August 14, 2015

Newspaper of the Year

•Buhari reinstates Abdullahi as NPA’s managing director P4 •Senate raises panel to probe power sector funding P4 •National Hospital performs eight open heart surgeries P56 •Ex-U.S. President Jimmy Carter battles cancer P59 •Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3306 FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Rain of tributes as Ooni goes home today NEWS Page 3

•www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

KPMG, PWC to audit NNPC, others

•President Muhammadu Buhari being assisted by the wife of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Omobolanle Olonishakin, in decorating the CDS Gen. Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, with his new rank at the Presidential Villa Abuja...yesterday.

With them is Vice President Yemi Osinbajo

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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WO international audit firms - KPMG and PricewaterhouseCooper (PwC) – were yesterday appointed by the Federal Government to examine the books of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other revenue generating agencies.

They are to forensically audit the accounts of the NNPC, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and other revenue generating agencies.

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN SEE ALSO PAGE 62

Continued on page 4

•INSIDE:49,500 LITRES OF PETROL FOUND IN LAGOS HOME P61 ROW OVER EKITI FUNDS P7

Buhari to military: crush Boko Haram in 3 months Bristow chopper crash: two more bodies found

Order will be carried out, says Defence chief

•Julius Berger to retrieve black boxes

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From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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ERVICE Chiefs got yesterday a three months deadline to crush Boko Haram – the sect that has given Nigeria horrors.

President Muhammadu Buhari gave the directive during the officers’ swearing in and decoration with new ranks at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Those decorated yesterday after their appointment on July 13 are General Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin - Chief of Defence Staff; Lt.-General T.Y. Buratai - Chief of Army Staff; Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas - Chief of Naval Staff and Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar - Chief of Air Staff.

The Commander-in-Chief, who noted that the officers were qualified for the appointments, urged them to end Boko Haram’s terrorism in three months.

He said: “Rightly, the armed forces have been in the vanguard of the fight against terrorism. While commending the efforts of the armed forces so far, you need to brace and continue to team up with other stakeholders to come up WILL THE with a well coordinated joint effort, which will CHIBOK GIRLS EVER bring a desired end to this RETURN? Continued on page 4

?

•Wyatt

•Bello

WO more bodies were yesterday recovered from the Lagoon into which a Bristow helicopter nosedived Wednesday evening. The death toll is now six.

The helicopter marked 5NBDG-760540 was carrying 12 men, including 10 Indigo Oil dredging firm workers, who were returning from an oil rig between Ondo and Lagos where they had spent two weeks.

The recovery of the two bodies around 10am, signalled the end of rescue operations by emergency workers.

The remains of the dead were deposited at the Mainland General Hospital mortuary. The injured were moved to Saint Nicholas Hospital on Lagos Island.

Bristow released the names of the pilot and the co-pilot of the ill-fated chopper, describing both men as “experienced” and “qualified”.

The crew, Captain Joseph “Jay” Wyatt of Oklahoma, United States and First Officer

By Precious Igbonwelundu, Wale Adepoju and Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

Peter Bello, a Nigerian, according to the airline, were among the six fatalities recorded in what has been described as the company’s third crash in eight years. A dedicated hotline for family members of those on board the flight has been established.

Wyatt joined Bristow in 2006. He spent his entire career with the firm outside Africa. Bello joined the company last year after graduating from Bristow Academy’s helicopter flight school.

“We are shaken and deeply saddened by this tragic accident,” said Bristow’s Regional Director, Africa, Duncan Moore. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends and loved ones of all those on board.

“Bristow has mobilised the full resources of its response team and is working closely Continued on page 4

•BRAND P13 •AGRIC P16 •SPORTS P24 •POLITICS P43 •INDUSTRY P47 •FOREIGN P59

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

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Okunade Sijuwade: An era ends •From left: Chairman, Editorial Board, The Nation Sam Omatseye, who was made Honourary Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL), Prof. Jacob Kehinde Olupona, who was made Overseas Fellow and Prof. Amechi Akwanya, who was made Regular Fellow during their investiture at the University of Lagos... yesterday.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

The remains of the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, will be interred today. But, his legacies will linger for a long time. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the reign of the colourful monarch

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•From left: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sonny Echono, Chairman, the Executive Leadership Group, Nigerian Agribusiness Group Associates, Mr. Sani Dangote and Coordinator of the Executive Leadership Group (NABG), Mr Emmanuel Ijewere at the first NAGB Annual General Meeting (AGM)o in Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA

• General Manager, Sales, MultiChoice Nigeria, Akinola Salu (right) presenting certificate to Stanley Nwanchukwu during the launch of MultiChoice Certified Installers in Lagos... on Wednesday. With them are Head of Operations, MultiChoice Nigeria, Hasiyah Abudu (left) and General Manager, Details Nigeria Limited, Chris Obasi.

•From left: Founding Managing Director, Chams Plc, Sir Demola Aladekomo; representative of the Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Armstrong Takang; President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Prof Sola Aderounmu, and Managing Director, Chams Access Limited, Funke Alomo-Oluwa at the reception by Chams Group for the NCS president at the Metropolitan Club in Lagos.

ODAY marks the end of an era in Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba.

The ancient town will be united in mourning and celebration of the passage of the Oonirisa Adimula, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse 11.

The body of the Arole Oduduwa will be interred in the Tombs of Owooni, amid the chanting of the cognomen of his ancestors, and to the admiration of the gods. Only few traditional wise men will witness the funeral, which will be shrouded in secrecy. They will include some chiefs, selected symbols of sacred societies, custodians of traditions and other ancient fathers of secrets.

Traditionally, it is also a historic moment in Yorubaland. The Ooni is the keeper of the Household of Oduduwa, the progenitor. Thus, the attention of monarchs in Oyo, Oke-Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Ijebu, Remo, Ikale, Ilaje, Ekiti, Akoko, Ijesa, Egba, Igbomina/ Ebolo, Awori, Sabe and Popo will focus on Ife, their orirun (roots) and symbol of racial unity.

Historically, all Oonis were colourful. Before they ascended the throne, they were perceived as first class princes. Apart from Oduduwa, the founder of the race, others who have made impact when they reigned as Owoni included Oranmiyan Akinorun, the founder of Oyo Empire, Obalufon Alayemore, who left Ile-Ife to establish Efon Kingdom, Geesi, Ayikiti, who ascended the throne, based on the support of Are Ona Kankanfo Latoosa Asubiaro, Oba Derinola Ologbenla, who was ruler of Oke-Igbo before becoming the Ooni, Oba Abewela, who was attacked by Oyo rebels, Oba Adelekan Olubuse Eriogun, who re-assembled the dispersed people of Ile-Ife and fortified the town against onslaught by Modakeke, and Oba Ademiluyi Ajagunlaforikan, who brought the people of Modakeke back to Ife to boost the population of the kingdom so that he could earn a fatter allowance from colonial masters.

However, the last two Oonis, Alayeluwa Adesoji Taniadewo Aderemi and Oba Sijuwade Olubuse 11, raised the prestige of the throne in the post-colonial era. During the colonial era, the colonial masters, led by Governor David Cameron, were fond of Aderemi because he was educated.

During a conversation with Governor Donald, he told Aderemi that a time would come when political elite would displace traditional rulers, adding that the revered institution might be relegated to the background. Responding, Oba Aderemi said the possibility could not be ruled out. But, he added that, when the time would come, his children would be part of the ruling elite. It was an understatement.

Aderemi produced lawyers, judges,

commissioners, and a Head of service, Mrs. Tejumade Alakija. Today, his grandson, Jide Omoworare, who was born by his tenth child, is a senator.

Aderemi became Ooni in 1930. According to historians, his coronation was a turning point in Yorubaland.

Before then, he had already made name in the colonial service and private business. He was the first educated Ooni. He served as a member of the Colonial Legislative Council and later, the House of Representatives, where he became a minister. When the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo became the Premier of the defunct Western Region, Aderemi became the Governor.

Okunade Sijuwade was the grandson of Oba Adelekan Olubuse 1. He was born around the period of Aderemi’s coronation. From infancy, he had the royal mark and many townspeople perceived him as a future king. Everything about him was royalty. His mettle of speech, his walking style, mode of conversation, dressing and choice of friends cast him in the mould of a rare prince with a special royal taste.

According to his colleagues at the Baptist Grammar School, Abeokuta and Oduduwa College, Sijuwade was always conscious of his royal background. At Ife, he was fond of dressing like a king, with his peers hailing him as Kabiyesi. While in Abeokuta as a student, he earned the respect from tutors and students. He once told his principal, the highly respected Cannon Ransom-Kuti, that he was the future Ooni of Ife. After ascertaining his claim, the foremost educationist admonished him to always be of good behaviour because only an Omoluabi could command the admiration of his subjects and survive on the prestigious throne.

Before going abroad for further studies, Sijuwade had exhibited the traits of a man of the future. He was hardworking. When he returned, he worked as a Sales Manager in Leventies Motors. He made good money and invested. He loved life and led it to the fullest. It was during his glorious career that he invited the eminent Benin chief, Gabriel Igbinedion, to join the business group.

Both remained as friends till he joined his ancestors. At Ife, Sijuwade became a household name. He was a charismatic figure. As social functions, his presence was always electrifying.

Prominent musicians, including Evangelist Ebenezer Fabiyi Obey, waxed records eulogising his magnetic personality and business prowess.

Reflecting on his business career, Sijuwade said that, at a point, he was not nursing the ambition to become a monarch reign again. Having re-located to London, he faced his business

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

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•The late Ooni

squarely. But, Oba Aderemi passed on in 1980 at a ripe age of 98 years. The late sage, Awolowo, the Odole of Ife, broke the news to the prince and urged him to return home. In December 1980, Sijuwade fulfilled his destiny.

Awo was full of nostalgia. The cornerstone of his administration in the old Western Region was the traditional institution. Five royal fathers were at the forefront of his struggle for political relevance. They were the Ooni Aderemi, the Olowo of Owo, the late Oba Olateru-Olagbegi, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, the late Oba Anirare Aladesanmi, the Odemo of Isara, the late Oba Samuel Akinsanya, and the Saki of Arigidi, Oba Olanipekun. During the formation of the Egbe Omo Oduduwa, which later became the Action Group (AG), Oba Aderemi was the patron. The first meeting of the party was hosted by Oba Olateru-

Olagbegi in Owo. The Alaafin, the late Oba Adeniran Adeyemi, was a fanatical supporter of the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC). In that capacity, he and the AG Vice President, Chief Bode Thomas, the Balogun of Oyo, clashed. Although Saki Arigidi and Olowo later abandoned Awo during the AG crisis when the late Chief Ladoke Akintola rebelled, Ooni’s support for the AG continued to give the party an edge.

Thus, when the curtains were drawn on Aderemi’s reign, progressive forces supported Sijuwade’s bid for the throne. Sijuwade was very close to Awo. He had worked in The Nigerian Tribune owned by the eminent politician. In the late sixties, Bola Ige, the activist-lawyer, was the AG National Publicity Secretary. When the stool of Ooni was declared vacant, he had become the governor of Oyo

State and the consenting authority.

Since Sijuwade was backed by Awo and his wife, Hannah, the coast was clear for him to ascend the throne. On the day of his coronation, it was evident that he was a crowd puller. The Staff of Office was presented to him

by Ige, amid applause by his leader, Awo. It is ironical that, many years later, the cap of the Cicero of Esa-Oke was seized from him and hung on a tree at the same palace by hoodlums allegedly instigated by political foes.

After his coronation, Sijuwade’s first duty was to pay visits to his brother Obas in the Southwest states. Later, he made HID Awolowo the Yeyeoba of Ile-Ife and later, Yeye Oodua of Ile-Ife. Following Awo’s demise, he also made Chief GOK Ajayi (SAN), the Odole of Ife. Oba Sijuwade endowed the stool with honour, dignity and visibility. He

was rich. Thus, through sheer philanthropy, he warmed himself to many indigenes. The monarch was also highly respected by the government.

Before he ascended the throne, he had courted many eminent Yoruba.

Oba Sijuwade had a unique dress code. In the gathering of royal fathers, he was always the cynosure of all eyes.

He was sociable. He was versed in Yoruba history. He was also humorous. During a television programme, the moderator asked from the Kabiyesi whether he was good in bed. The Ooni was unperturbed. He replied: “Do you have a mother? Bring her and you will know.”

However, reminiscent of his grandfather’s reign, crisis soon broke out in his kingdom. According to Rev. Samuel Johnson, Oba Adelekan Olubuse had succeeded in wiping away any trace of Modakeke from IleIfe. In his book, The History of Yoruba, he wrote: “Thus, it came to pass that, on 27th day of March, 1909, twentythree years after the imposition of the Treaty, the town (Modakeke) was broken up. Those of them who were descended from Owu removed to their ancestral homes to Owu Ipole, between Ife and Ijebu; others to Gbagan, some to Odunabon, others to Ede; the bulk of the people, however, with Ogunsua or Bale of Modakeke removed to a place called Odekomu, somewhere midway between Ede, Ife and the Ijesas, about ten miles from Ife, just beyond the River Sasa, which after the war was made the boundary of Ife territory.

“Adelekan seems to have been raised up for the purpose of breaking up Modakeke, for he commenced his hostilities against the town soon after he was raised to the stool of the Owoni, and he died the year after the breaking up of the town. They drove us twice from our home”, he used to say, “and we must see that they are driven permanently from theirs.”

But, Modakeke regained their lost land at Ife. The two monarchs, Ademiluyi, who invited them back to increase the population of his kingdom, and Aderemi, who married Segilola from Modakeke, struck a peace deal with them.

To many people, the resumption of hostilities between Ife and Modakeke, barely a year after Sijuwade became the Ooni, was unnecessary. A hundred years of communal relationship and inter-marriages should have erased the memory of strife and rancour. Time should have become the healer of wounds. The deaths and destruction of property were avoidable. According to historians, crisis broke out when Ife leaders attempted to rename Modakeke as “Isale Ife.” To Modakeke, an identity crisis was imminent. Thus, the Ogunsua and his kinsmen perceived it as another liberation war. The losses on both sides were lamentable.

Many Yoruba obas, whose crown were from Ife, agonised over the fate of the cradle.

Even, when Ogunsua Adedoyin later prostrated for Ooni Sijuwade, the acrimony did not end.

To restore peace, the military govern-

ment had to create a separate local government for Modakeke. It was in recognition of the indisputable fact that the agitation for autonomy and preservation of identity are the anthems of the millennium.

The hand of the military was also heavy on the deceased Ooni. When he travelled to Israel along with the Emir of Kano, the late Alhaji Ado Ibrahim, he incurred the wrath of the government. His passport was seized, based on the order from above. But, he was kingly in his response to the embarrassment. When he was restricted to his ageless palace for six months, he refused to sign the restriction letter. Instead, he asked a chief to sign on his behalf. He also bore the vicissitudes with understanding and philosophical calmness. Reflecting on his ordeal, Oba Sijuwade alleged that a prominent monarch and a deceased business mogul, who was honorary chief of Oyo lied to the military government that he travelled abroad to import arms to fight the government.

When Oba Aderemi was alive, other Yoruba monarchs looked up to him for leadership and direction. But, when Sijuwade succeeded him, there was a curious personality assertion.

Thus, crisis broke out between the Ooni and other monarchs-the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, and Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade-over the chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs. Thus, the leadership of Ooni from time immemorial became a subject of dispute. But, following the creation of Osun State by the military government, the crisis was resolved. The Ooni became the Permanent President. The chairmanship is being rotated among other first class obas.

Oba Sijuwade wanted the best for Ile-Ife. He urged the Federal Government to consider Ife for the capital of Osun State. In fact, townspeople were full of eagerness. There were speculations that the Ooni was planning to ride round the town on a white horse, if his dream came to reality. But, Ife lost its bid for the capital. The Federal Government preferred Osogbo. To compensate the Iku Baba Yeye, a local government with its headquarter at Enuowa (the palace of Ooni) was created.

Also, Ooni Sijuwade’s agitation for Oduduwa State failed to see the light of the day. He had proposed that Ife and its environs, Ijesaland and parts of Ekiti, particularly Efon-Alaaye, should be part of the proposed state.

The Ooni was particularly fond of Efon Kingdom. In fact, according to legend, at any public function, the Alaaye of yore, being the younger brother of Ooni, must sit on the Ooni’s lap for some seconds as a mark of reunion and assurance of an unbroken brotherly affection. It was tradition.

When Oba Aderemi was on throne, there was no acrimony between him and Alaafin Adeyemi 11. Oba •Continued on page 60

Dignitaries pay homage as Ooni goes home today P ROMINENT Nigerians are paying homage to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, as his remains are set to be interred today.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, Governor Ibikunle Amosun, former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, his then deputy, Prof.

Modupe Adelabu, former Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala and others said the monarch lived a life worthy of emulation, adding that his legacies would endure forever.

Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa also mourned the late monarch.

The Senate is sending a high-powered delegation to commiserate with the family, people and government of Osun State over the demise of the Ooni of Ife. Senate President Bukola Saraki and the Senate also yesterday took time out to pour encomium on the late monarch and described his

death as a national loss.

The upper chamber also observed one minute silence in honour of the late Oba. This followed the adoption of a motion entitled “The apotheosis of his imperial Majesty Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Ooni of Ife”. The motion was brought pursuant to Order 42 and 52 of Senate Standing Rule by Senator Babajide Omoworare (Osun East.)

Omoworare, in the preamble to his lead debate, noted that few weeks ago it was rumoured that the “leopard” had gone back to the forest.

He said on Wednesday it was announced that the “leopard” had actually gone back to the forest; hence he decided to inform the Senate accordingly.

The Osun lawmaker said the Kabiyesi was born on January 1, 1930 into the Ogboru ruling house, Ilare, Ile-Ife in Osun State.

Omoworare said the late Oba Sijuwade attended Abeokuta Grammar School, under the well-known educationist, The Rev. I.O. Ransome Kuti.

The late Oba, Omoworare said, also attended

Oduduwa College, Ile-Ife and proceeded to the United Kingdom to further his studies in Business Management.

Omoworare added:” In his early life, Prince Okunade Sijuwade was conscious of his royal birth and pedigree, his carriage even in school was regal, one who was destined to wear the crown.

“As a successful business man, his company WAATECO was sole distributor of Soviet made vehicles, tractors and engineering equipment in Nigeria with a least 50 Russians on its staff and a dozen branches all over Nigeria.

“This small beginning marked the start of trade with the Soviet Union in Nigeria and for Prince Sijuwade the birth of a business empire that was to include at least 50 companies.”

Omoworare recalled that the late Oba Sijuwade ascended the throne on December 6, 1980 “and ever since he ascended the throne, Oba Sijuwade has been a worthy ambassador-at-large for Nigeria and a symbol of pride for the Yoruba race, not only in Nigeria but in Diaspora”.

He noted that knowingly or unknowingly, the deified monarch for mostly pursued the sustainability, unity and peaceful co-existence of every single component of the Nigeria nation in furtherance of Section 14(3) of the Constitution.

He said it was a fact that the Ooni, the former Emir of Kano and the former Obi of Onitsha, were referred to as the three musketeers who fought tooth and nail to bring the country together.

Omoworare observed that the late Oba Sijuwade was a great family man and highly revered in the Diaspora, especially in Cuba, Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago.

The late Oba, he said, received many national and international awards and decorations in honour and recognition of his various achievements which included, Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR), Keeper of the sea of Yoruba land, Honourable Chancellor, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria, Former Honourable Chancellor, University of Technology, Uyo, •Continued on page 60

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

NEWS ‘Crush Boko Haram in 3 months’ Continued from page 1

insurgency within three months.

“In the course of carrying out this assignment, you must be accountable for all men and equipment placed under your command. Your troops’ welfare must be uppermost in your mind. Take care of them and make available what is due to them.

“Concerted efforts should also be made to make judicious use of resources that are available to you in search

for solution to these challenges.

“On our own part, we shall be ready to give you the needed resources to achieve this feat. You will recall I have been to several countries with the sole aim of canvassing for global support to eliminate terrorism from Nigeria.

“These efforts, which include establishment of the Multinational Joint Task Force, should be complemented by you . You should therefore re-professionalise Continued on page 58

Senate probes power sector funding since 1999 Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole briefing reporters after the meeting of the panel set up by the National Economic Council to probe the activities of all revenue-generating agencies at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja...yesterday. With him (from left) are: Governors Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe); Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos) and Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna).

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

Buhari reinstates Abdullahi as NPA’s managing director

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HE last-minute change of guard in the leadership of the Nigerian Ports Authority by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan was yesterday reversed.

President Muhammadu Buhari sacked the Managing Director, Alhaji Sanusi Ado Bayero and reinstated the man who handed over to him, Mallam Habib Abdullahi.

The termination of Alhaji Bayero’s appointment, according to a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President,

From Austin Ehikioya and Oluwakemi Dauda

Mr. Femi Adesina, was with immediate effect.

Bayero was directed to hand over the management of the NPA and all government property in his care to Abdullahi, who was sacked by the former President Goodluck Jonathan without given any reason.

Jonathan appointed Abdullahi in 2012 to replace Mr Omar Suleiman as NPA’s chief executive.

Reacting to the reinstatement of Abdullahi by President Bu-

hari yesterday, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents ( ANLCA), described the development as a good omen for the industry.

Its President, Prince Olayiwola Shittu said Abdullahi deserved the reinstatement because of his pedigree. He praised President Buhari for taking the right decision.

Shittu said: “It was unfortunate that the decision to sack Abdullahi by Dr. Jonathan was political rather than being in the interest of the nation’s sea port and NPA establishment. The fact that the sack

came at the tail end of the last administration speaks volumes for itself. There were claims and counter claims that Abdullahi was sacked becaused he refused to release NPA funds for political campaign and jamborees.

“If that is true, it shows that Abdullahi deserves to be reinstated because he has the interest of the nation rather than his own interest or the interest of the few political jobbers at heart.

“We thank God that He gave us President Buhari as our

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KPMG, PWC to audit NNPC, others Continued from page 1

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole made the disclosure after the meeting of the committee of five set up by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo-led National Economic Council (NEC).

The committee, which has Oshiomhole as its chair, has governors Ibrahim Dakwambo (Gombe), Nasiru El-Rufai (Kaduna) and Udom From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

thirty-eight senior managers.

In a statement by its spokesman Ohi Algebe, the NNPC said: ”The exercise, apart from gearing the Corporation in the

Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom) as members.

Oshiomhole said appointment of the firms was to allow for professionalism.

He said that the revenue generating agencies were supposed to remit their revenues to the Federation Account in line with Sections 80 and 162 of the 1999 Constitution.

Oshiomhole said: “Having looked at the size Continued on page 58

direction of a leaner and more efficient organisation, has enormous cost-saving benefits”.

In a related development, the Group Managing Director, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu,

with the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari, has appointed new Group General Managers (GGMs) to man some of NNPC subsidiaries.

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Abuja

Power Degeneration in Nigeria” sponsored by Senate Leader Mohammed Ali Ndume.

Other members of the committee include: senators Godswill Akpabio, Babajide Omoworare, Mohammed Hassan, Ali Wakili, Mao Ohuabunwa, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Olusola Adeyeye and Mohammed Shaaba Lafiagi.

The upper chamber urged President Muhammadu Buhari to mandate the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to immediately reconnect Maiduguri to the national grid.

Continued on page 58

Crashed Bristow chopper : Pilot’s sister heartbroken

Continued on page 58

NNPC’s reorganisation not over yet, says GMD

HE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC yesterday explained why it asked 38 of its senior managers to go.

Explaining the gale of sacks that saw the exit of all senior managers and the reduction of 122 managerial offices to 84, the corporation said those who were billed to retire between now and December next year were asked to go as a costsaving measure.

He noted that the task of restructuring the NNPC into a lean, efficient, and businessfocused organisation has commenced with management’s approval of the retirement of

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HE Senate yesterday commissioned a panel to probe the management of funds allocated to the power sector since 1999.

The ad-hoc committee has a mandate to look into the unbundling of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

The 13-man ad-hoc committee also charged to take a look at irregularities in the power sector, is chaired by Senator Abubakar Kyari (Borno North).

It was mandated to conclude its investigation and report back to the Senate within four weeks.

This followed the adoption of a motion on “The disconnection of Maiduguri from the National Grid and General

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HE sister to the American pilot, Captain Joseph Wyatt, who flew the ill-fated Bristow Helicopter that crashed into Lagos lagoon, Samantha Wyatt, yesterday took to the social media to express the pains her family was going through over his death.

Captain Wyatt, alongside the First Officer, Peter Bello and four other passengers died in the crash that occurred Wednesday afternoon.

His sister, who had taken to Twitter few hours after the crash for a manhunt for him, at about 4:29pm, said: “We are heartbroken. I have nev-

Continued on page 58

By Precious Igbonwelundu

er known such grief. Thank you to all who helped.”

Samantha, a medical, specialist in Florida, United States, on Tuesday tweeted at several handles, including local, international media houses and famous blogs in Nigeria as well as the United States (U.S.) Mission in Nigeria demanding information on her brother’s whereabouts.

The initial information was that the American was among the survivors, a situation that prompted his worried sister to get telephone numbers of some hospitals to make enquiries.

Bristow chopper crash: two more bodies found Continued from page 1

with authorities on the investigation, including at the accident site to recover the aircraft.

“Medical treatment is being provided to those who are injured and trained coordinators have been assigned to the families of the crew members and passengers to support them with their every need and ensure that they receive the most current information and assistance.

AIB yet to recover flight data recorder, cockpit voice recorder

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HE Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) said yesterday that it was yet to recover the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR), otherwise known as Black Box, from the wreckage of the Bristow Helicopter that plunged into Lagos “Bristow Nigeria would like to express its appreciation for the help and support it has received from the NCAA, the

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

Lagoon on Wednesday.

The chopper was returning from an offshore oil platform belonging to Sedco.

The commissioner of the AIB, Dr Felix Abali, said the investigators of the

AIB, NEMA and other industry stakeholders.

“The company would also like to thank the Lagos State Government and the traditional ruler and people of the community where the accident occured,” said the airline.

A source at Gbagada General Hospital, where four of the injured were rushed to, said they were moved by an ambulance to Saint Nicholas.

“Four of them were admitted here. Chukwudi Onah, Dolu Ebiejuara, Onoriode Ojiete and Iniala Paimi, were brought here yesterday and admitted at the Trauma and Burns Unit.

accident had engaged construction giant Julius Berger Nigeria Limited to assist with the recovery of the equipment- CVR and FDR - which are vital for investigation.

Besides, he said the AIB would

“They had serious injuries.

Most of them with fractured limbs and they could not walk.

I left work about 11pm and they were still here. But when I came this morning, I was told they had been moved to Saint Nicholas and that they were carried in an ambulance,” she said.

But his narration contradicted that of another official of the hospital who said the patients were taken to another hospital barely three hours after they were brought in.

The source said family members and Bristow officials took the men away to another hospital.

Continued on page 58

He told The Nation that doctors were surprised by the men’s attitude but had to let them go, because they insisted they wanted better treatment in their company’s hospital.

According to him, the victims were in a stable condition.

At Afolabi Medical Centre, 78, Oworo Road, Oworonshoki, where Solomon Ude and Joshua Emekanma were admitted, the Medical Director, Dr. Olajide Afolabi, said the duo were discharged by mutual consent around 11pm on Wednesday.

Noting that the duo were stabilised with first aid before

they were taken to an unnamed hospital in Ikoyi, Afolabi said they were conscious when they were brought to his hospital.

According to him, one of the victims had minor injuries on his limbs. The other had a fracture on one leg, but could possibly have a hip fracture too.

Ude and Emekanma, who were initially rushed to Afolabi Hospital, were on admission at Saint Nicholas yesterday.

The duo, it was learnt, were admitted on the third floor and had each received a guest as at 2pm.

Emekanma, according to Tyna Ukhun, who visted him, was responding to treatment.

Ukhun said: “Joshua is doing okay, because I just saw him now. What happened is not what I can explain now Continued on page 58

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

5

NEWS

Buhari asks Power Ministry to do more for Nigerians

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R E S I D E N T Muhammadu Buhari has challenged the Federal Ministry of Power to work harder to achieve steady and uninterrupted electricity for Nigerians.

The Permanent Secretary, Godknows Igali, in a presentation, told the President that the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) had, in the last two months, raised generation from 3,000 MW to 4,600MW. Buhari, however, urged the ministry to improve on this by working harder to achieve more.

Igali spoke to reporters in Abuja yesterday during a presentation of the National Renewable Energy Action Plan, National Energy Efficiency Action Plan and Sus-

•Fed Govt urges governors to provide land for solar From John Ofikhenua and Ayorinde Hope, Abuja

tainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) Action Agenda.

He said: ‘’Yesterday, after a presentation on the state of the Power sector to the President, he said ’yes, you are trying, but go and work harder’.

And we are now going to work harder to ensure Nigerians get better and reliable light as soon as possible.”

Besides, Igali said the ministry had been discussing with governors on the possiblity of exploring solar energy sources, beyond the thermal source.

According to him, production of electricity from solar requires vast land, which

constructed, it becomes of benefit to everybody.

“So, this is the point we want to discuss with the governors and for them to work with us . When an investor comes, I will send him to his state and he will have to go to the Ministry of Land and they refer him and say go to Governor’s Office and after that they say go and some of these investors become discouraged . So that is what we were discussing and we are getting cooperation from many states.”

The permanent secretary noted that for sustainability, the energy mix had to change from mono-dependence on thermal (gas) sources, which

recapitalises

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•Mark

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HE National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi yesterday fixed August 18 for former Senate President David Mark to testify.

Mark was taken to the tribunal by Daniel Onjeh of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on his declaration by INEC as the winner of the

Benue South seat.

Onjeh argued that the elections were marred by malpractices and substantial breaches of the Electoral Act 2011, as amended.

He averred that INEC officials were compromised and voters financially induced by PDP agents at various polling units.

The petitioner urged the court to nullify the election and order a fresh poll.

Mark’s counsel Mr Kenneth Ikonne, told the tribunal on

Thursday that his client would testify during the next adjourned date to enable him close his case.

Ikonne had called five witnesses, who testified that the elections were free and fair.

The witnesses denied financial inducement of voters as alleged by the petitioner.

However, under cross-examination by the petitioner’s counsel, Mr Tunji Oso, one of the witnesses, Mr Abuh Adesi, admitted that Card Readers were used to accredit

PDP chieftain insists Jonathan’s Centenary City project was ‘fraud’

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From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

ans.”

His lawyer said he “remains un-intimidated and resolute in his claims and submission that the Centenary City Project is indeed a project devised to trick the authorities into giving a huge chunk of land to only one man under the guise of a Public Private Partnership.

“Our client is resolute about his submissions and would leave no stone unturned in his bid to bring the full detail of this scam to public scrutiny and ensure that perpetrators of this fraudulent exercise are prosecuted by the law enforcement authorities.

“Indeed, we have the authority of our client to initiate legal proceedings by way of sending petitions to the appropriate authorities as regards the issue.

“It is this that made so laughable and ridiculous, the reports that the counsel to the ex-SGF had initiated legal proceedings against us; we are, therefore, expectant and eager to receive the papers and have our day in court, even as we pursue justice and reparations for victimisation in appropriate quarters.

“We call on the Fourth Estate and the public to remain vigilant and keep these burning issues on the front burner, even as we are confident in the victory of justice and equity, over crime, corruption and dishonesty.”

voters in his polling unit.

Adesi earlier deposed in his written statement that incident forms were used for accreditation instead of Card Readers in his polling unit.

At the end of the testimonies and cross-examination, Ikonne prayed for an adjournment, promising to close his case with the testimony of Mark.

The tribunal Chairman, Justice Mosumola Dipeolu, adjourned the case to August 18, for further defence.

•Country Director Oxfam Nigeria, Mr. Jan Rogge; President Women Arise for Change Initiative and Dr. Joe OkeiOdumakin; during Oxfam documentaries viewing night in Abuja … on Wednesday

•Says I’ll respond to Anyim’s suit HE National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Southsouth, Dr. Cairo Ojuigbo, has questioned the integrity of exGoodluck Jonathan’s administration Centenary City Project in Abuja.

Ojuigbo, who spoke in Abuja through his lawyer, Kayode Ajulo, alleged that the integrity of the processes leading to the project was doubtful.

The party chieftain, who also chairs the Nigeria Export Processing Authority (NEPZA), was reacting to a report that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Anyim Pius Anyim sued him for maintaining a similar position in media interviews.

Anyim, in the N1 billion libel suit filed by his lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), claimed that Ojuigbo’s position wasa slander on his person and could scare foreign investors.

Ojuigbo said had instructed his lawyer to file a countersuit once he received the court papers.

The PDP chieftain, who expressed his determination to ensure that those behind the project, who acted unlawfully, were prosecuted, said he had petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

Ojuigbo, who maintained his position, insisted that the “processes leading to the Centenary City, were elaborate and conceived to defraud the government and Nigeri-

have suffered from gas pipeline vandalism.

He said there were technical losses since the power is trucked across the country through the transmission grid.

But for sustainability and technical efficiency, Igali said the NESI could sustain solar technology with our abundance of sunshine.

On the contribution of the European Union and GIZ to the development of renewable energy in Nigeria, Igali said “they are contributing money. The money does not come to us. The money goes directly to the projects. They have chosen five states where they want to work.”

Mark to testify at tribunal on Aug. 18

Apa finance HE offer for subscription of 500 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each of Apa Microfinance Bank Ltd will begin tomorrow. The 20 kobo per share is by way of private placement and will close on September 30, 2015.

The decision to recapitalise the bank was taken at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) of July 30.

It was resolved at the AGM that the bank be recapitalised in line with the CBN directive.

Apa Microfinance Bank Ltd is one of the leading microfinance banks in Benue State.

makes unavailability of land in states a major issue.

He added that he urged the governor to allow investors easy access when they seek land for solar, instead of frustrating them with bureaucracies.

Igali said : “What we have been discussing with the governors is that we should look beyond thermal sources for our energy. So let land be available: land for investors that want to invest in solar, because solar takes much land. “ One mega watt takes like one hectare of land or a little below. So land is an issue in many states - availability and access to land. But once it is

PHOTO: BIODUN WILLIAMS

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HE Director-General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mrs. Roli Bode-George, has said many drug barons have relocated to neighbouring countries.

Mrs. Bode George, who is also the secretary of the agency, in a statement yesterday, listed some achievements of the agency as the discovery of six clandestine laboratories in Lagos and Anambra states, destruction of 4,529.15 hectares of Cannabis farms in Osun, Ondo and Edo states.

She said an operation, code named “Weed Eaters”, led to the removal of Nigeria by the United States from the drug majors’ list, thereby easing security checks and screening on Nigerians travelling outside the country, among others.

Mrs Bode George said:

EFCC not opposed to criticisms, says Lamorde From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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CONOMIC and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chair Ibrahim Lamorde, yesterday said the Commission is not averse to constructive criticisms that can assist to win the war against corruption.

He said the commission’s doors were open to meaningful contributions from individuals and organizations with good intentions to stamp out economic and financial crimes in the country.

Lamorde spoke at a meeting with members of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Nigeria (CCOSGIN) in Abuja.

He said the success so far recorded by the Commission in the war against corruption would not have been possible without the active support of the civil society groups.

Lamorde said: “Our doors are open to criticisms and suggestions. It is gratifying to know that there are still some genuine civil society groups that appreciate what we are doing. We also appreciate your coming to identify with us and encourage us in our fight against corruption.

“As proof that we are partners in progress in the war against corruption, you will recall that the EFCC signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with some civil society groups in 2014 at the EFCC Academy.

“It is an on-going process and is still active; so, I invite members of your group that are yet to key into it to join.”

Lamorde also stated that EFCC would partner with the group in its planned national colloquium later in the year.

Earlier in his address, the National Chairman of CCOSGIN, Comrade Iso Bassey Edim, said the anticorruption war by the EFCC was in tandem with President Muhammad Buhari’s zero tolerance for corruption.

Edim, who said the visit was not an act of sycophancy, urged Lamorde not to be distracted by the activities of “self-acclaimed agents sponsored by some corrupt elements to distract the EFCC from carrying out its constitutional duties.”

Edim, who was accompanied by some officials of the 47 civil society/liberty groups in Nigeria, also passed a vote of confidence in Larmode.

Drug barons fleeing Nigeria, says NDLEA

By Wale Ajetunmobi

“NDLEA can boast of a welltrained and knowledgeable workforce capable of meeting the mandate of the agency.

This accounts for the impressive records of arrest, seizures and convictions in the last 10 years to justify its effectiveness as a drug law enforcement agency. As a result of these improved agency’s counter-narcotic measures, most drug barons have relocated to neighbouring countries.

“The growing confidence of the international community on the integrity of the agency has resulted in increased international collaboration with enforcement organisations around the world. The agency is presently collaborating with en-

forcement organisations.

These include American Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); National Crime Agency (NCA) of the United Kingdom; Federal Police (Fedpol) of Switzerland; BKA of Germany. ‘’Other countries with interest in collaborating with the NDLEA are France, Colombia, Brazil, Italy and South Africa among others. ‘’These collaborations and cooperation have brought much benefit to the agency, including the establishment of the Special Enforcement Team (SET) involving the NDLEA and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) of the United States of America; and the Combined Inter- Agency Task Force (CIATF), which involves the

NDLEA, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Crime Agency (NCA) of the United Kingdom. ‘’The focus of these engagements is on intelligence-sharing, capacity-building and logistic support.

“The European Union is presently funding a five-year intervention project for organisations involved in the enforcement of organised crimes in Nigeria, of which NDLEA is a major player. ‘’The fact that the agency enjoys this international goodwill and continues to record success in its operations as can be seen in the statistics of arrest seizures and asset forfeiture belies the propaganda by traducers.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

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NEWS Reps urge Fed Govt to constitute procurement council

APC to Nigerians: don’t encourage looters

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned against attempts to truncate the fight against corruption under any guise, while also expressing support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s determination to end corruption.

In a statement in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party appealed to Nigerians, especially opinion leaders, to ensure that their actions and utterances do not give comfort to those who have looted the commonwealth. ‘’Our party promised Nigerians change, but the change we promised and which Nigerians desire so much cannot be achieved if we allow the resources that belong to Nigerians to be appropriated

by a few. How do we upgrade our decayed infrastructure and provide jobs for our people when the money meant for that has been squirelled away by a few? ‘’President Buhari has promised to break the vicious cycle of corruption that has held Nigeria down. How can he do that if he allows those who have looted the treasury to escape justice, and then use their ill-gotten wealth to fight the government? How can he do that if he turns a blind eye to the monumental corruption in all sectors. ‘’We know that fighting corruption in a society where the cankerworm has eaten deep into its fabric will not be easy. We know that corruption will always fight back. But there is no other choice than to confront and destroy this

monster once and for all, lest it destroys Nigeria,’’ it said.

APC said the President’s sincerity of purpose could be seen from his statement that any of his party members, who is found to be corrupt, would not escape justice. ‘’Therefore, those who are shouting themselves hoarse by saying the Buhari Administration’s fight against corruption is selective or is a distraction are only seeking to sabotage the epic battle. ‘’If they have any case of corruption against any member of the APC, they should forward their evidence to the appropriate anti-corruption agency. But to take to the airwaves and the pages of newspaper to use their paid agents to launch a campaign against the anti-graft fight is to fight against the existence and sur-

vival of Nigeria. ‘’The danger in truncating the fight against corruption is that it will consign Nigeria to poverty, insecurity and unemployment in perpetuity. That is why we are restating our unalloyed support for the President, and urging him not to be deterred or distracted by those hiding under sophistry to weaken the fight,’’ the party said.

It said those who are engaging in nitpicking on the anti-corruption fight are simply implementing a welloiled plan to make enough noise by accusing the Buhari administration of being selective, and hope to create enough confusion and distraction to hoodwink unsuspecting Nigerians. ‘’We are glad that many Nigerians have lent their support

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•Mohammed

to the government’s fight against corruption, going by their interventions on the social media, which has now become a people’s parliament of sorts, and other fora. We urge them not to relent in their support, irrespective of the antics of the naysayers,’’ APC said.

HE House of Representatives yesterday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to constitute the Board of the National Council of Public Procurement.

The resolution was sequel to the adoption of the prayers of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by James Faleke (APC-Lagos).

According to the lawmaker, section 1 of the public procurement Act of 2007 provides for the establishment of the board of National Council of Public Procurement.

Faleke said the Council when constituted would be screened and approved by the Senate.

The House yesterday also resolved to investigate the debt profile of all tiers of government, with a view to establishing their levels of compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007.

Nda-Isaiah denies N80m debt in petition to CBN governor From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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•From right: Prince Henry Odukomaiya, his son Dr Henry Abiodun Odukomaiya, his daughter-in-law Funmilayo, Mr. Tayo Odukomaiya, his wife Bola at the wake keeping for the late Mr Rachel Aduke Odukomaiya at the Vining Memorial Church PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSI Hall, G.R.A, Ikeja...yesterday.

Change possible under Buhari, says Makinde

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RESPECTED philosopher, Prof. Moses Makinde, yesterday said change was possible under President Muhammadu Buhari.

He spoke at the Academy of Letter’s 17th Convocation and Investiture of fellows in Lagos.

Chairman, Editorial Board of The Nation Sam Omatseye was inducted as a honorary fellow of the academy.

Prof Jacob Kehinde Olupona and Prof Amechi Akwanya were inducted as overseas and regular fellows.

In his lecture, The Humanities and societal change, Makinde said since independence Nigeria lacked good leadership.

He said Nigeria had never produced a hero or legendary figure like Chairman Mao of China, Mahathir bin Mohammed of Malaysia, Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore or even Nelson Madela of South Africa.

According to him, the situation was not helped by followers, who are incurably docile and are always ‘suffering and smiling’ in the face of unimaginable hardship and loss of esteem handed over to them by their leaders.

He described the amalgamation as Nigeria’s Armageddon, which created Nigeria as a nation of incompatibles, full of contradictions and absurdities.

This, according to Makinde, summarised the root of Nigeria’s problems.

He expressed confidence in

•

Omatseye gets Academy of Letters fellow

By Ozolua Uhakheme and Wale Ajetunmobi

President Muhammadu Buhari’s promise to kill corruption, saying. ‘If he could kill ethnic, racial, regional and religious politics and rivalries as well as lack of unity in diversities, all of which, unlike Malaysia and Singapore, have made positive change, development and growth impossible in Nigeria as one nation under true democracy and good governance, we can reasonably predict that the administration of Buhari may well be on its way to achieving the goal of leading Nigeria from the desert to the promised land.’

He said: “On the question of honesty, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo told me that if you must discipline others, you must first be disciplined. This is the advantage we have in President Buhari. Given the general enthusiasm and the euphoria that greeted his election, expectations are high that his administration would correct the evil, misdeeds and failures of past administrations from the First Republic to the President Goodluck Jonathan administration.

“Since the First Republic, the country has witnessed a motion without movement.

There have been apparent changes that led to nowhere other than backward changes and stunted growth. The

expectation of well-meaning Nigerians is that President Buhari, with his pedigree as a disciplined and incorruptible Army general, should bring back the nation on the path of growth through his fight against lawlessness, indiscipline and corruption.”

The Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof Bello Rahaman, described human capacity as a vital tool needed for effective change and societal development.

He stated that though technology had capacity for development, the society needed the full complement of humanity to effect true change.

He noted that even when technology was development driven it was humanity that would test its usage.

Rahaman lamented that subjects, such as history and indigenous languages, were missing in the nation’s academic curriculum, adding that indigenous languages were facing extinction.

“We now hire teachers to teach our children our languages when we are in the country,” he said, noting that the theme of the convocation, The Humanities and societal change, should ginger the present administration to appreciate the role of humanity in the realisation of change.

The President of the academy, Prof Olatunji Oloruntimehin, said the academy had been concerned about the quality of

governance and development of the nation, hence the theme of this year’s convocation and investiture.

He stated that in the governance of Nigeria citizens don’t matter, adding that with the new administration talking about change, ‘it must be approached with the understanding of who we are and there must be a synergy between the state and the people.’

“To achieve change, our leaders must know the people, their aspirations and must have the capacity to develop change,” he added.

Responding on behalf of the inductees, Prof Olupona said: “We thank the committee of fellows for considering us worthy of this honour. This year’s theme came at the time when Nigeria is engaged in a serious soul-searching to restore its dignity and rediscover its potential and the possibility of greatness that it is capable of. As men and women of Letters, we must identify with efforts to take this country to greater heights.”

Omatseye described his investiture as icing on the cake in his career as a writer and journalist. He said: “This is a very luminous icing to be honoured by the apex body of academics and scholars. They have honoured me beyond professional level. It is heartwarming to have been recognised by a body outside the calling of journalism.”

FORMER presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah, has petitioned the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, on the alleged N80 million debt credited to him by Enterprise Bank.

He accused the bank of impugning his character and the integrity of his family by putting his name and his wife’s, Zainab, on the list of over 500 bank debtors.

In the 13-paragraph petition of August 11, 2015, Nda-Isaiah said he would not sit down and watch a public image and a brand he built over the years be “undernined because of the incompetence and unfathomable motives of some people”.

He said in 2013, Banana Republic approached Enterprise Bank Ltd for a facility to expand its business into Maitama District in Abuja and the construction of a Five-star hotel in Guzape, Abuja, on a 1.4 hectare hilltop prime location.

He said while the loan was approved by the bank, the procedure was unprofessional Nda-Isaiah said: “Even though owing a bank is not a crime, the fact that the term “name and shame” was what the bank said they were doing, I have been defamed and they have given an opening to a newspaper house (which cannot allow this kind of opportunity to pass) to further smear me and even add innuendoes that were not in the bank’s publication. ”Sometimes they even showed signs of incompetence. The breakdown of the approved facility was N67.5 million for the purchase of equipment and N12.5 million for working capital to operate the restaurant.

“Upon approval, our account manager opened an escrow account in our name without our knowledge and deposited N67.5 million and started charging interests right away from July 25, 2013, on the N80 million, without any form of notification to us.

“It was only several weeks later that we knew that this unusual banking practice had happened. We were not allowed to draw the equipment facility even though they had started charging us interest on the approved sum. The first drawdown of N18,647,500 in August was only allowed nearly one month after they had started charging interest on the loan.

“The next drawdown of N43,372,500 in September 2013, was only allowed nearly two months after commencement of interest charges to us. The total sum we were allowed to draw from the N80 million facility was only N61,920,000 even though they were charging interest on the N80 million approved”.

He said after the equipment was installed, the bank refused “to allow the company drawdown the approved working capital, which was to be used to operate the restaurant. Various letters requesting drawdown were not even replied to.

He added: “When there seemed to be no headway, I instructed the group managing director of our holding company to intervene, which he promptly did by travelling to Lagos, the head office of the bank.”

Nda-Isaiah said “the failure of the bank to allow drawdown of the N12.5 million working capital, which was part of the N80 million facility, complicated the dispute.

“Banana Republic informed the bank that they were not going to pay interests on the amount that had not been disbursed. Even as I write this, Governor, the N80 million has still not been disbursed to the company but interest charges are going on.

“Because there was a dispute, we stopped paying money into Enterprise Bank as their practices became similar to a Ponzi scheme or at best a strange strain of voodoo banking.

“About three months ago when communication was re-established with the head of Abuja operations of the bank, it appeared that we were at last making a headway. Because of that, we promptly paid in N5.6 million on June 3, 2015, into the account in good faith, pending the resolution of the dispute.

“We also agreed to pay N5 million every week for three weeks starting from last week to bring down the indebtedness as we expected them to pay the balance of the N80 million immediately and redress the voodoo interest rate schemes they had been engaged in since 2013 even before we started operating the facility”.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

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NEWS Appeal Court to give verdict in Ondo election petition today From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (left) addressing intending pligrims, at the farewell ceremony of the 2015 Osun Hajj Pilgrims, at Parking Bola Ige House, State Secretariat, Abere...yesterday.

HE Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital, will today deliver judgment in an appeal filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its House of Assembly candidate for Akure South Constituency I, Festus Aregbesola.

Counsel to the appellants, Charles Titiloye, confirmed the receipt of notice of judgment from the registrar of the Appeal Court.

Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and Titiloye had earlier adopted their briefs of arguments for APC. The appellants prayed the court to set aside the dismissal of their petition by the State and National Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Akure on technical ground of filing application for pre-hearing session prematurely.

They urged the Appeal Court to hold that based on provision of paragraph 53(2) of the First Schedule to the Electoral Act, the respondents were deemed to have waived the alleged non-compliance with Electoral Act by taking further steps in the petition and participating in the pre-hearing session.

APC urged the court to revert the case back for retrial before another panel of judges.

APC to Fayose: spend N8.5b allocation for Ekiti’s growth

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KITI State All Progressives Congress (APC) has advised Governor Ayo Fayose to spend wisely the Federal Allocation of N8.5 billion received for the month of June.

The party described the receipt of the funds as “an opportunity for Fayose to hit the ground running for the state’s growth”.

It urged Ekiti people to check for the details of the state’s allocations on the government’s website www.fmf.gov.ng and www.oagf.gv.ng for true position on actual accruals to the state.

The APC contended that “it is no longer fashionable for the governor to continue to deceive Ekiti people about shortage of funds, as the June allocation of N8.5 billion distributed in July is enough to put the state on a firm financial footing”.

Giving the breakdown of the allocation in a statement in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, the party’s spokesman, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said Fayose had received N2.1 billion as bailout fund, N2.6 billion for statutory allocation and N598.8 million for Value Added Tax (VAT) - all totalling N5.4 billion for June.

He added that in the same month, the governor received N3.1 billion for the local governments, making N8.5 billion as the total cash the state got.

The APC spokesman ex-

Govt: we got N6.8 billion

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KITI State Governor Ayo Fayose has denied receiving N8.6 billion from the Federal Allocation for June, as claimed by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Fayose, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, maintained that the money received from Abuja for the month was N6.8 billion.

The governor, who accused the opposition of spreading falsehood, said: “Lying has become the first name of the APC.” He urged Ekiti people to ignore the opposition party.

He said: “In June, Ekiti State got net allocation of N1,958,432,714.17 and in July, the state got N2,687,536,884.88.

“The breakdown for June allocation is as follows: Gross Allocation (N1,815,552,424.75), Value Added Tax (N536,678,738.75) and Exchange Rate Gains (N171,236,640.31).

“The following deductions were made from the allocation, Foreign Loan (N42,260,280.19), Contractual Obligations-ISPO (N397,196,808.00), Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (N23,120,001.44) and Bond Issuance Programme 2 (N102,458,000.01) - totalling N565,035,089.64.

“If N565,035,089.64 is deducted from the gross allocation of

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

N1,815,552,424.75, it will leave a sum of N1,250,517,335.11 and this added to VAT and Exchange Rate Gains will be N1,958,432,714.17.

“In June also, Ekiti State got N2,173,624,315.39 from the Liquefied Natural Gas proceed while the 16 local councils got N1,259,124,010.15, totalling N3,432,748,325.54.

“Addition of the state’s June allocation of N1,958,432,714.17 and the LNG proceed of N2,173,624,315.39 will be N4,132,057,030.

“The local councils’ total allocation for June of N1,455,018,959.92 added to the N1,259,124,010.15 LNG proceed will be N2,714,142,970 and if this is added to the state total June revenue of N4,132,057,030, it will amount to N6,846,200,000.

“The facts as laid bare here is that Ekiti State and the 16 local councils got N6.8 billion in June.

“Our question then is: where did the APC liars get their own voodoo June Federal Allocation of N8.5 billion from?”

•Party urges governor to account for funds collected so far From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

plained that after all deductions, the state was still left with N7.9 billion.

Olatunbosun said this revelation by the Federal Ministry of Finance had vindicated APC’s position and claim debunking alleged lies by the governor that he did not collect the allocation for September 2014 in October. He added that Fayose had used the excuse as the reason for not paying September 2014 salary till date.

“We have said it many times that there is no justification for

Fayose to continue to claim that the N2.1 billion bail-out fund is the normal allocation for the state, a reason for which he has been attacking President Muhammadu Buhari all this while.

“We wish to now reveal to Ekiti people that Fayose also got the normal state allocation of N2.6 billion in addition to the bailout fund of N2.1 billion earlier received.

“We had expected Fayose to tell Ekiti people that he had received such a colossal amount in June alone as he always boasts that he will not collect that kind of money with-

out letting the people know about it,” he said.

The APC spokesman explained that the N8.5 billion cash was outside the N22 billion refund on federal projects, which the governor had not accounted for.

Olatunbosun added that the governor had also collected another N2 billion ecological fund without any proof of ecological project he could claim to have executed with the cash.

“While the governor accessed these funds, he has continued to sing ‘no fund song’ while he has not accounted for how he spent the N2 billion micro-

credit loan the Adewale Omirin-led House of Assembly empowered the governor to access to help small-scale businesses for the poor Ekiti people,” he said.

The party regretted that even though the cash was colossal, the governor could not point to any project he had executed with it while he had also refused to pay workers their 2014 September salary after collecting September allocation, including failure to fulfill his financial statutory obligations to other segments of the society.

“The governor is owing five months arrears to pensioners,

five months subventions to higher institutions and four months’ salary arrears to traditional rulers and we ask: what exactly is the governor doing with Ekiti money, except travelling to Dubai and South Africa immediately after receiving federal allocations?

“It is glaring that Fayose has no plan for the development of the state, neither does he have the interest of the workers and pensioners at heart. Despite the huge sums that accrued to the state in the last 10 months, and in spite of a six-month moratorium on debts payment, which saved the state N3 billion, Fayose has continued to complain of paucity of funds.

“We charge all stakeholders in Ekiti State to ask Fayose to account for all the monies he had collected since he assumed office and to tell Ekiti how he spent over N8.5 billion he collected in June, including the state allocation that excludes the Internally Generated Revenue, which runs to millions of naira.

“Fayose should know that a government of accountability is now at the Federal level and there is no more room for any financial abracadabra.

“We wish to remind Fayose that the end has come for impunity and cloudy handling of government appropriations.

Ekiti people will not accept any shoddy deal again as the N1.3 billion poultry scam case is still pending with the EFCC in court,” Olatunbosun said.

Ondo ex-deputy governor’s suit an abuse of court process, says court

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HE Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday dismissed a suit filed by former Ondo State Deputy Governor Ali Olanusi for being an abuse of court process.

Olanusi, who was removed from office on April 27, prayed the court to nullify his impeachment for not following due process and for violating his rights.

But Justice Mohammed Idris held that the suit was similar to the one Olanusi filed in the court’s Akure Division.

He said it amounted to an abuse of court process for Olanusi to seek similar reliefs in the suit filed in the Lagos Division.

According to the judge, multiplicity of action constitutes an abuse of court process, where parties and reliefs

By Joseph Jibueze

sought are the same.

Justice Idris said the case in Ondo was filed on July 9, before the action was instituted in Lagos by Olanusi as the same claimant.

“It (the Ondo suit) is an Originating Summons, which raises the issues of fair hearing as raised in this action and which seeks reliefs similar to those sought in this action. Issues of the fundamental rights of the applicant were raised in that suit as in this suit. This cannot be allowed.

“Institution of a fresh action between the same parties or even similar parties on the same subject-matter simultaneously when the previous suit has not been disposed of constitutes an abuse of court process.

“I hold, therefore, that this

suit was filed in abuse of the processes of the court in the light of suit number AK/51/ 2015,” the judge held.

Justice Idris also held that he had no jurisdiction to entertain the suit. He faulted the joining of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) as a defendant.

He said Mr. Solomon Arase played no role in Olanusi’s impeachment and should not have been joined.

Olanusi had sued the IGP and the chairman of the seven-man investigative panel, Mr. Olatunji Adeniyan.

The case was filed at the Akure Division of the Federal High Court but was transferred to the Lagos Division because, according to Olanusi’s lawyer, Olukoya Ogungbeje, the trial judge in Ondo, Justice I.N. Sanni, was on vacation.

Olanusi sought order quashing the proceedings and report of the seven-man impeachment panel, which indicted him and led to his removal as the deputy governor.

According to him, the panel’s sitting, proceedings and submission of its report in one-day denied him the right to fair hearing as enshrined in Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution.

He sought a declaration that the failure to give him adequate time and facility, as guaranteed under the constitution, to defend the allegation of misconduct is a breach of his right to fair hearing and fair trial.

Besides, he said the panel failed to personally serve him with the allegation of misconduct. He urged the court to declare the notice null and

void.

In a supporting affidavit, the applicant said: “The rules of natural justice were not observed by the respondents in the proceedings of the first respondent and the removal of the applicant as the deputy governor of Ondo State.

“The applicant was shamefully removed and disgraced out of office without fair hearing, regard for due process of law and the sanctity of the law and the constitution.

“The applicant’s right to fair hearing and fair trial have been unfairly and oppressively trampled upon by the respondents.”

Twenty-two of the state’s 26 lawmakers endorsed Olanusi’s impeachment motion a few days after he left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

•Olanusi

He was Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s running mate on the platform of the Labour Party (LP) in 2007 and became deputy governor in 2009 after the Court of Appeal declared Mimiko winner of the 2007 governorship election.

He remained deputy after the pair won the election in 2014. They both defected to the PDP in October 2014.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

8

NEWS Lam Adesina lived an exemplary life, says son

Ooni: Ife markets to remain closed for seven days

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ARKETS were yesterday ordered by Ife traditional chiefs to be closed for seven days.

The development followed the official announcement of the death of Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Olubuse II. As early as 10am yesterday, town criers went to the market places to deliver the messages to market men and women.

The town criers were seen at Oja Ife, Oja Sabo, Lagere and others, warning traders to comply with the order or face dire consequences.

Commercial banks within the town did not open for

By Emmanuel Oladesu and Enitan Seriki

transaction, except for a long queue of customers at many Automated Teller Machines points, waiting to make withdrawals.

The state government yesterday ordered clearing of bushes on the road sides from IfeIbadan expressway to the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) area.

Commercial buses plying the university campus yesterday were busy conveying many students in and out of the university, unlike on Wednesday when the students remained on campus all day in compliance

with the restriction order during the Oro rituals for the departed monarch.

Some of the prominent citizens that came to commiserate with the people of Ife yesterday, include the factional leader of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC), Chief Gani Adams and another leader of the group, Dr. Fredrick Fasheun.

Adams described Oba Sijuwade as symbol of the stool of the Yoruba people. Fasheun, who expressed shock at the news of the death of the traditional ruler, said he was one among millions.

Fasheun enjoined Yoruba sons and daughters not to allow his demise to cause disu-

T •The late Ooni

nity among them.

A former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, described Oba Sijuwade as a father, confidant, mentor, nationalist and a rare patriot .

He prayed for the repose of his soul.

The body of Oba Sijuwade will be buried today, according to the eldest son of the monarch, Prince Adetokunbo.

HE late former Oyo State Governor, Lamidi Adesina, has been described as someone, who lived an exemplary life, devoid of any skirmish.

Son of the late politician, Mr. Dapo Lam-Adesina, who spoke at an inaugural lecture in honour of his father by the Federation of Ibadan Students Union (FIBSU), noted that his father was a thorough-bred individual, who would not spare the rod to deal with any morallyunfit person.

The lecture, which was part of the activities to usher in the new executive members of the association, was organised to honour the late former governor, who was the pioneer president of the union.

After receiving a post-humous award on behalf of his father, the young Lam-Adesina, who represents Ibadan South East / Ibadan North East Federal Constituency, hailed the students on behalf of the family.

He promised to uphold the legacies left behind by his father.

“As a representative, I shall

From Sikiru Akinola, Ibadan

continue to ensure good representation and delivery of dividends of democracy to my constituency,” he said.

“The Nigeria we are now is not the kind of Nigeria we were few years ago. Now, we have a change of government; from a retrogressive one to a progressive one. Now, we have leaders, who are truly committed to change this nation for better and we should continue to support them with prayers.”

A former Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Youth and Sports, Taiwo Fawole, an engineer, extolled the virtues of the late activist-politician.

He said: “The Great Lam motivated us students that anytime he talked, he was fearless and incorruptible. He would not lie to disparage other people’s personality.”

Another former student leader and lawmaker representing Ibadan South East State Constituency 2, Akeem Ige, said: “The Great Lam lived for Ibadan and will forever be remembered by all.

Students protest in Ibadan as colleague is injured in accident From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

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•From left: Mrs. Agagu, Mrs. Alakija-Ladapo, George and Mrs. Vivour-Adeniyi at The Nation...yesterday.

PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUNMI

Over 200 suspects in court for sexual violence in Lagos, says agency N O fewer than 200 people are facing trial in Lagos State for domestic and sexual offences, especially those committed against underage persons, the state Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) said yesterday.

Four members of the DSVRT, who visited The Nation at its Matori, Lagos headquarters yesterday, highlighted the scale of the problem and gave new insight into the state government’s efforts to eradicate domestic as well as sexual abuse and violence.

The DSVRT delegation, which was led by its coordinator, Mrs. Lola Vivour-Adeniyi, was received by an Assistant Editor with The Nation on Sunday, Yetunde Oladeinde.

Other members of the team were Busola Agagu, Ibidun Alakija-Ladapo and Tolu George.

Mrs. Vivour-Adeniyi said the law on domestic and sexual offences in the state was enacted in 2011, following the experience of a four-year-old girl, whose pelvic dropped after being raped by a man.

She said when the incident occurred, there was no coordinated response. ”After the law was passed in 2011, offences of rape and defilement now carry life imprisonment,” she said.

Mrs. Vivour-Adeniyi said in

By Robert Egbe and Adebisi Onanuga

spite of the law that was put in place, the prosecution still has to deal with several issues concerning rape and domestic violence.

She said: “For instance, in these kinds of matters, most times, there is no medical evidence for the written testimony of the victim. Also, sometimes, before the case file is transmitted from the police to the DPP, it takes two years. We have a case where the incident occurred when the child was four and the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) didn’t get the file till when the child was six.

By then, the parents had relocated and said they had left the matter to God.” The agency’s coordinator, who said investigation was very critical to the successful prosecution of sexual offences, noted that in an ideal world, there would be a collocation team, comprising a police officer, a prosecutor and a forensic examiner, “who will swing into action as soon as the report of sexual violence is made so that no evidence will be missed”.

Mrs. Vivour-Adeniyi said the major challenge the agency is facing with prosecution of sex-

ual violence has been that of keeping evidences.

She emphasised that victims of sexual violence should desist from taking a bath first before reporting the incident.

“When they do that, they wash off evidences needed to nail their assailants,” the agency chief said.

She explained that this was why the team decided to seek the support of the media to sensitise the public on their activities and on the need educate victims on their rights.

Mrs. Vivour-Adeniyi said sometimes, “families, community leaders and culture constitute a challenge”, especially when they start pleading not to prosecute the offenders after they had received monetary compensations.

She advised parents on the

need to teach their children relevant information.

“Parents should empower their children. You need to look for avenues to have sex talk with your kids,” she said.

Emphasising the necessity of bonding between parents and their children, she advised: ”Parents need to become their children’s best friends; we need our children to be comfortable enough to confide in us.

“Even if you’re a very careerminded mother and you have very limited time to spend with your children, you can use that time to inculcate values in them and train them to know that some parts of their bodies are private and they shouldn’t allow anyone touch them there. “ If anyone, whether a close relative such as a cousin, attempts such, an empowered child will naturally resist and inform his or her mother.”

UNDREDS of students of Federal College of Agriculture and Federal College of Animal Health, Ibadan for the second day yesterday, stormed major streets and roads at Moore Plantation/ Odo-Ona area in the Oyo State capital.

They were protesting severe injuries inflicted on their colleague, who was knocked down by a motorist.

The student was injured in the road mishap, which occurred at about 4p.m on Wednesday.

The protest, which entered its second day yesterday, saw many residents and motorists fleeing the area for fear of being attack.

But some motorists became victims of the students’ wrath as their vehicles’ windscreens were damaged.

The students set burn fires on the busy Ibadan-Abeokuta Expressway, after blocking the road with heavy objects, leading to gridlock for more than one hour.

The accident victim, Aminu Bola, who is a 200-Level National Diploma (ND) student of Agric Technology of the Federal College of Agriculture, is receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit of Molly Hospital, Ibadan.

Anti-riot policemen were deployed to different locations where the protest took place.

A few police vans accompanied the students as they carried out their actions through the city.

It was gathered that the students were angered yesterday’s morning, when they learnt that a middle-aged man was also injured by another vehicle on Wednesday’s night at the same spot, “where the student was knocked down”.

The identity of the second accident victim was not known as at yesterday. But some residents claimed that he died before getting to the hospital.

The students, who displayed placards with various inscriptions, berated government for alleged neglect and lack of concern for the welfare of the citizens.

They wondered how long it would take to provide the needed facilities and “bumps to prevent incessant accidents on roads”.

The protesting students made a procession through Moore Plantation, Odo-Ona, Iyaganku, Dugbe, Mokola and Government Secretariat Complex in Agodi, where they sought for the audience with Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

But he was not available to receive the protesting students.

The students’ leaders said the victim needed N3 million for urgent surgical operation to save his life at the hospital.

Their spokesman, Raji Muritala, who threatened that the students would be forced to block the expressway, if nothing is done to save Aminu’s life, said: “We need N3 million for urgent surgical operation. We need the assistance of the government”.

Intensive lobby begins for political positions in Oyo

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OME members of Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC) have started intensive lobbying for appointments into the state’s political positions.

The lobbying came on the heels of the list of appointees to oversee the 33 local governments being compiled by Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

The state government is

From Bisi Oladele and Sikiru Akinola, Ibadan

conducting verification exercise for the state’s civil servants to prepare for payment of outstanding salaries.

After payment of the salary arrears, reliable sources informed The Nation that the governor would announce appointees to oversee the local councils.

Members of the councils’ caretaker committees were dissolved on May 29.

But it was gathered that a list of new council caretaker chairmen was being put together by the governor, prompting party members to begin to lobby their leaders for inclusion.

It was learnt that Ajimobi was consulting party leaders to get some of the best individuals to

head the councils pending the conduct of election later in the year.

It was, however, learnt that most of the caretaker chairmen in Oke-Ogun area “are likely to return to the caretaker committees”. The decision might have been hinged on the huge votes Ajimobi polled in the zone during the April 11 governorship election.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

9

NEWS U.S. Court sentences Nigerian Senate okays N14.7b World Bank jihadist to 22 years for terrorism loan for Edo A T HE Senate yesterday approved the $75 million (N14.7 billion) World Bank loan for the Edo State government.

President Muhammadu Buhari tabled the request before senators a few weeks ago.

The approval followed the adoption of the report of the Senate’s Ad Hoc Committee on Local and Foreign Debts.

The lawmakers said the approval was in recognition of its finding that the request was part of a N44.1 billion ($225 million) credit facility for the state, which the Senate approved in 2012.

Presenting the report to the

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

Senate, the committee’s Chairman Kabiru Gaya explained that funds from the loan would be used to finance the state’s key programmes to stimulate internally generated revenue (IGR).

It will also be used to develop key infrastructure to attract private investments and increase employment opportunities, the chairman said.

Gaya said: “It is worthy to note that World Bank nor-

mally presents strict criteria for any intending borrowing organisation to fulfil as a prerequisite to assessing the facility.

“It is gratifying to note that Lagos and Edo states are the only sub-national governments in Nigeria to meet the stringent conditions of the World Bank to qualify for the Development Policy Operation.

“Edo State has reasonably justified the borrowing and has acceptable debt sustainability level and, therefore, eligible to bor-

row.”

Uroghede Matthew (PDP, Edo South) opposed the loan request, but this could not stop legislators from approving it.

Matthew said he had received over 2,000 text messages from his constituents, asking that the request be rejected.

He argued that Nigeria’s Debt Management Office had ranked Edo as the fourth most indebted state, adding that granting the loan would increase the state’s debt burden.

There was an overwhelming voice vote from the senators, supporting the request.

APC: Akpabio’s blackmail shouldn’t be taken lightly From Uyoatta Eshiet and Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

•Akpabio

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he Akwa Ibom State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Federal Government not to ignore what it called the “blackmails and threats” by former Governor Godswill Akpabio, now a senator representing Akwa Ibom North East.

Akpabio, at a media briefing as leader of 49-member Senate Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alleged that Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), Electoral Officers and other senior officials of the Independent National

Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Abia states were being “daily arrested, their families and associates hounded and judicial officers involved in election tribunals intimidated and questioned, using trumped-up petitions bordering on corruption”.

But APC, through its Publicity Secretary, Ita Awak, condemned the senator’s threats.

It urged the Federal Government not to ignore the allegation.

The party said Akpabio’s aim was to tarnish the reputation of the new Director of the Department of Security Service (DSS), Mallam Daura, for allegedly refusing to take bribes from the PDP on the matter.

APC urged the directorgeneral of the DSS and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to investigate why

INEC officials, who are expected to be impartial umpires and who “ought not to be partisan”, allegedly damaged the ballot papers used in the April 11 governorship election in Akwa Ibom State.

It said: “Austin Okojie and some INEC workers went to the extent of deliberately pouring and soaking bags of ballot papers in water. We want the security operatives to unravel the reason INEC workers in Uyo bundled ballot papers into ramshackle bags and kept them in the rain, contrary to INEC manual directing that ballot papers used in election be put in sealed envelopes and preserved unit by unit.”

APC alleged that under Okojie’s watch, thousands of ballot papers used in the governorship election on April 11, were mutilated beyond redemption, making it absolutely impossible for the party’s forensic experts to scan them for examination.

The party expressed dissatisfaction that instead of

Delta poll: Emerhor, APC floor Okowa, HE Court of Appeal in PDP at Appeal Court Benin, the Edo State cap-

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ital, has dismissed the appeals separately filed by Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the earlier rulings of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

The tribunal in Asaba, chaired by Justice Nasiru Gumi, had ruled on June 30 that all preliminary objections raised in the course of dealing with the petitions should be heard along with the main petition.

Okowa and the PDP appealed the ruling.

But the Appeal Court, headed by Justice I. M. M. Saulawa, dismissed the cases for lack of merit and for being a mere academic exercise.

The court awarded a N50,000 fine against each of the appellants.

The judge adopted the issues for determination, which Okowa raised and summarised them thus: •“Whether the chairman, sitting with other members of the tribunal in delivering the ruling, was not acting contrary to Paragraph 27(1) of the First Schedule, which provides that only the chairman sitting alone should entertain interlocutory

From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

matters; and •“Whether the tribunal was right in holding that the preliminary objections should be taken alongside with the hearing of the petition.”

Okowa also urged the court to hear the preliminary objections, conferred on it by Section 15 of the Court of Appeal Act. The court upheld the first and second respondents’/petitioners’ contention that Paragraph 27(1) “does not confer jurisdiction on the tribunal”, and that “the First Schedule of the Electoral Act is a mere rule of procedures and a breach of it does not raise jurisdictional issue”.

The court also held that jurisdiction is conferred by the constitution, adding that the constitution provides for the quorum of the tribunal to be the chairman and two other members.

“Thus, Paragraph 27(1) is ultra vires the provision of Section 285 (4) of the Constitution and is declared void. This issue was resolved against the appellant,” the court said.

On the second issue, the court upheld the petitioners’

submission that Paragraph 12(5) is clear that objections brought to dismiss the petition should be held with the hearing of the substantive petition.

The court held that this was a necessary provision to meet with the constitutional requirement of 180 days within which the tribunal should hear and deliver judgment in an election petition.

The issue was resolved against the appellants.

On whether or not the court should exercise its powers, conferred on it under Section 15 of the Court of Appeal Act to hear the preliminary objections, it held that there was no basis for the Appeal Court to assume jurisdiction to hear the preliminary objections, more so when the hearing of the petition had not begun.

The appeal was dismissed as lacking merit with N50,000 cost against Okowa and the PDP. In delivering judgment on the PDP appeal, the court held that the issues raised were similar to the sister appeal.

The court held that the appeal had become a mere academic exercise and was accordingly struck out.

Akpabio to condemn what it called “devilry and brazen criminality”, he was defending it in public.

This, it noted, smacked of good reasoning from a lawyer and Senate Minority Leader, “falsely” accusing the DSS and other security agencies of meddlesomeness and partisanship in the election petitions tribunals.

APC said it was also baffling that the senator did not see something wrong in INEC officials “wilfully destroying” ballot papers.

Akpabio could not be reached to react to the matter last night.

Nigerian citizen accused of receiving weapons training from al Qaeda’s Yemeni affiliate and writing rap lyrics, among other contributions, for the group’s English-language media operations was sentenced on Wednesday to 22 years in U.S. prison, authorities said.

Lawal Babafemi, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John Gleeson in Brooklyn after pleading guilty in April 2014 to providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organisation, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.

Prosecutors had sought up to 30 years in prison for Babafemi, who was extradited from Nigeria in 2013 after being arrested several times two years earlier on local terrorism charges.

Babafemi’s court-appointed lawyer in Brooklyn was not immediately available for comment on Wednesday afternoon.

Prosecutors said that from January 2010 to August 2011, Babafemi travelled from Nigeria to Yemen twice to meet with leaders of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, known as AQAP. During his time with that group, Babafemi, who went by the name “Ayatollah Mustapha,” worked on AQAP’s media operations, including its magazine “Inspire,” prosecutors said.

He and two other individuals including a Vietnamese man named Minh Quang Pham contributed writing and editing, prosecutors said, and Babafemi became close with Samir Khan, a U.S. citizen who was Inspire’s editor.

Together, the men appeared in the magazine in a photograph, wearing camouflage and holding rifles, authorities say.

After Khan and Pham had the idea of recording rap songs as AQAP propaganda, Babafemi began writing lyrics about jihad, prosecutors said.

The group’s leadership, including Anwar al-Awlaki, paid Babafemi almost $9,000 to recruit English speakers from Nigeria, prosecutors said. Khan and Awlaki, a U.S. citizen born in New Mexico, were killed in U.S. drone strikes in Yemen in 2011. Pham was extradited to the United States in March and is awaiting tria.

Oyo liason officer pleads with civil servants From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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IASON Officer of Ibadan North Local Goverment to the Oyo State Governor, Hon Yinka Akinbode has enjoined the civil servants in the state to exercise a little patience as regards their salary outstanding, that they would soon be paid.

Hon. Akinbode in a statement issued in Ibadan noted that the relieve package the president was talking about will soon be used for what it meant for as soon as the fund gets to the Governor.

He said further that “the Governor Senator Abiola Ajimobi meant well for the state and he wil do everything possible to keep the state at peace and to tackle the piority that is bedridden the peopel due to the mulitplier effect of the Federal Government led by the former president, Jonathan Goodluck”.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

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NEWS Ex-MEND leaders to Boro: probe Amnesty From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

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ORMER leaders of the Movement for Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) yesterday told the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Gen. Paul Boroh, to continue with his probe of the programme.

The ex-militant commanders insisted that the ongoing verification of beneficiaries of the programme, which the new helmsman is carrying out, was the right thing to do.

The former leaders, who spoke under the auspices of the Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initiative (LPCDI), urged the PAP coordinator not to be deterred by those mounting pressure on him to stop the probe.

The OPCDI leader, Pastor Reuben Wilson, who spoke in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, said the verification would sanitise and strengthen the programme as well as settle the inclusion of ex-militants purportedly disarmed under the Third Phase of the programme.

He said: “The verification will determine genuine beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, particularly those who formed the Third Phase of the programme, as it will sanitise and strengthen the pact the more.

“We, the ex-agitators, wish to let Brig.-Gen. Boroh know that he has our full backing on this bold initiative and he should not be deterred in his mandate of implementing the PAP to the letter.

“We urge Brig.-Gen. Boroh to rally round the leadership of exagitators for inputs by having a meeting with Ebikabowei VictorBen (aka General Boyloaf) and others on how best to handle the impasse caused because of the delay in the payment of stipends and allowances, among other lingering issues being faced by those in foreign institutions.”

Delta’s debt burden: Okowa wrong to complain, says APC Professionals

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OR professionals in the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has no moral right to blame past administrations for the state’s indebtedness.

The professionals, under the aegis of APC Professionals, said it amounted to self-indictment on the governor to have complained about the huge debt burden he inherited because he had been in government for eight years.

In a statement yesterday in Lagos, APC Professionals, whose activities are anchored on politics with integrity and professionalism in Delta State, alleged that Okowa was a part of the rot in the state.

It noted that blaming the administration was a self-indictment on his part.

The statement said: “It is strange to listen to the governor blaming the past Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gov-

By Robert Egbe

ernment of Delta State when the truth is that the rot started as far back as 1999 and the incument governor played a major part in that government.”

The group alleged that there had been mind-blowing revelations being leaked to the media about a “huge treasury looting and financial impropriety”.

APC Professionals said: “The present governor seems unsure whether he should cry out and probe the last administration or to accept the actual debt position.

“The past administrations in Delta State has created huge financial problems for the PDPled government, as they have plunged the state into a huge debt of over N238.6 billion bonds taken from banks and an additional N534.6 billion in pure contractual liabilities.

“We must state the facts for the record that the legacy projects on ground are white

elephant projects which do not complement the amount being owed in bonds or in pure contractual liabilities.”

The statement listed the projects to include road infrastructure, such as the uncompleted roads/underground project designed to channel floods into the Asaba River and the Trans-Warri – Ode Itsekiri Bridge and roads (started by former Governor James Ibori).

Others are: business and tourism, including the Delta State Industrial Power Project (IPP) on electricity, Asaba Cargo Airport and the Oleri/Ogwash/ Effurun tourist attraction.

The group regretted a civil service job sales fiasco, which allegedly rocked the past administrations.

It said: “It is on record that Delta State is battling ghost workers, but information not known to the public is that a company was given the contract to fish out the ghost workers.”

The group added: “In com-

•Okowa

plete disregard for due process of bidding, the contract was awarded for a staggering amount of N1.9 billion, with 60 per cent of the amount paid upfront. The N1.9 billion, when calculated, surpasses the amount to be paid to the ghost workers for the governor’s eight years’ rule.”

Ex-Rep Orhevba alleges attempt on his life

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FORMER House of Representatives member, Bishop Ezekiel Orhevba, has raised the alarm over alleged assassination attempt on his life by some gunmen.

The former lawmaker said the assailants came to his house at 2:30am on Wednesday and broke the front door leading to the sitting room.

He said, following police advice, he did not sleep at home that night.

Orhevba said the assailants left a written note on top of the table with an animal skull.

The note reads: “Master key is the answer to all

•Unidentified persons drop ‘juju’ in bishop’s home From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

closed-doors. You are lucky.

2:30am.”

The former lawmaker said his trouble started after he wrote a petition against a top official of the Federal Psychiatric Hospital at Uselu, Benin, to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Orhevba said he had been receiving threat calls and messages from strange persons since he wrote the petition.

The former lawmaker urged Inspector General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase and Edo State Police Commissioner to hold the psychiatric hospital official responsible, if anything happens to him and his family.

Also, a few days after the politician petitioned the police over an alleged ploy to kidnap and kill him over his

petition to President Muhammadu Buhari on the state of psychiatric hospital, two strange objects were discovered at the entrance and exit door to his home yesterday.

He said a statement was placed on the objects at the back, which reads: “Ancient juju from ancient shrine for Ezekiel Oise Orhevba. See and touch and die. If you have solution to all moves and attacks, you have no solution to this mother of all destructions.”

Orhevba said he had informed the police of the incidents and was waiting for their response.

He said: “I came from Abuja late last night and this morning (yesterday), it was people from outside who alerted me that something strange was there - which I will call juju. When the po-

lice come, they will give it a better name.

“I have an issue with some people at the Federal Psychiatric Hospital; I think they should know something about this.

“I have a petition against six people there. So, there are proofs; these are exhibits against them. They think they can stop me from going to the police and, maybe, opt out of the case so that they can walk as free men. But I am not deterred. Victory is sure.”

Orhevba urged President Buhari to save the psychiatric hospital at Uselu from what he called “its present irretrievably monumental rot”.

According to him, unless the President intervenes in the affairs of the over 50year-old hospital, chances are that “it will experience a total ruin and abandonment”.

Police arraign 12 for alleged cultism From Osagie Otabor, Benin

THE Edo State Police Command has arraigned 12 persons at an Oredo Magistrate’s Court for allegedly belonging to a cult group.

They were accused of belonging to Avarian Organisation (aka Eiye Confraternity), Neo-Black Movement, De Norsemen Kclubb, De Jurist and Bucanneer.

Police prosecutor Sylvester Omor told the court that the suspects were arrested on May 12, last year, at different parts of the state.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor said the offence is punishable under Section 64 (a) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 48, Vol. II, Laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria, now applicable to Edo State.

The Magistrate Mrs C. A. Nwoha granted the accused bail for N50,000 with a surety each who must a civil servant and live in Benin, the state capital.

She adjourned the matter till September 7 for hearing.

Delta not owing WAEC, says commissioner From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

THE Delta State Government has denied owing the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for the conduct of the 2014/2015 West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The examination body said recently that 19 of the 36 states were owing it N4 billion.

But Basic and Secondary Education Commissioner Chiedu Ebie said the state was not owing WAEC examination fees.

He said the government met its obligations to the examinations body in January.

The commissioner said the state paid N269,440,650.00 for the 23,397 candidates, who the state sponsored for the 2014/ 2015 examinations.

According to him, the present administration would never take steps to jeopardise the future of school children in the state.

Four undergraduates held in Rivers for ‘fraud, robbery’

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HE Rivers State Police Command has paraded three students of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) for alleged involvement in armed robbery in Choba/ Alakahia, Port Harcourt, the state capital, last month.

Nwachinemere Benjamine (24), Osaki Bob (22) and Reginald Sekibo (21) were reportedly arrested by men of the State Armed Robbery Squad (SARS) during an operation on July 28.

They were among the over 30 suspects the command paraded recently.

Also being held by the police is a 300-Level Computer Science undergraduate of the University of Lokoja, in Koji State, Precious Okwudili (26).

He allegedly defrauded a retired female teacher of N3 million under the pretence of ill-health.

Okwudili was said to have lied to his victim, a family friend, that he was diagnosed with a life-threatening heart disease and needed the money for an urgent surgery

•Monarch arrested for alleged cultism sponsorship From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

abroad.

The student confessed to the crime, saying the woman is his mother in the Lord.

He blamed his action on the devil.

The police said N812,000 was recovered from him.

Also, a monarch in Ogba/ Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area and two other leaders of the area were paraded for allegedly sponsoring cultism.

The has mRivers community s been enmeshed in cultism in the past years.

Many people have been killed in cult-related activities.

The monarch and his suspected accomplice were arrested in their homes on August 1 and 3 and have been in police detention.

Parading them with over 30 others suspects arrested for various offences, Police Commissioner Chris Ezike

‘

Ezike said the arrest of the community leaders had “opened a new chapter in the connivance, involvement and sponsorship of community keepers in culti

’

said the community leaders organised and taxed members of the community N1 million, which was donated to a “notorious” cult leader, Don-Wali, of the Icelander group.

Ezike said the arrest of the community leaders had “opened a new chapter in the connivance, involvement and sponsorship of community keepers in cultism”.

The police chief said the onslaught against criminals and their sponsors was part of the command’s “Project Rescue Rivers State” aimed at “restoring sanity and security to the state”.

He said the suspects would be charged to court.

On a police sergeant who killed a commercial driver in Port Harcourt, David Lagbaara, last Friday, Ezike said the killer cop had been dismissed and charged to court for murder, after being found guilty in an orderly room trial.

He said: “We are in touch with the family of the deceased driver, the National Union of Road Transport workers (NURTW) and other stakeholders, who have calmed the situation.

“The Force has taken actions pursuant to ensuring that justice is served. We know that these actions may not be enough to bring back their breadwinner but it will serve as a deterrent.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

‘When modular refineries are operated, they would be refining smaller quantities of crude oil, create jobs, and help grow the economy’ •Commander, JTF, Major-General Emmanuel Atewe

Agric Group assists farmers with N360b T

HE Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NAGB) has committed N360b to assist smallholder farmers, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sonny Echono, has said.

He said the funds would be used to boost agriculture in 22 states.

Echono, who spoke at the First Annual General Meeting of the group in Lagos, said the group has helped to foster economic growth in

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

Nigeria through the provision of take-off grants for smallholder farmers.

He said the investments will create jobs for youths, women, and uplift millions of farmers out of poverty.

He said: “Your recognition that smallholder farmers are the largest private sector group in Nigeria has helped to foster economic growth in rural Nigeria “as you provide guaranteed off-take markets for millions of

smallholder farmers across the country.

“Sixteen of you have committed to invest in agriculture and agribusiness across 22 states of Nigeria a total $1.8 billion (NGN 360 billion). Turning these commitment into real investments will undoubtedly help to create jobs for our teeming youth population and women and help to lift millions of farmers out of poverty.

“On this ground, we are together inaugurating the

Agribusiness Investment Inter-Ministerial (AIM) Working Group today (yesterday) as a show of our commitment in delivery on our promise to facilitate your investments from early stage and throughout the investment lifecycle.

“The AIM Working Group, our Project Delivery Team, will help to facilitate your investments and help to turn your commitments into real investments.”

Nigeria’s agriculture, he said, will be better posi-

tioned for inclusive growth together with the NABG. He said working with NABG, will ensure that there will be no lack of information dissemination going forward.

“We are better positioned for inclusive growth where small, medium and large farmer groups will co-exist to generate wealth for millions of Nigeria and the unemployed youths and women.

“We have ended the dominance of government and I am optimistic that the private

sector will lead Nigeria in restoring its past glory in agriculture.

“I am confident that the NABG will continue to play an important role in the new administration of H.E. President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. “I am confident that the group will continue to attract viable local and foreign direct investments into agriculture and agribusiness together with our Development Partners and other MDAs,” he said.

Budget 2015 : House to probe non-implementation of capital allocation

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HE House of Repre sentatives has set up an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate what it called, the “non-implementation of Capital budget and serial violation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.” Speaker of the House of Representatives said the Committee would investigate the level of implementation of the capital expenditure of the 2015 Appropriation Act. N556,995,465,449 was earmarked for capital expenditure in the 2015 budget, while N4.9 trillion was approved by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Hon. Ahmed Pategi (APCKwara) is the chairman of the Committee which is also to ascertain the performance of the Federal Ministry of Finance in carrying out its mandate as contained in the Appropriation Act, and section 30 (1,2) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007. The Committees report is expected to be submitted to the House on resumption which is about the last quarter of the 2015 financial year.

The resolution was sequel to the passage of a motion moved under privilege by Hon. Patrick Asadu (PDP, Enugu).

Asadu in the motion titled: “Non-Implementation of Capital Projects as Contained in the 2015 Appropriation Act; Federal Government Budget and Serial Breach of the Fiscal Responsibility Act by the Federal Ministry of Finance, and Threats to my Effective Representation of my Constituency,” requested for the investigation and determine the extent to which the budget was implemented and its effects on the nation’s economy.

He pointed out that the 1999 constitution, sections 80-83 clearly stipulates how monies belonging to the federal Republic of Nigeria can be kept and spent and clearly vests in the National Assembly the powers to appropriate monies for expenditure by government.

“By sections 81 and 82 of the 1999 constitution as amended, the federal Government expenditures must be either as direct charges on the constitution, as contained in the Appropriation Act or supple-

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

mentary Appropriation Acr where applicable, or as may be specifically prescribed by the National Assembly, while section 30(1) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, clearly mandates the Hon. Minister of Fi-

nance through the Budget Office, to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the annual budget, and assess the attainment of fiscal targets and report thereon on a quarterly basis to the Joint Finance Committee of the National Assembly, and to also publish same in the mass and elec-

tronic media not later than 30 days after the end of each quarter of the financial year,” he said.

The lawmaker further stated that “Since there has not being any constitutional amendment adjusting the financial year by the National Assembly nor has any pub-

lic announcement has been made by the Ministry of Finance in any mass and electronic media on the implementation of the budget and attainment of fiscal targets”, he said.

He noted that Section 81 and 82 of the 1999 constitution as amended, provides

that Federal Government expenditures must be either direct charges on the constitution, as contained in the Appropriation Act or Supplementary Appropriation Act while applicable or as may be specifically prescribed by the National Assembly.

12

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

BUSINESS NEWS

Senate raises panel to review aviation sector

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ORRIED by what it called a “worrisome and unstable position of the aviation industry, the Senate yesterday raised a committee to take a critical and holistic examination of the sector.

The decision followed a motion sponsored by Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah (Kebbi South) on “The worrisome and unstable position of the Nigerian aviation industry.”

Na’Allah said that the Senate should be worried that the growth and development of domestic airline operators in the country has remained stunted, praying the chamber to ensure total review of the extant laws which guide the operations of domestic and international airlines in the country.

He listed Sosoliso, Concord, Slok, Okada, Chanchangi as some of the airlines in the country that

• Upper Chamber begins six-week holiday From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

liquidated a few years after take-off.

In his contribution, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremmadu, said that despite the recent infrastructure upgrade carried out by the last administration on some major airports, Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport remains one of most ill-equipped in sub-Sahara Africa.

Ekweremmadu noted that “Nigerians are very active people, so our transport sector must be very active.”

He stressed that the need to sustain a national career at least for the image of the country.

Senator Shehu Sani

(Kaduna Central) also said that “a National Carrier is not just about the economy, it is the pride of the Nation.”

He urged the Senate to investigate all former interventions in the aviation sector.

Senator David Jonah Jang told the chamber that airline operators allegedly diverted the money meant for the resuscitation of the industry into other sectors, leaving their airlines in a state of comatose.

The investigation committee is to be headed by Senator Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano Central), while others members are: senators Chukwuka Utazi, Bala Na’Alla, and Akanbi Adesoji and Stella Odua (Anambra North.

Meanwhile the Senate adjourned plenary to resume on September 29, 2015.

The upper chamber resumed plenary on July 28 from their July 25 adjournment.

The Senator had earlier adjourned plenary of two previous occasions after their controversial inauguration of June 9th, 2015.

Senate Leader Mohammed Ali Ndume, however described the six week recess as normal. He said that the upper legislative chamber used to adjourn for eight weeks, but they decided to go for only six weeks.

He said that no meaning should be read into the recess because it was not unusual.

On their moved to amend the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Act, Ndume said that it was meant to block all the loopholes of leakages in the Act.

Registered SIM cards will be restored, says NCC

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UBSCRIBER Identifica tion Modules (SIM) cards deactivated by operators would be restored, if the owners had them properly registered, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has said.

Many affected subscribers have inundated the regulator with questions, seeking clarification as to the status of their phone numbers. The NCC has however stressed that only those subscribers who register their SIM cards properly will have them reactivated.

In a statement yesterday, NCC Director of Communication, Tony Ojobo, said the clarification became necessary following the deluge of enquiries at the Commission some of which alluded to the impression that their SIM cards have been withdrawn permanently. “This is not the situation,” Ojobo, said, adding that the deactivation exercise and decision was a result of a meeting with the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Department of State Service (DSS), the NCC and operators “after which the operators were given oneweek to deactivate those unregistered and improperly registered SIM cards.”

He said the operators were “specifically told that those subscribers whose lines were not registered and have not made any effort to register them,

By Lucas Ajanaku

should be communicated before deactivation, pointing out that the deactivation of these SIM cards was in line with that meeting.

“Subscribers who fail to register properly will have their lines deactivated, but those who comply will have them reactivated,” Ojobo said.

He explained that proper registration means “a subscriber’s facial pictures, properly captured, biometrics/finger prints, valid means of identification and address, among others,” adding that these are part of the security measures to check incessant cases of crimes with the use of mobile phones.

“People hide under anonymity to commit crimes because their lines are not registered, but all that has to change as the network operators have been told what to do,” he said.

As he put it, “the ultimatum to deactivate unregistered SIM card expired on Tuesday this week. But enquires as to the status of the SIM cards necessitated this statement,” adding that operators were told among others to ensure compliance of all registration with the Data Dictionary, Technical Specifications on Finger prints and facial images and the business rules agreed by all stakeholder.

NCAA may clamp down on debtor airlines • From left: Area Manager, Festac, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Henry Owie; Head, Retail Banking Group, Mrs. Nkolika Okoli; Winner of one Million Naira Reach for the Skye Millionaire Promo, Mr. Donatus Okoro and Head, Customer Engagement, Skye Bank Plc, Mrs. Yewande Soyannwo, at the draws of the Reach for the Skye Millionaire Promo in Lagos…yesterday.

Cement Company of Northern Nigeria declares N1.918b profit C EMENT Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN) Plc (Sokoto Cement), a subsidiary of BUA Group, has declared a profit after tax (PAT) of N1.918 billion for the 2014 financial year. This represents a 23.05 per cent increase from a PAT of N1.559 billion in 2013.

Speaking at the company’s 36th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja, the Chairman of CCNN Plc, Mr. Abdulsamad Rabiu, said despite lower cement sales recorded in the last quarter of 2014 mainly due to pockets of unrest in CCNN Plc’s business markets, the company’s focus on efficiency and strategic investments resulted in steady growth during this period.

Rabiu said from a high of N2.77 billion in 2013, CCNN Plc’s production and operational expenses significantly

• BUA supports govt’s sugar policy

By Chikodi Okereocha

declined to N2.40b in 2014.

Shareholders were also apprised about notable developments the company took in the financial year, including CCNN Plc’s proposed N48b cement plant expansion, which will modernise production facilities and raise the company’s output to 2.0 million metric tonnes of cement annually.

Other business of the day included an amendment of articles 117 and 119 as contained in CCNN Plc’s Articles of Association, which saw shareholders assent to changes in reportage of financial results as well as the recognition of electronic

mail addresses respectively.

Analysts expect BUA Group, CCNN Plc’s chief shareholder to further boost revenue in 2015, with the coming on stream of its three million metric tonne Obu Cement plant in Southern Nigeria.

Ms Adetutu Adegbayibi, an Investment Research Analyst at Meristem Securities anticipates that CCNN Plc’s figures for 2015 could show a PAT of N1.94 billion, 1.93 per cent higher than 2014.

Established in 1962, CCNN Plc, which is one of Nigeria’s oldest cement companies, produces and markets cement under the brand name ‘Sokoto Cement’. The company also runs the only ce-

ment plant in North-West Nigeria. Its primary catchment areas are Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, and Kaduna States.

Nigeria’s food and infrastructure conglomerate BUA Group, has reaffirmed its commitment to implement the Federal Government’s backward integration policy in the sugar industry through its sugar subsidiary, BUA Sugar.

BUA Group operates a state-of-the-art sugar refinery in Lagos and plans to commission its second mega sugar refinery in PortHarcourt, the Rivers State capital, by the end of this year. The combined capacity of these two refineries of around 1.5million metric tonnes/year will make BUA Group the largest single refiner of sugar within Nigeria.

Tambuwal advocates no waiver for rice importation

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OKOTO State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has observed that local rice production is being hampered by the current waiver enjoyed by importers of the commodity, calling on the federal government to phase it out.

The governor spoke yesterday in Sokoto when he received the new Customs

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

Area Controller for Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states, Alhaji Muhammad Kabir while on a courtesy call on him in his office.

According to Tambuwal” the current waiver regime being enjoyed by rice importers is grossly hampering local production of the com-

modity and should be phased out.”

He noted that preliminary studies undertaken showed that despite efforts to boost local rice production, unfavourable government policies especially with regards to waiver to importers, coupled with other policies, is proving to be impediment to states’ objectives to achieve local self-sufficiency.

Tambuwal further reiterated the fact that the quality of rice produced locally is of international standard and far better than many of the ones imported into the country.

He said the state government will continue to support farmers in rice producing areas by ensuring that they acquire standard modern facilities that will process their produce.

T

HE Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has concluded plans to clamp down on airlines that have made it a duty to withhold the regulatory body’s mandatory five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC ).

The NCAA boss, Captain Muhtar Usman stated this yesterday at the maiden interaction of all the public relations/information managers of all the parastatals and agencies in the aviation industry.

He said the TSC is a charge on tickets made to passenger for the agencies collected in trust by the NCAA and shared among the organisations, Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) as well as the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET).

This monies, he further said are charged to passengers and collected by airlines to be remitted to the custodians, NCAA for accurate percentile disbursement this is till any of the agency is privatised when it shall stop receiving from part of the fund.

However, these monies , he said are not being remitted by some airlines who have owed the government hundreds of millions over the years and the NCAA intends to stamp the full hammer on such airlines.

The authority , he said will be part of the name and shame game by com-

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

plementing its position with paid advertorial in five national newspapers as final warning to consistent defaulters.

He said, “We are now ready to commence recrimination of the debtor airlines according to the provision of the law.”

He was however miffed by rumours making the round by debtors about the fund “I wish to use this opportunity to correct a serious misconception been sold to the public by some airlines. NCAA has reports that some airlines are purporting the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge is being paid to us from their earnings. This they say is adversely affecting their operations.”

“This is absolutely false and a misrepresentation.

The Ticket Sales Charge is content charged in the ticket sold to passengers.

The airlines role is to collect and remit to the regulatory authority.”

“Let me again refer to section 12 (1) of the Civil Aviation Act.2006 which says that “there shall continue to be a five per cent air ticket contract, charter and cargo sales charge to be collected by the airlines and paid over to the Authority.”

The NCAA boss said that the regulators will continue to progressively strengthen its oversight responsibilities to entrench safe and secure air transportation in the country.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

13

THE NATION

BUSINESS BRANDS & MARKETING

e-mail: adedejiademigbuji@yahoo.com /mobile line: 08131075667

A new social campaign on Chibok girls, Boko Halal (education is good), has been launched by Noah’s Ark, a creative agency.

With the hashtag #Put Yourself in Their Shoes, it allows individuals to empathise with the girls and their families by uploading their faces behind a veil with a mobile image-resizing app designed by the initiator. ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI reports.

Campaign uses veil to call for Chibok girl’s release

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OAH’S Ark has embarked on another cause-marketing campaign for the Chibok girls this year. The agency’s trajectory last year with Boko Halal campaign, “Yes, We are Boko Halal”, was rejected by traditional media, perhaps, for fear of having their offices in the North attacked by the insurgents.

This time around, the agency is putting faces of President Muhammadu Buhari, his Chadian and Cameroonian counterparts, Idris Derby and Paul Biya, behind a pudah or veil, made by a mobile image-resizing app, in an attempt to deepen the campaign with the theme: #Putyourselfintheirshoes.

“Like we did to these leaders by putting them in the shoes of the missing Chibok girls and their families as a way of sharing their pains and calling other leaders to action to save them, Nigerians can also go to the app to put their faces behind the pudah, as a way of showing empathy and continue the BringBackOurGirls campaign,” said the Group Managing Director, Noah’s Ark, Mr. Lanre Adisa.

A daring effort by an advertising agency, the campaign has been archived in the Ads of The World (AoTW), the world’s largest advertising archive and community showcasing creative adverts from around the world, barely a week after it was released. It generated about 2,358 views within one week on Youtube, as at last check by The Nation on Wednesday, while conversations about the campaign continues to heighten on AdsoftheWorld.com and Youtube.

With the failure of the print media to deliver the needed impact last year, the agency has fully embraced digital media to spread the campaign. Some of the platforms are twitter, YouTube and mobile app to deepen conversation and engage various demography.

Adisa said the decision to approach the Chibok Girls issue through an advertisement campaign was borne out of the concern for the girls and their parents who, for over a year, have been in agony on the whereabouts of their children.

It would be recalled that the girls’ campaign, hashtag #BringBackOurGirls went viral last year, attracting high-profile political figures such as the First Lady of the United States (US), Mrs. Michelle Obama; former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, who endorsed the social media campaign. But the conversation on social media didn’t lead to any political action.

With the new creative vigour employed by Noah’s Ark this year, Adisa believes President Buhari has put some measures in place to see that the girls are rescued, and that more still needs to be done by the international community, and especially, the corporate world in terms of sustaining the momentum and the awareness that nearly 300 souls are still missing and are somewhere out there expecting to be rescued one day.

Perhaps, this is why the agency, image-resizing that mobile app is meant to make everyone put their faces behind the pudah, like those of the three presidents-Buhari,

• Mortar with a rocket launcher

Derby and Biya, whose countries are strategic to curbing the activities of the insurgency to show empathy for the missing girls and their families.

The three presidents have continued to share intelligence on ways to curb the activities of the insurgency just as it is expected of every Nigerian, Chadian and Cameroonian to assist the government in any capacity to save the missing girls.

However, the print campaign material is designed in three different formats. The posters show the pictures of three African presidents, Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, Idris Derby of Chad and Paul Biya of Cameroon, all wearing veils to depict the Islamic religious coloration of the crisis.

It also displays flyers where there

• Grenade on grinding stone

are just figures of veils without faces, symbolising that the kidnapped girls could just be anybody’s daughter, hence the need for all to demand that something urgent be done to effect their release; while the third print material are stickers with faceless veils in black on white background.

According to the firm’s Creative Director, Bolaji Alausa, the online materials are equally potent, as the pictures paint sad reminders of the precarious situation of the girls in captivity.

One is a photograph of a traditional grinding stone with a hand grenade on it, a symbol of feminine action in limbo, while the second photograph shows a mortar with a rocket launcher in place of the pestle, also portraying what other uses some of the girls may have been

put into.

Meanwhile, the agency is also involving the Muslim communities in the fight by going to popular mosques to encourage Muslim scholars to preach against terrorism.

An online video campaign was designed to awaken the consciousness of the Muslim community to show more pragmatic concern on the matter. It shows a scene in a mosque where they hide the shoes Muslims usually leave behind at the mosque entrance while praying. When they finished the prayers they began to look for the shoes. It was then they were reminded of the missing girls and the need to spare some minutes in prayers for them. The import is that if we can be concerned with the loss of mere pairs of shoes, which we can buy in the market, how come the seeming apathy to-

‘Like we did to these leaders by putting them in the shoes of the missing Chibok girls and their families as a way of sharing their pains and calling other leaders to action to save them, Nigerians can also go to the app to put their faces behind the veil, as a way of showing empathy and continue the BringBackOurGirls campaign’

wards the missing of about 300 girls? Food for thought!

With 22 likes and no dislike, the Noah’s Ark cause related campaign, is hopeless but prays that the girls will return.

But the online conversations showed that the world has not forgotten the girls.

“Hashtag slacktivism didn’t work, so let’s try praying? Maybe if that doesn’t work we could try wishing on a shooting star!,” said Jebus 484 pencils on Aug 07, at 22:47. Another commentator, Keith Charnley, on Youtube campaign said: “The greatest challenge will be when the survivors eventually return to their communities - if they ever can. The Army is doing its best under good leadership. It is criminal what happened in northern Nigeria. I dread to think what the brave soldiers will find once they move on the camp or camps where the girls are held.”

Whether the campaign works or not, the truth is that all efforts to get the girls back have proved futile aft0er 486 days in captivity, but it is good that an ad agency is spending its resources to show care and concern for the girls, by calling people to action.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

14

Brandnews

Digital marketing to hit $10b by 2020

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IGERIA’S digital marketing may hit $10 billion by 2020, the Executive Vice President, Digital of Porter Novelli, a global network of public relations firms, Mr Jesse Soleil, has said.

He said the value of the platform stands at $2 billion, hence, brands and marketing communications practitioners must incorporate it in their marketing strategies.

However, Soleil said his network has made some achievements in its digital marketing campaigns because it focused on the needs and behaviours of its target audience.

During a working visit to Nigeria, Soleil said he observed that the major factor inhibiting the growth of digital marketing is how marketing communication practitioners treat digital marketing.

He said: “Many marketing communication practitioners focus on the wrong indices – reach, impressions etc. – paying little or no attention to their target audience and what they want. We have to remember that digital marketing is still marketing and putting the digital in front of it doesn’t stop it from being marketing, and think about what the audience wants.”

He called on practitioners to switch from traditional methods by focusing on the behaviours of our target audience on the mobile, social, and digital media platforms

Electronic collection made easy

S • Maduegbuna Stories by Adedeji Ademigbuji

and design strategies that take cognisance of these behaviours to deliver on their objectives and grow the industry.

Soleil said the future of marketing communications depends on the seamless integration of digital marketing into marketing communication and the use of live experiences to inspire audiences to take desired actions.

He further said public relations

•Soleil

professionals must understand how the digital media work and structure their content to fit these platforms for the successful delivery of campaigns.

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, C&F Porter Novelli, Nn’emeka Maduegbuna, said C&F Porter Novelli realises that the importance of digital media in executing marketing communication campaigns, which informed the capacity building for its staff in digital marketing.

Efritin.com unveils classified Ad platform

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FRITIN.COM, a new online classified platform, has launched a classified advert marketplace for buyers and sellers to exchange used items.

The Chief Operating Officer, Saltside Technologies, Efritin.com parent company, Mr. Babak Tighnavard, said while Saltside Technologies was founded to build leading online marketplaces in underserved markets, creating sustainable value for the community, Efritin.com has over 50 various items that Nigerians can buy or sell.

“From mobile phones and home

appliances to property and car, Efritin.com aims at disrupting how classifieds are done in Nigeria by addressing a key issue of trust and offering the additional convenience of delivery. The tenacious and growing team is poised to make Efritin.com the number 1 online marketplace for used goods in Nigeria, where they can find great deals on almost everything,” he said.

A Manager of the company, Mr. Zakaria Hersi, said part of their success story of doing things locally in each market gave rise to the name ‘Efritin.com’ meaning ‘Eve-

rything’ in pidgin language.

He further said Efritin is focused on providing a safer platform for buyers and sellers to meet and exchange their items. It focuses on used items because of the trading culture of Nigerians, the high volume of offline marketplaces and the large economy around unused goods.

He added that Efritin’s team places high value on offering a safer platform, adding that it is for this that sellers must verified on their platform within 48 hours of posting an advert before it goes live.

Ovaltine, DHL Express to donate to IDPs in Yola

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WININGS Ovaltine Nigeria Limited and DHL Express have partnered to donate Ovaltine food drinks to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the Yola Camp in Adamawa State.

The General Manager, Twinings Ovaltine Nigeria Limited, Mr. Enrico Liggeri, and his DHL counterpart, Mr. Randy Buday said the two firms were leveraging on the deal to boost their Corporate Social Responsibil-

ity (CSR) initiatives.

At a briefing in Lagos, Liggeri said as corporate citizens, both firms recognised that this was the right time to respond to the plight of the IDPs because they required their support.

He said Twinings Ovaltine was touched by the displaced persons’ need for highly nutritious food, especially children, nursing mothers and aged people to keep them

strong and healthy as the government continue efforts for their permanent resettlement.

Liggeri praised DHL Express for assisting with the transportation of the consignments of Ovaltine products from Lagos to Yola.

Also, the Managing Director of DHL Express Nigeria, Mr. Randy Buday, said DHL Nigeria was pleased to support the initiative by Ovaltine.

OAAN gets new president

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HE Outdoor Advertising Agency of Nigeria (OAAN) has elected a new president.

He is Mr Babatunde Idowu Adedoyin.

He replaces Mr. Charles Chijide who has completed his tenure.

Chijide marked his exit after an election with the inauguration of the association’s house.

Adedoyin is the Managing Director of Media View Limited.

Adedoyin won after polling 47 votes to beat Mr. Ladi Sole of Uniksites Nigeria Limited who polled 11 votes.

Other members of the new executive are Vice President, Mr. Emma Ajufo; General Secretary, Femi Ogala; Treasurer, Atilola Williams;

ELLING is incomplete until you have received cash for goods sold or services rendered. However, collecting payment can sometimes be cumbersome. Buyers do not always want to pay on time. Sellers do not always find it easy collecting payment for goods delivered.

Particularly, as revenue continues to decline, sellers – and this include SMEs, government, corporations and e-commerce sites – that regularly interface with customers, are having hard times collecting payment.

Nevertheless, to get your dues, you need to reinvent yourself. Otherwise, you would be holding the short-end of the stick. You would make sales without making money. You would be all motion and no movement. That is bad news.

That is why the company I work for is interested in new ways to collect payment. I am keenly interested because I am involved in all the debts and it is in my best interest to recover the debts.

Some clients owe our company. I wonder if this electronic collection option would be of great assistance. These debtors would have paid, mind you, but they are simply not motivated.

Why they are not motivated?

They are experiencing declining revenue. Reasons for that could be several factors.

One of these is unfriendly economic environment, which has made it compelling to explore alternative approaches to shoring up revenue. This is why I think the electronic collection option is a good choice. The Systemspecs electronic payment platform, Remita, which offer six pay-

Publicity Secretary, Obi Nnaobi and Mr. Tunde Oyekan as the Assistant General Secretary. The ExOfficio members are Modupe Lawuyi, Bidwell Okere, and Churchill Nwagwu.

A member of the American Marketing Association, Adedoyin attended Middlesex Polytechnic (now Middlesex University), Hendon, London where he bagged Higher National Certificate in Marketing Communication in 1980.

According to Chijide, the completion and opening of the OAAN House is a major achievement, adding: “I really commend the foresight of all my predecessors as they are all men of high-level foresight and they played commendable

•Adedoyin

roles both at different times when they had the opportunity to serve and collectively after their terms to ensure that the dream to have our own House is realised.”

ment options, would suit most companies, either small or big, in terms of electronic collection.

What more could you ask for, with the platform your clients could pay directly into your bank account at the branch level, through internet banking, through point of sales terminal, through debit or credit card, through mobile wallet and micro finance banks.

Outside of this, I do not know what else you need to do in order to motivate your debtors to pay you. For me, our company has signed up for the Remita options. I am happy about the results.

In the same vein, I am aware that several ministries, agencies and departments have joined the platform. As a result, the federal government through the MDAs has increased its collection channels at almost zero cost, got access to reliable and verifiable data planning, improved service delivery and ultimately improved revenue.

Treasury Single Account received a boost because Remita, as several billion of Naira (I do not have the exact figure) have been collected on the platform.

Besides, revenue collection through this platform occurs 168 hours and not 35 hours a week.

That is value add if you ask me.

With the above electronic collection avenues, there are enough payment options to choose. If your debtor still refuses to pay you after you have deployed these alternatives, you will definitely need to visit “kilometre 46” on Ibadan Expressway for divine intervention. May be that would make electronic collection easy for you. Just may be.

Harpic unveils new campaign, brand ambassador

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ARPIC has introduced a new campaign tagged: “Harpic All-in-One.” At a briefing in Ikeja, Lagos, where the campaign and the brand ambassador Helen Paul were unveiled, Reckitt Benckiser’s Marketing Director West Africa Mr. Oguzhan Silivrili said the goal of the campaign was to enlighten consumers on the superiority of Harpic over other toilet cleaning agents.

Silivrili said: “We know that consumers want products that can remove tough stains, kill germs and freshen their toilets. This is why you see some people buying detergent, bleach and toilet fresheners for their toilet. This campaign is good news to such consumers.

They will realise they can conserve their cash for other things since they do not need to buy three different products for their toilets.

Now, they can get all they need in one product- Harpic.”

Silivrili restated the choice of Paul as Brand Ambassador, saying it informed the strong premium the brand manager places on the importance of educating and informing consumers.

He said: “So, we had to dig deep and based on consumer preferences through research to identify a special celebrity whose character is congruent with our brand. We all will agree that Helen Paul will create great impact in the minds of all our consumers with her double personality profiles that made her the ideal candidate to reach out to different facets of our consumers in this campaign and beyond.”

Paul expressed her joy to the firm for the gesture.

The Marketing Manager Harpic, RB West Africa, Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi Omotola, said in the last few years, Harpic has been in the forefront of educating Nigerians on toilet cleanliness and hygiene.

THE NATION FRIDAY AUGUST 14, 2015

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

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For subsistence farmers in rain-scarce areas of the country, micro irrigation can make the difference between hand-to-mouth survival and being able to grow an agro-allied business. DANIEL ESSIET reports.

Micro irrigation transforming small farms F

ARMERS face the challenge of low yields nationwide.

This is attributed largely to poor access to water, which forces them to rely mostly on rain-fed crops. In the North, farmers grow rain-fed staple crops such as millet, but enjoy a rainy season lasting between three and six months.

Rainfall is highly variable, which makes the crops susceptible to climatic condition resulting in low returns.

The experience is not restricted to the North, it is the same in the South-West. It is one of the challenges of the Chief Executive of XRay Farms Consulting, Afioluwa Mogaji, popularly known as African farmer, who has always dreamt of the day he will escape a laborious farming life.

As a small holder farmer, water and labour shortages are Mogaji’s key challenges. Their absence result in hard toil. In the course of his business, Mogaji has met two kinds of farmers — those with access to irrigation and those without. The difference between the two is clear. Those with drip irrigation, or sprinklers invariably are reaping rich harvests and profits. But the vast majority of Nigerian farmers, fall into the second camp: they water their crops with water from wells or rivers.

These farmers seem to live from crop cycle-to-crop cycle. Their problem is water supply and the solution is irrigation. While the traditional irrigation control system is available, it is costly and complex.

Though such system covers hectares of farmlands, it costs millions and so too expensive for farmers such as Mogaji. Besides, it is not economical for small farmers with few acres of farmland to purchase such systems. The promotion of lowcost, small-scale irrigation equipment could be the solution.

What won him over was a drip irrigation system designed for small farms like him.Apart from being three to four times cheaper than normal systems, low cost system increases crop yield, quality and consistency, while using less water per unit of land — benefiting farmers, consumers and the planet.

Also, the average purchase price is N100,000 or less. Mogaji, who bought some, said the advantage is that they are mobile and can be shifted from one field to the other.

He said one system can work on one acre and move to the other after a few hours. He described them as shift able drip systems. They can last for as long as 12 years.

For farmers, irrigation represents a major expenditure of labour and time; some may spend more than half-a-day hauling water to farms.

Providing them with a lower cost solution with increased efficiency, helps to bring down the cost of production to thousands of families and get them out of poverty. African farmers explained that micro irrigation is the way to go because it is affordable for farmers.

Mogaji said low-cost drip systems tailored to the needs of poor farmers have begun to spread. These include rain gun and bucket drip irrigation system. He added, however, that the system is limited to some extent. This is because it is best used on fields of one acre or less.

Compared to the high-tech systems that are so complex, he said the micro system are easy to use, adding that the technology allows farmers to customise irrigation to

• Micro irrigation

• Igbokwe

• Mogaji

different parts of a single field.

He has experimented with micro irrigation equipment, which to his delight, cut by half, his effort and the quantum of water needed, while increasing the output from his farm.

In some cases, micro irrigation systems have reduced the amount of water needed to cultivate an acre of land by 50 per cent, and have been shown to improve yields by more than 40 per cent and offer input cost savings of about 30 per cent.

They also allow for year-round farming, which means that farmers don’t have to uproot families and migrate to other places during the dry season. The overall result has reduced dependence on flood irrigation and increased the opportunity for farmers to earn more steady incomes.

He has seen farmers whose fortunes have changed dramatically after installing drip-irrigation equipment as it helps them irrigate their land with far less water, and reap substantial increases in yields.

The Project Director, Cassava Adding to Africa (CAVA), Prof Kola Adebayo, told The Nation that there is need for farmers to use irrigation water to supplement rainfall in agricultural production systems. This must be determined by soil type and other factors.

His concern is that most small farmers who constitute the bulk of the farming production, cannot grow crops throughout the year due to insufficient rainfall and are un-

able to afford existing irrigation systems which are either too expensive or complicated to use.

He said however, that there are efficient low-cost small-scale irrigation technologies designed for farmers with land holdings of a hectare or less.

The technology, he explained, enables farmers to efficiently irrigate and grow crops and boost their farming income. In water-short areas, he said farmers can take advantage of micro irrigation system to increase their irrigated land area instead of reducing groundwater withdrawals.

For him, it is about yield and farm-

ers are getting more crops per drop and at the same time applying less water to the field.

Irrigation advocate, Chidiebere Igbokwe, said farmers in Kano, Enugu, Plateau, Niger, Lagos, Osun, Abia and Ogun are using drip irrigation.

For example, he said there is an on-going a multi-hectare plantain plantation project in Enugu State that will use drip irrigation. Also in Jos, more small scale farmers are giving drip irrigation a trial.

On why many farmers are not using the drip irrigation kits on their farms despite its potential to increase output, Igbokwe said people tend to use what they know about.

His words: “In the absence of awareness of its existence or lack of knowledge about the ease of affordability, how can farmers put them to use? Some farmers do not know that there are smaller drip irrigation kits that they can apply to their small farms of say 100 square meters to even a hectare. Another reason is that some farmers cannot afford to pay as much as N50,000 at once to purchase a small kit without subsidy. Even in the government agricultural transformation agenda (ATA), you cannot see the display or mention of drip irrigation kits being introduced to farmers. Their concern is on large dam irrigation as if the programme was only for the briefcase farmers.”

He stressed that drip irrigation is very affordable. His words: “They

are priced according to their specifications and area of coverage. You can get a kit as low as N25,000 and as high as N2 million. They come in sizes ranging from 30, 100,150,250,500,1000,2500 square meters to one hectare. For example a hectare drip irrigation solution for a plantain plantation can cost as low as N1.2 Million.” On whether it adds to the cost of production or making farming profitable, Igbokwe said the initial investment in drip irrigation could be recouped at the 1st season or as the venture goes on.

“Most drip kits which come as a complete package in a box excluding water storage tank last more than 10 years and needs little or no maintenance if the standard operating instruction by the manufacturers is followed. For example, a kit of N55-60,000 will cover a farm with 1500 stands of pepper plants which can yield 180,000 fruits @ 12 fruits per stand and at a net sales of N360,000.

With this picture you can see that it is very profitable to invest in drip irrigation kits. Do not forget that farming is not a magic money machine rather it’s an investment that must be followed till it starts yielding profit.”

If the government subside drip irrigation, he said farmers having small land holdings in rain-fed areas can raise crops and earn decent incomes.

For watchers, Nigeria is a fastgrowing drip-irrigation market.

There are concerns, however, that the pace of rapid agricultural growth could be undermined by plummeting levels of its water tables. Some farmers have abandoned their farm activities owing to shortage of labour and irrigation water.

With introduction of micro irrigation, a lot of farmers may revive farm activities and adopt modern agriculture practices to boost production.

Micro irrigation not only supply required quantum of water to crops but also prevent growth of weeds, and reduce labour in farm work.

Very limited labour force would be sufficient to man the farm till harvesting.

Experts are worried that Nigeria is wrestling with double-digit food price inflation, fuelled by a combination of higher input costs – including rising labour costs – and growing demand for higher-value food items by an increasingly affluent population. However, drip irrigation is a proven solution to both of these challenges.

BATNF lifts Ote farmers’ spirit with materials

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O promote sustainable development in the rural areas, through agriculture, the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), has flagged off Cycle 2 of its BATNF-Ote Community Cassava Enterprise Valuechain Development Project.

The occasion which held at the project farm, Ojutaye Village, Ote in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State, was highlighted by the distribution of agricultural farm inputs to some farmers in the locality.

In his opening remarks, the Managing Director, Kwara State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), Dr. Sunday Atanda, thanked the BATNF for providing support to small-

holder farmers in Ote. He noted that the project, which the Kwara State Agricultural Development Project is the implementing partner, is a collaborative effort in bringing the much-needed assistance to the 30 selected small-holder cassava farmers in the community through land preparation, trainings, inputs distribution and market linkages which are very critical to the sustainability of the project.

He enjoined the farmers to be committed to the project so as to have the desired and expected results at the end of the season.

He assured them that if they “Work hard and produce the expected tonnage per hectare, with

the support of BATNF, we will identify markets to sell your produce to.” He said this would further “Encourage the Foundation to support other smallholder farmers in other local government councils.”

Delivering an address on behalf of the Foundation’s General Manager, Ms Abimbola Okoya, the foundation’s Project Manager, Remi Adewole, said that the gathering of the dignitaries, benefitting farmers and community attests to the premium value of the project. He lauded the smallholder farmers for their unwavering commitment in ensuring that the set goals of the Foundation, such as poverty alleviation and wealth creation, are met.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Talks on cashew development strategy Experts seek investment in integrated transportation system S

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ONSULTANT to the World Bank Prof Abel Ogunwale has called for investments in refrigerated railways cargo infrastructure to take care of the growing volume of perishable agro exports.

Ogunwale of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, said this has become necessary as demand for perishables grow and transportation of agro cargo through other modes of transportation has become more expensive.

According to him, inefficiencies, from the farm gate to the port of exit, increased logistics expenses and travel times affect trade in perishable goods.

He said the roads are feeling the effects of expanding trade in chilled

Stories by Daniel Essiet

and frozen agro cargoes, and that the government should support infrastructure improvements to better handle time- and temperature-sensitive commodities.

Conventional rail terminals, he noted, are typically designed to allow trains stop and discharge passengers and goods, advising that there is need to create cold storage facilities within the terminal area.

He urged the government to construct massive refrigerated terminals and warehouses that could handle unit trains, adding that the economy is ripe for a refrigerated intermodal transportation service to move containers packed with fresh produce.

He said there was need to improve the reliability of refrigerated rail service so shippers can entrust

perishables to the railroads.

President, National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), Mr. Tola Faseru said considerable investments are necessary for railways to accommodate intermodal containers coming from the ports and roads.

According to him, turnaround times and proper handling of agro produce by ports should be high on the list of priorities, as slowsteaming continues to have a negative effect on perishable shipments.

He said a supply chain with road and rail links, ports and cold storage facilities in proximity to one another which favour fresh produce farmers.

He noted that poor quality of rural roads means high transport costs for farmers. Time delays, according to him, could lead to major product losses for producers.

TAKEHOLDERS from the government, private sector, international community and the civil society,are meeting in Ilorin next week to draw up a development plan for cashew.

The worshop which aims to develop a holistic plan to revamp the industry will encourage business competitiveness and environmental sustainability in the industry.

Scheduled for August 17 and 18, the programme will be hosted by the African Cashew Alliance (ACA) in collaboration with the USAID Nigeria Expanded Trade and Transport Project (NEXTT) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

The USAID West Africa Trade Hub Network Project (THN) is the sole sponsor for the event.

A statement from NEXTT said the aim of the workshop is to increase the competitiveness of cashew processing by actively involving processors in training sessions. The sessions will cover issues of business competitiveness and environmental sustainability which are crucial to the future of the industry. The training sessions will cover essential technical aspects for processing business competitiveness, such as cost-- controlling, productivity and efficiency, market information systems, food

safety regulations, and policy advocacy.

The participating processors will then have the chance to discuss local challenges and draw up action plans for the Nigerian cashew sector.

According to the statement, issued by Communications Specialist, Ayo Okulaja, the workshop will include the launch of a new environmental study for the cashew industry which was prepared by USAID’s Trade Hub Network project.

Another highlight is the feature of a panel of cashew industry experts to consider the study and hear from the Nigerian Cashew Committee on the ongoing development of a national strategy, originally devised in October last year to increase local business competitiveness.

With processors as their main audience, the statement said industry experts will contribute to a dynamic workshop agenda aimed at strengthening the processing sector.

Business Advisory Manager at ACA, Sunil Dahiya, said: “By building local capacities and facilitating PPP dialogue for prompt cashew policy advocacy within the country, this workshop will do much to further the long— term sustainability and vitality of the cashew industry.”

Call for women empowerment

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• Ambassador of Finland to the Federal Republic of Nigeria Pirjo Suomela-Chowdhury (middle) during a courtesy visit to theInternational Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA),Ibadan. With her are IITA’s Deputy DirectorGeneral,Partnerships and Capacity Development, Dr Kenton Dashiell and Ms Emmi Mwanzagi.

Lagos empowers rice farmers with inputs

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AGOS State Government through the Ministry of Agriculture has again empowered rice farmers in the state with inputs support ranging from land preparation, seeds, fertiliser and water pumps to boost production during this dry season farming.

Speaking at a programme to flagoff this year’s dry season rice farming and distribution of agricultural inputs and small irrigation scheme equipment at Itoikin Rice field, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olajide Bashorun, disclosed that the programme is aimed at boosting rice production.

“The administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode believes that governance should shift to the community hence the distribution of inputs support ranging from land preparation, seeds, fertiliser and water pumps; this will not only boost production but also bring about effective and efficient rice production thereby increasing the production of rice in the state” he said.

Bashorun noted that among the very prime value chains that Lagos State has comparative and competitive advantage is rice value chain, stressing that the state government places premium on this

value chain including others like Vegetables, Poultry and fisheries chains.

The Permanent Secretary who was represented by the General Manager, Lagos State Agric Input Supply Authority, Mr. Bolaji Balogun, pointed out that the event is symbolic especially against the backdrop of farmers often depending on Rainfed Agriculture, adding that since the state has an Ogun/ Oshun River basin authority, the need to maximise the water resource to aid all year round farming cannot be overemphasised.

“Rice is an area that Lagos State can demonstrate enormous capacity with support from OgunOshun and FADAMA III project additional financing, we can put more line into rice twice or thrice a year and move the annual gig of rice from two tonnes to Six tonnes”, he said.

According to Bashorun, farmers are contributing towards ensuring food security in the state and one of the primary goals of the state government, is to ensure that the state is food secured and can substantially meet its food demand.”We also know that rice

has become a major stable food in the state and in a situation where the country is spending on the average a billion naira monthly to import rice and 365 billion yearly, its high time we became dependent on rice production and rice utilisation market is guarantee as Lagos is one of the states in the federation that has put in place a modern rice mill machine”, he posited.

TRENGTHENING of women farmers is key to a successful agricultural growth and rural development, a social entrepreneur, Abigail Anaba, has said.

Anaba, an associate with Agro Nigeria, said building a group of successful women agri-food entrepreneurs that provide role models will contribute to economic growth and improvement of rural income and food security.

She called on women in agriculture and institutions to support the empowerment of farmers, particularly in agri-business activities.

Recognising that, women are responsible about 80 per cent of food production, Anaba said the national objective should be to strengthen inclusive growth, employment generation and sustainable livelihoods for women producers and agri-business entrepreneurs.

To this end, she urged relevant institutions to work with government and other stakeholders to support women farmers with incentives to enable reap the benefits of profitable agriculture.

She quoted Michelle Bachelet, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women,

who said “when women are empowered and can claim their rights and access to land, leadership, opportunities and choices, economies grow, food security is enhanced and prospects are improved for current and future generations”.

Anaba urged women to take advantage of Growth and Employment in State-Wholesale and Retail sector (GEMS4), Enterprise Challenge Fund that aims to encourage, develop and adopt innovative business models and approaches that will create jobs and improve the income of financially challenged women engaged in Wholesale and Retail trade.

She said the £3.5 million private sector development matching grant fund seeks to support initiatives from Lagos, Kano, Cross River, Kaduna and Enugu.

Through the initiative, she said GEMS4 is set to provide both technical and financial support of up to £150,000 for eligible private sector actors whose business or innovative entries will ultimately result in the creation of jobs and improved incomes for economically challenged women within the sector.

Ekiti advises farmers on storage, preservation of produce

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HE Ekiti State Government has assured farmers in the state of necessary assistance in storing and preserving their farm produce.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Kehinde Odebunmi, gave the assurance in Ado-Ekiti while addressing a cross-section of farmers and traders in the state during a two-day sensitisation seminar on “Safe and Responsible use of Agrochemicals for stored Grains”.

Hon Odebunmi who noted that large percentage of farm produce was destroyed every year through poor storage techniques stressed the commitment of the state government to reverse the trend

He reiterated the resolve of the Fayose administration to diversify the state economy from one that is totally dependent on the dwindling allocation from the federation accounts to an agriculture-based economy that will ultimately boost the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.

According to him, government would leave no stone unturned in sensitising all stakeholders on the proper use of agrochemicals.

Noting the enormous harmful effects of the misuse of agrochemicals which he attributed to ignorance by farmers/traders and consumers, Odebunmi explained that the seminar was or-

ganised to assist in curbing the misuse of agrochemicals.

He described the choice of Shasha Market as venue for the training as strategic since it serves as the primary distribution centre for grains to all markets in the state.

The Seriki of Hausa Community at the Shasha Market expressed gratitude towards the government, especially the visit of the commissioner which he said was the first of its kind, as he had never witnessed such since he got to AdoEkiti about 40 years ago.

He promised the Fayose administration of unalloyed support from the Hausa Community in the state and prayed for the success of the government.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

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THE NATION

BUSINESS LABOUR

NLC demands minimum wage review T

HE President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comade Ayuba Wabba, has demanded a review of the N18,000 minimum wage by the Federal Government.

Wabba said the union is in support of the government’s anti-corruption crusade, as it is a part of the initiative designed to reposition the nation’s economy.

The NLC President who spoke at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), said the current minimum wage is unrealistic given the present economic reality.

He said when the NLC agreed on the N18, 000 minimum wage with the Federal Government, the exchange rate was N140 to a dollar, but as at today, it is N220 to a dollar.

Wabba said Nigerian workers should be treated fairly by reviewing their salary upward in line with the present economic reality, adding that the minimum wage is no longer enough to sustain workers.

He condemned the spate of corruption in the country, where a privileged few corner the resources

• Suspension of privatisation Stories by Toba Agboola

belonging to all Nigerians, pointing out that the NLC would support President Mohammed Buhari’s move to prosecute culprits.

“The issue of corruption in Nigeria is mind boggling and unacceptable to us, as this has caused many of us to live in penury. Those responsible for corruption and stealing of our collective patrimony should be prosecuted and made to face the law, if found wanting. This is the only way to make Nigeria work.”

He said a lot of resources that should accrue to the state are being stolen by individuals and some privileged few. The NLC president called on the Federal Government to encourage workers to expose corruption in their domain, saying if workers were encouraged as whistle blowers, it would help the country.

He said the President should ensure that such workers are protected while acting as whistle blowers, stressing that no one should be victimised for such act.

Wabba said the various probes by the anti-corruption agencies must not end up like others such as the power sector and the fuel subsidy scam, which ended without result.

He called for speedy trial of suspects by the judiciary, adding that Judges must henceforth not be allowed to grant injunctions against suspects.

“The anti-corruption agencies must not relent in their efforts in prosecuting corruption; that money must be recovered and put back into the country,’’ he said.

He called for the diversification of the economy, stating that a situation where the government depends largely on oil revenue is inimical to growth.

Wabba warned the government against disengaging workers in the cause of the merging of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), saying the NLC would resist such move.

He said merging ministries with the sole aim of disengaging workers, would be met with stiff resistance by labour unions.

Also, the NLC’s other faction led

by Comrade Joe Ajero, has called on the government to suspend further privatisation of public assets, claiming that Nigerians are not reaping the promised benefits of improved and cost effective services from the public enterprises already privatised.

Speaking with newsmen after their council meeting, Ajaero said it is clear that these privatised enterprises, like Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Ajaokuta and other steel rolling mills are not in a position to provide public-spirited services.

He said Nigerians are worse off paying more for poor services and performance.

Lamenting the state of the economy, he said: “NEC in session expressed concern that if there is any reason Nigeria is yet to fulfil her development potentials, it is corruption. With over $150 billion stolen and stashed away in foreign banks, we need not search further for any other reason for the perennial decay and the sorry state of our critical infrastructure.

He said the NEC is in support of the President’s efforts to seek international support to ensure repatriation of the stolen wealth from Nigeria and bring to book everyone found culpable.

“Beyond the recovery of stolen wealth, we urge the present administration to strengthen the anti-corruption agencies, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and

Independent Corrupt Practices and other Offences Commission (ICPC), and as well carry out reforms in the justice administration system, such that corruption cases can be quickly dispensed with,” he added.

Ajaero said the Council noted with pains that all economic indices indicate that the economy is in recession with falling oil revenue, the fluctuating foreign exchange rate, rising inflation, gradual decline in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate, declining household income, and increasing unemployment among others.

“NEC in session opined that it is time to rethink our economic development strategy from foreign reserve guzzling import dependent framework to a system that will deliberately stimulate and promote sustainable productive activities in agriculture and manufacturing geared towards exportation of made in Nigeria made products.

“NEC in session reiterates that the development of the real sector, particularly the iron, steel and automobile, mining, textile and garment segments, is quite critical for the creation of mass decent jobs, elimination of poverty and building a virile and sustainable economy,” he said.

He said the Congress therefore, commits to engaging the present administration on these issues through campaigns and policy advocacy.

Union urges Buhari over national carrier

T •From left: Oyo State Governor Senator Abiola Ajimobi presenting the National Award of Excellence to the Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Dr. Juliet Chukkas-Onaeko, during the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) Conference in Ibadan.

TUC praises govt over Ogoni clean-up, NNPC restructuring

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HE Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has praised the Federal Government over its planned clean-up of oilpolluted Ogoniland, resuscitation of the national carrier and the appointment of a new Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

TUC in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama, and Secretary-General, Comrade Musa Lawal, said it views the moves as steps in the right direction if the change mantra espoused and canvassed by the ruling party is to yield positive results.

The Congress advised the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to expedite action on the aforementioned areas and other items on its developmental agenda, as time is not on the government’s side.

According to the statement, successive government’s insensitivity to the plight of the people has been the major cause of most unrests and insurgencies in the land.

The labour chiefs noted that the initiative to clean up Ogoniland will help give a sense of belonging to the

Niger Delta people. Part of the statement read: “Our country, being a mono-economy, cannot afford to neglect the goose that lays the golden egg. The present administration should go ahead and also diversify the economy, revive other sectors as it has planned to do in the aviation industry through the reintroduction of the national carrier, and fight corruption to a stand-still.

“The Niger Delta agitation, for instance, started as a result of failure to address the grievances of the people, which include the destruction of their farmlands by oil spillage, gas flaring.”

On the NNPC, TUC said the war against corruption should be comprehensive, lest it be viewed as mere witch-hunting. “While we applaud the sanitisation that has commenced at the NNPC, we also insist that it be extended to the ministries and other agencies of government. There is no patriotic Nigerian who is not bothered by the administrative and financial anomalies we have encouraged and accommodated as a nation,” Kaigama said.

The labour Center also noted that the move to revive the national car-

rier is a welcome development, adding that it is a shame for Nigeria, a nation with a population of over 170 million people, not to have a national carrier at a time when smaller nations like Ethiopia operate airlines that are major sources of prestige and foreign exchange to them.

The statement further said British Airways and other foreign airlines earn substantial revenue from flying Nigeria’s airspace, taking advantage of the large vacuum created by the ineptitude of our leaders over the years.

“Apart from the thousands of Nigerians who go on medical tourism to Britain and other foreign nations, a good percentage of Nigerians who live in those nations come home at least twice yearly aboard their airlines. Just imagine how much we would earn if they flew our own national carrier instead? A lot of foreign exchange is involved here!

Suffice to say that all those countries are having a field day making aviation money that we should be making. And this is aside the massive employment potentials that we have denied ourselves,” TUC lamented.

HE National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), has cautioned the Federal Government over the restructuring in the aviation industry and against engaging a foreign airline as technical partner to the proposed new national carrier.

President of NAAPE Balami Isaac David, in Lagos, said the development would stunt the growth of the national carrier due to the vested interests of such foreign airlines.

David said any idea of engaging a foreign airline as technical partner should not be allowed, adding that no sane business person will encourage a viable competitor, nor will such partners agree to terms that will grant advantage to the new carrier over their already vested interests in their home airlines.

His words: “Everyone who has been in or around aviation for a while would easily agree that the ill advised liquidation of the defunct national carrier, Nigeria Airways, is the evil wind that has bedevilled the industry till date.

“It was not a mere death of an airline. It was the demise of the

only known airline superstructure in Nigeria – the best ensemble of airline professionals. It was the demise of Nigeria’s global standard aircraft maintenance system that had already attained B737 check D (highest maintenance procedure) in Nigeria by Nigerians. It was, therefore, the death of Nigeria’s dream to establish and operate an MRO soonest.

“The defunct National Carrier was responsible for the production of well trained aviation professionals – in piloting, engineering, marketing, cabin crew, dispatch, and every facet of aircraft operation. Its death also killed this noble endeavour.

“And since the forced liquidation of the Nigeria Airways, no Nigerian Carrier has been able to go near its big shoes. None has even started to move in that direction”.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for mustering the will power on the establishment of a new national carrier which he said, can now spearhead Nigeria’s deserved quest for global reckoning in aviation.

NUPENG appoints new acting general secretary

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HE Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has appointed Comrade Joseph Ogbebor as Acting General Secretary of the Union with immediate effect.

Comrade Joseph Ogbebor takes over from Comrade Isaac Aberare, the former General Secretary who recently retired from the union after 33 years of meritorious service.

Comrade Joseph Ogbebor, before his appointment was the former Deputy General Secretary in-charge of Operations of

the Union. Comrade Ogbebor is a law graduate from the University of Benin, Edo State.

He passed through the mills in NUPENG to rise to this present position, having served in various capacities and levels as Assistant General Secretary in Warri Zone, Senior Assistant General Secretary, and Head of zone, Port Harcourt/Warri Zones.

He was later transferred to Lagos as Deputy General Secretary (Administration) and later Operations, before his new appointment as Acting General Secretary.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL

LETTER

Oba Okunade Sijuwade (1930 – 2015) •Olubuse ‘waja’, ending a tempestuous era LTIMATELY, the traditionalists had their way, although it appeared a Pyrrhic victory of sorts. With the August 12 formal announcement of the death of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, by the Ife Traditional Council, two weeks after he reportedly died in a London hospital on July 28, the culturally supported denialism of the town’s chiefs prevailed.

The official rationalisation of the delayed obituary, supplied by the Obalufe, Solomon Omisakin, who spoke on behalf of the council members during their visit to the Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, to finally break the news of Oba Sijuwade’s departure, is instructive.

Said the Obalufe: ”The breaking of the news of the death of the king must follow traditional ways and rites. That is why it is coming at this time. The news of the transition to glory of any Yoruba monarch is not pedestrian news that one can just announce at a market place or a social gathering.”

Omisakin added: “The death of a great man like our royal monarch is great news that must be announced in a grand style.”

In the global village of the communication age, where news travels fast and far, the conservative information management that is culturally prescribed in the event of a Yoruba king’s death was complicated by Oba Sijuwade’s exit in a foreign land. If the reported death had happened in the Oba’s domain, it would have been

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perfect for the enforcement of traditional secrecy. The London dimension instantaneously internationalised the news, and it is unsurprising that traditionalists wrestled with modernity and modernised media.

There is no doubt that the space of mystification is shrinking in an increasingly open world, which is a potent challenge to the romantic mystique associated with certain ancient cultural practices. To allow a reign of silence for a specific period before announcing a king’s death, as reportedly dictated by Yoruba tradition, is out of sync with the information philosophy of the 21st century, which is speedoriented.

Be that as it may, the fidelity to traditional principles demonstrated by the Ife chiefs speaks volumes for the continuing battle between tradition and modernity. Oba Sijuwade himself was an advertisement for tradition, especially because of his status as a pre-eminent Yoruba monarch and a custodian of the cultural values of the race. He ascended the throne in 1980 and took the title Olubuse II. In particular, Ile-Ife’s historically acknowledged position as the fount of Yoruba civilisation underlined Oba Sijuwade’s image throughout his reign.

It is noteworthy that some critics focused on Oba Sijuwade’s alleged unprogressive tendencies in the country’s political sphere without sufficiently appreciating the difficulties of a monarchy in modern times ori-

ented towards democratic governance. The truth is that Oba Sijuwade’s cultural radiance and relevance, distinct from his alleged political incorrectness, cannot be disregarded. Governor Aregbesola captured his essence in a tribute: ”Ooni Sijuwade was a study and model in royalty…He exalted the place of royalty among our people. His contribution towards maintaining a place of pride for the Yoruba race on the world stage is huge.”

On Oba Sijuwade’s route to the revered crown, he studied at Abeokuta Grammar School and Oduduwa College, Ile-Ife; and attended Northampton College in the United Kingdom where he studied business management. By the time he was crowned at age 50, he was already recognised as a wealthy man, which counted as an advantage to his kingship ambition.

His death at age 85 not only marks the end of an era, but also the continuity of a tradition. That is why the Yoruba culture insists that kings never die.

‘His death at age 85 not only marks the end of an era, but also the continuity of a tradition. That is why the Yoruba culture insists that kings never die’

Choosing the INEC chair •Amina Bala Zakari’s acting appointment is untidy.

Buhari can do better in choosing a substantive electoral chief

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari should be decisive in appointing a substantive chairman for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In making his recommendations for the approval of the Senate, President Buhari should bear in mind, the national and international acclaim, which Nigeria gained, because of the integrity and general acceptance of the immediate past chairman of the commission, Professor Attahiru Jega. The same consideration should also bear in his choice of candidates, to replace the national commissioners, whose tenures have come to an end.

We consider the circumstance under which Amina Bala Zakari was appointed as acting chairman, well past her tenure, as untidy. Even more unnecessary is the controversy surrounding the process of her appointment and the accusations of filial relationship with the President.

While Mrs Zakari may be eminently qualified to be INEC chairman, as some of the accusations do not restrict her

‘In making a choice over who would be the next chairman of INEC, we urge President Buhari to act statesmanlike, in the overall interest of our country’

candidature under the law, it is important for the president to take into account, the effect on the general perception about her integrity and independence.

While no doubt, President Buhari is remarkably a person of high integrity, it is important that the president is seen by all to be completely detached, in making a choice of a substantive chairman for INEC. In projecting a candidate for that important office, geo-political, ethnic and religious considerations ordinarily should not be important issues. But where political opponents bring them to the front-burner, it may be wise for the president to stay as far away as possible, from any basis for such accusations, in the overall interest of the integrity of the electoral process. So, it is important that the President does all he can to avoid any accusations of bias and favouritism.

Luckily as the appointment and performance of Professor Jega had shown, there are Nigerians of high integrity, and we urge the president to source, from across the country, such men and women to replace the chairman and commissioners, whose tenures have expired. We believe that it was to avoid accusations of bias that the Justice Muhammadu Uwais electoral reform panel, recommended to late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, that the appointment of the Chairman of INEC should be placed in the hands of nonpartisans.

In making the choice of the chairman

of INEC and the national commissioners, the president should remember the enormous powers, privileges and responsibilities of the appointees, as provided for in the Third Schedule, Part 1F, of the 1999 constitution, as amended; and the fact that the success or failure of the electoral process, depends on the general acceptance of drivers of the process. As provided by the constitution, it is envisaged that the persons to be appointed must be persons of “unquestionable integrity”. Going down the provisions, it is apparent that the chairman and his commissioners are entrusted with enormous powers over political parties and the conduct of elections.

We also note that the real integrity of the persons appointed is as important as the perception of the general public. So if for any reason there is reasonable suspicion that there is likelihood of bias in the choice of the chairman of the commissioners, then there may be a challenge to the credulity of the election that will be conducted. That is why the appointive authority must exercise all possible caution from the beginning.

That also explains the constitutional provision insulating the electoral body, among a select few, from any form of interference by any “authority or person”.

In making a choice over who would be the next chairman of INEC, we urge President Buhari to act statesmanlike, in the overall interest of our country.

Haruna’s errors on Aregbesola IR: Muhammed Haruna’s piece titled ‘Aregbesola’s predicament’ published on July 29 in your well respected newspaper refers. Haruna is a fine writer, who does his research very well, even if some people find his articles provocative and his argument sometimes non sequitur.

His article on Governor Rauf Aregbesola was meant to be favourable, but in trying to be objective, he did more harm than good to him.

His first barb was in siding with Punch on criticising the governor for building a religious worship centre for Christians. When Governor Aregbesola decided to build the centre, it was on the heel of the wild allegation that he was planning to Islamise Osun. What better show of goodwill than to build the worship centre for Christians?

However, the governor explained that he was not even thinking of appeasing Christians. His motivation was the economic import of a religious centre for the state. He said he saw the crowds pulled at the various camp grounds of religious organisations and the economy built around them in accommodation, food, utilities and so on. He was just thinking of growing the state’s GDP. When Punch and the others so virulently criticised the governor for the venture, they were thinking less of separating state from religion, after all, the whole country was replete with other states that built churches and mosques for their people and we did not hear a whimper. What really pained and angered them about Aregbesola was that he had confronted them with an anomaly on their paradigm that portrayed the governor as a Christian-hating, sabre-rattling bearded mullah.

They expected him to conform to this image and characterisation, not a church building, and evangelism crusade promoting governor.

Secondly, Haruna did not get the facts right on the purchase of helicopter for security surveillance; and that is very uncharacteristic of him. He no doubt bought the falsehood being peddled by Osun PDP that the governor bought the helicopter for the use of himself and his family. This is far from the truth.

The helicopter was acquired for security surveillance to complement armoured personnel carriers (APC) bought to fight crime. Before the chopper was purchased, the state government had built a state of the art call centre where it will be coordinated with ground forces but the centre needed a special security code which can only be supplied by NCC. Regrettably, NCC for political reason, refused to give this code and the chopper was grounded. For it not to be redundant, it was leased out for commercial purpose where it is making money for the state and is only recalled for use as the need arises. The government is still in hot pursuit of the security code and will still bring back the helicopter for surveillance. It therefore does not make to ask that it be sold.

Thirdly, Muhammed Haruna’s unsolicited counsel that the governor travels out too frequently is uninformed. Aregbesola is the least travelled public official at his level. His unfailing attendance of the weekly state executive council meetings attends to this.

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• Michael Ogundele, Osogbo, Osun State

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: As a lecturer, part of my regular research strategy is to go beyond the university library and scrutinize newspapers and other internet resources for any modern trend that seems germane to the many topics I teach my students.

Just days ago, I stumbled on something relevant, a very good one concerning a certain Foundation (The Bridge Leadership Foundation) promoted by former Cross River governor, Liyel Imoke.

According to a Vanguard report published on August 16, the Foundation had held a youth-targeted event in Calabar the previous day.

This story immediately tickled my interest and I thus decided to find out more about the Foundation. My purpose is to reference my findings, first as an exemplar for my students; and second as a gratis recommendation to former governors (and others) on how best they can contribute to society after public office.

Below therefore is the rest of this very unique story, as I gleaned from many resources, including Imoke’s public remarks.

First was Imoke’s thesis on the dearth of ‘sense of self-worth’ on the part of Nigerian youths. That is spot-on. So is the solution he offers. He was reported to have told the teeming youths in attendance that he was just ‘the average guy, the average bloke’. And that in school, was just an average student.

But what made the difference for him and his string of achievements in life was that he was driven and knew exactly where he wanted to go.

He hit the point home that it was fear of failure that propelled him most to succeed. I tell my students the same thing, even though not in exactly the same words.

Second, in encouraging his target audience to look beyond government for their success in life’s struggles, Imoke had revealed that

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Life after office: The Imoke example in the past six months, only 5,000 jobs were created in all the public sectors in Nigeria - by federal, states, and LGAs. And that even the famed oil sector has not created any jobs in the same period. For effect, Imoke disclosed that the whole banking sector in Nigeria collectively has only 40,000 employees in a nation of 167 million citizens.

It is a very useful revelation that should serve as a wake-up call to Nigerian youths to look more to honing their entrepren youth-beneficiaries. Now, that’s a tidy number, and it’s still counting.

Third, Imoke was not all talk and no action. He was reported to have promised publicly that he will de-

vote all his valuable time to the arduous business of the Foundation.

Of particular interest to him is the Foundation’s core mission of assisting youths on self-development of their innate entrepreneurial skills through the Foundation’s mentoring programmes. Stressing that young people are the future, Imoke challenged them to look be-

yond mere political appointments and public office, and begin to take matters in their own hands.

So, as post-gubernatorial life goes, what Senator Imoke is doing with this Foundation is the sort of avocation I will recommend to our politicians as the best life or pastime after being in office. It’s better than again running for public office or attending to the private business of wealth accumulation - two very attractive but selfish options Imoke has disclaimed to instead pursue the passion of mentoring to Nigerian youths.

• Dr Sullivan Odumegwu, sodumegwu@gmail.com

Electricity supply; have we come to our wit’s end?

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IR: At last, at long last, people are talking, people who should have been talking for years. Everybody now seems to feel the pinch. Power supply to the Nigerian people has become nightmarish, an embarrassment and a veritable threat to our rural and urban economy.

The odds are heavily weighted against innocent citizens of our country. From ECN (Electricity Corporation of Nigeria), NEPA to PHCN and now to the pretenders known as DISCO, Nigeria is slowly grinding to a screeching halt. At first, it was epileptic power supply, later, unstable power supply and now in many areas of Nigeria, total blackout.

The results? Flight of industrial and manufacturing companies to neighbouring countries; depletion and desolation of industrial activities and structures in industrial hubs – Ikeja, Ilupeju, Agbara and Ibadan in the South-west; Onitsha, Nnewi, Owerri in the South-east;

Port Harcourt, Calabar in the South-south; Ilorin, Jos in the North East. Without any doubt, the country’s skill and semi-skilled labour which need electricity for self-employment are lying idle on daily basis, throwing into the streets and creating new urchins who are otherwise respectable Nigerians. And the story continues.

Before the recent badly executed privatization programme of the Federal Government, power generation, transmission and distribution belonged exclusively to the government. The complaint then was that power was inadequate and epileptic that public servants who ran the power sector were corrupt, inefficient and unpatriotic.

That government has no business in business. And so the theory went on. The result was to divide the country into spheres of influence for boggy capitalists and industrialists whose major attribute was their capability to burrow themselves (like earthworms) in to the

seat of power.

The result is what we now have, complete blackout by DISCOS in vast areas of their coverage, punitive measures by DISCO management , acting as an accuser, prosecutor and judges, and daring any citizens to challenge them. Primitive and obscene measures against consumers, taking law into their own hands and above all, clamping on consumers, bills that are mere guess work. I am not sure of any civilized society in the world where providers of essential commodity like power will assume consumption rate for large sections of the population who, through no fault of theirs, have no access to meters.

The question thus arises, how did these exploiters get their authority for distributing power without responsibility for generation and transmission? It is quite safe to say.

It is the Nigerian Character. The power given to the distribution companies (DISCOS) are alarm-

ingly oppressive that cannot even be found in one-party states.

Wherein lies the competitiveness which the capitalist system embraces in the present arrangement?

What financial obligations do the parties (Federal Government and distribution companies) owe each other that the consumer cannot even raise a finger?

The issue now is that the Nigerian people are suffering and are being oppressed by pseudo-capitalists and opportunists who profited from the financial manipulations of past years. The nation needs to be saved. If power supply is upgraded and maintained at a higher level, unemployment which presently stands at 71% will drop below 50%. Why can’t we learn to take our destiny into our hands?

The new administration should hurry up to the rescue in accordance with the popular belief in change.

• Deji Fasuan MON, JP Isato, Ado-Ekiti.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015 16

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COMMENTS

If our world is ruined, we are to blame Email: tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk 08038551123, 08111845040

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E speak in several pitiful tongues. And every tongue reels a different story of identical loss and misery.

And so one comes to callousness, a savage ruthlessness and culture of protest that drives us to ruin our world; dateline Boko Haram, MEND, Ombatse and the complex bigotry, avarice and bloodlust characteristic of all. Yet this page will not contain the genocide, amorality and grotesque body count we have learnt to perpetrate not because they are too horrendous and unwieldy to keep tab of but because there is neither wisdom nor tact in rehashing the consequences of our towering silliness and bloodlust.

We blame the older generation for everything. We claim they created a very difficult world for us to live in; a world that is rigged to booby-trap our efforts to survive and that is why many of us fail. We also accuse the ruling class of keeping us unemployed, prone to corruption, exploitation, crime and the devastation of our economy and social infrastructure. We accuse them of denying us access and right to the Nigerian dream.

What have we done with such world that they have given us? What are we doing to make it better for you and me and the generation that will succeed us? Nothing. Rather than evolve in thought and attitude, we choose to rant impotently and wallow in self-pity. And when we choose to productively engage our faculties, our conscious quest is marred by our inclinations to selfdestruct.

If our world is ruined, we are to blame for it. This is because we are major actors in every tragedy and

perpetrators of every calamity that accentuates our ruin. We are the hoodlums causing chaos at random, according to the whims of benevolent godfathers. We are the policemen mounting road blocks to fleece hardworking compatriots of the little money they manage to make, everyday. When they refuse to cooperate, we simply shoot them to death.

We are the bankers pilfering the lifesavings of the poor. We are the bank chiefs stripping Peter to pay Paul and robbing the downtrodden to feed our wantonness and greed.

We are wives to the thieving governor, and gigolo to the rogue bank chief. We are the journalists who sold out, the watchdog who became lapdogs and then, dung-dogs. We are armed robbers and thieves. We are the activists exploiting the downtrodden to perpetuate our grand schemes of greed.

No matter the ills visited upon our generation, we lost the right to howl and cry ‘foul!’ the moment we agreed to do everything and anything to make money, including serving as instruments for the attainment of the perverse goals of the criminal ruling class.

Shame that we have to look unto the same generation that we accuse of ruining our world to take measures necessary to save our world.

The current ruling class won’t save us. They can’t. And that is because like you and me, they are held captive by greed, irrationality and base immoralities.

Every generation considers itself uniquely challenged like we do and each generation truly is, in different ways. But I don’t buy into overgeneralizations and self pity. Like

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari’s good resolve to create three million new jobs in the textile industry is a positive development that deserves the support of all well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians. As a stakeholder in the Cotton, Textile and Garment (CTG) subsector of the economy, I am assuring fellow Nigerians that the CTG sub-sector alone is capable of creating more than one million new jobs if all the right things are put in place, especially if there is political will on the part of both the executive and legislative arms of governments at all levels as well as the determination, sincerity, patience and commitment of all stakeholders.

I want to advance some measures that can be applied to achieve desired goals. To ensure the success of President Buhari’s motives within a short period, institutions such as the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Central Bank of Nigeria, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission should forge a formidable team to promote and protect the sub sector the same way a mother guards and protects her child. A team work on the part of aforementioned institutions will ensure elimination of faulty documentations, money laundering, dumping of substandard textile materials as well as foreigners doing business in Nigeria with visiting visas or with fake entry documents.

‘To ensure the success of President Buhari’s motives within a short period, institutions such as the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Central Bank of Nigeria, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission should forge a formidable team to promote and protect the sub sector the same way a mother guards and protects her child’

we accuse older generations before us, successive generations will accuse us of ruining their world claiming we had better chances to resolve our crises and recreate the world that they would inherit from us.

Our sense of entitlement goads us to believe that we are entitled to a good, fair life but for the ruling class and older generation that continually thwart our dreams of bliss.

When the older generation claim that we are ill-educated and unemployable, we respond in kind, claiming that they render us so with visionless leadership and substandard education. Truth is, school is a bore to many of us. And artisanship doesn’t quite do it for us. We breeze through school and apprenticeship unenthusiastically, thinking that somewhere or somehow, something would give and we would chance on bliss. Ill bliss to be precise.

Notwithstanding, some of us enter the labour market thinking it wouldn’t hurt to be exploited a little. Having being raised on the mantra that “Slow and steady wins the race and tiny drops make an ocean,” we subject our will to the grindstone and stoically tread the path of obedience and honest labour. But the path of industry and honesty hardly ever pay off in the long run.

Eventually, we realize that the system is designed to thwart our dreams while enabling the dreams of the exploitative one per cent at the top, and we get mad. We get mad because our leaders do not see us as human beings with cosmic value and rights anymore. But despite our dissatisfaction, we keep them in power and keep asking them for handouts. Our rage and rant hardly ever articulates our towering need for realistic opportunities.

We do not choose to be treated with dignity. That is why the government and our employers become entitled to take away our dignity. That is why we are entitled to expect nothing from our politicians anymore. We should be ashamed of our sense of entitlement. We should be embarrassed by our failure as a generation. We should be ashamed that we go through life thinking the world’s a sweepstake.

We believe the world is for the taking by a lottery; this is understandable as a carrot on a stick that the top one per cent – comprising government and big business – perpetually dangle before us. Thus the Nigerian dream has evolved from a promise and belief that every Nigerian will get to have a good life, a job they enjoy, a generous paycheck, affordable housing, healthcare and transportation and a secure retirement, into some reality show fantasy and a pipedream.

Today, the Nigerian dream comprises a tall fantasy that every Nigerian will get to live a charmed life. It offers attractive fantasies of palatial residences in exclusive neighbourhoods home and abroad, fancy cars, easy money, consequence-free indolence, sex, fraudulence and violence to mention a few. The Nigerian youth consider

these perks their birthright and they heartily pursue them on the streets and now ubiquitous reality TV shows where parents and their children from relatively humble backgrounds engage in funfest of foolishness and inordinate lust for unearned riches. The tragedy of this development resonates in the number of ‘has-beens’ and reality show runners-up still loitering the red carpets for the barest chance to hug the limelight for no justifiable reason or attainment.

Each generation has a responsibility to wisely develop itself and become indispensable to the world despite all odds. It is the only way we could equip ourselves to take over the country’s leadership and use the resources and power available to us to provide this generation and the next, a secure, sustainable country that will be stronger than the one inherited.

We need to stop whining and begin to take action now to reverse the rapid decline of our country. If we wait until we are older, it will be too late. Life in the future will be worse.

Our hubris and sense of entitlement is sickening and truly mind boggling. It’s about time we seek our Nigerian dream not because we are ‘special’ but because we truly dese0rve it.

‘Every generation considers itself uniquely challenged like we do and each generation truly is, in different ways. But I don’t buy into over-generalizations and self pity. Like we accuse older generations before us, successive generations will accuse us of ruining their world claiming we had better chances to resolve our crises and recreate the world that they would inherit from us’

Reviving Nigeria’s ailing textile industry

By Saidu Dattijo Adhama Also, the Presidency should pursue the principles of African Growth Opportunity Act of the United States with vigour. Opportunities abound for Nigeria in AGOA regarding garment production, which can guarantee employment of more tailors and continued patronage of students in departments of tailoring and fashion design in our tertiary institutions. This can equally bring about an increase in the establishment of small and medium scale industries such as zip making, buttons production, elastic and packaging industries, among others.

Patronage of state governments to the sector will mean the same as above as well as increase in competitiveness in schools sports programmes and ensure local products are patronised.

For the desired result to meaningful, the President will need to declare a National Textile Day. This will be a once a week, non-ceremonial, but action packed day whereby all political office holders, appointees and other public office holders in the country will dress in homemade textile attires that are culturally popular and patronized in their section of the country.

If this noble gesture is backed with a legislation that bans the importation of all categories of ready-made clothes on commercial basis, it will make our tailors to perfect and be competitive in production of garments at international standard, thereby ensuring self-reliance in garments as well as conserving foreign exchange. This will attract foreign investors to the sector and bring about financial control, development and strengthening of the sector. The proposed legislation should promote, develop and protect the sector by limiting the importation of textile fabrics that could not be produced in Nigeria now to 70% and production of 30% by Nigerian textile manufacturers.

The legislation for importation of textile materials should require presidential approval and only from countries willing to invest in Nigeria’s textile sector. Part of the legislation to patronize made-in-Nigeria textiles and garments by all private and public institutions should be extended to school uniforms, sports wears, school house vests, hotel toiletries, bathroom napkins, towels, hospitals cotton wools, bed sheets, mosquito nets and blankets. All

these can be sourced locally if the political leadership is willing to walk the talk. As an incentive, black oil allocation (LPFO) should be made directly to textile manufacturers at affordable price.

I also propose that one spinning and ginning plant be established in each of the six geo-political zones i.e. Funtua in the North-west, Gombe in the North-east, Nassarawa in North-central, Oyo in South-west, Asaba in the Southsouth and Aba in the South-east to serve as a springboard or back up project for the success of cotton, textile and garment development projects. This is also to ensure that medium scale textiles and garment factories spring up across the nation with easy availability of yarn, since spinning industry is highly capital intensive, and it is the backbone of any textile fabric. This is realisable with the constitution of a new CTG revival committee that will be peopled with real stakeholders who will be responsible for designing the revival, production, marketing and sound planning for the CTG sub sector. A good way to start is for the committee to draw its membership from the Nigerian Textile Technologists Association, Nigerian Textile Manufacturers Association, representatives of Garment Manufacturers, Cotton Farmers and Merchants, the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Raw Materials Research Council, among others.

Finally, there is the need to have a thriving textile council whose main task is to oversee the registration and accreditation of bodies for the training of textile professionals in the country. A textile competency centre should also be established in the National Research Institute of Chemical Technology (NARICT) ABU Zaria, for the continual training of the professionals. And tertiary institutions that have programmes in textile science, engineering, technology and art should be adequately funded and consulted on issues affecting the industry. If all these are given prompt and adequate attention, I have no doubt in my mind that Nigeria’s ailing textile industry will be revived within a very short time so that it can unleash further opportunities for millions of Nigerians.

•Adhama (MFR, FTTN) is founder of Adhama Textiles and Garment Industry, Kano.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

22

COMMENTS

Open letter to GMD-NNPC

C

ONGRATULATIONS – accept my belated congratulations, Doctor.

That’s what we used to call you back in my Hints magazine days.

First, let me seize this moment to thank you for the opportunity given to me to serve as a writer and editor of Hints magazine under your watchful eyes (1990 – 1997). Being a writer yourself you easily recognized my talent and allowed me to flourish and express myself.

Anyone who has had anything to do with you can attest to it that your charm and charisma loom large like the tropical sun; you carry yourself so well that you exude a princely aura. Some could mistake that for arrogance. But I know it is simply a measure of the self-assuredness that comes with success.

Some keen observers of your odyssey will say you have had a chequered rise from glory to glory, riding on the wings of mother-luck. But I will like to say that the ‘Kachikwu phenomenon’ goes beyond ‘good luck’. It is one firmly rooted in hard work and unwavering pursuit of excellence.

You always had clear goals and you worked hard to achieve them. Yes, without a doubt, you have also been lucky. But to depend and ride only on ‘good luck’ is a recipe for disaster; if you get my drift.

The truth be told: it has not always been a smooth sail, Doctor. You have had your own spell of turbulence in life. I guess the

By Chim Newton period in question resulted from your ability to attempt the ‘impossible’ sometimes. You know what I am talking about. I mean your failed bid to acquire Texaco (having pulled together a consortium of friends.) Your sudden move from being an employee to an employer was a well-orchestrated masterstroke albeit temporarily. Your former colleagues (in Texaco), of course, would have nothing of your emergence as their employer and they never rested until they shot down the deal.

Those really were trying times, Doctor.

That was the only time I saw you really flustered. But you survived it. The big break eventually came and you grabbed it with both hands - the rest, they say, is history.

You’ve been unstoppable ever since. In fact, you have now surpassed your dreams and expectations. Well done.

The point must be made that you are no one to suffer fools lightly. In those days you had no patience for indolence and mediocrity. You pushed us hard.

Although we worked under pressure, we enjoyed what we were doing week after week. Do you still have that fire? I suppose you still do, having begun the streamlining of NNPC. I am certain you will take your assignment very seriously if you are still the Ibe Kachikwu that I know.

‘It is a big shame that NNPC still presides over the importation of fuel. You should work toward putting a stop to this evil which has become a cesspit for corruption.

Apart from getting the existing refineries to work optimally, you should encourage massive modular refining. We suggest you enter into partnership with all the 36 states with a view to establishing one modular refinery in each state, to begin with’

A

GING, they say is not lost youth, but a new stage of opportunity and strength. Age on the hand is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter. But to Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige (OON)’s friends, well-wishers, relations, and even enemies, it matters because he has just added another year, healthy, hearty, and wavering undeterred.

There is no doubt that right from outset, the personality called Chris Ngige had always has a date with history one way or the other. As a growing young child, Ngige has always carved a niche for himself in all his endeavours.

During his days at St. John Secondary School Alor his hometown, Ngige was an exceptional student. No wonder he switched from Commercial to Science subjects in class four and still made distinction in his school certificate result in 1972. At University Of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Ngige studied Medicine and graduated with flying colours in 1979, despite continuous involvement in almost all the extracurriculum activities within and outside the campus.

Upon graduation, Ngige unlike many of his colleagues who travelled to overseas or picked jobs in multinational companies opted for a job at the Federal Ministry of Health where he worked for years, before leaving voluntarily in 1998 as Deputy Director of Hospital Services, Federal Medical Centres, and Teaching Hospitals.

While in the Federal Ministry of Health, he was instrumental to the establishment of permanent sites for most of the federal medical centres and teaching hospitals, especially in the South-east zone. In continuation of his burning desire for public service which he has proved his mettle, he ventured into the murky waters of Nigerian politics as one of the founding fathers of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP). He was appointed the protem zonal publicity secretary of the party in the South-east in 1998, and later the assistant national/zonal secretary of the party in the Southeast zone between 1999 and 2002. The same year he was conferred with the national honour of Order Of the Niger, OON, for his diligence, track record and accountability in public service.

In 2003, Ngige has concluded plan to contest for Anambra Central senatorial seat before he was persuaded by the party stakeholders including the then President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to contest Anambra governorship seat. This was at a time Anambra State and PDP were in dire need of a worthy governor following the abysmal performance of the then state governor Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju. Within the short period of Ngige’s administration in the state, he redefined

Doctor, no doubt, you are already a blessed man – successful in every material particular (permit my use of a cliché.)

Therefore I expect you to look away from the benefits of the office for now and dutifully clean up the mess that NNPC has been for decades.

I pray you do not yield to the temptation of glossing over the opaqueness of NNPC as those without noble intentions would readily do. History beckons you. This is a golden opportunity for you to step out and make the difference in a society where it is so easy for many to mortgage their conscience for the lure of lucre. Are you ready to make history as the man who turned around NNPC? I hope you are.

I remember you, sir, as a stickler for excellence. (Permit my use of another cliché.) Oh yes, you were. You never believed in the limiting power of the word ‘CAN’T’ – to you it can always be done; and more often than not, your resilience paid off. I hope you still have the magic wand – the touchstone for success.

Now, Doctor, you do have power in your hands - use it wisely with unwavering determination, not minding whose horse is gored. Be fair, firm and focused. They say wine gets better with age. I hope that’s the case with you. Indeed a lot of water has passed under the bridge.

Parents United Network, an organization I co-founded have been in the vanguard of igniting a national moral rebirth. We believe that unless and until we create a new moral order and leverage on it for the change that we desire, greatness will continue to elude Nigeria.

We rolled out a 14-part agenda for President Buhari three months ago. In that write up, we made some suggestions on NNPC. I will like to volunteer a few of them to you: First, you need to shut out all patronage seekers and praise singers and get down

to brass tacks.

Whatever it takes, dismantle the huge wall of secrecy and lack of transparency in NNPC. It has been the veil behind the perpetuation of pernicious corruption over the years.

Carry out a comprehensive staff audit with a view to pruning down the workforce to a reasonable size. It is bloated and not sustainable for a viable NNPC. All those retrenched should be promptly paid their entitlements. This will enable them to set up small businesses and possibly become employers of labour themselves.

Be determined to turn NNPC into a viable enterprise in the class of Petrobras. You can honestly endear yourself to Nigerians by making NNPC a veritable money spinner for the country.

It is a big shame that NNPC still presides over the importation of fuel. You should work toward putting a stop to this evil which has become a cesspit for corruption.

Apart from getting the existing refineries to work optimally, you should encourage massive modular refining. We suggest you enter into partnership with all the 36 states with a view to establishing one modular refinery in each state, to begin with.

Many before you were just content with maintaining the status quo and feathering their nests. They would rather pander to the secret demands of the powers that be.

So they failed before they even started. They had no will to tackle corruption. In time soon they got swept away.

But things are different now. You are lucky to serve under a no-nonsense, highly principled President who will not bother you with extraneous demands. Besides, you are taking over on the strength of not being a product of the corrupted NNPC system. You cannot afford to fail, Doctor. I want you to know that your success at NNPC will be a thing of joy to us who worked closely with you in the beginning.

I wish you the very best of times in NNPC. • Newton, former editor of Hints magazine is a writer and morality advocate based in Lagos

Celebrating Ngige @ 63

By Justus Anyadiora governance and provided a different kind of leadership that was unprecedented in the history of the state.

Till date, Ngige’s landmark achievements, especially in the area of infrastructural development that cut across the state, are obvious and verifiable –a feat his successors have battling to measure up with, but to no avail. Ngige’s demystification of the political godfathers in the state at the risk of his life will remain a case study for student of political history in the country. His survival of his political abduction on July 10, 2003 by his estranged godfather in connivance with security agents, was a clear manifestation that God was with him and he has not completed his good work for his people.

The judicial/ presidential conspiracy that led to his removal from office as a governor is known to Nigerians. It was obvious that his removal from office was not about winning the election, but his refusal to open the state treasury to the godfathers which was the tradition in the state before he assumed office.

Upon his removal from office, he was given a clean bill of health by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, led by its chairman then, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

Ngige as matter of principle left the PDP and co-founded the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, with the likes of Senator Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and others. This was at a time nobody gave his new party any chance of making an in road into the Southeast zone, but Ngige proved the doubting Thomases wrong as the party has remained a force to reckon within the zone, especially in Anambra State, where the party won national and state assembly seats during the 2011 elections.

It was that year that Ngige defeated Prof. Dora Akunyili of APGA in a keenly contested Anambra Senatorial seat election, despite Anambra State government’s support for Akunyili. While in the Senate, Ngige sponsored bills and contributed logically in debates. He awarded scholarship to many students in his zone and provided jobs for several others. Not left out in his largesse are several communities in the zone, he provided with borehole and electricity. Ngige worked assiduously alongside others for the successful merger of the key opposition parties that metamorphosed

into the All Progressives Congress, APC. Ngige served as the secretary of the first rancour-free national convention of the party that produced the present leadership of the party led by Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

At the peak of the 2015 general elections, Ngige was among the few men of character who solidly stood for the presidential candidate of his party APC, Muhammadu Buhari, especially in the South-east zone, where many were beclouded by financial gratifications and sentiment. True to Ngige’s belief and conviction, Buhari won the presidential election. This was despite the collective conspiracy by few disgruntled PDP elements in the zone to ensure that Ngige did not return to the Senate, and probably emerge the Senate President.

But in the face all these, his people have taken solace in the fact that the “Change” which he has clamoured and worked for has finally come for the good of Nigerians with the Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency. This singular event has vindicated him as a man who saw tomorrow, when others are more concerned about today, immediacy and lining of their personal pockets at the expense of others. There is no disputation that at 63, he still have a lot to offer Nigerians in his burning desire to serve humanity selflessly at all times.

• Dr. Anyadiora, a lecturer wrote from Owerri, Imo State.

‘Ngige’s demystification of the political godfathers in the state at the risk of his life will remain a case study for student of political history in the country. His survival of his political abduction on July 10, 2003 by his estranged godfather in connivance with security agents, was a clear manifestation that God was with him and he has not completed his good work for his people’

23

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

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New helmsman for Rotary Club, Isolo

T

HE Rotary Club of Isolo has installed Mrs Lolade Temitope Ogungbe as its 35th President.

The event held last Saturday at the Events Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

Executive Director of Babsek Nigeria Limited Mr Abayomi Adewunmi, a past District Governor of the Rotary, was the guest speaker on the occasion.

He spoke on the topic: “What is Rotary?”.

He said the cornerstone of the Rotary is membership, urging members to be loyal to the 110-year-old club by suppoting its projects.

Present at the event were: Senator Ganiyu Solomon; found-

•Mrs Ogungbe listening to her citation from Chief Olawale-Cole (right). With them is Chief Idowu.

By Nneka Nwaneri

ing partner and CEO of Centrespread, Mr Kola Ayanwale; Chief Michael Olawale-Cole; Executive Manager Deep Water Administration Total Mrs Chinyere Uche; Managing Director Continental Loss Adjusters and Director, Great Nigeria Insurance Plc, Chief Olatunji Idowu, among others.

Mrs Ogungbe enjoined all to get acquainted with the activities of Rotary, urging all to assist the organisation to raise funds.

•Senator Solomon (left) and Mr Ayanwale

BIRTHDAY The 80th Birthday Thanksgiving Service for Aro/Asiwaju of IleIfe Chief Oyekunle Alex –Duduyemi held at the Cathedral Church of St Philip, Ayetoro, Diocese of Ife, Ile –Ife. The reception held at KFA Event Centre Lekki ...

• The Diocesan Bishop of Ife Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion Rt Rev Oluranti Odubogun (left) exchanging pleasantries with the celebrator Chief Oyekunle Duduyemi and his wife Shola.

•Founder, Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) Dr Fredrick Fasehun (left) and former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the late General Sani Abacha Major Hamza Al–Mustapha.

last Sunday.

•Chief Adekunle Ojora and his wife Erelu Ojuolape

WEDDING

CONJUGAL BLISS

•Former Miss Salimat Oseni and her husband Muyideen Ojora Adejiyan at their wedding in Iba town, Lagos... on Saturday.

•Mr Andrew Udoh and former Miss Eme Akpan after their wedding at Grace on the Throne Bible Church (Boundless Grace Chapel), Oworonshoki, Lagos.

ROFESSOR Val got an invitation to be one of the lead paper presenters at an international conference. He had been working on a research formula for a while and he had received several awards and international recognitions; therefore, he believed the audience would be excited to LANRE OLAOLU AMODU listen to his presentation.

He negotiated his fee with (Ph.D) sospeak2lanre@yahoo.com.

07034737394 the organiser of the event @lanreamodu and agreed to speak for one hour.

The conference was to begin on Monday and Val's presentation was scheduled for Tuesday. Nevertheless, he arrived on Sunday because he had to transverse several countries to the location of the conference and the organiser had appealed to him to be present at the opening ceremony. To demonstrate how much Professor Val was appreciated for attending the conference, a party welcome was held in his honour on Sunday night.

Finally, it was Tuesday and Prof Val's presentation began. Unfortunately, not quite 15 minutes into the one hour paper, the audience started to be distracted. Don't tell me that the distraction came because Val was not energetic and passionate about his subject matter because you are wrong. He worked really hard at it.

However, the more he tried to be convincing, the more he lost the attention of his audience.

One of the challenges he had was that he believed the one hour was not enough to do justice to the topic so he tried as much as possible to force so much information into the time. Of course, he also tried to speak as fast as he could. The greatest challenge of the presentation, however, was that he was a Russian and didn't speak good English. That, more than any other thing, made it difficult for the audience to comprehend the presentation. Quickly, the initial excitement of see Prof Val "in the flesh" gave way to boredom.

Thirty-five minutes into the presentation, about 50% of the audience was asleep, 25% was busy with a book or other materials, while the remaining 25% struggled to follow the presentation because of a particular interest in the topic. The Master of Ceremonies (MC) took a look at the audience and was uncomfortable, so he approached the organiser to discuss the situation. The organiser, however, insisted that the contract with Prof Val specifies that he would be speaking for one hour and he had been paid accordingly.

After 50 minutes, the MC approached Prof Val, like he did for other presenters, to tell him that he had 10 more minutes. Prof Val reacted sharply by saying, "I have one hour to present. I will use my one hour". While the MC courteously returned to his seat, the audience murmured as though they could not bear another minute of the presentation. When finally the presentation ended, members of the audience couldn't wait to go for their long -awaited break and they didn't care much about asking questions from the speaker.

I'm sure a few questions may be going through your mind right now. One of them may be, "what did Professor Val do wrong?" The truth is that he worked perfectly by the book. He prepared hard, he was energetic and passionate, he was time conscious (his one hour) and he wanted to pass across a lot of valuable information to his audience. These are all virtues, aren't they? So, what did he do wrong? Well, his asset was also his liability- he worked perfectly by the book. In public speaking, there are lots of valuable rules that enhance effective presentation. Nevertheless, it is extremely important to note that public speaking is an art. It is dynamic. Rules are set as guidelines but we must also learn when and how to apply them, or even how to sensibly break them.

In this series, we shall be exploring exceptions to some public speaking rules. The greatest attribute of an experienced public speaker is the ability to effectively evaluate his/her audience and respond according.

Whether you are a professional public speaker or you simply make presentations at work, your audience must be your prime focus. Next week, by the grace of God, we shall take a closer look at Prof Val's errors. I would also love to hear from you. Kindly send me your comments or questions so that we can explore them together. Have a blessed weekend.

Dr. Amodu teaches at the Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ogun State.

25

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

T HE CEO ‘We’ll save Nigeria $50b in capital flight’

JOBS In need of a job? Try soap making

- P. 37

- P. 35

News Brief Why gas supply is low, by NGC THE Nigerian Gas Company Limited (NGC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has listed factors that militate against the development, supply and monetisation of the huge gas resource in the country.

–Page 26

Agency okays 74 meters for NERC licence OF the 93 meters tested by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), only 19 failed, it was learnt at the weekend.

–Page 26

Cyber risk, others threaten CEOs, says PwC THE findings of two reports by PwC that chart the top risks in the global insurance sector and the growth concerns of insurance chief executive officers shows that cyber risk, interest rates and growing tax burden are now among the top risks for insurers.

–Page 29

Nigeria ‘ll lose N210tr to EPA, says MAN

T

HE President, Manufac turers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dr Fran Jacobs has warned that signing the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) would cost Nigeria about N210 trillion ($1.3trillion).

Speaking with The Nation, Jacobs said apart from this loss, EPA would have a negative effect on local manufacturing range from the shutdown of local industries and job losses due to unfair competition.

He said this is because Nigeria is mainly a commodity-goods-producer country.

He said: “The EPA is a reciprocal preferential trade agreement being promoted by the European Union (EU) to create a Free Trade Area (FTA) between the EU and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP)

By Toba Agboola

through six regional economic communities into which the ACP is divided.

“Signing the EPA in its present form, would cost Nigeria alone $1.3 trillion revenue losses from finished goods coming from the EU while the negative effects EPA would have on local manufacturing range from shutdown of local industries and job losses due to unfair competition.

“Nigeria is mainly a commodity-goods-producer country and would trade same in an EPA free trade arrangement. It has very limited capability to produce and export industrial goods.

Most of the industries in the country are undeveloped and are plagued by lack of supportive infrastructure.

The production plans of industry players are constantly distorted by the interplay of macroeconomic variables such as inflation, exchange rate and interest rate variations. EPA, therefore, may appear to be a good course in the document proposal but may be catastrophic if implemented, as it will stifle the slowly recovering manufacturing sector in the country.

“This will therefore lead to untold hardship to the country as the unemployment situation and the standard of living of the people will worsen. EPA will also confine the Nigerian economy to a mere market extension of the EU since we cannot compete with Europe on all grounds. It is on these grounds that we believe that Nigeria does not need EPA now until it has been adequately industrialized and be

able to trade industrial goods competitively.

Moreover, after 30 years of preferential market access, the ACP countries still export just a few basic commodities to the EU. At the same time, the ACP share of the EU market is steadily declining. The existing trade preferences have not had the intended effect of helping the ACP countries diversify their economies into higher value products. Today, the ACP countries attract only a small portion of the world’s foreign direct Investment.

“Nigerian manufacturers are not averse to free trade cooperation but such should be better done in a situation of equal economic development. Any attempt to coerce the country into a free trade arrangement will only succeed in killing the fledging manufacturing sector which has just started to re-

T

COMMODITY PRICES

Cocoa

$54/barrel $2,686.35/metric ton

Coffee

¢132.70/pound

Cotton

¢95.17pound

Gold

$1,396.9/troy

Sugar

$163/lb RATES

Inflation

8.4%

Treasury Bills 10.58%(91d) Maximum lending 30% Prime lending

15.87%

Savings rate

3%

91-day NTB

15%

Time Deposit

5.49%

MPR

13%

Foreign Reserve

$34.5b

Lagos, electricity firms seek special court for power thieves

By Akinola Ajibade

DATA STREAM

Oil

cover from a long period of comatose.”

Jacobs said manufacturers have serious constraints, which will make their products uncompetitive not only in the European countries but globally.

He added that Nigeria, as a commodity-goods-producer country, can only export agricultural products to Europe while Europe will export industrial goods such as machinery and so on, which Nigeria lacks the capacity and capability to produce. Consequent upon the above challenges are also constantly distorting interplay of macroeconomic variables such as inflation, exchange rate and interest rate variations.

• From left: Executive Director, Enterprise Risk Management, Heritage Bank, Jude Monye; British Deputy High Commissioner, Ray Kyles, MD/CEO Heritage Bank, Ifie Sekibo; Acting MD, Enterprise Bank, Mary Akpobome and Executive Director, South West & Lagos, Ola Olabinjo at the presentation of ISO/INEC 27001:2013 certification award at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s Residence, Ikoyi, Lagos.

FIRS collects N2.37t revenue in six months

T

HE Federal Inland Rev enue Service (FIRS) has so far collected about N1.97trillion of its target revenue in the first-half of the year, the Acting Executive Chairman, Sunday S. Ogungbesan, has said.

However, with the N381.02 billion so far realised last month, the collection stands at N2.37trillion as at end of July, 2015.

Ogungbesan, who spoke in Lagos at an interactive session with the reporters over the weekend, said what has been realised, is equivalent of 86 per cent of the N2.23trillion target revenue expected between JanuaryJune, this year.

He said of the N4.57trillion expected yearly collectable

• Seeks Central Tax System

By Simeon Ebulu

revenue, Value Added Tax (VAT), is projected to contribute N1.28trillion, adding that as at June ending, N390.96billion, representing 61 per cent, has been realised out of the set target of N641.85billion for the firsthalf of the year.

Also, going by the revenue agency’s projection, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), is expected to contribute N1.48trillion to the revenue profile this year. Out of this amount, N697.18billion of the projected N742.44billion for the first-half of the year, equivalent of 94 per cent, has

been collected.

Ogungbesan, who spoke on a wide range of issues, said there was need to have a Central Tax Administration System in the country, pointing out that the existing 36 states tax structure was not effective and does not make for an efficient tax system. He said tax payers, especially small and medium scale enterprises and commercial entities across the nation,are burdened with multiple taxes.

He said the FIRS has a list of 450,000 registered companies in its register, but regretted that of this number, only 125,000 pay tax to the gov-

• Ogungbesan

ernment, “we don’t even know who the business owners, are,” Ogungbesan, lamented.

He said the FIRS is reor• Continued on page 26

HE Ikeja Electric (for merly Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC), Eko Electric Distribution Company (EKEDC) and the Lagos State government are holding talks on how to ensure that a special court for electricity equipment thieves and vandals is established, The Nation gathered at the weekend.

The discussion, which started months ago, involves the management of the two firms and Justice Ayotunde Phillips, the Chief Judge of Lagos State.

The parties were said to have examined the procedures for convicting people, who indulge in such practices, and fashion out ways on how those concerned do not circumvent justice.

EKEDC spokesman, Godwin Idemudia, confirmed the development, saying the two electricity distributions companies (DISCOs) and the Chief Judge have been meeting to ensure that a special court was set up to jail people found guilty of stealing cables, meters, or vandalise transformers, sub-stations, and other equipment.

Ihemudia said people were arrested for such crimes in areas under the jurisdiction of Eko DISCO last year, adding that many of them have been convicted by the courts.

He said: ‘’The Ikeja and Eko DISCOS are involved in a discussions with the Chief Judge of Lagos State facilitated to establish a special court and further rid the state of electricity-related crimes.

We have recorded several cases of thefts and vandalism in the past. We are still recording them.

Properties worth several millions of naira belonging to Eko Electricity firm have been tampered with ditto Ikeja Electric. This informed our decision to try and find a lasting solution to the issue.’’

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

26

BUSINESS NEWS ICC: Nigeria transit route for counterfeit, pirated products • DirectorGeneral, Benin Customs,Brigadier Charles Sezan (left) and the CAC Seme Customs, Comptroller Ndalati Garba during the presentation of vehicles

Why gas supply is low, by NGC

T

HE Nigerian Gas Com pany Limited (NGC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has listed factors that militate against the development, supply and monetisation of the huge gas resource in the country.

Its Managing Director, Mr. Dafe Sejebor, said these issues are reasons expectations on supply are not being met.

He said huge volume of gas meant for the domestic market is lost from the time of vandalism to detection, about 150 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d).

He noted that the huge amount is also spent on repairs of the vandalised pipes, adding that about N2.5 billion was spent on pipeline repairs be-

• Nigeria loses N2.5b to pipeline vandalism in six months

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

tween January and June, this year.

He also said the reluctance of upstream oil and gas companies to invest in domestic gas production as well as uneconomical gas-to-power price framework is stalling growth of the gas industry.

He said the inadequate funds for infrastructure development and limited appetite of Nigerian banks to invest in long to mid-term projects as well as host community issues, work against the industry’s growth.

Sejebor, however, said the government was working to address the issues. He said the

gas sector reforms are underpinned by a set of enabling policies that are being implemented to jumpstart the gas industry agenda.

Among the policies being implemented include scalable infrastructure, gas pricing regime to sustain supply growth in the long term and world class and bankable gas supply and purchase agreement (GSPA) and the gas network code while transmission tariff is pegged at a minimum of $0.80 MMscf to justify investments on gas infrastructure.

He noted that the World Bank Partial Risk Guarantee is also mitigating against non-payment for gas sold adding that

investors have been assembled for the Central Processing Facilities (CPF) ) for Western CPF and final investment decision (FID) is expected to be taken in 2016.

To further boost gas development, the NGC chief said the company is in discussion with current gas producers in the country to boost output. The gas producers include the international oil companies (IOCs) such as Chevron and Shell, and indigenous companies such as Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Pan Ocean and Seplat as well as potential gas producers for more gas production especially from their non associated gas (NAG) assets. The potential producers include ND Western Oil, Seven Energy, Owel Linkso, and Sunlink, among others.

Agency okays 74 meters for NERC licence

O

F the 93 meters tested by the Nigerian Elec tricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), only 19 failed, it was learnt at the weekend.

Its Managing Director, Peter Ewesor, who spoke to The Nation in Abuja, said the meters that passed the test were being sent to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) for licencing.

According to him, the agency had also tested over 170,000 electricity meters from which only about 1000 failed.

He explained that the meters that failed the accuracy test have been returned to the manufacturers for a rework before they can be used in Nigeria.

Ewesor said NEMSA and the commission were resolving

• ‘Fed Govt pays 80% of people on electricity right of way’ From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

some of the issues on the metering code to ensure there are better meters in Nigeria.

His words: “We have tested well over 17,000 meters and few of them have failed may be about 1000 plus have failed.

Then, you find out that we have tested about 93 types of meters for which we gave certificate with which they are going to Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission for their licence.

“So, those 93 meter types, I think 19 of them have failed.

What that means is that if those 19 that failed didn’t go through the meter test, we shouldn’t have been able to discover

them. That means that types can bring about several thousands of meters to Nigeria because they will be bringing the meters that are not good to the country.”

He also said the Federal Government has compensated over 80 per cent of the people that built their houses on electricity right of way (under high tension).

“I can tell you to that more than 80 per cent of the people you see build their houses under the lines, especially when the line meets them have been paid compensation,” said Ewesor.

NEMSA, he revealed will embark on a sensitisation tour to meet the concerned local

government chairmen and state governors on the danger of living under a high tension.

He said: “What we intend to do is to do a lot of sensitisation, awareness campaign for people to know the danger people are posed to when living under the lines. You are exposed to constant radiation from the transmission line, the voltage and what that means is overtime is that it will affect the health of people living in the place.

“And we are going to do this overtime, meet state governors, meet local government chairmen give them advise, enlighten them on the consequences there. We can actually solve those problems because if a state governor knows that his people are living under risk, living under high tension line.”

‘Single currency for Africa requires political leadership’ A FRICA’S quest for a single currency in the mould of the European Union (AU) is possible if there is focused and committed political leadership in the continent, the President, World Federation of Business Development Organisations (WFOBDO), Dr Mohammed Kafafy, has said.

Speaking on the sideline at the ‘First International Business Development Summit organised in Lagos by the Institute of Business Development (IBD), Kafafy, an Egyptian, said a single currency for Africa would boost regional integration for sustainable practice of business development in Africa, and only a strong political lead-

By Chikodi Okereocha

ership would make that happen.

With Business Development in Africa: Regional integration for sustainable comparative advantage as the focus of the summit, the event was aimed at bringing Africans together to brainstorm on how to harness the abundant resources in the continent for sustainable growth and development by focusing on areas of comparative and competitive advantage.

Noting that Africa boasts of agricultural and natural resources, Kafafy, who was keynote speaker at the summit,

told The Nation that though, the risk of investing in Africa, especially Nigeria remains high, just as they are for most emerging markets, the perceived risk is much greater than the real risk. According to him, the key is the management of that risk.

He recommended that as part of minimising the risk, the culture of strategic alliance should be imbibed in Africa. He also stressed the need to create partnerships that will build and complement firms, making each one more competitive. He said for the strategic alliance to be successful there must be clear strategic purpose, fitting partners, responsibility of al-

location, good relationship among partners, and a flexible economy.

Kafafy, noting that the potential in Africa is, indeed, huge, pointing out that Africa is of increasing strategic interest to the global economy.

He said, for instance, that China and India are though increasing their businesses with the continent, they are often beaten by American and European firms.

“Africa offers a consumer base of more than 900 million people. While more than half of Africa lives on $1 or less a day, the other half does not, and they are hungry for products and services. Even among the poor, there are surprising opportunities,” Kafafy said.

T

HE Vice Chairman, In ternational Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Nigeria Mr. Raymond Ihyembe has lamented that Nigeria has become a transit route for fake and counterfeited and pirated products.

He listed corruption, weak legal framework and others as responsible for this development.

Speaking during the presentation of a report by Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy (BASCAP), an initiative ICC, in Lagos, he said it is important for the country to have national policies that create awareness of the importance of intellectual property, saying: “This is in line with BASCAP’s commitment to make the fight against counterfeiting and piracy.”

According to Ihyembe, the result of the report showed that the country has increasingly become both a target destination and significant transit route for counterfeit and pirated products.

He said: “This situation is related to several factors such as corruption, out-dated legislation and weak enforcement mechanisms, including lack of national policy on combating counterfeiting and piracy. Investment, trade and economic growth are being penalised by the negative effects of these illegal practices that also affect consumers’ health due to counterfeit practices in sensible industries like pharma-

By Olatunde Odebiyi

ceuticals and cosmetics.”

He added that the report stressed the importance of intellectual property enforcement and documented some of the challenges that Nigeria faces in relation to intellectual property rights.

“It acknowledges that economic growth needs a strong legal framework that protects IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) and encourages innovation, research and development of indigenous products,” he said.

He noted that the purpose of BASCAP report is to put forward a set of policy and legislative recommendations that stakeholders in the country could use for reducing counterfeiting and protecting economic growth.

Titled: Promoting and Protecting Intellectual Property in Nigeria, it was released during the Anadach workshop in Lagos which had The Dynamic role of Intellectual Property in Promoting Innovation and Economic Development in Emerging Markets as its theme.

The report received valuable input, support and endorsement from ICC Nigeria, key local partners including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), African Intellectual Property Group (AIPG) and the Intellectual Property Law Association of Nigeria (IPLAN).

‘Vote 10% of budget for agric’

T

HE Federal Govern ment will need to set aside 10 per cent of its budget on agriculture to ensure food security, an expert, Dr Ademola Adeyemo has said.

Adeyemo, who is the Deputy Director, Directorate of General Administration, Agricultural and Rural Management Institute (ARMTI), said agriculture is one of the key sectors that have propelled economic growth.

He said adequate funding was needed to help the government follow a roadmap for the development of the sector.

According to him, a postbudget analysis revealed that that the allocation is not adequate for the boosting of the sector and fall below the international benchmarks.

He said key agricultural areas are still underfunded falling short of the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) target of allocating 10 per cent of the total budget to the agricultural sector.

According to him, the budget allocation still falls short of CAADP targets of allocating 10 per cent of the total funds to the agriculture sector, stressing the need to allocate more resources to other key areas such as re-

By Daniel Essiet

search and development, and provision of extension services and infrastructure.

He recognised that various positive measures and pronouncements have been presented in the budget to support agricultural development but urged the government to ensure that the ideas are backed by implementation.

According to him, sufficient budgetary provisions will translate into a vibrant agricultural sector, raking in revenue into the government coffers and providing jobs for Nigerians to contribute effectively towards economic growth.

He urged the government to employ prudent fiscal discipline as this will be a key to ensuring financial sustainability and quality service delivery.

He said setting aside 10 per cent would help the sector to develop stimulating high production levels in crop and livestock segments.

This, he said, was vital in making Nigeria a food basket. Adeyemo also asked for efforts to promote conservation agriculture, use of improved seed varieties and diversify on-farm activities.

FIRS collects N2.37t revenue in six months • Continued from page 25 dering its tax collection strategy, by engaging tax payers and dialoguing with them, rather than continuing with the present combative method, which he stated, has not been helpful.

“I have been talking to my

people on the need to change tactics. I believe that we should keep the companies going rather than closing them,” he said, adding that certain measures the tax authority took to shame tax defaulters, felt flat on its face without achieving the intended objective.

27

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

ISSUES The figures are unflattering. Over $150 billion was stolen from Nigeria in the last 10 years, with over 90 per cent of the loot related to oil. Africa's largest economy also occupies an unenviable seventh position among the top 10 highest illicit capital outflows in the developing world, losing a cumulative $217.7 billion from 1970 to 2008. But there are indications that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration's war against corruption is off to a good start.

This has raised hopes that the monster may soon be caged to pave the way for real development.

Assistant Editor CHIKODI OKEREOCHA reports.

•President Buhari

• NNPC boss Dr. Emmanuel Kachikwu

Illicit cash: All eyes on Buhari to stem the haemorrhage I

T may have been long in coming, but when it finally did last week, the shake-up at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), beginning with the appointment of a new Group Managing Director (GMD), Dr. Emmanuel Kachikwu, gladdened the hearts of not a few Nigerians.

For one, it was an indication that the war against corruption is off to a good start. Most importantly perhaps, the choice of NNPC for the beginning of the cleansing, is seen by many as a clear and bold statement that President Muhammadu Buhari's administration's resolve to tackle the manace is on to a promising start.

Barely a day after the appointment of Kachikwu as NNPC’s helmsman, all the Corporation’s Group Executive Directors were also booted out.

That the NNPC is one of the first to come under the administration's scrutiny is hardly surprising. The oil & gas industry, which the NNPC supervises, both as industry regulator and active player, is the cash cow and mainstay of Nigeria's economy.

It accounts for over 90 per cent of her foreign exchange earnings,

about 8.97 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and 80 per cent of government revenue.

However, under its watch, much of Nigeria's oil fortune is being squandered on account of the Corporation's long history of graft, waste and mismanagement. This was what prompted persistent calls by experts and Nigerians for a probe of the management.

Such calls are not without justification, considering the mind-boggling revelations of pervasive corruption in the industry. For instance, between 2009 and 2012, about 160 million barrels of oil worth $13.7b was stolen, according to the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), also estimates that $400billion was stolen from the

‘

country between 1960 and 1999.

Even Buhari himself raised the alarm that up to last month, July 10, some people in government were illegally selling 250,000 barrels of oil per day.

To date, Nigerians are yet to come to terms with the fact that despite earning about $500 billion from crude oil in the five years to 2014 and about $1tr in 50 years, according to the US Department of Energy, there is not much on ground to show for it either in physical infrastructure or human development indices. For instance, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) estimated that 76.8 million of the 170 million population still lack access to drinking water in 2014, while 64 million Nigerians were illiterate, according to the National Mass Education Commission. Over 50 per

cent of Nigerians also lack access to basic health care services.

Illicit financial flows Much of the disturbing statistics of Nigeria's heavy losses to corruption appear to be in form of illicit financial flows (IFFs). For instance, a Washington DC-based research and advisory organisation, Global Financial Integrity (GFI), recently released a report, which placed Nigeria 7th among the top 10 highest illicit capital outflows in the developing world.

GFI, which produces high-calibre analyses of illicit financial flows, said while Africa loses $50 billion annually in IFFs, Nigeria topped the league, losing a cumulative $217.7b from 1970 to 2008. GFI said over 90 per cent of that loss was related to

To date, Nigerians are yet to come to terms with the fact that despite earning about $500 billion from crude oil in the five years to 2014 and about $1tr in 50 years, according to the US Department of Energy, there is not much to show for it either in physical infrastructure or human development indices

’

oil. It also added that in the last 10 years alone, $150b was stolen from Nigeria, which perhaps, was why the recovery of the $150b stolen oil wealth was on the priority list of Buhari's request on Kachikwu.

GFI did not say anything new.

It only added its voice to growing public outcry, particularly by economic experts and stakeholders that the economy is bleeding profusely from IFFs. Sometime last year, the immediate past Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Vice President/Treasurer of the World Bank, Ms. Arunma Oteh, raised the alarm that Nigeria lost over $140 billion to IFFs between 2002 and 2011, a period of nine years.

Oteh, who was keynote speaker at the 2nd Christopher Kolade Lecture on business integrity held in Lagos in September, last year, said: "Nigeria has lost more to illicit financial flows than any other African country between 2002 and 2011, even being listed in the top 10 globally.

Within a 9-year period we lost over $140 billion to illicit financial flows."

She added that poor countries • Continued on page 27

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

28

ISSUES

All eyes on Buhari to stem the haemorrhage •Continued from page 27

are losing an estimated $1 trillion annually to such illegal financial activities as money laundering, tax evasion, transfer pricing and embezzlement.

Multinational companies, banks culpable Oteh said a lot of the illicit outflows, which are basically monies illegally earned, transferred or utilised, was through the illicit commercial activities of multinational companies.

The multinational companies some of which are in the oil & gas industry are allegedly involved in big ticket crude oil swap deals and contract splitting through the help of unscrupulous government officials and their collaborators in the organised private sector including foreign businesses.

Some commercial banks are also said to be involved in the transfer of the loot.

"In all sincerity, I don't think the banks are doing or have done enough to curtail these sharp practices. More often than not, they are complicit. Such deals can't be pulled without the active connivance of financial institutions," a Security Expert and Founder, Forenovate Technologies Ltd, an Abuja-based security risk management consultancy, Mr. Don Okereke, said.

The UK-trained security expert added that lately, Nigerian banks had found a new love: a penchant for opening foreign branches.

"Some schools of thought see this as an avenue to siphon, launder money abroad. The Nigerian government must beam its searchlight on the plethora of foreign bank branches operated by Nigerian parent banks, Okereke told The Nation.

How IFFs hurt economy, fuel terrorism Mr. Okereke said the implications of IFFs on the economy are grave and far-reaching.

He said, for instance, that IFFs deplete the nation's resources while enriching that of foreign countries where these monies are domiciled. Said he: "If these monies were/are invested in the Nigerian economy, even though 'stolen', at least jobs will be created for the teeming unemployed youths. It means that these outflows indirectly lead to increase in crime since our country's resources are being looted by people in corridors of power and no jobs are created, this leaves idle youths with no choice than to do crime."

Another implication of this, he said, is that Nigeria now has a situation where some folks are richer than their State, possibly as rich as the country. "Some of these nouveauriches use their ill-gotten resources to fight the government and ferment trouble. In other words, they see themselves as a government. Some even argue that illicit financial outflows could be channelled into sponsoring terrorism and insurgency," he added.

Oteh confirmed this much, saying: "We now have a situation where these illicit outflows are not only depriving our country of desperately needed capital but are also being used to finance terrorism abroad and within our shores." she said a security expert who trained members of staff of SEC recently shared some pieces of intelligence with the Commission indicating that the rampaging Boko Haram sect received over $70 million between 2006 and 2011 through shady activities like money laundering, oil bunkering, kidnapping and dealing in drugs.

That is not all. The $150 billion stolen in the last decade as confirmed by GFI is more than the about $100 billion the World Bank said Nigeria needed to invest in power in 10 years to lift electricity supply to an acceptable level and tackle poverty and unemployment.

Again, Oteh agrees. While noting that this is money desperately needed for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and could prevent as much as 3.6 million deaths annually in the world's poorest countries, she said in the case of Nigeria, an estimated $50 billion investment is required to ensure stable electricity supply.

The World Bank Vice President was em-

• Arunma-Oteh, World Bank Vice President and Treasurer

phatic that IFFs and corruption are two issues that countries have been battling with and Nigeria suffers greatly from both issues.

"Corruption has been identified as the second most problematic factor to doing business in Nigeria ahead of factors including access to finance and terrorism," she stated, adding that the G-20 is focusing on combating illicit financial flows especially considering the fact that poor countries are losing a lot to such illegal activities.

Oteh, however, said considering the impact of corruption and anti-money laundering violations on Nigeria, efforts have been made to strengthen the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime in Nigeria.

"Other countries are also implementing reforms to make it harder for wrongdoers to find a hiding place. The United Kingdom has the Anti-Bribery Act 2010 that requires companies with any link to the UK to have robust structures to forestall shady dealings.

The United States has long had the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, which provides for up to $25 million in fines and 20-year jail term," she said.

What options for Buhari?

Since the inauguration of Buhari's administration on May 29, his perceived hard stance against corruption has largely been read from his body language. His body language is believed to have galvanised the hitherto inefficient anti-corruption agencies, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) into action, leading to the arrest of some Politically Exposed Persons (PPPs). However, the thinking is that last week's shake up in NNPC was a pointer that the days of reckoning are finally here for corrupt people.

However, experts have proposed some measures that they believe will guarantee success in the war against entrenched corruption. With regards to IFFs, for instance, Okereke said ensuring strict financial regulation and intelligence surveillance of financial transactions as well as genuine cooperation and partnership with Western governments and institutions to check money laundering would go a long way in curbing the trend.

Okereke was not done. He also wants the Federal Government to "Mandate all revenue generating, collecting Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA's) to henceforth remit every dime they collect/generate to the federation account. Ensure that award of government contracts, crude oil blocks etc. are very transparent and in line with global best practices, and allow unfettered access to public information and free speech. Unnecessary bureaucracy enshrined in the freedom of information law must be purged."

He also urged government to strengthen the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit

• Kofi-Annan, former UN Secretary General

•Founder, Forenovate Technologies Ltd, Mr. Don Okereke

‘

We now have a situation where these illicit outflows are not only depriving our country of " desperately needed capital but are also being used to finance terrorism abroad and within our shores

(NFIU) and the anti-corruption agencies to be alive to their responsibilities.

The thinking is that reforming the EFCC, the ICPC and the CCB involves a radical overhaul of their scandalous and uncoordinated investigations and weak prosecution, which are factors believed to be responsible for losing high profile cases in the past. It also involves the strategy of making the institutions strong and efficient and without overt interference from the political class.

Incidentally, the need for some of these institutional reforms is not lost on Buhari. This was why the President gave the new NNPC helmsman a matching order to reshape the Corporation, by, among other things, cleaning up the NNPC system of corrupt elements, work with the EFCC and the Directorate of State Service (DSS) to trace and recover stolen oil cash, review NNPC's structure to compete globally, and give targets to all subsidiaries and put in place performance benchmarks.

The President also wants the GMD to fixe all refineries, which must work at optimal level, "even if it means using expatriates in the interim."

Support rises for fight against IFFs This must be music in the ears of African governments, which are hard-hit by the unbridled looting of their commonwealth. Already, the continent appears poised to compliment and collaborate with the world powers in the bid to halt the rampaging monster that has continued to frustrate efforts at sustainable growth and development.

For instance, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)-Africa pledged its commitment to support African countries and the African Union (AU) in the fight against IFFs from Africa. At the end of a twoday ITUC-Africa Human and Trade Union Rights Network meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, the ITUC-Africa General Secretary Mr. Kwesi Aou-Amankwah, said the Thabo Mbeki panel report on IFF from Africa showed that a conservative figure of $50b was leaving the continent annually.

Aou-Amankwah therefore, pledged that ITUC-Africa shall continue to pressure big business and multinational companies to pay their fair and true share tax in countries where their production and profit activities take place. "The financial haemorrhage as a result of IFF continues to harm our economies and people, as it reduces monies for social spending on education, potable water, health and sanitation, among others.

"These real drivers of development are lost

‘

If these monies were/are invested in the Nigerian economy, even though 'stolen', at least jobs will be " created for the teeming unemployed youths. It means that these outflows indirectly lead to increase in crime since our country's resources are being looted by people in corridors of power and no jobs are created, this leaves idle youths with no choice than to do crime

’

because businesses continue to find ways to manipulate tax rules and administrations.

We, therefore, say `stop the bleeding,' which is our ongoing campaign on halting IFFs from Africa,'' he said, urging governments to desist from the current harmful tax competition among themselves with the use of sundry and endless incentives.

AfDB joins the fray The African Development Bank (AfDB) has also joined the battle to stop IFFs. In doing so, AfDB Country Director, Nigeria, Dr Ousmane Dore, said while Nigeria had embarked on milestone reforms aimed at improving her Domestic Resource Mobilisation (DRM), large scale IFFs out of the country still required urgent attention.

"Some of the push factors in illicit capital flows include mainly issues like corruption perception indicators, the size of the underground economy, and weak regulatory institutions,'' Dore said.

Dore, while delivering a keynote address at a 'Multi- Stakeholders' meeting on Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) out of Nigeria'' in Abuja, said the AfDB recently commissioned a study entitled, 'Nigeria: Illicit Financial Flows due to Trade Misinvoicing, 1960-2012", with its report focused on trade mis-invoicing. According to him, Nigeria has for many decades experienced serious problem with trade misinvoicing in the form of over-invoicing of imports and under-invoicing of exports for the purpose of shifting money out of the country.

"Between 1960 and 2011, Nigeria experienced cumulative IFFs totalling $83.3b or 5.6 per cent of total goods trade through trade misinvoicing only. Export under-invoicing takes the larger share of $44b, while the balance of $39.3b was due to import over-invoicing,'' he added, stressing the need for government to undertake critical tax reforms with focus on regulatory, institutional and legal issues, including reduction in complications in tax assessment, computation and collection.

Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan could not agree less. He noted that "Stemming the hemorrhage of finance lost through illicit financial transfers will be a key driver of domestic resources that can be used for future development." Annan is Chairman of the Africa Progress Panel whose recent report 'People, Power, Planet' highlighted the impact illicit flows have on the continent of Africa. The report calls on the international community to "support African efforts to strengthen tax and customs administration and reduce illicit financial outflows, especially via trade misinvoicing."

The buck stops on Nigeria's table

’

Though a continental problem, Nigeria, Africa's largest economy with GDP size of $500b is saddled with the responsibility of coordinating the fight against corruption, especially with regards to IFFs. Buhari may have put the right foot forward in halting the trend by beaming the searchlight on the NNPC, but the consensus is that a strong commitment and political will, backed by the involvement of all stakeholders, is required to fight and win the war.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

29

THE NATION

BUSINESS INSURANCE

Operators lauds Kari’s appointment O

PERATORS have lauded the appointment of Commissioner for Insurance, Mohammed Kari by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The operator’s expectation are high. They are hopeful that the new commissioner will provide regulations that will further drive the growth of the insurance industry.

Buhari appointed Kari on July 31, this year on the same day former Commissioner, Fola Daniel’s tenure in office ended.

Daniel held the position for eight years. Director-General, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Kola Ahmed, thanked the president for his quick response in appointing someone as the commissioner.

For him, it shows that President Buhari’s administration has focused on the industry. He describe Kari’s appointment as the right speg in the round hole and in the right direction.

Stories by Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

He said: “I also see his appointment as a vote of confidence by the government on NAICOM programs. This is why they chose somebody from the Commission.

“He does not have to reinvent the wheel because he has been part of the existing policies. It is good for the industry too because we don’t have to start understanding the commission all over again. We will cooperate and support him.”

The CIIN DG further noted that Kari is a strict person and that is the kind of person the industry need. He said that while the former commissioner on his part enforced the Insurance Act 2003 on operators, he believes the new commissioner will continue with a lot of force.

“He is somebody that will not bend the rules for anybody. He knows the pranks that any underwriter, broker, loss adjuster,

•Kari

•Ahmed

•Igbiti

agent and any other stakeholder in the industry may want to play.

Everybody will just have to do the right thing”, he said.

Chairman, Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA), Godwin Wiggle said the association was willing to work with the new commissioner to make the industry better.

He said they expect more regulatory reforms to place the industry

at par with global best practice. He said the commissioner is a critic and focus person whom they believe will make an impact.

Managing Director, AIICO Insurance Plc, Edwin Igbiti, said the commissioner’s appointment is a welcome development.

“Kari is a practitioner who knows the pains of the operators.

The fact that the president ap-

pointed him shows succession plan in the industry.

“One thing we have to give to the former commissioner is that he has set the stage on a high level and Kari cannot afford to let down the level at this moment. I believe he will help us obscure the level in terms of the control the industry needs presently,” he added.

Cyber risk, others threaten CEOs, says PwC

T

HE findings of two reports by PwC that chart the top risks in the global insurance sector and the growth concerns of insurance chief executive officers shows that cyber risk, interest rates and growing tax burden are now among the top risks for insurers.

This is indicative of how high a concern these issues have become for the industry when looked at in conjunction with regulatory developments and the broader macro-economy.

One of the reports, Insurance Banana Skins 2015, a global study by Centre for the Study of Financial Innovation (CSFI) in conjunction with PwC polled over 800 insurance practitioners and industry observers in 54 countries, including Nigeria, to find out where they saw the greatest risks over the next two-three years.

Regulatory risk emerged as the overall top risk for participants in the survey for the third successive time, underlining the deep impact regulatory change is having. The report says that new rules governing solvency and market conduct could swamp the industry with costs and compliance

By Lucas Ajanaku

problems. It could also distract management from the task of running healthy businesses at a time when the industry faces radical structural change.

Similarly, the second report ‘Insurance 2020: Equipping your business for the global tax revolution noted that the reputation and well-being of companies, including insurance groups, is not just being impacted by governments, taxpayers and other stakeholders but also by external perceptions of how they manage their tax affairs.

PwC Nigeria Financial Services Leader, Patrick Obianwa, said: “The insurance industry faces enormous challenges in the growth of regulation, a difficult operating environment, increased taxation and the looming threat of structural change. This is reflected in the negative sentiment behind these survey results. Given the current speed of regulatory, technological and social change, the challenge for the insurance industry globally is less about what is already happening, and more about how to anticipate what further changes could happen between

now and 2020.

Very few tax teams appear to have evaluated the likely future alternative scenarios, let alone made plans or put them into implementation.”

Tax is firmly under the spotlight and in the global insurance industry, the ramifications for finance and tax teams will be felt in both a new set of business demands and an overhaul of how these functions interact and operate.

PwC’s report says that globally, this industry will find it difficult to cope due to the accelerating shift in market expectations, and challenges to existing business models, in a sector where operational processes are already stretched.

Head, Tax & Regulatory Services at PwC Nigeria, Taiwo Oyedele, also said: “Tax has always been one of an insurer’s most significant expenses, comparable to payroll and claims.

CFOs and CEOs have looked to their tax professionals to find ways to manage their tax liabilities, and as transactions and legislation become more complex and sophisticated, so do tax arrangements.

‘’As companies focus on maximising return on equity and managing capital under new solvency regimes, the value that can be created by tax professionals is becoming increasingly recognised and highly prized.”

“The certainties and demands that have shaped tax management over the past 30 years are being swept aside.

What tax teams are required to do, how they do it, who does it and where they do it will all change as a result.

The challenges of managing risk and tax costs are heightened by a raft of new tax compliance demands.

Key developments in place or on the near horizon include the EU’s Common Reporting Standard (CRS), the OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Action Plan and US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). Tax teams also face a host of local reforms – the UK’s Diverted Profits Tax, new anti-avoidance rules in Australia and new controls on related party payments in Mexico are just some of the many examples.

“While some of these developments have been on the radar for some time, the operational impact of so much dis-

Wapic Insurance MD resigns

CIIN holds investiture tomorrow

T

HE Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) will tomorrow install Lady Isioma Chukwuma, the Managing Director of Nigeria Re insurance Plc, as its 47th President.

The investiture will hold at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos at 1 pm.

It will be chaired by Chief Ade Ojo, Chairman, Elizade Motors and Custodian and Allied Insurance Plc. The theme of Lady Chukwuma’s presidency is: Consolidating the gains of the industry for national economic growth.

Lady Chukwuma, a reinsurer succeed Bola Temowo, a loss adjuster. Chairman of the Presidential Investiture Committee, Fatai Lawal, said the theme is borne out of the need to consolidate on the gains the institute has made dur-

ing the tenures of former presidents.

He said Lady Chukwuma aims to achieve the objectives of her theme by situating the CIIN on the global stage, upscaling collaboration with CII, United Kingdom, promoting insurance awareness by increasing the visibility of insurance through publications in the print medium and pay courtesy visits to the newspaper houses.

According to him, she also intend to follow-up on the recognition to CIIN Certificate by the Head of Service (HOS) of the Federation, renew pursuit of training of insurance teachers, achieve wider coverage in the presentation and distribution of the institute’s sponsored insurance textbook for senior secondary schools, completion of institute’s Exams Syl-

labus Review.

Other ways she intend to achieve her aim is to commence of work in the institute’s Victoria Island property, pursue extending the institute’s professionals to countries in West and East and Central African sub-regions, including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe and promote members’ benefits.

Lady Chukwuma is Deputy President of the institute. She has served the institute in various capacities over the years and has remained committed to the institute’s cause since her election into the institute’s Governing Council in 1999.

Born in her home town of Asaba in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State and qualified as Associate of Chartered Insurance Institute, London

ruptive change in so short a period is now becoming increasingly evident. Insurance CEOs globally are clearly concerned as evidenced in PwC’s global CEO survey in which 64 per cent said they see the increasing tax burden as a threat to their growth, compared to 57 per cent two years ago.

Obianwa adds: “The long-term prospects for insurers are positive as people around the world live longer and have more wealth to protect. Yet they also face the disruptive impact of new technology, changing customer expectations, more exacting regulation and enduring economic uncertainty. Insurers’ ability to identify and manage emerging as well as familiar risks will be one of the key differentiators for success in this volatile competitive environment. ‘’It is vital that the insurance industry responds in a clear and thoughtful way to a much wider base of stakeholders than before, including not only tax authorities and governments, but also regulators, investors, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the media and the public.’’

W

•Lady Chukwuma

in 1990, Lady Chukwuma joined Nigerian Reinsurance Corporation in 1980. She rose through the ranks till she was appointed helmsman in 2009.

APIC Insurance Plc has an nounced the resignation of Ashish Desai as Managing Director (MD).

This was made known in a notice by the underwriting firm to the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

The resignation took effect from July 28, this year.

According to the firm, the resignation is in line with its succession planning policy its board of directors, intends to conclude the process of recruiting a successor before the end of the year.

The notice read that in the interim, Bode Ojeniyi, the Deputy Managing Director (DMD), whose appointment was approved by the National Insurance Commission on March 23, this year, take over the company until a new helmsman is appointed.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

30

MONEYLINK

CBN to resuscitate textile industry

Enterprise Bank inaugurates Association Savings Account

On smuggling, he noted that CBN and the textile stakeholders would continue to work with relevant government agencies such as the Nigerian Customs Service and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to combat the menace and ensure that importers pay the right duties for products.

On the challenges facing the industry, the Chairman of Textile Industry, Mrs. Grace Adereti, lamented that the industry which created over 18 million employment with over 150 vibrant mills in the past, could only boost of no fewer than 20 textile firms, that are managing to stay afloat.

She said the industry was in coma because 95 per cent of textile products were imports as 150 containers of textile materials are smuggled into the country in one night on daily basis, even when the country has can produce 1.5 billion metres of cotton.

NOT-for-profit organisations in the country now stand the chance of growing their savings when they open and operate the Enterprise Association Savings Account (EASA), an interest-bearing account, specially developed by Enterprise Bank Limited to satisfy the financial needs of that segment of its customers.

The bank said the contribution of these organisations to humanity and society in general, requires support that ensures they earn some form of revenue on their savings to aid their humanitarian services.

A statement from the Corporate Communications Department of the bank said: “We have a large number of nonprofit bodies, associations, organisations, clubs and movements among others in the country that do not engage in profit-making businesses. But because of the nature of

Fed Govt sets 2016 timeline for accrual basis IGERIA will begin the accounting implementation implementation of accrual

IRST City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited has relocated its Alaba 2 branch within Alaba International Market in Lagos, assuring its customers on its commitment to quality services delivering.

The new branch, which offers full banking, operates from S Line, Old Garage, Alaba Electrical Section, Alaba International Market, Lagos. The move, is part of the bank’s strategy to streamline its operations and enhance service delivery.

The branch at the Electrical Section of the renowned Alaba International Market is equipped with experienced financial experts, unique physical and technological infrastructure that ensures convenient banking and sundry financial services to enable customers experience comfort and relaxation while conducting business at the bank.

In a statement, the bank explained that the relocation of the Alaba 2 branch to a more strategic location brings its services

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) disclosed on Friday that it is working out modalities to provide funding under the Real Sector Support Facility (RSSF) for the revitalisation of the ailing Cotton Textile and Garment (CTG) industry.

CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, who made this known during a meeting with CTG industry stakeholders in Lagos, hinted that the apex bank will partner with stakeholders in the textile sector to develop a blueprint on the development of the industry.

He lamented that the industry that previously had over 150 textile mills and employed over one million people is dominated by imports from Asia.

He noted that the industry was suffering from huge capital flight as a result of the huge importation worth millions of dollars of textile products into the country.

Stories by Collins Nweze

“India alone was estimated to export textile products worth over $140 million into Nigeria, while imports from China, Indonesia and Taiwan are more likely to be even much higher.

The challenge for us as stakeholders is how to prevent further dumping of the product into the country with the implementation of the Common External Tariff,” Emefiele said.

The CBN boss explained that the relationship between banks and the textile companies was thorny because the former was suddenly left with huge non-performing loans after the bubble burst.

He said though CBN has no mandate to ban the importation of any product, it recently included textiles as one of the 41 items excluded from foreign exchange sales from the Nigerian forex market.

N

basis accounting under the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) in January 2016, the Federal Government has said.

The Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, who disclosed this in Abuja at a book launch titled: “Government Accounting in Nigeria: An IPSAS Approach”, said Nigeria started the implementation of the cash basis in 2014.

The book was written by a former Accountant-General of the Federation, Kayode Naiyeju and Prof. Eddy Omolehinwa.

Idris added that the implementation committees at both the state and national levels were working to

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

make sure that Nigeria implements the policy next year.

“There is an implementation committee at national level. There is one at state level and these committees are working based on time frame.

So there is no delay.We are on course.

“The accrual basis is supposed to kick-start in January and by the grace of God we will kick-start January. We want to also be a global player in everything and that is why we have keyed in. We have a time-frame, and like I told you the cash basis started 2014 and we are now transiting into accrual basis and that is exactly what

their role, they require our support.

“As a financial institution that cares, we are aware that these associations require savings accounts to keep their funds as against transactional current accounts with its attendant charges. It is for that reason that we have also ensured that EASA, is not for profit making businesses or Individuals. It is strictly designed for charities, religious bodies, associations, clubs, societies, Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) among others,” the statement added.

To make this product attractive, Enterprise Bank also simplified the opening processes of the account.

EASA has an opening and operating balances of N10,000 with a creditpayable interest at the going rate that is dependent on the Monetary Policy Review (MPR) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

FCMB relocates Alaba International Market branch

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we are doing.”

He explained that with the implementation of IPSAS, Nigeria will operate on the same platform with advanced economies.

He said: “We will be operating on the same platform with advanced economies in terms of financial accounting reporting, information rendition, and services of our financial accounts, among others.’’

“We need to keep government accounting more seriously in Nigeria.

Because without proper accounting, you are never going to have accountability and without accountability, we are not going to tackle the problem of corruption in our country,” he said.

closer to the mainstream, especially those who transact business or reside in the area and its environs.

The Group Head, Branch Services and Channels Management of FCMB, Mr. Oluwakayode Adigun, said: ‘’This is part of our commitment to serve more Nigerians by getting closer to our customers and all segments of the society. We are focused on bridging the service gap. We are demonstrating our drive in the provision of simple, reliable and helpful banking services as an inclusive lender.’’

Adigun assured that the lender will continue to raise the bar in the manner and environment that customers are serviced to meet their lifestyles.

He added that the bank will sustain its ongoing expansion and service delivery initiatives across all touch points.

Earlier last month, the bank opened an ultra-modern and full service branch in Lagos, which is located at Plot 123, Amuwo Odofin Link Road by Amuwo Odofin residential scheme.

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ALLAN GRAY A/EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FIDELITY NIG FUND • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

123.91 32,381.62 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.68 1.39 1,823.19 1,087.92 108.34 121.16 1.67 1.29 1.32 0.95 1.17

123.79 32,381.62 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.67 1.33 1,823.19 1,087.18 107.80 120.30 1.62 1.28 1.32 0.93 1.17

Inflation:April

8.5%

Monetary Policy Rate

13.0%

Foreign Reserves

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

EVENSMED BERGER MAYBAKER AIICO LEARNAFRCA VONO PZ ASHAKACEM FO

0.69 9.50 1.43 0.82 1.04 1.08 33.00 22.00 200.00

0.75 9.97 1.50 0.86 1.09 1.13 34.51 23.00 208.00

8.70 4.95 4.90 4.88 4.81 4.63 4.58 4.55 4.00

0.76

0.79

3.95

FOREX RATES (NairaVs Dollar) May 28, 2015 Interbank ($/N)

199.00

$1

Black Market ($/N)

215.00

$1

$28.2b

London Inter-bank Offered Rates (LIBOR) Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

$67.91

Money Supply (M2)

GAINERS AS AT 07-08-15

ACADEMY

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Tenor

N16.42 trillion.

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

1 Month 2 Months 3 Months 6 Months 12 Months

N17.2 trillion

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

16.5%

May 27

May 28

Rate)%

Rate (%)

0.1735 0.2147 0.2615 0.3841 0.6709

0.1715 0.2108 0.2626 0.3857 0.6744

27 May Nigerian Stock Market Indices

Tenor

12-02-15 Rate (%) Rate (%) 13-02-15

Overnight (O/N)

14.683

76.583

1M

15.033

15.977

3M

15.809

17.177

6M

16.493

17.908

.

Statistics All Share Index Mkt Cap (NGN’bn) Deals Volume (mn) Value (NGN’mn)

34,649.3 11.8 3,385 564,28 6,087.80

5 May 29,383.93 9,804.36 3,714 377,75 6,568.66

LOSERS AS AT 07-08-15

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

FLOURMILL CADBURY NNFM OKOMUOIL GUINNESS STANBIC TOTAL LIVESTOCK GUARANTY UNITYBNK

30.84 35.05 13.99 26.00 137.00 21.90 155.25 1.95 24.70 2.10

29.00 33.30 13.30 24.83 131.00 21.00 150.00 1.90 24.10 2.05

CHANGE -59.97 -4.99 -4.93 -4.50 -4.38 -4.11 -3.38 -2.56 -2.43 -2.38

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Transaction Dates 03/02/2015 3/12/2014 1/12/2014

Amount Offered in ($) 500m 400m 350m

Amount Sold in ($) 499.93m 399.97m 349.96m

Feb. 13, 2015

Rates

T-bills - 91

12.44

T-bills - 182

13.85

T-bills - 364

13.92

Bond - 3yrs

15.92

Bond - 5yrs

17.22

Bond - 7yrs

16.59

31

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

31

EQUITIES

Investors scramble for penny stocks as equities gain N432b L OW-PRICED stocks, otherwise known as penny stocks, were the toasts of investors last week at the Nigerian stock market as four-day successive rally lifted the market with N432 billion capital gains.

After losing N1.13 trillion in July, the stock market opened August with considerable rally. Day-on-day gain between Monday and Thursday moderated the built-up negative average year-to-date return.

However, the market relapsed on the last trading day on Friday as investors turned round to profit-taking.

Penny stocks dominated the topgainers’ list with Evans Medical leading the pack with a gain of 38.9 per cent to close at 75 kobo.

Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) recorded the second highest percentage gain of 29.1 per cent to close at N2.66. PZ Cussons Nigeria recorded exceptional gain of 25.26 per cent to close at N34.51,

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

the largest gain by any high-priced stock. May & Baker Nigeria also rose by 14.5 per cent to close at N1.50 while Continental Reinsurance appreciated by 12.05 per cent to close at 93 kobo.

In spite of the last-day relapse, all value benchmarks at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) closed on the upside. The All Share Index (ASI), the composite index that tracks prices of all quoted equities, closed weekend at 31,441.71 points as against the week’s opening index of 30,180.27 points, representing a gain of 4.18 per cent.

Aggregate market value of all quoted companies also followed the same uptrend to close at N10.776 trillion; representing an increase of

N432 billion on its week’s opening value of N10.344 trillion. The gain last week moderated the negative average year-to-date return to -9.28 per cent. There were 37 gainers against 29 losers during the week while 124 stocks were flat.

Total turnover increased to 2.38 billion shares worth N18.99 billion in 19,769 deals last week as against a total of 1.37 billion shares valued at N17.95 billion traded in 17,391 deals in the previous week. Financial services sector remained the dominant sector with a turnover of 1.996 billion shares valued at N13.195 billion in 11,232 deals; representing 83.79 per cent and 69.49 per cent of the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Conglomerates sector occupied a distant second position on the activity chart with a turnover of 106.53

million shares worth N425.53 million in 1,150 deals. The third place was occupied by natural resources sector, which recorded turnover of 100.021 million shares worth N50.103 million in 16 deals.

The trio of Continental Reinsurance Plc; Zenith International Bank Plc, and Axamansard Insurance Plc were the most active stsocks, accounting for a total of 1.03 billion shares worth N5.21 billion in 2,339 deals, about 43.4 per cent and 27.4 per cent of the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Also traded during the week were a total of 6,639 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N999,551, which were traded in 22 deals. In the previous week, a total of 26,580 units of ETPs valued at N1.719 million were traded in 24 deals. Investors also bought 14,473 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N15.576 million through six deals.

First start-up summit to promote young entrepreneurs

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HE first annual conference on start-up firms is scheduled to hold in Lagos with the aim of encouraging investors, governments and mentors to support the growth of start-up firms.

The annual conference tagged “Start-up Africa Summit” is scheduled to take place in October with the theme “Scaling Up to Critical Mass.”

The summit is being organised by CITC Global Consulting, Customer Passion Point Limited (CPPL) and Zoom Runner Technologies Inc. Chief executive officer, Zoom Runner Technologies, Ayo Sopitan, said the event would promote the activities of aspiring entrepreneurs in Nigeria by giving them an opportunity to learn from start-up veterans while also providing a platform for budding entrepreneurs to showcase their startups.

He said that the summit would also facilitate a dialogue between entrepreneurs and policy makers on how to boost entrepreneurial growth adding that the summit would help to identify, unveil and provide required funding and other resources to the next wave of promising entrepreneurs.

“We have observed that there is a lot of attention paid to SMEs in Nigeria by the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the private sector. Very little is done to boost scalable entrepreneurship.

We seek to draw attention to the Nigerian start-up ecosystem so that investors, aspiring entrepreneurs, policy makers will all contribute their quotas to boosting start-ups in Nigeria,” Sopitan said.

GTI Securities unveils new investment product

G

•From left: Mr. Julius Owotuga, Group Chief Financial Officer, Forte Oil Plc; Mr. Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Mr. Akin Akinfemiwa, Group Chief Executive Officer, Forte Oil Plc; Mr. Bola Adeeko, Head, Corporate Services Division, NSE and Mr. Dare Arinde, Group Head, Corporate Services, Forte Oil Plc during the “Facts Behind the Figures” presentation at the NSE in Lagos

Berger Paints’ chief urges govt to support real sector

M

ANAGING Director, Berger Paints Nigeria Plc, Mr Peter Folikwe has called on the government to support the development of the Nigerian real sector by providing enabling environment for manufacturing companies to thrive.

Folikwe, who assumed the leadership position in Berger Paints in March, said Nigerian manufacturers are contending with several obstacles, which have reduced their competitiveness and limit their growth potential.

Folikwe urged the Federal Government to address the issues of foreign exchange rate, infrastructural deficit, multiple taxation and enforcement of enabling rules by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in order to create the much-needed enabling en-

vironment for businesses to thrive.

“The real sector is the major sector that can drive economic growth and development. But in Nigeria, the sector has consistently suffered a setback in the scheme of things. The sector is bedeviled with myriad of issues which include infrastructural deficits such as bad road, epileptic power supply, multiple taxation, Naira exchange rate volatility and the extent to which the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is actually tracking and sanctioning those who compromise standard in their product quality. All these increase production cost and force producers to pass the cost to consumers who are already struggling with weak purchasing power.

Government should address these issues without further delay,” Folikwe

said.

He added that efforts should also be geared towards instituting a virile consumer advocacy framework in order to promote culture of quality products among manufacturers.

According to him, quality products are necessary condition for competitiveness in the global market and it enhances consumers’ loyalty and higher turnover.

He said Nigeria would compete more favourably in the global market if the country leverage on consumer advocacy approach through which consumers of products are made to know that while inferior products appear cheap, they are actually more expensive than quality products in the area of durability and utilitarian value.

He however assured shareholders of Berger Paints that the company would sustain its profitability noting that the performance of the company in the first half of 2015 indicates that the company has been waxing stronger despite the harsh operating environment for manufactures in Nigeria.

He pointed out that the company is setting up a multi-billion Naira factory to expand its operations while working on innovative products that would not only appeal to Nigerian consumers but the entire global markets.

Folikwe reiterated that his pre-occupation is to drive Berger Paints as a brand whose products would continue to define quality and acceptability in Nigeria.

Afrik Pharmaceuticals seeks N300m in private placement

A

FRIK Pharmaceuticals Plc plans to raise N300 million new equity funds through special placement to strategic investors.

The healthcare company plans to issue 600 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each to strategic investor at the nominal price of 50 kobo per share. Resort Securities & Trust Limited, a member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), is working with the company on the proposed placement.

Afrik Pharmaceuticals is a healthcare company listed on the

Alternative Securities Market (ASem) sector of the NSE. Chairman, Afrik Pharmaceuticals, Chief Emeka Onyema, had last year said that a group of investors had agreed to put Afrik Pharmaceuticals Plc back on track by increasing the net worth of the company as well as increase the wealth of its stakeholders.

He said the company was set to achieve its potentials by increasing its production of high-value products and enhancing its marketing strategy towards increasing the company’s market share and

opening of a whole new range of medical products.

He noted that with an installed capacity of 396,000 litres annually, the company could achieve a 300 per cent increase within the next 12 months, equivalent to 1.2 million litres of intravenous products yearly.

He pointed out that the company specialises in the production of large volume of parenteral solutions commonly called drips packaged in non-toxic soft medical grade bags, one of the most important and basic medical prod-

ucts.

According to him, the demand for made-in Nigeria infusions currently stands at over 60 million litres per annum within Nigeria and other African countries, which has put pressure on the few existing infusion producing plants to meet the demands.

He added that the company has taken a step to bring in a group of foreign investors to facilitate engagement of well -trained staff, expand distribution channels and streamline project management and evaluation.

TI Securities Limited, a member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), has launched a new investment product that would help individual and institutional investors to grow their assets without undergoing the stress of the market risks. GTI Securities Limited is the owner of Sub-Sahara Africa’s first private trading floor.

In a statement at the weekend, GTI Securities, a subsidiary of GTI Capital Group, stated that the new investment product, known as GTI Discretionary Portfolio Asset Management Service (D-PAMS), is designed for busy investors who do not have the time to monitor daily market activities or investors who do not have the expertise to handle stock analysis and appropriate stock picks with good fundamentals for profitability and growth.

The firm stated that institutional and high net-worth individual investors would benefit from expert financial assets management citing its pedigree in successfully managing funds and investment portfolios of clients to achieve set objectives with optimum return in relation to clients’ risk tolerance level.

“The D-PAMS is one of the latest initiatives of GTI Securities to help our clients and the investing public take advantage of the potentials inherent in our capital market; a portfolio manager is assigned to your portfolio for the sole purpose of value creation,” the firm stated.

The firm assured the investing public that it would continue to improve on its bespoke services to cater for the needs of the investing public.

According to the company, part of its value-added investment services included improved research reports, which provide daily market insights and regular business and economic news, stock analysis and recommendations and sectoral reports which give clients insights into the various sectors of the economy and assist them in making informed investment decisions.

32

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL Russia destroys foreign food imports R

USSIA has bulldozed a pile of Western-produced cheese and tonnes of other foodstuffs imported in violation of sanctions.

The country has also steamrollered fruit and burnt a huge pile of bacon.

The actions come a year after Russia banned some Western food products in retaliation to EU and US sanctions applied after Moscow annexed Crimea.

The destruction has caused an outcry from anti-poverty campaigners

who say it should have been given to the poor.

One steamroller took an hour to crush nine tonnes of cheese. Another consignment was due to be burnt.

Boxes of bacon have been incinerated.

Peaches and tomatoes were also due to be crushed by tractors.

Religious leaders expressed outrage. One called the actions “insane,

stupid and vile”.

Russia has suffered notorious famines in its recent history which saw millions starve.

More than 285,000 people have backed an online petition calling on President Putin to give the food away. The petition says that food sanctions have led to higher prices and shortages that are causing real

hardship. Food price inflation is running at around 20 per cent.

Former prime minister, Mikhail Kasyanov, said that 20 million Russian citizens were below the poverty line, commenting that destroying food products was “some real triumph of humanism”.

The EU is providing aid for European exporters of dairy produce, fruit

U.S economy adds 215,000 jobs in July

Lid on wages, investment hits productivity

T

A

S the Federal Reserve puzzles over what is holding back United States (U.S.) wages and productivity six years into the economic recovery, a pasta sauce company in New Jersey may offer some answers.

Chelten House Products makes private-label sauces and dressings for high-end grocers such as Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Kroger, and has doubled its workforce to 300 over the past five years to keep up with a booming organic food market.

Now it is struggling to hire not just skilled mechanics or electricians but even workers who handle the jars rolling down its conveyer belts.

Chelten Chief Executive Officer Steve Dabrow says factory work is becoming a harder sell with unemployment down at a seven-year low of 5.3 percent. “You’re not sitting down, you’re standing on your feet all day, you’re not taking breaks, and bottles are flying down the line,” he said.

The Bridgeport, New Jersey, company, which hired 60 people just last year, is not bidding up wages much for anyone save those with very specialist skills because, for now at least, it still manages to fill the vacancies. It has made some strategic capital investments, such as in a more automated new plant in Las Vegas in 2013, but has more recently focused on expanding by taking on additional workers.

Like other U.S. manufacturers for whom the 2007-2009 recession is fastfading, this company’s story of brisk

• Workers box jars of pasta sauce at a plant run by Chelten House Products in Bridgeport

hiring, limited wage hikes, and some capital investment helps illustrate why the otherwise mostly rosy U.S. labor market is marred by low wage growth and sinking productivity.

Interviews with several heads of small and midsize companies, together with results from employer surveys and data on labor costs, indicate that while companies are prepared to hire more workers, they do not feel the need to raise wages significantly or have the confidence in the economy to make big capital investments. This is good for the job numbers but it is restraining productivity and economic growth.

Dabrow and managers at other U.S. manufacturing companies say they often need to bring on workers who lack the experience or dedication of those hired in 2009, when U.S. unemployment peaked at 10 percent. That means a lot of on-the-job training and staff turnover that may keep U.S. productivity, or output per worker hour,

from rebounding quickly from its first back-to-back quarterly drop since 2006. How soon and how strongly wages and productivity rebound will influence Americans’ standard of living, and have a big effect on the inflation rate and economic growth. As a result, it will help the Fed determine whether to raise interest rates for the first time in nine years in September or later.

Fed officials are assuming there will be a rebound in productivity through innovation or investment in labor-saving technology like robotics, and that this will boost economic growth to around 2.5 percent next year. They also don’t expect the jobless rate to fall much further through the end of this year.

But if productivity remains weak it could push the inflation rate higher and lead to a more aggressive policy tightening in the months and years to come. “Overall productivity has been disappointing,” Boston Fed

President Eric Rosengren told Reuters in a recent interview.

Manufacturing, where productivity fell by 1 percent in the first quarter compared with 3.1 percent economy-wide, should be at the forefront of the expected investmentdriven bounce. But in a closelywatched proxy for investment, shipments from American factories of civilian capital goods other than airplanes rose only 0.6 percent in June from a year earlier, suggesting businesses are still shy about spending on anything beyond hiring.

While many industrial giants like Caterpillar have been squeezed by the strong dollar and weak overseas markets, triggering job cuts, smaller U.S. firms are in better shape. With less overseas exposure and accounting for 60 percent of job gains since the recession, they are planning to spend and hire more, according to a June survey by the National Federation of Independent Business.

EU officials to review Greek bailout talks

S

ENIOR European Union (EU) officials will confer by telephone late on Friday on progress in negotiations between Greece and its international creditors on a third bailout for the nearbankrupt euro zone country with Germany reported to be warning against haste.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is trying to force the pace of the talks, keen to wrap up agreement on sensitive economic reforms by mid-August, while many Greeks are on holiday, and receive an initial aid disbursement by August 20 in time to make a bond payment to the European Central Bank.

Athens is negotiating with EU institutions and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for up to 86 billion euros ($94 billion) in fresh loans to stave off economic collapse and stay in the euro zone.

At a meeting in Egypt on Thursday on the sidelines of ceremonies for the inauguration of a Suez Canal extension, Tsipras and French President Francois Hollande agreed that a new deal should be concluded soon after August 15.

“The objective is for the negotiations on the program ... to be concluded at the end of August. We know it’s difficult but we must make sure that the conditions are met, in a good spirit,” Hollande told reporters.

Talks were going “in the best of directions”, he added.

The European Commission too says talks are moving “in a satisfactory way” and is keen to wrap them up soon, not least because of the political sensitivity of arranging another bridge loan for Athens if a deal is not ready in time.

Commission spokeswoman Mina Andreeva said she did not expect “any particular decisions” from Friday night’s meeting although negotiations had begun on drafting a memorandum of understanding on a loan agreement.

Germany, keen on fiscal discipline and far-reaching economic reforms, is sceptical of any early deal and doubts a multi-billion euro bailout can be agreed by mid-August.

“It remains completely open,” said one politician from the ruling coalition government, adding that Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble was taking a cautious view of comments by Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker on the chances of a deal.

The Sueddeutsche Zeitung said the German Finance Ministry favored another bridge loan to give Greece and its creditors time to negotiate a comprehensive reform program.

A ministry spokeswoman told a news briefing: “According to our

and vegetables to ease the impact of the Russian ban on those goods.

The EU Commission said last week the “safety net” for Europe’s dairy sector would remain in place until March 2016 and for fruit and vegetable growers until July next year.

There have been daily road blockades by French farmers - and on Thursday similar protests erupted in Belgium. They want higher prices for their produce, saying they are struggling to stay in business.

information, a range of issues remain to be settled, especially around future conditionality.”

Open questions included macroeconomic and budget targets which required calm and thorough discussion, she said.

That appeared to reflect Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble’s

scepticism about whether Greece is fit to remain a member of the 19nation European monetary union.

Schaeuble last month proposed that Athens take a “time out” of up to five years from the euro if it could not meet the conditions, an idea seen as a veiled expulsion from the common currency.

HE US economy added 215,000 jobs in July, while the unemployment rate held at a seven-year-low of 5.3%.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics said job gains came in retail trade, health care, professional and technical services, and financial activities.

The jobs figures are a seen as a significant gauge of the health of the economy.

Analysts said the figures meant a US interest rate rise in September remained a possibility.

Last month, the Federal Reserve upgraded its assessment of the labour market, saying it was continuing to “improve, with solid job gains and declining unemployment.”

Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit, said: “With the Fed’s decision on the timing of the first rate rise ‘data dependent’, today’s report does nothing to discourage the belief that a September hike is very much on the table, albeit by no means a done deal.”

He said that the new hiring figures “just missed” expectations of a 225,000 rise.

“Private sector payrolls grew by a solid 210,000, just shy of an expected 215,000 rise, led by service sector hiring alongside gains in the manufacturing and construction sectors,” he added.

The Bureau of Labour Statistics said that “over the year, the unemployment rate and number of unemployed people were down by 0.9 percentage point and 1.4 million”.

Payroll figures from May and June were revised upwards to show 14,000 more jobs created than previously reported. Also, the average working week lengthened to 34.6 hours, the highest since February.

Average hourly earnings increased by five cents, or 0.2%, after being flat in June.

The statistics office also said that the number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) was little changed at 2.2 million.

These account for 26.9% of the unemployed. The civilian labour force participation rate was unchanged at 62.6% in July.

Wall Street falls as jobs data supports Sept rate hike

U

NITED States stocks were lower at the weekend, with the major indexes poised to close in the red for the week, after solid job growth in July pointed to an improving economy, opening the door wider for an interest rate hike in September.

Wall Street took a dim view of the report as a stop to easy money will increase borrowing costs. The market has touched record highs, benefiting from near-zero interest rates for almost a decade.

Nonfarm payrolls increased 215,000 last month, fewer than the 223,000 forecast by economists, but the unemployment rate held at a seven-year low of 5.3 percent.

“The jobs report confirms that the market is progressing at a rate that will allow the Fed to raise rates in September,” said James Abate, chief investment officer of Centre Funds.

The Fed has said it will raise rates only when it sees a sustained recov-

ery in the economy. An improving labour market is key to the Fed’s decision to raise rates.

“I think if we have a disastrous employment report next month, that could give them pause,” said Brad McMillan, chief investment officer for Commonwealth Financial in Waltham, Massachusetts.

At 11:01 a.m. EDT (1501 GMT) the Dow Jones industrial average .DJI was down 87.39 points, or 0.50 percent, at 17,332.36, the S&P 500 .SPX was down 8.75 points, or 0.42 percent, at 2,074.81 and the Nasdaq Composite .IXIC was down 26.67 points, or 0.53 percent, at 5,029.77.

Eight of the 10 major S&P sectors were lower with the health index’s .SPXHC 0.81 percent fall leading the decliners as biotechnology stocks slumped. The Nasdaq biotechnology index .NBI fell to a one-month low.

Wall Street ended sharply lower on Thursday as weak earnings reports from media companies stirred fears

that more viewers are ditching cable TV, dragging the sector to its worst two-day loss since the financial crisis.

Earnings continue to remain in focus. With about three-quarters of the S&P 500 companies having reported, second-quarter earnings are estimated to have increased 1.6 percent while revenues are projected to have fallen 3.4 percent, according to Thomson Reuters data.

Nvidia’s (NVDA.O) shares rose as much as 11.2 percent to a four-month high of $22.74, a day after the chipmaker reported a surprise rise in second-quarter revenue.

Groupon (GRPN.O) fell 3.7 percent to $4.51, while Hershey (HSY.N) was down 4.1 percent at $88.41 after the companies reported results.

Noodles (NDLS.O) slumped as much as 25 percent to a life low of $11.37 after the pasta and sandwich restaurant chain forecast full-year adjusted profit and revenue below analysts’ estimates.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

33

BUSINESS AFRICA

SON, others seek reduction of lead in paints

C

ONCERNED with the effect of lead in paints, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and stakeholders in the industry said it has planned measures to check the trend. Lead in paints, according to experts, is lifethreatening, especially to children and the young.

At a joint stakeholders'meeting in Lagos, SON's Director-General, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, said the organisation would ensure that paint manufacturing is conducted in line with global best practices, stressing that SON has the mandate to ensure quality and safety of endusers of products.

The Technical Committee meeting was convened by SON to finalise the appropriate standard regulation on paints to tackle the problem of heavy lead in made-inNigeria paints.

Odumodu, represented by Mr Abiola Komolafe, SON's Director of Standards, said: "We have resolved that the appropriate benchmark is 90ppm (part per million) and this is acceptable all over the world. ?"?For the consumers, if the content of lead is high, it is very hazardous and can create a lot of health problems particularly to children.

All over the world, the focus is for the content to be brought down to the barest minimum so that it will be safe for consumers.''

Odumodu explained that SON's processes of establishing and reviewing products standards are presented to the Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment for approval, saying once they are approved, the stakeholders would decide on the implementation.

"Paint Manufacturers Association

By Toba Agboola

of Nigeria (PMAN) is here and I am sure once everything is put in place, they will know what to do. The public will benefit more through the implementation of our decision," the director added.

According to Mrs. Mbah Adaora of the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), "Our major concern is the lead content in paint because of the effect it has on human beings, particularly in the bright colours, where you have the lead content more and these bright colours are what we use in our schools. Children are the most affected, so it borders on consumers as far as CPC is concerned and that is why we are sticking out our neck here to bring down the level of lead in our paint."

She urged SON to carry out adequate sensitisation on the proposed reviewed standards, adding that CPC was ready to partner with SON and move into the market for enforcement.

Her words: "SON is doing a wonderful job because they are the standards body empowered to set the standards so what they are doing is in line with their statutory duty. Manufacturers should be committed to safety and quality," She emphasised that sustained awareness programmes would be needed, adding that once new standard is in place, awareness should be the next line of action. "The public should be enlightened. Buyers should know what they are looking for. Once they are sensitized, you can go ahead to prosecute," she said.

Mr. Tosin Dania, an industrialist, praised SON for the initiative, saying that this was the right path

• New Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) Prof Umaro Dambatta (second left) being worked at resumption for work at the NCC Headquarters, Abuja. With him are workers of the Commission ... at the weekend.

to go in ensuring that all the nation's products meet safety standards. He said the manufacturers should be brought to a better standard where they could compete in the global market.

"It reposes more confidence in us by our consumers outside the nation and others seeking to buy things from Nigeria. It is good that Nigeria is taking the issue of safety seriously. When you look at the global trend of event now, suppliers themselves are going for certification that can enhance their capacity to meet the need of more stringent clients. Suppliers have to meet safety specifications," he added.

For Mr. M. Adefarati, the Technical Committee Chairman, the review was also aimed at harmonising ECOWAS standards to boost intra-African trade.

"Lead is a toxic pigment. It is very important we need to control this in the environment. Children can eat the paint and if they do, it will affect their nervous system. We have addressed the situation to keep to international standards so that our products will be acceptable all over the world as well as in ECOWAS region."

Adefarati advised stakeholders to be in tune with the ever changing technologies while also taking into cognisance safety of consumers and the environment. ?"On that basis, we need to exploit other areas that we do not need to use lead pigment in making paints. We advise that the paint manufacturers look for alternatives for lead because we are considering safety."

EU lifts four-year fresh ostrich meat ban on S/Africa

T

HE European Union(EU) has lifted a four-year ban on the import of fresh ostrich meat from South Africa, following an outbreak of H5N2 avian flu, the country's main exporting region said.

The 2011 outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza strain hit the 1 billion rand ($80 million) industry, which exports meat, leather and feathers to its main EU market.

The industry has recovered slightly with the export of processed or pre-heated meat.

"Resuming exports to the EU will play an important role in increasing the number of jobs in this industry, which currently employs over 50,000 residents," said Alan Winde, minister of economic development in the Western Cape pro-

vincial government.

Around 10,000 ostriches were culled in the Klein Karoo and southern Cape regions in 2011, where the industry is concentrated, after diseased birds were detected in the area.

Outbreaks of avian flu has affected

several countries in the recent past, including China, France and the United States, and is a health concern because certain virulent strains are deadly to humans.

Francois de Wet, chairman of the South African Ostrich Business Chamber, said after the outbreak

four years ago, the country improved its bio-security measures, such as chlorinating water and restricting movement of the birds.

De Wet said the South Africa is expected to resume fresh meat exports to the EU after August 26.

Firm introduces new solutions

A

LAGOS communication firm Communication Supports Limited, has introduced MER Solutions to boost business growth.

According to the firm’s Managing Director, Mr Mike Efunkoya, the new solutions are functional programmes and tools for fulfill-

ing some of the nation’s developmental aspirations and enhancing the reputation, performance and growth of corporate organisations.

The government, business organisations and individuals now have an alternative means of meeting desired outcomes when the new solutions are used to support

business strategies, activities, systems, processes, capacities, interventions and deliverables, he said.

MER solutions are available in three business sectors---information and e-solutions, media and experimental content and development tools. They may be acquired, partnered or sponsored.

Buhari urged on environment

A

N environmentalist Valentine Opone Ottis has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to pay more attention to environmental issues.

Speaking against the backdrop of the President's trip to the United States recently, Opone said environmental matters should be part of the Buhari administration policies.

He lamented that though President Buhari while in the US discussed such vital issues as aids and repatriation of stolen money that could make robust the economy and assist in the fight on against insurgency, no mention was made on how devastated environment in the Northeast would be restored.

Opone, a member of the Nigeria Environmenntal Society (NES), agreed with analysts who hailed the outing, saying it was good for Nigeria, especially after a frosting relationship between the two countries during the President Goodluck Jonathan

By Joseph Eshanokpe

administration from 2010 to 2015.

He said: "In the light of the above, experts in the environmental sector see it as mind-burgling to discover that the issue on recovering the already devastated environment due to insurgency was not part of the discussion.

"A scholar once said that just as we must have a nation before we can talk of president, so we must have a sustained environment before we talk of human beings and lives in general.

"President Buhari should be looking more in-wards to the immediate concerns of the environment, so that the contemporary problems of Nigerians will be more in the epic centre of his policy."

He continued: "Every country has own foreign policy for the purpose of academics. Foreign policy is defined as a strategy or planned course of actions

developed by the decision makers of the country aimed at manipulating international communities in order to achieve certain natural interest; hence the evolution of Nigeria foreign policy on environment cannot be understood without sincerely adhering to the above.

What is Nigeria’s policy on environmental sustainability?''

He appealed to the Nigeria's policy makers to put environment in the front burner, warning: "a devalued environment will give a devalued society."

Opone called for the advanced cleanup of the areas where the insurgency is prevalent "to sustain agricultural activities and get diseases-free society''. He also wants the creeks of the Niger Delta devastated by oil exploration to be cleared.

"Therefore, the Nigeria should call on the United States to expand its assistance to issues environmental remediation and clean-up in the insurgency-ravaged areas, the Niger Delta and the catchment towns.

• Opone

"I further appeal to the President that as effort is on top gear to build a robust economy, we must also see the issue of global environmental challenges and its effects on Nigeria as important; therefore, attention must be shifted to them,'' he added.

Lafarge, foundation kick off contest TO promote quality education in Nigeria, Lafarge Africa Plc and Ovie Brume Foundation have commenced the Second edition of Lafarge-Ovie Brume Literacy Competition.

It is organised yearly to promote literacy skills across public primary school pupils in the country and to engage them in activities that will showcase their ability to read, write and spell correctly.

The Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa, Peter Hoddinott said the company is committed to promoting academic excellence among pupils in primary schools across the country and creating opportunities for them to sharpen their literacy skill and build their self-confidence in line with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

"Education is the bedrock of development of any country and the gateway to success in life. This is why Lafarge Africa is keen about creating opportunities and platforms where Nigerian children will be given the needed support to help them realise the potential in them and achieve excellence.

“We recorded remarkable success from the first edition and testimonials abound. More importantly, its impact on pupils and on the development of education in Nigeria is gradually growing," he noted.

The Executive Director Ovie Brume Foundation, Mrs. Iwalola Akin-Jimoh reiterated the Vision of the Foundation, saying: it is aimed at "a society where everyone is educated and empowered" and that by so doing, it is creating an enabling environments for young people by mobilising and dedicating resources for the provision of formal and informal education, secured livelihood, social and policy brokerage thereby enabling them to set and achieve their goals, maximise their positive energies with sufficient sense of responsibility to give back to their local communities and the country.

According to the organisers, this year's edition of the competition had begun with the first regional phase in Port Harcourt. From there, the train moved to the Southeast and Northeast. It would be the turn of the Northcentral on August 12, Northwest August 15 and Southwest September 16. The grand finale would hold in Lagos on September 29.

The contest features literacy tests, essay/summary writing and Spelling Bees to evaluate reading and writing abilities.

It is one of the CSR initiatives powered by employees of Lafarge Africa in partnership with the Ovie Brume Foundation.

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

34

Taxation

Value added tax (VAT) & voluntary compliance

T

roles and responsibilities.

• FIRS ensures that the principle of know your tax payer (KYTP) is adhered to, so that it would be easy for taxpayers to reach schedule officers for information and guidance/assistance.

• Regular provision of VAT forms 002 for monthly rendition of returns.

• Encourage voluntary compliance to avoid infraction of the law.

• Consistency and civil enforcement of the provisions of the tax law • Imposition of interest and penalties and enforce compliance where default occurs.

• Improvement in the work process of the tax office to make compliance easier.

• Compliance with the Taxpayer Identification Number requirements by business owners.

• Monthly rendition of returns and payments on or before 21st of each month in arrears, to the nearest FIRS office.

• Proper documentation and record keeping of VAT charges taken at source, returns and payments vi-a-vis correct profiling of income sources.

• Businesses should note that they are not the party suffering the VAT, but a mere agent of collection and remittance.

• It is better to charge wrongly and remit to FIRS, than not to charge at all, because when the actual liability is established, it is owner of the business that would bear the entire burden.

HE operation of the tax law is universally administered. Every person (corporate or individual) is a taxable entity no matter how, when and what method is used to conduct the business.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has adequate mechanisms to assess and bring all taxable entities into the tax net. Among these methods is cordial dialogues with stakeholders during enlightenment drives to achieve mutual understanding and promote voluntary compliance.

Registration by Taxable Persons Section 8(q) of the Federal Inland Revenue Service Establishment Act, 2007, directs the Service to issue a taxpayer identification number to every taxable person in Nigeria in collaboration with State Boards of Internal Revenue and the Local Government Revenue Boards. Section 8(1) of the Value Added Tax Act (VATA) Cap V1 LFN, 2004 as amended in 2007 also requires taxpayers (individuals, enterprises or corporates) to register for VAT. However, when the tax identification number (TIN) is generated, it suffices and covers all the tax types as no other registration number for any tax type will be required.

Reference to Section 8(1) of the VATA as amended, it is specifically stated that “A taxable person shall, within six months of the commencement of the Act or within six months of the commencement of business, whichever is earlier, register with the Board for the purpose of the tax (VAT).”

The phrase whichever is earlier, that specifies the time for registration, has caused a lot of pain for taxpayers in VAT administration. It is not practical to expect that a business just recently incorporated (say in 2011) to have registered in 1994 for the purpose of the tax. Hence, a business incorporated after 1994 is expected to register within six months of the commencement of business.

Therefore, penalties (and other sanctions) for late registration for VAT would start counting immediately after the six months of commencement of business if the taxpayer fails to register for VAT and not six months from the commencement of the VAT Act when the business was probably not in existence.

Historical Antecedents of VAT • VAT was first introduced as consumption tax in 1919 in Germany, France (1954), UK 1973 etc.

• Introduction was occasioned by the impacts of 1st and 2nd World Wars.

• The adverse effects of direct taxation on the economy, individuals and businesses.

• The introduction of consumption tax was later modernized into VAT. • The high point of VAT is that it has no noticeable impact on the taxpayer because of its indirect nature.

VATable Income In arriving at what constitutes a VATable income, all income from sales, rentals, charges and fees relating to activities enjoyed by customers are VATable and should be charged with VAT. The law did not make provision for any activities or services that is non-VATable in the industry.

First Schedule of the Act stated Goods and Services Exempt from VAT in Nigeria.

The implication of the schedule is that any other business activity in the form of buying and selling or rendering of services or enjoying any rights which are not stated in the schedule are liable to VAT.

• Acting Executive Chairman, FIRS, Samuel Ogungbesan

By Embuka Anna

Duration of Remittance All VAT charges should be remitted to an FIRS office within 21 days in arrears on a prescribed form 002. This is supported by Section 15 of the Act. Meanwhile, a taxable person who does not remit the tax within the time specified above, will be liable to 5% penalty and interest at commercial rate, added to the tax and the provision relating to collection and recovery of the unremitted tax, penalty and interest shall be employed.

Similarly, a taxable person who fails to collect tax is to pay 150% of the amount not collected plus 5% interest above the Central Bank of Nigeria rediscount rate.

Concept of Voluntary Compliance FIRS encourages voluntary compliance instead of the use of coercion. Tax compliance relates to the degree to which a taxpayer complies (or fails to comply) with the tax rules of a country, for instance, by declaring income, filing returns and paying the tax due on or before the due date.

Voluntary tax compliance is a situation where a taxable person or entity files returns without the tax authority resorting to using the instruments of the law and force to ensure compliance.

It is voluntary when a taxable person discharges the statutory obligation of tax payment on selfconviction and as a call to duty without notice or reminder within the time line allowed by law.

FIRS’ Means of Enhancing Voluntary Compliance • Through education and sensitization of operators.

• Business owners should have open an mind and seek clearance from FIRS when in doubt and seek further legal advice when not satisfied.

• Regular monitoring/audit visitations to check compliance and enlighten taxable entities on their

Consequences of Non-Compliance • Out of the entire VAT Act, of 47 sections, about one third of the provisions are on offences and penalties.

• Statute based consequences are highlighted from section 25 to 37 of VAT Act Cap VI, 2004 as amended in 2007. Some examples of offences and penalties are: failure to submit returns attract a fine of N5,000 for each month the failure continues.

• Failure to collect tax attracts penalties of 150% of the amount not collected plus 5% interest above CBN rate.

• VAT evasion attracts N30,000 or twice the amount of tax evaded whichever is greater or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years.

• Failure to keep proper records of accounts would attract N2,000 fine for every month the failure continues.

• Failure to issue tax invoice attracts fine of 50% of the cost of goods and services for which an invoice was not issued.

• Offences by body corporate: Every officer, manager, secretary and other similar officer including partner in partnership shall be severely guilty of an offence under the act, etc.

Reputational Implication • Second categories of consequences of non-compliance are reputational and reporting risks. Apart from reputational damage arising from actions by FIRS to enforce compliance via distrain, search and seizure, and litigation, amongst others.

• Reporting risk involves the imposition of interest and penalties.

• All the interest and penalties imposed on any of the aforementioned offences would be enforced.

FIRS tries to avoid enforcing compliance because of the Service’s slogan, “Taxpayers are King” except on recalcitrant taxpayers. It is necessary to once again emphasize that nightclub and event center activities are not exempted from VAT. Consequently, taxpayers are encouraged to embrace voluntary compliance since the consequences of non-compliance are enormous; ranging from statute based sanctions to reputational damage/reporting risk.

35

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

THE NATION

BUSINESS JOBS

• Factory workers mixing chemicals for soap making.

Have you been thinking about getting a job? There are opportunities in soap making.

OLUWAKEMI DAUDA, in this report, provides an insight into them.

In need of a job? Try soap making D

ISH washing liquid soap business is very lucrative and re-quires little start-up capital. So, for those looking for jobs it is an option.

Findings revealed that liquid soap making does not require special skills or huge capital to start. It can be started on a small scale. There are lots of ways to market your products to earn an income.

How to tap into the opportunity Owning (running) a soap business (liquid or bar) needs courage and perseverance.You have to be resilient and possess‘I can

do it’ spirit, resistance to failure, undying enthusiasm for your products and a driving passion. You must be ready to dedicate most of your time to the job to get the business off the ground.

Liquid soap making Liquid soap is on high demand in the country as many prefer to use it to wash cloth and kitchen utensils. This is because it requires less energy. It is a good job one can venture into with less capital and start making huge money within a few months.

The process The process of making liquid

soap is the same as that of solid soap. The only difference is that it comes out in liquid form. One essential raw material is water. The quantity of water required for production of a given volume of detergent is high. It is necessary to have a good source of water supply when you want to venture into liquid soap production. The requirements for liquid soap production include a mixing bowl, buckets, hand glove, wooden spoon, container and good quantity of water.

Also, you need some money to buy some components such as Nitrosol/Antisol, sulphonic acid, caustic soda, soda ash, texapon, formaline (optional), perfume (fragrance) as desired. Sodium laurite

sulphate (SLS), tripoyphosphate (S.T.P.P) and you will need to put colourant of choice to make it look attractive after mixing the elements required.

Preparation A liquid soap producer, Mrs. Kikelomo Olufowobi, said you need to get Nitrosol, which has already dissolved in water or the C.M.C that has been dissolved for two days to the preparation of the liquid soap. Add the dissolved sulphuric acid, texapon and perfume to either Nitrosol or C.M.C, depending on the one chosen and stir very well. Add the already dissolved caustic soda and stir very well. Add the already dis-

solved soda ash and stir properly. Add formalin to the content and stir properly, then add the dissolved S.T.P.P, stir and add the dissolved SLS to the content.

Thereafter, dissolve the colourant in water and ensure that it is completely done, then add it to the solution and stir thoroughly. Add some quantity of water to the mixture, depending on the thickness of the mixture. Leave the mixture for some hours or the following day and then package it for use and sale.

“Most of the raw materials for bar soap are like that of •Continued on page 36

36

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

JOBS •Continued from page 35

liquid soap and are chemical in nature. Some of the basic raw materials needed include caustic soda, soda ash, silicate, calcium, palm kernel oil (PKO) and perfume,” she said.

Another liquid soap producer, Mrs. Medinat Abiodun, said a prospective soap maker can start the business with N50,000. “You can start in your house; you can do it in your kitchen pending when you will get a place. There is nothing as good as having a job to do, especially one that does not cost much to begin in terms of initial capital,” she said.

She continued: “I learnt the art of liquid soap making from a friend.

It took me less than two months.

Having understood the art of making a good liquid soap that can meet people’s needs and the requisite marketing skills, I decided to raise N30,000 to start my own job that will give me money almost every day. Today, I am doing very fine, and I am happy doing it. I’m making money to take care of myself and my children.

“I started my soap business about four years ago. After much hard work, we now sell in many of the markets in Lagos and Ogun States.

I made big mistakes along the way, especially at the beginning stages, which I have since overcome through dedication and prayers. One of the mistakes I made was to take advice from too many people.

“When you seek advice from too many people, before you know it, you lose focus. The best advice I can give for starting out is to slow down, do your research, and plan very well. When you have your focus, then you can start buying more supplies and ingredients.

“Some of the key qualities for a great entrepreneur are creativity, vision, confidence, can-do attitude, fearlessness, business savvies, and the ability to be a multi-tasker.”

Running a soap business is not for the faint of heart. You will need a fire in your belly, resistance to failure, undying enthusiasm for your products and business, and a driving passion. Again, you must be ready to dedicate most of your free

• Soap making in process.

In need of a job? Try soap making time to the business to get it off ground.

“A good rule of thumb in your initial months of operation is to buy only what you are going to use for one or few months. You must also note that if you are going to be wholesaling your soaps, that price will be half of your retail cost.

“Note that marketing and sales initiatives rank just as high as your soap making efforts. They work hand-in-hand. Successful marketing and sales results, allow you to make more soap for your custom-

ers,” she said.

Usage “It can be used as a souvenir at weddings and birthday parties.

You can drop it at supermarkets and grocery stores around you.

You can supply restaurants and eateries. You can also supply bars and cool joint owners. You can even supply guest houses and hotels around you,” Abiodun said.

“To boost your income, you can organise training workshops for people, who might be interested

in learning the skills,” she added.

Findings revealed that liquid soap is fast gaining grounds for laundry and dish washing. It has several advantages over soaps and detergents hence, its preference for laundry and dish washing.

The market This business is viable because many people now use liquid soap on a daily basis. Also, findings revealed that the market is not yet saturated and can never be saturated. This is because of the sim-

ple fact that people will never stop washing their dishes and doing their laundry. In other words, the demand for the liquid soap or any other type of washing detergent can only increase and never decrease because people must wash.

Challenges A beginner, who chooses to use a domestic location must be very vigilant and cautious, particularly where he keeps the chemicals as “most of them are corrosive.”

EMPOWERMENT CLINIC

Wriggling out of unemployment cobweb

I

READ in one of the national dailies last week that the latest report of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on labour market indicates that the population of the economically-active or working-age people (people between 15 and 64 years) increased to 103.5 million in the second quarter (April to June) of 2015 from 102.8 million in the first quarter (January to March).

The NBS report also confirms that in the period under review, the labour force population (those within the working age willing, able and actively looking for jobs) increased to 74 million, up from 73.4 million in the first quarter of 2015, translating into an increase of 0.81per cent.

The implication of this analysis is that 574,498 economically-active people within 15 and 64 years joined the labour force in the second quarter of 2015.

Addition More emotionally disturbed is the fact that the NBS report shows that about 1,317,700 Nigerians lost their jobs within the period under review while the number of the under-employed people increased significantly with new

By Goke Ilesanmi

engagement of about 1,362,274 workers in this category of employment during the period.

In the same period, the number of the unemployed people in the labour force jumped to 6,063,500 from 5,533,600 recorded in first quarter of 2015, leading to a rise in the unemployment rate to 8.2 per cent, up from 7.5 per cent in the first quarter.

Matters arising The matters arising from this NBS report border on the multifaceted issues of those looking for jobs (fresh and old job-seekers); those who are under-employed and those who have lost their jobs. To tackle this triangular problem, we will discuss relevant employment solutions as a guide to the different categories of people identified in the report.

We will start with the category of (fresh) job-seekers, especially that for some weeks now, they have continued to bombard me with missiles of career inquiries.

The latest upsurge in the inquiries is natural given that there are many new entrants into the labour market as confirmed by the NBS report.

Creating the job for yourself As once said in this column, a job-seeker that gets the best job is not always the most qualified applicant but the most effective job-seeker. You need to have a masterpiece of curriculum vitae (CV), penetrate the “closed” segment of the saturated job market, write an assertive cover letter, have adequate interview preparation among others, if want to become an effective job-seeker.

Your curriculum vitae (CV) is a tool with the aim of winning an interview.

Indeed, it is an advertisement. A great CV does not just tell a prospective employer what you have done but presents you in the best light by convincing the prospective employer that you have what it takes to be successful in this new position or career. It is so eye-catching that a reader is tempted to pick it up and read it.

A good CV stimulates the prospective employer’s interest in meeting with you and learning more about you. It inspires the prospective employer to pick up the phone and ask you to come in for an interview! You can create a CV that makes you really stand out as a superior candidate for a job you

are seeking.

With a well-composed CV, you will be invited for an interview more often than many people that are more qualified than you are because the best-advertised product often gets higher sales than the best product.

Brilliant writing To write a CV that is effective, you need to learn the strategy of writing a powerful, but subtle advertising copy. Additionally, you must sell a product in which you have large personal investment, that is, yourself. It is due to the fact that many people do not think in the marketing way while composing a CV that makes them compose an ineffective one.

There are three types of CVs, and these are chronological, functional and combined chronological functional. The most effective one is the combined chronological functional CV that takes care of the combined deficiencies of chronological and functional CVs. We will continue with this discourse next week.

PS: For those making inquiries about our Public Speaking, Business Presentation and Professional Writing Skills programme, please visit

•GOKE ILESANMI

the website indicated on this page for details.

•GOKE ILESANMI, Managing Consultant/CEO of Gokmar Communication Consulting, is an International Platinum Columnist, Professional Public Speaker/MC, Communication Specialist, Motivational Speaker and Career Management Coach.

He is also a Book Reviewer, Biographer and Editorial Consultant.

Tel: 08055068773; 08187499425 Email: gokeiles2010@gmail.com Website: www.gokeilesanmi.com

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

37

THE CEO The Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC) has its job cut out for it. It is to make the seaports the hub for Africa.

To do this, it must ensure that goods are not diverted to neighbouring countries’ ports.

Can NSC succeed in this task? Yes, says its Executive Secretary, Mr. Hassan Bello, in this interview with Maritime Correspondent OLUWAKEMI DAUDA. NSC, he says, will end primitive cargo clearance procedure and stop capital flight.

‘We’ll save Nigeria $50b in capital flight’

W

HY was the Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC) appointed port economic regulator?

After the implementation of the Federal Government’s port reform, which led to the concession of terminals to private operators, the government noticed a disturbing vacuum in the maritime sector. The gap included absence of an economic regulator that will act as a referee in the industry. The government also noticed the inefficiency in the procedures and operations of agencies, service providers and users which were affecting and undermining Nigeria’s competitive advantage in international trade.

These were what prompted the agitation for the appointment of a commercial regulator to oversee the activities of stakeholders, including providers and receivers of shipping services. Freight forwarders had, on many occasions, gone on strike to protest against service providers increasing charges arbitrarily and the deplorable system. They had argued that it was so because there was no regulator to check the activities of terminal operators and shipping companies, most of which are sister companies of the terminal operators. It was based on this that stakeholders applauded the Federal Government when it named the Shippers’ Council the Economic Regulator.

What is your role as port economic regulator?

Our role is to consult, coordinate, moderate and harmonise the various processes and procedures with a view to achieving operational efficiency at our ports. Where there is unreasonable resistance, we shall not hesitate to apply appropriate sanctions to ensure compliance. We shall remain open, independent, neutral and consultative; and all decisions will be based on the buy-in of stakeholders. We are also to assess options for competition; to decide on entry rules; to regulate. As a regulator, we are not lords, but coordinators. The ports will regulate itself with competition. It is important to ensure that quality service is affordable and in

• Bello

accordance with world standards. There should be a scientific way of setting up tariff and measuring quality of service. Specifically, our new role includes assessment of options for competition, deciding on entry rules, regulating pricing freedom and monitoring the outcomes through the competitiveness and efficiency in our ports based on a new port order and port community system we are introducing.

How do you intend to discharge your new functions?

That is why we are building capacity internally and restructuring NSC. For you to carry out your assignment and have effective structure, you must build capacity and that is what we are doing to be more educated, and more knowledgeable than the people we are regulating.

What was the situation at the ports before NSC became the economic regulator?

There were impunities and arbitrariness at the ports. People just woke up and increased their charges then. But now, you cannot do it. Many attempts have been made by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the shipping companies, terminal operators and others to increase their tariffs but they have not been able to do it because of our new role.

Although we are not against increase in tariffs but our position is that we must look at it vis-a-vis the service being rendered and what is obtainable in other climes. There are scientific ways of doing it and that is the process we must follow. The freight forwarding charges are with us and we are looking at it with the aim of seeking the best way to

implement it.

What other steps are you taking?

The NSC is looking for ways to improve the economy as far as port services are concerned. We are collaborating with the CBN, checking impunities, blocking revenue leakages and we are also blocking capital flight to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

We will save the economy about $50 billion. We have confirmed the real amount people are paying for freight from Tin-Can to Apapa ports. Whereas the amount is “X”, but people will say it is “Y”. People inflate it and look for foreign exchange. This is waste. It is capital flight. This is not helping our ports.

How do you think our ports can be restructured for greater business and efficiency?

We need to boost export. If we boost export, you will see that the cost of doing business in our ports will go down. When ships are coming to the country, they are laden, but unfortunately, they go back empty. We must also reduce the dwell time of cargo and ensure that it is less than what we have now. We also need to strengthen the cargo clearance procedure, which to say the least, is primitive presently. The clearance procedures in our ports must be technologically driven, such that an importer would not need to go to the port to clear his goods. We must develop a system where goods can be tracked from the port of origin to the time it arrives the importer’s door step. This is our focus. By the time we implement all that we are doing now, Nigerian ports will never be the same again.

What is the responsibility of NPA in that regard?

The NPA as the landlord has some certain responsibilities to perform so that the terminal operators and the shipping companies will not transfer it to the shippers. This include the provision of tug boats, pilot cutters, dredging of the channels and the berth.

NPA must provide common facilities leading to the terminals.

How has NPA fared in the process?

NPA, to be honest, has done well, and we are proud of the NPA. They have started implementing automation. We like their e-payment system. Before, it takes like four days before you can make payment. But now, it is done in a few minutes.

What about Customs?

We have to commend Customs for introducing the Pre Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR). This step has set the Nigerian ports on the path of better efficiency. But we need to do more.

In what areas do we need to do more?

The Federal Government needs to provide a conducive environment for the private sector to build new ports. These new ports to be built should be made to have capacity to accommodate larger ships than what the Apapa port can presently accommodate. This is because the bigger the ships, the better it is on the economy of scale. If we make our ports the center of activities, then we have arrived. But despite that, we need to be careful and that is why we have called on the •Continued on page 38

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

38

THE CEO

‘We’ll save Nigeria $50b in capital flight’ •Continued from page 37

operators of these ports to access the situation so that we don’t create another problem like the one we have in Apapa.

What is your take on effective regulation?

Effective regulation requires much more than just competent economic and financial analysis; it must also manage often complex interaction with the regulated firms, consumers, politicians, courts, the media, and a range of other interests. As a regulator, we need to be independent, transparent, legitimate and credible, bearing in mind that the transition to a competitive market is a major regulatory challenge. It is also necessary for us to ensure that the regulatory process is fair to all parties, by not taking arbitrary decision and by balancing the needs of stakeholders.

What do you intend to achieve with the new port order and port community system?

The objective behind the new port order is to reduce congestion at sea ports. We want a situation where over 70 per cent of in-coming cargoes are to be examined at off-dock terminals to end diversion of cargoes to ports of neighbouring countries. The planned new order will promote efficiency and reduce cargo dwell time and the ports’ cost of doing business. Under the port community system, ports business would become more attractive and boost our relationship with other agencies to generate more revenue for the Federal Government. The new port order is for service providers, users and all stakeholders in the maritime industry to enable them operate in line with global best practices and generate more revenue for the government. The order entails making the nation’s sea ports competitive, efficient and cost effective in delivery of services as well as making the ports user friendly.

It will also lead to improvement in marine and terminal handling services delivery that will lead to reduction in the turnaround time of vessel and reduced cost of vessel operations.

Based on the new port order, we are working with the CBN, Customs and other relevant stakeholders so that every payment made in the maritime domain is reflected on the platform. In doing this, we have designed a template and standard tariff system that will ensure 30 to 40 per cent reduction in cost to achieve harmony in tariff. This involves all service providers. The system harmonises every transaction in such a way that transfer of containers to off-dock terminal does not attract extra charge in terms of payment of royalty to the terminal operator. This new port order will eliminate all the wastages in the system so that the cost of doing business is reduced. Part of the arrangement is that the owner of the cargo should know when his cargo arrives to prepare him to make arrangements to clear his goods in good time. The new port order involves a situation where the cargo is scanned before it is stacked. As the ship is discharging, the cargo is also being scanned, and the image is used by the Nigeria Customs Service to commence clearing process in terms of segregating the cargo for whatever line of inspection, such as: green, yellow and red light, as the case may be.

What are the benefits of the port community system?

The port community system involves every player, what he does, timing of activity and cost of such activity. It is a command and control centre, which creates a nexus between all existing systems in the industry. It is a means of integration among all players to boost efficiency and transparency at ports.

The objective of the system is to establish a framework that will promote the competitiveness of the nation’s sea ports beyond its neighbouring ports of Cotonou, Ghana, Togo, Cameroun and other ports in the subregion. We are determined to enthrone an efficient port system that will facilitate trade, reduce the cost of doing business and lead to increased revenue generation for the government.

• Bello

‘We will save the Nigerian economy about $50 billion. We have confirmed the real amount people are paying for freight from Tin-Can to Apapa ports. Whereas the amount is ‘X’, but people will say it is ‘Y’. People inflate it and look for foreign exchange’ What was the reason for the port reform and concession?

Government’s reform agenda for the sector was targeted at improving; enhancing management capability of enterprises; creating a conducive institutional, legal and regulatory framework and developing private sector participation in financing, management and operations of port facilities.

Other related objectives of the reform are to increase the efficiency of port operations, decrease the costs of ports services to the users, decrease the costs to the government for the support of a viable port sector, boost economic activity and accelerate development, and make Nigeria the hub for international freight and trade in West Africa.

The ports concessioned to private terminal operators were to reduce cost. Cargo dwell time and the cost of doing business must come down for our ports to be competitive; it must be relative to operation and services that are being rendered by the terminal operators and the shipping companies. That is the mandate given to NSC as a port economic regulator and that is what we are trying to enthrone in our ports to boost the nation’s economy. Today, there are investments in our ports and things have improved since the concessioning.

How do you assess port concession?

We have had tremendous improvements in the port system, the indicators are there for everybody to see it, the turn-around time for ships has improved, we have more throughput and more tonnage. This means that Nigerian ports are efficient, and we are slowly gaining a competitive advantage. We

must not forget that we are competing with other ports, the more cargo throughput we get, the more advantageous it gets to our economy, revenue to the concessionaires themselves and everybody. We are putting things in place at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to ensure that the ports are competitive; our terminals must be competitive, and this means efficiency, cost reduction, less hassles, and friendly ports, so that they will be the preferred destination for shippers Almost nine years after port reforms, how far has it fared economically?

It has fared quite tremendously, and I think the port reform is not short of being revolutionary. We have had so much achievements in the way we do things during the public monopoly; things have changed drastically, and there are indicators to show that the terminal operators, the shipping companies and other privatised sector of the economy have really pushed the maritime industry forward towards positive gains.

The NPA has been able to supervise effectively as a landlord by providing common user facilities and even enhancing port operations through technology and automation and this is in the right direction. The Nigeria Custom Service is the leader in automation and technology, what is needed now is just a coordinator so that all these efforts could be harnessed towards the contribution of the maritime industry to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria.

This means economic realisation of transforming the gains as far as the economy is concerned; it means more revenue, more labour content and employment, provision

of modern infrastructure, especially transport structure. This is the next stage and that is why the Nigeria Shippers’ Council is placed to co-ordinate, supervise, moderate and superintend all the efforts so that we can harness all the positive changes to the national economy. The terminal operators have threatened that reverting to 2009 tariff is the same as reverting the salaries of workers back to what is obtainable back then.

What are you doing to reclaim over 300,000 metric tonnes of transit cargoes that were hitherto lost to ports of neighbouring countries?

The plans to reclaim lost transit cargoes have begun to yield result as some landlocked countries are ready to transit their imports through Nigerian ports. We have always emphasised the issue of competition and efficiency. So, transit cargoes are won and lost through efficiency of a port. Long before Nigerian ports were concessioned, they were really inefficient; leading to some landlocked countries that patronised our ports had to resort to neighbouring countries to transit their cargoes. Even though the movement of their cargoes through ports of neighbouring countries does not make sense to them in terms of proximity, cost and other economy of scale factors, it is preferable that they have their goods imported through Nigerian ports. About a year or so ago, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council led a trade delegation to Niger Republic together with terminal operators and some shipping companies where Nigerian ports were marketed. We were able to convince the Nigerian private sector that it makes more economic sense to import through the Nigerian ports.

What is your take on cargo dwell time?

We are concerned about the dwell time on cargo. We don’t want cargo to stay very long in the port. Port is not a place of storage. As soon as cargo comes in, it is cleared. We encourage terminal operators to take their cargo away from the port for examination.

We are happy we are getting cooperation from the Customs, the terminal operators and NPA. We commend NPA for introducing e-commerce, which means that payment which used to take five days is now done in minutes.

How can the Apapa traffic gridlock be tackled?

The solution to the issue as it is being canvassed is the multi-modal access to the port.

Presently, there is only one significant mode which is the road mode, but a port should be linked with railway or rail lines; it should be linked with inland waterways, and pipelines; but here we rely heavily on the road, if we had tracks running, we wouldn’t be having all these problems. I think the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority is conscious of this and they are making deliberate efforts to solve the problem. However, you have to appreciate that the ports in Apapa are really over-stretched and they are city ports struggling with other road users that is why the Federal Government is deliberately encouraging another public private partnership in Greenfield development of deep sea ports in many places like Lekki and also in Badagry. When these things are done, Shippers’ Council will ensure that the mistakes of Apapa would not be repeated, we must ensure that these ports are well linked through road, inland waterways, through rail lines and so on.

Importers and terminal operators are saying that cargo throughput has dropped; do you think the situation will improve?

Yes. Things will improve, more so, now that we have new government that is trying to put the country in the right direction in place. With policy of the new government to block avenues for revenue leakages, the economy will grow strongly. The drop in cargo throughput, I think these are part of the initial pangs of the foreign exchange fluctuations, and volatility in the oil market, but I believe these challenges will be overcome by the new government with all of us cooperating. Therefore, our concern now is for us to make our ports users friendly and have an export based economy whereby the ports will play a central role in the international trade.

What are those things you want to see at our ports?

We want to see a port that is friendly, a port that makes it easy to do business in Nigeria and make it competitive to other ports. We want to see a port where there is no human contact, we want to see a port, which is technology-inspired, we want to see automation, we want to see a port that is transparent, that is efficient, that is going to be the preferred destination for cargoes internationally

39

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

BUSINESS

MOTORING

•The Jaguar XE at the launch

In an unfamiliar terrain, Coscharis Motors unveiled the all new Jaguar XE in Lagos.

The launch was held at the Eko Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos before a gathering of Information Technology (IT) experts.

TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO was there

Jaguar XE launched in strange environment

I

T is the first of a new generation of cars to be launched on Jaguar’s state-of-the-art-all new Aluminium Intensive Architecture; the lightweight aluminium construction that creates an incredibly strong body.

With so many firsts, the new Jaguar XE is the most advanced, efficient and refined sports saloon car that Jaguar has ever produced.The latest in an illustrious bloodline. Instantly recognisable as a Jaguar, it feels like a Jaguar, it drives like a Jaguar –XE is a Jaguar to its core.

The Jaguar XE is designed as an extraordinary everyday vehicle that combines the legendary Jaguar sporting character with systems that empower the driver and enhance the driving experience.

No wonder, Coscharis Motors decided to move away from the traditional way of unveiling new vehicles. This time, the auto giant showcased the all new Jaguar XE before a hi-tech audience including young people operating in the different fields of technology.

The launch took shine off the various events lined up for the two-day Tech+ 2015 event, which was sponsored by MTN Nigeria and Connect Marketing Services.

The avenue was an innovative technology conference and exhibition that featured live demonstrations of the latest digital products and services with hands-on practical workshops facilitated by renowned IT experts.

It was held at the iconic Eko Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.

While it is quite unusual to launch a vehicle this way, Coscharis Motors President / Chief Executive Officer Dr Cosmas Maduka acknowledged that doing so was to showcase the edge Jaguar XE had over its competitors.

“We must remark that the Jaguar car we are launching today is also an unusual vehicle. A special pick out of the pack with the latest Jaguar innovation, technology, powertrain and design that cuts across gender,” he said.

The Jaguar XE is a compact ex-

•From left: General Manager, JLR Aftersales, Coscharis Motors, Praveen Kumar; Group General Manager, Aftersales and Parts, Coscharis Motors, Vincent Chiedu; Executive Director, Coscharis Motors, Jonathan Maduka and General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Services, Coscharis Motors, Mr. Abiona Babarinde at the launch

ecutive car manufactured by the British manufacturer Jaguar. The global launch of the 2015 model was in March 2014 at the Geneva Motor Show, and its production was said to have begun in April this year.

According to him, only a Jaguar promises a distinct combination of performance and seduction to give auto lovers a unique, utterly rewarding driving experience; advanced power-trains with roaring exhaust soundtrack; sublime agility and instinctive steering; with innovative technology and craftsmanship both exterior and interior wise.

“I must emphasise that you are not

just among the first to officially view the Jaguar XE in Africa but the very first in Nigeria. I am sure as soon as you see the Jaguar XE, you will want to hit the road,” he said.

The Jaguar XE is the first of a new generation of cars to be launched on Jaguar’s state-of-the-art, all new Aluminium Intensive Architecture; the lightweight aluminium construction creates an incredibly strong body.

Coscharis said it is positioning Jaguar XE as the leading and preferred premium compact sports saloon within the next two years.

Consequently, the focus is to project it as a fleet variant and retail

sales directed at hard working and ambitious young male and female executives and entrepreneurs in their late 20s and mid 40s.

“We have come to know that Jaguar customers are people who want to be different. The Jaguar XE amplifies this. It immediately catches the eye, standing out from the completion because of its upscale proportions, which makes it look crouching and ready to pounce on the road,” Maduka said.

The Jaguar XE comes in five models which include the XE R-Sport (2.0L), XE Supercharged (3.0L), XE Pure (2.0L), XE Prestige (2.0l) and XE Portfolio (2.0L).

THE NATION MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

40

MOTORING

Kia Motors assembly plant in good shape

T

HERE was a palpable air of excitement throughout the facility tour of the multi billion naira state-of-the-art assembly plant of Kia Motors Nigeria, in Lagos where over 20 journalists of leading media houses in the country visited the plant to see the equipment and the brand’s assembly process. There is no gainsaying the fact that, Kia has remained one of the major brands in the country with its year-on-year phenomenal rise that has galvanised the brand into a monumental feat in the Nigerian auto industry following the unveiling of the plant in the first quarter of the year.

Reinforcing the company’s unwavering commitment to the industrialisation of Nigerian economy and its great contributions to the success of the auto policy,the Chief Operation Officer,Gitesh Yagnik said Kia has invested heavily in the assembly plant. Its state-of-the-art technologies are arguably at par with any renowned plant. The plant now prides itself on the production of nine models and their respective trims in the country with over 2500 units rolled

Stories by Tajudeen Adebanjo

out since its launch in April, 2014.

The sprawling complex has been built to the high standard of Kia Motors Corporation. Culminating in several months of construction, installation of technologically advanced equipment and the training of its staff have snowballed into its first assembly lines that assembles Kia models, such as its best-selling Kia Rio, Cerato, Optima, Sportage and the all-new 2015 Kia Sorento recently unveiled globally amongst others are all products from the plant.

In tandem with all automobile assembling/manufacturing plants in new market practice globally, the plant kicked off with semi knocked down where painted and trimmed bodies are shipped from an established plant in one box, mechanicals in another, join the two, add some locally sourced transmission fluids, air conditioner gas and the host of others.

With no prejudice and utmost transparency to help in alleviating the rate of unemployment in the country, over 85 per cent of the employees are

•Auto correspondents checking one of the new cars at the Assembly plant

sourced locally from top Nigerian universities.

Speaking at the tour, the Chief Operation officer, Gitesh Yagnik pointed out that the plant house over 100 engineers drawn from Nigerian universities and had undergone a top notch intensive training program and capacity development before been employed into the plant.

“We now have 150 trained and qualified engineers that can be com-

Ranger Odyssey winner emerges tomorrow

T

WENTY contestants and a convoy of 17 Ford Rangers have completed an arduous 12-day 2 000km off-road expedition through the extremely remote and rugged Damaraland and Kaokoland regions of northern Namibia during Ranger Odyssey 2015 which ended in Windhoek last week.

There were many highlights during the trip, including travelling through Desolation Valley, the infamous Khuwarib, dust holes, Crowther 4x4 Trail and camping at the base of Brandberg – each just as spectacular as the last. The convoy also traversed many of Namibia’s main rivers including the Huab, Omaruru, Hoanib and Hoarisib River.

The route officially started at Spitzkoppe, and contestants travelled via Palmwag, Khuwarib and Desolation Valley to the final destination point at Brandberg campsite where the final two days were spent beneath the highest mountain in Namibia. The terrain varied dramatically during the course of the trip, from smooth dirty roads to soft river sand, suspensiontesting rough and rocky 4x4 trails through the mountains leading into barren planes that

stretch as far as the eye can see.

Each day the contestants were assessed and scored by the instructors, Ford representatives and media crew on a wide variety of aspects, including 4x4 driving, camp etiquette, communication and leadership skills, special tasks,as well as their overall demeanour throughout the trip.

The competition also featured two elimination phases. The two lowest scoring contestants were eliminated on July 27 and a further three departed on the 30th.

Contestants’ votes also counted for a portion of the scores in each round, plus were factored into the final results.

“The final 15 contestants have come through 12 challenging days in some of the most remote and unforgiving conditions of northern Namibia,” says Tracey Delate, General Marketing Manager, Ford Motor Company of Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Each one of the contestants has given it their all and we have been really impressed with the enthusiasm, energy and spirit that each person brought to Ranger Odyssey 2015.

“Ultimately there will be only one winner but everyone heads

home today as a winner in their own right, having experienced a true life-changing adventure through some of the best parts of Namibia,” Delate commented.

The Ford Ranger has been the real star of the show having conquered some of the most arduous and challenging conditions in Africa. The performance of the Ranger has been truly exceptional throughout, taming even some of the toughest obstacles.

Overall, the Ranger proved that it is indeed built for tough.

During the trip contestants proposed their own corporate social responsibility initiatives. The winner of the humanitarian project was Jacobus Muller, who won the contestants’ combined pot of “Ranger Odyssey Dollars” to get his proposal off the ground for a self-sustaining crèche powered and watered by a windmill system – after all, changing lives is what Ranger Odyssey is all about.

The winner of Ranger Odyssey 2015 will be revealed at a Ford event in Sandton tomorrow. The ultimate prize: an Odyssey Ranger for a year, plus the equivalent of R5 000 fuel per month.

pared to international standard and over 50 support staff running the operational and assembly process cycle of the plant”.

Yemisi Onanuga, the Supply Chain manager, who conducted the tour, gave a holistic and professional insight of the plant’s facility and assembling process.

Apparently, the plant is people-focused. “We believe our strength is in our employees rather than ma-

chines” the Chief Commercial Officer, Sandeep Malhotra, said.

He further alluded to the fact that the success of the plant is premised on Nigeria’s auto policy. According to him, for the industry to be revolutionised and contribute significantly to the country’s IGR, the government needs to stay true to the policy and clamp down on the unchecked influx of imported used cars, popularly known as “Tokunbo” vehicles.

Equipment firm appoints local distributor

F

YB, the world largest suppliers of OE (Original Equipment) and Aftermarket Shock Absorbers and Struts has appointed APT (auto parts technology) as official distributors in Nigeria.

KYB is introducing OE to Nigeria’s evolving market to help restore confidence in the aftermarket segment of the country’s automobile market and essentially, reinstate vehicles’ original handling and control.

A part of KUNECH Group, owners of AutoNation Africa, a leading automotive service company, APT seeks to synergies with Tokyo-Japan based KYB to restructure Nigeria’s aftermarket with OE supplies and increase vehicle and plant performance beyond original handling and control.

KYB is a $4.2 billion worth global manufacturers of a variety of world class ride control products used as original equipment and replacement parts in automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, specialty vehicles, buses, aircraft, railroad cars and agricultural applications.

The varied uses and application of KYB products and equipment demonstrate her commitment to helping create a safer, more efficient and more comfortable society APT National Parts Manager Tushar Gomase said

Addressing parts marketers at the inauguration of APT headquarters in ASPAMDA Plaza, Trade Fair Complex Lagos, Tushar urged them to do away with old habits and embrace world class standard, adding that: “We are proud to be associated with KYB and together we will transform Nigeria parts’ market and restore confidence of plant and vehicle owners as well as independent garages in parts sourced locally.”

APT already has a large stock of OE including batteries, filters, cooling systems, brake pads with linings; suspensions, engine parts, belts, lubricants and tyres sourced from KYB and other well-known manufacturers based in Korea, Japan, and Indonesia.

The company similarly has several accredited parts’ dealers at the popular Ladipo, Idumota and Obalende markets in Lagos and Ibadan, Oyo State with plans to appoint dealers in Kano, Abuja, Benin City, Onitsha and Port Hartcourt by September.

Tusshar said: “The Safety of Nigerians is the company’s top priority and we are committed to supplying standardised OE parts to traders in these markets and consistently invent proactive communication strategies to discourage stocks of substandard and fake parts.”

Why FRSC and road safety are failing in Nigeria

C

ONSIDERING the fact that Nigeria is among the 10 countries with the highest rate of road accidents and fatalities in the world (number two among 193 countries) coupled with the rate at which lives and properties are wasting away on Nigerian roads, there is a need to urgently examine where we got it wrong and take proactive steps to get it right and place Nigeria as one of the 10 Countries with the safest roads worldwide.

Before listing my 23 workable recommendations, I want to summarise the background information and problem analysis as guides to the suggested antidotes.

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) was established in 1988 (27 years ago) as the lead Agency for Road Safety in Nigeria

by Decree No 45.

FRSC later subjected the Decree to amendments (1992,2004,2007 and 2012) thereby accumulating many more functions, a case which I usually refer to as overloading of functions (biting more than it can chew or swallow) thereby breeding inefficiency and ineffectiveness in many ramifications to the extent that several misleading errors and costly omissions were passed and published in the current Nigerian Highway Code without being noticed nor promptly corrected by the Corps. Three years after sending a letter to FRSC authorities, pointing out the obvious errors and omissions, more copies are still being produced without effecting the correction of the embarrassing portions which they promised to correct in their responses to my letters. Several of the FRSC’s statutory functions have

either been left undone or inadequately done thereby keeping the rate of road accidents and fatalities high in Nigeria as at today.

FRSC also published codes for verifying genuine Driver licence but have turned to money swallowers.

If you input the code to know if the licence you are holding is genuine, the Network provider will deduct N50 from your account but no result will follow and the money will not be refunded. Another fraud or prank on innocent citizens? I have tested it and FRSC has not made any public pronouncement to stop people from using the non-functional code.

The errors in the offences and penalties sheet of FRSC also give room to fraud, bribery and corruption on the part of FRSC officers and motorists, yet the loopholes have not yet been removed from the sheet three years after the FRSC

Authorities assured me that they will effect the corrections in response to my letter to the immediate past Corps Marshal (Mr Osita Chidoka).

Within a span of six years, I have written over 15 letters to the authorities of FRSC and also had over 10 personal discussions with different cadres of officers of the Corps, offering various observations and advice but over the years, I have discovered that FRSCAuthorities detests consultations and resists advice thereby exhibiting the know-it-all attitude, The non-reception to external ideas and comments is part of the contributing factors to the Corps’ performance and the persistently high rate of road accidents and fatalities in Nigeria, The N1.5billion (one billion, five hundred million naira) grant given

Jide Owatunmise Registrar /Chief Executive, Professional Driving and Safety Academy

to FRSC by the World Bank about two years ago was sufficient to make a significant impact in the reduction of road accidents and fatalities in Nigeria.

•To be continued

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

42

COMMENTARY

“P

FEMI ABBAS ON

REAMBLE

The corpse of another prominent Nigerian has just been brought back to country for burial today after weeks of self-deception in the name of culture.

Such is the common experience especially in the southern part of the county where to be born or to die abroad is ignorantly considered a prestige.

Historians never agreed on when and where the first human couple, Adam and Hawau (Eve), died. Some claimed that they died and were buried in India. Others believed they lived and died in the Gulf area of the Middle East. According to the latter’s account, which Muslims tend to believe, Adam and Hawau met at a place near Makkah called Arafah which later became the general assembly centre of Muslim Pilgrims. The account suggested that after their expulsion from Paradise, they lived partly in the valley of Makkah and partly in Jeddah (75 kilometres away by the Red Sea).

The duo, Adam and Hawau, were said to have left Paradise separately following their expulsion only to meet later at ‘Arafah (which means recognition) after a long period of wondering. Their sojourn in that region of the world shows that the Middle East was the first place of human settlement.

The existence of an ancient rectangular house called Ka‘bah is a testimony to this assertion. Hawau was believed to have died and interned in Jeddah, which is why the place was named Jeddah an Arabic word meaning Grandmother.

Leveller of mankind

femabbas756@gmail.com 08115708536

The parable of death

The first human death Neither Adam nor his wife Hawau knew anything called death until one of their first two sons killed the other. The two sons Habil and Qabil (Abel and Cain) had clashed over the choice of a wife. The tussle led to the killing of Habil by Qabil. But the focus here is neither on the cause of their clash nor the killing of one by the other.

Rather, it is on the lesson which Allah wanted to teach humanity through that episode.

The lesson Shortly after killing his brother, Qabil fell into a dilemma over what to do with the corpse. He was not worried as much by his conscience over his crime as to what would become of the corpse. But while thinking on what to do, two birds of the Roller family appeared before him and started fighting each other. In no time, one killed the other. The strange scene attracted the attention of Qabil like a tragic drama.

He watched the incident with full attention as the killer bird used its legs to dig a gravelike hole, pushed the corpse of its vanquished brother into it and covered it up. From that wonderful scene, Qabil got the idea of what to do with the corpse of his brother. And he buried him. Thus, the lesson was learnt that this human being created from the earth would eventually return to the earth.

What Qabil did not know at that time, however, was that the two birds, which became his teachers, were Angels. And the lesson learnt from their experience was not just about death and burial but also about when and where to bury a human corpse.

If Allah had wanted ceremony and ostentation to be lavished on burial, the killer bird would have demonstrated same in the drama. Qabil did not move the corpse of Habil to any other place for burial because his bird teacher did not do that.

Like the killer bird, he also buried his brother at the very spot where the latter breathed his last.

When death strikes In Islam, death is supposed to be the determinant of where the demised should be buried. Death takes life at a particular time and place according to its own natural schedule of duty. It gives no hint of the exact time and place to strike. And, after striking, it does not anticipate the transfer of a corpse across any major distance. That is why the body of any demised person starts to decompose just hours after it becomes lifeless. To confirm this, the Quran chapter 31: 24 says: “No soul knows what it will do tomorrow. No soul knows where it will die and be buried”.

The first Muslim group The first group of the Makkans who embraced Islam at its inception suffered so much severe persecution in the hands of pagans that they had to migrate to

worth more than a dollar per head per day despite the billions of dollars accruing to the country from our oil wells. It is necessary to thank God however, that though ‘Tokunbo’ products dumped in Nigeria daily are uncountable, the human corpses amongst them are those of the aristocrats and not of the innocent indigent class.

•Ambulance

Abyssinia (Now Ethiopia) for safety. While there, a number of them died and their wives and children became widows and orphans respectively. All those who died in Abyssinia were buried in that country.

Another group of the earliest Muslims migrated to Taif. A number of them also died there leaving widows, widowers and orphans behind. Their bodies were not transferred back to Makkah for burial Over this, some unbelievers may argue that those emigrants were fugitives who had no courage to bring back the corpses of their relatives for burial. But what of those who died in the battle of Badr in which Makkah pagans came all the way from Makkah, a distance of about 650 kilometers away, to engage the Muslims in a war in Madinah? The corpses of the Muslims who died in that imposed war were buried right there at the battle ground despite the nearness of Badr to Madinah and the Muslims’ victory in that battle?

The Prophet’s example It should be remembered that one of the most painful deaths to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was that of his uncle, Hamzah, the great warrior who fell to the spear of a Makkan pagan in the battle of Uhd and was buried right there at the foot of mountain Uhd in Madinah where the battle took place. In fact, no one who died in another town or country among the Muslims was ever brought back to his original home for burial. Not even the corpse of the Prophet or that of any of his disciples who died in Madinah was returned to Makkah for burial. The reason for this is to avoid the transfer of bitterness and mental agony arising from the death of a person from one place to another.

Implication Not only that, it is also to avoid the unnecessary strain and expenses which such transfer can unleash on some people. That was why great disciples like Abubakr, Umar Bn Khattab, Uthman Bn Affan had to be buried in Madinah where they died rather than Makkah where they were born.

Also, Ali bn Abi Talib and Mu’awiyah bn Abi Sufyan were buried in Iraq and Syria respectively where they served as caliphs and died. Even Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet and 72 others who were massacred by the forces of Yazid bn Mu’awiyah at Karbalau in Iraq had to be buried where they were massacred despite the nobility of their pedigree.

In Islam, death, like birth has no propensity for any display of aristocracy.

And, ascribing one to it is a sign of ignorance and primitivism. Islam abhors extravagance in whatever form and it admonishes against it. That is why the great religion does not take kindly to commercial exhibition of coffins and

‘If Allah had wanted ceremony and ostentation to be lavished on burial, the killer bird would have demonstrated same in the drama. Qabil did not move the corpse of Habil to any other place for burial because his bird teacher did not do that...’ ostentatious funerals. These are actually prohibited in Islam. Coffins can be used to convey corpses from the place of death or mortuary to the cemetery but such coffins must not be ornamentally decorated.

Neither must the Muslim corpses be extravagantly shrouded for burial.

The idea of keeping the corpse in a morgue for a long time after death, to allow for ostentatious funeral and extravagant spending in a society where poverty is manifest, is an act of callousness based on ignorance. Neither the expensive shroud nor the ornamented coffin with which the corpse is buried has any benefit to the soul of the deceased. It is sheer wastage, which has no use even for the relatives of the deceased. That idea, which is rampant, especially in some parts of Nigeria today, is hardly different from cremation done by the Buddhists, the Hindus and others with fanfare in the Far East. Both are a product of ignorance and vain-glory.

Blind imitation As usual, Nigerians do not copy anything negative without surpassing the original.

Fraud and narcotics as well as terrorism are some examples. The fashion now in vogue in Nigeria is for any public official or private moneybag to travel abroad for medical treatment at the slightest feeling of an ailment. It is as if Nigerian money is outlawed from providing the best hospital here in Nigeria. The concept is to separate the rich from the poor since an exclusive hospital for the rich will sound illogical in a country peopled overwhelmingly by with paupers. Even when some of those sick travellers will be treated abroad by their fellow Nigerians, they do not see anything wrong in spending their illgotten money abroad to the detriment of their home country. They seem to enjoy being flown back home lifeless if only to display aristocracy in death. Thus, your death is not considered newsworthy unless your corpse is flown into the country via Muritala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA), Lagos or Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja for public display. Yet no lesson is learnt that even Muritala Muhammad and Nnamdi Azikiwe died and were buried here in Nigeria. Can anybody cite a clear difference between death in Europe or America and the one in Nigeria? Why must our money be audaciously stolen alive in Nigeria and brazenly spent in death abroad?

Extravagance With the huge amount of money spent

by Nigerian sick travellers on treatments abroad and on flying their corpses back home, one can understand why Nigerians are so wretched that their lives are not

Death is a leveller of mankind. It does not distinguish between the rich and the poor.

We shall all die willy-nilly and we shall all be buried in the belly of the same mother earth where the bones of masters and servants or those of sworn enemies may struggle together for space. Mother earth can be described as man’s inseparable companion. She accompanies man day and night, in life and in death. She surpasses biological mothers in playing her role in the life of man. From a chip of her natural being, man is said to have been created.

Allah tells us in Qur’an that “From her (the earth) ‘We’ created you and into her belly ‘We’ shall return you”.

In playing the role of a mother, the earth carries man on her back while the latter remains alive. And in death, she incubates him in her belly in readiness for the resurrection that will see him through the inevitable Day of Judgment. In that process, there is a similarity between the duties of a primary mother (the earth) and that of a secondary mother otherwise known as biological mother especially in respect of conception and delivery.

While the biological mother cares for man only when she and man are alive, the mother earth cares for him both in life and in death. Unlike that of the biological mother, the life span of the mother earth is indefinite.

Age of the Earth Some scientists have given us different ages of the earth using all sorts of technological instruments. But the only authentic statement on that can come from the Almighty Allah Who created the earth.

If scientists have the means of telling us the age of the earth, do they also have the means of determining her life span? The earth is not just a carrier of unlimited weight; she is also a scale of unlimited measure. She weighs the load on her head as well as the one in her belly and balances them up for natural equanimity.

Without the earth, mountains and oceans would have no habitat to call their own and the long term fossils which turn into what we call minerals would have had nowhere to hibernate. Before all these and millions of other unidentified matters came into existence, the earth had been. And when all of them might have vanished into permanent oblivion, according to their scheduled time, the earth will continue to be until natural termination time comes.

We know that man was created from the earth. We know that the earth accommodates all living and non-living things on and in her. What we do not know is the source of the earth in creation. From what was the earth created? In luring us to reasoning, Allah has severally called the attention of man to the nature of certain creatures like the mountains, the valleys, the oceans and the seas, the minerals and the human and animal fossils buried in the earth as well as the varieties of plants and insects which dot the earth like a galaxy of stars on the Milky Way. He has also challenged man to observe the very nature of the wonderful carpet called the earth.

No difference The earth in America or China or Australia is not different from that of Nigeria or Saudi Arabia or Italy. And no earth is superior to another except with Allah’s conferment of sacredness.

Were the aristocrats privileged to calve out a separate portion of the earth for themselves, they would have restricted the masses to a disadvantaged area of the earth.

But the thinking of man is different from the planning of Allah. Celebration of funerals so flamboyantly as often exhibited in Nigeria is nothing more than celebration of vanity which fetches the celebrator no profit. In Islam, it is ordained to care for the dead in spirit and in action. But such should not at the expense of the living.

Doing so is a glaring evidence of ignorance which no civilised people would ever want to pursue.

43

FRIDAY AUGUST 14, 2015

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

OYO POLITICS

•Ajimobi

•Akinyelure

•Koleoso

What could spur followers to oppose their leader consistently in a united front? The crisis that engulfed the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oke-Ogun State, Oyo State has escalated. The party leader, Chief Michael Koleoso, is being accused of anti-party activities. The protracted crisis leaves the future of Koleoso’s political career hanging in the balance. BISI OLADELE reports

Search for truce continues in Oyo APC F

OR elderstatesman, Chief Michael Koleoso, this is a trying period. The former National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) is being battled by party members, most of who he groomed in politics, for allegedly being smart by half.

The septuagenarian had announced his retirement from politics last year, indicating his resolve to play only minor role in political activities. But, his critics in the Oke-Ogun All Progressives Congress (APC), faulted his claim, saying he was only officially withdrawing from the APC to join forces with another party to battle Governor Abiola Ajimobi in the last elections. They contended that Koleoso was involved a war of supremacy with Ajimobi, whom he accused of failing to recognise him as the leader of the party in the state after the demise of Alhaji Lam Adesina.

Many chieftains have appealed to the APC zonal leader, Chieft Pius Akinyelure, to wade into the crisis.

Genesis of the crisis The crisis started after Adesina’s death in November, 2012.

In rank, Koleoso was next to Adesina in the leadership structure of the party. But, his position as deputy was unofficial.

He was only accorded the honour by virtue of his political strength, experience and influence over the years. He was one of the leaders that insisted that Ajimobi should be given the governorship ticket. Hence, at Adesina’s death, Koleoso expected himself to be declared the leader. But, it never happened.

Sources said that Koleoso could not have been made the leader because of his activities when Adesina was alive. The zonal leaders were also said to have insisted that Ajimobi should become the leader because he earned the respect of APC members as governor.

Both Adesina and Koleoso were said to have left Ajimobi in the cold when the need to inaugurate the Seventh House of Assembly arose in 2011. Ajimobi’s ACN had only 13 members while Alao-Akala Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had 12 and Rashidi Ladoja’s Accord had six in a keen contest laced with bitterness and acrimony. For the governor to have a House that would

cooperate with his government, he needed a majority in the House in such a way that would leave no opportunity for the PDP and the Accord to collude against the ruling ACN. “Ajimobi needed the two older politicians desperately, but he never got it,” said a source. He recalled that both of them told him that he was the governor and must find a solution to his problem. “He was left in the cold. He was forced to humble himself and approach Ladoja for an alliance, which eventually worked for him.

But the then party leadership vehemently opposed the same alliance that helped stabilize Ajimobi’s government. It was a tough knot for Ajimobi to crack. But, we thank God for helping him to succeed.” The source said.

To confirm the position of the zones, an advertorial was published by each of them in December, 2012 to endorse the governor as the leader of the party. The battle line was, therefore, drawn between the Ajimobi-led APC and Chief Koleoso.

Koleoso was said to have dragged many of his close associates, who were not holding positions on the Ajimobi administration away in preparation to join another party that will give Ajimobi a good run in the election. Koleoso was said to have boasted that he would ensure that Ajimobi and the entire APC experience an electoral rout.

Anti-party activities In September, last year, the political space was awash with the news that Koleoso had taken his associates to the Labour Party (LP). He was said to have liaised with Alao-Akala, who was believed to have some followers in Oke-Ogun and other zones.

The thinking, according to sources, was that the combination of Alao-Akala’s strength and Koleoso would defeat Ajimobi.

A source said: “He started embracing break-away members of our party. Then, he went to invite Chief Alao-Akala to Labour Party (LP) to contend against Ajimobi. He took away his close associates including Chiefs Awakan, Adelere, Ige and Sangolade. He instructed all his followers to go to LP including the immediate past Chairman, Saki West Local Government, Mr Dapo Popoola.

“When Governor Ajimobi visited Oke-Ogun to distribute letters of appointment to teachers, he did not come. During

the main campaign again, he did not come. He instructed all the party chairmen in the 10 local governments to follow him to LP but some of them ignored his instruction. All these confirmed that he worked for LP.” But the election went the other way. The APC won convincingly in the 10 local government areas of Oke-Ogun in the presidential and National Assembly election. The feat was repeated in the governorship election with the exception of only Oorelope Local Government where the APC lost.

Election amid crisis The number of politicians appointed by the Ajimobi administration was unprecedented, according to leaders from the area. They contended that Ajimobi even surpassed Adesina, the acclaimed ‘the friend of Oke-Ogun’, in opening up opportunities for Oke-Ogun people in government. Six people were appointed as commissioners with several appointed as special advisers, senior special assistants and special assistants.

Projects that met local needs were undertaken. While the Iseyin main township road was dualised, the Saki campus of the Polytechnic, Ibadan was upgraded to a polytechnic and the School of Nursing, Kishi was repackaged for improved performance. Besides, the deputy governor, Chief Moses Alake-Adeyemo, hails from the zone.

The governor warmed himself into the heart of the majority through his performance. His urban renewal project, Free Health Mission, recruitment of 5, 300 teachers, free transportation for civil servants, massive promotions of civil servants and enthronement of peace across the state, among others, endeared him to many voters. In the end, Ajimobi was preferred to other candidates including Ladoja, Alao-Akala and Sen. Teslim Folarin, The emergence of Gen. Mohammadu Buhari as the presidential candidate also fetched some support to the APC across the nation.

It was also gathered that the nomination of a former Deputy Governor Iyiola Oladokun, as a member of the party’s Board of Trustees (BOT), further hurt the strong politician as it suggested that the party was not going to compromise on its stand against his alleged anti-party activities. He believed he should have got the nomination, in view of his standing in the party.

Oladokun also hails from Oke-Ogun.

But, the crisis deepened when party chieftains in the zone learnt that the Koleoso told the national leadership of the APC that he had delivered his constituency during the presidential and National Assembly elections. They faulted the national leadership’s recognition for Koleoso and took to the media to publish paid advertorials puncturing the recognition, saying he deceived the national leadership. They affirmed Chief Samuel Adekola as the authentic leader of the party in Oke-Ogun and urged the national leadership to ignore the strong politician.

THE NATION FRIDAY AUGUST 14, 2015

44

allegation by the PDP that the President is selective is ‘notThetrue; the party is just being clever by its conduct. We also have our governors, senators who are being investigated ’

POLITICS

•Alhaji Mohammed

•Mohammed.

PHOTOS: SOLOMON ADEOLA

Buhari is on course, says Mohammed T

HE National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Party (APC) Alhaji Lai Mohammed has said President Muhammadu Buhari is on course.

He spoke when he visited the corporate headquarters of Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation newspapers.

He said the administration has opened a new chapter of transparency and accountability, noting that the economy is improving in view of government commitment. He said government drive on accountability has encouraged a lot of people.

He explained that government directives to block all the loopholes that exposed money meant for government to reckless management, would aid accountability.

He said the financial reforms to ensure disciplined in government accounting procedure would launch the country to the comity of respected countries. He noted that the era when government agencies spend without recourse to orderliness was over. ‘’On the economy, I think the trip to the US has been a success. We were able to get some commitment on investment in the area of power, agriculture and health. I think he had commitment amount to about $11.5 million. ‘’Locally on the economic side too, I think we must give credit to the government for the bailout package. Without the bailout package many of the states in the federation would have on strike by now and there will be massive industrial unrest. ‘’The most important is the restructure of the commercial bank loans to 20 years tenure.

Most state governments were choked. They were spending about 30 to 40 percent of their allocations servicing debt. Now I think they will have enough money not just to pay salaries of worker, but to embark on developmental projects. ‘’The president has given directives that all payment should be made into one account. I think will enhance the economy.’’

The APC chieftain said the reforms in the oil sector are a pointer to what is going to happen in the country. He said government plans to make the refineries function will increase the supply oil to local consumers, noting that the masses of the country would be the greater beneficiaries.

By Musa Odoshimokhe

‘’I think biggest thing he has done to help the economy is the reform in the NNPC which has embarked upon. The NNPC bureaucracy now has at the helm of its affairs who is globally acclaimed as an expert in the oil sector. It’s a long time ago that we have had such a thing. ‘’We are going to have a new dawn in running the economy. And if we can take care of these very well, from the fiscal policy of government, if the oil that accounts for 70 percent of the revenue and about 80 percent of our foreign exchange take care of that, it is a good record.’’

He added that the delay in the appointment of Minister was a blessing in disguise, noting that the information reaching the government through the Permanent Secretaries in the Ministries, would have been impossible.

He said: ‘’I want it to be on record on the issue of Ministerial appointments that the President was elected for a term of four years.

If he spends four months planning what he is going to do in the next four years, I don’t think it is wrong. ‘’ Up till yesterday, the President was still r7eceiving briefing from the various ministers.

When you appoint ministers they don’t come to office with their own agenda. Ministers are handed party manifestoes to implement. ‘’In the past ministers have been appointed into office within one or two months in office, but what has been the result? What has happened is that they are either removed or reshuffled because of lack of performance. The President as far as I am concerned, I know he was shortchanged by the last administration. ‘’The transition committee that was set up was not allowed to function the way it should.

In short, handover notes were not handed over to us not until the May 26. That is why the President is taking his time calling all these ministries and asking to be briefed. ‘’Honestly, if ministers had been in place immediately, the President will not have access to the information he has now. The permanent secretaries would have reported to the ministers.

The perm sec will not be able to see the President directly except through their ministers. ‘’And all the information that we are hearing about $600 million being diverted might have

‘

The transition committee that was set up was not allowed to function the way it should. In short, handover notes were not handed over to us not until the May 26. That is why the President is taking his time calling all these ministries and asking to be briefed

’

been buried. I think Nigerians should look beyond this obsession for minister and allow the government to come out with something enduring. He really wants to know what is on ground before the appointment of ministers.’’

He said the fight against corruption has attracted the support of all well meaning Nigeria.

“On the war against corruption, the President said a lot. He is one person that has the political will. There are enough laws in Nigeria to address the issue of corruption and avarice.

What has always been lacking has been the political will. ‘’There has not been a new head in the EFCC and ICPC. All of a sudden, they have reopened old cases. They have now started to do the things they should do. They have a man at the top, who will not stop them from doing what they ought to do. ‘’The allegation by the PDP that the President is selective is not true; the party is just being clever by its conduct. We also have our governors, senators who are being investigated. But, I will tell you that for every 10 persons being arraigned, you can only find two APC. The PDP had been at the helms of af-

fairs and even if you are going to probe the last for years alone, the PDP will dominate.

Who are the people that awarded the contract?

Who are the people behind all the financial challenges, they are the PDP nominees. ‘’So, it is only natural that you have more PDP people facing the EFCC. ‘’ He added that those complaining about the appointment of the acting chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Hajia Amina Zakari were merely crying wolf, where there is none. He said the President reserved the right to make such appointment.

“The issue is that Amina Zakari was a Commissioner of INEC and was dully appointed by the PDP. It is mischievous to accused APC of wrong doing in this matter. If the President had gone outside to still appoint somebody for the same position, they will still complain.

“The administration is concerned about conducting transparent elections in the coming years. We came through a transparent process and we will ensure transparency in elections.

“We are going to use the card readers and the Permanent Voters Cards during election, I think this is a legacy which we like to maintain and improve upon.”

He furthers explained that the administration will soon end insurgency in the country, stressing that government has been able to get regional and international support to counter the menace.

“It is true that there have been cases of suicide bombers in the northeast. But, anybody who is familiar with the incident of insurgency will know, things like that normally happens when insurgency is on its way out. ‘’A year ago, about 14 local government were under the full control of Boko Haram in Borno State alone. They even installed their own flag but today you cannot find Boko Haram flags in Nigeria. We have been able to maintain and build on what was achieve by the last administration in term holding on to our territory. ‘’What we have today are lone suicide bombers, I believe that with the new crop of service chiefs, many of them with intelligence background, we are going to put an end to that very soon. I think in the area of fighting insurgency government is on course.’

My plan for Kogi, by aspirant

K

•Olusola

OGI State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant Mr. Olumoroti Olusola has promised to enhance the state’s agriculture and industrial base.

Speaking with The Nation, he said if elected governor, the farmers would be provided with equipment through investment in the sector.

He said it is regrettable that the state, which was known for its outstanding performance, was receding in its role as the food basket.

He said: “About 70 percent of Kogi State today residents are mainly agrarians. This is a sector that has been largely neglected by subsequent government since 1999.

“The state that used to be the food

basket of the nation is now an importer of food. And because of the impact of the ozone layer, it is really difficult for people to show interest in the farming activities without the necessary support.

“In other to overcome some of the challenges, we will provide fertilizers to farmers. The farmers will have direct contact with the implement provided by the government.”

He said that his administration will revive the education sector, adding that the state used to be one of the best in the country.

“We used to have some of the best school, apart from Lagos. We will ensure that we rehabilitate the structures that have collapsed. The teach-

ers would be motivated to perform their duties.

“As you can see, teachers and the pupils are spending more time at home due to strike. The current government has refused to implement the elongated salary structure that was agreed with the governors’ forum.”

Olumoroti added that there was plan to explore the tourism sector, in order to enhance the level of income accruing to the state.

“Kogi State has so many histories behind it, being the first administrative seat of Nigeria. It is the place where Nigeria was pronounced as a country, given that Lord Lugard was living here.

“We have the only cemetery,

where European armies that fought in the world wars were buried. We have other exciting tourism attraction in the state.”

He said that his administration would invest in the Ajaokuta Steel Industry, noting that it was time to break the vicious circle of non performance.

He said he would collaborate with private investors, the federal government to make the project a reality.

“Thank God, the Federal Government is already dredging the Niger which is going to be of help to the state and country. This would enable some of the ships to navigate up north. So, the state government is going to invest in it to make the plan a reality.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

45

HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

How to reduce maternal, infant deaths A

LTHOUGH Nigeria did not attain the Millennium Devel opment Goal 5 target, which is improved maternal health, before it lapsed this year, the Federal Government and its partners are not resting on their oars in the fight against maternal and infant mortality.

This was made known by Chief of Party, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Targeted States High Impact Project (TSHIP), Dr Nosa Orobaton, at a media parley in Lagos.

He said mother and child can be saved if they have access to essential drugs outside the health facilities.

Many women, he said, die daily because of preventable conditions, such as postpartum haemorrhage, also known as excessive bleeding after childbirth because they deliver at home rather than at health facilities where they can closely monitored.

“Many infants also die from infections which affect their navel or umbilical cord,” he added.

Orobaton said maternal deaths can be controlled by making expectant mothers, who deliver outside of health facilities without a health worker present take misoprostol and other drugs on the essential list.

“Their babies too can have access to chlorhexidine and as such, prevent infections from attacking their navels,” he added.

Misoprostol, he said, was on the essential drugs list and as such had been recommended for expectant mothers. The drug, hitherto, was not available outside health facilities.

He said about 85 per cent of preg-

of maternal related causes across the world live in Nigeria.

Orobaton said aside from bleeding, malaria is another disease affecting women, adding that anaemia is the next important secondary cause of maternal death.

He said the proportion of women, who sleep under net, is not high enough because only 55 of 99 per cent of women who have insecticide treated nets (ITNs) actually sleep under them.

Many of them usually complain that it is too hot while others say the smell is horrible, he added.

He said the immunity of women is reduced when they are pregnant,

adding that this make them more susceptible to malaria attack.

“Malaria goes into the placenta to attack the foetus. It can cause stillbirth. If the baby survives it can lead to low birth weight. It can also cut short the life of the mother,” he said.

He said the government is addressing the problem with presumptive treatment of the disease, saying: “At 16 weeks of pregnancy, the expectant mother is given malaria drugs to prevent the disease.”

Orobaton said the national policy and the WHO recommendation are that expectant mothers, who are exposed to malaria attacks should be

given the presumptive treatment.

He said the percentage of teenage pregnancy in Lagos State is five percent, while that of the northeast is 40 per cent.

The agency, he said, also recommended chlorhexidine for the prevention of infections in newborns, adding that the ointment should be applied on the baby’s umbilical cord/ navel with clean hands to prevent infection. ”This should be in the mama kit. It is sold for about N200,” Orobaton said.

He said magnesium sulphate is also on the essential drug list for expectant mothers, adding that it can prevent eclampsia. “Women can have eclampsia, but if they are in a facility it can be picked up in time before it becomes dangerous,” he said.

Orobaton advised women to breastfeed their babies as it is a natural family planning method.

“Breastfeeding mothers do not get pregnant. Also, their uterus is contracted by the prolactin hormones,” he said.

He said family planning is a good intervention to reduce maternal deaths, adding that mothers would have recovered fully before getting pregnant for another baby, thereby preserve their lives from anaemia and other conditions.

He said maternal and infant mortality rates are coming down but the country’s rising population makes it as though it is increasing.

Orobaton said TSHIP is already getting result in Sokoto and Bauchi States, adding that everybody has been working together to reduce maternal and infant mortality.

• Bankole

•Fajemilo

•Master Festus

istry of Health.”

He mentioned massive brain size, down deviation or sun setting of the eye balls, vomiting, irritations, high fever, headache, delayed milestone in terms of development, high memory loss, person may experience bed wetting no matter the age and flat forehead as signs of the ailment.

“Patients with hydrocephalus also experience problem with motor coordination and are not able to hold things because of the connection be-

tween the brain and the nervous system. Early test given to children diagnosed with hydrocephalus are (CT) computer tomography test, (MRI) Magnetic resonance imaging test, which gives a clearer view of the brain,” he said.

He said research and discoveries made him understand that his son’s condition was not strange, and that like any medical disorder, people lived with it.

“The foundation was set up in

2006 to advocate for prompt and quality health care of people living with spinal bifida and hydrocephalus in Nigeria. It is also promoting their rights. We started to create awareness of hydrocephalus and spinal bifida to the public. The organisation initially started with seven families registered under them, but have above 100 families now who are being affected as their clients,” he said.

Fajemilo said: “Surgery does not bring cure during operation, shunts are inserted in the brain to bypass the blockage, these shunts are tube like materials inserted in the brain down through to the abdomen and it aids the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, releases the pressure in the brain and it begins to function normal. Patient with hydrocephalus needs continuous management.”

•USAID lists misoprostol, chlorhexidine as essential drugs

By Wale Adepoju

nancy progress to full term, but nobody knows which one of them would have safe delivery.

This, according to him, is why women should be at a health facility to have safe delivery.

The Chief of Party said the survival rate of expectant mothers, who take the drug, is 98.8 per cent, adding that Nigeria was one of many countries that adopted the drug to tackle bleeding after childbirth.

He said: “Statistics from 2003 National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) shows that the percentage of women, who deliver with no one present (NOP) is high. One in five births is delivered with NOP. In 2008 it is 19 per cent. But in 2010, it reduced by five per cent to 14 per cent.

“The study revealed that the prevalence of NOP is highest in the northern part of Nigeria with 94 per cent of all observed cases. Socio-demographic factors, such as women’s age at birth, birth order, being Muslim, and region of residence, were really associated with NOP deliveries.

Mother’s education, higher wealth quintiles, urban residence, decisionmaking autonomy, and a supportive environment for women’s social and economic security were inversely associated with NOP deliveries.”

He said there is limited use of skilled birth attendance (SBA) in most parts of Nigeria, adding that the World Health Organisation (WHO) said one in seven of women dying

•Orobaton

‘Maternal deaths can be controlled by making expectant mothers, who deliver outside of health facilities without a health worker present take misoprostol and other drugs on the essential list. Their babies too can have access to chlorhexidine and as such, prevent infections from attacking their navels’

‘There’s hope for big headed babies’

T

HERE is hope for children born with hydrocephalus, a condition characterised by excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain, if they can receive treatment at an early stage, Head, Neuro Surgery Department at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr Femi Bankole, has said.

Hydrocephalus, he said, can occur in children and adults, adding that adults can develop the disease due to a blockage in the brain.

The consultant neurosurgeon said once the cerebrospinal fluid is not flowing and the brain retains its fluid it would lead to a massive head size. He said hydrocephalus in adults is more dangerous than children as individuals may not be able to cope with the problems, adding that late treatment of the ailment may lead to death.

“Anything that obstructs the flow of cerebral spinal fluid in the brain can trigger hydrocephalus. There is bleeding in the brain, stroke, meningitis, tumours in the brain, which can compress certain parts of the brain causing blockage,” the neurosurgeon said.

Dr Bankole said 90 per cent of children with the disease can function normally if promptly treated.

Founder, Festus Fajemilo Foundation (FFF), Mr Afolabi Fajemilo, said children born with hydrocephalus can now smile as they can get some level of support.

This, he said, was made possible by his foundation, which advocates prompt and quality health care for

By Oluoma Omeihe

children suffering from hydrocephalus and spinal bifida in Nigeria.

Fajemilo’s first child, Festus, was diagnosed of hydrocephalus when he was two months old.

Fajemilo said he was informed by the doctor attending to his son that an urgent brain surgery should be conducted, adding: “As parents, who knew nothing about the condition, we started looking for alternatives rather than surgery. We were also worried about the child’s chances of survival having to go through a rigorous surgery in the brain. Festus was given various therapies, concoctions and herbs got from different traditionalists and herbalists, who claimed to have the answers to the problems; but all was a ploy to extort money and material items from us.

“Some clerics even advised that my son should not go through surgery, rather we should fast and pray that the massive head size will reduce. When festus was 14 months we became tired of giving him concoctions and settled for surgery through the help of the Lagos State government and Lagos State Min-

‘Anything that obstructs the flow of cerebral spinal fluid in the brain can trigger hydrocephalus. There is bleeding in the brain, stroke, meningitis, tumours in the brain, which can compress certain parts of the brain causing blockage’

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

46

HEALTH

SMEs vital to healthcare S

TAKEHOLDERS in the health sec tor have identified well-funded small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) as a tool to drive sustainable healthcare. According to them, SMEs deliver 60 per cent services in the sector.

They spoke at a health sector small and medium scale enterprises forum with the theme: Exploring opportunities for SMEs financing in the health sector.

It was organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Health in collaboration with UKAID’s Partnership for Transforming Health System Phase II (PATHS 2) and Bank of Industry (BoI).

Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Modele Osunkiyesi, said the availability of funds to drive the health system is important.

The state government, she said, cannot drive the financial investment needed for a viable healthcare system alone, without creating a synergy and a friendly environment for private sector-driven healthcare delivery.

Dr Osunkiyesi, represented by the Executive Secretary, Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), Dr Mabel Ajekugele, said the major challenge is the need to consider the demand and supply aspect of the healthcare system. She added that

By Wale Adepoju

finance is another constraints.

“The budgetary allocations to overhead cost, payment of salaries and wages to our teaming healthcare workers are worrisome if we are to address the problems of other sectors,” she said.

She urged financial institutions and supporting partners to make funds available to health facilities, especially those in the private sector to provide qualitative healthcare.

Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa, said healthcare is very important to development, adding that it is the indices of millennium development goals (MDGs).

Olaoluwa, who chaired the occasion, noted that healthcare must be qualitative to improve the competitiveness.

The BOI, he said, has been supporting the sector to access funds, adding that eight companies are using the bank’s facilities to attain good manufacturing practice.

“Two companies have achieved that,” he said.

Olaoluwa said companies with good proposals should come forward, adding: “We have 14 offices across Nigeria to look after their interests.”

•A malnourished child and his mother at Yan’awaki Primary Healthcare Centre, Kano.

PHOTO: SINA FADARE

BoI, he said, would continue to support investors in the sector, stressing that the bank only considers business models that are very clear.

“As a lender we want to be sure that their businesses can generate sufficient funds to pay back their loans,” he said.

He said BoI usually looks at the quality of the team a company presents, dedication and passion. For him, 100 percent commitment is important to accessing loans.

National programme manager, PATHS 2, Mr Mike Egboh, said it was good to know that banks and the health sector are working together.

PATHS2, he said, has been receiving support from the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID), adding that the programme, which hitherto was for six years has been increased to eight years.

The aim, he said, was to use the country’s resources effectively and efficiently to achieve development, especially in delivering effective, quality and sustainable pro-poor health system.

He condemned the lack of development in the country, stressing that Nigeria’s position as the seventh largest producer of oil did not transform to a vibrant economy.

“The country contributes 10 per cent of maternal mortality globally. Some war-torn countries are better off.

Liberia’s health indices are better than those of Nigeria,” he said.

Egboh said if there is adequate investment in the healthcare, there would be development, which would reduce health tourism.

“Many Nigerians still lack access to healthcare. There is the need for us to have social responsibilities,” he said.

He called on investors to take advantage of benefits, which abound in the health sector because doctors are not real businessmen as their calling is to save lives.

“Healthcare should be everybody’s business. Health practitioners need help because they cannot do it alone. The federal and state governments need to contribute their quotas,” he said.

Former Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Femi Olugbile said SMEs are responsible for taking care of health seeking encounters of people daily.

According to him, there are less than 300 state-owned health facilities in Lagos with the rest totaling about 3000 owned by private sector.

Olugile, who spoke on the ‘’Role of government in promoting SMEs in the health sector’’, said the governments have their hands full with responsibilities of governance and running of health policies and programmes.

‘Early child birth ’ll ensure healthy baby’

M

OTHERS have been advised to give birth at an early age to ensure a healthy baby.

A paediatrician at Motayo Specialist Hospital, Ikeja, a private health facility, Dr Chinenye Ananti, said women, who deliver at 35 years and above may be vulnerable to having babies with Down’s syndrome (DS).

According to her, older women are at a higher risk of giving birth to DS babies than women below 35 years because age is a factor. “The chances are as high as one in 30 births for women at 35 and above and one in 350 births for women below 35,” she said.

She continued: “Down’s syndrome is a genetic disorder that is associated with maternal age, which can be diagnosed at child birth. Early treatment may reduce other problems, which may occur as the child grows older.

“In cases of DS there is an extra chromosome called trixono chromosome found at the 21st position of chromosomes found in the body and can be diagnosed prenatally or after birth.”

According to her, there are 36 chromosomes found in the human body.

“They are always found in pairs, but

By Oluoma Omeihe

at the 21st position, three chromosomes are found called trioxo chromosome or trixon 21,” Dr Ananti said.

Most babies born with DS, she said, usually have a hole in the heart, adding that this is one of the problems they have.

“Majority of them also come down with congenital heart problems. They also have problem with their sight,” she said.

Growth problems, she said, is also part of what they experience. “Their development process is slow unlike typical children. For instance, if a typical child starts walking at age one, it may take a child with Down syndrome two to three years to walk,” she said.

The paediatrician said babies with the condition are faced with intellectual disability, saying it is difficult for them to reason very well.

“Sometimes, they get excited unnecessarily. They also have leukaemia, delayed milestone and low intelligence quotient (IQ),” she said, adding that no DS male has ever been known to father a child, but their females counterparts give birth. “However, they do

not usually have too many children because they have fertility problems,” she added.

Ananti said the governments at all levels are already creating awareness about the condition’s existence.

The future, she said, is bright for children with DS because there is a society in Nigeria for people ailed by the condition, adding that DS clients of various ages link with one another.

The specialist said life expectancy for persons with the condition was short in the past, but recently they living up to 50 years.

She said once a baby is born and diagnosed with DS, it should undergo some tests, adding that the problem should be corrected to avoid recurrence.

“Many problems will come up as the child grows older. So, they can be managed while he or she is still very little,” Ananti said.

She urged parents to manage the disorder by following the instructions of healthcare providers. “It is a medical condition that is diagnosed at child birth. It is not a child killer disease, but it can lead to death if not well managed,” Ananti said.

HEALTH TALK with Nutrition: Impact of food on health Introduction ASH fruits and food thoroughly before eating. This removes the chemicals and the germs that may be attached to the fruits. j) Some fruits and vegetables only require gentle cooking in order to preserve the vitamins and proteins.

How do you know what is polluted? a) Read the labels on the food that you buy from the stores. b) Read or ask for the source of the food and preservatives on the food if possible. c) If unsure, stick with natural products. The truth is, you may not be able to avoid pollution totally but you can reduce its consumption. You don’t need the chemicals.

Note: Even where, the food had not passed through voluntary chemical process, the environmental pollution such as biological products (bacteria, virus etc), fumes and industrial wastes being released into the environment may contaminate the food.

For children, the World Health Organisation says and we think this is true, that, when parents and adult lead a healthy life, it rubs on the children.

Children and ill- individuals need guidance from doctors or parents and may require supplements for their food. In newborn, the breast milk remains the ultimate best food, shall we say the ultimate “fast food”. Breast milk is able to sustain such new children even up to 6 months in absence of other food if breast milk is dutifully given by the mother. Of course, this depends on the circumstances. In some, there is a need for healthy supplements.

But the sooner children are introduced into healthy living, the better.

The rule of thumb is very simple.

Consider what I say under “Common sense of what to eat”.

Culture: In spite of our cultural differences across the world, the basic contents of all human foods are the same.

The differences occur because of weather conditions which make some of the fruits in Asia or Africa look different from the ones Europe or America. The second point is that, the method of preparation of our food is culturally different. In the end, we are all eating the same fat, protein, water, carbohydrates and vitamins: after all we are human beings!

Dealing with Obesity: Ideal Body Weight.

No two individuals are completely the same. One may be short and thin, the other may be tall and fat or vice versa. Scientists and healthcare workers have been battling with the problem of ideal weight for ages. So far, we have been able to come up with a simple mathematical guide which is generally known as Body-Mass Index or BMI for short.

BMI measures your body weight and height as follows: BMI = Your Weight (in Kg) (Your Height in Meters)2 Scientists have measures many people and found out that many “normal” people will be between a range of 18 to 24.9 Example: A woman of 80kg with a height of 1.6 meters will have a BMI of: 60/(1.6)2 The BMI comes to 21.48 Using the same formula, a man of 86kg with a height of 1.9m will have a BMI of 23.82 You can now calculate your own BMI from time to time as a guide to your ideal weight.

Centre for Disease Control says that BMI is used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems for adults. However, BMI is not a diagnostic tool. However, to determine if excess weight is a health risk, a healthcare provider would need to perform further assessments. These assessments might include skinfold thickness measurements, evaluations of diet, physical activity, family history, and other appropriate health screenings.

Now, if your BMI falls between 18.5-

W

Dr Joel Akande Infertility Specialist and Consultant 08188343865 managementlease@yahoo.com

24.9, your weight is ideal for your height.

It did not say that you are thin, lean or fat but ideal for your specific height.

Anything below 18.5, you are likely to be ill or too thin for your height.

If your BMI is above 25 to say 29.9, you are certainly overweight.

If your BMI is above 30, you are obese.

The problem with obesity include the risk of heart attack, high blood pressure, some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon), diabetes type 2, osteoarthritis, difficulty in breathing (sleepapnoea), stroke, and if necessary, difficult surgical operation.

Here is a guide you might wish to take note of: Weight Status BMI Below 18.5 Underweight 18.5 – 24.9 Normal 25.0 – 29.9 Overweight 30.0 and Above Obese Please take note that the above BMI discussion is related to adult. Please visit your doctor if you are concerned about BMI in children.

How to lose weight; 1. You eat minimally, as little as possible 2. Eat as less frequently as possible (12times/day) 3. Exercise as much as possible 4. To remain reasonably healthy, eat moderate amount of fruit, vegetables and fish with the support of multivitamins and folic acid preparations. Please note that at a 70kg weight, you need an average of 2000Calories of energy per day for a woman and a man needs about 2400Calories to keep going. Depending on your size and energy requirements, you may need more or less calories. Your doctor can help with the calculations or consult a nutritionist/dietician.

Monitoring 1. Check your weight weekly using weighing scale (you could get a cheap one in your local store) 2. Determine your BMI weekly. Keep a diary 3. Have a target of ideal weight you want to reach. Aim at that figure.

Medical intervention There are medications that may help you lose weight. For ethical reasons, we will not be prescribing any here. You may need to see your doctor for this.

Dietician/Nutritionist These professionals may work with your medical or surgical team to help bring your weight down by recommending the appropriate food contents and amount that is suitable for you.

They may in fact be your first point of call in the pyramid of weight loss project.

Surgical intervention If the self-help method fails, then you might need the help of surgeons. Likely operations are gastric banding in which the size of your stomach is reduced to a minimum. Other form of surgery may be the removal of the area of your gut that absorbs food. The whole idea is to limit the amount of food that gets into you. Psychological intervention.

Before you begin excessive weight loss or if the above methods do not work for you, you may need to see a psychologist or psychiatrist to assess your view on body image. Remember that weight loss is a matter of determination and sometimes there may be a distortion in the way a person sees herself or himself.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

47

THE NATION

BUSINESS INDUSTRY

industry@thenationaonlineng.net

With the inauguration of the $400m 1.5 million metric tonnes per annum cement plant in Ndola, Zambia, Dangote Cement has shown its intention to remain top of the African cement market.

Assistant Editor OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE, just back from Zambia, reports.

Dangote tightens grip on cement market N

IGERIA’S Dangote Cement has moved a notch higher in its quest to call the shot in the African cement market. The largest cement manufacturer in Africa commissioned a US$400 million 1.5 metric tonnes per annum cement plant in Ndola, Zambia. With the opening of the cement plant in Ndola, about 500 miles from Lusaka, the Zambian capital, the investment landscape in Africa, particularly the cement industry, is once again set for a major turnaround in terms of employment opportunities, quality and competitive pricing of cement. This is so considering the fact that plans are already afoot to commission more cement plants across Africa before the end of this year.

“We hope to commission four other cement plants in Senegal, South Africa, Cameroon and Tanzania before the end of 2015,” President of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said at the inauguration of the Zambia plant last week.

According to the foremost industrialist and Pan-African investor, the company decided to invest in 16 countries across the continent because it believes that Africa’s future is linked to cement. Already, another US400 million cement plant is being planned for Lusaka next year, bringing Dangote’s investment in Zambia to $800 million.

According to the firm’s Executive Director, Monica Musonda, plans to open another 1.5 million tonne per annum capacity plant in the capital city have reached an advanced stage. Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, while commending the $400 million investment by the group, said his administration has provided an enabling environment for investors in the mould of Dangote.

He said Zambia’s investment friendly environment was underscored by the World Bank report on ‘Ease of doing business’, which put the country at number 10 in the continent and 86th globally.

While hailing his government for leading a private sector-led economy, President Lungu encouraged other Nigerian investors to emulate Dangote and invest in the fastest growing economy in the continent. “We offer a huge market to investors due to our synergies with other East African countries and the great lake region, which accounts for over S400 million, making us very attractive to investors,” he said, informing existing and prospective investors. He pledged to ensure that his government sticks to the terms of engagement and assured of his commitment to the contractual obligations.

•Dangote Cement Plant

‘

We advocate that Africans developing Africa is the best way to go, and we are doing that through cement manufacturing

Dangote praised the Zambian Government for providing an enabling environment for foreign direct investment by liberalising the economy. He praised the government for its incentives to investors such as a friendly value added tax (VAT) regime. According to him, only Africans can develop Africa without condityons. He said African governments should accelerate local development by supporting African investors rather than looking towards ‘foreigners’. He said the future of the continent is in the hands of African entrepreneurs.

While noting that the Zambia plant is the 14th on the continent, the home-grown serial investor urged the African Union (AU) to seek economic integration to lift the continent from poverty rather than dwelling solely on political integration. He stressed that the absence of economic growth in the continent will encourage destabilisation and poor development. “We are strong advocates that Africans developing Africa is the best way to go and we are doing that through cement manufacturing,” he said.

Highlighting some of the benefits of the investment, Dangote said the $400 million dollars cement plant in Zambia, for instance, would create thousands of jobs including ancillary industries.

Special Adviser to President/CEO, Dangote Group, Mr. Joseph Makoju, said the cement plant will create over 10, 000 jobs.

‘

He also said the investment will open more opportunities for Zambia, as other investors will be convinced on the potential of the country to host entrepreneurs as a result of the presence of the group.

Also, the price of cement in the East African country is on the downward slide. The Zambian President confirmed this much when he said Dangote Cement has crashed the price of cement in Zambia. “Now my administration is gearing up to embark on massive housing projects in addition to the use of cement for our road construction, which will ensure that our roads last up to 50 years,” he announced with glee. Besides, Dangote has promised to provide relevant infrastructure such as roads, schools, hospitals and a community centre for the host communities.

Beyond the economic benefits, Makoju said what Dangote is doing with such massive investments is strengthening Nigeria’s indisputable position as economic and political leader in Africa. “Nigeria can proudly claim to be the economic leader in Africa; the event is more about economic diplomacy than political diplomacy,” he said.

Chairman of Heirs Holding, Mr. Tony Elumelu lauded Dangote for the feat, describing him as the only private sector investor driving cross-border investments in Africa. “This is economic diplomacy and Dangote is helping to foster bilateral rela-

•Dangote

tionship between the countries in Africa,” he said.

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomole also hailed Dangote for playing the pioneering role of encouraging Africans to invest in Africa and creating jobs across the continent.

“Politicians make noise about creating jobs.

Dangote doesn’t make noise, but goes about creating jobs. He is providing economic bridges to promote peace and unity through his investments in Africa,” the Comrade Governor said.

On his part, Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, a Professor, praised the Zambian Government for opting for a private sectorled economy. While predicting the rapid development of Zambia and the elimination of poverty in the continent, he, however, advised the host government to always respect the sanctity of contracts. According to him, it is the only way to ensure stability, enduring democracy and human capital development.

Zambian Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Mrs.Margaret Mwanakatiwe praised Dangote Cement Company on its huge single investment in the country. She urged indigenous multi nationals to adhere strictly to international practice. The minister also pleaded with the firm to give priority to the natives in job employment and other dividends expected to come on the heels of such huge investment.

THE NATION FRIDAY AUGUST 14, 2015

49

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

50

THE NATION

BUSINESS SHOPPING

E-mail: toniaitose@gmail.com

sms : 07035302326 Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

Over the last decade, shopping malls have evolved in the country, springing up across the states. TONIA ‘DIYAN reports that the ubiquity of shopping malls has redefined shopping experience, created wealth, convenience and has given customers more freedom to choose.

Shopping malls spring up like mushrooms

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HERE havebeen many developments in the retail sector since the advent of shopping malls 10 years ago when The Palms Shopping Mall, Lekki, Lagos opened shop. Before then, retail outlets were mainly urban-based - in major cities of the country. Today, the game has changed with many malls opening shop in second tier cities, such as Enugu, Kano, Warri, Owerri, Onitsha, Ilorin and Ibadan.

The retail business space continues to transform with the development of formal, westernstyle malls that also serve as popular hangouts and meeting points for busy chief executives, especially at weekends and during holidays.

And the emergence of world-class shopping places has changed the way people shop, causing a tremendous boom in the industry and establishing Nigeria as a haven for retail shopping. Nigerians have, today, become better shoppers, especially in the area of buying at wholesale prices, not minding the quantity of items purchased.

In addition to the popularity of the malls, the developers say they are finding fulfillment more in Nigeria than any other country in Africa, where they have their businesses. According to them, more malls will spring up and they will be the trend for a long time.

After the two premier malls in Lagos, the retail trading scene has seen many more. While some have been delivered, many are at various stages of completion. Some of them stand out for reasons of size, strategic location, convenience and available infrastructure, among others.

Apapa mall, Lagos

The mall berthed in the Apapa area of Lagos has changed the face of retail in Nigeria’s premier port city.

Before residents and workers in Apapa which is home to an estimated 522,384 people, according to data from the state government website, didn’t have a world-class retail outlet to serve their shopping and relaxing needs.

This has, however, changed because shoppers experiences in Apapa and its environs have been enhanced.

The Palms Mall, Lekki

Towards the end of 2005, The Palms was opened, making history as the first of its kind in Nigeria. It is anchored by a South African supermarket chain, Shoprite, and diverse range of Nigerian retailers as well as international brands, such as Adidas and KFC, South Afri-

•Apapa Mall, Park Lane, Lagos. can restaurant Spur, banks, pharmacies and mobile phone companies, such as MTN and Etisalat. Yudala, an offline retail store, has also opened shop there.

Construction was commissioned by the Oba of Lagos and former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The mall has 69 stores and a six screen cinema. There is parking space for about a 1000 cars.

Grand Towers, Abuja

is in accordance with Spar’s strategy for Nigeria. Spar stores in Nigeria as with its other stores in Sub-Saharan Africa position themselves as a higher quality alternative to the dominance of Shoprite.

Port Harcourt Mall features 16,000 sqm of lettable space and hosts cinemas (Film houses) and eateries.

Kwara Mall, Ilorin

Port Harcourt Mall (also known as Artee Mall)

Kwara Mall in Illorin, Kwara State capital, began trading in the last quarter of 2012. It is a 12,000 square-metre shopping mall. It is remodeled after American strip malls and is a joint venture between Persians Group and the Kwara State government, which gave the land as equity contribution to the project.

Shoprite is also the mall’s anchor tenant, among other brands like Max, KFC, Wrangler, Da Viva, and

The average price of smartphones, the report says, using the online retailer’s indices, showed that there was a drastic reduction in the price of smartphone from about N55, 000 in 2013 to about N25,000 by the first half of 2015.

The other factor is the competition which has multiplied significantly at the entry-level market, with the introduction of smartphone retailers, such as Infinix and InnJoo selling as cheap as N10,000.

“Infinix and InnJoo both understood the need to target the entry-level market and to sell their phones through online platforms. InnJoo entered the Nigerian market exclusively through Jumia while Infinix has repeatedly launched its smartphones in exclusivity with Jumia. This fierce competition is driven by Jumia who has been pressuring the smartphone retailers to bring their prices down since its creation in 2012. Such competition can only lead the way to even better offers for the smartphonesavvy user,” said the report.

The other driver of the mobile evolution is the youth population who the smartphone retailers in partnership with online retailers like Jumia strategically targeted with affordable devices.

The youth segment is an imperative for success in the market as they represent 62.38 per cent of the population and are the most tech-savvy.

According to an AT Kearney and Quartz Study released in 2014, Nigeria is second after Brazil in the ultra-connected population ranking, as

66 per cent of Nigerians are online at least once every hour and 20 per cent use internet at least 10 times a day.

This is a trend that is redefining how most businesses approach their marketing strategies and have been settling in rapidly into the Nigerian landscape.

As the Jumia report pointed out, 70 per cent of its users accessed the Jumia online shop via their phones.

This means that more than being user-friendly via computer; a website’s first imperative is to be completely mobile user friendly. This also shows that e-commerce in Nigeria has been mobile commerce all along, providing an optimised version of their website for mobile as well as applications.

Another significant trend in the mobile evolution is mobile applications. Everyday, all over the world and in many tech hubs across Nigeria, mobile applications are developed to serve various purposes, creating more relevance for smarphones. The software applications are developed specifically for use on small devices, such as smartphones or tablets, and have recently become the favourite access to content on a smartphone.

The infographics of app download on the Jumia white paper showed that the online retailer had 255 per cent more app downloads on iOS and Android in the first half of the year than through last year. The data showed that the number of

After Lagos, Abuja was next; being one of the fastest growing cities in Africa. At that time, there were not really any shopping centres in Abuja.

It was a big drive for Shoprite to open there.

Grand Towers owns the land on which the shopping centre stands.

Port Harcourt Mall

a host of others. Great customer experiences are offered by the banks, restaurants, beauty salons, meeting places and more.

AdeniranOgunsanyaMall,Surulere

The mall is sitting on a 22,000 sq. metres of land with 154 shop spaces measuring 70-80 sq. metres each, making it one of the largest shopping malls in Lagos. The re-modeled mall delivers world-standard shopping experience to residents of Surulere and its environs. This is evident in its tenantbase, which includes top brands such as Shoprite, Snowy Drycleaners, Stanbic IBTC Bank, KFC, Nando’s, La Pizza, Sharp Electronics, Sony, Swatch, Nike, and others.

The mall is an offshoot of a pre-existing shopping centre that was “conceived, built and inaugurated in 1975 as the icing on the cake for Surulere residents”.

Jumia’s focus on m-apps redefines e-commerce in Nigeria

D

O you know that Nigeria is a pioneer and a true brain wrecker for the mobile industry and global retailers with a mobile internet penetration growth rate more than double those of western countries?

Do you know also that Nigeria will lead the way in digital sophistication with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) forecast to rise from $178 billion in 2012 to $294 billion in 2020, and a population that’s expected to rocket? This is definitely where the mobile revolution is taking place.

In a recent survey by Nigeria’s online retailer, Jumia.com, this phenomenal evolution of the mobile industry in Nigeria is being driven by the exponential growth of smartphone sales. According to Jumia, it made more sales on smartphones last month, compared to the whole of 2013.

“It is estimated that there are 30 per cent smartphone users among the 140 million mobile subscribers and this share will only get bigger with national smartphone sales in Nigeria expected to rocket to 12 million before the end of 2015,” noted Jumia’s white paper made available to Vanguard.

The report says smartphone acquisition in Nigeria has been driven by three factors — Entry of new smartphone retailers into the market, which resulted to a substantial price crash, thereby making it more accessible to a larger segment of the population.

downloads on Android per month grew by 90 per cent between January and June, this year.

Android remains the favourite operating system in Nigeria with a whopping 93 per cent app downloads done through the Google play store.

Mobile application has remained a popular method of accessing the internet on smartphones because it provides an easier and facilitated access to content. Facilitated access to the website is also provided by the ability to generate push notifications on smartphones, including the fact that applications consume less data as Jumia studies show that mobile users using the Jumia app compared to the mobile version of the website spend three to fivetimes less data for similar actions.

An illustrating infographics show that Jumia Nigeria App is the eighth most downloaded free app ranking on the Google play store, right after Instagram, and it is the first mobile retailer in the ranking.

A further analysis of the Jumia application usage show that Nigerians seem to be much more comfortable and predisposed to navigating on the app than on the mobile version. They spend on average more time on the app. Average duration of a session on the app between January and June 2015 was nine minutes compared to six minutes on the mobile version of the website or the computer.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 , 2015

51

SHOPPING The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Ketu, Lagos has ended its 39th Annual Convention.

The one-week event attracted thousands from within and outside Nigeria.A temporary market on the premises of the church provided the side attraction to the convention. OYEWOLE PRISCILLA reports.

Temporary market for shoppers during religious activity F

OR some participants at the 39th yearly Convention of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, LAWNA Terrirory, which held at its Ketu, Lagos haedquarters, it was not only about prayers and other church activities. There was a side attraction: a temporary market set up solely for them to buy their needs.

Set up on the church premises, shoppers had a worthwhile experience in the market. Thopugh small, the market had virtually everything one needs — from food, shoes, bags, mats, buckets towels, touches, plates/cutlery and many more. There was no need to go outside the church to buy anything.

There were adequate security and sanitation. The convention area quickly transformed into a mini Lagos market during the event.

Other items in the market included socks, clothing materials - chiffon, Ankara and others- sandals, puff-puff, gala, drinks, biscuits, sweets, popcorn, toast bread, ice cream and others), bread, caps, hats, berets, suits, choir costumes and others.

Traders at the market were not necessarily members of the church. The market was open to traders, who registered for space through the right channel and complied with the rules laid down by the church. The traders either rented shops or used makeshift structures.

With the market place bustling with many activities and filled with people, one would expect that traders to make huge profit but the reverse was the case. Profit made this year was below their expectations compared to previous years.

Most traders blamed the poor state of the economy. It affected the demand for goods leading to low patronage by campers in a bid to monitor their spending.

To recoup their loaaes, before the end of rge convention, most traders reduced prices of their goods, inviting shoppers with chants such as: “Today is the last day, tomorrow no more.”

On the last day, the nearempty convention ground

did not stop a few traders who hoped to sell more goods.

Shop owners on the other hand had a different tale as they expressed joy over the increase in their sales compared to the previous year.

Owner of PRAMEL shop dealing in consumables, hats, photocopying services and others, Mr. Sope Bankole, told the Nation Shopping the secret to their trading success.

“Even though we had other people selling the same thing, I think the better arrangement and organisation we had attracted people. Also, we reduced the prices of some of our goods which was appreciated by our customers, in particular, our photocopy service which was more cheaper than what you obtain within the premises,” he said.

The convention, which was had as theme “The Purpose and Ministry Surrounding the Birth and Life of Jesus Christ”, was an avenue for spiritual reawakening, learning and revelation for members and

pastors. The convention schedule was filled with morning, afternoon and evening sessions of revivals, teaching and healing services to mention a few in order to give member the opportunity to commune with God. To partake in the series of convention programmes, members who reside far away decided to camp. Free and paid accommodations were made available for members (which included guest houses, hostels, tent houses and even the church auditorium).

Traders from the makeshift market migrated to Redemption Camp to proceed with their trading at the convention of the Redeemed Christian Church of God with the hope of making more sales.

The church premises, which became a camping site, also a shopping arena for members and visitors of The Apostolic Church, has returned to its former state of quietness with only scattered chairs and a heap of dirt ready for collection as evidence of the justconcluded religious and shopping activities.

Tastee Fried Chicken opens 14th outlet

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E-TASTEE Fried Chicken Limited, owners of Tastee Fried Chicken eatery in Lagos, has birthed a new outlet at No 16 Catholic Mission Street, Lagos Island. It is its 14th outlet and the second one on Lagos Island.

De Tastee, which began business in 1996 with the the Surulere branch on Adeniran Ogunsanya, has continued to spread within the metropolis, providing delicious and nourishing meals to Lagosians.

Customers can also place orders and have it delivered via Tastee2U hotlines.

According to the Managing Director, Mrs. Olayinka Pamela Adedayo, the yearnings and continuous patronage of customers in the heart

•From left: Mr Kunle Adedayo (Chairman Tastee), Mrs Olayinka Pamela Adedayo(MD Tastee), Mr Niyi Ogunnusi, Mrs Yemisi Adedayo, Dame Marie Fatai - Williams, Ven E.O Otoki, at the event.

By Oyewole Priscilla of Lagos Island and environs made the dream a reality.

Her words: “In the midst of the harsh economic conditions prevalent in the

country, Tastee Group has been able to weather the storm through thick and thin, and we are grateful to the Almighty for this latest achievement. We are also

using this medium to thank our loyal customers and promise them that we will continue to be the best, most preferred and trusted brand in the QSR industry.”

Final 14 emerge in Knorr Taste quest

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HE final 14 "Masters", who will compete to be the champion of the Knorr Taste Quest season 3 TV cooking show, have emerged.

Last week, 22 contestants were tested on their knife skills. The task was to gut, fillet and dress a fish replicating this Season's Key Visual, using ingredients such as cucumber, carrots, tomatoes and onions.

At the end of the keenlycontested episode, the best 14 were selected.

In the episode, the contestants were taught by the

By Ochu Ohunene Latifah

judges, Dr. Robert and Chef Fregz, how to sharpen knives, fillet fish, slice and dice ingredients, make muffins and flip eggs while frying. They also stressed the need for a good chef to pay attention to taste, smell and feel of their dishes. This was to prepare the contestants for greater tasks which they will be assigned to as the competition progresses.

Davies, Lindsay and Yemisi were asked to fillet fish while Jeremy was tasked to slice onions, cucumber,

tomatoes and carrots, using the appropriate knives for each ingredient as Chef Fregz had demonstrated. Dr. Roberts also put Aina and Yemisi to the test of baking banana muffins without having a measured recipe; a skill which professional cooks must possess. At the end of the tasks, all "students" were scored high by their tutors - the Judges.

The final task for the day was to fry meat and Dr. Robert recommended cuts of "fillet mignon" be dipped into the frying pan without boiling as this will make it fluffy,

juicy and tastier. It was apparent that Hauwa, Chirinma and Lindsay delivered a scrumptious snack as other contestants who tasted it kept asking for more.

Having excelled in all tasks for the day, the contestants were formally "admitted" into the master class.

Knorr Taste Quest provides a unique platform where contestants showcase their culinary skills, as well as acquire new skills.

The event will be viewed in many television stations.

TRUE VALUE 360

Citizens beware

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HIS is a column that seeks to mold, shape societal values and to protect the interests of consumers, citizens and touch other broader relevant topics under the column:

By Kemi Otegbade 'TRUE VALUE 360'. It is an truevalue360@gmail.com interactive column as suggestions, complaints; day to day experiences are welcome.

This week's edition is CITIZENS BEWARE It has been crystal clear that Nigerian citizens have been on their own (OYO - On Your Own) in the past decades as long as basic utilities are concerned. We have all become a full fledged government of our own; generating water, power, school fees, providing school furniture to take to school, playing fast ones to generate extra income to 'chillax'.

I stumbled upon a most disheartening revelation in a client's office recently; he asked me to taste two different canned fish sauce in different plates, one a high quality, the other a lower quality. Of course they tasted differently; the most painful part was they were both approved for sale in our market for the same price. If you remove the paper of the two distinct brands, the tin and size are the same. The brand of fish written on the label was different from what was sealed inside.

It was further alleged that there is a particular key department in the regulatory body on quality control of such items that overlooks quality control for a piece of cake.

Furthermore, prospective new comers into canned fish sauce industry are encouraged by the cartel to go for a lower quality in order to break even and even maximize profit margin, knowing full well that a better quality will throw them out of the market.

We thought all these stopped a decade ago but it seems we clearly need an independent inspection agency to check the lame watchdogs before citizens are murdered out of greed for kickbacks, talk about watching the watchdogs.

Who are the primary consumers of the various canned fish sauce mackerel which abound in the market?

Our Children.

Nothing stops us from having a better quality at a higher price; consumers will still patronize the slightly more expensive brand if the inferior cheaper ones are not available.

The body language of the current leadership must extend to all nooks and corners and save our citizens. The heartless quality control officers must be changed if they cannot join the Nigerian Change Wagon.

On further investigation, it was realized that it did not stop with canned food; it also extends to red wine. The unit cost of production for an empty bottle of red wine here in Nigeria excluding content costs N450.00 per unit, to import same costs about N400.00. Now you find a bottle of red wine in the market for N450/N500. How did that happen? What is the quality content? Even if content is 'paraga' and coloring? What is the marginal cost of quality control? What is the unit cost of content per bottle? Who is responsible for damaging our kidneys? How did such quality of wine sneak into the market to the unsuspecting public? Enough is enough!

We implore our appropriate bodies to wake up from slumber and beam the searchlights on various quality control departments and regulatory bodies as we may be gradually killing our own citizens with consumption of fake and unapproved food and beverages. A chief executive officer is also the chief responsibility officer of any organization; if your staff has been compromising successfully without being caught or detected, it simply means appropriate structures are not in place and the CEO is liable. Pronto!

Of course Nigerians are not totally guilty, we have been pushed to the wall with lack of basic amenities by the various past governments, and the environment has been super hostile to business men and women. At each stage of business cycle, bribes are given and taken, both giver and taker are guilty. This trend has made most people resort to various tricks to generate income at any cost. Of course foreign business men love Nigeria to pieces as they get away with 200% of what they cannot even try in their countries.

I have in the past worked with a foreign conglomerate; my then foreign boss used to tell me that 'nothing is impossible in Nigeria' and that everyone had a price tag.

Of course, he was right as I see hitherto disciplined personalities melt at the sight of 'Ghana must go bags'.

We need stop selling your souls for money that will injure the economy and lives of citizens. When we all go abroad for business, we abide by their rules because they will not move they rules for anyone, citizens or foreigners.

The onus is on the leadership to lay appropriate rules and apply the laws of checks and balances.

There is no point making rules if offenders are not brought to book.

Do you have a nasty experience with any service provider or a regulatory body? Send us a mail today.

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THE NATION FRIDAY AUGUST 14, 2015

THE NATION FRIDAY AUGUST 14, 2015

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 13-08-15

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 13-08-15

Zenith Bank declares N7.85b interim dividend

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HE board of Zenith Bank Plc has recom mended distribution of about N7.85 billion as interim dividend to shareholders of the bank, setting a new path with its first-ever interim dividend.

A dividend recommendation released yesterday at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) indicated that shareholders would receive an interim dividend of 25 kobo per share. The qualifying date for the dividend is August 21, 2015 while the register will close on August 24, 2015.

The first-ever interim dividend highlighted considerable improvements in the earnings of the bank in the first half. Zenith Bank recently adopted a new financial reporting policy of publishing audited half-yearly results.

Key extracts of the sixmonth audited report and accounts for the period ended June 30, 2015 showed that gross earnings rose by

By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

24 per cent from N184.4 billion in June 2014 to N229.08 billion in 2015. Net interest income grew by 14 per cent from N98.6 billion in 2004 to N112.6 billion for the period ended June 30, 2015.

Group profit before tax increased by 24 per cent from N58 billion to N72 billion while profit after tax rose to N53 billion as against N47 billion in 2014. Customers’ confidence in the Zenith Bank increased during the period under review as deposits rose from N2.5 trillion to N2.6 trillion, just as total assets stood at N3.8 trillion in 2015 as against N3.7trillion in 2014.

Gross loans and advances grew by 10.4 percent without compromising the asset quality as evidenced by a best-in-class low cost rate of 0.8 percent, which is below industry average non-performing loan (npl) ratio of 1.44 percent.

The bank’s outstanding service delivery has won numer-

ous international endorsements and awards, including Best Bank in Corporate Governance in Nigeria by Global Banking and Finance (2015), Best Customer Service Bank in Nigeria by Global Banking and Finance (2014) and the Most Customer-Focused Bank in Nigeria by KPMG (2014).

The bank only recently scored another first, becoming the first Nigerian institution to be awarded a triple ISO certification by the British Standards International (BSI): the ISO 22301, 27001 and 20000 standards.

The bank had stated that the three standards, which require the bank to subscribe to internationally accepted principles and standards, will deepen customer experience through greater information security and information technology management system that emphasize the protection of the customers and their investments in an increasingly unpredictable business environment.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 13-08-15

THE N

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

55

MONEYLINK

DMO sells N80b 2020, 2034 debts at mixed yields

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HE Debt Management Office has sold a total of N80.20 billion ($403 million) in bonds maturing in February 2020 and August 2034 at an auction on Wednesday with mixed yields.

Total bids stood at N153.48 billion, more than the N119.53 billion at the previous auction.

A total of N40 billion of the February 2020 bond was sold at the auction, while additional N10.20 billion of same tenor paper was allotted on noncompetitive basis.

It said the 2020 paper fetched a yield of 15.38 per cent, compared with 15.28 per cent at the last auction.

The debt office sold N30 billion in the August 2034 debt at 15.19 per cent versus the 15.29

Stories by Collins Nweze

per cent the paper fetched at the last auction. The 2020 debt closed at 15.41 per cent at the secondary market on Wednesday, while the 2034 paper closed at 15.19 per cent.

The DMO regularly issues bond instruments which creates more debts for the economy. The DMO was established on October 4, 2000 to centrally coordinate the management of Nigeria’s debt, which was hitherto being done by a myriad of establishments in an uncoordinated fashion. This diffused debt management strategy led to inefficiencies.

It was expected that the

coming of DMO would lead to good debt management practices that make positive impact on economic growth and national development, particularly in reducing debt stock and cost of public debt servicing in a manner that saves resources for investment in poverty reduction programmes.

The body is also expected to prudently raise financing to fund government deficits at affordable costs and manageable risks in the mediumand long-term; achieve positive impact on overall macroeconomic management, including monetary and fiscal policies; avoid debt crisis and achieving an orderly growth and development of the national economy.

FXTM enlightens forex traders on investment conference

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NTERNATIONAL broker ForexTime (FXTM) is edu cating Nigerian traders on its forthcoming online forex trading and investment conference.

The conference, holding today and tomorrow as well as on 19th to 20th August, 2015 will feature speakers including: Abiola Akinyele, Country Director at FXTM Nigeria, and the highly respected forex expert, Professor Andreas Thalassinos.

Thalassinos will provide technical analysis training, as well as an extensive workshop for participants.

The conference is expected to attract over 1000 attendees, and comes on the heels of FXTM’s

series of educational events which attracted 500 attendees in June.

“Attendees can take part in sessions on the following topics: calculating profit levels, developing effective trading and risk management strategies, and identifying high probability entry and exit points,” the company said in a statement.

Akinyele said: “We are dedicated to making trading understandable to anyone who is looking for new investment opportunities in the evolving global marketplace. Our latest conference is expected to be the biggest forex confer-

ence of its kind in Nigeria, and will equip traders with all the necessary skills and strategies to make well-informed trades in the currency and commodity markets.”

Thalassinos said: “It is an honour to offer my expertise to FXTM’s clients in Nigeria.

FXTM’s commitment to bringing top quality forex training to Nigeria has already seen the company hold a number of very successful educational events here this year. The high turnout expected for the conference in August demonstrates the real enthusiasm which local traders have to educate themselves on the currency markets and trading strategies.”

Heritage Bank bags ISO award

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ERITAGE Bank Limited has been awarded the ISO/INEC 27001:2013 certification in recognition of its commitment to effective and secured financial system. The bank got the certification award in less than three years of operation and therefore joined the league of big players in the industry, including the Central Bank of Nigeria which is ISO/ INEC 27001 compliant.

The award was presented on behalf of the British government, to the bank in Lagos by the Deputy High Commissioner in Nigeria, Mr. Ray Kyles.

Kyles commended the bank for setting high standard in the financial industry and pledged the continued support of the British government for Nigeria’s financial institutions.

“It is not an easy task. This award remains a cornerstone of your reputation,” he said.

The Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Ifie Sekibo, noted that banking is a business of risks management, from assets to data, adding that it is fundamental that whatever a customer keeps in a bank is in safe custody.

“This is a day to beat our chest. Heritage Bank is an idea, not a bank. We are a service company providing banking service; and we are the best in the class of security of our information systems. It means funds kept with us are safe. This award is a validation of our mission to promote high ethical standards, integrity, and good business prac-

tices,” he said.

Sekibo stated that innovation is inevitable for the banking industry. This, he said, is due to changing dynamics across the globe which has penetrated banking. He therefore, reiterated the commitment of his bank to introducing more innovative banking products and services to meet the needs of its customers.

Solomon Edun, Managing Director of Global Infoswift, the consultant to the project explained that the certification is a rigorous exercise that confers internationally recognised standard on the recipient. He added that the award is the most rigorous certification in terms of information, process/data and asset security.

FCMB launches‘Quick Recharge’ IRST City Monument for airtime purchase Bank (FCMB) Limited has unveiled a self-ser-

F

vice, known as Quick Recharge, which allows all its customers to top-up their mobile phones instantly on any of the Global System for Mobile (GSM) networks.

The service enables customers to recharge their GSM phones directly from their FCMB account by simply dialling a dedicated code and within seconds the customer’s phone is credited

with the value of airtime purchased. This eliminates the delays and other challenges that could come with buying and use of physical recharge cards or PINS. In a statement, the bank explained that the Quick Recharge service can work on all mobile devices, including low end phones, smart phones

and tablets. There is also no need for its customers to register on the platform as they all have been pre-registered to enjoy the service. The bank pointed out that the benefits of the service includes, instant top-up anywhere and anytime in the country and it is available on the existing GSM networks (MTN, Airtel, Glo and Etisalat) in the country.

•From left: Area Manager, Greater Lagos II, Skye Bank Plc, Mrs. Olajumoke Adetola; Regional Director, Greater Lagos Region, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Ndubuisi Osakwe; Lisa of Ikorodu, Chief Zachaeus Odusoga and Mogaji of Ikorodu, Dr. Tajudeen Bawaallah, when the bank presented a Toyota Hilux van to the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, which was received on his behalf by his chiefs.

CBN, NIBSS support incentives for e-payment users

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) have reiterated their support for the ongoing Electronic Payment Incentive Scheme (EPIS).

Speaking during the redemption of prizes in Lagos for the first three winners, representative of the Banking Payment System Department of the CBN, Isah Abubakar, said the apex bank will keep giving the desired support for the EPIS project.

He said cash-less banking will help in revolutionizing Nigeria’s economic development and enhancing efficiency in business.

He praised the process used in selecting the winners. He said the cash-less banking initiative is helping to promote financial inclusion and getting banking to the grassroots.

“The CBN is behind the incentive scheme and will support any project that takes banking to the grassroots,” he said.

The winners include Adeyinka Adejuwon, who banks with GTBank, and was the first prize winner.

He went home with N100,000; the first runnerup was Julie Chioma Ukwosah who banks with Ecobank and won N50,000 while the second runnerup, Jerry Boakye-Mensah banks with Diamond Bank

•Three winners get cash reward and got a N15,000 cash prize.

Executive Director, Business Development at NIBSS, Mrs. Christabel Onyejekwe, said it was the need to drive universal usage of electronic payments in the country that prompted the management of the CBN to approve an industry-wide incentive scheme and awareness campaign for electronic payments for stakeholders and users.

“The EPIS idea was first conceived in March 2013 which was followed by Workshop in December 2013 driven by NIBSS amongst other key stakeholders like banks, several card schemes among others. Following the submission of the proposal CBN approved the EPIS in September 2014 with a Go Live/Implementation date for November 2014,” she disclosed.

Continuing, she said the scheme is primarily focused to reward users of electronic payment in Nigeria and to further encourage greater adoption by all. “The incentive scheme will reward and appreciate usage across all channels with emphasis on channels of electronic payments that promote fi-

nancial inclusion by aiming to identify and rewardthe cardholders, merchants and sales persons,” she said.

“In other to spice up a reasonable level of awareness and excitement in anticipation of the Loyalty Program for consumers and salespersons, we proposed an EPIS Monthly Raffle Draw Initiative targeted at all card users (POS transactions) within the Nigerian epayment ecosystem”.

She said all winners are expected to have a valid Biometric Verification Number (BVN) for the authentication of their various bank accounts adding that Ernst & Young was appointed to ascertain the credibility of the process. Also, the initiative has been backed by Consumer Protection Council and National Lottery Regulatory Commission.

“Suffice to say that Electronic payment and card usage in Nigeria is still at its nascent stage as most transactions in the country are still done with cash. Go cashless, use your cards and support the CBN’s Payments System Vision PSV2020,” she advised.

Africa investor announces investment wards

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FRICA investor (Ai), a leading international investment and communications group, has announced the shortlist for its prestigious Ai Institutional Investment and Capital Market Awards 2015. It would hold on the 25th of September at the Thomson Reuters offices during the UN General Assembly.

Launched in 2007, and linked to the Africa investor Index Series, the Ai Institutional Investment and Capital Market Awards

are based around the Ai Index Series and are the only pan-African Awards designed to recognise Africa’s best performing stock exchanges, listed companies, investment banks, research teams, regulators, socially responsible companies and sovereign wealth and pension fund investors. It is a uniquely African capital markets event.

Hubert Danso, CEO of Africa investor said Africa’s capital markets remain some of the most attractive propositions for institu-

tional investors globally.

We are therefore delighted to showcase the institutions and CEOs from the Ai Index Series at the forefront of delivering world class returns.

The stiff competition in our African and global pension and sovereign wealth fund categories is a testament to the high institutional interest and participation from owners of capital. We are therefore naturally very pleased with this year’s top ten shortlist and wish all nominees the best of luck.”

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THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

NEWS Anambra PDP sacks Metuh THE Anambra State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisah Metuh.

His suspension followed one allegedly handed to him by his Otolo Nnewi Ward I, ratified by his local government - Nnewi North.

A statement signed by the Publicity Secretary Kenneth Arinze and Victor Osy Ezenwa, Basil Ejidike (secretary), Dr. Maduka Nwankwo (chairman, South), Kelue Molokwu (vice chairman, Central) and Chief Osy Chinwuba (chairman, North), alleged that Metuh embezzled party funds.

The statement reads: “Following the suspension of Chief Olisa Metuh by the Otolo Ward 1 Nnewi of the PDP (where Olisa hails from) and the ratification of same by the Nnewi North Local Government chapter, the sState executive committee, after assessing the weighty allegations against Olisa Metuh and finding them heinous, in compliance with the PDP Constitution, hereby, ratifies the suspension and forward same to the National Working Committee (NWC)”.

Stay out of Bayelsa politics, Duke-Abiola tells Jonathan A FORMER presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and chairperson of Akasoba Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution (ACPCR), Prof. Akasoba Duke-Abiola, has asked former President Goodluck Jonathan to stay out of Bayelsa and Niger Delta politics.

Mrs Duke –Abiola, who spoke ahead of the governorship election in Bayelsa State, told her supporters that because Dr Jonathan illegally appropriated her presidential nomination form (001) during the last presidential election, he was bound to fail.

Speaking in Yenagoa at a reception in her honour, she said that Jonathan could not

By Seun Akioye

win his ward in Aso Rock during the last election and thus could not be trusted to toy with the people’s destiny anymore.

“Since you have all pledged to support Governor Seriake Dickson, then one million Jonathans’ cannot stop you from exercising your constitutional rights. You must vote according to the dictates of your conscience. As law-abiding citizens, you must protect your votes,” she said.

Mrs Duke-Abiola said the people of the Niger Delta

must be steadfast in their determination to retrieve billions of dollars allegedly stolen under former President Jonathan’s administration. “It is imperative that the stolen funds are returned in order to develop Niger Delta.

She said the massive looting under Jonathan’s administration was an injustice to the people of Nigeria and such funds must be returned to the poorest people in the country.

She accused some members of the Peace Committee of pleading for clemency for the former president- an allegation the committee has denied.

“Our message is simple. Be ye first clement to the poor through the proceeds of your oil blocks and private jets before you plead for clemency for Jonathan and his cohorts; there must be justice before peace.”

Mrs Duke-Abiola accused the former president of neglecting the Niger Delta while he was in office. “How can anyone tell the Niger Deltans that Goodluck Jonathan of Otuoke was once a president of this country? Where is the Federal presence? Where are the projects? Why is there lack of employment? In our recent tour of Otuoke and other Niger Delta regions, you saw for yourselves the abysmal level of poverty and insecurity.”

By Joseph Jibueze

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

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HE Aviation Security Department (AVSEC) of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has said it is winning the war against child trafficking.

AVSEC has arrested many suspected child traffickers at the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

This, according to FAAN’s spokesman Mr. Yakubu Dati, was due to the increased surveillance and strict profiling of passengers.

He said the arrests were made between January and July this year.

Dati said: “The authority would not relent in its bid to provide a safe and secure airport for passengers and other users. ‘’We warn child traffickers and other unscrupulous elements to keep away from the airports because they would not be allowed to perpetrate such activities again.”

Choir concert at GAC Ejigbo HE choir of the Gospel Apostolic Church, Ejigbo Branch, will on Saturday, August 15, hold its concert by 11a.m at the church Auditorium on No 4, Ashimi Ashiwaju Street, off Ebenezer Bus Stop Ejigbo.

The concert is themed ‘O come, let us sing unto the Lord Ps. 95:1’.

Performing artistes include: Akinade Tosin (Saxophonist, White Stone Entertainment and others.

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‘Abia APGA seeking attention’ A PEOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Ben Onyechere has said the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State is seeking attention with its accusation that the PDP burnt the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office.

Onyechere, a former political adviser to former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, said Governor Okezie Ikpeazu was the choice of voters because of his intellectual capacity and grassroots connection.

His words: “The claim of APGA and its governorship candidate, Alex Otti, that PDP burnt the INEC office is absurd and a ridiculous afterthought. The burning of INEC office was a costly adventure, whose purpose was to label the PDP in bad light with an ulterior intention to divert the attention of the election tribunal.

“As a former governorship aspirant in PDP before his defection to APGA where he was imposed on the party, Otti was privy to the decision of stakeholders to shift power to the core Ngwa axis, particularly to a home-based politician, for which reason the like of former Minister of Labour Emeka Wogu, could not succeed. ”The victory of PDP in Abia and the Southeast was inevitable and Otti is aware of this because he was part of that decision as a PDP member but he decided to neglect it and instead, opted for a wild goose chase. The decision to vote PDP and a core Ngwa man was a collective bargain of the electorate.

“Otti moved into politics with a preconceived notion that Abians were naive and could be swayed by stories of how to attract investments.

“In as much as money has a role to play, it is also important to note that the last election was peculiar because the people had decided on how to vote long before Otti’s hurried fray into politics.”

‘We are winning the war against child trafficking’

•Auditor-General for the Federation, Samuel Ukura (left), Director, Defence and Security Agencies Department, Florence Anyanwu and Director Educational and Allied Institution, Nikki Oko Igwe during the Submission of Special Audit Reports to the National Assembly in Abuja...yesterday PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

National Hospital performs eight open heart surgeries

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HE National Hospital Abuja has performed eight open heart surgeries this week.

The medical feat was carried out in collaboration with a non- governmental organisation, Hospitals for Humanity.

It’s Chief Medical Director Dr. Jafaru Momoh told reporters that the surgeries which were done at a subsidised cost were to assist Nigerians who cannot afford to travel abroad for treatment.

The NGO, which came into the country with its 12-member personnel, led by Dr. Segun Ajayi and Dr. Ikenna Omeje worked alongside personnel from the National hospital led by Dr. Iretiola Babaniyi and Dr. Yahaya Adamu.

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

Dr. Momoh said: “The idea to recommence our open heart surgery programme arose out of the necessity to assist many Nigerians who cannot afford to travel abroad for medical treatment and also, ensure we meet our core mandate of providing expert medical care to Nigerians, thereby mitigating the burden of medical tourism on our economy.”

He also hinted that the hospital has recommended knee and hip replacements and cancer treatment .

The Chief Medical Directior said what the hospital charges for open heart surgery was less than 20 per cent

of what it cost to do it outside the country.

Dr. Momoh also assured Nigerians that the programme would be sustained, while also calling for collaboration from well-meaning Nigerians.

He added that it is government hospital and the government has provided all necessary enabling environment.

Dr. Momoh stressed that government alone cannot provided needed medical care for the people, hence the need for philanthropists to assist as there are Nigerians who could still not afford the subsidised cost.

He also assured interested individuals that a special committee would be in place to

manage the fund.

Dr. Momoh said that his group- Hospital for Humanity will move into the country for eight years to help sustain the programme and also transfer skill.

He, however, said that this would be after carrying out about 200 surgery.

The medical chief also praised the state of the art equipment at the hospital, saying it can stand it’s own anywhere in the world.

He also noted that he was motivated to come down to Nigeria for the surgery as a result of a number of death recorded.

He urged Nigerians with heart diseases to reach out to the National Hospital to be tested and operated upon.

How Suswam’s govt looted Benue’s treasury, by panel From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

•Suswam

A

report has given an insight into how the Gabriel Suswam-led administration looted Benue State’s treasury.

The two-volume report was submitted to Governor Samuel Ortom on Wednesday by the 16-member Transition Committee, led by its Chairman, Mr. Mike Iordye.

Iordye said “there was impunity; “there seems to be confusion as the Civil Service and others, which would have given direction, championed this impunity.”

The committee said the former administration left a debt of over N130 billion. A preliminary report had shown the state owed N90 billion.

“Contracts were inflated, with many abandoned across the MDA’s, especially at the Ministry of Works and Transport, Housing, Environment and Urban Development, Lands and Survey, Government House as well as Water Resources. This happened after contractors had collected money.

“Apart from the huge debt profile, there were questionable expenditures carried out by its officials.

“One of such is the disappearance of N6.507 billion meant for SURE-P, with a receipt of N7.743, leaving an expenditure of N1.236 billion from May, 2012 to De-

cember, 2014.’’

The committee’s five-point term of reference include’s among others, to; •Study the handing over notes of the last administration under the leadership of Gabriel Torwua Suswam, interact with all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the Public Service and ascertain the state of affairs as at the time of handover.

•Ascertain the assets of the state including physical assets and investments, •Ascertain the level of indebtedness of the state, including commercial Bank Loans, State Revenue Bond; Arrears of Pensions and Arrears of Gratuities, indebtedness to contractors, judgement debts; Foreign Loans; Arrears of Salaries; and CBN

loans; •Review the revenue collection machinery of the state with a view to improving revenue generation; and •Consider any other matter incidental to the smooth take off of government.

Members of the 16-member Transition Committee include: Mike Iordye, Akange Audu, Joe Kyaagba, Terwase Orbunde, Tagema Takema, Maj-Gen Lawrence Onoja (rtd) and Prof Johnson Onah.

Others are Prof Steve Ugbah, Rhoda Ako, Titus Zam, Paul Udenyi, Patricia Kupchi, Dr Christopher Obilikwu Obute, Mrs. Helen Bendega, Nancy Awuese Torhee and Boniface Nyaakor.

Suswam could not be reached for comments yesterday. He is believed to be overseas.

IGR now N1.3b, says Obiano

By Oluwatoyin Adeleye

A

NAMBRA State Governor Willie Obiano has said the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has leaped to N1.3 billion as against the N500 million mark his administration inherited.

The governor said the state’s investments were valued at $2.4 billion in his 16 months in office.

Obiano spoke yesterday at the Eighth Distinguished Guest Lecture Series of the Pan-Atlantic University’s School of Media and Communication (SMC) in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.

Speaking on the theme: ‘Sustaining the legacy of Growth and Development in Anambra State’, Obiano said through his Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) campaign, the revenue had improved to N1.3 billion.

“It was a similar foresight that made us reorganise our revenue structures and improve our monthly revenue generation from the N500 million mark we inherited to N1.3 billion within one year.

“The state’s investments are valued at $2.4 billion in 16 months of my stay in office,” he said.

To sustain this, Obiano said the state required a threepronged response of commitment, consistency and creativity, calling on the society to create and sustain a worthy legacy.

The governor was presented with an award of recognition while he decorated members of the university’s management, including SMC’s Head of Department, Dr James Tsaaior and Dean, Dr Ikechukwu Obiaya.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

57

NEWS Assembly grants Ortom permission to obtain N5b loan

B

ENUE State House of Assembly has approved the request of Governor Samuel Ortom to obtain a loan of over N5.5billion to finance counterpart fund projects.

The approval followed a debate on a letter titled: “Request for a House resolution to obtain a loan for counterpart funding”, signed by the governor and read on the floor by the Speaker, Mr. Terkimbi Ikyange.

According to the letter, the World Bank and other donor agencies, such as the Univer-

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

sal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), were involved in financing programmes and projects.

“Some of these programmes involve the provision of infrastructure for primary education under the Universal Basic Education Board matching grant scheme, community projects, water and sanitation, agriculture programmes and control of HIV/AIDS, among other projects.”

Gemade seeks end to Benue killings From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

T •From left: Field Sales Manager Fidson Healthcare Plc, Adeloye Adebayo; Marketing Manager, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Friday Enaholo; Managing Director/CEO Great Dan White Pharmacy Limited, Mr Ugbah Daniel; General Manager, Sales, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr Alli Balogun Abayomi and Corporate Services Manager, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr Oladimeji Oduyebo, during retail reward programme in Lagos.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

Dogara inaugurates National Assembly Northeast caucus

T

HE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, yesterday inaugurated the National Assembly Northeast caucus.

The caucus, which comprises senators and representatives from the Northeast, is meant to be a thinktank for the development of the zone, following the devastation caused by Boko Haram insurgents.

The Chairman of the caucus is Senator Danjuma Goje, former Gombe State governor, while the vice chairman is Tahir Mounguno. Binta

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

Masi Garba is the treasurer.

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives urged President Muhammadu Buhari to set up a Northeast Development Commission to facilitate a speedy socioeconomic recovery in the Northeast.

Yesterday’s inauguration which was convened by the Majority Leader of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, is seen to be a fol-

low up to the developmental agenda of the Northeast by its members in the National Assembly.

Dogara, in his speech at the event, which took place at the National Assembly, said the development was unprecedented “as it is the first time that the caucus is being inaugurated to tackle the problem facing the Northeast.

“People look unto us for leadership and we must not fail them. Conflict in any part of the country eventu-

ally affects the whole country.

“When we had trouble in the Southsouth, it affected the whole country and we had to set up the NDDC. “Only yesterday (Wednesday) the House called on the President to present a bill for the establishment of the Northeast Development Commission to facilitate a speedy socioeconomic recovery in the Northeast.

“We cannot achieve this laudable objective without the coming together of stakeholders of the Northeast.”

Niger Assembly seeks Aliyu’s probe

N

IGER State House of Assembly yesterday directed Governor Abubakar Sani Bello to investigate the alleged fraudulent manner the exGovernor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu administration ran the economy.

This development has put paid to the insinuation that the last administration may escape probe.

The directive came on the heels of the adoption of a motion by Mohammed Haruna, a lawmaker repre-

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

senting Bida II Constituency.

He said the present government inherited an empty treasury, due to the last administration’s financial recklessness.

The legislator said the Aliyu government ruined the economy and owed workers four-month salary.

He listed 22 projects executed by the last government, due for investigation.

They are the operation of local government joint account, ward development projects, bonds, the three arms zone project, Minna Airport city project, the sale of government property to commissioners, lawmakers and other politicians, the 10km local government projects, Minna city centre projects and the alleged N2.6billion shared among public officers.

Others include the IBB University, Lapai, former College of Education, which

was turned into University of Education, SUBEB, SUREP projects, MDG projects, the Pension Board, Minna building material market, five star hotel and the rental paid by the government for the former Governor’s House.

Abdullahi Mamagi, representing Gbako, decried the handling of the investigation by the executive.

Speaker Ahmed Marafa, after a voice vote, ruled and directed the Clerk to forward the resolution to the governor.

‘My govt is continuation of Kwankwaso’s administration’

K

ANO State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has said his administration is a continuation of the Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso government.

He said his administration was ready to continue the vision and mission of the Kwankwassiyya Movement.

In a statement by his Director-General, Media and Communications, Malam Baba Halilu Dantiye, Ganduje said: “There is an attempt by unscrupulous elements to pitch the present administration against the last government, which I was part of as the deputy governor and

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

commissioner for local government.

“This government is a continuation of the Kwankwaso administration.”

Debunking the insinuation that the government might not maintain the overseas scholarships given to Kano students by the last administration, Dantiye said: “The governor spoke on this issue during the launching of the Free Eye Care Programme at Sir Sanusi Hospital, Kano.

“His Excellency made it clear that the government is

keen in ensuring that they complete their studies so that they can fill the vacancies in critical areas of the economy, especially the health sector.”

The governor’s spokesman said even with the dwindling economy, following the fall in oil revenue, “the government will do its best to ensure that students pursuing undergraduate and post graduate courses in foreign universities continue their studies.”

He said the Ganduje administration intended to place emphasis on technical and vocational courses, to build capacities for self-employment and economic progression.

According to Dantiye, the

HE lawmaker representing Benue North, Senator Barnabas Gemade, yesterday decried the killings in Benue State.

He said they were unacceptable.

Gemade urged the authorities to stop what he called intolerable destruction of lives.

He said unless the issue was addressed, the situation would degenerate.

The senator said he viewed with disgust and pain, the murders perpetrated by street urchins on innocent, defenceless and law-abiding citizens, particularly in Benue North.

Gemade, in a statement by his aide on media and publicity, Bob T. Jija, in Abuja, said: “I condemn strongly, the killing of two former legislators in the House of Assembly, Atoza Ihindan, who was killed on July 17 in his country home, Katsina-Ala. “I also decry the killing of Douglas Begha, who was murdered on August 10 and the killing of his driver under the same circumstances.

NEMA distributes kits to expectant mothers From Duku Joel, Maiduguri

T

HE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has distributed delivery kits to 410 expectant mothers displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency, in internally-displaced persons’ (IDPs’) camps in Borno State.

The Director-General, Alhaji Sani Sidi, who presented the items at the Government House in Maiduguri, said the action was part of efforts to reduce child mortality among displaced persons, adding that the gesture would reduce the suffering of expectant mothers in the 26 IDPs’ camps.

I’m committed to Adamawa’s interest, says governor From Manyam Barnabas, Yola

A

DAMAWA State Governor Mohammed Umar Jibrila has denied link to any political group.

He said nobody could make him work against the interest of the people.

The governor spoke at an interactive session with reporters at the Government House, Yola.

He said he was voted for by the people and he would never work against their interest.

Jibrila said “I don’t have any godfather, I don’t have anybody that I will say I must get clearance from before working for the people. Nobody can make me work against the interest of the people of Adamawa State.

“I’m here to work. I want to be focused on what the people voted me for. The Adamawa people saw what I did in the Senate and voted me as the governor.”

The governor, who rated himself high in the area of performance, said with 27 rural and urban road projects being executed with other projects within his two months in office, his administration had gone far, while others were trying to stabilise.

His words: “There is no governor, who did what I did within two months in Adamawa.”

Gombe hospitals get N40m support fund

By Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

T •Ganduje

government would maintain local scholarship scheme for students, explaining that the aim was to make the state a knowledge- driven society.

“The government will support the Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil and complete the permanent site of the North West University.”

HE Victims Support Fund has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for N20 million each for the Federal Teaching Hospital and Specialist Hospital, Gombe.

The money is for the treatment of the victims of the Boko Haram insurgency.

The Executive Director of the Fund, Prof. Sunday Ocheoche, who presented the money to the heads of the hospitals, told Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo that they attached importance to the widows and orphans, who were victims of the insurgency in the Northeast.

The governor hailed the Fund for its response to the state’s distress call and described it as “one of the most efficient agencies in the country today.”

He said: “I also use this opportunity to thank the Federal Government for the interventions it has done in the past. These interventions have been very useful.”

The Chief Medical Director, Federal Teaching Hospital, Dr. Said Abubakar, and the Medical Director of Gombe Specialist Hospital, Reuben Maifantaya, praised the agency and vowed to ensure the judicious use of the fund.

58

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

NEWS KPMG, PWC to audit NNPC, others Continued from page 4

of the assignment and the issues that have been raised, we are convinced that we need a professional approach. And so, we have decided to appoint two audit firms including KPMG and PWC to carry out a forensic audit of all the agencies under reference and to establish all the facts that we need.

“And at the end of the exercise, government will decide what to do with the findings of the audit firms. Like we said last week, we are doing this first because we are sitting governors. Even if we are not sitting governors, some of us are not professional accountants.

“We expect that the audit firms will carry out a professional work. We are convinced they have what it takes to do it and their findings will help government first to lay out new rules to ensure that the laws of the land are complied with.

And if anything has gone wrong, identify who has done

what. And then we take it from there.”

A time-frame was not given for the auditors’ assignment but Oshiomhole said they had been told to be fast and thorough in the discharge of their duties without compromising standards.

While disclosing that KPMG declined to do the auditing when approached by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan as the political environment was not conducive, he said PwC which agreed to do the job then confirmed that some organisations refused to open their books.

“There is room now to do a more thorough audit because we now have a completely new political environment. We have a president that is absolutely committed to transparency and one that has demonstrated enormous political will to ensure that these public institutions are run, not only in compliance with the laws of the land, but they are run on the

basis of international best practices.

“I think the audit companies, this time around, will have no excuse. We expect all those involved to cooperate. This is not about finding out what is right, or wrong, it is about making Nigeria work for the benefit of Nigeria.

“And we have to bear in mind in other climes governments are not run on the basis of collections from crude oil, government regardless of their colour, or political affiliation.

They are funded exclusively through taxes.

“And so if you have tax generating agencies that are not remitting money, government can’t run like that. So, on the long run, Nigeria has to live on taxes.

“First, it is not about yesterday, it is more about tomorrow.

Nigeria can’t continue with business as usual. And that is why ‘change’ is the word in President Buhari’s promise to Nigerians.”

‘Crush Boko Haram in 3 months’ Continued from page 4

•Kachikwu

On whether his committee has the power to appoint the two audit firms, he said, it derives its powers from the mandate given to it by the NEC. The government agencies at the committee’s session yesterday included: the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), FIRS, Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), NCS, Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

NNPC’s reorganisation not over yet, says GMD Continued from page 4

Some of the new GGMs include: Mr. Mele Kyari (Crude Oil Marketing Division COMD); Mr. Ahmadu Sambo (NNPC Oilfield Services); Dr. Surajdeen Bola Afolabi (ITD/ SAP); Mr. Zubair Aliyu (NNPC Capital); Mr. Dafe Sejebor (Nigerian Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS); Mrs. Kemi Akitoye (Human Resources Division); Mr. Godwin C. Okonkwo (Finance); Mr. Bello Rabiu (Corporate Planning Division); Mr. Anibo Kragha (Treasury) and Mr. Dalhatu Makama, Shipping (Nidas & Nikorma).

Others appointed are: Mr. Samuel Ndukwe (Power); Mr. Mike Balami (GGM, Accounts); Mr. Yusuf Matashi (LNG); Mr. Rabiu Suleiman (Engineering & Technology) and Dr. Olubunmi Oyetunde; (Medical).

Dr. Kachikwu said he had introduced a three-phased reorganisation that will see the sack of more personnel and the deployment others in the corporation.

Speaking after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, he said three stages of restructuring would take place in the NNPC. According to him, the new

look NNPC would start manifesting in the next six months.

He said: “I don’t want to over critique an institution I have taken over. Having said that, things have been done wrongly and things need to be done differently.

“We are doing a lot of work in terms of repositioning, restructuring, getting the right personal in key places and setting a culture of accountability and service delivery so that the new NNPC that you are going to see will be a different institution altogether.”

Explaining what he called the phased reorganisation, he said: “Complete. It’s A to Z restructuring. I have done the first three layers which are going to the GEDs to GGMs and general managers.

“You are going to have a lot more now. The GEDs and GGMs will take it to the next layer which is the lower layer.

And the whole idea is to go back to being able to look at your appraisals; how well have you done in the job and if you’ve done very well, how do we elevate you to a position where you can offer more service?

“If you’ve not done well enough, we can retrain you and if you’ve not done well enough and there is no possi-

bility of retraining you, we will let you go.

“At the end of the day, NNPC isn’t public service. It’s a corporation and we run like a company generating money for the people of Nigeria. And so, that whole concept of anything goes should stop. And this is the first stage of that whole process. It’s a threepronged process that I am pursuing. There’s a people aspect which we are dealing with now; there is a process aspect; after the people at the right places, you are going to get forensic audit done so that we know clearly, proper forensic audit that will cover us all the way to 2014, 2015, that will be able to say to you, this is the state of the company.”

Also speaking, Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa said: “We came to thank Mr. President for the appointment of the GMD of NNPC, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu who you know is from Delta State even if you know he got that appointment by merit, he is still a Deltan.

“And we thought we should appreciate that. Then beyond that, we are all aware of the Gas City Project in Delta State at Ogidigben, in the excravos and we thought that we needed to bring it to the knowledge of Mr. President that, that project which is a

public private partnership (PPP) project is something that will create a lot of jobs for Nigerians and thought that there was the need for that project to be given some strength and we believe it is in the interest of Nigeria and Delta State that that project is carried out.

“Beyond that too, you are also aware that the Warri Port has come alive and even with the refinery that has started, the Port activities have improved, but there is a problem because of the excravos basin, the centation that has been going on for some years, it is quite some problem, and because of that, we have a low drought. We believe that the dredging of the excravos bar would help to improve the port activities and improve the size of cargos that come to the Warri port and Warri port is very personal to the rest of the Southsouth, the Southeast and the North Central and we think that it will turn to an economic hub, if we are able to dredge the excravos bar.”

He said he also reminded Mr. President about the Second Niger Bridge, which is another Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement and the need for the Federal Government to ensure that the arrangement was strengthened.

Senate probes power sector funding since 1999 Continued from page 4

The Senate also urged the Federal Government to complete the Mambilla Power Project to improve electricity supply.

The upper chamber condemned the inability of TCN to provide continuous and uninterrupted power supply to all parts of the country.

Ndume expressed worry that Nigeria with a population of over 150 million produces only 4, 600 mega watts while South Africa with population of about 40 million people produces 40,000 mega watts.

He observed that the disconnection from the national grid and degeneration of power supply across the country had affected economic activities because of the collapse of several industries.

He expressed concern that with an installed power generation potential of about 5000

mega watts, the output distributed today was about 1,950 megawatts of energy.

Ndume said that it is disheartening to note that Iran with 70,000people generates about 42,000 megawatts, while South Korea with about 35 million people generates about 60,000 mega watts of electricity.

He lamented that Maiduguri and its environs had been completely disconnected since started its campaign.

He complained that the situation had grounded economic activities, adding: “ I buy diesel to run my generator set which costs me N10, 000 every day.”

“No country can be said to be near development when there is no power. This Senate needs to investigate to give the government needed support.

“For years now a lot of money has been spent but there is nothing to show for it.’’

Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki noted that besides corruption, lack of power supply had plunged the country into hardship.

He said: “ We thought that with the Power Reform Act and unbundling of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), we will begin to see a relief with regard to power supply; unfortunately, it is not so.

“The ad-hoc committee we will set up should look at the activities of the DISCOS and what is preventing Nigerians from benefiting from the unbundling of the PHCN.’’ Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje ( Gombe Central) said the motion was apt in view of the untold suffering the lack of power supply had caused Nigerians.

Minority Leader Godswill Akpabio ( Akwa Ibom North West) lamented that many companies had shut down due

to irregular power supply.

Akpabio noted that in spite of the financial contribution by some states in the South to improve power supply, Nigerians were still grappling with lack of electricity supply.

He said,“In 2015 we are celebrating 4000 mega watts. For me, this is worrisome. “ We cannot have employment without power and Nigerians are complaining about the high cost and some localities who have not seen light for months are asked to pay high tariff.’’

Akpabio said the 8th Senate should do all within its power to assist the Federal Government in tackling power supply.

The 6th House of Representatives attempted to investigate the billions of dollars spent on the power sector since 1999 and failed to achieve its purpose.

your force and give your troops creditable training so that they can perform their job creditably “You should also ensure that they abide with the newly enforced rules and regulations of international standards while carrying out their assigned tasks. In particular you must protect innocent civilians ….and respect the rights of combatant ….”

This, Buhari said, will earn the support of local communities, respect of allies and support of international community.

He went on: “Therefore, I have no doubt in my mind that all of you are equal to the task ahead of you. You must acquaint yourselves and justify the honour done to you.”

The President recalled that the activities of misguided groups and individuals have

resulted in wanton destruction of lives and properties of Nigerians and disruption of social economic lives of millions of Nigerians.”

On behalf of the Service chiefs, the Chief of Defence Staff said they would not let down the nation just as he asked for the cooperation of all to defeat the sect.

Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the ceremony, Gen. Olonishakin said: “We are already strategising on how to handle most of the challenges since we were appointed.

“And all these strategies we are beginning to put them in place, so we’ll just put in more efforts to ensure that we achieve the desire of the President.”

On if three months was enough to crush Boko Haram, Gen. Olonishakin said: “The President has given a presidential directive.”

Buhari reinstates Abdullahi as NPA managing director Continued from page 4

leader and I pray Nigerians will give him time and the support to reposition our country for the benefit of all rather than serving the interest of the privileged few who mistakenly find themselves in the position of authority.”

Some of the NPA workers’ who also spoke with The Nation under the condition of anonymity, said they were happy over Abdulahi’s reinstatement.

They alleged that the sacked managing director lacked experience in port administration and wondered why he was appointed by Jonathan as their head.

“Alhaji Bayero had no experience in port administration before he was appointed by former President Jonathan. He had never served in NPA before he was appointed. Many of us saw his appointment as political and we are now happy that another political instrument of politics has been em-

ployed to remove him.

“Before his sudden removal, Abdullahi’s efforts were anchored on the need to deliver an efficient port service in a safe, secure and customer friendly environment in accordance with international practices.

“As reporters covering the maritime sector, you are all aware that the biggest vessel to call at the port in West Africa (WAFMAX) with a length overall of 232.33 metres and capacity of 4,500 TEUS requiring draught of 13.5 metres first visited our ports due to Abdullahi’s consistent dredging campaign. The weekly call of the WAFMAX vessel to Lagos and Onne ports before he was suddenly sacked by Jonathan was a great achievement to those of us working in NPA,” one of the workers said.

Other stakeholders said they were happy that Buhari reinstated a seasoned administrator and wished Bayero well in his future endeavours.

Two more bodies found Continued from page 4

because Joshua was not able to tell that. Joshua is receiving treatment, I can assure you.”

The state of health of Ude could not be ascertained.

Visitors, except “very close family members”, were barred from the wards before the visiting time (4p.m.).

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) commiserated with the families of the victims.

Acting General Manager Haruna Jaura, in a statement

issued by the agency’s spokesperson, Lami Tumaki, described the incident as “unfortunate”.

He restated NIMASA’s commitment to Search and Rescue (SAR) operations in the nation’s maritime domain, adding that it was the agency’s core mandate.

Highlighting the role played by his personnel, Jaura said the search and rescue unit officers swung into action with SAR boat, “NIMASA BENUE”, to support rescue operations at the site of the incident.”

AIB yet to recover flight data recorder, cockpit voice recorder Continued from page 4

require Bristow’s cooperation to inform the victims’families of the crash before the passenger manifest could be released.

He said though the AIB had a copy of the passenger manifest, it must observe International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) rules before releasing the passenger manifest.

Abali said very soon the AIB would release a preliminary accident report subject to the pace of its investigations.

The AIB had collected the transcript of the conversation between the pilots and the control tower of the Lagos Airport.

He said the chopper had 12 people on board and that it was carrying the number of passengers prescribed by its manufacturers.

Abali said :” We have a copy of the manifest , but a lot of protocol is involved to release it to the public . We have to inform the families involved – in line with standard international procedures .”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

59

FOREIGN NEWS

Death toll rises to 50 in massive blasts at Chinese port

T

HE death toll from the fiery explosions at a warehouse of hazardous chemicals climbed yesterday to 50, and the Chinese government sent experts to the shattered and smouldering port to assess any environmental dangers from the spectacular blasts.

More than 700 people were injured and dozens were reported missing in the explosions shortly before midnight Wednesday that demolished a workers' dormitory, tossed shipping containers as if they were toy blocks and turned a fleet of 1,000 new cars into scorched metal husks. Windows were shattered for miles around by the shockwaves.

There was no indication of what caused the disaster in one of China's busiest ports, and authorities tried to keep a tight rein over information by keeping reporters well away from the site. Social media users complained their posts about it were deleted.

More than 1,000 fire-fighters were sent to the mostly

industrial zone in Tianjin, a petrochemical processing hub about 120 kilometres (75 miles) east of Beijing.

Tianjin is the 10th largest port in the world by container volume, according to the World Shipping Council, and the seventh-biggest in China. It handles vast amounts of metal ore, coal, steel, cars and crude oil.

Ships carrying oil and "hazardous products" were barred from the port Thursday, the Tianjin Maritime Safety Administration said on its official microblog. It also said vessels were not allowed to enter the central port zone, which is near the blast site.

The municipal government, which gave the death toll of at least 50, said 701 people were injured, including 71 in serious condition. The Tianjin Port Group Co. said dozens of its employees were unaccounted for and a search is under way. Some migrant workers at the port may not be documented.

Authorities said the blasts started at the warehouse

• Smoke rises from shipping containers after explosions at Binhai new district in Tianjin, China...yesterday

White House sends condolences

T

THE White House is sending its condolences to the Chinese people following explosions at a port warehouse that killed dozens.

White House spokesman Ned Price says the explosion is a tragedy. He says the United States is holding the victims and their families in its thoughts. He's also praising the first responders in China working to help the injured.

The White House reaction to the explosion comes while President Barack Obama is on vacation with his family in Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts. owned by Ruihai Logistics, a An initial explosion apparcompany that says it stores ently triggered an even bighazardous materials including flammable petrochemicals, sodium cyanide and toluene diisocyanate.

L-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri has pledged allegiance to the new Afghan Taliban chief "Our thoughts and prayers in an audio message posted are with Rosalynn and the online.

The pledge to Mullah Akhtar entire Carter family as they face this challenge with the Mansour was issued by alsame grace and determina- Qaeda's media arm al-Sahab tion that they have shown so and was Zawahiri's first mesmany times before. Jimmy, sage since September last year.

There had been speculation you're as resilient as they come, and along with the rest about whether Zawahiri was of America, we are rooting himself dead since the death of former Taliban head for you," Obama said.

The 44th president also Mullah Omar was confirmed spoke to the 39th president last month.

Al-Qaeda and Zawahiri conon the phone, Deputy White House Press Secretary Eric Schultz said late Wednesday afternoon.

Wednesday night, Vice President Joe Biden's Twitter account said he spoke with Carter as well.

Carter, a Democrat, was elected to the presidency in •Continued from Back Page 1976 but was defeated by Ronald Reagan four years Back to the beginning To relater. He continues to be a turn to our starting point, how much-discussed political fig- many of us realise today, the ure; several 2016 Republican dire straits the country has presidential candidates, in- lapsed into? From the presicluding Rick Perry and Ted dency to the MDAs, state govCruz, frequently invoke ernments and the general popCarter to suggest that the ulace; and if we truly do, what nation can recover from lib- is our response to it? Many eral leadership. state governments are still spending millions of dollars sending people to junkets called pilgrimages to wherever; even the Federal Government had to do ample damage to the exchange rate by allowtion" to extradite Mr Assange ing pilgrims to purchase dolover the rape allegation. lars at an artificial rate of about N160 to a dollar.

Many governors are still chartering private jets and doing the foreign trip runs, oblivious of the crisis in the land.

The other day, one of them organised one such elaborate economic summit that do everything but help the economy of the state. In fact, over the years, economic summits have become one of the triedand-tested ways of disemboweling a state’s treasury. We are yet to see any state government raising nary a panel on practical ways of diversifying state’s economy both in the • Assange immediate and long term.

Jimmy Carter says he has cancer

C

ARTER, 90, had a "small mass" removed from his liver during surgery earlier this month.

At the time, he received a prognosis for a full recovery.

But he said Wednesday in a brief statement that "recent liver surgery revealed that I

• Jimmy Carter

have cancer that now is in other parts of my body."

It was not clear where the cancer originated or where it had spread. Carter's family, however, has a history of pancreatic cancer, which CNN correspondent Sanjay Gupta said could be afflicting the former president.

Carter lost his father, brother and two sisters to the disease. His mother had breast cancer, which later moved to her pancreas.

"If you've got pancreatic cancer, you die. Absolutely," Carter told CNN's Larry King in 2008.

Gupta said Carter's longterm health would depend on two things: how big the mass is and how far the cancer has spread. He predicted that medical professionals would sample tissues around the liver to update Carter's prognosis.

In a statement, President Barack Obama said he and first lady Michelle Obama "send our best wishes to President Carter for a fast and full recovery."

Julian Assange case: UK to make formal protest to Ecuador

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HE UK is to make a formal protest to the government of Ecuador over the country's decision to "harbour" Julian Assange, the Foreign Office has said.

The Wikileaks co-founder sought asylum at London's Ecuadorean embassy in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden.

UK officials said the bill for policing the embassy, which stands at £12m ($18.8m; •16.8m), was "unacceptable".

Earlier, Swedish prosecutors dropped two sex assault claims against Mr Assange, who had denied the claims.

Mr Assange still faces the

more serious accusation of rape, which he also denies.

'Abuse of relations' The British Ambassador in Quito, Ecuador's capital, is to make the formal protest to the Ecuadorean government on Thursday.

"Ecuador must recognise that its decision to harbour Mr Assange more than three years ago has prevented the proper course of justice... It is completely unacceptable that the British taxpayer has had to foot the bill for this abuse of diplomatic relations," said Foreign Office minister Hugo Swire.

Mr Swire said the UK "continues to have a legal obliga-

ger one. The National Earthquake Bureau said the first blast was the equivalent of 3 tons of TNT, and the second 21 tons. The enormous fireballs from the blasts rolled through a nearby parking lot, turning a fleet of 1,000 new cars into scorched metal husks.

State media said senior management of the company had been detained, and that President Xi Jinping demanded severe punishment for anyone found respon-

Photo: Reuters

sible for the explosions.

Police kept journalists and bystanders away with a cordon about 1 or 2 kilometres (about a mile) from the site.

On China's popular Weibo microblogging platform, some users said their posts about the blasts were deleted, and the number of searchable posts on the disaster fluctuated, in a sign that authorities were manipulating or placing limits on the number of posts.

Zawahiri pledges loyalty to new Taliban chief

A

sidered Mullah Omar to be the leader of the global jihadist movement.

This was however contested by al-Qaeda's rival, the Islamic State (IS) militant group, which announced the establishment of a caliphate last year.

The Taliban confirmed last month that Mullah Akhtar Mansour was its new leader In the recording, released on jihadist websites and accompanied by a still image of Zawahiri, he said: "As emir of al-Qaeda, I pledge to you our allegiance, following the path

of Sheikh (Osama) bin Laden and his martyred brothers in their allegiance to Mullah Omar."

The death of Mullah Omar has been exploited by IS to try to drive defections from alQaeda, analysts say.

Mullah Mansour's appointment as Taliban leader had been questioned by some senior members of the movement, leading to reports of divisions.

Al-Zawahiri's message while impossible to independently verify - will be seen as significant.

EXPRESSO

Chicken season Considering the chicken option And to think that there are thousands of things that we all can do to begin to turn our fortunes around in just 12 months.

The chicken option is one. This is the chicken season: anyone who has a little space in his compound could start breeding a dozen chickens or two now, which would be ready for consumption in December.

Poultry products have been banned in Nigeria since 2010, yet more than 70 per cent of the chicken and turkey consumed in Nigeria is smuggled. Breeding chickens for about 170 million Nigerians is a multi-billion dollars business. The poultry economy is a large one with its long value chain. Starting from the maize plantation to feed mills, hatcheries, veterinary services, chicken pen technical services, the eggs business, processing and packaging lines, transportation and freezing services and sales outlets services; it’s a long lucrative chain.

There is more: even manure and wastes for crops and fish farming.

Between the Presidency, Customs and MARD The conditions are perfect for Nigeria to breed her own poultry. The only thing that had made us to depend on imported poultry

preserved for months with harmful chemicals was cheap oil money, which had robbed us of our senses. Now that oil money is no more, we will do well to hurry back to the basics – agriculture.

Since President Muhammadu Buhari mounted the saddle, the Nigeria Customs Service has woken up to its duties; trying to curb smuggling of poultry products and making seizures. But smuggling still goes on even at a frenetic rate now because supply has dwindled here.

This is where the presidency must step in, reinforce the ban and charge Customs to sit up.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) must rise to the occasion and provide support and incentives to poultry farmers.

Banks and financial institutions too must see the big opportunity and cash in. The market is huge and waiting to be exploited and turnaround time is short.

Finally, some of us have forgotten the true taste of chicken. Home-bred chicken tastes better, is more nutritious and will not require harmful chemical preservatives. Let us stop eating smuggled cadaver in the name of chicken and turkey!

60

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

NEWS

Dignitaries pay homage as Ooni goes home today •Continued from page 3 Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, Docter of Literature (Honoris Causa) University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and Doctor of Civil Laws (Honoris Causa) Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. The lawmaker said the late royal father held the highest national honour of the Republic of Poland; Royal Belgian Distinction of Commander in the Order of the Crown; and Grand Commodore, Ohio State, USA.

Senators, Saraki mourn great king

SenatorBiodun Olujimi, who seconded Omoworare’s motion, and spoke glowingly and the Oba, describing him as a very distinguished Nigerian.

Senator Abdullahi Adamu (Nasarawa West) said the death of Oba Sijuwade was a personal loss to him because of the special relationship the Oba shared with him.

Adamu said the late Oba was a special Nigerian, a great bridge builder across the country and a man who stood for the country always in all affairs.

The Nasarawa lawmaker said the late Oba Sijuwade reached out to the North, East and everywhere in the country.

“His Majesty, Oba Sijuwade has only stepped on a journey to meet his forefathers. He is on a journey to meet the Oodua himself,” Adamu said.

Senate Joseph Gbolahan Dada (Ogun West) also spoke glowingly about the Oba. Saraki described the demise of the Oba as a monumental loss to the country. He said there was no doubt that Oba Sijuwade was a bridge builder, who contributed immensely to peace, unity and development of the country.

A statement by Saraki’s Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, said: “On behalf of my family and the National Assembly, I convey my most heartfelt and sincere condolences to the royal family, people and Government of Osun

State, the entire Yoruba race and Nigerians as a whole on the departure of the foremost traditional ruler, the Arole Oodua.”

Tinubu: Ooni helped keep Nigeria together

Former Governor of Lagos State and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed sadness over the death of the monarch. He said the oba would be missed.

“Oba Sijuade will be missed but will be remembered as one of the foremost rulers in Nigeria and a powerful and influential custodian of the Yoruba culture whose influence reached beyond Nigeria to continental and international levels.”

Tinubu said the late Oba Sijuade was an embodiment of culture and tradition who made Yoruba race proud. He was a nautical figure whose interventions in the political process helped to keep the country united.

•Saraki

•Atiku

Atiku: the oba’s legacy will endure forever

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the deceased Ooni of Ife as a traditional ruler whose lofty legacies will endure for generations.

The former Vice President, who is also the Aare Adimula of the Source, said in a condolence message released by his media office in Abuja yesterday that Oba Sijuwade’s reign was epochal and in a class of its own.

“Oba Sijuwade’s 35 years reign on the royal stool of Ife is unquestionably a source of pride to every Yoruba son and daughter and everyone who cherishes the culture and tradition of the Yoruba people,” the Turaki Adamawa said.

According to him, “Oba Sijuwade’s wealth of experience in the corporate world, his wisdom and the royal candour he exuded combined with the historical pre-eminence of his stool made his reign a defining one as we knew it to be.

“His lofty legacies as the Ooni of Ife will endure for several generations after him. His depth in the richness of Yoruba’s culture and tradition will also remain a source of attraction not only for admirers of Yoruba ethos, but for scholars with bias for African cultures and royalties.”

The former Vice President also acknowledged that the demise of the Ooni of Ife is a loss not only to the royal family, people and government of

•Tinubu

Osun State, but Nigeria as a whole.

He prayed for the royal family to have the fortitude to bear the loss of the outstanding Oba (ti o wo’aja) who has gone to meet his ancestors and for peace to continue to reign in Ile-Ife.

He was a great monarch, says Amosun

Amosun described the exit of first-class Yoruba monarch and foremost traditional ruler as lamentable.

In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, the governor said the transition of the Chairman of the State of Osun Traditional Council is “ worthy of celebration, because his life truly ran its full course.”

“Oba Sijuwade was a great monarch. He joined his ancestors at a time when his wealth of experience in all spheres of life was mostly needed to guide the younger generation,” the governor said.

Amosun commisserated with the governments and people of South West, particularly the State of Osun and the traditional institutions in Nigeria on the loss of the highly revered king of Ile-Ife, the cradle and source of the Yoruba.

He urged them to take solace in the fact that the late

•Fayemi

paramount ruler led an exemplary life and “his regal footprints are endured on the sands of time.”

Amosun prayed for the eternal repose of the soul of the late king.

Ahmed: he bestrode traditional institution with panache

Ahmed described the late traditional ruler as an icon of International status who bestrode the traditional institution with candour and panache.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, Ahmed said the passage of Ooni marked a glorious close of a glowing chapter in the tradition and culture of the Yoruba nation.

Ahmed noted that the late Ooni would be sorely missed not only by the people of Ile Ife, Osun State but the entire people of Nigeria.

He prayed God to grant the departed soul eternal rest, the family of the deceased, the people of Ile Ife and Osun State in general the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Fayemi: he was a man of love

Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode, described the late Oba Sijuwade as a highly respected traditional ruler

who had and demonstrated immeasurable love for his subjects as well as citizens within and outside his domain.

The former Ekiti Governor recalled his encounters with the late first class ruler both in and out of office, described him as great traditional ruler who was well endowed with wisdom. “Kabiyesi had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Yoruba tradition and history and had an amazing way of relating with both the low and mighty.”, he said.

Saying that Oba Sijuwade lived a glorious life, Dr Fayemi said the late monarch would be remembered for his patriotism, generosity and the rare manner he combined royalty with service and glamour.

“He would surely be missed for his exemplary service to humanity as a bridge builder and as a great custodian of the Yoruba cultural heritage” he added.

Fayemi urged the children and the entire family of the late Oba Sijuwade to be consoled by the fact that the late first class monarch lived a good life, impacted lives and left legacies of good name and honour.

“For Oba Sijuwade, it is a celebration of a life well spent in the service of humanity. I urge the children, family and the entire people of Ile-Ife not to mourn but rather celebrate the passage and legacies of this great monarch who gave his very best and a touch of class and royalty to every assignment he handled” the statement added.

Akala: he was citadel of culture, tradition

Former Governor of Oyo State Otunba Adebayo AlaoAkala has described the late Ooni of Ife as a citadel of Yoruba tradition.

Describing the news of the Ooni’s passing as a great loss to the human race, Alao-Akala in a condolence message, said that Oba Sijuade was an epitome of remarkable virtues who lived a life worthy of emulation.

“He was known for his conviviality, camaraderie, sense of judgment and magnificence around the world. He was a unifying factor for the Yoruba race, particularly, he was a fount of knowledge, little wonder everybody across all the continents of the world took recourse in his judgement and magnificence. I am deeply saddened at the news of the Ooni’s passing but take solace in the fact that Baba lived a life worthy of emulation. He left behind an enviable legacy that outlives his generation.”

While commiserating with the family, the people of Osun State and Nigerians, he further remarked that the late Ooni was a man of goodness who ensured progress of the Yoruba race and nation at large.

He raised the royalty stake, says Adelabu

Ekiti State’s former deputy Governor Prof Modupe Adelabu described the exit of the monarch as a painful loss to Yoruba as a race, pointing out that the late monarch raised the stake of royalty in his days.

Describing the Ooni as a father to all, Mrs. Adelabu recalled the interest the late monarch, who she describe as her ‘father’, showed in her family.

She said: “Kabiyesi’s demise is a personal loss to me. I have lost a loving, kind and trustworthy father, who over the years, have shared in my family’s pains and gains. He had set a pace that will be difficult to meet.”

Lagos Speaker: a bridge-builder is gone

Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa described the monarch as a bridge-builder.

He condoled with the people of Ife, Osun and Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

“He was a bridge-builder who always wanted the best for his people and Nigerians in general. Yes, this is the time the country needs his fatherly role especially as government at all levels march graciously to tackle the various challenges facing it. But the ultimate decision lies with God Almighty and He has decided to take away Ooni at this time; as human, we don’t have the power to question God,” he said.

Ajimobi mourns

Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi described the death Oba Sijuwade as the end of another era in the Yoruba history.

He described Oba Sijuwade as a monarch, who used his reign to ensure the unity of the Yoruba race.

In a statement by the state government, Ajimobi said the death of the revered monarch was very unfortunate and disheartening.

Ajimobi also praised the late monarch for his commitment to the sustenance of cultural heritage in the country.

“The death of our revered monarch came to me as a rude shock. He will forever be remembered as a monarch who rewrote the history of the Yoruba race for the good.”

Okunade Sijuwade: An era ends •Continued from page 3 Sijuwade even claimed that he was among the people that were instrumental to the ascension of the Alaafin to the throne. He said he agreed to support him, based on a request by his friend, Chief Ashamu. But, when Sijuwade became the Ooni, they parted

ways. They were both locked in a media war over claims and counter-claims of superiority.

Oba Adeyemi described himself as the descendants of eminent Alaafins who were overlords in the days of the Oyo Empire. Oba Sijuwade said he was not excited by that relic of history, saying that the empire had ceased to exist.

But, Alaafin Adeyemi 111 delved into history, emerging with documents to buttress his claims that the colonial masters were dealing with the Alaafins as the Oba of Yoruba in the early days of colonialism.

Few years ago, the Ooni responded to the quest of some community heads in his domain for upgrading into obaship.

When he upgraded them, his authority was not questioned.

During Oba Aderemi’s reign, there was no tension between Ife and Benin. Oba Aderemi and

Oba Akenzua related well as brothers. In fact, when Aderemi was the governor, Akenzua was the President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, with Ewi Aladesanmi as the Vice President. But, Oba Sijuwade and Omo N’oba Uku Akpolokpolo, Ereduwa, had a reason to clash.

According to scholars of history, Oranmiyan, the son of Oduduwa and founder of Oyo Empire, had influence on Benin monarchy. But, the Benin monarch disputed the historical claim that Oranmiyan’s children ruled Benin Kingdom. Oba Sijuwade cried foul, saying that history was being distorted. He said even Oba Akenzua acknowledged his Ile-Ife and Yoruba connection. He explained that, up to the 1930s, the official language at the palace of the Oba of Benin was Yoruba.

To many Yoruba, Oba Sijuwade was also controversial monarch. When traditional rulers were summoned to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by the late Head of State, the late Gen. Sani Abacha, to view video clips on the coup involving Gen. Oladipo Diya and others, reporters played a fast one on the Ooni. The military was trying to justify the trial of the alleged plotters. Oba Sijuwade was among the monarchs interviewed by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). “He (Abacha) is speaking sense,” he told the reporters. But, observers contended that it was evident that the interview was edited to suit a particular purpose. Many Yoruba frowned at the remark credited to the monarch.

Oba Sijuwade was also unable for forge unity in Yorubaland at

the twilight of his life. The Southwest has been bitterly divided by the pursuit of antagonistic political interests by the sons of Oduduwa in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). When former President Goodluck Jonathan visited Ife and he was taken to a semblance of the traditional power house of Oduduwa for royal blessing, it was the last straw that broke the back of the camel. It was misinterpreted to mean that the Arole Oduduwa has abandoned political neutrality.

However, many Yoruba agree that Oba Sijuwade left indelible marks on the sands of time. He made his mark as a successful businessman, philanthropist and royal father who was held in esteem beyond Yorubaland.

THE NATION MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2015

61

BUHARI’S VICTORY •Continued from page 3

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

61

CITYBEATS Police arrest suspect with 49,500 litres of petrol in room

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HE POLICE in Lagos have arrested a suspected fuel thief Olalowo Agboola who converted a room apartment for selling petroleum products.

Agboola was nabbed on Wednesday by officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) at his 24 Awoseyin Street, Somolu, Lagos residence, following a tip off.

Agboola’s accomplice Adeola otherwise called Adex’s whereabouts is unknown.

RRS Commander Olatunji Disu, an Assistant Commissioner for Police (ACP), said his men led by Olabode Aroge, a Superintendent of Police (SP), disguised as prospective buyers before getting him.

The suspect was about selling the fuel for them when other policemen in uniform stormed the house, he said.

The officers recovered 90 jerry cans of 50-litre in the room and another 900 jerry cans of 50-litre inside a vehicle totalling 49,500 litres.

Disu vowed to arrest Adeola who Agboola claimed is the owner.

According to him, the suspects were in the habit of selling fuel to members of public inside face-me and face you

•Agboola with the oil-filled kegs and the building...yesterday

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

building.

Agboola said he was just recruited into the job a month ago.

He said: “I was a commercial bus driver before I was initiated into this fuel theft occupation. I only collect commission of N200 on each keg I was able to sell in a day.

I know I was doing an illegal job but because there is no job and I have no choice than to join them to earn live-

lihood.

“Adeola is the one who employed me to be his assistant.

While he goes out to bring petroleum products, I will stay home to sell. I know he will be on the run because someone might have hinted him that I have been arrested”.

Disu said Lagos will not tolerate any act of criminality and illegal occupations.

The commander said if the policemen have not acted swiftly and the house caught fire, it could consume the

whole community following the high number of petrol and diesel found in the house.

He urged Lagosians to report any form of illegal act in their neighbourhoods.

“This will enhance efficiency of the police when adequate information is passed to us. We implore public to always give us useful and timely information,” he said.

Meanwhile, the state command yesterday warned residents and motorists to be

careful in handling petroleum products and desist from storing them at homes.

Its spokesperson, Patricia Amadin, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) said the warning is coming against the backdrop of high rate of fire incidents in the state.

Amadin said: “These incidents are arising from carelessness and mishandling of petroleum products through black racketeering and mass

storage in homes. On Wednesday, a motorcycle conveying a woman with a gallon of petrol stacked in a polythene bag collided with another in Mile 12. In the process, the spilled content caught fire, which engulfed both motorcycles and four others close by.

“The rider, the passenger and two others suffered severe burns and have been admitted at a nearby hospital for treatment.’’

N78m site upgrade, others: my story, by Fashola

F

ORMER Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, SAN, yesterday responded to allegation that he used N78 million state funds to update his personal website and that he has children outside wedlock.

In a statement titled: “Setting the records straight”, the former governor defended his name, saying those sponsoring malicious stories against him missed the point.

The statement reads: “When you wrestle with a pig, the pig gets happy and you get dirty.”

“This statement of profound wisdom informed my silence in the wake of manipulated and unsubstantiated allegations of wrongdoing levelled against me. They started a few weeks to the end of my tenure, and have continued till date.

“They range from extra marital paternity of children to mundane and phantom conspiracy in the National Assembly, a debt profile for Lagos State and lately a website upgrade contract of N78 million which whoever it is believes is a “smoking gun”.

“In so far as the allegations of paternity is concerned, they are wicked and false. I have no biological children other than my two children.

“Of course, I adopted three children who became orphaned as a result of the tragic DANA Airplane crash of 2012

and the adoption followed due process. Those who do not care whether they hurt innocent children or invade the privacy of other citizens in their mindless rage against me will have their rewards served upon them in the fullness of time.

“As far as my alleged involvement in the National Assembly elections are concerned they remain only the products of the imagination of those who made the allegations. I was out of the country at the material time and returned only in the early hours of that morning to Abuja, and from there proceeded to Lagos.

“As far as debts of Lagos State are concerned, the fact is that Lagos has always had debts. Her population is growing and for a long time she has run deficit budgets to cater to the needs of that growing population.

“All the debts contracted in my time were approved by the Parliament in the annual budgets, some have been paid back and the financial status was healthy and stable when l left.

The outlook for the state and her rating by Fitch was longterm foreign and local currency IDRs at ‘BB-’, short-term IDR at ‘B’ and national long-term rating at ‘AA+(nga)’.

“When we all pause to reflect and think , we will realise that there are a sizable number of companies who are running business, who have

I have served my state and by extension my country for 12 1/2 years and I did so with my heart no responsibility for Security , Public Health , Public Education and other responsibilities of Government who borrow more than Lagos State Government , whether collectively or individually.

“As far as the website contract is concerned, yes there was a contract. It went through procurement and was approved by the Government agency authorised to do so.

“One of the services was an “upgrade” quoted for N12.5 million but awarded for N12 million. There were other services that were new like a han-

dover countdown clock, mobile Apps for Google, IOS and “Ipad, Microsoft, Research in Motion (Rim Blackberry) which the existing website did not have , and annual maintenance and cost for hosting the site.

“It was for all these services that the contract was issued for N78 million which the Lagos State procurement agency approved on the technical advise of the Ministry of Science and Technology who are the Government adviser on such matters.

“In publishing this award as the Government tradition under my watch, the procurement agency’s website summarised it as “upgrade” only and which was the suspected “smoking gun”.

“For those who are familiar with mobile Applications, they will know that users either pay for them online or download them for free.

“What is usual is that applications for service are usually provided to users free, but somebody bears the cost.

Since these applications were available to the public for free access and to assist Government communication, we decided to pay for them.

“The entire documents are with the Lagos State Government and are available for those who seek the truth. For the record, since 2008, since 2008, long before the Freedom of Information Act was ever

passed, we had put out all our contracts on the State website because I believe people deserve to know.

“It is regrettable that a “summary” of the contract has been deliberately distorted to misinform the public.

“This particular website came into being as a result of the decision I made to make my telephone number public for the several thousands of people seeking to reach me daily.

“The website that is now under attack helped me to do my job and to respond to them, and the contract was issued to run till my last day of office. It stands logic upside down for me to fraudulently award a contract and then have it published on a website.

“To date there have been 27.666 million hits on this website, with 1,844 videos, 34,381 photographs , 2,531 Press Releases and 595 Speeches among others.

“I have chosen to make this response because of many calls, text messages and mails coming from many people and to prevent fiction from being mistaken for truth.

“I expect that there may be more distorted allegations without evidence, for reasons that remain in the realm of speculation, but I have been informed reliably that large amounts of money are being paid to some of these agent to bear false witness.

•Fashola

“I cannot conclude without responding to the crusade of CACOL seeking my prosecution on allegations that have no proof and writing letters to the Presidency.

“In case he is unaware, I am not looking for a job, and allegations are not resolved without evidence, neither are they resolved in press conferences.

“I have served my state and by extension my country for Twelve and half years and I did so with my heart.

“I am taking the rest that I believe I have earned and wish those who have the responsibility to now serve us the very best in their endeavours.

“For those who wish to throw mud at me, they should look at their own hands.

“For those who still wish to remain in the mud, they should look in the mirror.

“As for me, I have moved on ; my Job is done.”

Lagos seeks reduction in recurrent expenditure

L

AGOS State Government has said for government to achieve efficient budget performance, government at all levels must reduce recurrent estimate and increase capital expenditure.

This, government said, will give room for successful implementation of capital projects that will impact on the lives of the masses.

The state’s Deputy Gover-

nor, Dr Idiat Adebule said this at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Symposium on the year 2015 budget with the theme: Come Back Nigeria - The Nation‘s Fiscal Challenges and The Way Forward For the New Administration.

Adebule regretted that over the years, the structure of the nation’s budget has not favoured significant infra-

structure developments because previous budgetary provisions have been in favour of recurrent at the expense of capital expenditure, stating that this ugly trend has been the major reason why the nation’s budgets performed below expectations in the last few years.

According to her, lack of budget discipline over the years and its attendant conse-

quences calls for decisive reforms that will reverse the direction in which the economy is heading to save the country.

She urged all relevant government agencies on budget implementation to adhere strictly with the budgetary provision as approved in the fiscal year.

She said: “A budget is meant to be implemented as

approved. Lack of budget discipline as demonstrated in incurring expenditure in excess of the amount budgeted without following the due process is a recipe for budget failure.”

“The main yardstick for measuring a well designed and implemented budget is not its size but the amount of improvement it has brought into the people’s lives, regretting however that, the na-

tion’s budgets over the years have fallen short of this expectation which has led to an increased poverty and infrastructure decay in the recent past. In most cases budgets are not approved early to address the needs of the public, resulting to return of funds to the treasury at the end of the year when a lot of development projects are begging for implementation.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

62

NEWS DECORATION OF SERVICE CHIEFS

•President Mohammadu Buhari (left) and Vice President Osinbajo (right) decorating Chief of Army Staff; Lt. General Tukur Yusufu Buratai with his new rank at the Presidential Villa, Abuja...yesterday.

•President Mohammadu Buhari (left) and wife of the Chief of Naval Staff Mrs. Theresa Ibas assisting the president to decorate her husband, Vice Marshal Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas with his new rank...yesterday. With them is Prof. Osinbajo.

•Buhari (left) and Prof. Osinbajo decorating the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice-Marshal Sadique Abubarkar with his new rank of Air-Marshal...yesterday.

•SERVICE CHIEFS WIVES ALL: Chief of Air Staff’s wife Mrs. Hafsat Abubakar (left); Chief of Naval Staff’s wife Mrs. Theresa Ibas; Chief of Army Staff’s wife Mrs. Umma Buratai and Chief of Defence Staff’s wife Mrs. Omobolanle Olonisakin at their husband’s decoration...yesterday.

PHOTOS: AKIN OLADOKUN & NAN

THE NATION FRIDAY AUGUST 14, 2015

63

TODAY IN THE NATION

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.10 NO. 3306

‘Every generation considers itself uniquely challenged like we do and each generation truly is, in different ways. But I don’t buy into over-generalisations and self pity. Like we accuse older generations before us, successive generations will accuse us of ruining their world claiming we had better chances to resolve our crises and recreate the world that they would inherit from us’ OLA TUNJI OL OLADE OLATUNJI OLOLADE

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

S

INGAPORE just turned 50 and there is a good reason for citizen pride and for the pomp and ceremony that accompanied the celebration while it lasted. And the official celebration lasted only one day because the people cannot afford to stay away from work for more than 24 hours since they still have much to do for the growth and development of a nation and a people that have demonstrated to the world what feat a determined leadership and a loyal followership can perform.

Fifty years ago, there was a great deal of uncertainty about the future of this citystate, having just been expelled by a unanimous vote of the Malaysian parliament from a federation of 14 states comprised of Malays, Tamils and Chinese.

While the union lasted, there was no love lost between the leaders and the people that made up the alliance. For fear that Singapore’s majority Chinese was going to dominate the union, the United Malays National Organisation expelled Singapore on August 9, 1965.

Singaporean leader, Lee Kuan Yew, was devastated. He believed in the merger of the two territories. On his account, he had dedicated an entire political career to making it work without much thought to the possibility of such a drastic measure by Malaysia. Although devastated, he didn’t succumb to fear of the unknown. As in the case of an individual, national survival instinct kicked in and innate and acquired leadership skills were summoned. The result is visible in all areas of Singapore’s national life.

Five years ago, I visited Singapore for the first time. The experience was awesome.

Trusting in her reputation for being the safest city in Asia, I roamed the streets without fear of kidnapping or encounter with armed robbers. Indeed, perfect strangers were just too willing and ready to help out when I lost my bearing.

Singapore also has the reputation for having the cleanest streets and the most disciplined population, not just in the area, but compared with most parts of the world.

The time I visited the country in August 2010 coincided with the celebration of national independence and the spirit of national pride couldn’t be more glaring. I watched the fireworks at night and I had no problem figuring out the perception of the people about their country. I informally interviewed scores of young college students all of whom attested to the fact that their country was in the right direction.

They understood their responsibilities as

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

What transformational leadership can do

•President Buhari

citizens and were only too willing to discharge them for the good progress and development of their country.

From the unanimity of Singaporeans about their love for and pride in their country, it is difficult to understand that the nation is not monolithic in terms of the multiracial origin of its people, who include Chinese, Malays and Tamils. The race riot that occurred in 1964 just before Singapore’s expulsion from Malaysia has given way to racial harmony, as they all see themselves as Singaporeans. This may have something to do with the evolution of the country and its economic and financial success.

It is true, however, that the evolution and the success are the result of hard work and dedication of its leaders, especially the one whose identity became synonymous with the nation, Lee Kuan Yew, a transformational leader whose success has once again demonstrated that leadership

N

OW that the party is over It is quite unfortunate that Nigerians, especially governments across board, are yet to come to terms with our NEW REALITY. And what is this new reality, you wonder? Well for the interest of those who may not know or who cannot appreciate it, THE OIL BOOM IS OVER! The petro-dollar is not flowing into the country anymore and may never flow the way it did for over 40 years. That is our new reality.

Remember that at the peak of it in the 70s, the then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, was reported as saying that Nigeria’s problem was how to spend money. His fellow soldiers of fortune overthrew him ostensibly to come and have a taste of the gravy.

Still quite ignorant about how to manage our oil boom, the succeeding Olusegun Obasanjo government organised one of the biggest jamborees in modern human history, the 2nd African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC) in 1977. It was the heady days of a new-found oil wealth in the hands of ill-bred military generals. That was how come that for about one month, contingents from about 60 countries of the world were quartered in Nigeria carousing and squandering the riches of a fledgling nation with hardly any institution, structure or infrastructure.

It is instructive to note that the first such world’s Black festival held in Dakar, Senegal was largely bankrolled by UNESCO. But for the second edition, Big Brother Ni-

matters. As he once declared, the success was not due to magic.

Yew invested heavily in research and development. He prioritised education and had zero tolerance for indiscipline and corruption. He led by example, going around the street monitoring projects and inspiring the youth. My 2010 cab driver told me that there was stiff penalty for violating the laws against littering, such as spitting chewing gum on the street grounds or defacing public building with graffiti. Of course, we are aware of the penalty for drug trafficking.

Singapore was forced to become an independent nation five years after Nigeria voluntarily asked for and received her independence from Britain. Because of the circumstance of her coming into being, Singapore did not receive any assistance from its former ally. It had to begin from ground zero. It had to survive and its leaders had the sense to invest their integrity and knowledge into the nation’s future.

Singapore’s leadership didn’t rip off their nation to build other countries. They refused the pleasure of the moment for the long term benefits for the nation. Today, Yew did not live to witness the appreciation of a grateful people. But wherever he is, he must be beaming with smiles beaming on the nation that he built, not just economically, but also politically, physically and socially into one of the most reckoned with nations in the world, in spite of its just being a city state.

Of course, Singapore is not all glittering!

Her democratic credentials are not in the superlative grade, combining a capitalist economic model with a quasi authoritarian political rule with the same party in power since 1965. There is suppression of public opinion and critics of government have received stiff penalties.

It’s useful then to ask what lessons, if any,

STEVE OSUJI

EXPRESSO

steve.osuji@yahoo.com

•Columnist of the Year (NMMA)

Chicken season Ooni’s passage: Away with savage traditions!

T was with utter shock that one read that the famous university town of Ile-Ife was shut down for an entire day in honour of the revered monarch, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Alayeluwa Olubuse II. There is no doubt that in the pantheon of Yoruba monarchy, the Ife throne ranks among the top.

But this still does not explain why the town would be on lock-down for a whole day and probably many nights until the body is interred. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), one of the biggest in Africa, is to be shut. Banks, hospitals, markets, all business activities; indeed all souls are to remain indoors and anyone who strays will be doing so at his peril. This is the unstated part of the close-down.

What happens to emergencies like women in labour and urgent health challenges? How many lives would be lost on account of this medieval practice? What is the economic cost? How long are we going to continue with this savage ab’oba ku tradition? To what end is this barbarity? It feels like a log of wood when someone else’s corpse is concerned. How would it be if one of the governor’s kin is missing during this period or any prominent person’s child is caught down in the mix?

It is hoped that the state government and the in-coming Ooni would review all of this and modernise the throne.

I

geria had to show the world that it had arrived, so she doled out her new found petro-

dollars as if there would be no tomorrow, just to impress the world. Why is it that no

can Nigeria learn from the Singaporean experience?

First, it is not size that matters. There are big for nothing nations, just as there are big for nothing individuals. For far too long, we have focused on population as if it is the numbers that make a great nation.

Second, unity and national pride come with tangible national success. We fought a civil war because we wanted to keep Nigeria united. Are we united now as a country? Browse the various blogs and online comment pages for an answer. A more effective road to unity is a selfless leadership with a good understanding of what it takes to achieve national greatness and can demonstrate success in national advancement.

Third, unlike Singaporeans, we don’t even have a unity of purpose. There is too much mistrust and misconception of motives and intentions. If this is just a followership issue, we may suggest that leadership should come to the rescue. But it is mostly at the leadership level and not for the most laudable of motives.

Those who fear the personal loss of what they consider their entitlements are often in the vanguard of ethnic jingoism. And as it is at the national level, so it is at state and local government levels. Within the same party and the same ethnic group, there are crises of confidence. Already, the battle for 2019 has started even with a new president just starting his term! It’s egoism run amok.

Fourth, a strong and selfless leader with a vision will see through the cracks, rise above the fray and inspire the entire nation, young and old, men and women, of all faiths and all backgrounds, with personal example of hard work, self-discipline and transparent incorruptibility. He will not be distracted by perennial nay-sayers, or partisan critics because he has his eyes set on the prize of national advancement. He will go for the necessary restructuring of the economy and the polity, and investment in human development, as the sine qua non of transformation.

My support for President Muhammadu Buhari is based on my understanding of his vision in view of his past service and his tenacity in the past three elections. I still have that belief in his ability to transform the nation and in his determination to make a success of his efforts. The ball is in Mr. President’s court. Singapore was not a magic. Nigeria can rise above the cloud of despair that hangs over her otherwise beautiful sunny sky.

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080 other country on the continent has dared to embark on such folly as hosting an African arts and culture festival almost 40 years after FESTAC 77?

Following the same trajectory of wastes, General Ibrahim Babangida, Nigeria’s military president from 1985 to 1993, continued the binge. At the peak of his reign, he said in an interview that he could not understand why Nigeria’s economy had not failed. Yes, he was apt to wonder why because it was an era of especial official graft bordering on brigandage. In a free for all treasury-plundering, Babangida’s era epitomised corruption and ineptitude in leadership.

It peaked with the spiriting away of over $12 billion Gulf War crude oil sales windfall. Babangida never gave account of this huge accruals to the federation account till today. The last time we heard of this matter, an obviously compromised judge threw out the case brought before it by a rights group.

If the junta were stupid with resources, the civilians fared no better. If you thought the Alhaji Shehu Shagari era (1979-1983) was a sorry period in the life of this country, these past 16 years of the PDP have only left us haemorrhaging mortally. This is where we are now: after Presidents Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria is left, a wounded mass, bleeding to death.

•Continued

on page 59

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