on the Agbami Phase 3 Development Project, Chevron sponsored four Nigerian engineers for subsea engineering training in France in partnership with NCDMB and Technip Offshore Nigeria Limited.

“The training also included two visits to manufacturing plants in France and Norway. Chevron is currently training six young Nigerian Engineers in subsea engineering at FMC Technologies facility, Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) Onne, Rivers State. In addition, five Nigerian Engineering graduates sponsored

by CNL, also completed subsea training at Marine Platforms Limited in Port Harcourt. One of the trainees was offered full-time employment with Marine Platforms Limited(MPL) as a Marine Cadet.

“CNL’s accomplishments in human capital development include training 14 earth science graduates in two batches under the 12-month skills acquisition programme initiated by NCDMB. CNL also offered scholarships to Nigerian seamen for dynamic positioning training at PEM Offshore Limited, a marine training facility with a contract worth $1 million and collaborated with NCDMB to assist over 600community graduates to register in the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Joint Qualification System (NOGIC JQS).

CNL also awarded a $180,000contract to a local consulting firm, Lonadek Nigeria Limited, to develop and pilot an industry-first capacity building initiative for drilling and completion professionals.

“On fabrication, construction and installation, Chevron facilitated the assembly by FMC Technologies of the first assembled-in-Nigeria Subsea Horizontal Xmas Tree and the fabrication in Nigeria of Agbami

production manifolds for the Agbami Phase 3 Project by FMC Technologies/Aveon Offshore Nigeria Limited. Chevron also facilitated the safe, timely and successful installation of subsea equipment like flexible flowlines, umbilicals and jumpers on Agbami Phase 3 project by a Nigerian Contractor – Marine Platforms Limited.”

It listed other local job deliveries to include the fabrication and load out of Offshore Platform Topsides and Bridge Connection for the Sonam Non-Associated Gas Well Platform (NWP) by Nigerdock Plc.; the fabrication and load-out of the Okan PRP Topsides; Bridge Fabrication of Okan PRP jacket by Globestar in partnership with Idmon Engineering and Construction Co. Limited; Installation of 32km 24” Sonam to Okan NWP pipeline by West African Ventures Limited; and the coating of the pipes used for the Sonam Development Project and Escravos Export System Project (EESP) by Pipe Coaters Nigeria Limited.

“In terms of fabrication, Chevron has done a lot. I am sure you heard about the Sonam project which was done in Nigeria. A lot of the fabrication happened here, a lot of the engineers that were on that project are Nigerians. You also hear about the pipeline project Chevron is currently executing - the contractors are Nigerians and most of the vessels that are deployed for that project are owned by Nigerians. So, I think human capacity development-wise they (CNL) have done a lot on fabrication as well as logistic services and trickling that down to community participation in their operations.

They (CNL) have a very robust system which I think the rest of industry should try to emulate which is the GMoU process. That has been

a game changer in the community/ IOC relationship. They started it and I am sure other companies like Shell, Agip and others have also latched on to the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU).

So, the contribution has been phenomenal and I think we can break that down even into value that is domiciled in-country in terms of amount of money that is spent on projects and number of Nigeria contractors that have benefitted from Chevron’s operations. I think the testimony is endless I must say….

So, I think that Chevron is perhaps a shining star amongst a lot.”

“Chevron’s commitment to Nigerian Content development did not start today. The Agbami project set industry standards by fabricating more than 10,000 tonnes of steel with Nigerian fabrication companies, the highest ever recorded in Nigeria. Chevron also trained 105 Nigerian engineers from 21 engineering companies in South Korea.

The Escravos Gas Project (EGP) has employed over 1,800 Nigerians and sourced millions of dollars’ worth of services (engineering, procurement, fabrication, marine etc.) locally.

“Also, the Escravos Gas-to-Liquids (EGTL) project provided employment to more than 15,000 Nigerians during the construction phase of the project. In addition, the project awarded huge sub-contracts to local community contractors, sent 234 Nigerians on a 30-month training program in South Africa at the Synthetic Fuel Facilities of Sasol and trained over 7,000 Nigerians in Technical Skill Crafts, Plant Operation and Maintenance, Business and Project Management, Logistics and Supply Chain Management andGas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) processes.

The Oracle Today

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Wednesday October 11, 2017

e-Platform

Embrace FinTech or lose revenues, experts tell Nigerian banks Stories by SAMPSON AKINTARO

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XPERTS in financial technology (FinTech) have challenged Nigerian banks to see the disruptive technologies in financial services as opportunities rather than threat. They believe the commercial banks have a lot to gain if they embrace the technologies, but would be losing revenues if they treat them as competition.

The experts who spoke at the ‘FinTech for Women’ Conference organised by IAMCP Women in Technology Nigeria, observed that globally, money is going digital and consumer preference is changing towards carrying out transactions anytime and anywhere without having to go to a bank or ATM machine, which is what the FinTech technologies are offering. They also frown at the current practice in banks where customers are asked to present utility bills and other documents before they can open account, thus creating a cumbersome process that discourage people, but which does not exist with FinTech.

Specifically, Mr. Austin Okere, Founder Computer Warehouse Group, noted that banks have been in existence for years, yet large population of Nigerians still don’t have bank accounts, which means there are things they are not doing right. “The absence of competition had stopped the banks from innovating to get more people on board” he said.

However, the new challenge brought by FinTech, he said, would allow banks to offer innovative services. Okere cited an example of one of Nigerian banks, which had just seven million bank

accounts in 23 years, but introduced mobile banking last year, through which people can open a bank account on their phones and carry out transactions without visiting any bank. According to him, in the space of one year, the bank had recorded six million additional bank accounts through the mobile system.

Okere declared that with the evolving technologies, FinTech would command about 40 per cent of the global financial services market in the next 10 years.

He added that with FinTech, banking would wear a new face in the same way that retail did with the advent of e-commerce. “Banks need to change the ‘we win when you lose’ mindset. They need to partner FinTechs to improve the value chain and enhance customer experience,” he advised.

Also speaking at the conference, Mrs Oluwatoyin Sanni, Managing Director United Capital, said banking has gone beyond queuing up at ATM points or in banking halls, which is still the practice in Nigeria today. According to her, customers have no interest in banking, but in saving money when they want to, spending whenever they want to and transacting with their money at any time they want, which are the values the FinTechs offer. She urged bankers not to see the FinTechs as threats but as opportunities which must utilize by adoption.

Meanwhile, Nigerian women have also been challenged to take up career in the FinTech to bridge the gender-gap in the technology. Mrs Toluwaleke Adenmosun, Managing Director, Accenture Financial Services Nigeria, who gave this charge in her presenta-

• Chairperson, IAMCP Women in Technology Nigeria, Mrs Chinwe Onuorah (Left) presenting an award to Mr. Austin Okere, Founder Computer Warehouse Group in recognition of his contributions to the technology industry in Nigeria. tion at the FinTech for women conference, noted that women are better managers of business and should take the opportunity offered by the knowledge economy. According to her, the current intelligence/idea economy is a great opportunity for women to achieve gender equalization.

“Achieving equalization is not going to happen by legislation or government declaration, women would have to take their rightful position themselves” she said.

In the same vein, Mr Mike Ogbalu, Divisional CEO (Interswitch Inclusions), noted that women are underrepresented in the technology industry globally. However, he believes Nigerian women can begin to change that by encouraging girl-child education; creating incentives for more science learning and exposing girls to early practical computer/software skills. He said women would also need to work with government to create incentives that would

encourage more technology companies to employ more women.

Speaking on the objectives of IAMCP Women in Technology Nigeria, its Chairperson, Mrs Chinwe Onuorah said the group was formed to encourage and support women from all backgrounds who are working, starting a career or considering working in technology. According to her, the group is passionately working to increase female inclusion in the technology Space in Nigeria.

CTO wants harmonised cyber security strategies

T

HE secretary-general of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO), Mr. Shola Taylor, has called on countries to address cybercrime and cyber threats through effective and harmonised national cybersecurity strategies with strong multi-stakeholder participation.

Taylor was among industry leaders during the Leadership Summit discussion on “Building a resilient digital future” as part for the conference programme of the International Telecommunications Union’s Telecom World 2017 held in Busan, and which examined the potential risks in the global smart future and how best to counter them. “Cyberspace contributes significantly to achieving countries’ national development goals, and so international organisations,

national security services, operators, intelligence and data protection agencies, as well as citizens all have a role to play in making cyberspace safer and more resilient,” Mr Taylor said as he shared the CTO’s experience in developing national cybersecurity strategies for Commonwealth member countries as well as other countries, including Senegal.

According to him, new forms of cyber threats would inevitably emerge, and to realise the full potential of a smart future, citizens must be able to use these technologies and services securely, and governments must ensure critical information infrastructure, e.g. power and health services, are immune from cyber attacks. He added that comprehensive multi-stakeholder national cybersecurity strategies are needed to mitigate the risks, and this must

be the basis of every nation’s digital ambitions.

Speaking also at a side event organised by the World Economic Forum (WEF) on “Financing models for ICT connectivity infrastructure”, Mr Taylor said that there is a need for a shift in the role governments should play in infrastructure investment. According to WEF, lack of viable financing options for infrastructure remains a significant obstacle to achieving universal connectivity, and that whilst core networks have attracted a great deal of investment, they lack reach and capacity in regions characterised by low per-capita incomes and/ or low population density.

“The growth of Internet penetration is showing signs of slowing down, so it is time to accept that relying on privatesector investment alone has shown its limits,” Mr Taylor

said.

Taking part in the session on “Enabling and shaping the wireless ecosystem: Celebrating the 90th anniversary of CCIR/ITU-

• Shola Taylor

R Study Groups”, Taylor also argued that good spectrum management will be critical to the digital future.

The Oracle Today

23

Wednesday October 11, 2017

e-Platform NCC woos investors at ITU Telecom 2017 Stories by SAMPSON AKINTARO

S

T

HE Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Prof Umar Garba Danbatta has assured potential investors in the telecommunications sector on Nigeria’s commitment toward ensuring the safety and protection of their investments.

Speaking at the investment forum session of the country at the just concluded ITU Telecom World held in Busan, South Korea, Danbatta told the investors the story of how the NCC in collaboration with Nigeria’s apex bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), prevented a takeover bid for a telecommunication company by a consortium of banks back in Nigeria.

“The NCC is assuring the investors that our doors are open and that we will do whatever we can within the regulatory mandate assigned to us to ensure that their investment is safe and secure,” he pointed out. He said the NCC would continue to build a reputation “of a firm but flexible agency”, which provides incentives to operators and potential investors in order to ensure the gains recorded over the past couple of years are sustained.

“We collaborated with a sister agency to successfully stave off the take over a telecommunication company by a consortium of banks.

Banks are not competent to run telecom companies, they should concentrate their efforts in making the financial sector more robust, which I believe they are doing. I have no doubt about it. “This company is now rebranded as 9 Mobile and is providing services to over 20 million Nigerians. Nigerians are on the pay roll of the company. The message we are sending out to investors is

• ITU Secretary General, Mr Houlin Zhao (Left) with the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Prof Umar Garba Danbatta at ITU Telecom World 2017in Busan, South Korea. that in the NCC we are always committed to ensure stability in the telecom sector of Nigeria as well as making sure the safety of the investment is guaranteed,” he said.

At the opening ceremony of Nigeria’s pavilion at the ICT fiesta earlier, Danbatta told the dignitaries in attendance including the ITU Secretary General, Mr Houlin Zhao, that Nigeria’s engagement with the global community during the event

would include creating awareness of the investment opportunities in Africa’s biggest Telecom market, as well as guarantee of adequate Returns on Investments (RoIs).

“In this connection, we are here to tell the ICT community that Nigeria with a population of about 170 million is a preferred investment destination in Africa. “With over 150 million active subscribers, in the voice segment, over 102 per-

cent teledensity and a little over 92 million internet connections, Nigeria is indeed a place to invest”, he explained.

Those who spoke at the investment forum included former Minister of Communication Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson; the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), Mrs Yewande Sadiku; and the ITU scribe, Mr Zhao.

Businesses from different industries ranging from hospitality, food and beverage, aviation, lifestyle, health and entertainment have adopted the payment solution.

Merchants such as Spar, De Renaissance Hotel, Medview Airline, Primrose Specialist Hospital and Yellow Chili Restaurant are already allowing customers pay for goods and services via mVisa. “We are in the

final stage of launching mVisa with GTBank, Sterling Bank and UBA. This means that more and more merchants will join the ecosystem over the next few months,” Okusanya added.

for the nominees and the African business community at large.

In his response to the nomination, the Founder and Chairman of iSON Group, Ramesh Awtaney, said; “I am delighted to be shortlisted as one of the nominees for the All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA™) in partnership with CNBC Africa. It is with great joy that we received the nomination in iSON group. It is an honour to be selected alongside other remarkable leaders and game changers of business on the continent. As an organization, we are continually committed to excellence, developing best practices and innovative strategies. Being shortlisted in these two categories of this prestigious awards, is an affirmation of iSON Group’s strategic innovation, commitment to excellence and global best practices. We are indeed honoured’’.

Speaking further, Ramesh stated

that iSON is proud to continue the tradition established by the awards that define and celebrate vision, the spirit of achievement and excellence in business leadership in Africa. We will continuously distinguish ourselves through our contribution targeted at shaping the African economy, he reiterated.

According to ABN Group, producer of the AABLA, ‘’Winners of the Awards exemplify the best in African leadership. They epitomize the core values of a successful leader, strength, innovation, ingenuity, knowledge and foresight – values that are imperative to carving out powerful business in a Pan-African and global economy.

African business leaders have always been very strong contenders and we look forward to seeing who will win this years’ regional event and represent the region at the All Africa Finale to be hosted in Johannesburg on November 30th 2017.”

Visa, Genesis Cinemas plan movie ticket discounts

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isa has announced an agreement with Genesis Cinemas, Nigeria’s leading moviegoer destination, that gives mVisa customers access to exclusive movie ticket offers. According to Visa, customers who purchase movie tickets using mVisa on Thursdays will pay as low as 300 Naira. There is also a 20 per cent discount on all tickets purchased on any other day of the week. The offer which is currently open to customers of Diamond Bank, Ecobank, Fidelity Bank, First Bank and Zenith Bank will end on 30th of November, 2017. Access Bank and FCMB customers will enjoy the offer within the next few weeks.

Speaking about the partnership, Olukemi Okusanya, Country Manager, Visa West Africa said: “This partnership is a part of our ongoing commitment to giving Visa customers benefits that are meaningful to their needs, passions and lifestyles.

Since the launch of mVisa in July, we have partnered hundreds of merchants who are already receiving payments via the platform nationwide.”

As part of the partnership process, Visa is training new and existing merchants on how to receive payments via the QR codes, set up their apps, check for real-time notifications of payments and access to sales and transactions history.

Samsung opens pre-registration for Note 8

iSON shortlisted for African Business Leaders Awards

i

SON Group, one of Africa’s largest IT and ITeS companies with presence in about 25 countries in Africa has been shortlisted as finalist in two categories of the much anticipated 7th All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA) in Partnership with CNBC. In the finalist list recently released by AABLA, the Founder and Chairman of iSON Group, Ramesh Awtaney is one of the nominees in the Business Leader of the year for West Africa region while iSON Group was also shortlisted for West African Company of the year.

The award which honours business excellence across the continent would commence with regional finals in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria while the grand finale is slated for South Africa. The organizers of the ceremony has promised that this season of the awards would be very memorable

amsung Electronics West Africa has announced that its newest Smartphone in the Galaxy Note Series, the Galaxy Note 8, is now available for pre-registration in Nigeria from September 21 to October 12, 2017 and customers who pre-order will get a free fast charge battery pack and a free back cover upon purchase.

The Galaxy Note 8 was first unveiled at the company’s unpacked event in New York, USA, on August 23, 2017. Coated in Corning Gorilla Glass 5.0, the Galaxy Note 8 has a 6.3-inch screen with Super AMOLED display, allowing for clearer videos and images with a resolution of 2,960 x 1440 (Quad HD). The device is also water and dust (IP68)resistant. According to Samsung, users do not have to worry about getting the device damaged when accidentally dropped in water, as deep as 1.5 meters, for up to 30 minutes. Paul Lee, Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, said that since the launch of the first Note, technology has rapidly evolved, making what was impossible six years ago now impossible to live without.

“The large immersive screen always sets the Note series apart, pushing the display boundary and giving Note lovers more space to do more. With an edge-to-edge display that covers nearly the entire front face of the device, the Note 8 has the largest screen ever on a Note device.

With the cinematic screen and Samsung’s cutting edge Quad HD Super AMOLED display, movies look crisp and clear, photos are brilliant and games are truly immersive,” Lee explained.

Built with 6GB RAM, a 10nm processor, and expandable memory (up to 256GB), the Galaxy Note 8 offers users more flexibility for browsing the internet, streaming videos, playing games, and multitasking. The device’s advanced S Pen features new innovations that reinvent and modernize users’ notetaking experience. “Screen Off” Memo allows users write up to 100 pages of notes, edit them and pin them to the Always-On Display, which is one of the fastest ways to jot down something when in a hurry. With the S Pen, users can now translate full sentences by just hovering the S Pen over the sentence. Users can enjoy a much more authentic pen experience with a natural brush effect that perfectly emulates writing on paper with a fountain or calligraphy pen. With the advanced S Pen, users can write on their device, even when the display is wet.

24

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

ISSN: 2545-5869

EDITORIAL

www.oraclenews.ng

VOX POPULI SACRUM

We should negotiate Nigeria

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari speaks about Nigeria with a magisterial finality that makes the country seem a nice piece of estate devoted to pleasing his tendencies to rule by fiat. When he rules that the “unity of Nigeria is settled and not negotiable”, he steps beyond being magisterial to a new status of a deity. How, if we cannot negotiate Nigeria, live in it in unity?

UNFORTUNATELY, behind the President are followers acquiescing to whatever he says--no questions, no advice, no introspection, no contemplation. They have made the President a law unto himself, and certainly the judge of all cases, including his. These fellows have worsened the situation of Nigeria more than the current recession has done.

THEY have spent months mouthing the “non-negotiable, indivisible Nigeria” of the President. Their positions are mere regurgitations of lines that have become trite, for they add nothing to what we know, except the stridence with which they insist that Nigerians cannot discuss how they live with one another.

NOT done with reducing the debates to “no issues”, they have successfully wielded “restructuring” and “secession” into one meaning. Their intention is clear: those asking for restructuring are asking for the break up of the country. What is wrong with a break up? The Constitution is their witness that it is “unconstitutional”, to, as it would seem now, contemplate having Nigeria outside the way it is currently framed.

HAVE they not succeeded in distracting Nigerians into tangoing over keeping their country togeth-

er, whereas, restructuring has nothing to do with cupying office? When will the blackmails about the breaking up Nigeria. If anything, restructuring can purposes of restructuring stop? be the best guarantee of the future of the country.

What a wonderful country that we have!

THE concentration of powers at the centre has creTHE President has decreed that there would be no ated a cessation of thinking in the States. Competirestructuring by any means, other than the Nations for economic and social developments that tional Assembly. The same National Assembly has the various regions had because they harnessed severally affirmed that “Nigeria would not break their resources, invested them for their good and up under its watch”, a song that the 36 State paid taxes to the centre, from which they also Houses of Assembly, adopted when their Speakbenefitted, have been wiped out. In their place are ers met in Owerri only days ago. It was a continuguile, greed, and outright disruptions of developation of meetings that have held in Uyo, Yola, as if ment of the States. a nationwide tour was required to conclude that RESTRUCTURING is not an option or alternative to Nigeria was not working. whatever Nigerian leadership is doing now. It is an BLAMES shared across the polity, names mentioned imperative that even the most developed countries to emphasise their roles in the enthralling mess, still adopt to do things better. The befuddlements and the constant injection of the agitations of the that have been heaped on it are unnecessary interIndigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), as the best ruptions to injecting life into an ailing patient called reason for asserting that the time for restructurNigeria. ing is not now, have failed to address the larger HOW restructuring will work is what Nigerians should question of how to rule a country with an overbe discussing now. The immediacy of the matter burdened centre, which decides issues some of does not grant us the luxury of the delays that which States, or even local governments, should some patriots insist on throwing into the discushandle. sions. The patient, Nigeria, is in the intensive care LITTLE progress has been made on restructuring unit, and treatments for what ails it, must be since the breakdown on talks about mending a dressed with emergency attitudes that reflect the collapsing country in Aburi, Ghana, 50 years ago, seriousness. led to the Civil War. Thereafter, restructuring the THE “non-negotiable Nigeria” is a military imposition country meant the centralisation of most decithat stripped us of our freedoms, our rights to be sions to decapitate the abilities of parts of the open with our fears and doubts about the country country to develop, independent of the thinking and offering these concerns on national platforms at the centre. that would have attended to them. Nigeria was run IN 50 years, all parts of the country have depended as a pretense; it is no longer sustainable. on the centre for decisions about parts that those WHAT are the benefits of restructuring, some would at the centre barely know. Insertion of ask? When Nigeria restructures, Nigerians would provisions in the Constitution about have the freedoms to think, to talk, to engage in the unity of Nigeria being a matter alliances and associations that would create wealth that had passed the negotiation stage, across various platforms of our existence, engenleft Nigerians shackled in a union der trust, generate relationships that celebrate that made no provisions on how they competences of our various parts, and rejuvenate a would live for their own benefit. competiveness that would see individuals, organiUNITY in the current setting is an end sations and governments engaging each other in in itself. Once the country is hemmed worthy pursuits away from the constricting strucin, falling parts refused any indicatures of Abuja deciding everything. tions of their decay, the “prosperous enteritis” gloating over their ingenuOur Vision ity, and others use the Constitution to threaten those who suggest that TO BE among the top five newspapers in Nigeria and, in due course, the Numero Uno; to be a newspaper of things could be done better, Nigeria is records that effectively caters to the information needs deemed to be on the march to proof all segments and sections of the Nigerian society as gress. well as all social classes and cultures. Essentially, we WE think of unity differently. If we are want to be a responsible corporate citizen, a commerto consider unity a national value, it cially viable, properly organised media business, which must have benefits that can improve meets its obligations to society, government and the the lives of our people. How does workforce. the unity of Nigeria benefit Nigerians, except the tiny few, who have legisMission lated a different life for themselves at the expense of the people? Can WE INTEND to contribute to the development of an the resources that are wasted runinclusive Nigerian society, with a view to getting rid of ning an unwieldy federation, which the dark sides of our national life (slothfulness, greed, through the Constitution ensures that corruption, nepotism, totalitarianism, etc); to continuthe States replicate the waste, not be ally engender and sustain national debates that would ultimately lead to the enthronement of healthy national avoided?

HAVE our “non-negotiable” proponents thought of how to harness the resources with which to run Nigeria’s humongous bureaucratic wastes, when oil stops earning revenue? When shall we start thinking of Nigeria beyond the immediate gains of oc-

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 October 11, 2017

OPINION Okorocha and irony of ‘Imo is better’ (1)

By ROY IWUALA

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here’s a certain song, which I think is a food for thought. We can learn from its awesomely beautiful message on life’s ironies. The caption says, “You don’t love God if you don’t love your neighbour.”

The song goes thus: “There are many people who’ll say they’re Christians And, they live like Christians on the Sabbath day But, come Monday morning till the coming Sunday They’ll fight their neighbour all along the way...”

The song shows the ridiculousness of a fake Christian life, and the harm it is wont to cause.

We need not prove to be Christians only on Sundays. To do otherwise are life’s heavy ironies. Thus, we cannot pretend there’re no puzzling aspects of irony.

In the same vein, Rt. Hon Goodluck Nana Opiah rightly captured this questionable Christian life in his lecture captioned, “Christians in politics - the Nigeria perspective,” which was presented during the centenary celebration of Anglicanism in Nempi community on 30th October 2016. The former Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, and now a member of the Federal House of Representatives averred that there are Christians in leadership positions who are “morally bankrupt and characterless...”

This is why I am clearly embittered by the heavy irony of “Imo is better” because the proponent of this slogan really displays the opposite of what he professes. For example, here in Imo State, a government official is given a hire purchase motor vehicle for official duties. Even when the payment is completed through regular deductions from one’s monthly salary, they would still not release the motor vehicle particulars for the new owner to effect change of ownership. Can Imo be better with this sneaking suspicion of scam, scandal, fraud, etc? Indeed, it’s really bitter, which is why it’s ironic to

By Ehichioya Ezomon in the late 1980s or early 1990s, SIncurometime I learned about the phrase, “Authority to Expenditure,” normally referred to as

“AIE.” I was later to know about the other expression, “Irrevocable Payment Order (IPO).”

In Nigeria’s complex polity, both financial jargons could be applied to steal/loot public funds, either through collaborative efforts of many officials of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) or by a few power repositories, such as the President and State Governors, to cover security votes and/or payments for real or fictitious contracts that take care of their interest, built into monthly receipts, and deducted at source.

Remember the bloody clashes and destruction of government property in Anambra State, when then Governor Chris Ngige temporarily lost his position for “daring” to stop the N10 million monthly IPO-backed payment to his political godfather, Chief Chris Uba, for contracts Ngige said were never executed?

Well, I came about the acronym, AIE, unexpectedly when a friend took me along to see some of his friends, whom we met filling blank petty vouchers (receipts), and I was asked to join in the task, as my friend was already part of the monthly exercise normally carried out within a week.

The process was simply to fill out a standardised voucher with the name of a company that supposedly executed some contract(s), mainly supplies of office items, for a certain Federal Ministry. And the catch was that the amount of the said contract must not exceed N399.99k.

As my friend and I left his buddies that day, I wanted to know: “What were the vouchers for?

Under what (sub)heads were they filled? Why were they filled outside government offices?

My friend, a jolly good fellow, chose to answer the second question first. He informed me that the vouchers were filled under the caption, “AIE” (without explaining the abbreviation until he had laughed at my ignorance), and at the instance of a “very high official” of the said ministry.

say that “Imo is better.”

Significantly, Rt Hon Opiah captured this heavy irony of “Imo is better” in his said lecture, when he threw up such leading questions thus: “How can a sitting governor, someone who calls himself a Christian owe civil servants (who have their wards in schools) up to nine months of salary, and still sleep at night? How can a Christian have the temerity to bulldoze peoples’ properties without any compensation, all in the guise of environmental facelift even when it is obvious that we are in difficult times? How can a serving Christian owe pensioners their pensions and gratuities for three years and more?”

Opiah continued: “How can a sitting governor collect so many billions of naira from the federal allocation for the State and local government councils only to have little or nothing to show for it in terms of infrastructure and general development? How can we explain a situation where people sleep on empty stomach while their ruler acquires private jets and properties all over the world? How can we see our leader as a Christian when there is near total absence of functional health centres in an entire State? The questions are endless.”

If I may ask, is our governor a Christian? If yes, which denomination? What puzzles me is why government workers were tossed around on Sunday, October 1 2017 with news of marchpast and the threat of punishing absentees. I have also observed that the architectural designs or structures of projects in Imo State bear semblance to the ones in the Arabic world. In fact, that song that exposed fake Christian life is a real world occurrence, which confronts us on daily basis.

Nevertheless, in consideration of Opiah’s lecture of 2016, one can rightly conclude that till date, there’s no concerted effort to ameliorate the stark reality of bitterest life in Imo State. In a situation as this, Maestro Charly Boy would say, “Our mumu don do!”

It follows that as I revelled in bitter-sweet memories of these life’s little ironies, my wife

rushed into my study with her phone. She showed me a post in the WhatsApp where Sir Emeka Emma Iroka of Isunjaba ward 111 in Isu LGA “officially notified His Excellency” of his resignation from the “pedestrian appointment” of “Coordinator, State Development Council,” which he noted is not statutory. It was Barr Uche Onyeaguocha that set this noble pace of resignation when he expressed his bitterest disappointment at the way the governor relishes in impoverishing his appointees. Yet, these appointees who look like “ndi n’amagh onwe ha” or “ndi eriri eri” adore the governor as a philanthropist and Senior Advocate of the Masses. What an irony!

As I earlier said, it’s really bitter in Imo State.

I am amused by the steady build-up of fierce political rivalry for supremacy in the ruling party, APC, which is expected to be explosive and unrivalled. It’s really bitter that my clansman, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume is leading the group opposed to that of the governor. His romance with the governor in 2015 made me develop some form of animosity towards him because the governor shouldn’t have been trusted.

Surprisingly, I learnt that Chief Bob Njemanze has joined the political fray to give full vent to his feelings of bitterness over the misgovernment in Imo State. There are other political pundits who will stay back with the governor in order to create false “reality.” This will enable them to perfect the various strategies and subterfuges to upset the apple cart in the nick of time. After all, life’s ironies include acting suspiciously and instigating suspicious minds.

Truly, expressions of bitterness, like an infectious disease, is the contemporary influenza in Imo State. I will gloss over the bitterness that arose and is still arising from the mindless demolition of ahia Eke-ukwu Owerri, because this matter (in my mind) is before the Supreme Deity. However, the Keke operators, most of whom are university graduates, are bitter that they will no longer ply the roads and streets of Owerri capital city. Also, the drivers of Taximo

are bitter that the refurbished motor vehicles they obtained on a hire purchase agreement of #1million each are falling into disrepair sooner than they expected. I need not overemphasise the bitterness expressed by the various Market Traders Associations, Council of Traditional Rulers, Town Unionists, Pensioners, disaffected government appointees, disaffected APC faithful, and even the Ministry of “E dey work.”

At this point, if we can be sincere, what were in the minds of most people who pretended that they were happy with the governor on his flamboyant 55th birthday celebration?

We must not ignore the application of subtle coercion that made some fellows throng to the birthday ground. For sure, bitterness was fused into the birthday story as some people were bitter that they were levied in order to purchase gifts for the governor and for congratulatory messages in the print and electronic media. Without sounding immodest, is the governor supposed to indulge in such a birthday jamboree when most of the people pretending to felicitate with him were either jobless, debtors, homeless, hungry, or bitter?

Obviously, the birthday celebration increased the tempo or realities of bitterness in Imo State. The governor may be thinking that the Statesmen that honoured his birthday celebration do not have ears on the ground to know that he is only being deceptive with glittering façade rather than with heroic deeds.

There is no doubt that some guests used the opportunity to see how the celebrant had virtually turned Owerri upside down. I wonder why no one was able to ask the celebrant why he converted every El Dorado in Owerri into ruins or wilderness. In short, let the celebrant be told that he has destroyed a State once respected as an Elysian centre of cleanliness, hospitality, and tourism.

•Sir Iwuala, a public affairs commentator, lives in Owerri.

In love with JAMB’s new song

That because of the limited hands in the ministry, some of the thousands of vouchers filled monthly had to be done outside. At completion, they would be collated, taken to Abuja, processed, and the proceeds ended in millions. That’s all he said he knew about the transaction.

And I didn’t probe further, but years later, when the issue of corruption in the MDAs became rampant, and a topic of public discourse, I could link those “petty vouchers” to a systematic fraudulent practice in those bodies.

Thus, I realised why, besides being fed daily, we were given some stipends at the end of the month. Frankly, I never expected any reward helping to fill out the vouchers, but sometimes I earned about N200, and on a particular Yuletide, I was given N800, and it was as if I had won a jackpot.

I took time to recall these events of about 30 years due to what recently surfaced at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), which has exposed deceitful dealings in the MDAs that only God knows when they started, and whether they exist till date.

As the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, told journalists in Abuja, JAMB, for the first time in its 40 years of existence, had remitted N5 billion to the government coffers, with a promise to pay in a balance of N3 billion.

“The highest amount that JAMB had ever remitted into the Consolidated Revenue Fund before this management (Board) was N3m,” the minister said.

“So, the question the council members were asking was, ‘Where was all this money before?’” a reference to the Federal Executive Council (FEC), which noted another government establishment, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), turning in a handsome revenue package.

According to media reports, “Between 2011

and 2015, JAMB earned at least N30.726 billion from registration fees by candidates, who sat for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME)... but remitted about N15 million to the Federal Government,” which, within the period, paid over N2 billion yearly as budget to the board.

However, following the JAMB and NIMASA examples, the Federal Government has ordered a probe of past heads of agencies over “poor remittances.” Indeed, two past directors-general of NIMASA are on trial, while a third former director-general had his Federal High Court conviction for fraud of N1.5 billion upturned by the Appeal Court last May. The sterling conduct of the Prof. Ishaq Oloyede-led JAMB (and that of NIMASA, headed by Dr. Dakuku Peterside, the Rivers State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 elections) deserves commendation, especially coming after the scathing criticisms of JAMB when Oloyede announced the new cut-off marks for entry into institutions of higher learning in the country.

Then, “JAMB was in the news for the wrong reason,” and now that it’s in the news for the good reason, the board should be saluted and held up as the “poster child” for President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s fight against corruption.

If half of the hundreds of MDAs make adequate returns to the government coffers, as did JAMB (and NIMASA), Nigeria would be on the way to having the funds to execute major projects these bodies earmark annually for execution.

It also means that they would cease to be a drain on the nation’s “feeding-bottle” economy, in that instead of always asking “what the government can do for them,” they will, in turn, be assisting government to touch areas in need of urgent attention in the polity.

The government must follow through its

investigation of past (and current) heads of the MDAs, and appropriate penalty, including recovery of un-remitted revenues, meted out to those found culpable.

In the same vein, institutions like the JAMB and NIMASA, and anti-graft-minded personalities such as Prof. Oloyede and Dr. Peterside, should be recognised accordingly, and rewarded with higher offices and awarded the National Honours.

•Ezomon, a Journalist and media consultant, wrote in from Lagos

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 Advert Manager Andrew Udeh Circulation Manager Felix Oti

The Oracle Today

26

Wednesday October 11, 2017

Travel & Hospitality

FG woos stakeholders on growing Nigeria tourism Stories by VICTOR NZE

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INISTER of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has charged stakeholders in the Nigeria tourism sector to join hands with the Federal Government in building the industry, as, according to him, ‘sustainable tourism required the informed participation of all relevant stakeholders as well as strong political leadership to ensure wide participation and consensus building.’

Disclosing this, Wednesday, in London on the occasion of the World Tourism Day marked globally on September 27, the minister assured that the Federal Government would continue to play its part in the development and management of tourism and in making it more sustainable.

He, however, noted that the real key to making Nigeria’s tourism industry flourish laid with the industry itself and the businesses and organisations at its heart. ”Governments use a number of mechanisms to encourage greater private-sector engagement, capturing its expertise in ways that will be beneficial to the companies themselves as well as population.

The private sector on the other hand has an opportunity to work collaboratively with government to yield unprecedented returns in both economic and human capital,” he said.

Lai Mohammed, who is also the Vice President (Africa), United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), noted that World Tourism Day “is marked annually to create awareness for tourism as a tool for economic growth and promotion of international peace and understanding,” adding further that “sustainability is absolutely necessary if tourism is to achieve its full potentials, which include being a catalyst for economic growth and poverty eradication”.

While stressing that without sustainability tourism could not

generate benefits to all stakeholders, solve serious problems such as extreme poverty, Mohammed said it cannot also ensure the preservation of precious natural and manmade resources on which human prosperity is based.

On the theme of this year’s World Tourism Day – ‘Sustainable Tourism – Tool for Development’, the minister charged Member States of UNWTO to ensure that their policies for tourism development fully embraced the principles of sustainability. ”The sustainability principles refer to the environmental, economic and socio-cultural aspects of tourism development, and a suitable balance must be established among these three dimensions. Today, tourism generates 10 per cent of the world’s GDP, one in every 10 jobs, and 30 per cent of world trade in services. It is key to many countries’ economies and livelihoods.

It has evolved from an industry engaged in and patronised only by the rich and elites of the society to an industry enjoyed by all with significant impact on the nation’s economy. ”As an invisible export, tourism creates a flow of foreign currency into the economy of a nation through public revenue which comes in the form of taxes, duties, licenses. Business revenue derived from services provided by restaurants, hotels, transport, shops etc and from local resident revenue which come in the form of wages, salaries, rent, interests in investments,” he said.

In a related development, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has also joined the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in the celebration of this year’s World Tourism Day in Qatar as it chose to highlight the economic, social and environmental contribution of travel and Tourism to sustainable development around the world.

“Travel & Tourism is a remarkable sector, it brings people from different backgrounds, culture and be-

• (L-R): Otunba Segun Runsewe, the director general NCAC and Mrs Saidat Olaitan, director of culture Lagos State exchanging ideas during a meeting of culture directors in the country in Kaduna State. liefs closer together, driving peace, in addition to the significant socioeconomic benefits to a country’s welfare and local livelihoods.

“Travel & Tourism has a huge role to play in sustainable development, whilst on average global level the sector generates over 10 per cent of the world’s GDP and supports 1 in 10 jobs, these figures can be, and often are, a lot higher and denser on local level. When done well, which means growing Travel & Tourism in a sustainable and inclusive fashion, tourism is a catalyst for job creation, community development, environmental protection and economic growth.”

“The strength and beauty of how Travel & Tourism can impact and change people’s lives in a posi-

Sheraton Abuja reactivates ‘paired’ menu at Lobby Bar, Conference Centre

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heraton Abuja Hotel recently hosted guests and customers to an array of the hotel’s new paired food and beverage menu at the Lobby Bar and Ladi Kwali Conference Center.

According to the General Manager of the Hotel, Mr. Nouman Irshad, the hotel reintroduved the paired menu so as reintroduce guests to the concept ‘which stretches the boundaries of traditional pairing principles by blending ingredients together in new and unexpected ways.’

“We have re-activated ‘Paired’ Sheraton brand’s innovative hotel lobby bar experience which comprises artisanal small plates and elevated bar snacks, served alongside premium wines and suggested beverages. Our guests were reintroduced to the concept which stretches the boundaries

of traditional pairing principles by blending ingredients together in new and unexpected ways.

“The event offered our invited guests a food lover’s haven through our unique sensory journey of activities”.

“Our compelling night had expertly matched small plates on display alongside premium wines and locally distilled beers.

“We equally organized an array of entertaining activities along with great music which sparked off the dance tempo coupled with an engaging activity where our guest’s submitted ideas for our next new menu change in 3-6 months.

“An inspiration board was made available for foodies and invited guests to write their thoughts on the new menu experience,” said Irshad.

Continuing, Nouman Irshad said: “We have created our Sheraton

paired meeting breaks menu for the elevated pleasure of our conference customers, this will add an enriching experience to our event and meeting planners.

“Our goal is to introduce and adapt this inventive food culture we have for both in-house guests, customers and conference patrons alike. Eclectically paired lobby bar favourites such as Chinese and Vietnamese Spring rolls, Crispy fried vegetable spring rolls dipped in sweet spicy sauce or sweet vinegar dressing will be served with 2012 Vina Maipo Cabernet wine and 2012 Pinot or Grigio or even Chardonnay, Italy or Can “33” Export, pale lager.

“Customers can equally spark off taste buds with indigenous favourites such as Puff Puff and Suya served with 2012 Casillero Del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon Chile which will feature in our menu this quarter as unexpected pairings.

tive way are encompassed in the stories in WTTC’s new campaign ‘Transforming our World’.

“Transforming our World provides an insight into the stories of people that operate in Travel & Tourism and show how the sector has transformed their world or how they use tourism to transform other people’s worlds,” remarked the recently-elected President & CEO, of the Council, Gloria Guevara, in a statement to commemorate the event.

Continuing, Guevara added: “I believe there is a real value in story-

telling and as a sector this is something we can do better. Sharing a story is powerful, inspirational, and educational. Through our campaign I encourage other people and organisations within Travel & Tourism to share their story too.”

The current campaign stories, which come from WTTC’s Tourism for Tomorrow programme, cover the transformational stories of people in all corners of the world – including Botswana, China, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, and USA – and cut across education, community, nature, and wildlife.

Marriott opens 90-room Protea in Owerri

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arriott International, Wednesday, announced the opening of Protea Hotel, the first of such brands in the South East and a development, which it said ‘further consolidates its presence in the country.’

Marriott operates two portfolios in the South South region of Akwa Ibom State; the Ibom Resort and the Four Points by Sheraton in Ikot Ekpene, but had yet to establish presence in the south east region of the country.

The 90-room hotel, developed

by African Capital Alliance, a leading investment firm, and Kunoch Limited, is located in Owerri city, the capital of Imo State. Imo State is commonly referred to as the “Heartland” and is regarded as the entertainment capital of Eastern Nigeria. The state is also a producer of oil and natural gas and is home to a large number of regional oil and financial services offices.

Commenting on the opening of the hotel, Mr. Volker Heiden, Vice President Protea Hotels by Marriott, Marriott International said: “The opening of Protea Hotel by Marriott, Owerri Select, illustrates our confidence

in the potential of Nigeria and is in line with our commitment to grow in strategic secondary cities across the continent. The recent expansion of the city’s airport, will give the city better accessibility, which we are confident will further drive business travel.”

Mr. Obiora Nwogugu, Principal and Head of Real Estate at African Capital Alliance added, “This new hotel is an important addition to the hotels we already own in the cities of Lagos and Benin in Nigeria, and Takoradi in Ghana. We are pleased to partner yet again with Protea Hotels by Marriott, which enjoys strong regional brand equity and awareness coupled with the global distribution of Marriott International.” Described as ‘the continent of opportunity for the 21st century’, Africa continues to be an attractive investment proposition for many global corporates including the hotel industry.

Marriott International, a leading hotel operator on the continent, currently operates over 140 hotels in 20 countries and is targeting a projected growth by 2022 of over 200 Hotels with more than 36,000 rooms across operating and pipeline hotels.

The Oracle Today

27

Wednesday October 11, 2017

AVIATION

Benin Airport for facility, safety upgrade Stories by VICTOR NZE

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EDERAL Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) have expressed readiness to partner with the Edo State Government to improve facilities and safety at the Benin Airport.

FAAN Managing Director, Mr Saleh Dunoma, Chief Executive of NAMA, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu; and Edo Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki agreed on the partnership after they inspected facilities at the airport, last Wednesday.

The governor said that his administration was committed to effective utilisation of available resources to reconstruct the airport, just as he explained that the inspection tour of the airport was to assess its potential for elevation to a standard that would boost economic activities in the state.

“We have approached FAAN and NAMA to kindly assist us in improving both the structural outlook and facilities of the airport. We have agreed that the plan is to first upgrade the facilities by deploying the right landing facilities.

“This will ensure that the air-

port is run for 24 hours. This will encourage more planes to come into the state to build the required traffic,’’ the governor said.

Obaseki said that the state would work with the two agencies to expand airport’s space before the end of the year, adding that the airport’s land encroached by some grabbers would be recovered, adding, however, that occupants with genuine certificates of occupancy would be compensated.

Remarking, Dunoma, who acknowledged that it was the responsibility of FAAN to provide expertise to maintain the airport, stated that the commitment shown by the state government to reconstruct the airport was legendary.

“I want to thank the governor for showing the direction; with this partnership, we can do a lot more to bring Benin Airport to full operation. We have inspected the facilities and would submit a report on what we need to do to improve safety and facilities in the airport,” he said.

On his part, Akinkuotu said that joint effort was needed to improve standards in the airport, adding that collaboration with the state government would help to achieve it.

NAMA begins Lagos Sub-FIR sectorisation

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he Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has begun the process of sectorizing the Lagos Sub-Flight Information Region (Sub-FIR) airspace into Lagos West and Lagos East Area Control Centres (ACCs) in line with its commitment towards enhancing the quality of air traffic services in the country.

Giving this indication at a stakeholders’ sensitization forum on the sectorization which held at NAMA headquarters in Lagos, Managing Director of NAMA, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu said the project was aimed at “reducing congestion on the available enroute radio frequency as well as increasing Air Traffic Management (ATM) capacity in order to manage the growing air traffic volume and simultaneously reducing delays within the Kano FIR particularly in the Lagos SubFIR.” He said sectorizing the Lagos ACC would bring about optimum utilization of the airspace by reducing controller-pilot workload, thereby increasing efficiency and quality of service delivery.

Capt. Akinkuotu who was represented by the Director of Operations, Mr Gabriel Akpen noted that sectorization of the Lagos Sub-FIR would reduce the safety implications of overload on the air traffic control system and personnel as well as provide functional air navigation services that will meet international standards within the Kano FIR at no cost to the users, even as he expressed optimism that the service qual-

ity of Communication Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) would as well be enhanced.

The sectorization process, Capt. Akinkuotu said will be streamlined in accordance with the provisions of Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs) consistent with the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Standard and Recommended Practices (ICAO SARPs).

As part of the process, the NAMA boss said the agency is currently optimizing the VHF radio and also installing a high-powered stand-alone VHF radio as backup to the total VHF coverage of Nigeria, adding that controller working positions on the ACC consoles are also being aligned to ensure they are in proper ergonomic positions.

Akinkuotu said in order to efficiently man these installations, the agency has embarked on aggressive manpower training and simulation exercises in collaboration with the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, to shore up capacity, just as he revealed that on-the-job training for air traffic control officers at Kano Area Control Centre which already has a running two-sector operation is in progress. Created out of Kano Area Control Centre which hitherto controlled the entire Nigerian airspace in 2001, the Lagos Area Control Centre manages 15 subsidiary aerodromes within the southern sector of the Nigerian airspace including flights overflying the upper airspace.

• Director of Airports Operation, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Capt. Hamisu Yadudu, flanking International Airport Manager, Mrs Victoria Shin-Aba; while Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN), Engr. Saleh Dumona with Director of Engineer, Engineer Sanusi Daura at the handing over of the certification to the MMIA.

MMIA receives NCAA certificate

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ANAGING Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Engr. Saleh Dumona has officially handed over the certificate of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos certification to the International Airport Manager, Mrs Victoria Shin -Aba. The MMIA was certified by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) last week after 11 years, making it the first airport in the country to be certified.

Speaking at a very brief event to present the certificate to the airport manager and her team, the managing director of FAAN, stated that the aim of the event is to formally bring the certificate and present to those it belong to, adding that it is the first of its kind in Nigeria.

Dunoma noted that with the certification of MMIA , Nigeria has joined airports in the world that have been certified, adding that the certificate was given to FAAN

by NCAA last week .

Dunoma stated that after FAAN received the certificate, it took it to Abuja , where it was formally presented to the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, adding that it was after that the FAAN management decided to bring the cetificate to where it originally belong.

In his words: “We have to take it to where it belong after officially presenting it to the minister of State, Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika. It does not belong to Abuja but to MMA,Lagos.It gives me a great pleasure to present the certificate to MMA, Lagos.”

Dunoma stated that the process of securing certification for the airport started 11 years ago and that a lot of efforts were put in place for the feat to be achieved, adding that it was not easy getting the air-

port to be certified.

He disclosed that Abuja was the next target after which Port Harcourt and Kano would follow and that the challenge is no longer certification but how to maintain and sustain it to prevent it from being either suspended or withdrawn by the regulatory body.

The certification can either be suspended or withdrawn by NCAA if we fail to sustain it . But we have told NCAA that we are going to sustain it. It will be a serious matter if we cannot sustain it. What this means is that we must re-double our efforts. The same efforts and vigour we use to get this certification must be used to also sustain it,” he said.

He called on staff of the agency to work hard as a team to sustain the certification, assuring that the team from FAAN headquarters would support MMIA, Lagos certification team to ensure sustenance.

Responding, International Airport Manager, Mrs Victoria Shin -Aba noted that history was made last Monday and Monday; September 25, the formal presentation of the certificate certifying MMA,Lagos by the managing director of FAAN. She thanked God that all those who contributed to achieving this feat are part of the success story and history, just as she lauded Dunoma for his support and opportunity to contribute towards certifying the airport.

She added that MMA, Lagos would be counted among the league of certified airports in the world .

The airport manager stated that in the last five years MMIA, Lagos Certification Team had sacrificed a lot, adding that though it was rough and tough but that everybody was committed and that they cooperated with her.

“We will ensure that the certifica-

tion is maintained and sustained so that our efforts will not be in vain.

As a result ,a monthly joint inspection will be carried out to sustain the certification,” she said.

In his remarks, Director of Airports Operation, Capt. Hamisu Yadudu, who commended Dunoma for his support and cooperation, stressing that there was no way it would have been achieved without his backing, stated that the managing director had already moved a step ahead as it concerns given letter of commendation to the MMA certification Team and that the letters would be issued.

NCAT, ICAO train Caverton personnel

N

igerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria in conjunction with the International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO trainair plus, has commenced the Training Instructor Course (TIC) at the Caverton helicopter in Lagos.

The course organized by the college will run for five training days as part two of the exercise after participants have completed their first phase earlier.

Addressing the participants before declaring open the course, the rector of NCAT, Capt Abdulsalami Mohammed said NCAT will continue provided necessary training for aviation personnel.

Capt Mohammed who was represented by the head of management school, NCAT Engr Emmanuel Onwuka said the course was designed by ICAO empowering NCAT to train instructors in various aviation fields in order to improve manpower development.

Mohammed said the course has been structured by ICAO to meet the needs of aviation personnel across the globe urging them to take the course seriously.

The Oracle Today

28

Wednesday October 11, 2017

INSURANCE & PENSION

Stakeholders oppose Pension Act amendment Stories by CHRIS EBONG

T

HE Nigerian Police Force (NPF); Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC); Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and many other organisations weekend opposed to the bill seeking to amend the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014, saying the proposed amendment was unnecessary, negates current realities and if passed into law would increase financial burden of the Federal Government.

The public hearing on the bill seeking to amend the nascent Act, chaired by Hon. Hassan Adamu Shekarau, House Committee on Pensions, Federal House of Representative held at the lower house in Abuja, had representatives of various government agencies, the Nigerian Police Force, the CBN, and the Labour in attendance.

President of the NLC, Ayuba Wabba, noted that the bill looks good on the surface, but inwardly it will destroy the future of workers, adding that the position of the congress is that the bill should be dropped. He noted that the bills are not workable and that if implemented, they would collapse the pension system.

“The federal government cannot absolve more financial burden going by the present low revenue”, Wabba stressed.

The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, who was represented by David Bodo, a Commissioner of Police, said the NPF Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) has done very well and that the police is of the opinion that it will remain with the CPS as he called on the government to attend to issues already raised by the force which are being attended to by the National Pension Commission (PenCom). According to him, the welfare of the Nigerian police would be well taking care of under the CPS. The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) also spoke in favour of the CPS, saying the para military should with the CPS The former Board Member National Pension Commission (PenCom) and Director, Centre for Pen-

K

•From left: Deputy President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, Shola Tinubu; Guest Speaker, Hakeem Ogunniran, NCRIB President, Kayode Okunoren; Chairman, Board of Fellows, Barrister Laide Osijo, and NCRIB Vice President, Mrs. Bola Onigbogi at the 2017 Fellows’ Day of NCRIB held at Umutu Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos. sion Right Advocacy, Ivor Takor, called for the killing of the bill as it will burden the government.

The Certified Pension Institute of Nigeria (CPIN) stated that exempting the paramilitary out of the scheme will be retrogressive to the economy, adding that PenCom should be empowered to regulate properly and be encourage to do more research and listen to people.

For CBN, if the exemption of paramilitaries from the scheme is achieved the government may not have the money to cater for pensions of their personnel if they are exempted, adding that going by current realities, especially now that the nation depends more on oil which the world are presently turning away from, it would be difficult to cater for the pension of members of the paramilitary if they

are exempted.

Former Director-General PenCom, Mohammed Ahmad, said there is need to sustain policies, adding that the number of people seeking exemption may be up to 50 per cent of government workers, which it cannot cater for. He said the budget cannot sustain the exemption, adding that CPS remains a safe vehicle for creating national saving.

Ahmad said: “people should make policies for history, not for themselves and that if there are issues, they should be addressed accordingly.

President, Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp), Longe Eguarekhide, said the critical thing with the CPS is funding, stressing that policy maker should always think of ways to improve lives instead of creating

more burden for the government.

Acting DG, PenCom, Mrs. Aisha Dahir-Umar, said the issues raised are challenges which are presently worked on, adding that the challenge is temporal which would be resolved very soon.

She said it is misinformation that the paramilitary is exempted in India, adding that the military which was earlier exempted is presently regretting its exemption from the CPS. “It is wrong to ask one to give what he does not have. The government has been borrowing to pay salaries and cannot continue to borrow to pay pension. There is no point to legislate what you cannot enforce. It is too young to amend the law. If we allow this law passed we cannot recover. We should come together to sustain the gains of the CPS,” she said.

Consolidated Hallmark shops N500m to seal acquisition

C

ONSOLIDATED Hallmark Insurance Plc is set to raise N500 million from the capital market to boost its operations.

According to the firm, the capital to be raised will be used to finance the acquisition of a Life Insurance Company, after the deduction of the estimated Issue costs and expenses of N15,715,429 (representing 3.14 per cent of the Issue proceeds), the net issue proceeds of N484,284,571 will be utilized.

The underwriting firm will raise by way of right issue 1,000,000,000 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at 50 kobo per share on the basis of 1 new ordinary share for every six ordinary shares of 50

Kenwiz & Gold Consult organises training on Risk Management

kobo each held as at the close of business on Friday 25th August 2017.

The Chairman of the firm, Obinna Ekezie, said at the signing ceremony held yesterday in Lagos, that the essence of the capital raising exercise is to fund the Company’s expansion by strategically taking advantage of emerging opportunities in the insurance industry, especially in the life insurance segment of our market.

He noted that this will aid in positioning your company as a market leader in the industry, continue on the path of profitability, robust balance sheet, creation of value to its shareholders and overall im-

provement in its perception in the market thereby making it more competitive, stressing that with the rights issue the company will be well positioned to achieve its strategic objectives and to deliver improved returns to all stakeholders, going forward.

“Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc is currently undergoing a digital transformation exercise which will enable it position itself strategically. It is believed that it would help the company deliver exceptional returns to shareholders, be profitable and increase its market share as part of a comprehensive five year strategic plan currently being implemented. The

Company’s five year strategic plan is anchored on 12 key initiatives.

“The company has also finalized plans to revamp its agency unit to enable it position appropriately for micro insurance, taking advantage of the volume of sales accruable from the low-income class. Prompt and quality service delivery model will be designed to ensure that all customers are left with a long lasting impression,” he said.

The issuing company, Planet Capital Limited, said the shares to be issued by the Company pursuant to the Rights Issue will rank pari passu in all respects with the existing issued Ordinary Shares of the Company.

enwiz and Gold Consult Nigeria, a training partner of Professional Evaluation and Certification Board Canada (PECB) is set to organise ISO 31000 Lead Risk Manager Training in Lagos, Nigeria.

The ISO 31000 Lead Risk Manager training will enable participants to acquire the expertise to support and lead an organization and its team to successfully identify, understand and manage a risk process based on International Organisation for Standardization on Risk Management (ISO 31000). During this course, participants will also gain comprehensive knowledge of the best practices used to implement a Risk Management framework that provides the foundation for designing, implementing, monitoring, reviewing and continually improving a Risk Management process in an organization.

The training, which is taking place in Sheraton Hotel Lagos from 09 - 13 October 2017, is expecting managers, consultants and professionals who are interested in risk management, to participate in the training.

According to the organizers, “After mastering the necessary concepts of Risk Management, you can sit for the exam and apply for a ‘PECB Certified ISO 31000 Lead Risk Manager’ credential.

By holding a PECB Certificate, you will be able to demonstrate that you have the professional capabilities and competencies to effectively manage a risk process in an organisation.”

Solomon Chukwuma, VP Training Coordination stressed that “Individuals responsible for establishing a Risk Management policy, Risk Management team members, Risk Training Consultants and anyone seeking to obtain an international certification in Risk Management can participate in the training,” Urging people to register for the training at www.consulting.kenwizandgold. com or contact Solomon Chukwuma on 07035275550 for more details.

The Oracle Today

29

Wednesday October 11, 2017

INSURANCE & PENSION

Insurers mop N400b premium T

HE Commissioner for Insurance, Mohammed Kari, says there are indications that the insurance industry’s gross written premium for this year could climb over N400 billion as against the N320 billion recorded in 2016.

He told journalists that there is improved performance in terms of premium income in recent time, compared to similar periods in the previous years, he said, the industry’s total assets stand at N1005 trillion, while the gross written premium as at December 2016 stands at over N320 billion.

According to him, in a bid to deepen insurance business, NAICOM had granted window approval to 17 insurance companies to operate microinsurance and operating licenses were also given to two wholly Takaful companies.

Kari noted that there would be substantial improvements in all facets of the industry in the next two years, stressing that the commission sees a lot of positives, going forward. He said NAICOM is in the process of concluding an industry development master plan in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Finance.

…Calls for enhanced capital, risk mgt I

NSURERS have been charged to consolidate their strategies to avert impending future and remain afloat by enhancing their capital base, spur up risk management and governance processes.

The charge came from Alhaji Mohammed Kari, Commissioner for Insurance, in his keynote address at the 2017 professional forum of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) held in Abeokuta, Ogun State weekend.

According to him, insurance institutions must review their capital, risk management and governance in order to survive what he described as interesting future ahead.

“Insurance institutions must therefore, review and where necessary, enhance their capital, risk management and governance in order to survive the interesting future ahead. Barring hindrances such as high costs of implementation, paucity of requisite data and skills and political obstacles; we posit that an intelligence implementation of a strategic consolidation in Nigeria will boost the overall performance of the industry and position it as one of the foremost in the continent”, Kari said.

In addition, he said that Nigeria’s insurance market should be one to reckon with globally, but expressed worry that this could not be achieved when the operators are playing in an uncoordinated manner.

“Our market by all standards deserves to be reckoning in the International playground of insurance, but how can we when we operate in uncoordinated silos. We have to wake up, sort ourselves out and be ready to play our role at least in the subregion”, he charged.

For operators that are members of the West African Insurance Companies Association, (WAICA), the Commissioner noted that it is common knowledge that the integration of members countries into a single market is on the front burner.

He disclosed that both the WAICA and the newly formed West

Africa Insurance Supervisors Association (WAISA) have resolved to work with the ECOWAS and West African Monetary Institute (WAMI) to fast track the realisation of this integration.

He opined that this development has formed the basis for which insurance institutions operating in Nigeria should recapitalize so as to benefit from the huge opportunity. Kari therefore asserted that for the industry to really benefit from the international opportunities there is need to organize the regional market.

“This in my opinion is a good reason enough to recapitalise or consolidate to benefit from this huge opportunity when it arises, but to really benefit from this international opportunities we have to organise our local WAICA chapter which would be the fulcrum of this project, Kari opinned.

He expressed optimism that the approval of Nigeria to rejoin the African Trade Insurance Agency by Federal Executive Council would present an immense opportunity for the industry to tap from.

“I am happy to also announce that the Federal Executive Council meeting that held on the 13th of September approved the participation of Nigeria into the membership of the African Trade Insurance Agency (ATI). This is an excellent opportunity for support to our industry to be involved this class of international business”, he added.

He said the overall desire of the sector is to have an industry that is knowledge driven and run in line with international best practices as he appealed to all and sundry to join hands to build a stronger market that is capable of competing with its pears not only in the local turf but across the sub region and the continent.

Kari called for a productive interaction that would enable participants deliberate, discuss and set out on a path for stability and growth that can impact the sector’s contribution to the nation’s GDP positively in this era.

•Alhaji Auwulu Muktari, Group Managing Director, Royal Exchange Plc (2nd right) responding to questions shortly after the presentation of facts behind the figures at the Nigerian Stock Exchange recently. with him are NSE and REA Plc officials at the event.

NAIPCO set for Confab T HE National Association of Insurance and Pension Correspondents (NAIPCO) is set to hold its second edition of national conference to discuss burning issues in insurance and pension sectors, while proffering solutions to challenges facing the two industries.

The conference, billed to hold on 25th of October, 2017, at Lagos Oriental Hotels, 3, Lekki Road, Victoria Island in Lagos, will be a forum for insurance and pension stakeholders to discuss on legislation of the two sectors and its impacts on

the people.

A statement from the Conference Organizing Committee said: “The 3-in-1 event designed to discuss burning issues bothering on the two industries will also accommodate the launch of the association’s quarterly journal, NAIPCO Trumpet and Awards for deserving insurance and pension firms.”

One of themes of the conference, ‘Legislation of Pensions, Intrigues, Interest, Governance and The People’ seeks to establish the relationship between lawmaking for the people and the impact

Allianz partners Cyence on cyber risk

A

llianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE (AGCS), Allianz Group’s specialist carrier for corporate insurance business, has teamed up with San Mateo, Calif.based cyber risk analytics and modeling firm Cyence to boost its global cyber risk analysis capabilities.

Cyence’s cyber analytics platform will help AGCS boost its global cyber risk analysis capabilities, said AGCS in a statement. The partnership also will help AGCS better analyze cyber exposures for large business customers by creating a detailed understanding of their individual cyber risk profiles, quickly allowing the insurer to tailor coverage to fit specific customer profiles.

In a second initiative, AGCS plans to integrate Cyence’s cyber risk analytics into new digital distribution platforms that enable low-touch, automated underwriting of cyber policies for mediumsize companies.

Both companies are also joining forces to develop a new predictive modeling tool for cyberdriven business interruption risks, AGCS added. “We are moving our underwriting approach from

hindsight to foresight,” explained AGCS Board Member Hartmut Mai as the rationale behind the cooperation with Cyence. “The future of underwriting and practical risk management will be based on the intelligent use of technology and data,” said Mai. Going forward, AGCS must complement its technical knowhow and experience “with extensive data-driven insight and predictive modeling if we want to keep ahead of new risks such as cyber, supply chain, or emerging liability exposures, Mai added.

Cyence reaches beyond the technical analysis of the IT security of a company into analyzing the human behavioral indicators and an organization’s processes to calibrate cyber risk, explained AGCS, noting that the Cyence platform spans from risk selection and assessment of individual companies to risk accumulation and catastrophic cyber risk scenarios and their potential impact.

AGCS previously announced a similar partnership with liability modeling specialist Predicate, which focuses on analyzing big data to identify risk trends in liability.

of legislation on a common man, while creating understanding of the current pension system as it affects the people.

The second theme, being ‘Insurance Legislation: Beyond Lawmaking’ is meant to reinforce the need for insurance legislation to be more of developmental in enforcement of compliance as stakeholders are expected to take positions on the proposed amendment of the Insurance Act 2003 at the event.

While the concerns of insurance consumers would be extensively discussed, the conference will also deliberate on the fate of insurance stocks on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and why most of them remain penny stocks.

With credible individuals and companies expected to be awarded at the event, NAIPCO Trumpet will equally be launched.

Reacting on this development, the President, NAIPCO, Mrs. Omobola Tolu-Kusimo, said the motive behind organizing the conference was to find a way of increasing insurance and pension awareness as well as developing the sectors by proffering solutions to challenges faced by the two critical sectors of the economy.

NAIPCO Journal, which would also be launched at the event, she added, is a pet project of the association aimed at increasing insurance and pension awareness, adoption and penetration in the country.

On the Award, she said, all insurance and pension stakeholders would be subjected to critical examination and screening by looking at their contributions to the respective sectors they operate in, while the outstanding ones would be awarded that day.

She urged stakeholders to support this initiative through moral and financial support to make the programme a huge success as this will go a long way to redesign the landscape of the two industries.

30

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

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PLOT PRICE: N4,00,000 PLOT SIZE: 648sqm TITLE: Gazette ESTATE BENEFITS • Affordability • Prime Location • Flexible payment plan for up to 3 months • High Return on Investment NEIGHBOURHOOD: • Lekki Free Trade Zone • Dangote Refinery • Lekki Deep Sea Port • New International Airport • 4th Mainland bridge • Several Gated estates.

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For more details please contact PREMIUM PARTNERS +234 (803) 887 2988, +234 (803) 300 7069 25 Remi Fani Kayode Street G.R.A Ikeja, Lagos State

31

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

Crime

Kidnapper arrested in hotel with two abducted children Stories by XAVIER NDAH

T

HE Police Ogun State Command has arrested a 28 year –old-man Abiodun Joseph for abducting two children.

The suspect was arrested in a hotel which he uses as his hideout unknown to the hotel management with the abducted children.

Police gave names of the victim as Tobiloba Aleshiloye 12 year old girl and eight year old boy Yussuf Kudus.

Police said the suspect who resides at No. 10, Cananland Sango Ota abducted the two children on the 15th of September, 2017 and took them to unknown place

from where he started demanding the sum of N150,000 per child from the parents of the abducted children.

It was gathered that the case was reported at the Police Agbara Division and detectives were detailed to be on the trail of the kidnapper.

Police said a detailed investigation was conducted which led to the discovery of the suspects hideout in a hotel at Ojoo area of Ibadan and the place was stormed by detectives where the suspect was arrested and victims rescued unhurt.

Confirming the story the states’s Police spokesman Assis-

tant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Abimbola Oyeyemi told The Oracle that the Commissioner of Police, Commissioner of Police, (CP) Ahmed Iliyasu has ordered the immediate transfer of the case to Anti-kidnapping/Cultist Unit of the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department.

While the two children have been re-united with their parents.

The CP also appealed to members of the public to take security of their children serious in order not to make them victim of kidnappers.

‘We sell iron rails to feed’

• The suspects

F

IVE MEN suspected to be rail thieves arrested by Operatives of Rapid Response Squad, RRS, Lagos State Police Command, recently has pleaded to be left off the hook as unemployment led them into the illegal business.

They said they bought the scraps from an official of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, they have no means of livelihood as such they sell scraps to

avert dying of hunger.

Police had arrested the five suspects for allegedly stealing 28 iron ballasts meant for rail lines in some parts of Lagos metropolis.

The five suspects, who claimed to be scrap metal dealers, were intercepted inside a bus by the operatives at about 1:15a.m., in Agege, area of the state.

The suspects, Atairu, 25; Muritala, 23; Lawal, 25; Olaunji, 27, and driver of the bus, Ishola, 38 in their

statements to the Police, confessed that an official of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, sold the iron to them because they deal in metal scraps.

According to RRS Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Tunji Disu, preliminary investigations by the police revealed that the iron ballasts were stolen from where they were packed for use.

Further investigations, he said, revealed that the iron ballasts were meant for the basement of rail lines.

The suspects, three of whom are ex-convicts, maintained that they were scrap metal dealers, stressing that they raised N35,000 to pay for the ballasts.

Meanwhile, the suspects, along with the recovered metals, have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti, for further investigations.

End of the road for filling station robbers

T

hree members of an armed robbery syndicate, who specializes in robbing filling stations of their cash sales have been arrested by men of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS), Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The suspects, with Ganiyu Oladeji, 39, as leader, lived in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, but operated virtually in all south-western states of the country.

It was gathered that he target sales made between Thursdays and Friday because most often, such monies were kept in their respective safes to be paid into the bank on Mondays.

Having operated in several fuel stations in Abeokuta, Ilorin, Ibadan, Ekiti and Ondo, they once again made an exploit in Abeokuta, where they were caught.

The five-member gang were said to have besieged Rantipe Filling Station at Obantoko area but lost the deal to the men of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS).

Police source said while they were on operation in the filling station, they sighted the FSARS patrol men and sensing that the game was up for them, they succeeded to escape but one of them was not too lucky as he was caught at the scene.

It was gathered that through a concerted networking efforts, two other fleeing members of the syndicate were tracked down while more zealous efforts are on top gear to apprehend the remaining two gangsters.

The suspects confirmed to The Oracle that no fewer than four filling stations have in the past been robbed by them.

The other two members currently in police custody are Ibrahim Adedeji, 35 and Lukman Akanbi, 35.

Recovered from them were one locally-made cut-tosize gun, three live cartridges and one Pump Action gun.

Reacting to the incident, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Iliyasu, reiterated that the various breakthroughs recorded against crime and criminality was a testimony of his Command’s commitment to ensure that the state ranked among the best to live.

He further disclosed that the suspects will be charged to court at the end of investigations.

•The suspects

•Joseph

(Inset: The victims)

I knew I was dealing on stolen phones

A

30–year- old receiver of stolen telephones suspect, Jamiu Adebayo, has said that he knew he was buying stolen telephones from armed robbers.

He said this during interrogation by police detectives of the operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, (RRS) of the Police Lagos State Command.

Police said the suspect is a specialist in buying stolen mobile phones from armed robbers and ‘one chance’ gangs and in turn sell them as London used phones to unsuspecting members of the public.

The suspect, was tracked and arrested with an iphone 7 belonging to one Kolade Johnson, a banker working in Lagos Island.

Johnson, had on August 23 boarded a one chance commercial bus around 5:45 a:m on his way to work.

The robbers, operating with the commercial bus dispossessed him of a laptop, 2 phones, one of which was traced to Adebayo while trying to sell it to a customer in Lagos Island.

Also found in the bag of the suspect were six additional iPhones, four assorted phones and three MTN sim packs, which he said he collected from some of the robbers.

Adebayo, an erstwhile NURTW member in Ajah, stated that he went into sale of cloth after raising enough money before he ventured into sales of fairly used phone.

The suspect confessed that he regularly bought stolen phones from three sources whom he suspected are members of armed robbery and ‘one chance’ gangs.

“Uche, Alubi and Pinheiro are three major persons I get my supplies from. I buy iphone 7 with

icloud N45,000 and sell N55,000.

Those without icloud, I buy N150,000 and sell N180,000.

“I buy iphone 6 N65,000. I buy Samsung phones N22,000 and sell N27,000. I sell other phones too. I work on the phones and make them look as London used phones,” he explained.

Meanwhile, police said the suppliers of the stolen phones Uche, Pinheiro and Alubi have been on the run since the arrest of Adebayo.

Confirming the story, Police Lagos state spokesman Famos- Cole said the police are on the trail of the fleeing suspects and assured that the will soon be fish out as the Commissioner of Police, CP, Edgal Imohimi has detailed the police crack team to be on their trail.

• Adebayo

32

racleToday

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33

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

Love and Living

...With Ireto Temofeh

Model of the Week

LOVE NEWS

Ciara and Russell Wilson celebrate romantic 1-year anniversary

E

verything’s coming up roses...

One year after Ciara and Russell Wilson’s fairytale wedding in England, the two are still all about the passion as they celebrate their anniversary with some seriously romantic gestures during their vacation to Mexico. Of course, it was definitely still a family affair as the couple brought along their daughter Sienna and Ciara’s son Future from a previous relationship.

On Sunday, Ciara took to Instagram to post a sumptuous photo of a

dreamy white bed covered with red rose petals, even spelling out “R + C.” Along with the enviable image, the singer wrote, “I tried to plan things for the day, but he wouldn’t let me.’Twas A Perfect Day. The simple things are the sweetest...@DangeRussWilson #1yearAnniversary.”

The couple’s anniversary was July 6, but there appears to be a multitude of lavish celebrations.

Courtesy: eonline.com

Romantic Joke 100 CAMELS

Name: Oge Tel: 0809 347 3190

• Do you want to be our next Oracle Girl? Send your photos to ireto007@yahoo. com and call 07031028714.

ODD NEWS

118-year-old painting found in Antarctica A

lost 118-year-old painting by one of Britain’s most famous explorers has been discovered in Antarctica.

Scientists stumbled on the delicate watercolour of a bird in a hut on Cape Adare, a peninsula on the continent’s far east side.

The almost perfectly-preserved artwork was painted by Dr Edward Wilson, a British polar explorer who died in Antarctica with his expedition leader Captain Robert Falcon Scott.

It was hidden among penguin excrement, dust and mouldy papers in the hut he sheltered in on a 1911 expedition from which he never returned.

The delicate painting is labelled ‘1899 Tree Creeper’, and depicts a white-breasted tree creeper bird.

But how it ended up in the Cape Adare hut 12 years after Dr Wilson painted it is a

mystery.

Paper conservator Josefin Bergmark-Jimenez found the old artwork while clearing out the hut to ready it for restoration.

It was left in a portfolio sitting on the bed, but she was so surprised to find it that she jumped back in shock.

“I opened it and there was this gorgeous painting,” she said. “I got such a fright that I jumped and shut the portfolio again.

“I then took the painting out and couldn’t stop looking at it - the colours, the vibrancy, it is such a beautiful piece of work. I couldn’t believe it was there.”

“The Cape Adare huts were built by Norwegian Carsten Borchgrevink’s expedition in 1899 and later used by Captain Scott’s party in 1911,” Antarctic Heritage Trust programme manager Lizzie Meek said.

“We knew the artist was likely to be

among the men on those expeditions.”

By complete coincidence, her colleague Ms Bergmark-Jimenez went to a lecture on Dr Wilson while the team were working to discover the painter.

“The presenter showed some of Dr Wilson’s artwork,” she said.

“As soon as I saw his distinctive handwriting, I knew he had painted the Tree Creeper. This made sense as there was also a 1911 newspaper article from the Lyttelton Times in the papers and Scott’s party went to Antarctica via New Zealand.”

The watercolour was discovered in 2016 but kept a secret to let the Antarctic Heritage Trust focus on restoring the 1,500 artefacts they recovered from the Cape Adare huts.

It will be returned when the structures have been secured to ensure their continued protection.

As US tourists in Israel, a man and his wife were sitting outside a Bethlehem souvenir shop, waiting for fellow tourists. An Arab salesman approached them carrying belts. After an impassioned sales talk yielded no results, he asked where they were from.

“America,” the husband replied. Looking at her dark hair and olive skin, the Arab responded. “She’s not from the States.” “Yes I am.” said the wife. He looked at her and asked, “Is he your husband?”

“Yes.” she replied. Turning to the husband, he offered.... “I’ll give you 100 camels for her.” The husband looked stunned, and there was a long silence. Finally he replied, “She’s not for sale.” After the salesman left, the somewhat indignant wife asked her husband what took him so long to answer, to which the husband replied, “I was trying to figure out how to get 100 camels back home.”

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

34

True Confession

‘Help! My wife gave me love portion’ M

y story is short but it is quite unique and interesting if you understand. My name is Kola and I live and work in Lagos. I am in my early 40s and I and my wife have four lovely children. I love my wife so much and she normally shares her secrets with me.

From the day that we got married, I understood clearly that communication is all that a couple needs to make their marriage work. Henceforth, I resolved to always maintain a good line of communication with my wife. And I think that is the secret of the success of our marriage.

You see, I always confide in my wife and she too confides in me. I tell her everything I do in my family and even at the office. And she does likewise.

But a few years ago, when our first daughter turned 15, my wife decided that it was time for her to share her most prized secret with me.

That morning on my way to the office, she told me that she would like me to return home as early as 6pm so that we could have a romantic and quiet time together. She said that would be a perfect time for her to tell me something she had wanted to tell me all these years.

I dutifully obeyed my wife and returned home by 6pm that day to find that she had prepared my favourite food beside a bottle of wine on the table.

Our kids were away on holiday in the homes of our relatives, so we were as free as birds to do whatever we liked in the living room that evening. We sat down to eat and drink the wine and my wife opened up as we ate, drank, and kissed. Guess what my wife told me?

My wife told me that the first day I asked for her friendship while she was still in secondary school (SS2), she fell head over heels in love with me. And she wished that I would never leave her and marry someone else. So she went to a herbalist living in her area and the man gave her a love potion to put in my food.

My wife said she put the love portion in my food, but that when I returned to school at the UNN three weeks later, I forgot all about her and we lost contact after her family moved out of Lagos, until we met again by accident in Ibadan five years later.

She said she thought the love portion had failed, but that she believed that what will be, will be. So she kept hoping and praying that if God had destined us to marry, I would eventually return to her.

My wife said she was afraid of telling me this in the first year of our marriage, because she thought that I would take her for a witch and divorce her.

After her revelation, I thanked her for sharing it with me and told her that we are married today because God has destined us together, and not because of any love potion. However, I sternly warned her to stay away from native doctors. Tell me, if it were you, what would you do? What is a man supposed to do if his wife gives him love potion? Isn’t it funny?

“Our kids were away on holiday in the homes of our relatives, so we were as free as birds to do whatever we liked in the living room that evening. We sat down to eat and drink the wine and my wife opened up as we ate, drank, and kissed. Guess what my wife told me?”

35

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

Relationships and Love Advice

Can I still ever love again?

Love Search

Women seeking relationship/ marriage Ngozi, 25, fair, chubby, lives in Onitsha, needs a responsible, buoyant man from 40 years and above who can take good care of her. 08147538320.

Lilian, dark and sexy, in Lagos, needs a hot and sexy sugar daddy. 07064482338.

Nkechi, 38, graduate, seeks a matured man and also a devoted christian from 40 years and above for marriage. 08112063224.

Loveth, 27, residing in Kaduna, wants a sugar daddy from Abuja. 09062373928.

Princess, 29, from Anambra, in Lagos, HIV Positive, needs a decent, working, healthy, HIV Positive guy from 30 years and above from Anambra for marriage.

09090675833.

Rosemary, 29, from Anambra based in Abuja, self employed, good looking & homely needs an educated God fearing, comfortable man from the East between 32-45 years strictly for marriage. 09092942483.

Rosemary, 31, from Anambra based in Abuja, self employed, good looking & homely, needs an educated, godly, comfortable man from the East between 32-45 years strictly for marriage. 08161186244.

Lora, graduate, works, HIV Positive, based in Jos, wants a HIV positive man of 35-40 years for marriage.

08090925014.

Dear Love Doctor, My name is Gina. I’m from Delta state. I lost my fiancé three years ago. Ever since then, I just can’t fall in love again. It is now very difficult for me to date any guy, because I see all other guys as nothing compared to my late fiancé whom I loved so much. Doctor, can I ever fall in love again? Please advise me on what to do, because my parents are putting pressure on me to get married.

Thanks, From Gina

E-Mail: ireto007@yahoo.com. Call Love Doctor: 07031028714, 08131161840 for Counseling, fertility problems & Direct Hookup.

Men seeking relationship/ marriage

Love Doctor’s Advice:

Donald, 37, tall, dark, handsome, politician, Igbo, living in Port Harcourt, needs a female lawyer or law graduate lady or a working class lady for a relationship leading to marriage. 08180868844.

Dear Gina,

Bayo needs a mature lady or young woman who is godfearing, pretty and financially okay for true love.

09037361906.

I feel your grief. But thank God it is not so bad because you were not married and you’re not a widow now. Do you know how widows feel when they lose their husbands?

However, it is normal to feel resentful of having a new man in your life, especially if you were intimate with your late fiancé. However, if the problem is getting a faithful guy, take your time & keep searching until you find one you’re compatible with. Also take time to understand him and give him a chance.

Understand that personalities are different and individuals express love in their own diverse & unique ways. So you shouldn’t expect all guys to be like your late guy.

When you eventually meet a new man in your life, focus on his personality, and learn to adapt to life with a new man, because in life change is constant. Open your heart to love & don’t judge a man till you know him.

Also, don’t rush things. Do it slow and steady. Don’t despair or think that you will never marry because your lover died. Be patient, because it might take time before you find someone else to marry. Keep yourself happy & keep searching.

Call Love Dr. 07031028714, 08131161840. E-mail: ireto007@yahoo.com Note: If you have fertility problems like childlessness, inability to conceive or get pregnant, miscarriages, fibroid, low sperm count, STDs, or need a male child or female? Call 07031028714 or 08131161840. Love Doctor can help you succeed in your marriage/relationship.

Edozie needs a responsible woman for marriage.

08033337285.

Rexos, from Enugu, needs a loving and caring sugar mummy of 35 years and below. 08096374374.

Desmond, HIV Positive, from Anambra, living in Lagos, needs a pretty, HIV Positive woman for marriage.

09092935581, 08127618536.

Goodheart wants a tall, fair, beautiful, working class Yoruba, Akwa-Ibom, Kogi or Port-Harcourt lady for marriage. 08030725296.

Love needs a mature, sexy, working woman in Lagos for friendship. 08077821830.

Daniel, 25, student, needs a sugar mummy or a single mum in Minna, Abuja or Kaduna who can take care of his educational finance. 08167627446.

36

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

It happened to me:

‘How I slept with my best friend’s son’ M

y best friend Kerry fell pregnant when she was 15. She and I had been inseparable since childhood but on the night of her child’s conception she had gone alone to a town dance while I was at home sick. There she danced with the town heartbreaker (who I had been in love with).

One thing led to another and a month after the dance she confided to me that she thought she could be pregnant. Together we bought a pregnancy test so that no-one in the chemist could say for sure which one of us might be pregnant. We did the test at my house during the day when my parents were at work.

As the test showed positive, Kerry began to cry. We lived in a small country town and she knew that the town gossip would be unbearable.

Over the next few months, Kerry told her parents and the father of her baby and his family. His family said they didn’t believe her and didn’t want their son to have anything to do with a girl they described as “promiscuous”. I stood by Kerry as best I could but being pregnant, she had to drop out of school and spent most of her time hiding away from town gossip. In February, just as I started year 11, Kerry gave birth to a boy she named Joseph.

She was living with her parents and although we both tried to stay in touch, we drifted further and further apart. In the next couple of years while I was celebrating the end of school and picking a university, she was fretting about getting Joseph to eat enough and trying desperately to move into her own place on government subsidies.

Eventually our contact became limited to a call on birthdays and a card at Christmas. Although I had been around Joseph when he was a baby, I didn’t see him as a child. After four years of very occasional contact, I finished my degree and moved to London. I ended up staying 12 years, getting a great job in international banking and marrying a man called Michael.

But everything changed when I found out through a friend that Michael had been unfaithful to me ever since we’d married seven years earlier. I was shattered. I had trusted him totally and to find out that my whole marriage had been a sham shook me to the core. I lost all faith in myself and performed terribly at work. Needless to say I left Michael, but I also decided to leave my dream job and move back to my parents’ house.

Being back in town after a decade and a half was strange, but Kerry and I managed to pick up our friendship

and soon we were closer than ever.

She had never married and lived with Joseph, who was now 16 and extremely handsome. I had noticed how clumsy he was around me and Kerry even teased me sometimes, saying that her teenage son had a crush on me — she never suspected I might feel the same.

One afternoon I popped over to their house unannounced to borrow a book from Kerry. She wasn’t home but Joseph let me in and made me a cup of tea. I had received my divorce

papers that morning and was feeling pretty low. All of a sudden Joseph began to stare at me with a look I had never seen before. He looked exactly like his father and I was taken back to my teenage years. I felt butterflies in my stomach as Joseph leaned in to kiss me. We spent the whole afternoon together and it was passionate and magnificent. The next day I came round at the same time and we spent the afternoon together again.

But I knew I couldn’t do it again.

The thought of Kerry finding out

was more than I could take. Joseph had told me I was his first lover and I couldn’t have Kerry know that I had taken her son’s virginity.

I left town the next day. Joseph tried to contact me for a while but I knew it was just teenage passion and would pass. I’m back to birthday and Christmas contact only with Kerry, which is sad, but in a way I’m glad it happened. Joseph gave me back my ability to love.

37

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

Love & Living

To fake aunts, uncles our parents dated

G

rowing up, did you know your dad’s or mum’s date? It is usually that lady or man who we innocently call aunty or uncle. But then we grow older to find out what it is really about, SEX. Imagine how your other parent felt about it. Make no mistake; they are usually aware of what’s going on but powerless to stop it.

I’ll do well to leave the names out but I know some pathetic cases. Last week, I hinted on secretaries turned “sexretaries” and it reminded me of one of the meanest women I have ever met. I dated her son some years back and on my first visit to their place, I knew it wouldn’t work out. Who wanted such an unpleasant woman for a mother-in-law? Definitely not me. She was every inch unfriendly; I couldn’t even relax because she had her eyes on me throughout. I later got to know that she was suspicious of every young girl that came around since she wouldn’t know who was her husband’s little girlfriend.

The man in question at the time was openly dating his secretary but there were others too. His wife had grown bitter over time and now very antagonistic of young girls. I wasn’t too surprised when I broke up with her son over his infidelity. It was in fact good riddance, still see him around and I’m pretty sure he’s perfected the act as bequeathed by his dad.

Ify ARONU ifyaronu@gmail.com

it starts with you so take the first step, be and remain faithful. Now is your chance to create the stories that your children and others will tell about you and you definitely don’t want it tainted with accounts of your randy dealings, or do you?

”

I also know a young lady married off to an older man because she got pregnant out of wedlock. The marriage however became an open licence to the world of men. Last time I checked, she’s got five children from four different men and possibly still counting.

You can then imagine the mental state of her supposed husband, now a shadow of himself.

And there was also this marriage blessed with four young and intelligent children. The man had to live and work at a different town in the same State and he soon got entangled with a lady, his neighbour. But did he have to take her on visits to his family on the pretence of being friends? Did he have to sack his wife from their matrimonial bed just for his “friend” to oc-

cupy during those visits?

Growing up to find that those aunts and uncles were actually parents’ lovers can be quite unsettling. But what’s even worse is to be affected by it. Sadly, many who grew up in family settings where brazen extra marital affairs thrive, unconsciously grow into it themselves and it becomes some a sort of vicious cycle.

And that’s why it’s up to you to resolve to change the narrative. If you had fake aunts and uncles, then you should ensure that your kids never have them.

It’s great to be an ideal parent, to be a role model of faithfulness and commitment to one’s children. It’s definitely something to desire and work out. But if you are able to prevent it on your part, there’s still this challenge of not knowing if your spouse would let the guard down by doing so. But then, it starts with you so take the first step, be and remain faithful.

Now is your chance to create the stories that your children and others will tell about you and you definitely don’t want it tainted with accounts of your randy dealings, or do you?

Don’t even imagine that they won’t know.

•Please send your comments, commendations, and condemnations to ifyaronu@gmail.com

Of women, name change after marriages I

AM a young adult and even before I knew my right from my left I knew women who got married drop their father’s names and pick up the names of their husband’s, but recent happenings have vowed to alter this my childhood knowledge and it is a very interesting twist, and many are attributing this to the rise of feminism.

The conversation trended on social media a couple of weeks ago and it was a very interesting one as many gave your opinions, for and against it.

I couldn’t be a party of the conversation due to hectic schedule, but now I can join in.

It is true that there has been a subtle or would I say major shift in times and some old traditions and cultures are being trumped by many as it only favoured some gender, subjecting some others, especially the women to the background: only to be seen and not heard.

Women were piece of properties owned and displayed by their husbands who must have paid heavily or not so heavy bride price to make them wife, and after the payment, the wife picks up her husband’s name, but things have taken an almost new turn.

Many women are advocating for the right to not drop their father’s name and picking up their husband’s name, because they do not see themselves as properties to be bought and owned by their husbands. The womenfolk say they have a right to not become a Mrs. Somebody, though they are Mrs. Somebody.

M

e& ore

Maureen Alikor maureenalikor@gmail.com

Many of these women before their marriage had a life of their own and they were successful in their various fields and thus do not wish to not be known as just a Mrs. Somebody.

”

They stated their reason firmly and true to the words, they have a point.

Many of these women before their marriage had a life of their own and they were successful in their various fields and thus do not wish to not be

known as just a Mrs. Somebody.

THIS IS A VERY INTERESTING ARGUMENT, AS BEFORE THIS TIME, THERE WAS NOTHING WOMEN

WANTED SO BADLY, BUT TO DROP THEIR FATHER’S NAME AND PICK UP HUSBAND’S NAME, AND BECEOME A MRS. SOMEBODY. IT WAS A THING OF PRIDE AND JOY, AND ALSO AS AN ACHIEVEMENT AND MAJOR MILESTONE CROSSED IN LIFE. Over the years, some women would rather hyphenate their father’s name and their husband’s names than drop their former name entirely.

It is a very important topic to be talked discussed between two persons, boy and girl, courting, who wish to be married someday, to avoid unnecessary arguments and major quarrels that may lead to the dissolution of the marriage.

Human beings are dynamic in their thoughts and in their actions and these actions are aided by reasons best known to the individual taking them. So, I believe humans should know themselves for who they are and also know what they and why they want what they want. Someone has a choice and decision to make and marriage is a lifetime commitment and should be handled with maturity.

If people choose to drop their father’s name entirely, and pick up their husband’s name, I believe it is their call and decision to make. If they want to hyphenate, it is also their call, and the call to marry or not to also belongs to the individual.

What’s your take?

What do you say?

•Please send you comments to maureenalikor@gmail.com

38

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

The Law and You Burglary and house-breaking With Barr. Ken Akpom 08162016410

M

ost people find it difficult in differentiating between these two felonies (or simply put offence for laymen). However, both attract severe punishments in Law. What at times we jokingly do can result into any of these offences. One may without the consent of one’s neighbor break into his room to collect a needed thing inside his room on the ground that he is his friend. When the friend returns and discovers his room door broken and an entry made by somebody, he makes a report to the police that his friend has committed a felony, either burglary or house-breaking depending on the time of committing the offence. Under Section 441 of the Criminal code, any person who breaks and enters a dwelling-house of another with intent to committee a felony therein, or having entered the dwelling-house of another with a like intent or having committed a felony in the dwelling-house of another, breaks out of the dwelling-house, is guilty of a felony. If the offence is committed in the daytime it is appropriately called house-breaking and if it is committed at night, it is called burglary.

Note that the punishment for house-breaking is 14 years imprisonment while that of burglary is life imprisonment.

To my own understanding on the variation of the prison terms on both is that in the day time the occupants of the dwelling-house may not be in for the thief to harm them while at night grievous harm may be inflicted on the occupants who may like to protect and defend themselves and their rights. Whatsoever is the case, it is my candid advice to all to stay away from crime no matter what. No condition is permanent especially if one has the determination to succeed honestly as well as is very prayerful and believe that God changes situations and can visit one in any situation.

ANALYSES OF THE CONTENTS OF THE SECTION 411 OF THE CODE BREAKING: In Section 441 of the code, breaking is one of the essential ingredients in this topic. Breaking may be actual or constructive. Actual aspect is involved when a person breaks any part, whether external or internal of a building or even opens by unlocking, pulling, pushing, lifting, or by any other means whatsoever, any door, window, shutter, or other thing. When a person opens a door with a key, lifts a latch, or pushes open a closed door or window, then there is a breaking. However, when the door or window is partly open, though not open enough to admit a person to push it open further, it is not breaking. Breaking is not only when a thief breaks the front door in a house which is external. It can be internal like when a servant in the house breaks the internal door of his master’s bedroom. Breaking by construction occurs when entrance into a dwelling-house is made through any threat or by collusion with any person in the building, etc. Note also, that if a man intending to commit a felony in a dwelling-house gains admittance into it by deceit and posing as a local government staff, his conduct amounts to breaking but if the owner of the dwelling-house was the one that led the person in and turns round to allege breaking, it is not breaking.

INTENT: Here the intent must be to commit a felony, not necessarily stealing. It may be arson, rape or murder but the usual intent here is to steal which is best proved by the commitment of the felony. The time of the commitment of the felony as well as merely a breaking and entering with the purpose to commit the offence is sufficient.

DWELLING-HOUSE: Dwelling-house is not tested on what the house is built for, but what it is used for. Section 1 of the code defined dwelling-house to include any building or structure or part of a building or structure, which is for the time being kept by the owner or occupier for the residence therein of himself, his family, or servants, or any of them, it is immaterial TIME: day and night in this topic differentiate these whether it is from time to time uninhabited. A building two cases - Burglary and House-Breaking. Here, Night is a dwelling house as long as some person habitually means the period between 6:30pm and 6:30am. This sleeps in it and uses it as his home irrespective of holimeans that Day is between 6:30am and 6:30pm. day period of staying away from the house.

PUNISHMENTS 1.

FOR ENTERING DWELLING HOUSE with intent to commit a felony:- If the offence Is committed in the day the punishment is 7 years imprisonment and if at night it is 14 years imprisonment 2.

OTHER BUILDINGS:-For school-house, shop, warehouse, office or even a building adjacent to a dwelling-house and occupied with it but not part of it.

The punishment is 7 years and 14 years depending on the particular felony.

3.

PLACE OF WORSHIP:-Some worshippers even go to churches with the intention to steal. Breaking a place of religious worship with intent to commit a felony is punishable with 7 years to 14 years imprisonment depending on the circumstances.

Finally, stay away from crime and do not even allow your friends or company to deceive or push you into it because the consequence is disgraceful to you and your loved ones.

• Do you have questions or seek legal clarification on issues concerning your marriage, probate, property, etc? Call or send a text message to Barr. Ken: 08162016410, 08075763840. Email: kenakpom@yahoo.com

39

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

Entertainment With Douglas Omoyooma

Marriage: I’m waiting for God – Uti Nwachukwu

Actor, TV presenter and winner, Big Brother Africa, Uti Nwanchukwu talks about his career, relationship and challenges among many other issues in this chat with Oracle Today.

Do you still model?

Yes, but only on special occasions and special bookings.

So when do you intend retiring from modeling?

That is nonsense. Look at Naomi Campbell and Imami, they are still working despite their ages. So, it depends on how you carry yourself. I don’t think I am ever going to fizzle out as a model. The only reason you will not see me modeling for a lot of brands is because I chose not to. When it talk about campaigns and special fashion week events for designers then you will see me getting involved. The only time you won’t see me modeling is when I get fat.

How do you juggle being an actor, TV presenter and event host?

I just take things one at a time. It is just like you waking up and going to the office. I take it as it comes and I make sure I always put my days in God’s hands. I feel blessed actually because I don’t get to struggle with day to day challenges because I have placed it all God’s hands.

Was there a time you got so overwhelmed with challenes you felt like quiting?

No, there was never a time like that. Rather, showbiz has been a huge blessing because not everybody will live their lives and also get paid for what they love doing. I take challenges as an extra weapon .You know, without challenges you can’t be in that perfect place that your aspire to be in. So, for me, challenges are lessons and ammunitions to grow faster, do better and become stronger. I am never overwhelmed by challenges but I cannot credit myself for that because I always put my days in the hands of God. Have you ever been in a relationship with anyone in the industry and how do you handle female attention?

Well, like I said earlier, I take everything one at a time. I am not carried by the fame and the razzmatazz in the industry. I have. Right from when I was young, I have always had female attention so it is nothing new to me. So, whatever you are able to handle at a small scale you should be able to handle better on a larger scale. Also due to my upbringing, I know when to draw the lines. For me, I take all that attention I get from women as appreciation, I don’t believe in sleeping with my fans, supporters and so on. I didn’t believe in taking advantage of people who appreciate my art and are drawn towards me. When people come to me to say I love you, I want you and all that’ all I say to them is thank you and change the tone of the conversation in a polite manner. You know after talking to these people they come and say, Uti, you inspired me, I never knew I could feel like this, I never thought about life in this way.

Are you in a relationship and is there going to be a wedding soon?

This is private information I don’t want to share. However, that is not for me to say but it is left for God to determine. If God wants me to marry of course I will. But if it is not his plans for now then let it wait. I want to live exactly like God has programmed it.

But there is a saying that when a man sees the woman he wants to marry, no one can stop him?

Well, that does not apply to everyman. I don’t think that God created every single person to marry. I think one of the apostles, Paul said he would prefer that people can remain single like him but if they know that they cannot flee from the lust of flesh then it is better to marry. I am not against marriage but I am not desperate about marriage. I am all about what God has destined for me. You see I am on this stand because a lot of people jump the line and get into trouble. Many of them become unhappy or everything turns into a disaster. Like I said earlier, I never take any step without asking God. If it is for me, it will come but if not then so be it.

• Uti Nwachukwu

40

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

Entertainment

Paternity mess: Myro denies baby mama

S

inger, Myro, has officially reacted to reports in the media that he was involved in a paternity mess and dumped his baby.

In a statement made available by his management, Myro regretted the entire episode stating that he would not be distracted by rumour mongers.

He said: “The issue making the rounds happened recently and would be addressed accordingly.

Yes, I and the lady involved had something going but it’s all in the past now. I requested and paid for a DNA test in a lab of her choice, which she rejected until my lawyers waded into the case.

“I love kids. I see children as gifts that deserve to be shown one hundred per cent care and love. When I

have one, I will not hesitate at being the best dad possible. Women are special and I love them. I was raised by women and they did a great job but certain issues surround this recent development hence my insistence on a DNA test.”

“Meanwhile, this is a personal matter that has been very distracting. I want to tell all the rumour mongers and haters out there to please let me be. Ever since that news broke I have received many calls from my family and loved ones and I want to reassure them that I am on top of it.

“I am just here focused on my career as an artiste and also on the growth of the brand Myro. The test results reaching me show that I am not the father of her child. “

F • Myro

Anambra guber race: Nollywood throws weight behind Yul Edochie

A

s the countdown to the Anamabra guber race gathers momentum, Nollywood stars have thrown their weight behind Anambra State gubernatorial aspirant, Yul Edochie.

They include Chigozie Atuanya, Ken Eric, Rachel Okonkwo who stormed Asaba, the heartbeat of Delta State to join Yul Edochie Campaign Organization.

Commenting, Yul Edochie said: “Politicians have failed us. So, I am in the race to touch the lives of Anambra people positively.

Always remember that if you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem. The problems of Anambra people have come to the last bus stop.

“I joined the race to harness the creative potentials of the youths and the resource-endowment of Anambra to move the state to the next level of development.”

ollowing the crash of the marriage of Tinsel stars, Damilola Adegbite and Chris Attoh, Chris Attoh has opened up on reasons why the marriage crashed.

The Ghanaian movie star in an interview accused his ex-wife of not being submissive in the marriage. Attoh also added that it takes a good and submissive woman to have a successful marriage.

He said: “A woman who does not submit to the husband and trusts his instincts is not going to be successful in marriage. I think that we have forgotten about the fundamentals of marriage. When you love someone, it’s important to be able to forgive, respect and submit.

“As a woman you need to trust the captain of the ship. It’s truly important if you want peace in your home.

If you are a Christian, it is your Bible that will take you through your wedding days. Everything happens for a reason. I have a beautiful baby boy, a wealth of experience and a lot of work to do,” the actor added.

The couple got married two years ago and have a son together.

• Yul and some of his campaign team

Lizzy Anjorin to women: Beware!

Men are polygamist in nature

• Damiola Adegbite

A

ctress, Lizzy Anjorin has declared that men are polygamous in nature. She made this declaration while issuing a warning to women to guard their hearts jealously, as 80% of men are born polygamist and might lustily go after their best friends.

She said: “Ladies should be more concerned about what they have in your bank account or in their brains before showing off their man to friends or uploading proposal videos on social media.

“You can’t tell anything can happen. How good you are on bed or in the kitchen will not satisfy men. Some of them, even say worst and evils things about their women when it’s no longer rosy.

“Another secret is that; some men derive joy in making their women cry or go through unbearable pains. Some can even go as low as sleeping with your house help or friends but that does not make him a bad person and that doesn’t mean you should quit. Instead, buckle-up and raise your head high, be positive and work harder, better things are ahead of you,” she said.

PSquare fight a media stunt –Seun Kuti

S • Yemi Black

Yemi Blaq to women suffering domestic violence: Run for dear life

P • Lizzy Anjorin

Real reason Damilola Adegbite and Chris Attoh parted ways

opular actor, Yemi Blaq, has called on women in abuseive relationships to flee tye union before they get killed.

Hear him: “Domestic Violence can be identified early. Once you see that a man has that trait just take a walk. Don’t bear it or try to change him, it might get worse.

“Well, people would ask ‘what if

the actresses are the ones instigating the violence? Yes, we all know women are prone to such things that could provoke a man to raise his hands on them. Most times, it’s not easy to swallow but that’s not an excuse at all. A man should always be a man and know where to draw the line. Be responsible and take a walk from that situation too.”

on of afro beat legend, Seun Kuti has stated that the current video of PSquare engaged in an argument which culminated in fisctuffs was just another media stunt by the PSqure clan.

Reacting to a psot on social media, Seun Kuti has posted the following message: “Thois one na show. Don’t fall for the Okio Doko. Relevance+Finance in the pop industry. Solange and jayZ in the elevator. Then you get tabloid styled albums talking about it all and you are all hooked.

Okie Doke, they are fine.”

In another post he said: I can already see people chucking nose, picking sides. Wow! The album will be massive.

Recall that last year, the twins had been involved in a similar fight which they eventually claimed was just a media stunt after months of infighting.

41

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

NEWS Gov Ugwuanyi empowers over 700 traders From OZOR KAMSIYO, Nsukka

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ver 700 traders have been empowered through Enugu State traders raffle draw initiated by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to boost economic activities and improve business of traders in the State.

The president Enugu state traders association Mr Temple Udeh disclosed this at the traders raffle draw held at Ibagwa Nkwo market in IgboEze South Local Government Area of the State, adding that the governor’s traders’ Empowerment Scheme has assisted the lucky winners of the raffle in no small measure in their various trades.

Udeh noted that 100 winners emerge and smile home with N50, 000 as empowerment to maximise their trades every raffle draw, pointing out that the traders have endorsed the governor for the second term come 2019 general elections in the country to show appreciation for what he has done for traders across the markets in Enugu State.

Earlier in a welcome address presented by the chairman Nsukka Zonal Amalgamated Traders Association (NZATA) Hon. Domnic Ezema, said that Nkwo Ibagwa market remained the oldest in Nsukka zone which has contributed immensely to economic growth of the zone and the state in general, adding that the visit of the governor for the raffle draw demonstrated the love he has for traders in the state.” Before the defunct civil war, Nkwo Ibagwa market was a commercial nerve of the then Eastern Region. People from different parts of the country anchored at the market for buying and selling and inter-transport services to Onitsha.

“Nsukka zonal traders are happy about the governor’s numerous achievements in the state since he assumed office 2015,” he said.

Ezema listed some of the problems facing Nkwo Ibagwa market to include poor electricity supply, lack of healthcare facility, public convenience and rehabilitation of the market’s dilapidated structures.

In his speech, Ugwuanyi urged both residents and traders to be their brothers’ keepers and show kindness to one another irrespective of tribe, religion and political affiliations.

The governor called on the local government council chairmen and other political office holders in the state to carry dividends of democracy to the grassroots to enable others feel the impact of good governance.

“What makes you a good person is sharing what you have with those around you than enjoying alone with your family. I believe in the philosophy of chop and allow your brother to chop because it promotes love, peace and unity,” he said.

The governor said his aim of instituting the N50,000 raffle draw for 100 lucky traders in each market of the state is to assist them turn around their ventures of trade to maximise profit for the future.

“Since the raffle draw started in March 2017, about 700 traders across the state have won N50,000 each.

Government is happy how traders in the state have been carrying out their business peacefully as well as being law abiding,” he said.

Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of N50, 000 cheques to seven lucky winners present among the 100 lucky winners of the draw by the governor at Nkwo Ibagwa Aka market.

By Maryjane Okoronta (with agency reports)

A

medical practitioner, Dr Kelechi Okoro has advised Nigerians to shun archaic and religious beliefs that made women feel they were unclean and unworthy when menstruating.

Okoro, the Medical Officer at the Kogi Government House Clinic, gave the advice on Mon-

Expert advises against archaic anti-menstruation beliefs day in Lokoja at the second day of a two-day health sensitisation programme organised by a corps member, Miss Oyebimpe Olofin.

Speaking on the theme of the programme ‘The Adolescent Girl and Menstrual Hygiene’, Kelechi said: “In this part of the world, some people refer to menstrua-

tion as a taboo, shameful and dirty.

“Some religions also make women feel like they are unclean and unworthy when menstruating.

“The myths, such as if a menstruating woman touches an animal, it will be infertile; if she touches a plant, it will dry up and die; if she sleeps in the same bed with her

• From left, reguinal manager FUG Mr Ewii Chukwuma, Head Operations Uloma Nkemakolam, Dr. Mrs Obumsele, Mr Tony, Mrs. Balogun, Mr Awo Tunde & Mr Chidi Egwujuru during an FUG symposium held recently at Asaba. Photo Oliver Udeogu

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The

Enugu State Civil Service Week Committee inaugurated

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husband, he will be unfortunate or poor and if she takes her bath, she will remain infertile, among others (are just myths, which have no place in reality).

“In fact, some female students are so shy to tell someone else that they are observing their period that some even have to take days off school, so they can hide in shame.’’

“Menstruation should not be something hidden or to be ashamed of,” she stressed. “Instead, the girls should be empowered with enough information and means to make their menstrual periods more hygienic and comfortable for them.”

In her remarks, Miss Oyebimpe Olofin, the corps member, told NAN that the two-day health sensitisation was organised to mark Nigeria’s 57th Independence anniversary.

Olofin said that it was aimed at bringing healthcare to the doorsteps of people who could not afford it.

“Today is the second day of what we started on Sunday to sensitise our girls on menstrual hygiene and how to make re-usable sanitary pads.

“We will also give them free ultramodern sanitary pads at the end of the programme.

“A girl-child should be proud of menstruating and not to be ashamed of it,” she said.

racle

E

nugu State Head of Service, Mr. Chidi Ezema has inaugurated a 20-member Committee for the 2017 Civil Service Week celebration.

Performing the ceremony in his office, the Head of Service commended the State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for approving this year’s celebration.

He said the ceremony, which takes place later this month has its theme as “Entrenching a Citizen - Central Service Delivery Culture Partnering with youth for Africa’s Transformation.”

Ezema disclosed that the Week is a period of self- evaluation of the roles of civil servants in mainstreaming the socio economic development of the State either by charting a new vision for efficient service delivery or consolidating on the gains and achievements already registered by the workforce.

Speaking on behalf of the members of the Central Planning Committee, Mr Ken Chukwuegbo Permanent Secretary General Administration Office of the Head of Service assured the Head of Service of a brilliant performance during the celebration, commending him for finding them worthy to execute this year’s Service Week celebration.

42

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

INTERNATIONAL NEWS Las Vegas shooting: Killer’s motive a mystery after 58 die in worst ever US shooting Trump orders flags flown at half-mast

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resident Donald Trump has ordered that flags flown at halfmast across the U.S. in honour of the victims of the Las Vegas shooting, which led to the killing of at least 50 people and injuring more than 400 others.

Trump, in a proclamation he signed immediately after his address to the nation on the incident, declared that the country was heartbroken.

“Our nation is heartbroken. We mourn with all whose loved ones were murdered and injured in last night’s horrible tragedy in Las Vegas, Nevada. As we grieve, we pray that God may provide comfort and relief to all those suffering.

“As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless act of violence perpetrated on October 1, 2017, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations.

He said the action would also affect all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, October 6, 2017.

“I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.”

On Sunday night, a gunman opened fire from a hotel room above a packed, outdoor concert in Las Vegas in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo said the shooter, identified as Stephen Paddock, 64, was found dead by officers who stormed his 32nd-floor room at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casinos.

Trump, in his address on the tragedy, praised first responders, including the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, “for their courageous efforts”.

“In moments of tragedy and horror, America comes together as one – and it always has. We call upon the bonds that unite us – our faith, our family, and our shared values.

We call upon the bonds of citizenship, the ties of community, and the comfort of our common humanity.

“Our unity cannot be shattered by evil. Our bonds cannot be broken by violence. And though we feel such great anger at the senseless murder of our fellow citizens, it is our love that defines us today — and always will, forever.”

He said the speed with which they reacted to the shooting was “miraculous and prevented further loss of life”, noting that the FBI and Department of Homeland Security are working with local authorities on the investigation.

“Hundreds of our fellow citizens are now mourning the sudden loss of a loved one – a parent, a child, a brother or sister. We cannot fathom their pain.

“We cannot imagine their loss. To the families of the victims: We are praying for you and we are here for you, and we ask God to help see you through this very dark period.”

A

t least 58 people have been slain and more than 500 injured in the deadliest mass shooting in US history at a music festival in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The motive of the killer remains a mystery after what US President Donald Trump called “an act of pure evil” that had left the country feeling “sadness, shock and grief.”

The shooter was identified as Stephen Craig Paddock, 64, and authorities said he had no criminal record and police had no prior knowledge of him.

He opened fire on a crowd of more than 22,000 concert-goers from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel, across the road from the festival venue.

He died soon afterwards of a suspected self-inflicted wound when officers blasted open the door of his room, Las Vegas Sheriff Joe Lombardo said.

Trump ordered flags to fly at half mast and held a moment of si-

lence alongside Vice President Mike Pence and their wives outside the White House.

He will fly to Las Vegas on Wednesday to “grieve with the friends and family of the victims, to offer his support to those recovering from their wounds and to thank the courageous first responders,” White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat, called for stricter gun control measures, but Sanders said it was not an appropriate time for political debate.

“Now is the time to unite as a country. Today is a day for consoling the survivors, and mourning those we lost.”

Las Vegas officers found more than 10 rifles in the room used by Paddock, Lombardo said.

Shots broke out at 10:08 pm Sunday (0508 Monday GMT) near the end of a performance by singer Jason Aldean at the close of a country

music festival.

Witnesses said the hail of bullets continued for 15 minutes or longer.

A woman who was at the event told dpa she heard multiple gunshots before fleeing, and said she “crawled over dead people” as she tried to get away.

Videos posted online showed people crouching on the ground as automatic gunfire crackles in the background. Some people stood and pointed to the hotel in the distance, while others held up smartphones even as they crouched for cover.

Authorities called for people who captured video or other digital evidence of the shooting to provide the data to investigators.

Hospitals issued an appeal for blood donations because the massive number of casualties had drained blood supplies.

The Islamic State terrorist movement claimed responsibility for the shooting, offering however no

evidence to back up the claim. The group’s statement said that Paddock had converted to Islam several months ago.

Aaron Rouse, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Las Vegas office, told reporters “We have determined to this point no connection with an international terrorist group.”

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was “shocked and alarmed” by the shooting.

Paddock, a white male, was a resident of Mesquite, Nevada, about 140 kilometres north-east of Las Vegas.

His brother Eric Paddock said on CNN that his brother had “absolutely” had no mental problems or political motives that the family was aware of.

Aldean wrote on social media that he and his band and crew were safe. He called the night “beyond horrific” and offered condolences.

Cameroon : Amnesty wants 17 deaths probed

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• Concert goers fleeing the scene after a gunman opened attack on them at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas.

Ranks of world’s refugees swell as asylum space shrinks — UN

T

op UN refugee official on Monday said over two million people fleeing wars or persecution joined the ranks of the world’s refugees this year, but often face more restrictive asylum policies, especially in Europe and the U.S. UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi told the commission’s Executive Committee in Geneva that “these people include 650,000 from South Sudan and 500,000 Muslim Rohingya.

“They escaped violence in Myanmar for Bangladesh over the past five weeks, many of the latter stateless.

“So far in 2017, more than two million people fled their countries as refugees.”

According to him, the refugees often arrive sick, traumatised and hungry in remote border locations in communities affected by poverty and underdevelopment.

He explained that “many have urgent protection needs – children

separated from their families, men, women, girls and boys exposed to sexual and gender-based violence.”

He added that at the end of 2016, 17.2 million refugees fell under UNHCR’s mandate, but some of them had returned to their countries of origin, while others resettled.

Grandi expressed concern that the refugee issue had been increasingly instrumentalised in local and national policies.

He said “international cooperation has been replaced by fragmented responses, resulting in restrictive immigration and asylum measures, even in countries with histories of exile and migration and proud tradition of welcome.

“Border closures, measures to limit entry, restrictive asylum procedures, indefinite detention in appalling conditions, and offshore processing had regrettably increased,’’ he said, decrying rising xenophobia.

He said UNHCR observed that protection environment had dete-

riorated in many parts of the world, including in industrialised countries, in Europe, in the U.S, in Australia.

“Nearly 1.2 million refugees need to be resettled globally; it is therefore an issue of major concern that fewer than 100,000 resettlement places are available this year – a drop of 43 per cent from 2016.”

Traditionally, U.S. took the largest number of refugees deemed most vulnerable under UNHCR’s resettlement programme involving about 10 western receiving countries.

Syrian and Congolese refugees led those resettled in 2016.

The Donald Trump administration in the U.S. recently proposed admitting a maximum of 45,000 refugees through to 2018, the lowest cap in decades, which officials said was necessary to ensure U.S. security, although Democrats and humanitarian groups blasted the decision.

The report also projected slashing funding to the refugee resettlement programme by 25 per cent.

t least 17 people have been killed by security forces during protests in support of Cameroon’s restive anglophone regions seeking independence, Amnesty International said on Monday.

“The use of excessive force to silence protests in the west and southwest regions of Cameroon is not the solution,” said Ilaria Allegrozzi, Amnesty’s Lake Chad researcher.

The NGO also repeated its call for an investigation into all deaths related to protests on Sunday across Cameroon’s two English-speaking regions, which symbolically declared their “independence” from the rest of the predominantly Francophone country.

Violence by security forces and the blocking of communication platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp are an “extremely worrying” escalation in the government’s crackdown on dissidents, it added.

“In order to avoid further bloodshed, the security forces must cease unnecessary and excessive use of force, and protesters should be peaceful if they want to make their voices heard,” said Allegrozzi in a statement.

English speakers have long complained that they are treated like second-class citizens in the West African nation and that the government makes less money available to them.

On Sunday, the secessionist movement declared independence – although the move has no basis in law.

Protesters tore down Cameroonian flags and raised the banner of their would-be state, called Ambazonia.

There was a heavy police presence in the region as the government looked to stem the demonstrations.

Three inmates of a prison in the town of Kumbo in Cameroon’s Anglophone north-western region were shot dead by police as they tried to flee after protesters attacked the jail and a fire broke out, state media channel CRTV reported.

Other reports put the number of casualties over the weekend higher.

Cameroon was a German colony until World War I, when it was split between Britain and France. The two sides were reunited in 1961.

About one-fifth of Cameroon’s population of 23 million lives in the Englishspeaking area.

The Oracle Today

43

Wednesday October 11, 2017

SPORTS Obuh optimistic of Eagles’ victory over Chipolopolo • Charges Rohr not to change his winning team Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

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ORMER Flying Eagles coach and the coach of newly promoted Nigeria Professional Football League side, Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin, John Obuh has expressed optimism that the national team, the Super Eagles will triumph over visiting Chipolopolo of Zambia in the crucial World Cup Qualifier come this weekend in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

Obuh, however, warned the Gernot Rohr charges not to allow what happened in the game against the African Champions the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon to repeat itself. According to him, the Eagles could not find their bearing in the first 15minutes of the September 1 game in Uyo as the Cameroonians ran riot of the team but were unable to score a goal.

He explained that such a scenario should not be allowed to rear its ugly as the Zambians could use such period to cause serious damage. Obuh stated this in a telephone interview with The Oracle Today Sports.

“First and foremost I would like to talk like a Nigerian. I believe that Eagles have all it takes to emerge victorious in the forthcoming crucial World Cup Qualifier against the Chipolopolo of Zambia,” the experienced football tactician began.

“I would like them to come out from the blast of the whistle and not to allow what happened in the game

Ighalo talks tough

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uper Eagles and Changchun Yatai F.C attacker, Odion Jude Ighalo is talking tough ahead of the crucial World Cup Qualifying match against the Chipolopolo of Zambia which hold this weekend at the magnificent Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. According to the Edo State-born former Watford striker, the game is a must win for the national and they team will not accept anything than victory against loquacious Zambian national team who have been playing the mind game against the Eagles since doing a double against the Desert Foxes of Algeria in the World Qualifiers.

However, Ighalo says it does not matter whether the Zambians are talking tough or not what matters is that Eagles are determined to land in Russia next year and as such, Zambia can stop them from achieving their set target.

against the Cameroonians to repeat itself. They must realize that this game is like make or mare encounter because if we beat them, we will be home and dry for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup. “Eagles should be mindful of the fact that they tactical approach to the game will be such that will not give the Zambians room to run riot on the defence and midfield.

“Apart from that they should realize that there no two matches that are same. The game against Zambia in Uyo is going to be totally different from the one they played last year in Ndola. So, they should not be complaisant just because we beat them in the first game.

“I mean a lot has since changed after the Ndola game. So, it will be a costly mistake to think that because we defeated them last year we are going to have it easy and just like I said they have since made tremendous progress after that game.

“I want to also use this opportunity to call on all Nigerians to rally round the Eagles because they need all the support that they can get from everybody because they are playing at home and the pressure to deliver will be there just like it was on them in the game against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in the double header,” Obuh explained.

Speaking further, the Abia Stateborn football tactician called on

the handlers of the team to retain the same set of players that played against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. According to him, he is worried over the insinuation that the team’s gaffer is pondering over the replacement of Ikechukwu Ezenwa with Daniel Akpeyi, a decision he believes may affect the morale of the team even as he acknowledged the fact that Rohr remains the one in charge and knows what he wants from his players.

“I am a bit worried with the information reaching me from the team’s camp that the Technical Adviser of the team, Gernot Rohr is considering using Daniel Akpeyi as the goalkeeper instead of Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

“My personal view is that such a change may affect the morale of the team because Ikechukwu Ezenwa did so well in our two games against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. I believe that there is need for him to retain the team that have been giving us results not just Ikechukwu Ezenwa as it were but the entire squad.

“However, Gernot Rohr remains the gaffer of the team and he knows what he wants from his players. He is with them and he knows the abilities of the players at his disposal but I believe that Ezenwa has acquitted himself well in the national team so far to deserve to man the post for the Eagles against the Chipolopolo of Zambia come October 7th,” Obuh said.

•Says “Zambia match a must win”

“I believe that by God’s grace we are going to win the match because the match is a must win so that we can qualify for the World Cup. I believe that everything will be alright by God’s grace. With the type of players in the camp, I think that everything is Ok. I am going to resume camp on Monday by God’s grace with other member of the team.

“Of course some of us have never been at the World Cup just like that Zambians and we believe that this is the biggest opportunity that we have to be at the World Cup. We will do everything within our power to ensure that we get the maximum points.

Speaking further, Ighalo explained that there are some Eagles players like himself, who have never been at the World Cup and would like to be in Russia for the football biggest showpiece for the first time, saying such hunger to be at

the World Cup has fired them up to be at the World Cup for the first time.

“Like I said, we are as hungry as the Zambians since they have never been at the World Cup and some of us have never been at the Mundial either.

“What is propelling them is also firing us up and the desire is so strong that I can’t imagine Zambia stopping us in our quest to be at the World Cup. We will not give them the opportunity at our expense, it is not possible.

“I know that it is not going to be an easy game but I believe that we can achieve the World Cup team because the unity of purpose in the team and the caliber of players that we have, I believe that the Zambians are day dream by believing that they can scuttle our own dream. Any way there is no harm in dreaming dreams,” Ighalo declared.

The Oracle Today

SPORTS Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

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44

Wednesday October 11, 2017

UPER Eagles’ and Chipa United Football Club of South Africa goal tender, Daniel Akpeyi has declared the Gernot Rohr’s managed side were not given any chance of qualifying for the FIFA 2018 World Cup that will be played host to by John Obi Mikel’s inlaws, Russia.

Akpeyi explained that once the draw for the World Cup draw was made and Eagles were pitched in Group B of the African Zone of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers which houses the African champions, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, the Desert Foxes of Algeria and the Chipolopolo of Zambia, the country’s national team were not given any chance of survival from the group as the group was immediately tagged “Group of Death” by book makers.

He said he was delighted that despite the lack of belief in the team, God has proved himself by ensuring that the Eagles are on the driver’s seat as it concerns the qualifiers in Group B. Akpeyi is of the opinion that God designed that Nigeria must be at the World Cup even before the draws were made as he has no other way of explaining how the team have been prosecuting their World Cup Qualifiers till date whereas in previous qualifiers, the team used to struggle but the reverse is the case.

“The team, it is just amazing.

You know from the very beginning with Zambia you know against Zambia till now, the team have never lost a game.

It shows that God actually designed this time for Nigeria to go to the World Cup even before the draws were made,” Akpeyi began.

“Otherwise, in previous qualifiers you’ve seen how Nigeria struggle in the qualifiers and stuff like that. I am so sure that the Super Eagles were never given a chance to qualify from this

Eagles were never given any chance – Akpeyi

group.

“With what is happening, I mean it is awesome.

“I like the consistency in the team because so far, everyone that has contributed even the

players that played in the first game and have not been invited in the subsequent games and stuff like that you know, they have been amazing.

“The Federation is also work-

Rohr places Aaron Samuel on standbye

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ing very hard to see that the team get to the World Cup. It has been fantastic you know, I am delighted,” the Chipa United goalkeeper declared.

uper Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr has put CSKA Moscow and Eagles’ attacker, Aaron Samuel on standby for this weekend’s crucial World Cup Qualifier against the Chipolopolo of Zambia as Alex Iwobi races against time.

It is recalled that Iwobi who scored one of the two goals that saw Eagles’ start their World Cup Qualifying campaign on a very bright note was left out of the double header against continental champions, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon due to injury.

He is listed for the game against the Copper Bullet of Zambia which is the meaning of Chipolopolo but unfortunately, Iwobi suffered yet another injury which even prevented him from being listed in Arsenal’s Europa League game last Thursday against BATE Borisov which the Gunners won 2-4 in Belarus.

Gernot Rohr had left Aaron Samuel out of the squad that will prosecute this crucial game this weekend in Uyo but following the certainty of Iwobi recovering from injury before the game, the Franco-German tactician has called Samuel to standby in case the Anambra Stateborn Iwobi does not recover and be fit for the game. The German tactician does not want to take any chance as Nigeria hope to wrap up their 2018 FIFA World Cup ticket with this game in Uyo. Meanwhile, Rohr has declared that his charges are not in any way afraid of the Zambians. The former Bayern Munich defender stated this while reacting to the mind game by the Zambians who have declared their intention to pull a surprise against the eagles in Uyo this weekend.

Rohr is of the opinion that he does not see Zambia stopping his boys’ determination to hoist the country’s flag in Vladir Putin’s country of Russia next year.

Prince Oduah mourns younger brother, Prince Frank •Says “his death hit me below belt”

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•Late Frank

RINCE Isidore Oduah, former member of the Nigeria Football Association and the founder and Chairman of Red Carpet Advertising Agency, is in the mourning mood few days after remembering the one year of the demise of his daughter, Mrs. Nana Suleiman Dili Aliyu, who passed on September 9th, 2016. The reason for his being in mourning mood is because lost a younger brother, Prince Frank Oduah.

According to the elder statesman, what baffled him was that Frank paid him a surprise visit with a cousin of theirs who he has not seen for a long time. He said that Prince Frank came with some drinks and asked him to share with him and he was surprised as that was not his method.

He explained that the late Prince Frank does not normally visits him with drinks but on this particular occasion, he came with a bottle of brandy and four bottles of Malt drink

and demanded that he drinks with him. Prince Oduah said he was surprised and asked him whether all was well and he responded that there was no problem that he just felt like coming to share a drink with him.

Oduah explained that after the explanation, he was happy and he only took a bottle of malt after using some quantity of the brandy to pour libation as it is customary and afterwards Prince Frank took some shots of the brandy and after staying with him for a while, he bided him fare well and he left with their cousin.

Prince Isidore Oduah explained that it was Prince wanted them to eat together for the last time hence he came and demanded that he shares drink with him.

“This is a very trying time for me. I have just lost a younger brother who is very dear to me. His name is Prince Frank Oduah. He is the one following my immediate sibling who died many years ago,” Prince Isidoreh Oduah began.

“He worked and retired with oil giant, Mobil. He worked in their properties development section. He was the President of Ogbaru Development Union and he was also the President of our own town in Ogbaru, (Ochuche).

“He was formally the General Secretary of Ogbaru Development Union before he was overwhelming voted as the President of the whole of Ogbaru Development Union because of his exceptional leadership qualities.

“Of course Ogbaru is one of the Local Governments in Anambra State. He was very intelligent and hardworking man hence, anywhere he goes his leadership qualities separates him from the crowd.

“He was a known community leader. His death came as a thunderbolt to me because that was the least I expected.

“The news of his death hit me below belt. I have been down since I received the news of his death. I couldn’t join them for his burial as he has since been buried following his

instruction that whenever he joins his ancestors he should not be put in the mortuary. I couldn’t join them at that because I couldn’t stand the pain of seeing him being committed to mother earth,” the renowned sport administrator explained.

“Prince Frank Oduah made history when he built the first filling station in the whole of Ogbaru. Before he built his filling station, there was no single filling station in the whole of Ogbaru.

“He was a peaceful and responsible family man. The love we share as siblings can only be experience than imagine. I will continue to miss him till meet again in the bosom of the Lord in Jesus name, Amen! “As a matter of fact, there is no gain saying that I would have joined him had it been that I followed them for his burial because the pain of his death was too much for me as I have just observed the one year passing on of my beloved daughter, Mrs. Nana Suleiman Dili Aliyu, whose death I can’t stop mourning till I also join my ancestors because she was one in a million.

The Oracle Today

45

Wednesday October 11, 2017

SPORTS

Dalung tasks youths on good conduct

Stories by MADUABUCHI KALU

A

S Nigeria marks her 57th Independence anniversary on Sunday, October 1, the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Hon. Solomon Dalung, has challenged Nigerian youths to be of good conduct to enable the country leave behind a country that the coming generation can be proud of.

According to the Hon. Minister of Sports and Youth Development, the youths should shun any act capable of endangering the cooperative existence of the country.

He is of the view that Nigerian youth have a critical role to play in order to ensure that the country remains one strong, united and prosperous country.

Dalung stated this in Jos, the Plateau State capital while fielding questions from journalists to mark the country’s 57th Independence anniversary.

“I would like to use this opportunity of the country’s 57th Independence Anniversary of our dear country to call on our youths to be of good conduct to enable us leave a country the coming generation will be proud of,” Dalung began.

“The youths of this country should as a matter of fact shun any act capable of endangering the peaceful co-existence among our people. The youths are very critical stakeholders in this country because they have the energy, the intellect and age is on their side to contribute positively to development of the country.

“Nigeria is a big country that pos-

F

ORMER Eagles’ captain Austin Jay Jay Okocha has been voted Bolton Wanderers all-time Best Player by the fans and supporters of the club.

The club announced the result of the poll conducted to select their best player at the weekend in England.

Okocha it will be recalled played for the former Premier League club from 2002-2006 having moved from his former club, Paris Saint Germain (PSG) of France which he joined after the 2008 World Cup having distinguished himself at the Mundial in France.

Okocha played 124 games for Bolton in his four year stay at the club during which he became so influential that the then coach of the side, Sam Allardyce made him the captain of the team at the same time he was Eagles’ skipper, hence he was referred to as double captain and Emperor.

During the same four year period at the club, he scored 14 goals for the side. At a point when the moderate club were facing relegation challenges, Allardyce reposed his confidence on Okocha to stay

afloat as he usually tells anybody who cares to listen that Jay Jay will save us and he does when it matters most.

Having looked at the history of the club since it was established in 1874, the fans unanimously voted the former Eagles’ midfield maestro as their best because of what he was able to do at the club.

It was during his stay at Bolton that the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) twice voted him as African Player of the Year as a result of his outstanding performance at Bolton.

He was listed a number of times for the continental accolade, the African Footballer of the Year but never won it.

During his overseas professional football career which spanned 18 years, from 1990 to 2008, Okocha played 454 games and scored 85 goals. He also during the period under consideration played 73 times for Nigeria and scored 14 goals in the process. Okocha as a matter of fact is one of the best footballers to have ever come out of Africa as he was listed as one of the 100 best players of all time by FIFA.

‘Arsenal prove them wrong’

A sesses great potentials to achieve greatness in the near future. And they are very pivotal to the country’s quest country to realize her full potentials. Of course we have no other place to call ours except Nigeria. That is why we must join hands with government to build

this country for the good of all.

“I, therefore, wish to call on the youth to key into the policies and programmes of the President Muhammadu Buhari led All Progressives Congress (APC) in order to make the country great again,” Dalung said.

FIFA U20 WCQ: Nigeria pummel Tanzania, to face Morocco

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IGERIA’S Under-20 women national team, the Falconets on Sunday qualified for the second round qualifiers of next year’s FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup following a comprehensive 9-0 aggregate victory over Tanzania.

Nigeria took a 3-0 lead from the first leg in Benin City to the Tanzanian capital Dar es Salaam on Sunday but Christopher Danjuma’s ladies blew away their hosts 6-0 in a one-sided contest.

Scorer of two goals in the first leg, Rasheedat Ajibade once again led the team to another imperious outing, scoring twice in the opening 25 minutes to all but put the tie beyond the East Africans.

Florence Ijamilusi also scored twice for the dominant Nigerians who also had Anam Imo and substitute Cynthia Aku on the score sheet.

Up next for the Falconets in the second round is Morocco who edged out Senegal 3-2 on aggregate despite losing the second leg 2-1.

After a 2-0 first leg win in Sale,

Okocha – Bolton’s best player ever

the North Africans produced a dogged performance in the second leg in Dakar, Senegal’s 88th minute winner regardless. In other results, Kenya defeated Ethiopia 2-1 in Machakos to advance 4-3 on aggregate after a 2-2 draw in the first leg.

The Kenyans will most likely face Ghana in the second round as the West Africans command a 5-0 first leg advantage over Algeria.

Down South, South Africa‘s Basetsana also reached the second

round after completing a 9-0 aggregate score over Namibia on Sunday. Captain and playmaker Linda Motlhalo scored a brace, like she did in the first leg to inspire Maud Khumalo’s to a 4-0 victory in Windhoek.

Two teams will emerge from the African qualifying zone after the third round of qualifiers for a place at the August 2018 tournament in France. The next round of matches holds in the first weekend of November.

rsene Wenger believes Arsenal are ready to silence the critics who wrote them off in the aftermath of their humiliating loss against Liverpool.

Wenger’s side have been revitalised since the 4-0 mauling at Anfield in August and they maintained that momentum with a 2-0 win over Brighton on Sunday.

Nacho Monreal’s first Premier League goal since 2013 put Arsenal ahead in the early stages and Alex Iwobi wrapped up the points after the interval at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have now taken 10 points from four league games since that embarrassment on Merseyside, a loss so woeful that it sparked fresh calls for Wenger’s resignation from fans who had protested against him last season.

Wenger is convinced the transfer window, which shut days after the Liverpool defeat, had destabilised his team, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Kieran Gibbs leaving and Alexis Sanchez seeing his mooted move to Manchester City fall through.

Convinced Arsenal, who have won six of their last seven matches, are now unified again, Wenger believes they can enjoy a successful season.

“I knew that after the game in Liverpool everybody would write us off and I knew it just depends on us, how much we respond,” Wenger said.

“Nothing is permanent. You’re not bad in a permanent way, if you can do something about it, and you’re not good in a permanent way, if you don’t keep your urgency.

“We responded in a united way and we have put some wins together and some good performances as well.”

Arsenal head into the international break level on points with champions, Chelsea and six behind leaders Manchester City.

Wenger admits he will be sleeping better during the time off than he did during the last break, which came immediately after their Anfield horror show.

“Our last international break was a nightmare, this one is a bit better,” he added.

“I would have loved to continue to play but we cannot do anything about that.

“Let’s hope that the players come back in a good shape.”

Sunday’s fixture marked the 21st anniversary of Wenger’s arrival in north London.

The 67-year-old, who has won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, said he was initially unaware of the milestone occasion.

“I did not know about it. I was told by the press,” he said.

“I wouldn’t like to reflect too much on that. I have kept focus on my job always under good and bad circumstances.

“When you are 21 years somewhere you know that you have good and bad moments.

“Nobody can make 21 years and only fly. What I love in the game is to deal with bad moments and find the response.”

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The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

For the Record My dear Nigerians, October 1st remains a special date for all Nigerians as this marks the day when we attained one of the most precious of human desires — freedom.

Over the years the country has gone through trials and tribulations, but October 1st is always a day for celebrations.

It is a day for thanks giving, reflection and re-dedication.

It is also a day for remembrance. We should remind ourselves of the recent journey from 1999 – 2015, when our country happily returned to democratic rule.

However, in spite of oil prices being an average of $100 per barrel and about 2.1m barrels a day, that great piece of luck was squandered and the country’s social and physical infrastructure neglected.

We were left with no savings and huge infrastructure deficit.

The APC Government’s campaign rallying cry to restore security, re-balance the economy and fight corruption was not all rhetoric.

The country must first be secured. The economy must be re-balanced so that we do not depend on oil alone. We must fight corruption, which is Nigeria’s Number One Enemy. Our Administration is tackling these tasks in earnest.

In the past two years, Nigeria has recorded appreciable gains in political freedom. A political Party at the Centre losing elections of State Governor, National Assembly seat and even State Assemblies to the opposition parties is new to Nigeria. Added to these are complete freedom to associate, to hold and disseminate opinions. Such developments clearly attest to the country’s growing political development. But like all freedoms, this is open to abuse.

Recent calls on re-structuring, quite proper in a legitimate debate, has let in highly irresponsible groups to call for dismemberment of the country. We cannot and we will not allow such advocacy.

As a young Army Officer, I took part from the beginning to the end in our tragic civil war costing about 2m lives, resulting in fearful destruction and untold suffering. Those who are agitating for a re-run were not born by 1967 and have no idea of the horrendous consequences of the civil conflict, which we went through.

I am very disappointed that responsible leaders of these communities do not warn their hot-headed youths what the country went through. Those who were there should tell those who were not there, the consequences of such folly.

At all events, proper dialogue and any desired constitutional changes should take place in a rational manner, at the National and State Assemblies. These are the proper and legal fora for National debate, not some lop-sided, un-democratic body with pre-determined set of objectives.

Government is keeping up the momentum of dialogue with stakeholders in the Niger Delta to keep the peace. We intend to address genuine grievances of the communities.

Government is grateful to the responsible leadership of those communities and will pursue lasting peace in the Niger Delta.

SECURITY On security, Nigerians must be grateful to our gallant Armed Forces for rolling back the frontiers of Boko Haram’s terrorism, defeating them and reducing them to cowardly attacks on soft and vulnerable targets.

Nigeria is grateful to its neighbours and the international community for the collective efforts to defeat this world-wide menace of terrorism.

Not even the most organized and most equipped police and security forces in the world can escape the menace of modern day terrorism, as we have seen in recent years in Europe and other parts of the world.

But we are not letting up. Our Armed Forces in an effort to enhance the operational capability of troops of OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE have established Mobile Strike Teams in the North East. These will ensure the final push to wipe out the remnants of Boko Haram.

In addition, through targeted air strikes most of the leadership and identified logis-

Nigeria must first be secured – Buhari •Broadcast by President Muhammadu Buhari on October 1st, 2017 tics bases and routes of the insurgents have been neutralised. The Armed Forces have established a Naval presence in the Lake Chad Basin as part of the coordinated military efforts to curtail the movements or re-emergence of the sect in the area.

Government is working round the clock to ensure release of the remaining Chibok girls, as well as other persons in Boko Haram captivity. Government will continue to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies to fight not only terrorism, but kidnapping, armed robberies, herdsmen/farmers violence and to ensure peace, stability and security in our country.

ECONOMY With respect to the economy, the Government has remained pro-active in its diversification policy. The Federal Government’s agricultural Anchor Borrowers Programme, which I launched in November 2015, has been an outstanding success with: · N43.92 billion released through the CBN and 13 participating institutions, •200,000 small holder farmers from 29 states of the federation benefitting, •233,000 hectares of farmland cultivating eight commodities, namely rice, wheat, maize, cotton, soya-beans, poultry, cassava and groundnuts, in addition to fish farming.

These initiatives have been undertaken in close collaboration with the states. I wish to commend the efforts of the Governors of Kebbi, Lagos, Ebonyi and Jigawa States for their support to the rice and fertilizer revolutions.

Equally commendable are contributions of the Governors of Ondo, Edo, Delta, Imo, Cross River, Benue, Ogun, Kaduna and Plateau States for their support for the Presidential initiative for palm oil, rubber, cashew, cassava, potatoes and others crops.

With the abundance of rainfall last year and this year, agriculture has enjoyed Divine intervention.

Since December last year, this Administration has produced over 7 million 50Kg bags of fertilizer. Eleven blending plants with a capacity of 2.1 million metric tons have been reactivated. We have saved $150 million in foreign exchange and N60 billion in subsidy.

Fertilizer prices have dropped from N13, 000 per 50Kg bag to N5, 500.

Furthermore, a new presidential initiative is starting with each state of the Federation creating a minimum of 10,000 jobs for unemployed youths, again with the aid of CBN’s development finance initiatives.

Power remains a huge problem. As of September 12th, production of power reached an all — time high of 7,001 Megawatts. Gov-

ernment is increasing its investment, clearing up the operational and financial log jam bedeviling the industry. We hope to reach 10,000 Megawatts by 2020.

Key priorities include better energy mix through solar and Hydro technologies. I am glad to say that after many years of limbo, Mambilla Power Project has taken off. Elsewhere in the economy the special window created for manufacturers, investors and exporters, foreign exchange requirements has proved very effective. Since April, about $7 billion has come through this window alone.

The main effect of these policies is improved confidence in the economy and better investment sentiments.

The country has recorded 7 consecutive months of lower inflation, Naira rate is beginning to stabilize, appreciating from N525 per $1 in February this year to N360 today.

Broad-based economic growth is leading us out of recession.

Furthermore, in order to stabilize the polity, the Federal Government gave additional support to states in the form of: · State Excess Crude Account loans · Budget Support Facility · Stabilisation Fund Release to state and local government as follows: · N200 billion in 2015 · N441 billion in 2016 · N1 trillion in 2017 Altogether totaling N1.642 trillion.

This was done to enable states to pay outstanding salaries, pensions and small business suppliers who had been all but crippled over the years.

In addition, the Government’s current N500 billion Special Intervention Programme is targeting groups through: · Home Grown School Feeding Programme · N-Power Job creation to provide loans to small-scale traders and artisans · Conditional Cash Transfer · Family Homes Fund and · Social Housing Scheme CORRUPTION Fellow Nigerians, We are fully aware that fighting corruption was never going to be a straightforward task. We expected corrupt elements to use any weapon to fight back, mainly judicial obstruction and political diversion. But we are determined to eradicate corruption from our body politic.

In this fight, the Government has: · Empowered teams of prosecutors · Assembled detailed databases · Accelerated the recovery of stolen funds.

The Administration’s new institutional reforms include: · Enforcing Treasury Single Account · Whistle-Blowers Policy · Integrated Payroll Personnel and Information System.

We have signed multi-lateral cooperation agreements on criminal matters with friendly countries. There are signs of increasing cooperation from the Judiciary. Recently the Chief Justice of the Federation directed Heads of all our Courts of first instance and Appeal to accelerate hearings of corruption cases and dismiss any judicial officers found to have been compromised.

Justice Salami has just been appointed to chair the Judiciary’s anti-graft committee.

Government expects a lot from this Committee.

I commend the National Assembly for refocusing on its oversight committees. They should, in addition, ensure swift passage of enabling corruption laws. But fighting corruption is a bottom to top operation. I call on all Nigerians to combat corruption at every turn. By not asking for and refusing to accept a bribe, by reporting unethical practices or by blowing a whistle, together we can beat corruption. The government for its part will work for accountability at all levels - Federal, State and Local Governments. CHANGE will then be real. As we enter the second half of our term of office, we intend to accelerate progress and intensify our resolve to fix the country’s challenges and problems.

Thank you and a happy holiday to all of you.

God bless our country

47

The Oracle Today Wednesday October 11, 2017

News Kachikwu Continued from Pg 2

Most Rev Valeran Okeke, The Catholic Archishop of Onitsha confirms a candidate during his Pastoral visit to St. Anthony of Padua Parish Nkpor, Anambra State. Photo Modestus Igudobi

NASS can’t save Nigeria Continued from Pg 2

If we want to be one, we must negotiate it - sit together and agree on the basis for our being together.

“We have been able to manage the unsolicited marriage for 57 years, and it is time we appraise and renegotiate the terms of the union.

“The British, who put us into this problem have returned home to enjoy their country; let us talk to one another and agree on something that can work for us. The report of the 2014 confab is a good option; restructuring is also a veritable option.”

NASS as a stumbling block Many now see the National Assembly as the obstacle to efforts to save Nigeria.

Said Chief GOC Nnaji, a former Commissioner in Abia State and currently the National President of National Association of Parent Teachers Association of Unity Schools: “You know the North has the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and they occupy very key positions in the country.

“So, I don’t see the National ASssembly accepting this restructuring, not in the tenure of Buhari. This is the truth. So, what they are doing is just to kill time, knowing very well that the National Assembly is not going to buy into it.

“The only I think that will make them to sit up, both the Presidency and the National Assembly, is for all the regions, perhaps, except the North, to make so much noise to the extent that they will have no choice than to listen to us.

“Since the South South region, the South West region and the South East region are already in agreement on restructuring as well as some key figures in the North like former military President, Ibrahim Babangida, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and some other enlightened elements, if Nigerians make reasonable noise, they would have no other choice than to listen to their constituentsd.

After all, they are not there to speak their minds.”

“Pushing the issue of restructuring to the institution that has the responsibility for law making, knowing that it will certainly not succeed there, is a deliberate attempt to just respond,” said Barrister Crownwell Chibuzo, Executive Director, Youth Education on Human Rights and Civic Responsibilities and Coordinator Advocacy Partnership for Good Governance in Nigeria.

“And people have seen that the clamour for restructuring has taken over and that if you don’t respond to that quickly, you begin to have pieces of unrest here and there and the executive will have to spend more money trying to get the Police. The army and the Civil Defence to begin to arrest people; get them to keep quiet or begin to waste money on hot water and plastic bullets on citizens and by

that again, the same government is earning disrespect.

“But another side to it is that issue of restructuring is definitely going to determine the leadership in 2019. And if you look at the way things are happening now, even people from the same North are beginning to realise that there is danger and are now beginning to align themselves with the issue of restructuring.

“I do not suggest that we take laws into our hands. What we may probably do is to continue to canvass that 2019 be determined on the basis of restructuring and once you do that, political parties will begin to align themselves with restructuring, knowing that that is the inthing that people are now talking about.”

According to Chief Abia Onyeike, a former Commissioner for Information in Ebonyi State and former Deputy National President of NUJ, “The National Assembly as presently constituted is a creation of the Northern dominated military dictatorship which held power for than 30years from 1966 to 1999 minus the 4years interregnum of President Shehu Shagari’s civilian administration. The type of political crisis that Nigeria is facing is beyond the ordinary and that is why many people are convinced that it is not the national Assembly that will handle these problems. The problem is not just one of constitutional amendment, because even the constitution itself is also being queried.

“The so called 1999 constitution is a military decree no.24 of 1999 that was signed by General Abdul Salami Abubakar, a military General of Northern origin. The way they built up the Nigeria political structure from 1966 was such that gave an undue advantage to the Northern region especially the core Northern Caliphate.

They institutionalized injustice, lack of equity and fairness. So there is no way people are going to put with such situation. That’s they started clamor for restructuring of Nigerian federation. People don’t want to put up with the illegitimate political structures that were created by the military including the creation of multiple states and local governments to the advantage of the North and to the disadvantage of other parts of the country.

“So, it is unfortunate that Northern Political Leaders have demonstrated the extent to which they are incapable of being Nationalists. They have introduced separatist ideology in Nigeria. They introduced favoritism in Nigeria. They have imposed one sidedness in the affairs of Nigeria; because none of them ever demonstrated the capacity to govern the entire country on even basis that is what has fueled the agitations because many Nigerians are feeling left out. They are feeling that they are not part of the Nigerian federation and it is very unfortunate because nobody has ever ruled a country like that. This mentality of divi-

siveness, hatred for certain ethnic Nationality especially the Igbo ethnic nationality became more heightened under the present regime of Muhammadu Buhari.

“The question people are asking is, why is it so? Why is it that there was no such agitation under previous regimes? When IBB was there the agitation was different. When Abacha was there it was different. When Obasanjo was there the agitation was different. When Umaru Yar’adua was there, the agitation was different and under Jonathan the agitation was different. Why is it that the present federal government of Muhammadu buhari is incapable of adopting dialogue to engage the different groups that are involved in these agitations?

Restructuring not same as break-up Barr. Benjamin Onwordi, coordinator of the Centre for Citizens Rights Awareness Initiative in Delta State told The Oracle Today in an exclusive interview that there is a big line between the clamour for restructuring and that of secession and there is an urgent need to restructure the country to stop the various agitation.

“Our present structure lacks the provisions that could enhance national integration, cohesion and prosperity needed to create an egalitarian society where social justice, fairness, equity and equality could thrive,” he said.

He urged the National Assembly to treat the issue of restructuring with the seriousness it deserves and respect the voice of national leaders from the South and North who have been calling for restructuring, pointing out that if the National Assembly continues to ignore the calls for restructuring it is indirectly promoting the clamour for secession.

He, however, disagreed with those suggesting that the country should return to regions saying: “I don’t believe that we should move from one region to state and from state back to regions.”

“Our leaders also need to restructure their attitude towards governance,they should be more honest with the people, they need to creatively manage public fund to take care of the larger public,” he stressed.

For Tony Chukwuelue, an Abuja-based lawyer, “President Buhari sending this duty to the National Assembly is not proper, if you ask me.

It’s like he’s playing the ostrich, knowing the mindset of the majority members of NASS. National Assembly is one institution itself that requires restructuring.”

Chukwuelue argued that the way things are now, “if the NASS members from the North don’t want restructuring, it will not go on because they have the majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. So, this shows clearly how the NASS is an intrinsic part of the problem.”

Dr. Kachikwu also hinted that Dr. Baru had secured approval for his actions directly from President Buhari. He also hinted in the petition that Buhari also appointed heads of parastatals under Ministry of Petroleum Resources without his input.

Dr. Kachilwu stated that the GMD was violating processes despite the cleansing mandate the president gave him (Kachikwu) on NNPC. “Given the history of malpractices and public perception of NNPC as having a history of non-tranparency (Appendix 2: NEITI report) the NNPC Tenders Board (NTB) cannot be the final clearance authority for contracts it enters into. The NTB which is a collection of NNPC top executives with the GMD as Chairman cannot continue to be the final approval authority for multi-million dollar contracts and transactions involving NNPC to the exclusion of the board,” minister complained.

He also hinted that the intervention of Vice President Yomi Osinbajo on the matter was ignored by Dr. Baru.

“Board members have singularly and collectively raised these issues to no avail. (Appendix 3: Letters from Vice President in Expanded Contracts).”

He pointed out that other parastatals under the ministry follow the right contractual and other governance processes, asking whey NNPC was exempt from them.

In complaining of Dr. Baru’s disrespect for his office, Dr. Kachikwu petitioned that “my working relationship with the GMD is fraught with humiliation, sidelining and campaigns of character defamation against me.”

He accused Dr. Baru of snubbing his invitation to strategy meeting and delegating his subordinates to expanded meeting with heads of parastatals under the ministry. He added that the GMD has consistently refused to report to his office on any matter.

He also accused the GMD of NNPC of sidelining him and building a culture of fear in the workers of the corporation to the extent that “NNPC staff are afraid of contacting me to avoid being punished, sidelined in appointments and targeted.”

He said his alienation from NNPC is sustained by accusation that he is anti-north, corrupt and in collusion with militants. He denied same allegations in the petition.

He prayed the president to empower the board to enforce restoration of transparency in NNPC; subject NNPC to supervision of the board and oversight of the junior minister office; suspend the recent appointments in the senior management cadre of NNPC; and encourage meetings between the Minister of State and heads of parastatals in the ministry to enhance transparency and hierarchy.

The Oracle Today reports that tension in the petroleum ministry has already raised apprehension and built trepidation among workers in all its parastatals as even the spokesmen decline comments on the matter.

Spokesman of NNPC, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu declined several calls put to his cell phone of the matter.

Also, one of Dr. Kachikwu’s media aides, Ms Rose Blossom Ozurumba, simply turned off her phone when our reporter introduced the matter.

However, other inside sources confided in The Oracle that both camps in the dispute are in suspense following the President’s inaction on the minister’s petition.

He said the feud between the minister and NNPC boss has continued to rage.

If no intervention comes from the president, he pointed out, it would now become clear that Dr. Kachikwu has finally lost grip of NNPC and probably the confidence of President Buhari.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 11, 2017

The

www.oraclenews.ng

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racle Today

VOX POPULI SACRUM

ISSN: 2545-5869

GUEST COLUMIST Jimanze EgoAlowes

Not resources, but freedom P

rofessor Pat Utomi is way out one of our sharpest minds around. Say what you can against him, he is easily one of the most eloquent persons of this era. He is so readable. And we are thus readily attracted to him. That is for his ways with words. Utomi writes with a precision that should be the envy of just about all writers, save the very greatest. And in being attracted to his words we often have one or two caveats to make about his substance.

A today report on him reads in part: A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and former presidential candidate, Pat Utomi, on Monday said restructuring alone would not solve Nigeria’s development challenges.

He made the statement while speaking at “The Platform,’’ a national discourse forum organised by the Covenant Christian Centre in Lagos.

Mr. Utomi said empirical evidence showed no link between more resources and development in the country.

He said some states with less resources were more developed than some resource-rich states.

The APC member, therefore, said that the belief that the states would do better with more resources was a myth. Restructuring no panacea for Nigeria’s challenges – Utomi. Premium Times. October 2, 2017/Agency Report With due respect, we speculate he misses the point. The issue is not really about resources. The issue is not really about true federalism or unitary

government. The real issue, the only issue is about freedom.

There is absolutely nothing wrong, with unitary government, or right with true federalism. What is absolutely wrong is when alleged goodness is imposed on fellow adults. And the reasons are self-evident. If paradise is the best neighbourhood why shove people, fellow adults into it? If unitary governance or true federalism is what Nigeria needs, why deliver that by stealth, by fraud, by thuggery?

What we are asking is a freedom to choose what style and substance of governance we did prefer. If we collectively choose it to be unitary or true federalism, then that must be the best for the country. The voice of the people is the voice of the gods.

The error creeps in when a set of epaulets bearing kids with guns, begin to delude themselves as more patriotic, more discerning, some kind of the elect of a nation of otherwise barbarian populations. The error gets compounded when those kids, all or just about all, essentially come from one zone or religious description, of a multifaceted country. And the error gets toxic when they begin to think that with their guns they can act on behalf of the rest of us. And it gets nuclear when they are deluded enough to begin to sign forgeries as constitutions. Which is to trap our future in their insanitary self-delusions.

The question for instance arises. Does an Abacha in epaulets, does an Abacha with guns, become a better human being, a more patriotic person than an Abacha without a gun? Does an Abacha with a gun, become a greater thief, a lesser angel, than an Abacha without a gun? If an answer were sought, it would be clear that an Abacha with a gun is a monster to himself and to his country. And Abacha is representative of the rest of the kids who hijacked state powers, offices and treasury in the guise that they are messiahs.

So it is not just a question of their having robbed us

Asaba Massacre – 50 years of angst

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OBODY needed to tell them to stop the chilling stories of how they watched the relations shot at blank range by soldiers that Nigeria had sent on the heels of Biafran soldiers, who had taken the Civil War as far as Ore, mounting a flag in Benin City, to declare the Republic of Benin. It was a matter of time for tears and emotions to overwhelm them – the stories of the Asaba Massacre, where more than 700 male adults were killed on 7 October 1967 have matured to new meanings.

As I sat there listening, I tried to make sense of how an army that was supposedly liberating Asaba from the occupation of Biafran soldiers, descend on unarmed civilians, who were so civil on the day in question, dressed for celebration, not knowing that they were marching to their death. They died be-

fore their family members who have lived with the agony for years.

Dr. Alban Ofili-Okonkwo, who is heading the committee for the memorials, Asaba has forgiven the killers. It is time to heal the wounds, but Asaba will not forget. A colloquium that John Nnaia Nwodo, President Ohanaeze, Prof Wole Soyinka, Bishop Matthew Kuku, Donald Duke, former Governor of Cross River State, and Maj-Gen Ike Nwachukwu, among others would attend is part of the activities lined up.

The memorials hold 5-7 October in Asaba.

•Ikeddy ISIGUZO who was in Asaba on 29 September for the pre-event media interaction

of our freedoms. It is also a question of, are we not fools, are we not being fooled? If not, how dare we acquiesce to this nauseating lie? And the lie? That in commanding an army and or an armoury, that a man is therefore an angel, is therefore a hero, more than he would have been without a gun? The question is definitive. This is since there is nothing that specially qualifies a coup maker other than his guns. There is nothing in soldiery that makes one a more patriotic or more discerning or more disciplined fellow than a shoemaker or a professor. As Biafran soldiers, having served with honour and courage, we know these things. And the confessions of the most intrepid officers, including United States Senator John McCain affirm our experiences.

So if a soldiers only unique proposition is his guns and guns don’t make fools wise or the wise wiser, why not accountants, why not professors or even highway robbers? Or is it wise to be slaves to guns, fools to gunslingers, even thugs?

The point is that a coup, every successful coup, returns us to the rule of the jungle, to the rule of thugs.

This is the real issue. Shall we acquiesce? If yea where then is our humanity?

So, the idea of resource control is subordinate to the issue of freedom. What resource control actually means, is that the folks who own the resources are asking for the freedom to be at the table at which what is due to them is to be decided. What they are asking is that the matter must not be decided in their manufactured absence via thuggery and all that jazz.

Whether they should squander those resources that are now due to them should not bother a third party. What should bother third parties and concerned nationalists and humanists is that everybody is about the table, the roundtable, and that decisions are taking freely and openly. And that no conferee attends armed and or as thugs. And the logics, including the economic logic of this is impeccable. The first prosperity is freedom, is in freedom. All other wealth outside freedom is in kulakism. Thus freedom is the first tranche of a curative regime. The rest will follow freedom.

Yes it is true many are talking of resource control, true federalism etc. but those are plebeian minds or ignorant politicians. The real issue is about humanity, about our human dignity and our human freedom.

Luckily we are told Utomi is an alumnus of the University of Nigeria Nsukka. At an hour like this let him recall the motto of his Alma mater: To restore the dignity of man. The Igbo put it better Ikuku bu ndu: Freedom is the true breath of life.

That, is the end of the discussion. Shalom.

Ahiazuwa.

•Dr Jimanze EgoAlowes is a publisher and a lay historian. He is the author of many books including his most recent work, Nigeria: The Unreported Genocide against the Igbo

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