Saturday 28th May 2016

LCCI: Economy Suffered Severe Decline Under Buhari's One Year Economic policy space remains unclear

Crusoe Osagie in Lagos and James Emejo in Abuja The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has declared that the Nigerian economy suffered severe decline in the past one

year of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The LCCI in a report titled: “The Economy After One Year of Buhari's Administration” released yesterday explained that the woeful outcome of the nation's economic performance

Expects marginal recovery following budget signing

was the result of "the absence of well structured, broad-based and synergized economic blueprint with clearly stated goals, plans, policies and strategies to drive the economy."

The Chamber stressed that the economic policy space re-

mained unclear, adding that the policy conception was faulty, hence, policy coordination and implementation suffered serious setback.

The LCCI stated in the report: “There is, therefore, urgent need for central policy

strategy with detailed and well-designed policy direction.

This is critical to effective and efficient coordination and implementation of policy.

"While the policy goal of eliminating corruption is laudable, the need for

concerted effort on the side of the government with respect to policy, legal and regulatory environments in order to boost private sector participation is highly desirable.

"Improving the ease of Continued on page 6

Wike: Nigeria Will Be Doomed if this INEC Conducts 2019 Election ...Page 40 Saturday 28 May, 2016 Vol 21. No 7696 Price: N250

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Buhari Inaugurates Committee to Handle High Profile Corruption Cases President will not influence anti-corruption agencies, says Osinbajo

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja inaugurated a National Prosecution Coordination Committee (NPCC) saddled with the responsibility

of prosecuting high profile criminal cases in the country.

The committee is headed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami.

The vice president who inaugurated the committee on behalf of President Muham-

madu Buhari gave an assurance that the president would not tele-guide anti-corruption agencies in the course of their operation.

The Vice President said: "When you look at the way the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies have

acted in recent times, you will notice that they are not under any kind of direction or influence of the President.

"They are given the independence to act; they are given the authority and backing to act on their own and to use their own discre-

tion appropriately at all times.

You don’t get any situation where the president says go get that person or back off that person."

Osinbajo who stood in for Buhari at the inauguration said both the president and himself expected the agencies

to use their powers with fairness, devoid of any prejudice.

He said the same responsibility had been given to the newly formed NPCC to bring justice to the people.

Addressing the 20-member Continued on page 6

NigerDeltaAvengersHitNNPC's Crude, Gas Trunklines in Delta Demands self-rule, not pipeline protection contracts Vandalisation will hurt Delta more than FG, says Okowa

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba and Sylvester Idowu in Warri

IYABO OGUNNAIKE

Rampaging militants of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) on Thursday night bombed another pipeline belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) around Batan community, in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta state In a message on its Twitter handle, the renewed face of militancy in the oil-rich Niger Delta said that it carried out the bombing just before midnight on Thursday.

The group noted that it carried out the attack in keeping with its warning that the international oil company should not attempt to fix its strategic pipeline at Abitiye area which the group had blown up recently.

The NDA said that it successfully carried out the bombing of the pipeline despite the fact that the facility was heavily guided by military personnel.

The group while acknowlContinued on page 6

No One to Admire Me and Tell Me How Beautiful I Look

SuperSaturday pg. 8-9

ROSE GYAR Material Things Don’t Give Me Joy; Happy People Do

Plus pg. 17

THE PRESIDENT MEETS PUBLISHERS ...

R-L: Executive Director, The Guardian, Mr Toke Ibru; President Muhammadu Buhari; Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, THISDAY Newspapers and President NPAN, Mr Nduka Obaigbena; Life Patron of NPAN, Ismaila Isa Funtua; Chairman New Telegraph, Alhaji Idi Farouk and others after Buhari met with members of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria at the State House in Abuja…yesterday STATE HOUSE

FG Finds Solution to Tomatoe Ebola Disease...Page 63

Continued on page 6

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R •SATURDAY, mAY 28, 2016

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PAGE SIX

Boko Haram Razes Five Borno Villages Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri

The Boko Haram terrorists again inched closer to Maiduguri on Tuesday night, razing five villages in the suburb of the town.

The terrorist group, which

many had thought were depleted, undertook a daring attack on five villages, mainly in Jere Local Government Area, about 10 kilometers from Maiduguri, the capital of troubled Borno State.

The terrorists were alleged to have killed 11 persons in the five villages which they

attacked between 8pm and 10pm on Tuesday.

A member of the youth vigilante group, who spoke anonymously to our correspondent in Maiduguri yesterday, said: the terror group attacked the five villages of Gurkolle I, Gurkolle II, Jajeri and Jatori (all in

Jere local government area) and Ladi Mbutaye (in Mafa local government) in a brutal manner.

He said they drove to the villages in tricycles and motorcycles and razed the five villages.

The vigilante member said at the two Gurkolle villages,

a person was killed each.

At Jajeri, he said five persons were shot dead by the rampaging insurgents.

But at Jatori, there was no death though the entire village was razed by Boko Haram insurgents.

He said the insurgents were more daring in Ladi Mbutaye

were they slaughtered four persons as if they were chickens and razed the village completely.

The vigilante said the insurgents wanted to advance further but for the intervention of men of the youth vigilante group and soldiers who pushed them back.

reforms including frameworks that would inherently curb corruption.

“We welcome Government’s recent removal of subsidy on kerosene and PMS. However, we call for full deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. This will reduce distortions in the downstream oil industry, eliminate corruption that has marred the sector over the years, increase government revenue whilst empowering the government to fund infrastructure and other social interventions.

"We welcome the decision of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to adopt a flexible exchange rate regime which is desirable in the light of prevailing economic realities.

There is however, a need for clarity on what the CBN describes as a special window for critical transactions for which preferential rates will apply. We would like to caution against possible abuse and distortions that such a window could create. On the immediate, relaxing the impediments that will allow liquidity to flow into the autonomous forex market is desirable.

"The Budget has been signed into law after about four months of delay. We expect marginal recovery in economic activities as soon

as disbursement of capital projects and social intervention programmes start. The 2016 budget assent and implementation should give rise to positive macro environment. However, inflationary impact remains a concern as the presidency will become more practical in its quest to deliver on some critical electoral promises."

NBS: States' IGR Dropped

by N25.18bn in 2015 The Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the 36 states of the federation dropped by N25.18 billion to N682.67 billion in 2015 compared to N707.85 billion realised in the previous year, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) stated yesterday.

Although Lagos State topped the revenue chart with N268.22 billion in the period under review, it lost N7.93 billion when compared with the N276.16 billion it posted in 2014.

Rivers was second with N82.10 billion, a difference of N7.011 billion with regards to N89.11 billion collected in 2014.

Delta State's 2015 IGR also dipped by N2.01 billion to N40.80 billion from N42.81 billion the previous year.

Yobe recorded the least revenue for the period in review with N2.25 billion, representing a drop of N822.44 million when compared to the N3.07 billion

it raked in the previous year.

According to the 2015 States' IGR figures released by the statistical agency yesterday, only Ebonyi State had incomplete IGR computation for 2015 but recorded N11.03 billion in 2014.

In Imo, IGR declined by N2.64 billion to N5.47 billion from N8.11 billion the previous year while Kaduna recorded N11.53 billion as against N12.78 billion in 2014, a drop of 32.57 percent.

However, Ogun increased its IGR significantly by N17.09 billion to N34.59 billion from N17.49 in the previous year, representing an increase of 97.72 percent.

Anambra also enhanced its collection by 41.48 percent to N14.79 billion from N10.45 billion in 2014 as well as Edo which grew its revenue to N19.11 billion from N17.02 billion.

Kwara State IGR further dipped by 42.39 percent to N17.17 billion from N12.46 billion in the period in review.

According to the NBS, states' tax revenue came largely from Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE), direct assessment, road taxes and other revenue.

Lagos raked as much as N175.43 billion from PAYE and N9.51 billion from road taxes in the period under review.

LCCI: ECONOMY SUFFERED SEVERE DECLINE UNDER BUHARI'S ONE YEAR doing business through efficient business environment vis-à-vis effective infrastructure in all facets of the economy is pertinent.

"It is imperative to make very strong moves to resolve the weakening oil revenue and find creative ways of incentivising forex inflow to Nigeria so as to boost liquidity and ease access to forex through alternative sources such as FDI in critical sectors of the economy and diaspora remittances.”

Analysing the various declining indices that left the overall economy in shambles in the last one year, the organised private sector body noted that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country which stood at 2.35 per cent in May 2015 when the current administration took office, has now crashed to -0.4 per cent(negative growth) in May 2016.

As for the official exchange rate of the dollar to the naira, in May 2015, $1 exchanged for N197.9, while in 2016 a dollar is N199, but in the parallel market, according to the Chamber, a dollar was N219 in May 2015 but depreciated to about N350 in May 2016.

Other indices analysed were the rate of inflation which according to LCCI, jumped from 8.7 per cent in May 2015 to 13.9 per cent in May 2016.

The crude oil output in the country was also found to have dipped significantly, dropping from 2.05 million barrels per day (bpd) in May 2015, to 1.4 million bpd in 2016.

For the nation's external reserves, there was also a decline of $1.25 billion in Buhari's one year, falling from $29.1 billion to $27.86billion.

The Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) also had its revenue markedly depleted from N409 billion in May 2015, to N299 billion in May 2016.

The stock market capitalisation followed suit in the decline with capitalisation dropping from N11.42 trillion in May 2015, to N8.7 trillion in May 2016.

Unemployment figures soared higher during the period, rising from 24.1 per cent in 2015, to 29.2 per cent in 2016.

Other statistics analysed by the LCCI included the Business Confidence Index which tumbled from 7.3 per cent to -8 per cent (negative); Industrial Capacity Utilisation which fell from 54.9 to 53.7; Ease of Doing Business fell from 170 units to 169 units; Agricultural sector growth fell from 4.7 per cent to 3.09 per cent; Industrial sector growth fell from -2.53 per cent to -5.4

per cent; Services sector growth fell from 7.04 per cent to 0.80 per cent; Aviation passenger traffic dropped from 4.2 million to 3.8 million people; Real estate vacancies index rose from 100 units to 143 units; Power output dropped from 3,205 mw to 2,500 mw; Power available per day dropped from 13 hours to 5 hours and Banks' bad loans rose from N25.3 billion in May 2015 to N41.5 billion in May 2016.

Making recommendations on how to stem the drift, the LCCI stated: “We observed remarkable success in containing Boko Haram insurgency by pushing them from taking territories and local councils to the fringes of Sambisa Forest.

As the final clearing of Boko Haram continues, we urge the government to extend its attention to the growing security breaches coming from groups such as the armed Herdsmen and the Niger Delta Militants.

Businesses and the private sector can only thrive in a peaceful and secure environment.

“Anti-corruption war of the present administration should continue unabated and we are happy that emphasis is being placed on recovering looted funds both from within and outside the country. It is our wish that government reviews its processes and put in place

NIGER DELTA AVENGERS HIT NNPC'S CRUDE, GAS TRUNKLINES IN DELTA edging the reported meeting of Niger-Delta stakeholders meeting held last Wednesday in Abuja, said it was as an insult to the sensibility of the people of the Niger Delta region, which it said needed independence from the Nigerian federation.

NDA said it was infuriated by talks of the federal government offering the region palliatives including contracts to carry out surveillance of pipelines in the region against vandalism and crude theft.

"The Niger Delta stakeholders’ meeting is an insult to the people of the Niger Delta. What we need is a sovereign state, not pipeline contracts", it declared.

It further warned via its Tweeter handle: "To the International Oil Companies, IOCs and the Nigeria military, watch out!

Something big is about to happen and it would shock the whole world."

There are growing lamentations by the federal government and other state holders about the huge financial losses due to the drastic cuts created by the series of oil facility bombings just as electricity supply in most parts of the country has hit very low levels owing to shortage of gas supply.

THISDAY recalled that last Thursday night's bombing of the trunkline took place less than 12 hours after an attack on two Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) facilities, which was said to have grounded the multinational company's entire swamp operations in Delta State.

The renewed attacks also coincided with NDA’s ultimatum to oil companies operating in the Niger Delta to stop production and move out of the region.

An environmental activist, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, from Gbaramatu Kingdom confirmed the attack but could not point out the exact location of the incident.

"There was an explosion at about 11:15pm, but we have not been able to ascertain the exact point.

It was around this area; we have conflicting information: one says it was around Bennet Island, the other says it was Batan. We need to be very concrete with our information", Mulade said.

The Spokesperson of the Ijaw Youths Congress (IYC), Comrade Eric Omare who also confirmed the attack was however emphatic that the incident occurred at the back of Batan community.

Omare said: "it was at the back of Batan, Warri South-west. I think the facility should belong to NNPC".

The NDA also rejected the idea of dialogue, pointing out that it was out to secure self-rule for the Niger Delta people, describing the stakeholders' meeting as an insult to the people of the oil-rich region, threatening more devious actions.

Although there was no official security confirmation of the incident, as none of the top security operatives who could make comments on it were unavailable but a reliable senior naval officer confirmed that an explosion had been recorded close to Egwa 1 area, which the oil

fields Batan community is located.

Efforts to get reaction from the NNPC was unsuccessful as the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the corporation, Mallam Garba-Deen Muhammed did not respond to phone calls and text messages sent to him.

The Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS Delta), Warri, Commodore Raimi Mohammed also refused to pick calls and respond to test messages even though the incident took place close to the Naval Base.

Okowa: Pipeline Vandalisation Will Hurt Delta More than FG Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has pleaded with host communities to help end the spate of pipeline bombing, saying the attacks and disruption of oil production was more

hurtful to the state that it was even to the Federal Government.

Okowa, who made the appeal during his maiden audience participatory on the Delta Television and Radio Asaba, said that the attacks on pipelines had greatly depleted the state's monthly revenue from both the federation account and internal sources.

He said that the 13 per cent Derivation Fund accruals were equally affected by the reduction in crude oil production owing to the resurgence activities of the militants as more than 250, 000 barrels of oil per day was being lost or shut in.

He therefore appealed to the people to prevail on those behind the attacks to desist from the act and embrace the option of dialogue as the state was the worse for it when the quantum

of oil produced form Delta is drastically reduced.

"The last monthly allocation to Delta State was just N3billion (three billion naira) whereas the state has a monthly wage bill of N7.5 billion. Where are we going to source the shortfall from?"

The governor said that all the people particularly in the waterside areas and creeks should prevail on their children and youths to give peace a chance and cooperate with the government's effort to negotiate a restoration of peace especially in the oil producing areas of the state.

He said that the high-powered Advocacy Committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Mr Kingsley Otuaro has been visiting different communities in the state government's efforts to restore peace and ensure security in the state and the Niger Delta

as a whole.

He noted that Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) had moved out of the state blaming it on security concerns in Warri area, noting that relocation

by Shell meant a huge revenue loss to Delta in terms of tax or royalties as well as loss of jobs for numerous local hands.

INC Begins Consultations with Youths, Ijaw Leaders…

Meanwhile, disturbed by the resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta, the apex Ijaw socio-cultural organisation, Ijaw National Congress (INC), yesterday embarked on consultations with Ijaw leaders, youth groups and various associations across 78 Ijaw clans within and outside the region.

Continued on page 10

BUHARI INAUGURATES COMMITTEE TO HANDLE HIGH PROFILE CORRUPTION CASES committee, the Vice President said: "This is the sort of responsibility placed on your own shoulders; the responsibility to exercise prosecutorial power independently and without any direction except of course from the learned Attorney-General who is the constitutional and prosecutorial authority in the country.

"It is a very serious responsibility. It involves making sure that people are treated fairly or that people are not pursued by reason of bias or any other such consideration."

He also cautioned the committee to make sure that those being prosecuted were not embarrassed needlessly by the prosecutors.

According to him, it is important that everybody observes that the system is fair and that the system works in the interest of the Nigerian people.

"When the system is fair,

everybody buys into it and it is not difficult for people to relate with it and support it."

While stating that every prosecuting organ or agent had the responsibility to put in place a system that "we ourselves would not be afraid to be subjected to," the Vice President said that the selection of the committee members took into consideration not only their legal skills and learning, but also their integrity and strength of character in order to chart a new course in the nation’s criminal justice system.

Osinbajo said: "Given the nature of economic crimes and the enormity sometimes of the money that is involved and the influence of those who may have to be prosecuted, you need more than legal skills.

You need men and women of strong character and courage who will not only be able to turn down inducements of any

kind but also act without consideration for tribe, friendship, religion or any other parochial considerations.

"This is a very important committee because the administration itself is committed to ensuring that we are able to deal with not only question of corruption which is a big item on our agenda but also other economic crimes. Terrorism has assumed different shapes and proportions of late, and the vandalism that we see in parts of the Niger Delta, which has affected so many different things including oil production, power supply.

"We are in a very crucial time in our social development and a committee such as this is very necessary and historic because I do not know of any other of such committee in the history of this country.’’

Earlier in his remarks, the

Attorney General and Justice Minister said that the committee comprised 12 ex-officio and eight external members of proven integrity and competence.

He said that to fast-rack the work of the committee, the ministry had created 20 prosecution teams with four members each and had requested all agencies exercising police powers to recommend five experienced investigators to support the committee’s work.

“The aim is to ensure effective investigation and prosecution of high profile criminal cases in Nigeria,’’ the minister said, adding that the committee was not a duplication of the existing anti-corruption agencies but would collaborate with such agencies for effective service delivery.

See full list of committee members on page 10

T H I S D AY SATURDAY MAY 28, 2016

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 28, 2016

SUPER SATURDAY IYABO OGUNNAIKE

No One to Admire Me and Tell Me How Beautiful I Look Her face glistens as she sits quietly in the living room. Her calm, deep eyes reflect images of a love story that seems to end abruptly and irretrievably. The pulse of her heartbeat fills the room as she talks about a subject that resonates throughout an interview session with her. A further glance in the room unveils series of trophies –shiny trophies of various sizes and shapes and in assorted hues. She has at least a hundred of them around the house. Seated in a simple dress and without any costume, her pristine beauty will stop any man in his tracks. How did she come about those trophies? What keeps her beautiful eyes look so distant at times? In an unmistakeable simplicity and frankness with Adedayo Adejobi, Iyabo Ogunnaike talks about a man in her life she lost two years ago – the General Manager of Eldorado Constructions, Jimoh Ogunnaike; her best friend and husband. A champion in 21 major golf tournaments, Iyabo still struggles from time to time to win the fight against the reality of having lost her husband. She also shares the narratives of her experience as a widow – the slander, the neglect and blackmail. Hitting the golden age of 50, Iyabo Ogunnaike feels there is more to her life than struggling with the absence of her beloved husband

I

Ogunnaike

How will you describe yourself? am an easy going woman, a simple character; I don’t claim to be what I am not.

I am attached to my faith in Christ, and that cannot be detached from who I am. I rely so much on my faith and relationship with God. I take only what belongs to me, and try as much as possible to be honest and I avoid keeping secrets. I try to be transparent as I can.

What kind of family did you grow up in?

I grew up in a family filled with love. My father was a disciplinarian and a lovable character.

He was strict but loved us still; being loved by my parents and siblings, made growing up fun.

What values did you acquire as a child?

I grew up being true to myself, because my father was a very honest man. He never got along with dishonest people. My father was a simple and easy going man. My mum likes fun and fashion. She is an easygoing woman.

Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Plateau State where I had my primary and secondary education. I went further to the Polytechnic of Kaduna. After marriage, I went to Lagos State University.

What did you study at the Lagos State University?

I had B.A in English; at Kaduna Polytechnic, I studied purchasing and supply.

When and how did you meet your husband?

I met my husband (now late) while I was at the Kaduna Polytechnic, studying purchasing and supply. He was a part-time lecturer and also worked in the works department. Although he never took my class on any course, we met on the campus in 1984.

At what point did you decide he was the man for you?

He started by chatting me up. I even thought he had forgotten all about me because I had forgotten him. But that fateful day, four months after, he came. Then I was living with my uncle in kabala. From the first day I met him, he was eager to visit me. But I told him my uncle didn’t accommodate visitors or strangers. That day, he visited despite having warned him about my uncle likely to be around. He assured me he was bold enough and that being in a polytechnic, I was no longer a child. Besides, he just told my uncle he was a friend. We got talking afterwards, and he said he couldn’t get over me after our first meeting. I think that was what attracted me to him. And that was how it started.

At what point did you decide to marry him?

Did he have striking features you admired?

My husband was a very lovable character. My husband was very romantic. He prepared meals for me – even sometimes while I was around he would offer to do the cooking. He was always proud to show me his culinary skills. After getting out of a failed marriage, he wanted to be sure of what he was doing. He did not want another failed marriage. So, that actually guided us because he was a bit careful on his own part. I was too.

Women generally don’t want to marry a man who has been in a failed marriage; why did you opt for such a man?

I have always been someone with a mind

of my own. Even as a teenager, I knew what I wanted. At some point, my parents were worried about me getting married to someone who had experienced a failed marriage – especially because I didn’t know how the marriage failed. I knew enough that he was somebody I loved and I wanted to share the rest of my life with. More so, he loved me in return. For me, in life, love matters a lot to me. I could see that he loved me that was the most crucial thing to me. Besides, he opened up on his past to me.

What was his profession?

He studied Quantity Surveying and was a part-time Lecturer at the works department in Kaduna Polytechnic. After he got married, he then decided to leave the teaching line and was invited by a firm, May and Brindle. I think his boss then was European. He invited him and when he heard about the salary, it was twice what he earned as a lecturer. He was later transferred from Kaduna to Lagos; that was how we came to Lagos.

Were you a housewife?

I was initially a housewife when I had my first son. During the naming ceremony, I received some cash gifts and I wanted to start a business with it. I approached my husband and he agreed. So I started a business with that money and he later gave me more money for the business. So I started the business using our garage as my shop; he had to park his car under a tree.

After marriage, was your husband still cooking the meals?

He continued for some time. He went as far as boasting about his culinary skills, saying I used to be a very good cook. He spoke about how he cooked for his principal and boss. He truly did know how to cook and his meals were delicious.

But after we got married, he was no longer like that.

What do you particularly miss about him?

I wouldn’t say one. I miss virtually everything about him. My husband was like my pillar.

When he died, I didn’t think I would survive it (his death); because he was everything to me.

He lived his life to please me. Whatever I like he liked. Whatever I don’t like, my husband would stay away from it. Most of his resources were spent by me, the children and charity. My husband was a selfless person. He stood firmly by me; whoever opposed me was opposing my husband. He always made sure I was happy.

He is not a perfect being. There are some things I can’t overlook. Some say I should learn to move on, I still think about him. I am learning to move on, but I don’t think forgetting about him is possible. Some fond memories always make me remember him. On several occasions, he bought me special meals from Kaduna, Abuja and Kano.

A lot of the things I like and miss like tuwo, masa etc., as a result of the fact that we moved from the North to the South. He would buy these foods in a cooler all the way from Kaduna to Lagos for me to eat. How much I miss him is best imagined!

He stood by me and felt my pain. My husband was like the pillar of my life, and so when he died, it was just like my world crumbled. But I kept saying to myself, I would survive it, even though the emptiness was deep. There was nothing more in life I was looking forward to,

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 28, 2016

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SUPER SATURDAY My Husband and I Shared Same Toothbrush, Sponge and Towel except my children and grandchildren.

Can you tell us about you became a golf player?

Golf is one of the reasons I said my husband is not the person I can forget. He didn’t just start playing golf; he was also a squash player.

Because of his health, he was advised to switch to less stressful sport – he chose golf. I made jest of him that how could an old man be running after a white ball on the green and he would laugh. Not too long, I felt overweight and I visited Quincy to lose weight. When I got there, I spent so much money. He didn’t give me money because he said he wasn’t interested in that. Besides, my husband was someone that liked to club and he liked my shape. I was doing exercises. I was always there (Quincy) at a point in time. He then told me I was giving so much money away going to Quincy that by the time I played golf twice my weight would reduce quickly. He enrolled me, bought the kits and then I started to play golf. When I started, I discovered I had developed passion for it. I was always playing golf more than him because he never had much time.

Is that how you got all these trophies?

Yes. I have some more trophies in the room.

He had four trophies, while I have the remaining, totaling over a hundred.

What handicap have you played?

I have played 27, 30. At some point, I dropped to 26 and 27 and later 11. At points where I didn’t play regularly, my handicap floated between 17 and 20.

What do you owe to your radiant skin?

I think it is contentment and the special grace of God. I am a content person. I am happy with who I am. I don’t make up (my face). I hardly use any cream on my body. I can go on for three weeks without applying any cream on my body, except when I feel dry. And when I do, I use my E-45 lotion. I also avoid keeping secrets.

What is your normal day like?

Now, there isn’t a routine. I run a factory where we produce all shades of nylons. Because of electricity problem, I do not produce as much as I used to. Producing with diesel gulps most of the profit. So I decided to limit my production to when there is electricity, special orders and for a few customers we service.

Having spoken glowingly of your late husband, any plans to immortalise him?

There are so many things on my mind. My husband loved charity works; he gave a lot (to that course). He was the kind of man who would give anything without reservation and any expectation. I know that I cannot do more than he had done. My husband could give everything on him, and later ask me to lend me him N5, 000. He gave to the house of God and the less privileged. I intend to keep that up. I intend to build an orphanage in his name to help the less privileged children and do more charity work.

Three years after his death, are there times you still feel you are missing him?

I miss (him) every minute, every hour and every day. From cock crow till dawn when he was around, we were always together. We shared everything in common – same toothbrush, sponge and towel. We shared everything. We were so close that my husband got jealous when he wanted me to be indoors but I went out. He always wanted me around him. Whenever he was away (from home) we were always on the phone (communicating). We could chat for hours about life, work, those who hurt us and everything.

Which of those fond memories do you cherish the most?

There are so many because they happened on a daily basis. We exchanged banters all the time.

My husband was a humorous person.

Who offended who the most?

From my own perception, maybe if he was here, he would say I offended him more. But I will say he offended me most and (he hardly) apologised. Instead of apologising, he would make me laugh over it and then forget about the issue. He always found a way to make me laugh, but he never apologised. He could say sorry with cards when he offended me.

How did you acquire your tasteful but simple fashion sense?

I got that from my mum. She is a fashionable person even though she had never been to the four walls of any school. My husband loved my simplicity. Growing up, my father never allowed us to use makeup. I tried to impress my husband

Ogunnaike sitting by her trophies

Ogunnaike with one of her grandchildren

by using makeup but one day he told me it was my natural look and innocence that he admired most. Since then, I never bothered making up again. My husband will go the extra mile to make sure I wore what I wanted though I was not working. He didn’t care how much it cost. If he saw someone wearing a trouser he liked, he would give me money to buy it. He loved my simplicity, and my fashion sense. My husband didn’t buy so many clothes unless I asked him to buy. Even when he bought them, wearing them was a problem. He believed that to know a rich man, seeing the way his wife dress, you’ll know a rich man from a poor one. He always said once I was well dressed, he was alright. So, waking up to dress up was because of him. Now that he is no more, there is nothing to dress up for. It all feels empty; now no one to admire me and tell me how beautiful I look when I dress.

Fashion went with him, until I had to tell myself, I wouldn’t die with him, but instead I will live for him.

You mourned him for a year after his death.

Why? It was a period I felt this emptiness. I didn’t wear earrings and fashionable dresses; more so, because the whole essence of wearing them had gone. When I woke up, I didn’t feel like putting on anything. Fashion was just like a burden to me. I just wanted to put on something and go out. I was going to the bank with bathroom slippers. Until I put on the courage not to die but live for him and God. In Nigeria, being a widow comes with a lot of burdens and responsibilities. What has been your experience?

I felt very empty when my husband died, as 60 per cent of me died. I was left with 40 per cent to grapple with the society. The emptiness was worsened by pains of betrayal, neglect, rejection, blackmail, and slander. In our African society, a widow is reduced to a brat, who needs to be taught bitter lessons of life by her in-laws. They say they need to level her by chopping off her wings.

And for them to do this, they have to blackmail the widow, thus tagging her witch, saying she

I HaveMoreThan 100Trophies I WonPlayingGolf

killed her husband. So that way, they tell the woman to leave her husband’s house and claim the properties to justify their cruelty.

The cruel act is so insensitive of them, as the woman is already going through the pain of losing her husband. For them to come and tell her she killed her husband, the pain is so discomfiting. Funny enough this was what my husband used to say while he was alive.

But then the angle it came from was not the angle I was expected it. I thought these things happened in a primitive world. I never knew it was the thing that would happen to me.

When I watch Yoruba movies, I thought they exaggerated things, until I saw it happen.

These are true life stories.

Like they claim, if a woman truly is a witch and killed her husband, she should be handed over to the appropriate authorities.

The law should take its due course. People who treat widows in such (cruel) manner, look into their lives and, you’ll find out they cannot even manage their homes. I have been able to overcome because I see myself as a bold and courageous person. If I could go through this, I wonder what an average, timid widow will be going through. I am courageous and could be confrontational, particularly if you try to take me for granted.

I will suggest to fellow widows who might be going through difficult times: as a widow, know your rights, boundaries, and never go beyond them. That way it’ll be easier to fight the cause. It is though a long fight that you have to fight all by yourself. And if you don’t get up to fight, nobody will fight for you except God and you. Widows need resilience and courage.

What does it feel like being a grandmother?

Being a grandmother is another experience on its own, and it gets me back to life.

When I started seeing my grandchildren, I felt fulfilled. I knew I was going to have grandchildren but I wasn’t expecting it to be soon. Seeing my children gradually taking up decision-making roles in the family, I began to say to myself these are my children I used to flog. Now, they are beginning to take the lead role at home. I feel fulfilled when in little ways they come to my assistance. When I see my grandchildren, I am so happy. I feel this inexplicable joy. Now, I can talk as an authority, and as an elder. I am not the small wife again. There is a sense of fulfillment; the joy motherhood brings, and I want to live once more.

Are you then considering remarrying?

I won’t. Let’s not say never; but I don’t think I will ever remarry. Where do I start from? If I get married, the husband will be tired of me one day and said you will go back to this your late husband.

Because I am so attached to him saying that till death do us part. But I didn’t realise that not even death will part me with my husband because I feel him on a daily basis. I can’t think of getting married. To me, it’s like I am betraying my husband. For those who are not old as I am, they could go ahead and remarry. Remarriage is the least thing on my mind. I am Mrs. Ogunnaike and I want to remain so forever.

10

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 28, 2016

NEWS

News Editor Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (sms only) Email ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

Former NATO Secretary-General Calls for End to Militancy, Herdsmen Attacks Senator Iroegbu and Alex Enumah in Abuja The former Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), Mr. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, has called on the Federal Government to take urgent and holistic measures to end Boko Haram, resurgent Niger Delta militancy and herdsmen attacks.

Rasmussen made this call in Abuja as part of the highlights of the Nigeria Summit on National Security Summit that ended on Thursday with the Theme: "Confronting and Containing Threats from Terrorism and Sectarian Insurgency".

He said that the event, which was organised by the Council on African Security and Development (CASADE) and Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), provided an opportunity to articulate sustainable solutions that would not only lead to immediate end to Boko Haram terrorism, Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) and Fulani herdsmen attacks.

He commended Nigeria's exemplary and efficient use of the military to combat terrorism in the country.

He however suggested a carrot and stick approach towards dealing with the myriad of security challenges confronting the nation.

"Nigeria is an example of hard security measures necessary to tackle the bad guys. The military had improved a lot and has been successful in weakening Boko Haram even though they are yet to be completely eliminated.

"Recently, we have seen the attacks by the NDA against oil installations and as well as herdsmen attacks which must be addressed. It’s therefore necessary to strengthen the military to tackle these terrorists and more importantly, address the root causes of these security challenges," he suggested.

Rasmussen also called for global alliance of democratic nations including Nigeria that would be aimed at collective efforts to counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency around the world.

He noted that terrorists were becoming highly inter-connected, citing the recent alliance of the Boko Haram Sect and the Islamic State (IS), which he noted, sought to displace the values of democratic nations.

The former Prime Minister of Denmark in his keynote address stressed that a winnable formula and sustainable solution had not been developed to counter extremists and global terror.

"Terrorism targets our values; to replace democracy with tyranny, rule of law with Sharia, and minority rights with oppression.

"We therefore need to create a forum where world democracies will meet to discuss how to strengthen the rule of law, good governance, combat insecurity, terrorism and check their financing.

We need a worldwide pact based on freedom and security.

"We still have not developed an effective formula to fight terrorism", he said.

Also speaking, the former United States Ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell, said that beating Boko Haram at the battle field was not enough to uproot insurgency and terrorism, stressing that until the nation strove to get to the root cause, the current gains may be short lived.

Speaking on a topic: "The Surge of Insurgency and Terrorism in Recent Times- The Economic and Social Consequences", Campbell who describe Boko Haram as ‘Evil’, noted that the failure for the former President Goodluck Jonathan administration to effectively deal with the challenge on time undermined his leadership.

"Boko Haram successes in

DELIVERING INFRASTRUCTURE...

R-L: Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, with former Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji; Commissioner for Works & Infrastructure, Mr. Ganiyu Johnson and Special Adviser to the Governor, Public Works Corporation, Mr. Ayotunde Sodeinde during the commissioning of the newly constructed and upgraded Ajasa-Command Road, Ipaja with street lights, drainage and walk-way in Alimosho Local Government, Lagos on Friday 2014 undermined the ability of Jonathan administration to ensure the security of the Nigerian people, which is a fundamental responsibility of any President," he said.

Campbell cited Pew's Research that indicated that about 10 per cent of Nigerian population was either supportive or sympathetic to Boko Haram, and stressed the need for an understanding of the factors that were responsible for the growth and strength of terrorism in the country.

The former Ambassador however commended President Buhari for his crusade against corruption in the country, saying that it was crucial in addressing the state of insecurity.

"The Buhari administration has

Economic Crisis Force Foreign Airlines Out of Nigeria Chinedu Eze

Low value of Naira and the inability of foreign carriers to repatriate their revenues have forced United Airlines and others to withdraw services to Nigeria.

As at March 31, 2016, foreign airlines funds trapped with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was about $575 million and there are strong indications that the airlines would lose substantial value of this money with the devaluing of the Naira by the federal government which has become imminent.

It is projected that if government devalues its currency, foreign airlines may lose about 45 per cent of their revenues with the CBN. This, experts believe, is one of the reasons why some of the airlines are pulling out of Nigeria and this would also trigger another wave of outrageous fares in their bid to get back what they have lost.

On Thursday United Airlines

expressed its plan to stop flights to and from Nigeria and Air France, Qatar and Etihad have also issued a two-month revenue warning on tickets sold in Naira which they must be allowed to repatriate or they would pull their flights from the country.

In April Spanish national airline, Iberia announced it would pull out of Nigeria and wound down its operations by May 12. The airline explained that it pulled out of Nigeria following protracted passenger drought since late last year.

Iberia said its decision to leave Nigeria was in response to the difficult times and the inability of the airline to record high load factor as it used to do, as economic crunch bedeviling the nation had depleted the finances of those who otherwise would travel out of the country on business, tourism or leisure.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) during its

conference in Abuja on Monday said it had been talking with the federal government on how to repatriate airlines funds trapped in CBN. THISDAY learnt that foreign airlines stopped repatriating their revenues as at when due since October last year due to the dollar shortage in the country brought in by the low earnings from crude oil sales.

Industry experts have expressed the view that more airlines may be tempted to pull out of the country if the hard time continued.

Inside source told THISDAY that the load factor was not good because of the financial crunch, which had kept potential travelers out of the airports.

“Foreign airlines adjusted their fares and stripped them of all promotional tickets. This hiked the fares and made them beyond the reach of ordinary travelers, so it is difficult for people to fly,” the source said.

diminished Boko Haram but has not defeated it and winning the military battles against the terrorists is just the beginning of addressing the problems.

"It means that President Buhari’s fight against corruption is a fight against insecurity of the first order," he noted.

Giving a brief history of Boko Haram which he claimed was overlooked by the US when it started in 2004, due to its nonviolent posture then, the former ambassador disclosed that the economic damage of insurgency and terrorism particularly in the North East (NE) of the country was about $9billion.

According to him, "available records show that there are over two million Internally Displaced

Persons (IDPs) from the NE, with over three million faced with the threat of food security, and millions of children in the three states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe faced with acute malnutrition.

He disclosed that the group which original claimed to be opposed to western civilisation today was responsible for the destruction of about 910 schools, closure of over a thousand in the North East and use of over 44 children for suicide bombings in 2015 alone.

He blamed factors such as poverty, lack of education, marginalisation, human rights violation particularly by security operatives for the spread of insurgency, adding that the high level of corruption both in the police and military

greatly undermined their resolve at the battle field.

Other factors the ambassador adduced to be responsible for the phenomenal growth of insurgency in the country are religious and ethnic allegiance, political agenda of some groups, deep level of distrust between government and the governed as well as the state of hopelessness of most Nigerians.

While stating that one out of five Nigerians was inclined to support the establishment of an Islamic state and one out of every 10 was favourably disposed to Boko Haram, Campbell argued that those who were deeply frustrated, felt alienated, and had trouble finding meaning to life, would easily fall for the offers of Boko Haram.

Niger Delta Avengers Hit NNPC's Crude, Gas Trunklines in Delta This was with a view to ascertain and identify the immediate grievances of The Niger Delta Avengers in order to proffer all-inclusive solutions.

The national delegation of the INC, comprising members from various Ijaw clans made this known to newsmen in Warri, yesterday, shortly after a consultative visit to the Ijaw community in Abraka and environs in Delta State.

Members of the INC delegation were in Abraka to mourn with and console the Congress leader, Mr. Martins Ezonfade, over the demise of his father, Pa Dr Michael Ezonfade.

Shortly after the visit, the delegation led by the SecretaryGeneral of INC, Dr. Bello Orubebe; INC Western Zone Secretary, Mr. Jeff Teiyeibo, Assistant Secretary INC Lagos, Mr. Ebi Benson and others spoke to Journalists giving condition for peace to return to the region.

They said that the body deemed it necessary to embark

on the move to allow for peaceful coexistence among various ethnic groups in the country, peace in the Niger Delta as well as to remind the federal government on the need to respond to the Ijaw question.

The Secretary-General, Dr. Orubebe, who spoke on behalf of others called on the federal government to address issues that needed immediate attention in the region, which he said included kick-starting of the federal Maritime University, Okerenkoko in Warri SouthWest Local Government area of Delta State.

Again, they want the issue of continued degradation of the Niger Delta through oil exploration with no commensurate measures put in place as well as the need for holistic approach on the region’s poor infrastructure be addressed by the Federal Government.

Reuters Report Monitored yesterday...

However, some Niger Delta

Cont’d from Pg. 6

community leaders seem to be voicing support for the NDA, saying their demands for a greater share of oil wealth match the aspirations of local people to protest decades of abuse and pollution.

Some of the leaders in a stakeholders’ meeting in Warri on Thursday accused the federal government of a heavy-handed military response and warned such a campaign would not stop attacks that have cut oil production by more than 40 percent.

According to reports monitored on Reuters, some civilian leaders sided with the attackers, calling them “armed agitators” protesting failed government policies.

“Until the issues of resource control that the Niger Delta people have been fighting for since 1960 are addressed, there can be no peace,” said Udengs Eradiri, President of the Ijaw Youth Congress.

11

MAY 28, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

Yemi

Adebowale 365 Days of Blood, Tears and Pain 07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

L

ast Thursday night was one of the most traumatic for me. I was about to retire to bed when it suddenly re-occurred to me that the Muhammadu Buhari administration would be a year old tomorrow. As I sat down on the edge of my bed to reflect on one year of the administration, I suddenly started shedding tears; tears for a country where the truth has taken an indefinite flight; tears for my beloved country, badly raped and brutalised by cold-blooded politicians. Tears for a country in desperate need of political, social and economic direction; a country so rich, yet, fantastically poor; a country where deceit has been elevated to a way of life. It is a shame that we are at a level where the average Nigerian now struggles for a meal a day while those who ought to call the government of the day to order look the other way. I eventually dozed off at about midnight and woke up with my pillow soaked with tears.

The last 12 months have indeed been most traumatic in the 55 years history of this country. There is too much human blood on our land; blood of the innocent. Human blood is sacred. A nation that overlooks the shedding of blood will never make progress.

Rampaging herdsmen and Boko Haram terrorists have spent the last 12 months killing Nigerians. The Boko Haram guys have been with us for some time. However, it was never this bad. Under Buhari’s watch, these bloodthirsty terrorists slaughtered almost 3000 Nigerians. Many will not forget in a hurry the massacre at the Dalori IDP camp which claimed 86 lives; the 50 people killed in Sabon Gari Market in Damboa; the 30 people killed in Yakshari and Kachifa villages in Damboa; the 27 people killed in Molai-Umarari Village and the 60 people killed in Maiduguri and Madagali last December. In all, almost 3000 people were killed by Boko Haram in the last 12 months.

Just on Tuesday, the terrorists attacked five villages in Jere Local Government, just 10 kilometres from Maiduguri, killing 11 people.

The cruel rampaging herdsmen have also killed hundreds of Nigerians from Enugu to Benue; from Nasarawa to Ekiti and beyond.

In Benue State alone, hundreds of people have been killed in the last 12 months. The destruction of human lives and farmlands by these herdsmen is unprecedented in the history of this country. They operate with so much impunity. It also depressing that it took Buhari almost a year to respond to the menace of these herdsmen. Even at that, the response was feeble while the killings continued.

A distrusted Professor Wole Soyinka remarked: “When I read a short while ago, the Presidential assurance to this nation that the current homicidal escalation between the cattle prowlers and farming communities would soon be over, I felt mortified. It is not merely arbitrary violence that reigns across

Buhari

the nation but total, undisputed impunity.

Impunity evolves and becomes integrated in conduct when crime occurs and no legal, logical and moral response is offered. I have yet to hear this government articulate a firm policy of non-tolerance for the serial massacres have become the nation’s identification stamp. I have not heard an order given that any cattle herders caught with sophisticated firearms be instantly disarmed, arrested, placed on trial, and his cattle confiscated.

Let me repeat, and of course I only ask to be corrected if wrong: I have yet to encounter a terse, rigorous, soldierly and uncompromising language from this leadership, one that threatens a response to this unconscionable blood-letting that would make even Boko Haram repudiate its founding clerics.”

Clearly, nomadic cattle rearing have no place in modern societies. This anomaly must end with the first year of our president.

The Buhari administration must take steps to restrict these vicious herdsmen to ranches in their states. State governments must also legally ban nomadic cattle rearing.

Our economy is another major victim of Buhari’s one year. It has been in a mess in the last 12 months. Buhari’s policies and actions are not yielding the desired results. To put it fittingly, Buhari and his team are completely clueless about how to turn around our economy. It is even more painful that after 12 months, this administration still cannot produce any blueprint on the problematic sectors of our economy. Virtually all economic indices are now on the negative side.

Instead of tackling this, attention is being diverted to the lopsided war against corruption. Buhari’s war against corruption has not

EFCC’s Prickly Remand Warrant for Fani-Kayode The warrant obtained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to keep Femi Fani-Kayode in its custody for another three weeks is highly contentious. The agency had earlier obtained a 14-day remand warrant at an Abuja court.

When it expired, the agency knew that it would be difficult to obtain an extension from the same court. So, it whisked FaniKayode to Lagos and obtained another warrant from an Ikeja Magistrate court to keep him for another 21 days. FaniKayode’s lawyers had earlier served the EFCC notices from a Federal High Court in Abuja on May 20 for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights. But the EFCC ignored this. He has also met all his bail conditions, yet, they refused to release him.

This is a gross abuse of court processes and a denial of his fundamental human

rights. This former minister was invited by the EFCC and he promptly honoured the invitation. He has no history of attempting to evade arrest. I don’t know what our antigraft agency stands to gain by this indecent tactics. I hope the EFCC is not confirming insinuations that they have been directed to keep Fani out of circulation. He should not have been invited in the first place if the agency had not established a prima facie case against him. This idea of detaining people while continuing investigation has no place in a democracy. I am shocked that our human rights lawyers are not speaking up against this impunity. This morning, I urge the EFCC to charge Fani-Kayode to court if they have a case against him or release him immediately. The EFCC must please place a premium on propriety and professionalism in its conduct.

translated into better life for the people in the last 12 months. Badly battered Nigerians are being told stories of billions of Naira being recovered without any impact on their lives.

The muttering of gloominess is growing louder in our homes. Prices of basic food items are skyrocketing. Factories are closing down and sacking workers for lack of supplies. Managers of those still existing spend much of their time battling epileptic power supply, fuel and forex crisis. Official statistics confirm the mass sack across our nation. According to the NBS, the unemployment rate climbed to 12.1 per cent in the first quarter of this year compared to 10.4 per cent in Q4 of 2015 and 9.9 per cent in Q3 of 2015. The number of unemployed in the labour force increased by about 1.449 million persons between Q4 of 2015 and Q1 of 2016. The situation in the real sector is most precarious. This is why our GDP growth rate declined to an unprecedented -0.36 per cent in the first quarter of this year. Our economy requires one more negative growth rate in the next quarter to technically enter into recession.

So many homes have been destabilised by this raging inflation, depreciating Naira and sliding economy. Then came the months of agony Nigerians spent at fuel stations queuing for petrol. This was followed by the frustrating petrol price increase without corresponding increase in salaries. The impression Buhari gave the nation while campaigning was that the fuel subsidy regime was a scam and that there would be no need to increase fuel price once he assumes office. It is a shame that after 12 months of Buhari, not even one of our four refineries is working optimally. We still depend almost entirely on importation for fuel. With the petrol price increase approved by Buhari to N145 per litre, a family that uses just 20 litres of petrol daily (for car and generator) will need about N90, 000 monthly to sustain this. Poor man’s main source of energy for cooking (kerosene) is also currently selling for between N170 and N200 per litre. The next battle ground for the stressed masses will be in the area of house rent and school fees. Some landlords have given notices of increase in rents. Fees will definitely go up when schools resume for a new session in September.

Power supply has remained epileptic in the last 10 months. The improvement in supply in June and July 2015 was just a flash in the pan. The generation capacity of about 5500MW inherited from his predecessor has since dropped to under 1500MW. Darkness has since enveloped our nation, with homes and industries spending fortunes to power generators.

When it comes to other sectors like health, education, housing and roads, the story has remained unimpressive in the last 12 months.

I knew that there would be trouble when Buhari could not hit the ground running after being sworn in. It took him six months to constitute his cabinet. When it was eventually constituted, it was dominated by tired legs and corrupt politicians. Our president subsequently spent almost the entire one year blaming his predecessor for the country’s woes. I recommend to Buhari the advice of Epichetus (AD 55-135), the Greek speaking stoic philosopher who said: “Blaming others for ones misfortunes is a sign of ignorance; Blaming oneself is the beginning of wisdom; Blaming neither others nor oneself is a sign of perfect wisdom.” These words of wisdom are courtesy of my very good friend and financial analysts, Olufemi Awoyemi.

Those who have been defending this administration and blaming the suffering across the nation on dwindling revenue should note that when Olusegun Obasanjo assumed office in 1999, he inherited $3.7 billion in reserve, while Buhari met $30 billion, almost 10 times of what Obasanjo met then. They should also be reminded that the price of crude oil was a mere $9 per barrel when Obasanjo assumed duties. Instead of complaining, Obasanjo simply went to work.

It is pertinent to remind Buhari’s fanatical supporters that crude oil never went below $28 per barrel in the last 12 months. As at yesterday, it was selling for $50 per barrel.

Those blaming crude oil prices for our woes should look for another story to tell us. Our dear president also got about N2.5 trillion as federal government’s share of the monthly revenue from the Federation Account in the last 12 months. Nigerians are desperate for a genuine change in the next 12 months. The suffering in our land is becoming excruciating. Even the N5000 promised unemployed Nigerians have been discarded. Buhari is condemned to live up to the expectations of Nigerians. May Allah help him.

A Word for Akinwunmi Ambode My dear Governor Ambode, I have read so many stories about your brilliant performances in the last one year. I hope you realise that those around you will only tell you stories about things you want to hear. I am sure that nobody told you that you have failed to impact on lives in some parts of the state in the last one year. The tattered state of blighted communities in Ikorodu West LCDA and Ikorodu North LCDA testifies to this. These two LCDAs are like war zones with very little government presence. You need to give these LCDAs special attention during your second year and urgently tackle road challenges, amongst others here. Please, visit these areas unaccompanied. Come in through Isawo Road. Link Efunlaruja Street through Ori-Okuta Road and come out through Ojokoro Road and you will understand the magnitude of the crisis in these areas.

In the entire Ikorodu West LCDA, there are only three roads with asphalt. Over 500 other inner roads are tattered. Many in these areas have relocated and abandoned their buildings.It is pertinent for you to swiftly tackle these challenges, so that it won’t blight your achievements. Equal emphasis must be placed on arterial and inner roads. This will motivate development and enhance the value of property in these shattered communities.

Again, public water supply across the state has been epileptic in the last 12 months. The trauma in Surulere typifies this. Ambode, you need to rejig the state’s water corporation. You also need to tackle

Ambode

the infrastructural challenges in public schools and health institutions across the state. Yes, many schools have been renovated but others are equally still begging for attention.

Classes are still overcrowded with dilapidated structures. Please, pay a surprise visit to schools like Isawo Primary School, Ipakodo Junior School and Farm Settlement Primary School, Odogiyan, all in Ikorodu to appreciate the magnitude of the problem. Of course, such dilapidated schools are also in other parts of the state.

12

MAY 28 , 2016• THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

CRIMINALISING BANKING ON A WHIM

T

Companies must be punished when they do wrong, but the approach and methodology need to be straight and transparent, argues Steve Omanufeme

he role of banking is clear: to take deposit and intermediate between the haves and the have-nots. In effect they provide safe custody for valuables, in this case mostly money, which they often referred to as deposit. They have done this role for ages and are considered the engine of growth in any economy, given their financial intermediation role.

Since banks’ deposit are liabilities to third parties and because of their relevance in economic growth, the business is regulated by authorities like the central bank and deposit insurance corporation. In effect, when these banks ran foul of the law they are dealt with by the regulators, which have rights to sanction and on the extreme withdrew licences.

In effect banks apart from answering to shareholders and customers, answer to the regulatory authorities of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC). They are also answerable to the judicial system where they can be sued by any party seeking redress for rights violation.

The recent raids of banks by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in search for campaign funds of the recent past administration bring to fore the question whether taking deposit in their line of duty makes banks culpable for criminal charges.

Though the EFCC has a mandate to check and prosecute financial crimes, the arrest, detention and questioning of bank chiefs in connection with suspected sleaze deposit smack of a clear breach of protocol as the regulatory authorities were not taken along. The approach was fraught with intent to punish some individuals without recourse to the impact of the action.

In many other climes, banks are mostly charged for negligence in the use of depositors funds. In this case there was no inkling on the fraudulent use of the said monies lodged with the affected banks. What the EFCC did was the use of might to force itself on the

ON CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES IN BANKS LIKE FRAUD AND OTHER INFRACTIONS, THE CBN SHOULD NOTE THAT WHILE SANCTIONS PLAY A ROLE IN CONTAINING SUCH VICES, ULTIMATELY IT IS THE STRUCTURAL INCENTIVES IN PLACE WITHIN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS WHICH SHAPE BEHAVIOUR

banks thereby disrupting the complete architecture of the banks’ operations as managing directors and executive directors were detained and questioned.

The action of the EFCC would have created a near run on the affected banks if not for the fact that the detained bank officials were immediately released and reinstated to their positions.

The EFCC procedurally would have approached the regulators, make their claims and allow the regulators to investigate the issue before making a public show of the incidents.

In most serious economies, the banks could sue for redress as their operations were put to ridicule since most of the deposit transactions were reported hence the final acquittal of those detained.

As is the norm, Nigerians are wont to celebrating the fall of institutions rather than preserve and strengthen institutions. We have never heard of Swiss banks officials being detained for taking deposit on behalf of their banks nor from other developed economies.

However, with this development, regulators are clearly going to pay more attention on the responsibilities of senior individuals in the banking industry.

Directors and senior managers would therefore be well advised to take far greater personal regulatory obligations, while industry bodies like the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and Bank Directors Association should have a role in producing clear guidelines to them as to just what their responsibilities are.

The EFCC and many other crime bursting institutions should also note that changing the culture of banks cannot come from the outside; it has to come from inside and from the top.

On criminal activities in banks like fraud and other infractions, the CBN should note that while sanctions play a role in containing such vices, ultimately it is the structural incentives in place within financial institutions which shape behaviour.

THIS TIME IS DIFFERENT

Udom Emmanuel, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, is setting the pace on how best to manage the economy beyond oil, writes Melvin Olali

A

couple of years back, precisely in 2010, when he was Chairman of the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Professor Asisi Asobie gave some damning and damaging statistics on the state of the nation’s oil and gas sector. Damning because it indexed the wastefulness and lack of vision among managers of the nation’s resources in years past; and damaging because it speaks volume of the rot in the sector that has over the years remained the goose that lays the proverbial golden egg. The occasion was the All Nigeria Editors’ Conference hosted by the Rivers State government.

Here are a few of the statistics. Between 1999 and 2005, the Nigerian federation realised $109 billion (N15.67 trillion) from the oil sector 42.2 per cent ($46 billion) of which was from taxes, royalty, etc., while 57.8 per cent or $63 billion was from export and domestic crude sales. Out of this, $21 billion was invested by way of Joint Venture cash calls. Gross revenue realised for the federation was $140 billion (N19.6 trillion). These monies, said Asobie, were based on NEITI’s audit findings.

They were strictly oil-sector specific flows plus non-oil sector specific flows from oil companies.

Again, reflect on this. Approximately 80 per cent of the oil revenue is concentrated in the hands of 1 per cent of the population; and 70 per cent of Nigeria’s private wealth is held abroad. In fact, the guest lecturer at the conference and then Executive Secretary of the Local Content Development Commission, Mr Ernest Nwapa, drove the nail deeper into the psyche of the editors when he said that out of every $100 made from oil and gas, only $5 is retained in Nigeria while $95 is stashed away overseas. This is beyond capital

flight. This was sheer robbery by the oil ‘super majors’ with of course connivance with corrupt public office holders in the country.

Nigeria, truly, is a victim of the “Dutch Disease” as well as the “resource curse.

Both are symptomatic of monoculture economies where the nation relies heavily if not solely on crude cash. Whereas the ‘disease’ leads to poverty in the midst of plenty, the ‘curse’ tends to make a people lazy, uninventive and largely unresourceful. “ The ‘disease’ kills agriculture and the primary industry; the ‘curse’ makes the people docile”, Asobie postulated.

So, why are Nigerians suffering when their country is rich? Why are her teeming youths wandering the streets in hopeless swagger as they endure the yoke of unemployment? The answer is corruption.

In addition to that is a clear lack of vision from the leadership.

This is the context in which one is enthralled by the new push coming from Akwa Ibom State, one of the major oil-producing states of the nation. At a time receipts from crude oil sales are dipping, the governor is envisioning a new Akwa Ibom anchored not on the props of oil money but underpinned by industrialisation, wealth creation, agriculture and hospitality. The governor, Udom Emmanuel, never ceases to voice his admiration for nations which became successful through the application of knowledge to create an oasis of productive knowledge economy. He talks with passion about the exploits of China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, among others.

These are countries that pulled through the ruins of war, poverty and despoliation to become world industrial powers. They became industrial hubs because at a point

in time, their leadership re-engineered the people’s psyche, making their citizens understand that sustainable development does not come from importing food, drinks and just about everything but from building a strong industrial base powered and propelled by knowledge as the chief resource.

The governor launched the Dakkada (rise up) value creed, first to redefine the identity of the people and second, to rekindle a new thrust of hope and self-belief among his people. Then, he turned to the youths to make them believe that they are the change they want to see; not just with rhetorical stimulation but pragmatic empowerment with contemporary tools.

Last year, he commissioned Oracle Database Administration training in the state.

Today, Akwa Ibom is host of the globally recognised Pearson VUE e-Testing Centre, meaning Nigerians and indeed Akwa Ibom youths need not travel far to acquire relevant ICT certifications. Already, the first batch of Oracle Database Administration trainees has graduated from the centre and Governor Emmanuel has armed each one of them with a brand new laptop.

This gesture may be lost on some of the youths; but what the governor is saying to them is ‘create your own future’. No man can create his future except he is empowered with the relevant skill set. The average Akwa Ibom youth, especially those Oracle graduates kitted with a laptop, has been set on the path to wealth creation. The likes of Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle Corporation in 1977, Michael Dell of Dell Computers and even Bill Gates of Microsoft did not have such opportunity yet they forged ahead, broke through the ceiling of convention to beget to humanity ICT monuments. Today, they

are the change we know. We all live in the tomorrow they created yesterday.

This is why Governor Emmanuel’s style of governance that seeks to teach the people how to fish rather than feed them with fish crumbs is admirable and a template worthy of replication across the country. Besides, the governor has dispatched 200 youths to Israel for training in agriculture and another 200 for capacity building in power engineering and management.

All of this point to his overall vision for the state: industrialisation. In just 12 months, scores of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) have been signed with strategic investors and partners. Not one to stop a vision at mere scribbling on paper, Governor Emmanuel has ensured that the investors have taken practical steps to set up shops in his state. The automobile assembly plant, electric meter manufacturing plant and the fertiliser blending conglomerate to mention but a few are the emblems of a state on the path to industrialisation.

Yet, in spite of these accomplishments, the governor has remained shy of public attention and would not engage in selfadulation, either. Instead, he chooses to let his works speak for him. This is the stuff of good leadership. In the midst of scarce resources, Governor Emmanuel is building hope and a future for his people. Reed Markham, the cerebral author and writer once said: “Successful leaders see the opportunities in every difficulty rather than the difficulty in every opportunity.” This is what Governor Emmanuel epitomises: turning the difficulties of the moment to oases of opportunities.

Olali wrote from Uyo

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MAY 28, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Happy Children’s Day

An Open Letter to Gov. Yahaya Bello

I

am constrained to write to you again on the Kogi Assembly crisis in view of the recent pronouncement by the Federal High Court and my conviction that the confusion in the House is your convoluted creation. Over time, Mr. Governor you have feigned ignorance by living in self-denial that all is well when it is obvious even to the blind that the concocted confusion was to an ignoble end. Unparalleled profligacy have been witnessed under your watch and this is possible because of the absurd situation in the Assembly wherein a new mathematical inequality formula invented by some people in Kogi makes five greater than 15.

The judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja on this issue provides a window of opportunity for your excellency to save face by doing the needful to pave way for peace.

Engaging in or abetting any act that will prolong this crisis will amount to callousness which is unexpected of any occupier of your office.

The insane atmosphere in the Assembly must evaporate if you hope for any legitimate activity in your government especially any that emanates from the legislative decisions of the interlopers that the Federal High Court sent packing with its judgment of May 19, 2016. The legislative rascality the state is being insulted with must end now with no provision for injury time. Enough is enough because nothing meaningful can be achieved in terms of development if the crisis persists.

Despite your excellency claim of not having a hand in the crisis, the conundrum is engraved with your whole body and it’s about time you put an end to it. Contrary to the claims of your aides, the security situation in Kogi State worsens with the break of each dawn and it will not be out of place to ask of what use the outrageous amount you have drawn as security fund so far have been put to. Kidnapping and killings are more rampart with only the high profile cases getting attention. The latest abduction for ransom of two judiciary staff in the state is a true reflection of the precarious security situation under your watch. A government unable to guarantee the safety of life and property of its citizens have failed in the most basic of its responsibilities.

Every facet of life in Kogi State requires focused attention to tackle the myriad of challenges facing the state. In addition, the current arbitrary and mundane disposition of your administration to governance is really sad; the more reason why

continued bickering in the House of Assembly is a disservice to the state.

Though, your utterances and actions are indicative of your disposition on this issue which regrettably is not in the interest of the state. Rendering the State Assembly ineffective to perform its duties is not in your interest and those telling you anything contrary seek your failure and eventual political destruction.

Remember that everything in life is ephemeral just as life itself is transient and this should guide you as you steer the ship of state. Your Excellency’s goal should be what you will be remembered for no matter the duration of your tenure. I sincerely hope you will not have cause to recollect this correspondence with regret and an accompanying, “had I known.” I pray Allah will grant you the grace to tread the path of truth and integrity. Your Excellency, please practice what you proclaim and preach henceforth as any contrary conduct on your part is nothing but recipe for anguish and sorrow after the present envelope of immunity is torn and your tenure is exposed to forensic scrutiny.

Olalekan Aiyenigba, Iyara, Kogi State

Of Tomatoes, Pepper and Dangote

I

t is no longer news that the nation’s economy is currently experiencing a downward trend. The current fall in global prices of crude oil, a major source of revenue for the country, has serious implications for the country’s economy. Part of the evidence that the economic slide is biting so hard is the fact that monthly revenue that is usually shared by the three tiers of government has sharply declined. Unconfirmed reports have it that some states got as low as N150 million as monthly allocation from the federal purse last April. And these are states that used to get as much as N6 billion a few years ago. Consequently, many of the states owe their workers arrears of salary and are unable to perform other statutory obligations.

For the generality of our compatriots, however, the real signal that our dear nation is passing through a season of deep rooted economic dilemma is amply reflected in current upsurge in the price of food items. Naturally, such unusual rise always comes with serious repercussion on the budgets of most homes. The reason for this is quite obvious. Food consumption is a daily necessity that every home cannot do without. With the current increase in fuel price, it is not unusual for the average car owner to leave his car at home and journey through public buses. But food consumption is such an integral T H E S AT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R part of our EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU daily routine, DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO especially for DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE married couples CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI that it is so hard EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN to jettison.

This position is readily authenticated by a Yoruba T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D proverb that EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA says: “Once GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU hunger is out of GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR OLUFEMI ABOROWA the equation, the DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS PETER IWEGBU, FIDELIS ELEMA, pang of poverty MBAYILAN ANDOAKA, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE is conquered”.

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI From the SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH way things ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS HENRY NWACHOKOR, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA currently stand, MOSERI however, the GENERAL MANAGER PATRICK EIMIUHI pang of poverty GROUP HEAD FEMI TOLUFASHE might not be ART DIRECTOR OCHI OGBUAKU II easily conquered DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO in view of the TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com astronomical increase in the

price of food items. Ironically, the most affected of all food items are tomatoes and pepper, two of the most indispensable items needed to keep the kitchen going in most homes.

Currently, at the kitchen departments of nearly all homes, the most trending gist, for now, is the exorbitant price of tomatoes and pepper. The common gist, among women, now centres on the high cost of tomatoes and pepper. Accordingly and, perhaps, unsurprisingly, managers of the all- important kitchen department in most homes are already agitating for a corresponding increment in the monthly fund allocated for housekeeping.

Of late, the common tendency is to ascribe increase in the price of any item to the dwindling fortune of naira against the dollar. But then, could there be any connection between rise in tomatoes’ price and the potency of dollar against naira?

Typically, the response should be none since the two items are locally produced. The question then is: Why is tomato and, its ‘nephew’, pepper, gradually getting out of the reach of ordinary folks?

One theory that actually came up in the process of trying to unearth this mystery is the Dangote connection. The mainstay of this theory, which of course has not been sufficiently proven in anyway, is that one of Dangote’s firms is responsible for the recent surge, especially in the price of tomatoes. The gist is that the firm which is basically involved in the production of tomato paste is mopping up every available tomato across town in order to meet up with production target.

As it has been previously affirmed, the veracity of this theory, despite the fact that it is gaining ground, is yet to be established. But then, even if it is true, the Dangote Group as a business interest hasn’t, in anyway, committed any crime. It has a moral and legitimate right to look after its interest. The contribution of the Dangote Group to the growth of the national economy is widely acknowledged.

The role of the group in helping the nation out of its unemployment quagmire cannot be over emphasised.

Now, the main issue of this discourse is that the current tomatoes and pepper status is an indication of the unlimited opportunities that abound in the agriculture sector. It shows that there is a huge market for agricultural produce in the country.

Therefore, there is a need to recreate a modernised professional and commercial farming sector, supported by improved infrastructure and research into high performance seeds and livestock.

Tayo Ogunbiyi, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Lagos

14

MAY 28, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

POLSCOPE

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

Buhari’s One Year: The Sparks, the Barbs

B

y tomorrow, it will be exactly one year since President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office as the president of the country. In one year, a lot has happened. No doubt, it is mixed bag of the good, the bad and even the ugly. While he has scored quite high in some aspects, he has also scored very low in other areas.

In all, it will almost be a matter of from what prism we are doing the Buhari assessment. It is like saying the bottle is half full or half empty.

Perhaps, I should start with Buhari’s deficits which is essentially on the economy. It has been terribly tough for many Nigerians. The poverty index had risen very sharply. There is just no money in circulation. Life and living has become a little nastier, and that is why there is a questioning of the Change Nigerians willfully voted for. The previous administration had taken Nigerians to the brink of misery, that was why there was a huge quest for a new experience. The Buhari administration represents the new experience, but now serving Nigerians with a harsh and hard diet. Attempting to pull Nigerians back from the brink has been torturous both for the puller and those being pulled.

The twin evil in this regard is the increased cost of petrol (from N86.50 to N145 per litre), and the sharp drop in electricity supply. These have helped to further strain the people’s patience. It is however true that the present hardship is as a result of the gross mismanagement of the past administration. But Nigerians are not smiling whatsoever about it.

With electricity generation and distribution which peaked at about 5000megawatts in February, but now at a dismal 1000 plus megawatts, Nigerians are merely trudging through hard times.

The global fall of the price of crude had further made matters worse for Buhari. This has, in a way, delayed the fulfillment of many of the campaign promises. In fact, some uncharitable persons have tweaked APC to mean All Promises Cancelled on account of the delay in fulfilling the promises.

But who can deny the great milestone recorded in the fight against insurgency? Haven’t Nigerian soldiers become more courageous and tactful in degrading the Boko Haram terrorists? Haven’t all territories previous seized by the terrorists been long recovered and many hostages freed and being returned to their homesteads? Two weeks ago, one of the Chibok girls was recovered from Sambisa forest. The dreaded Sambisa forest has now been demystified. Although the terrorists have not quite been completely crushed, they have been significantly routed. No wonder many international allies, like America, Britain, Israel etc., are back in supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism through donation of fighting equipment or training of our soldiers.

On the anti-corruption fight, Buhari has left no one in doubt, that he means real business. The messy past has been and is being uncovered.

Previously highly-held Nigerians have been shown to be part of our problems. So much stolen public funds are being recovered. Contrary to the belief by some that it is a selective fight, it is true that even

O

Was Okonjo-Iweala Fantastically Negligent?

D

id you hear that under her watch some N30tn got missing?

Who are you talking about?

Who else would have been the custodian of that humungous amount? I

I am referring to the former Minister of Finance and Coordinating minister for the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Oh, is it that allegation from Socio-Economic Rights Accountability Project (SERAP) and former CBN governor, Charles Soludo? Look, all those are mere jabs from political frontiers. You don’t have to pay much attention to them.

APC members whose hands have been found in the cookie jar have been reined in.

Remember Jafaru Isa, an APC chieftain, arrested by EFCC over the Dasuki-gate?

There has been no friend, no foe in the battle to recover Nigeria’s looted funds. The fight, indeed, has reinforced international confidence in the Nigerian system.

The fact that the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy and the BVN has saved Nigerians trillions of Naira is praiseworthy. The country has saved over N3 trillion from the TSA regime, just as many ghost workers have been uncovered and are being dealt with as a result of the BVN enforcement.

With the determination to complete the KadunaAbuja-Ajaokuta railway line, as well as the construction of the Lagos-Kano standard guage rail lines, there is great hope that the nation’s transport infrastructure will witness a rebirth.

The plan to also diversify the economy from oil to other sectors like agriculture and solid mineral development are acts that are bound to rejig the nation’s economy. The plan to cultivate 5,000 hectares of land in some 12 River Basin Development Authorities are sure avenues of creating thousands of jobs and boosting the nation’s economy with food exports and self sufficiency.

The recent trip to China which extracted a $6 billion commitment is bound to reinvigorate both the nation’s railway projects and the electricity challenge.

The independence of the judiciary and the media under the Buhari administration are attributes that cannot be taken for granted. They sure deepen the roots of Nigeria’s democracy.

All said, what seems to be the greatest asset of the Buhari’s government is the hope Nigerians have: that things will get better. Little wonder they refused to massively protest the hike in price of petrol few weeks back. That explains why in wading through the present suffering, there is the expectation that soon, Nigerians will get to the promised land where the proverbial milk and honey will no longer be scarce.

Buhari seems poised to march on in this direction.

But he must be decisive and tactful in dealing with the threesome menace of Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), the Biafran separatist movement and the roving Fulani herdsmen. Left unchecked, the trio crisis flanks can upturn all gains made.

Buhari

When Okota Waited for PMB kota is a neighbouring community to my Festac Town abode.

For many years, they had suffered acute and incomparable neglect from government. Their road was literally hell on earth.

They groaned with no one listening, or so it seemed. Some persons had blamed their fate on their political stance. It is a community largely populated by people from the South East, many of whom were (and still are) anti-APC. So the deduction was that they were being punished for hardly voting for APC. But last Monday, their story changed. In fact, their story had changed a few months back, when the road got completely fixed. Beside Lawanson, Lekki road, Ikotun-Igando and a few other lucky roads, I do not know any other road in Lagos that is as beautifully and solidly done.

But that is not the story.

Last Monday, as I drove through the road in the morning, it was a different experience. That Monday, President Mohammadu Buhari was billed to visit Lagos and part of his assignment will be to commission the Okota road. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo eventually did.

Suddenly, the road and its atmospherics got transformed. Everywhere looked dazzling.

Perhaps a third of all the street cleaners in Lagos

Canticles...

were deployed to Okota that day. They swept every inch of the road with uncommon diligence and thoroughness. Every pole along the road had been decorated with colourful posters and flags welcoming the President. The three-lane road had been marked. From the median to the drainage was markedly neat, as if it was machine-washed. What is more, all the street lights were shining with cherubic brightness.

Here are street lights that hardly shone even in the very dark hours of the night, suddenly and needlessly beaming bright at noonday. Security operatives of all shades and callings were every where. The exhibitionist dress up was loud. The power of a presidential visit! Contrary to my fears, the road was not blocked.

Rather it was very free. The many buses, tricylces and even Okadas that usually cockroach the road, as well as the many pand-dalla currency black marketeers were no where to be found. It looked like a typical street in Europe. It was blissful driving through the community.

My take-away from the razz mattaz is that our streets, yes, our communities can be as clean and orderly, only if government is determined to keep them so. Yes, we can! It is because the capacity to sustain this standard seems missing, that the residents of the community are asking: when will Buhari come again? But need we host the president to have a decent community?

No, no, no. SERAP is not a political entity. Soludo is not a typical politician whose mouth runs like a broken tap. The former CBN governor is a hard core professional; one who knows his onions through and through. And I dare say that when he speaks, there is substance in his comments.

What kind of substance are you talking about? How can someone say N30 tn was missing? Really? N30tn! Where? How? Do you know what N30tn is? And the nation’s economy didn’t collapse immediately? How many years’ fiscal budget will amount to N30tn? Was government not paying workers’ salaries? Was government not carrying out any project? Can’t you see the frivolousness of the alarm? I suspect that SERAP must have been briefed by the Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole who does not like that OkonjoIweala at all.

You miss the point. This has nothing to do with Oshiomhole. Everybody has been concerned that Okonjo-Iweala presided over this degree of roguery that went on under the Jonathan administration, yet she maintained a curious quiet and silence. Worse still, she kept deceiving us with some phantom statistics like Chief Tony Ani, a former Finance minister under late Gen Sani Abacha. You know all those statistics that are ever at variance with the market reality. Look, the question is being asked and loudly so, that where was Okonjo-Iweala when Diezani cornered all that she is being accused of stealing? Where was Okonjo-Iweala when Dasuki became the nation’s unauthorized ATM centre? Where was OkonjoIweala when our collective commonwealth was being frittered away with reckless abandon by Okonjo-Iweala those in government? Imagine all the revelations that are daily coming out about how they robbed the till blind. What kind of books was she keeping, for Christ’s sake?

Was she an accomplice or was she just being fantastically negligent?

Look, you must understand that the buck did not stop at her table. She had a boss—the president. And don’t forget that on the Dasukigate issue, she had cautioned against the diversion of the recovered loots when she gave some three conditions before she authorized the release of the fund. She had taken steps to… (cuts in) What stupid step did she take? What silly conditions did she give? Was she not thinking that Jonathan will yet win, and all those seismic rot will be covered up with some complex Bretton Woods explanation? How could a Minister of Finance worth her salt and office allow that degree of pillaging to take place unchecked and yet retain her credentials of being a World Bank czar? Why did she not raise the alarm if her advice were not being taken by her boss? Why did she not resign?

Rather, she played the good girl all along, acquiescing and compromising high ethical financial standards and procedures and you stand here to mouth not being the boss. It’s all Bunkum with a capital ‘B’.

Get it right. Okonjo-Iweala, is a globally respected financial wizard (or witch). She attained her global status out of sheer merit and proven capacity. She is not part of this crass assemblage of local lords who are just envious of her meteoric rise in her career. She kept her side of the bargain diligently. Don’t forget that her boss was a politician. And as for the Petroleum ministry, look, the Jonathan government was deep. She cannot say everything there was on the pages of Newspapers. That ministry ran almost like an independent entity.

The then minister, Diezani Allison Madueke, had a special understanding and connection with then President Jonathan. Their operations will be a story for another day. So don’t blame Okonjo-Iweala for the sins of others. Are you surprised that thus far, in all the sleaze being unearthed everyday, no body has accused Okonjo-Iweala of stealing a penny or over enriching herself with any amount? Does that not establish her phenomenal integrity to you?

Look, I am not persuaded by this her unauthorized CV you are reeling out. The facts on the ground shows that under her watch, the nation’s finances were grossly mismanaged, stolen, misapplied and in fact circumscribed. Is she not ashamed and embarrassed that the government in which she served as Finance minister is engrossed in reeky scandal of unprecedented financial malfeasance? I don’t care if she was the former owner of World Bank. And for Christ’s sake she took the outlandish title of being the Coordinating minister of the Economy. What was she coordinating if Diezani Allison Madueke ran the Petroleum ministry like a private fiefdom? And to know that that ministry was supposed to be the live-wire of the economy? Truth is that if she failed to coordinate the petroleum ministry and the resources thereof, then she had coordinated nothing!

I can assure you that given the peculiar political mileu in which Okonjo-Iweala served, she did her best to salvage the Nigerian economy. Yes, a few things were not in place. The global economic dynamics were turbulent and this affected many nations, not Nigeria alone. She tried to arrest and stymied an economic meltdown. She must be commended for keeping the nation afloat all through. It was like economic magic. The uninitiated may not understand this. But trust me, she was a hands-on financial guru. The structures of government were perpetually under pressure to succumb. You know how our politicians can be troublesome.

But the former Finance minister managed to steer the nation’s economy from shipwreck.

You are raking up excuses for the fantastic failure to rein-in the bad guys, the same bad guys who have held us down from developing, from growing, from enjoying the benefit of our resources. She presented and projected Nigeria in mere straw-strength props. Everything was arrangee. There was no substance to the image she presented. And that is why the nation came crashing shortly after she and her philistinic crew left. Are we not all witnesses of that failure today?

That is your opinion. I am confident that posterity will give her a better verdict.

15

May 28, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

TUNDERAHMAN

tunderahmanu@yahoo.com 08055069548 (Text only)

Buhari’s First Year: ‘It’s the Economy, Stupid!’

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t’s too tempting as I restart this column again to begin with the nauseating macabre dance playing out in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has again ruptured our peace in the last one week or so.

But then I remember that our own President Muhammadu Buhari has now spent one year in the saddle and this moment presents a wonderful opportunity to look back and interrogate our minds about just how well or unwell the president has performed in office, to juxtapose the prevailing situation, the deliverables thus far, against the change that was promised during the electioneering. Like I indicated earlier, the leadership crisis rocking the PDP, which by Tuesday had engendered two conflicting court orders, one in Lagos and another in Port Harcourt, one in favour of the embattled former Acting National Chairman of the party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, and another against him, thus making a mockery of our judiciary once again, constitutes a distraction. But then, when will the Fuji House of Commotion that is PDP receive deliverance, reform itself, seize the moment and provide a virile opposition to whip the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) into line? When?

But let not the PDP issue detain us here; let’s focus on President Buhari and the promised change. Indeed, President Buhari’s one year has brought some changes. He has lived up to his billing, which he rode on to get elected, by giving some fillip to the fight against corruption, which seemed to have ranked low in the agenda of former President Goodluck Jonathan. The anti-corruption war is being waged stubbornly, though there have been more of court shows than convictions. The EFCC needs to convince us more that it is serious about getting convictions and not just interested in playing to the gallery, in television trials. Those who allege that the anti-corruption war is taking on the toga of war on opposition figures miss the point, in my view. The question, for me, is: are those being put on trial having alleged corruption issues for which they need to clear themselves? That is the crux of the matter. My fear though is whether the anti-graft body and its lawyers can deal incredibly with as many cases as they have taken on at the same time. But we have seen a remarkable change in the area of anti-corruption crusade: under Buhari, the culture of impunity among public officers has been reduced. Those in government now have to think twice before dipping their hands in the till. The war against corruption has also recovered some money for the country as President Buhari told the nation that some people have returned money and that he would soon unearth the identities of those who have done so.

There is also good news in the area of fighting the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-east, which has claimed thousands of lives, maimed many, displaced many others and ruptured their source of livelihood. Today, Boko Haram has been sufficiently weakened, occupies no territory in any state in the North-east and has

Buhari

been condemned to attacking soft targets.

The Nigerian army now has confidence to take on the insurgents as opposed to what obtained in the past where the force lacked necessary arms to fight because the money meant for arms procurement had been shared. But there are still a lot of grounds to be covered. Also, the rescue of the 219 girls abducted from their school in Chibok in April 2014 remains a sore point. I read a statement from Sultan Saa’d Abubakarled Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) recently where the body commended President Buhari over the battle against Boko Haram but said the rescue of just two (or one) of the abducted girls cannot be said to be enough.

Perhaps, there are other structural changes in the system, which may not have yielded the desired dividend yet, but the management of the economy under Buhari has left much to be desired. I understand the argument that plagued by corruption and profligacy of the highest order of the immediate past and the declining revenue from oil, the country’s main revenue earner, the nation is left in dire financial shape. But the economy under Buhari seemed to lack a clear direction. There have been slip-shod and doublespeak by top government functionaries on some key issues. The foreign exchange issue and the matter of Premium Motor Spirit are two such issues for instance. Some economic experts have argued that the poor growth which the economy recorded in the first quarter of the year has shown that some of the economic strategies embarked upon by the Central Bank of Nigeria, particularly on the forex issue, are not working and there is a need for review. The statistics

are indeed unflattering: in the first quarter of the year, the nation’s GDP contracted by 0.36 percent from what it was earlier, according to a recent emailed statement from the National Bureau of Statistics. The GDP growth rate in the last quarter of 2015 was 2.11 percent. The negative growth is the first in 12 years according to CBN stats.

Unemployment rate fell to 12.1 percent in the month of April alone, according to NBS report released last week Friday.

Also following a national newspaper report, power generation has dropped to 1,400 megawatts while about 800,000 barrels of oil is being lost daily, according to the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, following pipeline vandalism and renewed criminality by a new militant group in the Niger Delta called Niger Delta Avengers. The country is in deep trouble and the fear is that Nigeria’s economy may enter into recession any moment from now.

If it were in more organised climes, these stats would have sent the government into panic mode. The issue would have been about the economy: “it’s the economy, stupid,” to quote former President Bill Clinton’s words to the American public when he ran for the US presidency in 1992.

The other point is about the recent hike in pump price of petrol from N86, 50k to N145, which led a divided labour to call out workers for a shabby strike, which has now been called off. Again, what is the real policy of the government as it concerns PMS? It is yet unclear. Minister Ibe Kachikwu says the government has removed fuel subsidy and deregulated the downstream oil sector. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says what the government is dealing with is not fuel subsidy removal

The country is in deep trouble and the fear is that Nigeria’s economy may enter into recession any moment from now. If it were in more organised climes, these stats would have sent the government into panic mode. The issue would have been about the economy: “it’s the economy, stupid,” to quote former President Bill Clinton’s words to the American public when he ran for the US presidency in 1992

but foreign exchange issue. Labour may have itself to blame for not putting its acts together in organising the strike, but truth is the workers who have not been paid for months in most states are weak and tired and are not convinced the strike would get them their pay. Some others are simply ready to give the Buhari government the benefit of the doubt about the fuel issue.

Otherwise, the way and manner the government just slammed petrol pump price increase on the hapless nation without any interface or engagement with the people is to say the least cruel.

My sense is the government must not burn the remaining goodwill left in its kitty.

The Buhari government needs to come out clean on what it’s up to. For me, just like a few others have articulated, this time offers an opportunity for the government to fully deregulate the downstream oil sector.

But to make a success of it the refineries must be made to work to compliment fuel importation while the promised palliatives must be rolled out now. On the economy, which may enter into recession as things stand now, there is an urgent need to stimulate growth while the CBN review its forex policy as it has already promised. The Buhari government must act fast and be ready to review the strategies that are not working. I think there still a silver lining on the horizon for the government.

Little Move That Matters (LMTM)

T

he Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy (ISGPP) did noble last week. The Readers’ Club put together by the school got underway. The idea behind the club, as the name suggests, is to revive the dying reading culture in the country, which is dealing telling blows on authors and newspaper publishers. Books convey knowledge and intelligence which can edify human beings. But that does not seem to resonate well with many Nigerians particularly with our young ones who are addicted to the social media and networking sites. It is often said that if you want to hide something from

Nigerians, put it in a book. So it was that to rev up the reading culture that we, members of ISGPP Readers Club, gathered at the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan Thursday last week for the public reading of one of the recent books of poet and critic, Mr. Odia Ofeimun. The 9-chapter book entitled “Taking Nigeria Seriously,” dissected the various facets of the problems plaguing the country at present as if Ofeimun could vividly see tomorrow like Nostradamus. Yet, the book is a compilation of articles he had ever written, though like an Awoist that he is, his articles drank from the thoughts and beliefs of his

mentor, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, whom he once served as Private Secretary. Ofeimun who began the debate said the bulk of the nation’s woes could be linked to the fact that Nigerians and their leaders do not take the country seriously in all their interactions with the nation.

And in articles like ‘Educating the Educators,’ ‘Saving the Naira to Fix Nigeria,’ ‘Resource Control and Beyond,’ among others, he offered real ideas on how to resolve some of the knotty national issues. Educationist Prof. Bolanle Awe, former Dean of Postgraduate School, University of Ibadan, Prof. Olabode Lucas, former Permanent Secretary and Vice Chair-

man of the ISGPP, Dr. Tunji Olaopa, Prof.

Remi Raji, Prof. Bimpe Aboyade, Dr. Doyin Ajuwon, Mr. Kolade Mosuro, among others all raised thought-provoking questions about the Nigerian state and proffered what they consider to be true answers. There was no dull moment throughout the three or so hours we spent at the session. Such was the enthusiasm showed at the event that the club has already identified some sets of books out of which one would be read at the next meeting. Two of the books identified are ‘There was A Country’ by late Chinua Achebe and ‘Power, Politics and Death’ by our own Olusegun Adeniyi.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MAY 28, 2016

NEWS

In Brief

Troops Ambush, Kill 2 Boko Haram Terrorists

The Nigerian military engaged in the Operation Lafiya Dole in parts of the North East have ambushed and killed two Boko Haram terrorists near Sambisa forest, injuring several others.The Director of Army Public Relations(DAPR),Col.SaniUsman,inastatementyesterday,saidthatthelatest success was recorded following information of suspected Boko Haram elements crossing point across Maiduguri-Bulabulin-Damboa road. Usman stated that in response to the lead, the troops of 81 Battalion and 251 Task Force Battalion, both of 25 Task Force Brigade, staged a deliberate ambush against the terrorists logistics elements on motorcycles and bicycles crossing from Sambisa forest to Alagarno general area around Nyaleri on Thursday night. During the operation, he said, the troops killed two Boko Haram terrorists, wounded several others and recovered some arms, ammunitions and other items.

Lagos Trains 50,000 Students With Google

WE REJOIDE WITH YOU...

L-R: Celebrant, Prince Ademola Oniru; Afro-juju Maestro, Sir Shina Peters; wife of the celebrant, Princess Banke Oniru; His Royal Majesty, Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru and his Royal Majesty, Oba Abdul Fatai Aromire; at the 50th birthday celebration of Prince Ademola Oniru in Lagos..recently

Indimi: I Donated $900,000, Not $14 million OlusegunAdeniyi

The chairman of Oriental Energy Resources, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, has denied media reports that he donated US$14 million to Lynn University in the United States. Rather, the amount he donated, according to him, was $900,000.

In a statement sent to THISDAY editorial Board Chairman, Mr Olusegun Adeniyi, to protest the piece, “The Prodigal Billionaire”, published in his column of 25th May, 2016, an official of Oriental stated that neither Indimi nor the company donated the figure being credited to him and for which he was being vilified.

The company also listed Universities of Uyo, Port Harcourt, Calabar and Nsukka among institutions of higher learning in Nigeria to which

Indimi and his company had extended considerable financial support running into billions of Naira in recent years.

Below is the full text of the statement from Oriental, endorsed by its chairman, Indimi: “Following recent online, and media coverage of a donation made by our Chairman, Dr Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, we find it necessary to provide clarity on the nature of the relationship with Lynn University, and Oriental’s operations in and commitment to the Niger Delta.

“Contrary to reports circulating, neither Oriental, nor our Chairman, donated US$14 million to Lynn University. This figure is unsubstantiated, inaccurate and misleading. The figure jointly donated by Oriental and former partner, Afren Plc, to Lynn University, a University from which

Dr. Indimi and nine of his children have received nine Bachelors, five Masters, and one Doctorate degree, is $900,000.

“Oriental Energy is a proud indigenous oil company with a steadfast commitment to investing positively and purposefully in the communities where we have operations and beyond. Oriental is particularly committed to fostering and supporting the development of education and indigenous technical skills, as a fundamental pillar for long term sustainable development. We understand that without adequate investment in the education of the youth, there will be no sustainable economic growth.

“This is why the organisation has, over a four-year period, contributed billions of Naira to the

communities where we operate in Nigeria. These donations include scholarships to beneficiaries from the Universities of Uyo, Port Harcourt, Calabar and Nsukka, amongst others, the development of University Of Port Harcourt's digital library, the re-habilitation of the University of Uyo’s Petroleum Institute, infrastructure development in our host communities" as well as donations towards support for Internally Displaced People in the North East of Nigeria, and victims of terrorism.

“Oriental Energy Resources will continue to protect its reputation and reiterate its commitment to the Nigerian community particularly in instances like this where journalistic due diligence would have disproved the unsubstantiated rumors.”

The Lagos State Government in collaboration with a Fortune 500 internet technology giant, Google, yesterday in Lagos launched an empowerment programme to train 50,000 students in digital skills over the next 90 days.

AccordingtotheSpecialAdvisertotheGovernoronEducation,Mr.Obafela Bank-Olemoh,thetrainingprogrammewasasignificantpushbytheLagos StateMinistryofEducationtoup-skillthenextgenerationwithITanddigital skills required for productivity in an increasingly technology-driven 21st century.Bank-Olemohdescribedtheschemeasanewpathwayineducation, employment and empowerment, adding that it was borne out of research and statistics that prove that by learning and improving digital skills, one could improve their chances of becoming employed or starting their own business or freelance career in Africa.

NGE Hails Appointment of Members

TheNigerianGuildofEditorshasexpressedgratitudetoPresidentMuhammaduBuharifortherecentappointmentsofitsFellowsasChiefExecutive Officers of information-related parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture. Mr. Bayo Onanuga (FNGE) and Mr. Ishaq Modibo Kawu(FNGE),bothFellowsoftheGuild,wererecentlyappointedManaging DirectorandDirector-General,NewsAgencyofNigeria(NAN)andNigerian BroadcastingCommission(NBC)respectively.OtherappointeesareYakubu Mohammed,Director-General,NigerianTelevisionAuthority(NTA),Mansur Liman,Director-General,FederalRadioCorporationofNigeria(FRCN),Mr. Osita Okechukwu, Director General,Voice of Nigeria (VON) and Dr. Garba Abari, Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA). In a release signed by its General-Secretary, Victoria Ibanga, the Guild described the appointmentsasaplustothemediaindustryandNigeriaasawhole,considering the various contributions the Press had made to national development.

Chivita Introduces New Varieties

Chivita has Active Vegetable & Fruit Nectar into the market to satisfy consumers who place a premium on health consciousness and healthy drinks. A statement from the company said it was an innovative product andthefirstofitskindintheNigerianjuicemarket.“Itaddstoanimpressive array of leading high quality products from Chi Limited. With the power of vegetable and fruit, perfectly blended with the goodness of vitamins, fibre and nutrients, Chivita Active vegetable fruit nectar is a healthy and tasty way to get the antioxidants and stamina required for a healthy active lifestyle. Chivita Active Vegetable and Fruit Nectar is produced with no artificialcolours,flavoursorpreservativesandisavailableinthreedifferent exciting variants – Carrot Orange, Beetroot Grape and Beetroot Apple.

Sokoto, Firm Sign MOU on 24-hour Loan

Four Die in Bauchi Fatal Crash SegunAwofadejiinBauchi Four people including a 16 month old baby have been reported killed and eight others injured in fatal motor accidents Thursday at about 3:28pm at Narabi village along Bauchi - Jos Federal Highway.

The Spokesman of the Bauchi State Police Command, Haruna Mohammed, in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday,

stated that the victims were certified dead by a medical doctor at the hospital.

He said "the accident occurred when a fully loaded Daf Truck, red in colour, with REG number XA 149 PKM driven by one Mohammed Ali, (male, (30) of Potiskum, lost control at Narabi town, hit Four vehicles and knocked down pedestrians.

"As a result, Twelve victims sustained various degrees of

injuries. "Police Patrol teams attached to Toro division visited the scene and rushed Casualties to General hospital Toro for treatment where four victims including two women pedestrians, 16 Months old baby and one passenger were certified dead by a medical doctor."

Mohammed, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), added that the "particulars of deceased are Amina Mohammed, female, (47) of Jingre ward in Kaduna

State, Ummi Ibrahim, female, (18), a Fifteen months old baby yet unknown and, Nahemia Lamiri, male, (48) of Potiskum."

The PPRO disclosed that three Corpses were released to relatives for burial after postmortem examinations were conducted while Eight other victims were responding to treatment.

He said that the case was under investigation to ascertain actual cause of the accident

Niger State May Cut Workers’ Salaries by 70% or…

Laleye Dipo inMinna The Niger State Government is set to reduce the salaries of its workers by a minimum of 70% investigations

by This Day in the office of the Head of Service has revealed.

The decision to cut the emoluments of workers according to the investigation, followed the continued drop in the amount received by the state government from the Federation Account in the last couple of months.

According to the findings, government had to borrow from commercial banks and other sources to augment what it received from Abuja and its internally generated revenue to be able to pay staff salaries making capital

projects to remain on the drawing board.

The investigations showed that government claimed that the amount it received from the Federation Account for the month of April was a paltry N600m after all deductions while the IGR of the state was just N480m.

THISDAY learnt that the decision to cut salaries of workers had been put before the joint negotiating council of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC in the state which vehemently opposed the policy.

As a result it was gathered that a meeting between government officials and those of the Organised Labour was held in Minna on Friday with the NLC maintaining its ground.

It was gathered that the government team led by the Head of Service Alhaji Mohammed Maude Lapai presented other options before the meeting which it asked Labour to consider and take a stand on.

Among the options it was learnt was that if Labor insisted that workers’ salaries should not be cut they should be prepared for a drastic reduction in the workforce or that government should pay ministries monthly but on rotational basis or that all the senior staff from grade level 12 above would forfeit their pay for unspecified period to enable government settle the pay of junior workers.

Another option put before Labour according to a source at the meeting

was that for whatever amount the government got at the end of the month 50% of the amount should be released to the NLC for the payment of workers’ salaries while the balance would be kept by government for execution of capital projects and other activities of the government.

Labour officials, according to a source at the meeting requested for explanation on what happened to the bailout fund of N6bn it got from the federal government when it was clear that the last administration did not leave any debt in unpaid salaries.

Also labour requested from government what it had done with other loans collected which were not less than N10bn.

Sokoto State Government and a firm, Credit Direct Limited, have signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU), for the provision of 24-hour loans to workers in the state. Speaking shortly after signing the MOU in Sokoto Friday, the State Head of Service, Alhaji Bature Shinkafi, said the loanswouldbeadvancedtothebeneficiarieswithin24hoursofcompleting the processes. According to him, with the signing of the agreement, workers in the employ of the state government would get loans of between N 20,000 to N 950,000, depending on their grade level. "Each beneficiary must not be having another previous loan tied to his salary, while the loan wouldberepaidbetweenthreemonthstooneyear.Infact,theloanattracts 3.7 per cent interest and the workers must fill and sign a form authorising the direct deduction of the loan at the Ministry of Finance for remittance to the firm,'" Shinkafi said.

Bello Seeks Improved Revenue for Kogi

TheKogiStateGovernor,AlhajiYahayaBelloyesterdayurgedtheRevenue Mobilisation,AllocationandFiscalCommissiontoconsiderimprovingrevenue tothestateinordertoenableKogimeetitsrisingchallenges.TheGovernor madethepleaduringavisittothecommissionwhereheservedforover50 years,referringtothevisitasa"returntohisprimaryconstituency", sayingit hadbecomeimperativeforthecommissiontohelpPresidentMuhammadu Buhari achieve his change agenda. He said he was prepared to take Kogi Statetohighergroundthrougheffectivedeliveryofdemocracydividendsto thepeopleofthestate.GovernorBellohighlightedtheneedsofKogiState to include the necessity to bridge the huge infrastructural deficit, security challenges and many other competing ends, saying he would continue to be a good Ambassador of the commission.

Adeoye Mourns Obaro of Kabba

TheLateObaroofKabba,ObaMichaelFolorunsoOlobayohasbeendescribed, as a complete family man, a quintessential leader of his people, who did his best to promote cordiality, love and virtuous living among his subjects and all those that passed through his way.This was contained in a message of condolence from DIG Adedayo Adeoye (Rtd.) to the people of Okunland in general and his family, of which he is a part in particular. Adeoye said late Oba Michael Folorunso Olobayo, extended warm hands of fellowship to his family and ensured that there was close rapport between the two families. The Late Obaro of Kabba, Adedayo Adeoye stated, would be forever remembered as a humble goal-getter, a colossus and a fantastic icon in his own right, who would be greatly missed for his forthrightness, peaceful conduct and humility.

Plus TR

UT H

& RE A SO

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LOUD WHISPERS AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER WRITERS’ WORLD FITNESS FASHION FILE

pg. 20 pg. 26 pg. 29 pg. 37 pg. 40 pg. 41

Rose Gyar

From My Scholarship Allowance, I Trained My Siblings

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MAY 28, 2016

18

Plus

Material Things Don’t Give Me Joy; Happy People Do Rose Gyar, an Eggon, from Kokona in Nasarawa State, was the one who set up the satellite campus of the University of Jos in Abuja but left to run an NGO when government abolished that system of higher education. She is a woman of passion who likes to see everyone happy. Her commitment to boosting the capacities of small and medium scale entrepreneurs has seen her organise them to groups to be able to access government funds. She is also passionate about the plight of Almajiris which is ravaging most the nation’s northern states. Rose lost her father at the age of six and she grew up knowing only her mother who sacrificed all to make her what she is today. Rose tells Stanley Nkwazema of how she trained her nine siblings from her scholarship allowance, her passion for assisting small scale industrialists and rural farmers and why material gains do not make much meaning to her

I

My Background attended Our Lady of Apostle Girls College, Akwanga, in Plateau State. I went to the Plateau State Polytechnic, Jos, where I studied Secretarial Studies. I got a job at the Federal Agricultural Coordinating Unit in Jos, and from there, I was sponsored to go and study Public Administration at Advance Diploma Level in Applied Sociology. After that, I did a part-time programme in Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic and I had HND in Business Management. I also did a Post-graduate Diploma in Business Management in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.

I grew up with a widow who was a teacher and disciplinarian. She is late now, but I must say that growing up with her was tough but beautiful. It is the result of her effort that I am now reaping. I have nine siblings but I seem to be the bread winner in the family. I started sponsoring my siblings when I started receiving my scholarship allowances. I am happy to say that they were all supportive and cooperative because it is one thing to pay and another is to go to school. Today, some of them are married, some of them are graduates but unemployed and some have been called to glory. I am married with three children but I have about 12 adopted children under my care.

Working with Small Scale Businesses I work with people in the micro, small and medium scale enterprises and we promote them towards achieving the best business practices in systems, products and processes. We do this through partnership with the micro small and medium enterprises and it includes government agencies, corporate organisations, individuals and development partners including the media.

I create awareness and sensitise micro, small and medium enterprises into best business practices for more profitability as well as encourage them to build sustainable systems for profitability. It is an all inclusive approach to economic development. We work with operators across the sectors and we also work with operators across the social

sector. What we are focused on doing is impacting skills that are in line with government policies particularly now that government is emphasising on economic diversification and value addition for increased revenue and exports. We work with relevant government agencies that have mandate to develop the micro, small and medium enterprises like the Raw Materials Development Council, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and Nigeria Export Promotions Council. We are looking at not just production but making it competitive as well as accessing the export market.

Working with them is my passion and I take pleasure in encouraging them, seeing their businesses grow. Apart from encouraging them, I also participate in small scale activities or businesses. I produce sugar cane juice as an industrialist because I am a member of the Nigeria Association of Small Scale Industries and I was a national officer some years back and that is where I boosted my interest in the micro, small and medium enterprises. Before then I was a civil servant, I worked with the University of Jos Consultancy Services and that was where my skills where honed.

I was the one who set up the satellite campus of University of Jos in Abuja and when the Federal Government ordered the closure of the campus I had already set up my family here in Abuja and relocating to Jos was an issue for me. So I decided to look for a job with National Commission for Museum and Monuments where I served for about eight years. I was qualified for pension so I decided to leave in 2006 when the Contributory Pension Scheme was introduced. I felt my passion was somewhere else, so I left the job to start my own.

Almajiris and Societal Responsibility The Almajiri issue requires a holistic approach. Holistic in the sense that they did not fall from the sky. They have parents and they live in the society. They need to be sensitised as to imbibe other cultures and educational pursuit apart from the religious pursuit. The parents need to be sensitised also for them to know their responsibility as parents because it is

We work with operators across the sectors and we also work with operators across the social sector.

What we are focused on doing is impacting skills that are in line with government policies particularly now that government is emphasising on economic diversification and value addition for increased revenue and exports

Gyar

19

MAY 28, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

Plus Collateral is Still an Issue for Small Scale Industries beyond giving birth and throwing up to the society. Religiously, they are obliged to take care of these children to be responsible citizens and that can only be done under the watchful eyes of parents. The second part of the Almajiri is to sensitise their teachers for those who take them away from their parents with the hope of teaching them the Islamic religion. They can still teach them in a better and more conducive atmosphere without becoming a problem to the society. All hands must be on deck to sensitise these children and also create a platform to be able to engage all the stakeholders in the Almajiri issue.

Particularly, creating awareness on the need to be self reliant, get skills and also to be accountable to the society. When they are taught skills, they can help themselves and their families. Some of the reasons they give for being on the street is poverty.

Their parents cannot fend for them; hence the parents give them out to the mallams in order for them to acquire knowledge in their religion and livelihood. At the end of the day for the almajiris, you discover that the livelihood they are taught is to go out to beg. If we are able to match religious education with the western one, they can now be encouraged to want to study more. We also need to get some livelihood skills that will not stop them from learning on their religion. When you have a group of children as the Almajiris, the Mallams should be able to accept someone that will come in and teach them small basic skills like soap making, baking, simple repairs and modern farming techniques and tools handling. These things can help them generate income, rather than going round to beg. Government is now saying that we should add value to agriculture. You can be in your house and add value to corn if that is what you produce. Whatever it is that is an agricultural product that you produce, you can still add value to it while you are acquiring your religious knowledge. The government has to play a role, the Mallams need to learn skills because these children go out to look for what to eat, fend for themselves and the Mallams also. From my interaction with some of them, I saw a group of about 10-12 of the Almajiri and I asked what they do, they said begging. I asked them why they beg, they said to feed and they have to take returns to their Mallam for him to also feed. I asked if is the way they live and they replied in the affirmative. According to the children, they go to school in the morning, in the afternoon they beg and sometimes go to the Mallam’s farm or they go to farm for others and get paid.

I met these children in Keffi in Nasarawa State and some of them come from as far as Katsina State The children asked me to give them money to eat and I said no, but if any of them would go to school I will put them in school. The children told me that the Mallam will not allow them to go to school. I asked them to take me to the Mallam, and they directed me. I am planning to go and see the Mallam, sit down with him and have some discussions. If we are able to get one or three of them to start that as a pilot, they will be advocates to the other Mallams. I feel the issue of Almajiri can be solved if all of us will work together to do that.

The N220 Billion Fund Issue Access to the fund for now is still a mirage. Collateral has always been an issue for micro, small and medium enterprises.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not deal with individual entrepreneurs; they deal with entrepreneurs through the partnering financial institutions. This can be done through the money deposit bank, development bank, micro finance bank or the financial cooperatives. There are two categories of cooperatives: those that are into micro financing and cooperatives that are into production processes for manufacturing as a group. But what the guideline now captures is micro financial cooperatives that collect the money and lend to their members. But it is a little difficult for the micro, small and medium enterprises,

Gyar

The Almajiri issue requires a holistic approach.

Holistic in the sense that they did not fall from the sky. They have parents and they live in the society.

They need to be sensitised as to imbibe other cultures and educational pursuit apart from the religious pursuit. The parents need to be sensitised also for them to know their responsibility as parents because it is beyond giving birth and throwing up to the society. Religiously, they are obliged to take care of these children to be responsible citizens and that can only be done under the watchful eyes of parents producers and manufactures because they have to go through a partnering financial institution. The categories have different amounts that they can access. All these partnering financial institutions require giving financial collateral to CBN before

they can access the money. Most of these micro, small and medium enterprise operators operate informally. If we are serious and sincere about developing the sector, there should be government investment in that sector and the investment is to establish sustainable platforms.

The government has various organisations, but how capable are these organisations?

These are the things the government needs to look out for because they have associations and organisations but the issues of institutional capacity that will be able drive a partnership process with any of the stake holders is absent. So there must be a definite intervention in institutional capacity strengthening of the micro, small and medium enterprises business membership organisations. In order to address those issues, what we have tried to do in our own NGO, the Global Centre for Human Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Development, GLOCHEED, is that we promote competitiveness among the micro, small and medium enterprises in products, processes and systems through partnership. What we have decided to do is to reach out to the various business organisations in that sector. For now, we have been able to hold about four meetings, trying to establish platforms or probably a federation of these business membership organisations so that communication between them and the government or any other stake-holder that is interested in developing the sector could be easier. We have been able to establish it because we have gotten about 25 of them that have subscribed to be in the platform and we are still working. We hold our meetings in the Small and Medium Development Enterprises office in Area 11, Garki Abuja because it is the platform for all the SMEs; so they gave us a space to hold our meetings. We are thinking that once we are able to establish that platform, it will be easy to engage government and other partners on the issues of SME development. If this is tackled from the institutional perspective, then members will see reason to best business practices.

We are not just looking at the Nigeria

market to sell our products, but we are also looking at the global market.

Highest and lowest points in life The highest point is seeing everybody being happy. The low point is when I see anybody in agony. I share and try to uplift the people’s spirit from that. I fear losing heaven. I am satisfied, but am not sure I have reached the peak yet. My dream is to see everyone smile in Nigeria throughout the day.

Family support I enjoy a lot of support from family. My husband, Dr. Dogara Silas my Gyar, a microbiologist, gives me all the support and encourages me. From my children, most of them capture what I do in their school work. When my first son was writing the project for his B.Sc, he captured what I do for small scale people and acknowledged entrepreneurs living with HIV/AIDs which is the other passion I have and I take care of them. With that they give me pleasure. They assist me during my work. I desire to read more because no knowledge is wasted and to interface with the less privileged and to see SME grow in all their products, processes and in their systems.

Values in Friendship My values in friendship are sincerity, commitment and integrity. The most challenging aspect of my life has always been getting people to understand what you are doing. For most people, life is all about money-making but I do not see life that way. The question people ask me most times is this: how much do you make out of all that you do? My answer to them has always been God blesses me. It has been very challenging getting people to understand what you understand and why you need their commitment to encourage you in what you understand and do because of our present lifestyle that is prone to materialism and acquisitions. People prefer to hear you say you are changing your car or house. That’s not all about it.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • May 28, 2016

Loud Whispers

Why I Support Fuel Price Hike My people I am in full support of fuel price hike o. I just found out that my driver Ifeanyi had deregulated the price for me since he resumed work with me early last year. I have been buying fuel at N145 per litre without knowing. So all my fight against the deregulation was just an effort in stupid futility. How did I find out? Last Monday he called in sick so I gave him the day off. I drove myself to work and decided to buy fuel on my way. Now every Monday I give the man N10,000 to fill my tank and he will dutifully fill the tank with no change.

Now don’t forget that this was at the old price of N87. So this Monday morning I now drove into the fuel station and gleefully asked them to sell N20,000 fuel for me, correctly calculating that since N10,000 used to fill my tank at the old price then N20,000 should do the same at the new price of N145. My people I received the shock of my life when after filling the tank, I saw N10,000 on the pump. I wanted to die. I asked them if their pump was alright or if the thing was not working well. They all simply just laughed at me. I brought out my calculator to do the Maths, it was then it dawned on me that my driver had carried out his own deregulation and adjusted the fuel price without consulting any relevant stakeholders. Can you imagine, I have been buying fuel at almost double the official price without even knowing.

Where are these Fulani herdsmen when you need them. If he hadn’t taken the day off I would not have found out about this treasonable offense. I have sacked him and considering handing him over to the police for prosecution where I would be asking for capital punishment for such a heinous crime. My people you see why I have no choice but to support this price hike? How will I get a refund since I have not enjoyed this subsidy that we all have been enjoying as full citizens of this country. Kai, I’m in tears.

President Buhari, Why Now? My Lord stood us up. All 20 million of us. He disappointed Lagosians by not showing after all the elaborate preparations but instead sent his VP Osibanjo who now came in his stead.

Many reasons have been given for this sad event from ear infection, fear of the

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

Jonathan: Please Go on Exile Me I am in total support of this move. Although my oga has come out to say that he is very far from seeking asylum but generally enjoying himself after the hectic job of running an ungrateful country for all these years. The only problem I will have with this move is his choice of exile destination. Why Côte d’Ivoire and not Brazil.why go to a country that just ended a terrible civil war almost ravished

by Ebola with no great reputation for beautiful women. I am sure madam Patience had a lot to do with this decision otherwise why would such a handsome bowler hat wearing gentleman like President Jonathan choose to go to that country when beautiful places like South Africa, Miami and South of France are there waiting for his attention. It’s just as well that he has come out to say that he was just resting and would soon decide where he would be going to domicile. Since we have refused to appreciate his true worth by not appreciating the fact that during his time world famous Lagos traffic to scarcity of aviation fuel. Whatever the case, me I was personally disappointed as I was looking forward to the trip because of the fact that it would have given me the opportunity to once again meet with his Excellency to discuss amongst others our rejoinder to Dele Momodu’s latest article. Anyways, we would have other opportunities for this visit so we should not worry too much as I am very sure on His Excellency’s next international visit he will pass through Lagos either on his way out or on his way back, so my brother- Ambode just order your people not to destroy all the flags and posters they can just fold them and keep them in a safe place for future use. You know we cannot afford any wastage during this time of harsh economic difficulties.

NLC - Clowns on Parade I rolled on the floor with laughter when I read the news report that the NLC had called off the strike. Strike? Which strike.

Strike that was ignored by everybody to the point that the NLC people were on the road begging people not to go to work but were largely ignored. This to me is the final death knell of the NLC and its sad because the bastion of hope for the poor masses of Nigeria has finally been decimated by greed and shallowness.

Nigerians had the best of times then we really do not deserve his continuous stay with us hence my believe that he should take his wisdom elsewhere.

Yes na, see his achievements in power- Naira was stable at N150 to the dollar, fuel was N87, EFCC had no work to do, Nollywood Stars were constant visitors to Aso Rock, he prostrated to so many Pastors which in itself was unprecedented, he reintroduced the Bowler Hat to national costume, there were no Fulani Herdsmen, he begged Obasanjo too many times, a Nigerian won Big Brother Africa, militants became Pilots and lastly he gave us his wife - Madam Jonathan who became mother of the nation. So you see his frustrations that despite these achievements and much more, we still refused to put his face on the Naira or even erect a statue for him near the Gate of Aso rock. Abeg, we have gone on exile and will not return until proper recognition and respect is accorded this great Nigerian. That’s all.

They failed to read the minds of Nigerians, blinded by their self importance swam against the tide of public opinion and had their cheap Ankara and starched khakis dragged on the mud of self pity. It is very clear that they no longer represent the interest of the people but their own selfish interests. In my book, they remain a critical reason this country is today financially broke. For if they had allowed this deregulation since the Obasanjo regime we would not be were we are today. They parlayed their ignorance of modern economic policies, ignored the stark reality on the ground and turned a blind eye to the obviously extremely corrupt subsidy regime so that they can feed their enlarged egos at the expense of Nigerians. I thank God that today, they have been shown the door and with their tired heads bowed, they exit the national discourse into the infamy of a dark and lonely existence as a once virile body. A nest of clowns indeed.

No pity here.

Ekiti State : Fulani Herdsmen in Trouble I just saw a video of Governor Fayose proclaiming ‘jihad’ against Fulani Herdsmen. He has empowered all the hunters in Ekiti to hunt down and kill herdsmen.

So my advise to people who have relations who are Fulani herdsmen to kindly warn them not to graze near Ekiti o. Governor Fatpyose seems to mean business as he has given the Executive Orders that the herdsmen who kill and rape their wives and mothers must also suffer the same fate. This if not carefully handled could lead to more mayhem and unnecessary killings on both sides.

The only party that would be saved in all these would be the cows as they could be orphaned if Fayose carries out these threats. But seriously, does he have the powers to order civilians to take laws into their hands, what does this proclamation say about his faith regarding those institutions like the army and the other such bodies empowered to protect and ensure justice. My brother Fayose once again is wrong and may have in his rush to continue to ingrain himself amongst the masses just given an illegal instruction which in my mind would further aggravate the situation while anihilating the parties from each other. So my candid advise to the Herdsmen is to avoid Ekiti for the meantime at least until the planting season when some of these Hunters would drop their Dane guns and go back into farming.

Sir Gabriel Ogbechie @50 This is my friend. He sent me a text asking if I would like to attend his 50th Birthday ceremony at the Intercontinental Hotel this Saturday. I immediately asked if I could come with my Akwa Ibom attire. The attire like those of you who are familiar with it, consist of a big white shirt and instead of a pair of trousers, you have a huge wrapper tied across the waist with either shots worn under to cover the national treasure. He laughed and said I could wear anything.

My people, I’m appearing at the party with my wrapper with no boxers under so that the warm cool breeze from the what used to be the Bar Beach can blow my bowels and making them warm to touch. Happy birthday my Lord and friend and may you continue to be a wonderful husband to Godrey whom by the way I must say continue to look very beautiful everyday.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 28, 2016

SPY GLASS Tale of Three Warring Brothers

Royalty is sweet! The luxury of a modern palace is irresistibly tempting! So also fame is coveted by all and sundry! If you are in agreement with this postulation, you may not need to cudgel your brains so much to unravel the mystery behind longdrawn battle among the three sons of the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru. But strangely, there is no vacancy yet in the palace as the current occupant of the throne is still alive!

Spy Glass gathered that given the elitist nature of the Kingdom on Victoria Island, Lagos, the trio of Adesegun, Tijanni and Ademola Oniru have been at one another’s jugular over who succeeds the ailing 79 year-old monarch.

Segun, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, is the first son of the King. He is quite a deep pocket; he is also close to the state government that plays prominent role in selection of monarchs. But the only snag, according to sources, is that he is not loved by the chiefs and indigenes of the community.

His brother, Ademola, who manages Oniru Beach on the other hand, is very close to the chiefs, and to the indigenes of the community. A philanthropist of note, Ademola, who relocated from the USA, is described as a great benefactor to many in the area. Consequently, many are ready to literally back him to the coveted throne.

Meanwhile, Tijanni is also said to be making subterranean moves to realise his dreams, and that he is banking on his closeness to his father and his popularity among the chiefs.

For now, observers are of the opinion that the feud among the three brothers is needless, as the answer to their quest is in the womb of time!

Presently, the three brothers hold notable titles in the kingdom. As hinted, Prince Adesegun is the Aremo of Iruland, Prince Ademola is the Ojele Olofin Ejiwa of Iruland while Prince Tijjani holds the title Opemoluwa of the land.

Yomi Folawiyo, Wife’s Discordant Tunes For Yomi Folawiyo and his estranged wife, Abimbola Kashamu, the last is yet to be heard about their love affair.

It was reported in some sections of the media, last week, that pretty Abimbola, who is described as controversial, had left her matrimonial home.

However, Spy Glass gathered that though the marriage has finally hit the rocks, Abimbola and her only daughter, Mosunmola, are still living at their Apapa GRA, Lagos residence.

She is said to have resisted attempts to eject her from the house, maintaining that only a competent

with Bayo Adeoye ....08054680651 court of law can force her out, since she is legally married to Folawiyo.

A source confirmed that the couple had been living like cat and mouse and that efforts by their families to mend the cracked wall were rebuffed several times.

Though it was widely reported that Bimbo was very cantankerous and disrespectful to Folawiyo, but a source close to the couple hinted that Folawiyo does not just feel secure with her presence around him, since he was hit by an ailment that has reportedly confined him to a wheel chair.

It was also gathered that the lightcomplexioned lady has deleted her husband’s name from her Instagram and reverted to her maiden name, Kashamu.

Abimbola, owner of Her Majesty Skin CareProducts, is a niece to Senator Buruji Kashamu. Her mother is one of the daughters of the late Ijebu-Ode multimillionaire, Prince Bode Oshinusi. Bimbola and Yomi Folawiyo got married in December 2011.

Abdulrahman Abdulrazak’s Bitter-sweet Encounter

His story, on the surface, may read like a fable. But if you take the pains to read it with undivided attention, you will find out that it is most compelling and engaging. For Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the CEO, First Fuels Limited, and son of Alhaji AGF Abdulrazaq, the first Northern lawyer in Nigeria, the journey to fame actually started when he ventured into importation of petroleum products at a relatively young age.

He was in the news, sometimes ago, when his company had several million litres of petroleum products stored in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s tanks in Ejigbo depot as well as Mosimi depot in Ogun State, serving the needs of independent marketers in the South-west. Again, eyes turned on him when Mobil Oil wanted to export its first batch of condensate out of Nigeria. Abdulrazaq came to the rescue as he succeeded in getting the best international prices and buyers for the product.

It will also be recalled that with the active support of Ronke OnadekoOsayande, they executed a lot of oil-related transactions that launched the firm into the big league and fetched them billions of naira as reward for their sweat.

For obvious reasons, many had thought that he would have owned a private depot or refinery in Nigeria.

But for Abdulrazaq, who is said to have made positive impacts on the lives of many younger businessmen like Tonye Cole, Ade Shonubi, Ade Odunsi, Adewale Tinubu, Omamofe Boye and Onajite Okoloko, that was not the case, as First Fuels was hit by a few bad investments. At the height of this challenge, his former partner,

Ronke Onadeko, left the company to become the Country Director of Bank Paribas (BNP) offices in Lagos.

Subsequently, Abdulrazaq dumped the oil business for politics, and even floated a football club known as FC Abuja, which recorded some modest success in the sports world. Since then, he has lost touch with the business that gave him fame. Though, Spyglass was informed that the man that contested for Kwara Central Senatorial District under Peoples’ Democratic Party, (PDP) is back to the oil business, he could no longer be rated as a top player as he is yet to make any serious headway; he has been relegated to background in the sector.

Florence Ita-Giwa’s New Passion

Over the years, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa has been in the forefront of re-writing the story of the people of Bakassi in Cross-River State.

The former Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters to former President Olusegun Obasanjo has used her wealth, influence and power to put smiles on the faces of countless children who would not have tasted Western education.

This 70-year-old Amazon and woman of substance has, however, found a new passion: she is preaching against rape.

As gathered, the ageless beauty and grandmother has begun to lend her voice to the campaign against rape via Instagram. In one of her posts, she wrote that “Our girls are silently dying inside. A lot of women live with this horrible experience for the rest of their lives and it keeps hunting them in their sleep and affects them psychologically.

Let’s join hands and end this together.

Say No To Rape!”

If the news at the disposal of Spy Glass is anything to go by, Ita-Giwa, who is known for her passion for humanity, may soon take her war against rape to the public, just like some of her other humane gestures.

Otunba Funsho Lawal’s Sterling Quality

Those who have met this oil and gas top player, Otunba Funsho Lawal, will attest to the fact that he has a charming character and uncommon leadership quality. To say the man is brainy and witty is stating the obvious. Besides, he is well vast and experienced in many areas of the economy, especially oil and gas, where he has been actively involved in over three decades. It was gathered that he participated in the recent Oil and Gas Conference in Houston, Texas, USA, where he made an impressive contribution.

His profile got a boost in 2006 when he led other top players in the oil sector to form the popular Petroleum Club, Lagos. A few years after he birthed the prestigious club, he was able to prove that it was a carefully planned project.

The Club was officially launched in 2007 by former President Goodluck Jonathan while he was Vice President to the late former President Umar Musa Yar’Adua.

The club was set up to provide a forum for leaders and professionals within the oil and gas industry to interact and meet with eminent national and international business, oil and gas and political leaders, while also contributing to policy formulation.

This is in addition to promoting the interest of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. Many say the founder has kept faith with this pristine vision.

But if you think the former Citibank Vice President loves to make a noise over this, you are wrong; he loves to operate behind the scene, while his numerous achievements make the noise. No wonder, he declined to be the President of the club when it was initially formed, despite the fact he conceived the idea.

Olu Okeowo’s Low-key Birthday Celebration

As property merchant, Sir Olu Okeowo’s birthday approached, not a few had looked forward to celebrating him on the occasion. Obviously, it is understandable why many had wished to share in his joy last Sunday. Nothing short of an elaborate event, where his guests would have gorged themselves on exotic drinks and tasteful foods had been expected, considering his wealth and connections. But the renowned philanthropist only organised a low-key party, with close friends, associates and few family members in attendance at his Parkview residence in Ikoyi, Lagos.

For Okeowo, Chairman, Community Development Association of Parkview, Lagos, it has been a season of celebration, as he also launched his new high-rise in Ikoyi.

Besides, Spy Glass gathered that his newly acquired expanse of land, which he started developing last year, is expected to be completed by December this year. A source revealed that the building situated on Olusegun Aina Street will be the head office of all his numerous businesses.

Also, the property merchant was recently honoured with the Exemplary Philanthropist Award by the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Akoka. He is also said to be building a multi-million naira complex named Sir Olu Okeowo Building for Physiotherapy inside the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, (LUTH).

Apart from this, the shrewd businessman is building a maternity centre in the heart of Lagos Island, complete with world-class medical equipment that will be solely sponsored by him. He has also donated musical equipment, gifts and cash to several churches in and around Lagos.

Olu Okeowo has been around for some time doing what he knows how to do best. By all standards, his is a success story. With numerous estates scattered around Parkview, Ikoyi and Banana Island, Lagos, there is no gainsaying the fact that he is a big player in the property and real estate sector. He is known for architectural masterpieces spread all over the place.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • MAY 28, 2016

EVENTS

M

rs. Oluyemisi Oyelola celebrated her 53rd birthday with the opening of nail salon and spa within her residence in Lagos, recently. Here are some of the personalities that attended the ceremony.

Photographs by Yomi Akinyele

AM Femi Gbadebo and his wife, Alaba

L-R: Tunde Oladipo and Olawumi Iyayang

L-R: Segun Oloketuyi and Bola Olayinka

L-R: Dr. Sam Akinluyi and Ekua Abudu

L-R: Celebrant, Oluyemi Oyelola and her husband, Oladele

L-R: Bola Ekine and her husband, Boma

OlorundareThomas and his wife, Oyinmade

L-R: Pastor Shola Olawuyi and Pastor Ada Ossai

L-R: John Obaro and his wife, Bose

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IMAGES

L≠R: Simi Adeyinka, Kemi Ashiru and Bolaji Fowosire

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Anudu

L≠R: Seke Odojokan and Tessy Owolabi

L≠R: Olukemi Owolabi and Adepoju Owolabi

L≠R: Funmi Daramola, Susan Itemuagbor and Loretta Ogrih

L≠R: Femi Oloruntoba and Gabriel Obando

L≠R: Doyin Akinlade and his wife, Ponle

L≠R: Joy Isaac and Emma Oko

Harry Eta≠Besong and his wife, Marry

L≠R:Toyin Oyelola and Olutunu Oyelola

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 28, 2016

VINTAGE

Adeleke University and Quest for Excellence Olumide Lawal

T

he determination and quest of the founders of Adeleke University Ede, Osun State for an Institution that will be a pace-setter and reference point in Nigeria, nay Africa, cannot be over emphasized. Adeleke University Ede, will for years to come, continue to be the first destination of choice for students across the globe, as it is presently been witnessed. The University management is more focused on the quality of education provided for the students as well as the students’ individual and collective moral growth, to make it live up to its motto of: Education, Character and Excellence.

For a first time visitor to the University’s permanent site, along Ogberin Road, a picture is painted as to whether you are in Harvard, Oxford, Yale or Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Nothing was done in half measures. First class standard was employed in putting up gigantic architectural masterpiece, that are home to different faculties, the Senate Building, the magnificent student halls of residence for male and female, the eye-popping library, the state-of-the art cafeteria and the wonderland - called the staff Quarters, are second to none.

Talk of the network of asphalt roads around the campus and the well- constructed drains, they are just super. The network of roads, I suggest, should be named after prominent Nigerians. The greenery, that dot the Adeleke University main campus, is a reflection of the deep thought of the founders, that academic excellence shrives best in a purely natural environment. Approaching the campus from the University gate, visitors would marvel at the imposing elegant building that is home to the Senate.

Adeleke University Ede, prides itself with functional faculties, that are well equipped and met the requirement of the National Universities Commission. It has gained accreditation for courses in Engineering, a school of performing art, with 1500-seat first-class auditorium, which I refer to as the Red Chamber. The performing art building, also houses the institution internationally acclaimed Information and Communication Technology Centre, as well as a temporary medical centre. There are also the Faculties of Arts, Basic Science, Business and Social Sciences and Law. All of which give all round educational excellence to students, who are carefully chosen to be the best and brightest

Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke and Dr. Adedeji Adeleke

future leaders.

The halls of residence for male and female students have rooms that are ensuite, with maximum of three students in a room. In my opinion, the female hall of residence should be named after the late wife of the founder, Dr. (Mrs.) Veronica Imade Adeleke of blessed memory as a form of immortalization. In these days of epileptic power and water supply, the promoters of Adeleke University have ensured, that each of the gigantic multistorey buildings, that serve various purposes, are each provided with two or more industrial bore-holes and MIKANO generating sets, of between 320 and 1000KVA capacity, which gives 24-hour uninterrupted supply of these amenities and ultimately makes the provision from the national grid a standby, instead of the other way round. The cafeteria provides nourishing meals for the students and the workers. A full-fledged medical centre is also under construction.

Investigations reveal that the founder, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, is not resting on his oars, as far as attracting the best teachers to impact knowledge to the students is concerned.

Adeleke University Ede, could be said,

without mincing words, that it has more than its fair share of professorship cadre, where other State and Private Universities could not boast of two professors. This was made possible, due to the conviction of the eminent world-class lecturers, that they have a conducive environment and facilities to work with. It is on record, that some internationally renowned professors and doctoral holders are falling upon themselves to relocate from universities abroad, to partake of the success story of the Adeleke University. Who wouldn’t?

For instance, a 450 staff quarters, made up of 3 and 4 bedrooms bungalows, are feverishly under construction in a strategic location in the university, 100 of which have so far been allocated. What’s more, a sporting arena, that will be home to an Olympic-size football field and swimming pool, gymnasium, Tennis court and other indoor games are in the pipeline to make for the relaxation of the students, the workers and their families.

At the thanksgiving and dedication service of the main campus on April 1, 2016, the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, was full of praises to

God Almighty, describing the fruition of the Adeleke University as God’s own project, which was divinely ordained, as he could not make claim to have had any other strength in getting the university this far, other than the grace and mercy of God. Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, therefore, enjoined all stakeholders in the university, to put God first in all their undertakings. The Pro-Chancellor may fight shy of it, but the fact should be expressly stated, that his workaholic nature, never-saydie spirit, resilience, coupled with high ideals for the university, were factors that propelled Adeleke University to its present enviable height.

In his speech at the thanksgiving service, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwole Amusan, praised the benevolence of the ProChancellor, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, for establishing the institution, to assist many underprivileged young men and women to access university education. Apart from committing the affairs of the university into the hands of God, a super-private security arrangements have been put in place. There is no location in the campus, as vast as it is, that you wouldn’t find stoutly-built and well trained security men in place, armed with their walkie-talkies and Altisan Dogs, keeping vigil. The activities of these eagle-eyed security men, who are always on motorised patrol is complemented by hidden CCTV Cameras mounted at strategic places in the university campus.

Therefore, mischief-makers and intruders had better have a rethink, as their activities would be promptly detected and dealt with appropriately.

The first convocation of the University held on September 6, 2015, saw the conferment of honourary Doctoral Degrees on Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Justice Alfa Belgore (RTD) and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, as well as the installation of Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke (CON), as the first Chancellor of the University, at an occasion where over 300 students drawn from all the accredited faculties were awarded first degrees.

Definitely, the Adeleke dynasty of Ede, has taken a deep plunge into the waters of educational excellence and swam to safe shores. This great dynasty, has further put the name of Ede in the world map, as they are planning the second phase of the university, which will accommodate the College of Medicine and Faculty of pharmacy. The former mini-campus will also be put into some other meaningful use.

––Lawal writes from Ede, Osun State.

COPA Coca-Cola Inspires 60,000 Teens Across Nigeria

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ost Saturday mornings, on bare streets or unoccupied school fields in most areas around the country, it is not unusual to see young people pairing up to play football.

When they get opportunities like the one Coca-Cola provides through its COPA Coca-Cola platform, teens thrive.

Knowing how important it is to groom younger players, and support their footballing passion, Coca-Cola Nigeria, through its annual COPA Coca-Cola Nigeria football tournament, each year, offers more teens the reward of learning life skills such as teamwork, confidence, and sociability.

In fact, a recent global research reveals that more youths actually prefer sports to the internet. The research which was carried out

by Nielsen Research in 16 countries, Nigerian included, found out that nine out of ten young people (91per cent) believe playing football builds key strength in teamwork, 86 per cent say competing on the pitch helps boost their confidence, 95 percent consider themselves fit and healthy and two-thirds (67 percent) think playing the game is more important than winning. In the Coca-Cola commissioned study, Nielsen Research polled the opinions of over 11,000 male and female teenagers across 16 countries to gain a better understanding of the

role football plays in the development of young people’s lives. The research showed talent to be a key trait that Nigerian teenagers admire in a famous sportsperson (97 per cent) and desire in a fellow teammate (94 per cent). Furthermore, 86 per cent cite playing football has helped boost their confidence, doubling the global average (42per cent).

Eight out of ten (83 per cent) believe playing has encouraged them to become more sociable, and 82 per cent, a friendlier person. Other important life skills teens attribute to playing

Football include being more determined (86 per cent), happier (85 per cent) and hard-working (85 percent). 87 per cent of Nigerian teenagers believe they will be playing Football in five years, considerably higher than the global average (59 percent) and over double that of Russia (39 per cent), who polled the lowest.

The research also showed that young people in Nigeria who play Football are happier than their non-playing peers, with a majority (94 per cent) considering them-

selves happy, and 89 per cent more satisfied than their peers, just higher than the global average (65 per cent).

Highlighting some of the best upcoming youth Football talents in Nigeria, Coca-Cola is going a step further this year and encouraging all Nigerians, particularly the youths, to get active and healthy. In this year’s edition, COPA Coca-Cola will be scaling up from last year’s edition in every part of its activities, which include increasing the number of states from 10 to 32, number of participating schools from 144 to over 3000, number of matches to be played will also increase from 120 to about 3000 and number of players to increase from 2160 to over 60,000.

Commenting on the tournament, Marketing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Patricia Jemibewon explained that, ‘It is good to know that our mission is corroborated by the research, as platforms such as the COPA Coca-Cola tournament inspire the next generations of Football stars, both on the field and outside the field.”

Copa Coca-Cola is the largest brandsupported grassroots Football tournament in the world, played in over 60 countries by 1.3 million teenage players, with the aim of inspiring young people to be active and healthy through their shared passion for the sport.

The COPA tournament which kicked off on the 16th of May will end with national finals taking place June 24th to June 30th.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 28, 2016

TRIBUTE

Madunagu @70: A Testament to a Humane Life

I

’Sina Kawonise

n the 30 years since I, in company of my friend and brother, Professor Wale Are Olaitan, have had the good fortune of knowing and relating closely with Dr Edwin Madunagu, it never ceased to amaze me how an individual could be so focused, consistent and irrevocably committed to an ideal and world outlook which at some point ruled about a third of humanity but now scarcely govern a hundredth of it. Such is the purposefulness and doggedness of Comrade Madunagu that he is unfazed by the vicissitudes of the Marxist-Socialist ideological worldview in the last 25 years in the global context and in Nigeria in particular.

In a tribute to him I co-authored with Wale seven years ago, published in The Guardian, when his 63rd birthday met him on an hospital bed, we noted that “while Comrade Madunagu ought to be concerned with his own health and survival on the hospital bed, the force of commitment impels him to continue to lament the condition of the ordinary person in Nigeria”.

The selflessness and self ‘forgetfulness’ of Madunagu are made possible by an impelling purpose. And that purpose is a commitment to work for the wellbeing of the human person and their dignity in a just, equitable and egalitarian socio-economic and political order. The philosophical order and paradigm of development for achieving this onerous goal is through the Marxian ideology and the socialist political economy.

To advance this cause, Madunagu has produced a rich repertoire of literature borne out of extensive learning and research, and rich praxical engagements in the popular struggle in Nigeria in the last half a century. In terms of Internationalist Marxism and the institutional memory of democratic socialism in Nigeria, Madunagu is a walking encyclopedia, producer and preserver, through the agency of the best stocked leftist library in Africa he established and which he is maintaining in Calabar, South South Nigeria, of the

rich history of the left.

By his practical acts and intellectual production on the left, Madunagu has to his credit of having produced and influenced a crop of Nigerians, young and old, primed and trained to think critically and work to challenge and change the existing inequitable and unjust social order that has been the lot of Nigeria pre/post political independence. I, in addition to a good number of others, am a proud product of the Madunagu school of Marxian praxis. But this tribute is not strictly about the well known ideological essence of Comrade Madunagu. I seek to portray in this piece celebrating the landmark 70th birthday of this remarkable Nigerian what in journalism we call ‘the human angle’.

In my over thirty years of active involvement in the leftist movement in Nigeria, I’ve had to interact with hundreds of persons with whom I shared the same ideological orientation but whose humanism, in their inter-personal relationships, moral disposition, family life, compassion, and understanding, falls far short of standards demanded by the very world outlook they profess. There are those for whom ideological persuasion had drained of ethical rules of friendship, who take advantage of the less privileged when in position of power and authority, thereby guilty of the very misdemeanors they accuse the oppressor class. Many of those tepid ideologues are as judgmental and isolationist in both their relationships with fellow comrades and the wider social order.

In the mid-eighties to the late nineties, I was a frequent visitor to the Rutam House which houses The Guardian publications.

Then, Dr Madunagu was the Editorial Page Editor and later Chairman of the powerful Editorial Board of the Newspaper. I saw all through how the boss, Eddie Madanagu, mixed freely with both senior and junior staff members of staff.

He maintained, literally, an open door policy which allowed even the most junior staff members of the massive organisation free access to him. He was a father figure, shorn of the ‘majesty’ of the father or the ‘imperialness’ of the fabled godfather,

Madunagu to whom the low and ordinary staff members came in all of their existentialist challenges. Madunagu put on no air, never for once exhibiting any of the ‘excellencies’ of the high office he occupied.

Madunagu’s official residence in the high-brow Opebi area of Ikeja was thrown open to us his young comrades who in our lowly socio-economic positions then wouldn’t have had access to such privileged abode of the upper-middle class.

Madunagu is kind, generous, accommodating and self-effacing. He dissolves himself into the lowly social matrix of those he leads. He is such an inspirational

leader in whom there is no guile, judgmentalism and moral superciliousness.

I’ve had challenges with comrades who wrote off those of us who took up government appointments or stood for elections here in Nigeria. Rather than the preemptory condemnation and hostility of such ideological ‘purists’ who would perhaps more clearly qualify as ideological ‘nihilists’, Madunagu had a listening ear, an understanding heart, and a fatherly counseling disposition. While Madunagu does not compromise on principles and fundamentals, he nevertheless has a big heart that accommodates all. With him, we do not get just a commitment to socialist doctrines, but the more important realisation that such doctrines, because they are informed by the need for the emergence of a humane society where every human being would have the chance of a meaningful life, should be based on a humane level of interaction with others. For him, socialism is not shorn of moralism, but is indeed based on and energized by it. And this is why it is consistent to find Madunagu treating all with respect and humane considerations even while holding aloft his socialist banner. Which explains why his circle of friends encompasses all strata of the socio-economic and political divides.

In Madunagu is a bold statement written that ideological purity doesn’t have to induce social insularity and isolationism.

Any wonder then that this inspirational leader of the oppressed, the conscientious and the radical is respected across a broad spectrum of the Nigerian social formation, including those who fiercely disagree with with him ideologically and politically.

While joining the multitude of his followers and comrades in wishing this great leader a hearty birthday, I wish, with due respect to many of our older comrades and my contemporaries in the mass movement, to commend to us all the exemplary life of this icon of the popular struggle, Dr Edwin Ikechukwu Madunagu. Happy birthday Sir.

––Kawonise, former Ogun state Commissioner for Information, is the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of NewsScroll newspaper.

Adieu to My Grandmother, Chief Olatomi Adeyi

H

Oluwatosin Momodu

ow can I say it? What will I say that will be convey my feelings about my grandma passing? I can’t find the words. As I struggle to put these words together, I consoled that grandma is resting peacefully in the bosom of our Lord . Olatomi Sorunke Adeyi was born into a Christian family in Igbogun in Ifo LG. Growing up, she was a favorite because of her charming, outspoken and humorous attitude. She was always fun to be around. A very compassionate individual, which led her to the care-giving profession called nursing.

Trained as a Grade II midwife at Catholic Hospital, Owo, she was offered appointment into the local government system due to the diligent and hardworking attitude she displayed. She later attended Oba Ademola School of Midwifery, Abeokuta where she obtained her Grade I Midwifery certificate.

She worked at Ila-Orangun and EdunAbon Local Government Areas in Ife, and, Owode, Ado-Odo/Ota, Ifo and Yewa South, in Ogun State where she voluntarily retired from government service in year 1983, at the age of 45 years after 25 years of active service.

She then proceeded to establish a private practice named Ibukun-Olu Maternity

Chief Adeyi Hospital in Ifo Local government, from where she entered full retirement at the age of 70.

As a midwife she had an average of 30 delivery per month during the period of her private practice, which won her hospital the status of ‘Model Maternity Clinic’ and attracted both foreign and domestic visitors.

She was with the chieftaincy title of ‘Iya Abiye of Igbogun land’.

Her Christian life was exemplary. Her dedication and peace-loving nature earned her the chieftaincy title of ‘Majeobaje of Cathedral Church, Oke-Nla’.

Her philosophy and attitude to life was

rooted in her undying faith that ‘with God, nothing shall be impossible’. And from this she derived strength and achieved the much she did with complete humility. She was generous to a fault, always the first to offer help to anyone who needed it. And her home was the abode children and adults alike from different families and places. As a traveler, you could be sure to have a roof over your head if she was aware of you needed a place to pass the night or rest.

Her generosity did not end with her own children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren alone, who enjoyed from her, upkeep and motherly attention. It extended to their friends, classmates and even strangers. She was a surrogate mother to many children who lacked parental care, sending them to school, clothing them and feeding them. Even as at the time of her death, she had about eight children under the age of 15 under her care.

I used to call her ‘Iya gbogbogbo’, meaning everyone’s mother and she would laugh without saying a word.

My grandma believed immensely in the value of hard work, and she never shied away from any form of labour and always told her grandchildren that ‘blessed is the child that has his own, for he shall not be disappointed’.

She was also a loyal person, and would never turn her back on anyone who needed asisstance. I remember her building a house for her driver who had accommodation

problems and had served her for years. She bought another driver a van to work with after he retired from working for her.

She also did all within her power to nurture unity in her family. Infact, after God, her next passion was family. She served as the matriarch of the family, a rallying point for the most part of her adult life.

One of her grand children’s spouses reminisced that “when I first met grandma, I was scared that she would be difficult.

But all she kept on saying is that I should take care of her grandson, and I should be prayerful for the sake of her greatgrandchildren. In fact, she adopted me as her own, and I stopped seeing her as an in-law but as my own grandma”.

Grandma also loved to appear regal, and was known to give people who were well dressed special attention for being presentable. She hammered into our heads very early in life that ‘you are addressed the way you are dressed’.

Grandma was an Angel, a woman of virtue, a woman of immense strength, a woman of great wisdom, a classy woman and a practical woman who joked and laughed and made many of us laugh. She was a gem, her spirit, warmth and happiness shone through in everything she did.

Indeed, we have lost a rare gem and a pillar of support. We will all miss her. Rest in peace.

Adieu, Grandma.

Dr. Mrs. Momodu

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • May 28, 2016

auto

Mercedes-AMG GLC63 Spotted with Aggressive Styling Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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he Mercedes-AMG GLC63 has been spied testing with an aggressive front bumper.

Considering the GLC is built on the same platform as the C-Class sedan, it’s no surprise that the German automaker is readying a high-performance GLC63 variant. The company already offers the GLC43, AMG’s first mid-size SUV. It’s powered by a 3.0-liter biturbo V6 engine with 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. Expect the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 to have at least 469 hp, the same as the C63, and don’t be surprised if an S variant is offered with 503 hp. Naturally, the GLC63 will come with 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard.

Although the front end is still blanketed with camouflage, you can see the rather large air intake openings that are similar in style to what’s found on the C63. However, Mercedes-AMG is having a harder time covering up the larger brakes and quad exhaust tips. Given the lack of camouflage on the body, expect the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 to make its debut in the latter half of this year.

Mercedes-AMG GLC63

Toyota Recalling Another 1,584,000 Vehicles for Faulty Airbags

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his time the recall expansion comes from Toyota, which is expanding its recall based on recent information from Takata and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

According to the Japanese automaker, the affected vehicles are equipped with a particular Takata inflator with a safety defect that may arise in front passenger airbag inflators due to inflator propellant degradation after exposure in high absolute humidity, high temperatures and high temperature cycling. As a result, these inflators could rupture when the airbag deploys.

This is the same issue that has affected millions of vehicles worldwide. The expansion includes the 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner and the 2011 Toyota Sienna.

The 2008-2011 Scion xB is also affected by the expansion as well as 2007-2011 Lexus ES, 2010-2011 Lexus GX and 2006-2011 Lexus IS models.

All known owners will be contacted by Toyota via first class mail and dealers will replace the front passenger airbag inflator or the front passenger airbag assembly at no cost.

Meanwhile, the custom 1968 Toyota Corona is heading to auction and it might be the only Lexus hot rod in the world.

To be offered on June 26, 2016 at an Auctions America Santa Monica, this custom one-off hot rod was conceived and created by Mitch Allread in Southern California. Allread essentially took a 1968 Toyota Corona two-door hardtop body, chopped it up and fitted it over a custom tubular-steel space frame with a 106-inch wheelbase.

From there, a 4.0-liter V8 engine borrowed from a Lexus SC400 was fitted in the bay.

It provides 250 horsepower and is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

Not only does this Toyota Corona look like nothing else on the road, its Gulf Racing Blue paint job screams sports car inspiration while combining both classic and modern influences.

According to the auction listing, this custom Toyota Corona was originally built with the intention of competing in the Silver State Challenge in Nevada. Reportedly, it has fewer than 8,000 miles on it since the build was completed in 2004. To date, it has never participated in any competition.

Auctions America expects the 1968 Toyota Corona to fetch between $25,000 and $35,000 at the upcoming auction.

2017 Toyota Corolla

Ten Reasons Why Vans are Making a Comeback

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he van has been the preferred vehicle for artisans since the 1950s. Plumbers, electricians, and the like use vans to transport their tools and goods, and when families move home they call “The Man with a Van”.

Africa’s vast distances and rough roads demand durability and toughness. In South Africa, if you need something moved you would generally ask a friend with a van or bakkie. And because bakkies are the best selling vehicles in the country, one was generally at hand. But is the humble van gaining in popularity? The Ford Transit, one of the best-selling vans in the world, has been in constant production since 1965 and is now available in SA in several new and exciting configurations with added features. If you are looking for space, The Ford Transit Van has 15.1 cubic meters of cargo space in the back. That’s 15,100 litres or the space to pack in 629 grocery shopping bags.

ThereisalsotheFordTransitCustomSport,which is available with all the same driving technology found in a luxury sedan. From Ford’s hands-free SYNC®2 entertainment centre, lane-keeping alert,

parking sensors, cruise control, rear-view camera, and electronic stability control, the Ford Transit Custom Sport could be the new ride for your family. Not convinced? To show what can be done with these vans, we found 10 of the best Ford Transits in the world: 1. The Limo Stretch limousines are out of date. So Chicagobased Windy City Limousines converted their Ford Transit into a plush ride equipped to carry 13 passengers in luxury and style – with a wooden floor, black leather couch-style seating and two flat-screen televisions.

2. The Snowboarder This shred-ready Ford Transit is modified with a custom boot dryer, snowboard rack, tuning bench andportableDJboothtomakesnowboardingeven more fun for its riders. “It’s an absolute dream of a creative hub that we can do anything out of,” says So-Gnar CEO Pat Milbery.

3. The Artist The first Ford Transit buyer in the United States, ZLFeng, is an art professor and skilled artist who uses his van to transport his art to museums, gal-

leries, art shows and art buyers’ homes.

4. The Coffee Shop What better way to bring the people coffee than with a stylish mobile coffee shop. The Grateful Grail mobile coffee shop cruises around Baltimore, visiting local music festivals and events. Brothers andGratefulGrailownersBrianandDavidSeward customized the van themselves.

5. The Surfer Dude Champion surfer Izzy Paskowitz and his Surfers Healing team use a Ford Transit to transport surfboards, beach gear and life jackets as they introduce kids with autism to surfing.

6. The Caterer Catering and vans go hand in hand. The jumbo Ford Transit van, used by Park Place Caterers in Ford HQ’s back yard, is customised with a liftgate and inverter to power a refrigerator and hotbox – delivering deliciousness to the local community.

7. The Animal Rescuer Shultz’s Guest House uses its Ford Transit to transportorphaneddogs–sometimesfromseveral states away – to a private farm in Dedham, USA,

where they are safe from being euthanised until permanent homes are found for them.

8. The Food Truck Everyone’s favourite kind of van. The Spread’s Ford Transit is a mobile deli – serving breakfast and lunch sandwiches, wraps and fresh-baked bagels.

9. The Pet Stylist Wag ’n Tails Mobile Conversions in Granger, USA, converts Ford Transit vans into fully selfcontained mobile pet grooming studios, complete with full-size tubs, hydro-massage shampoo systems, grooming tables, blow dryers, vacuums and fridges.

10. The Mobility Van Eighty-six-year-old Forrest Baker explores the Pacific Northwest with the help of his specially modified Ford Transit, which includes a lift for his off-road wheelchair, high-visibility lights and bull guard. “Without a doubt, this is the finest purpose-built vehicle I have ever had the pleasure of owning,” Baker wrote to his Ford dealership where he has been a loyal customer for more than 45 years.

27

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • May 28, 2016

auto SAFE DRIVING

JONAS AGWU

with

(Asst Corps Marshal) Zonal Commanding Officer Zone RS7 Abua phone 08077690700 FRSC TOLL FREE NO 122 Email:j.agwu@frsc.gov.ng

Vulcanizers Blunders And Tyre Blowout

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Peugeot 508

Peugeot 508 Coming with Outstanding Engines Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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t is probably one of the most powerful cars in its category, yet the engine capacity is 1.6 litres. The Peugeot 508 is Peugeot’s flagship sedan which replaced the legendary Peugeot 608. It is fitted with a 1.6 litre turbo engine that delivers more power than most 3.0 litre engines. eugeot-508 The turbo engine in the 508 means that it delivers twice the power of a 1.6, making it more powerful than most cars in its segment.

The 1.6 turbo horsepower Peugeot 508 churns out amazing 156 brake-horsepower with a very high torque of 240 Nm@1400rpm even at slow speed. This engine is

both dynamic and smooth, boasting very high fuel efficiency. The beauty of it all is that the Peugeot 508 delivers the fuel efficiency of a 1.6 litre car but the power of a 3.0 litre V6 engine.

Peugeot also marched this engine with a six-speed automatic gearbox which strikes a perfect balance between driveabilty and fuel efficiency. The double wishbone front suspension with drop link, gives superior level of driving precision making for an enjoyable ride in the 508. From outside to inside, the 508 is an epitome of beauty. The style of the 508 suggests a vehicle sculpted from a solid mass, reflecting attributes of elegance, robustness and prime design quality. Finely-worked

headlights At the front, the 508 illustrates Peugeot’s evolving aesthetic code with a unique grill rendered in a fluid style, and finely-worked headlights with their feline look, combining chrome and satin surfaces.

LED driving lights also add to the beauty of the 508.

The rear is simple but seductive.

Three prominent red claws mask three rows of LED lights. The sides of the car are purposefully streamlined,enhancedbythecontours of the satin chrome-edged windows. Inside the 508 is the height of luxury because the 508 is the flagship of the Peugeot family. Leather seats, quad-zone air conditioning, seats with memory settings, streamlined style of the

dashboard with quality material, all add to the top-of-the-range feel of the passenger compartment.

When it comes to technology, the 508 has more than enough to offer the most demanding occupants. Intelligent, innovative and intuitive, 508 benefits from next generation technologies.

They inform you, help you and facilitate your driving with minimum effort. Keyless entry, head-up display ensures you access driving information without taking your eyes off the road by displaying essential driving information, while the parking space measurement system guides you to park. The 508 offers the latest technology you can imagine in today’s cars.

2018 Porsche Cayenne Spied with Cleaner Look

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py photographers have caught the 2018 Porsche Cayenne testing again.

Although this is not the first time we have seen the 2018 Porsche Cayenne, this prototypewasseenwithwhatwill likely be the new tail lights in the rear. Previous prototypes featured fake rear lights, and Porsche is still trying to conceal the new design with camouflage.

While the exterior of the 2018 Porsche Cayenne isn’t changing significantly, this is the first time spyphotographershavemanaged to grab photo of the SUV’s interior, revealing almost everything. The tachometer in the center appears to still be analog, but the rest of the instrumentation is now digital.

The best news is that Porsche has really cleaned up the look of the cabin to have fewer buttons and less clutter than before.

The center infotainment screen has also grown in size while the air vents have been moved to make way. There’s also a new gear lever in the center console,

2018 Porsche Cayenne

hinting that Porsche may be moving to a new transmission for the next Cayenne. Rumor has it that it could be an eight-speed dual-clutch unit.

Expect new engines to find their way under the hood of the 2018

Porsche Cayenne when it debuts sometime next year.

Available in an assortment of trims, the Cayenne spans a massive price range that takes it from luxurious to opulent.

Engine choices alone are stagger-

ing. Six-cylinders, eight-cylinders, turbochargers, superchargers and even a diesel can be had in Porsche’s big SUV. But the most interesting model of them all, or at least the most unique, has to be the Cayenne S E-Hybrid.

Kia Partners Uber to Provide Free Rides

K

ia Motors Nigeria has once again teamed up with the innovative technology platform Uber to provide a free ride to all Kia customers.

Kia and Uber are both committed to raising the bar in customer service and this informed their move to provide an amazing value added service to all Kia

customers.

Recognised as two of the nation’s premier customer service providers, both companies commitment to provide the very best customer service support to thousands of customers nationwide is at the core of this partnership.

“Customer-centricity is at the epicentre of everything we do at Kia and our partnership

with Uber, is aimed at giving optimum value to customers to ensure that they have access to the value oriented service from Uber by giving them a free ride worth N3,000” said Sandeep Malhotra, Chief Commercial Officer, Kia Motors Nigeria.

“At Uber we are passionate about building a reliable and affordable platform that allows thousands

of Nigerians get around their cities like never before and we continue to do that by creating exciting customer experiences.

We are thrilled to be partnering once again with KIA who make up one in every 10 Ubers on the road, bringing a memorable first experience to their extensive list of customers”saidGeneralManager for Uber Nigeria, Ebi Atawodi.

t 66years old, sunday nze,(not real names) loves his vocation.

The father of three andadevoutchristian evokes so much passion about his profession as a vulcanizer that one wouldalmostmistakehimforatop executive in one of the oil companies. Passion, dedication and fear of God has been the cornerstone of my profession since 1981 and i havenoregretsdoinwhatprovides bread and butter for my family, he says humbly. The man who is an executive of the association in port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, caught my attention last Monday during the stakeholders platform put together by the Federal Road Safety Corps in keeping with the ongoing nationwide free vehicle tyre check meant to raise awareness on tyre knowledge and reduce tyre related road traffic crashes.incidentally,the programe was my maiden function as i resumed in port Harcourt as zonal commanding officer in charge of Rivers, Cross Rivers,Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states.Mr Nze, whose spokenenglishwasasfluentasone in a different vocation, stunned me with his confession during the campaign in Port Harcourt where ,he told the audience how motorist have overnight become emergencyvulcanizerswhoignore manufacturers guide for tyre inflation which was discussed here last weektodictatewhattheypresume to be the appropriate inflation for theirtyres.some,heconfessedinsist on inflating the tyre up to between above70.greedy vulcanizers he however noted, would in the name of doing business oblige, not minding the risk or even bother to educate motorists on the dangers of over or under inflation. He concluded solemnly by saying as one who fear God, ‘I would rather insist on the right guage or tell you to kindly go to another vulcanizer because i know that should that customerdiethroughatyreinduce road traffic crash, the God i serve will hold me responsible’’ .For me this is the crux of the matter-truth and fear of God in whatever we do even though other vulcanizers bluntly said they would gladly do the bidding of the customers and pocket the cash I know i have severally discussd the major causes of tyre blowouts which apparently most people are not aware and they include incorrecttyreinflation,especiallyunderinflation.under-inflationcausestwo things that lead to tyre blowouts;it causes undue flexing of the tyes as the vehicles speeds along the undulatingsurfaceoftheroad.Tnis causes a separation between the internal materials used in making the tyre and the rubber flesh that holds the materials. This separation weakens the tyre.it also causes an increase in what is known as rolling resistance (rr) as the vehicle moves. The increased rr generates atremendousamountofheat.This heat,togetherwiththeseparationof

the internal materials of the tyre as stated above, leads to an explosion or blowout.

Incorrect tyre inflation could also cause accidents in other ways.

When a tyre is incorrectly inflated (over inflation or under-inflation), it makes a partial contact with the road surface and so does not have a firm grip on the surface.

With over-inflation, the edges of the contact patch (the part of the tyre that should be in contact with the road surface) do not touch the ground.Whilewithunder-inflation, the crown (the middle portion of the tyre) of the contact patch does nottouchtheground.Soeitherway, you have an impartial contact of the tyre on the road surface and so less grip.

Thisimpartialcontactcouldcause accidents in various ways: since the tyres don’t have a firm grip on the road surface, it prolongs the stoppingdistancewhenthebrakes are applied in an emergency and this could make the vehicle crash into the object it wants to avoid. It could also lead to loss of control of the vehicle when speeding. This is more with over-inflated tyres. high vehicles like trailers, tankers, etc could lose their balance when they hit a bump, pot hole, or whi;e descendingasharpbend.Thesituationcanbelikenedtosomeonewith onelegshorterthantheother-overinflationrepresentingthelongerleg while under-inflation, the shorter leg. When given a push, such a person can easily loose balance.

No wonder these vehicles fall and loosebrakeseasilywhensubjected to abnormal road conditions like bumps, potholes and bends.

Astudyconductedbymyfriend Ucheagwu Sab a couple of years agorevealedshockingdiscovery-at orile tanker park. Our observation at the tanker park, orile shows that most of these vehicles have a combination of over-inflated and under-inflated tyres. To our greatest surprise, most of those with under-inflation were deliberate. According the drivers, those tyres were weak and if properly inflated, they could burst. This is another dangerous ignorance at work. Using weak tyres is enough bad news. Under-inflating them makes matters worse. Underinflation, as explained above, will actually accelerate their likelihood of bursting. In fact, if you trace the causes of most accidents, you may discoverthatincorrecttyreinflation is directly or indirectly implicated.

It is important to note that a tyre thatiscorrectlyinflatedwillhandle bad roads, speed and other road conditions far better than one that is not correctly inflated. These will result in drastic reduction in road accidents. Correct tyre pressure is such a vital issue in reduction of road accident that america, as well as some other developed countries, made it law that all vehicles manufactured from 2008 must be equipped with automatic tyre pressure monitoring system (atpms).

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 28, 2016

FAMILY HEALTH with

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

Alcoholism

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com, .Cel, 08053372356

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lchoholism is an addiction to the consumption of and alcoholic drink or the mental illness and compulsive behavior resulting from alcohol dependency. An alcoholic is a person, while alcoholism is the illness. An alcoholic suffers from alcoholism. Alcoholism is a long-term (chronic) disease. Alcoholics are obsessed with alcohol and cannot control how much they consume, even if it is causing serious problems at home, work, and financially.

Moderate alcohol consumption will not generally cause any psychological or physical harm. However, for some individuals, social drinking eventually leads to heavier and heavier alcohol consumption, which does cause serious health and psychological problem.

There is no doubt as to the serious medical complications caused by alcoholism. Alcoholism is currently listed as the third leading cause of death in our society.

Many alcohol related deaths go unreported, however, leading many professionals to believe that alcoholism is probably the number one killer. Alcohol is an irritant, that has the potential of causing serious physical harm to any and all of the body systems.

The obvious signs and symptoms of alchoholism: The signs of alcoholism and alcohol abuse are very similar, and are often just a question of degree or intensity.

Typically, the last person to be aware that they have a serious drinking problem is the alcoholic himself because they are in denial.

• Drinking alone.

• Drinking in secret.

• Not being able to limit how much alcohol is consumed.

• Blacking out - not being able to remember chunks of time.

• Having habits and being irritated or annoyed when these rituals are disturbed or commented on. This could be drinks before or during or after meals, or after work.

• Dropping hobbies and activities the person used to enjoy; losing interest in them.

• Feeling an urge to drink.

• Feeling irritable when drinking times approach.

This feeling is more intense if the alcohol is not available, or there appears to be a chance it may not be available.

• Having stashes of alcohol in unlikely places.

• Gulping drinks down in order to get drunk and then feel good.

• Having relationship problems (triggered by drinking).

Having problems with the law (caused by • drinking).

• Having work problems (caused by drinking, or drinking as root cause).

• Having money problems (caused by drinking).

• Requiring a larger quantity of alcohol to feel its effect.

• Nausea, sweating, or even shaking when not drinking.

A person who abuses alcohol may have many of these signs and symptoms - but they do not have the withdrawal symptoms like an alcoholic does, nor the same degree of compulsion to drink.

The problems linked to alcohol dependence are extensive, and affect the person physically, psychologically and socially. Drinking becomes a compulsion for a person with a drink problem - it takes precedence over all other activities. It can remain undetected for several years.

What causes this habit?

Alcohol dependence is a gradual process which can take from a few years to several decades to become a problem - with some very vulnerable people addiction can come in a question of months. Eventually, over time, regular alcohol consumption can disrupt the balance of the brain chemical, which controls impulsiveness, as well as glutamate, which stimulates the nervous system.

Brain levels of dopamine are raised when we consume alcohol - dopamine levels may make the drinking experience more gratifying. Over the long- or medium-term, excessive drinking can significantly alter the levels of these brain chemicals, making the person’s body crave alcohol in order to feel good and avoid feeling bad.

More or less, what begins as a seemingly harmless drinking session, could gradually lead to long obsessive heavy consumption and dependence on alcohol.

The risk factors include; Genes, age of first alcoholic drinking, stress, low self esteem, media adverts, negative peer pressure, easy access, smoking amongst other reasons. There could a combination of more than one factor, resulting in this habit.

How then is this condition diagnosed: There are various ways this can be done. The first thing is for the sufferer to own up that there is a problem, or someone that is dear or whom the person respects , can volunteer this information, and seek help . There are usually a combination of ways to detect this condition.

This also gives a lead way into the mode of treatment to be employed.

This includes a pattern of alcohol abuse which leads to considerable impairment or distress. The patient should experience at least three of the criteria below during the past 12 months: • Alcohol tolerance - the patient needs a large quantity of alcohol to feel intoxicated. However, when the liver

The harmful effects of alcoholism can be found in practically all the functions and systems of the body.

This range from sleeplessness, to tremors, pancreatic diseases, liver cirhossis, liver cancer, memory loss, seizures, black outs, chest infections, aneamia, palpitations, high and low sugar, gastrointestinal bleeding, clubbing of fingers, jaundice, loss of menstruation, impotence, high urine flow

is damaged and cannot metabolize the alcohol so well, this tolerance may drop. Damage to the central nervous system , may also reduce tolerance levels.

• Withdrawal symptoms - when the patient abstains from alcohol or cuts down he/she experiences tremors, nausea , insomnia or anxiety. Typically, the patient drinks more to avoid these symptoms.

• Beyond intentions - the patient ends up drinking more alcohol, or drinks for a longer period than he/ she intended.

• Unsuccessfully attempting to cut down - the patient is continuously trying to cut down alcohol consumption, but does not succeed. Or the patient has a persistent desire to cut down.

• Time consuming - the patient spends a lot of time obtaining, using or recovering from alcohol consumption.

• Withdrawal - the patient withdraws from recreational, social, or occupational activities. This did not used to be the case.

• Persistence - the patient carries on consuming alcohol even though he/she knows it is harming him/ her physically and psychologically.

Some signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse may be due to another condition, or simple aging, such as memory problems, or falling. Some patients may go to their doctor about a medical condition, such as a digestive problem, and not mention their alcohol abuse. It is not always easy for a doctor to identify candidates for alcohol dependency screening. If a doctor suspects alcohol may be a problem, he may ask a series of questions . A simple question asked correctly usually would answer the question needed.

Blood tests can only reveal very recent alcohol consumption. They cannot tell whether a person has been drinking heavily for a long time.

If a blood test reveals that the red blood cells have increased in size it could be an indication of long-term alcohol abuse.

Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) - this is a test which helps detect heavy alcohol consumption. It is a blood test.

There are other tests which can indicate whether the liver has been damaged, or whether a man has reduced levels of testosterone - however, screening with a good questionnaire is seen as the most effective means for an accurate diagnosis.

Most alcoholics deny they have a problem and tend to minimize the extent of their drinking. Talking to family members may help the doctor in diagnosis.

Research suggests that by looking for the following values on a blood test, an effective diagnosis might be reached well in advance of physical tissue destruction: 1. Increased Uric Acid 2. Increased Triglycerides 3. Increased GGT 4. Increased MCV (mean corpuscular volume.

5. Increased Alkaline Phosphatose (true in cases of chronic alcoholism .

Studies indicate that when the combination of these values are found, it is likely that alcoholism is the cause in 95% of the cases.

The harmful effects of alcoholism can be found in practically all the functions and systems of the body. This range from sleeplessness, to tremors, pancreatic diseases, liver cirhossis, liver cancer, memory loss, seizures, black outs, chest infections, aneamia, palpitations, high and low sugar, gastrointestinal bleeding, clubbing of fingers, jaundice, loss of menstruation, impotence, high urine flow.

Some harmful conditions include Usually, drinking alcohol initially elevates the person’s mood. However, after a long period of regular heavy drinking the person’s nervous system will become depressed and the drinker will become sedated by alcohol.

Alcohol may undermine a person’s judgment; it can lower inhibitions and alter the drinker’s thoughts, emotions and general behavior. Heavy regular drinking can have a serious effect on a person’s ability to coordinate muscles and speak properly. Heavy binge drinking could cause the patient to go into a coma. Eventually, regular heavy drinking may cause at least one of the following problems: • Fatigue - the patient is tired most of the time.

• Memory loss - especially the patient’s short-term memory.

• Eye muscles - the eye muscles can become significantly weaker.

• Liver diseases - the patient has a considerably higher chance of developing Cirrhosis of the liver which is an irreversible and progressive condition.

• Gastrointestinal complications - the patient can develop gastritis, or pancreas damage. These problems also seriously undermine the body’s ability to digest food, absorb certain vitamins and produce hormones which regulate metabolism.

• Hypertension - regular heavy drinking invariably raises the person’s blood pressure.

• Heart problems - regular heaving drinking can lead to cardiomyopathy (damaged heart muscle, heart failure and stroke.

• Diabetes - alcoholics have a very high risk of developing diabetes type 2. Patients who have diabetes will invariably have serious complications if they are regular heavy drinkers of alcohol. Alcohol prevents the release of glucose from the liver, causing hypoglycaemia. A person with diabetes is already taking insulin to lower blood sugar levels - hypoglycemia could be devastating.

• Menstruation - alcoholism will usually stop menstruation or disrupt it.

• Erectile dysfunction - alcoholic men are much more likely to have problems getting an erection, or sustaining one.

• Fetal alcohol syndrome - women who abuse alcohol during their pregnancy are much more likely to have babies with birth defects, including a small head, heart problems, shortened eyelids, as well as developmental and cognitive problems.

• Thinning bones - alcoholics invariably suffer from thinning of the bones because alcohol interferes with the production of new bone. This means an increased risk of fractures.

Nervous system problems - alcoholism often • causes numbness in the extremities, dementia and confused/disordered thinking.

Cancer - alcoholics have a much higher risk • of developing several cancers including mouth cancer, esophagus, liver, colon, rectum, breast, prostate and pharynx.

In fact, even moderate alcohol consumption is linked to a higher incidence of cancer among women, another study found that a few glasses of alcohol a day, increases the risk of pancreatic cancer by 22%.

• Accidents - alcoholics are vulnerable to injuries from falls, car crashes, being run over, etc. The NIH says that over half of all American traffic deaths are alcohol-related.

• Domestic abuse - alcohol is a major factor in spouse beating, child abuse, and conflicts with neighbors.

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

Revenge in Mind PAGE. 29

28.05.2016

Joseph Yobo

A Worthy Testimonial

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 28, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER

Yobo leads Super Eagles to lift the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa

A Worthy Testimonial With an international career spanning over 15 years, with 101 caps for the national team and three World Cup and six Africa Cup of Nations appearances behind him, Joseph Yobo remains one of the most accomplished Nigerian footballers, not only in terms of appearances, but laurels. As the former Super Eagles captain officially quits with a testimonial match, Kunle Adewale looks at his eventful career

F

... finally "pulled out" from football

or those who think lifting the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa should undoubtedly be Joseph Yobo’s best moment as a footballer, no little about him. His greatest joy would remain the support and calibre of players and personalities that showed up at his testimonial game yesterday.

“It is not easy for a person to bring down these great personalities under one umbrella. It goes to show the respect and love they have for me while I was playing; this, I was not even aware of. This is one occasion I will live with and I’m grateful to all those that made it a success,” Yobo said.

Yobo insisted that he cannot single out any of his games in the national colour as better than the others.

“I feel fulfilled playing for Nigeria. In fact, all the matches were special. I cannot tell you I treasure this one more than the other. Whether it was a friendly game or a World Cup, there was this special feeling I had anytime I put on the national colours,” stressed the former Everton and Fenerbahce defender while ruminating on his time at the senior national team.

He continued; “Whether it was my debut against Zambia or my 87th against Rwanda when I became the most capped Nigerian at the time or the game against Argentina where I became the first Nigerian to reach 100 or even the last one against France, every moment was special”.

“I am privileged to be the first Nigerian player to make FIFA’s exclusive Century Club. I feel so glad to have reached that

milestone for my country. The younger ones should give the national team all their best. It is a privilege to be deemed worthy to wear the national colours in a country of over 170 million people”, he noted.

He challenged the current crop of Eagles to arrest the national team’s decline.

“Things are not going so well at the moment but it is also time for the players to take it upon themselves and rise to the occasion. I have a strong belief that this generation will even be greater given the abundance of young talented players coming through the ranks and the youth teams.

I am happy the NFF has paid enough attention to the age-group teams. That is the way to go. There will never be shortage of talents. Watch out for the Super Eagles in future. A solid foundation is being laid,” he concluded.

The day was not all about his testimonial, but also to celebrate the former Everton of England defender’s centenary for the Super Eagles.

Speaking with THISDAY, former Nigerian international and organiser of the testimonial match, Waidi Akani said the event was special in a lot of ways.

“The event was two in one. First we celebrated the centenary of the player in the Eagles and secondly we staged a testimonial to mark his retirement from active football. Two other players had staged testimonial games before but this time, we also celebrated the 101 caps of Yobo in the Eagles. He was a diligent player and he deserves what was done for him,”Akani said.

Four days before the match at Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, sent in

31

MAY 28, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER It’s about him leaving a good legacy to the young ones coming after him that they should be dedicated. For him to be the first person to play over 100 matches for Nigeria as a full player, it also demands that upcoming players should look at him as a role model and follow his footpath.

Though, he may not have won the World Cup, but the fact that he appeared in six Africa Cup of Nations and three Mundials is quite a great achievement and he can stand tall among the world great footballers anywhere

Yobo goes for a crunchy tackle against a Galatasary player in the Turkish league

A Worthy Testimonial a congratulatory message to the Ogoniborn ex international.

In a letter personally signed by Infantino and addressed to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, the FIFA chief wrote: “Many thanks for your letter dated 17 May 2016 and informing us of the testimonial match in honour of former international player and Nigeria Captain, Joseph Yobo.

On this occasion, allow me to congratulate and send my best wishes to Joseph Yobo for his future activities.”

But for Akani, he was not surprised that a large number of top players associated with Yobo’s testimonial.

“That simply means that while he was playing, either in the English Premiership, Belgium or in Turkey he must have developed a good relationship with a lot of players across the globe and that was why many of them craved to be part of the event. Little wonder the FIFA boss himself associated with him,” the former Nigerian Full name Date of birth Place of birth Height Playing position Youth career 1996–1997 1997–1998 Senior career Years 1998–2001 2001–2003 2002–2003 2003–2012 2010–2012 2012–2014 2014

Joseph Phillip Yobo 6 September 1980 (age 35) Kono, Rivers State, Nigeria 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) Defender Michellin-Harcourt Standard Liège

Team Standard Liège Marseille Everton (loan) Everton Fenerbahçe (loan) Fenerbahçe Norwich City (loan)

National Team 2001–2014 Nigeria

Apps 46 23 24 196 69 21 8

(Gls) (2) (0) (0) (8) (2) (1) (0)

101

(7)

international said.

On what the testimonial meant to Yobo, Akani said: “It’s about him leaving a good legacy to the young ones coming after him that they should be dedicated. For him to be the first person to play over 100 matches for Nigeria as a full player, it also demands that upcoming players should look at him as a role model and follow his footpath.

“Though, he may not have won the World Cup, but the fact that he appeared in six Africa Cup of Nations and three Mundials is quite a great achievement and he can stand tall among the world great footballers anywhere.”

Yobo remarked: “It was an absolute honour for me to have represented my country, and played at the highest level for over 13 years, and I was humbled to see so many great people turn out here today. I was David Moyes' first signing at Everton, and that was one of the reasons he came for my testimonial game. I did not even make many calls before many of my former teammates in all the clubs I played in started calling that they wanted to be part of this game” Speaking on the turnout, Kanu said: "It is not an easy thing to bring these many football legends together in a stadium.

The fact that Yobo has done it shows the respect that he has in football circle."

Former PSG and Bolton Wanderers midfielder, Okocha was equally also noted, "It is not easy to play 100 games for your country and the fact that Yobo was the first to reach that mark says a lot about him as a player."

Meanwhile, the eggheads of the NFF have been condemned for fixing a friendly match for the national team on a day one of its most celebrated players was being “pulled out.” The federation however responded by releasing Super Eagles skipper John Mikel Obi and his assistant, Ahmed Musa, to honour Yobo in the testimonial game, leaving them out of the

Yobo made his second World Cup appearance at the 2010 tournament in South Africa, after which he assumed the captaincy of the Eagles following the international retirement of Kanu. But the veteran defender was no longer a first choice player at the 2013 AFCON, but lifted the trophy after appearing as an 89thminute substitute in Nigeria's 1–0 final international friendly with Mali in France defeat of Burkina Faso. on the same day.

He was included in the squad for the The Joseph Yobo’s testimonial featured 2014 Mundial and was named in the starta Team Joseph Yobo (comprising Super ing line-up for both the second and third Eagles’ players of Yobo’s generation) and a group matches, helping the Super Eagles to Rest of The World team. clean sheet in a 1–0 victory over Bosnia and Yobo began his career at non-league MiHerzegovina. chelin FC in Port Harcourt, before leaving In Nigeria’s round 16 game against for Standard Liege in Belgium. He went on France, the 35 year old defender made his to play for Marseille, Everton, Fenerbahce 100th international appearance, and after and Norwich. scoring an own goal in the 2–0 defeat, Yobo Internationally, Yobo first appeared announced his international retirement, for Nigeria at the 1999 FIFA World Youth saying: "This is it. I can look back on my Championship before the team was ousted career with great pride. I wanted to leave in the quarter finals. on a high for my country. Defeat by France He made his senior international debut was not the right way to go but I'm happy against Zambia in a 2002 World Cup with all I've done for the national team. qualifier and went on to play in all six of the It's time to give a chance to other people to team's matches in the 2002 AFCON and was come through." included in the squad for the 2002 World In 2010, following a brief courtship, Yobo Cup, where he was again ever-present, married former Most Beautiful Girl in assisting Julius Aghahowa's goal in a 2–1 Nigeria, Adaeze Igwe, in a ceremony held loss to Sweden. in Jos, Plateau State.

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE LAYOUT DESIGNER WAHAB AKINTUNDE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE

Nigeria Premier League Table Rivers Utd Kano Pillars Rangers Wikki Tourists Lobi Stars Sunshine Stars Akwa United Enyimba Abia Warriors MFM FC Ifeanyiubah Warri Wolves Niger Tornadoes Heartland Nasarawa United Plateau United El-Kanemi 3SC Ikorodu United

18 18 17 17 18 18 18 15 17 18 18 17 18 18 18 18 17 18 18

10 8 8 8 8 7 8 8 7 7 8 7 7 5 7 4 6 5 3

1 5 5 4 4 6 3 3 6 6 3 4 1 6 0 8 1 2 4

7 5 4 5 6 5 7 4 4 5 7 6 10 7 11 6 10 11 11

20 25 26 25 20 23 22 17 19 19 17 12 20 12 17 17 18 17 13

15 17 19 11 16 17 17 12 15 16 17 13 24 16 24 24 24 31 31

5 8 7 14 4 6 5 5 4 3 0 -1 -4 -4 -7 -7 -6 -14 18

31 29 29 28 28 27 27 27 27 27 27 25 22 21 21 20 19 17 13

32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 28, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER

UCL Final

Madrid Clubs Go for Broke at San Siro

For the second time in three years, the only team standing between Atlético Madrid and a first European Cup is the club that has long lorded it over them from across the Spanish capital Real Madrid. Atlético have more than proven themselves an adequate competitor in a rivalry that only five years ago had become embarrassingly one-sided, but now the prize of stopping Real Madrid in the competition that Los Blancos feel a closer affinity to than any other lies tantalizingly before them once more.The two teams played each other in the 2013-14 final, which fell in favour of Real 4-1 at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon…

T

he prize could have been closer two years ago in Lisbon. With a first La Liga title in 18 years already wrapped up, a quite remarkable double appeared to be heading to Diego Simeone’s squad of hungry underdogs. With a typical Atlético goal from rugged center-back Diego Godín, Simeone’s men led Real Madrid 1-0 going into the third minute of injury time.

Then catastrophe struck. Sergio Ramos headed in an equalizer and Atlético were sunken, unable to recover from the blow in extra time and eventually lost, 4-1. As Simeone charged onto the pitch raging at anyone in sight, Cristiano Ronaldo ripped off his shirt in celebration. The Galacticos had survived an almighty challenge from their fearless neighbours to end a 12-year quest for an unprecedented 10th European Cup- ‘La Decima.’

It was easy to think that would be as good as it would get for Atlético. While Simeone resisted the lure of a move away, Diego Costa, Thibaut Courtois and Filipe Luis all departed for Chelsea that summer, while David Villa headed for the United States.

It took Atlético some time to recover.

Last season, they finished 16 points behind Barcelona and 14 behind Real Madrid in La Liga. They would reach the quarterfinals of

Champions League, only to be eliminated

by Real Madrid on a strike from Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez in the 88th minute.

But recover they have. This season they are even better than before. Level on points with Barcelona at the top of La Liga with two matches remaining, they have already beaten arguably the two best teams in Europe this season—Barcelona in the quarterfinals and Bayern Munich in the semifinals of Champions League.

Incredibly, of the 18 players in the squad for Atlético Madrid in the 2014 Champions League final, only five remain at the club, and that’s only after Filipe Luis returned after an unhappy season at Chelsea. Despite that huge turnover, the same spirit remains.

Under Simeone, Atlético have perfected the art of defending, keeping first Barcelona’s famed trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Neymar at bay and then a Bayern Munich side under the command of the coach who reinvented attacking soccer, Pep Guardiola.

In doing so, Atlético also banished the ghost of their other painful European Cup final. Just as in 2014, 40 years earlier, on the only other occasion they made it through to the final, Atlético were denied victory by a goal right before the final whistle before going onto lose heavily, this time in a replay against Bayern Munich.

A route to the trophy through Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid would

not only quite possibly be the toughest any European champions have endured but the sweetest possible for Atlético. Of course, defeat to their neighbours in the final would also only amplify the pain.

But then the same is true for Real Madrid. In terms of players, Real Madrid have changed far less than Atlético since the final two years ago.

Nine of the 14 players who made it onto the pitch in Lisbon still remain, but the club has been in a far greater state of flux off the pitch. Unlike Atlético, where Simeone embodies the identity of the club, the manager at Real Madrid has continued to be far more interchangeable. The 2014 winning coach Carlo Ancelotti was dispensed with the following year and Rafa Benitez came and went within the space of seven months.

Still little is really known about the coaching characteristics and quality of the man who replaced Benitez, Zinedine Zidane. He has guided Real Madrid to an impressive run of 16 straight victories in La Liga to leave them just a point adrift of Barcelona. But how much of that has come from the trademark new-manger bounce and the fact that, to many players, Zidane is a welcome relief after the largely unpopular Benitez remains to be seen.

Certainly, in contrast to Atlético, Real’s route to the Champions League final has been far kinder.

Still, they have made it anything but straightforward. In the quarterfinals they had to come back from a 2-0 first-leg deficit to beat a Wolfsburg side that finished in 10th place in the Bundesliga. In the

semifinals, Real Madrid required a solitary own goal to beat a woefully insipid Manchester City team.

Regardless, it means the man who provided one of the all-time great Champions League final goals gets to return to the biggest stage in club soccer.

Zidane struck a memorable volley against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 final at Hampden Park to give Real Madrid the title. And it appears his recognition as a legendary player has helped him make selection decisions that would have been beyond many of his predecessors.

Whereas Ancelotti and Benitez felt a clear pressure to field all of Real Madrid’s galaxy of attacking stars, Zidane has felt able to leave out the likes of James Rodríguez and bring in the far-less flashy Casemiro. That clout will be a powerful tool at his disposal as he attempts to lead his team of individuals to victory over the ultimate team.

While Real Madrid have been able to eke out victories in their two Champions League meetings with their local rivals, Atlético have not lost any of the six La Liga meetings between the sides since ending their 13-year winless streak in the 2013 Copa del Rey final. It is no coincidence. Atlético’s physical strength, commitment and togetherness is the perfect weapon to exploit Real Madrid’s lack of balance and midfield toughness. With the individual stars they have, Real Madrid are always capable of winning any game. But if Atlético perform as they did against Barcelona and Bayern Munich then they should be getting their name on the trophy for the very first time.

33

MAY 28, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER Six Personalities that Won the UCL Both as a Player and Coach

2015-16

Real

v

Atletico ???

2014-15

Barcelona

3-1

Juventus

Miguel Muñoz

2013-14

Real

4-1

Atletico (aet)

As a player: Real Madrid in 1956, 1957

2012-13

Bayern

2-1

Dortmund

As a coach: Real Madrid in 1960,1966

2011-12

Chelsea

1-1

(4-3) Bayern (pens)

Giovanni Trapattoni

2010-11

Barcelona

3-1

Man Utd

As a player: AC Milan in 1963 and 1969

2009-10

Inter

2-0

Bayern

As a coach: Juventus in 1985

2008-09

Barcelona

2-0

Man Utd

Johan Cruyff

2007-08

Man Utd

1-1

(6-5) Chelsea (pens)

2006-07

Milan

2-1

Liverpool

2005-06

Barcelona

2-1

Arsenal 2-1

2004-05

Liverpool

3-3

(3-2) Milan (pens)

2003-04

Porto

3-0

Monaco

2002-03

Milan

0-0

(3-2) Juventus (pens)

2001-02

Real Madrid

2-1

Leverkusen

2000-01

Bayern

1-1

(5-4) Valencia (pens)

1999-2000 Real Madrid

3-0

Valencia

1998-99

Man Utd

2-1

Bayern

1997-98

Real Madrid

1-0

Juventus

1996-97

Dortmund

3-1

Juventus

1995-96

Juventus

1-1

Ajax

1994-95

Ajax

1-0

Milan

1993-94

Milan

4-0

Barcelona

1992-93

Marseille

1-0

Milan

1-0

Sampdoria

As a player: Ajax in 1971, 1972 and 1973 As a coach: Barcelona in 1992

Carlo Ancelotti

As a player: AC Milan in 1989 and 1990 As a coach: AC Milan in 2003 and 2007; Real Madrid in 2014 Frank Rijkaard As a player: AC Milan in 1989 and 1990; Ajax in 1995 As a coach: Barcelona in 2006 Josep Guardiola As a player: Barcelona in 1992 As a coach: Barcelona in 2009 and 2011

Head to Head

Brawl: Simeone (second left) squared up to Raphael Varane (right) after Real scored their fourth goal

27/02/16

Real

0-1

Atlético

04/10/15

Atlético

1- 1

Real

07/02/15

Atlético

4- 0

Real

13/09/14

Real

1- 2

Atlético

02/03/14

Atlético

2- 2

Real

1991-92

Barcelona

28/09/13

Real

0-1

Atlético

1990-91

Star Belgrade 0-0 (5-3) Marseille (pens)

27/04/13

Atlético

1- 2

Real

01/12/12

Real

2- 0

Atlético

1989-90

Milan

1-0

Benfica

11/04/12

Atlético

1- 4

Real

1988-89

Milan

1-0

Steaua Bucureşti

26/11/11

Real

4- 1

Atlético

1987-88

PSV

0-0

(6-5) Benfica (pens)

19/03/11

Atlético

1-2

Real

1986-87

Porto

2-1

Bayern

07/11/10

Real

2- 0

Atlético

1985-86

Bucureşti

0-0(2-0) Barcelona(pens)

28/03/10

Real

3-2

Atlético

1984-85

Juventus

1-0

1983-84

Liverpool

1-1 (4-2) Roma(pens)

R

San Siro, Milan

1982-83

Hamburg

1-0

Juventus

Date:

May 28

1981-82

Aston Villa

1-0

Bayern

Time:

7:45 p.m.

1980-81

Liverpool

1-0

Real Madrid

1979-80

N’gham Forest 1-0

Hamburg

1978-79

N’gham Forest 1-0

Malmö FF

1977-78

Liverpool

1-0

Club Brugge

1976-77

Liverpool

3-1

M’gladbach

1975-76

Bayern

1-0

Saint-Etienne

1974-75

Bayern

2-0

Leeds United

1973-74

Bayern

4-0

Atlético (Replay)

1973-74

Bayern

1-1

Atlético

1972-73

Ajax

1-0

Juventus

1971-72

Ajax

2-0

Inter

1970-71

Ajax

2-0

Panathinaikos

1969-70

Feyenoord

2-1

Celtic

1968-69

Milan

4-1

Ajax

1967-68

Man Utd

4-1

Benfica

1966-67

Celtic

2-1

Inter

1965-66

Real Madrid 2-1

Partizan

1964-65

Inter

1-0

Benfica

1963-64

Inter

3-1

Real Madrid

1962-63

Milan

2-1

Benfica

1961-62

Benfica

5-3

Real Madrid

1960-61

Benfica

3-2

Barcelona

1959-60

Real Madrid 7-3

Eintracht Frankfurt

1958-59

Real Madrid 2-0

Stade de Reims

Prediction: Atlético 1-0 Real

famous trophy – and the first since 1965. Luis Carniglia (Real Madrid, 1958 and 1959) and Helenio Herrera (InternatioIt is unlikely to have escaped Simeone's notice that the two names he would nale Milan 1964 and 1965). be following are fellow Argentinians:

Time keeping...Simeone (r) felt centre referee Bjorn Kuipers should have blown the whistle for full time before Ramos'goal

Liverpool

Venue:

Will Zidane be Latest Winner as a Player and Coach, or will Simeone Join Exclusive Club? eal Madrid's Zinédine Zidane could become the seventh man to win the European Cup as a player and a coach having first won it as an assistant to Carlo Ancelotti in 2014.

Zidane now has the chance to emulate his former boss after taking over from Rafael Benítez in January.

As a player, he had lost in the 1997 and 1998 finals with Juventus and won both the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship before at last tasting UEFA Champions League success in 2002 with a memorable winner for Madrid against Bayer Leverkusen in Glasgow.

His opponent in Milan today, Diego Simeone, has never won the European Cup but did play for Internazionale Milan in their 1998 UEFA Cup victory before coaching Atlético Madrid to the UEFA Europa League in 2012.

Should he help guide Atlético Madrid to their first UEFA Champions League crown, he will become only the third non-European coach in the competition's history to win the

Past Winners

Zidane

1957-58 Real Madrid

3-2

Milan

1956-57 Real Madrid

2-0

Fiorentina

1955-56 Real Madrid

4-3

Stade de Reims

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 28, 2016

34

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

PUMA's Brand Manager, Remi Adefolabi presents some of the kits to a member of Bridge FC's board of director, Mr. Amazie Uchegbulam, while the club chairman, Godson Uti looks on, at the Agege Stadium recently

Bianchi Family to Launch Legal Action against FIA, FOM The family of Jules Bianchi is launching a legal action against the sport's world governing body the FIA, Marussia and Formula One Management following his fatal crash at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.

Bianchi died on July 17 last year, nine months after he crashed into a recovery vehicle at the rain-soaked Suzuka race.

He was the first F1 driver to die as a result of injuries sustained

at a race weekend in more than 20 years.

The statement released by Stewarts Law read: "The family of Formula One racing driver, Jules Bianchi, has today announced they plan to take legal action in England relating to the fatal head injuries Jules Bianchi sustained in a violent collision with a mobile crane at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, 2014.

"The letters (to the FIA, Marussia and Formula One Group) explain why the Bianchi family feel the actions of one or more of those parties, amongst others, may have contributed to Jules' fatal accident and invite them to accept that errors were made in the planning, timing, organisation and conduct of the race which took place in dangerous conditions during the typhoon season in Japan.

Bridge FC Seals PUMA Sponsorship Deal Metro Pro League giants, Bridge Football Club has penned a multi-million naira sponsorship deal with leading sportswear manufacturer, PUMA. At the unveiling ceremony at the Agege Stadium, PUMA's brand manager, Miss Remi Adefolabi, said the sponsorship is aimed at supporting grassroots football in the country.

According to her, "We believe this gesture would encourage the management of the Bridge FC to take the club to the next level and we are assuring that they will always have backing as long as the club keep improving

in the league.

"From now, the club would play all its matches and training in PUMA kits ranging from jerseys, boots and chin guards."

Speaking further Adefolabi disclosed that the Lagos outfit has taken delivery of N10million worth of kits for the campaign in the 2015/16 Metro Pro League season.

In his remarks, Godson Uti, who is the club's chairman, thanked PUMA for the gesture, saying it would boost the players’ morale to win laurels both at the state and national level.

"We are elated by the gesture

from PUMA and we want to assure the firm that the club would march on and rival other top sides in the country.

"This is our new baby and we are going to ensure it grows in leaps and bounds."

Puma has also sponsored a number of footballers, including Pelé, Diego Maradona, Radamel Falcao, Sergio Agüero, Cesc Fàbregas, Samuel Eto'o, Olivier Giroud, Marco Reus, Marco Verratti, Gianluigi Buffon, Mario Balotelli and Diego Godín.

Puma is the sponsor of the Jamaican track athlete Usain Bolt.

Channels National Kids’ Cup

A Fast Track to Making National Team The Season 8 of the Channels National Kids’ Cup comes to an end this weekend after a lot of scintillating display of soccer artistry by representatives of the 16 schools that participated in this year’s competition.

For the organisers, the tourney is not about football alone. It’s about the kids making new friends, bonding and inculcating other good virtues of life.

The Chairman Main Organising Committee, Steve Judo, had earlier told the kids that at Channels National Kids’ Cup, it notall about football, but that the education of the pupils is what

is paramount to the organisers.

“Ensure that you employ fruitfully your God’s given talent, while also be cognisance of the fact that your education is the ultimate in whatever you’re doing,” Judo charged the kids.

However, for those of them that are nursing the ambition of one day play for the country, the first Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Seyi Akinwuni had shown them the light, saying, “Channels National Kids’ Cup is a fast track to the national team.”

With these assuring words from the federation egghead,

some the kids that displayed exceptional talent are certain to get a look at by the football federation to play any of its age-grade teams.

As an icing on the cake for players that put up impressive performance at the competition, Akinwumi, who gave the Katsina State representative a sum of fifty thousand Naira for being the first school to arrive for the competition assured that “the best players of the tournament would be the Channels National Kids’ Cup ambassadors at a competition abroad on the bill of NFF.”

2016 NNPC/Shell Cup Enters Semifinals Stage The quarterfinals of the 2016 NNPC/Shell Cup for All Nigeria Secondary Schools Football Championship had produced four schools that would compete in the semifinals next month in Lagos.

The matches were concluded last weekend in four cities across the Country.

At the Katsina Center, Fosla Academy Secondary School, Abuja defeated Government Secondary School, Kwankwaso, Kano State 3-2 to make their way into the semifinals. It was a keenly contested match as the boys from Kano took the lead on

two occasions forcing the Fosla Academy Boys to come from behind to equalise the two goals and eventually scored the third and winning goal to ensure their safe entry into the semifinals.

The quarterfinal match in Ilorin between Government Senior Secondary School, Darazo, Bauchi and Government Secondary School, Gusau, ended 5-3 in favour of the former while Excel Education Centre, Port Harcourt also defeated St. Mary’s High School, Ifitedunu, Anambra State 1-0 in Benin to earn a smooth sail into the semifinals.

The last quarter final match

played in Osogbo between Asegun Comprehensive High School, Ibadan and Pakoto High School, Ifo, Ogun State saw the Oyo State representative ran home with a 2-1 victory.

Meanwhile, the semifinals had been slated for the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos on June 14, while the grand finale comes up two days after.

Part of the highlights of this year’s final will be the usual coaching clinic that precedes the matches. The clinic would be conducted for players and coaches from Feyenord FC, Rotterdam.

Seven-year-old Livinnia does 12 hours of sport a week, and trains on Christmas Day

Ray Wood: The Father Trying to Turn His Seven-year-old into a Champion Livinnia Wood comes across as a very normal seven-year-old. She has four best friends and likes learning about parts of the body. But at 6am most days, she starts training, and says her ambition is to be better thanMargaret Court, who has more Grand Slam singles titles than even Serena Williams.

Liv is the daughter of Ray, a lifelong Liverpool supporter who has been a coach at both Leicester City and Paris St-Germain.

He has a dream - to "create two of the greatest female tennis players the planet has ever seen".

Ray, who has You'll Never Walk Alone tattooed on his left arm, lives in Brisbane with his Australian wife Angela, Liv and her two-year-old sister Paloma.

When I met up with them in Melbourne during this year's Australian Open, Ray came across as a likeable and unassuming family man. Yet, as he talks, you soon realise he is making some jaw-dropping claims.

"I think I could quite easily, over a 10 to 15-year period, create a champion in any sport," he tells me by the outside courts, as the second round unfolds.

"Talent is made, it's not born. I think if my Dad had spent the time with me at such a young age, I would have played for Liverpool. I would have played for England without a shadow of a doubt."

Ray, 36, says he might have chosen another sport for his daughters. It didn't have to be tennis.

"We could have gone down the route of ice-skating with Livi, and Livi would be a champion ice skater, but we chose the route of tennis and she'll be a champion in that," he says.

"I would put her up against any girl seven years of age around the globe and be confident she would beat them."

Liv, whose favourite players Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic are already world number one, first picked up a racquet at the age of three and is currently doing 12 hours of sport a week.

About two thirds of that is on the court, with the rest of the time devoted to gymnastics and athletics to build up her agility, balance and co-ordination.

Training begins while her friends are still sleeping and continues after school - as well as on Christmas Day. "It just feels normal to me," Liv explains.

"I hit on probably every celebration of the year. I feel a bit tired but when we start getting a little rally, I feel like I've got more energy to start moving around on the court." Tennis-free holidays, birthday parties and lollies are also part of Liv's life and, once a week, Ray puts on a "fun" session in which his daughter tries to burst balloons with her serve.

"Sometimes he keeps it fun and sometimes he doesn't," Liv says. "Sometimes he hits funny shots at me and sometimes I do trick shots at Daddy. Sometimes he serves with his right hand - he's left-handed and I'm right-handed - and sometimes I hit with my left hand."

Ray, who is also a consultant to a large sports development firm, has drawn up a plan for both of his daughters that runs to more than 100 pages.

He believes the opportunity and coaching he is offering them - he now has tennis qualifications to add to his experience of working in elite level football - combined with the environment of Australia and a lot of hard work will turn them into champions.

Richard Williams has set the bar extraordinarily high with Venus and Serena, but Wood believes he can provide his girls with a higher quality of coaching in their early years.

"I think 99% of the population believe that if your dad is a lorry driver and your mum works in a bottle shop, then that's pretty much all you're going to do in life," he says. "There's nothing wrong with having an office job, but we don't want Liv to have an office job. "We don't want her to work 14 or 15-hour days. I can't think of a better life than being out playing sport.

"I've been involved in a family who've had a lot of illnesses through various cancers, smoking and drinking and we want to ward the girls away from that." Liv, who is now on the books of an Australian talent agency which has also worked with Lleyton Hewitt, is currently playing against children three years her senior and winning far more than she loses.

Australia will be the family's home for the next few years, but the long-term plan is to take them out of school, employ private tutors and possibly move to Spain.

The family has sent footage of Liv in action to the Rafa Nadal academy in Mallorca.

Even if the chance of both girls making it to the top are incredibly small, Paloma has already started gymnastics and will begin tennis in December at the age of two-and-ahalf (six months younger than her sister was).

The concept of pushing children so firmly down a specific route from such an early age will cause discomfort among some.

Ray is adamant, though, that neither girl will be forced to continue training against their will and believes he is acting in their interests and not out of frustration at the professional football career that eluded him.

"She wants to please Dad, without a shadow of a doubt," he admits.

"But if you were to go into Liv's bedroom, we don't control anything in there. She's got posters of all the players up there.

"We actually broke her off for six months just to see if she asked to do it again.

"The big focus we have is that if it's not fun, the girls don't do it.

"She understands she's got to work hard and there are some sacrifices at a young age, but she already has a mindset that if she works hard, she's going to get out of life what she wants."

• Culled from BBC Sport

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FITNESS FILE

If You’re Between 30 And 50 Years Old, Read This

I

ndulge me for a moment by flexing your right arm. Assuming you have an average build, and trust me, you do, your arm is packing about five pounds of muscle. It represents nearly 10 percent of the total muscle on your body. Now, imagine that muscle gone. No biceps, no triceps, only a jiggly mass of skin and fat covering your bones from your shoulder down to your fingertips.

That five pounds of muscle is about the same amount most men lose between the ages of 24 and 50. And that number doubles by the time they’re 60. In fact, once a man passes the half-century mark, he can expect to lose 1% of his muscle each year for the rest of his life. That is, unless he does something about it. And there’s good reason for intervention: the natural erosion of muscle and strength that comes with ageing leads directly to weak bones, stiff joints, and a slumped posture, and increases your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and a host of other issues.

But there’s no reason you can’t maintain a healthy, strong musculature well into your 90s if you use man’s most effective anti-ageing weapon: resistance training. Lifting weights regularly signals your body to fight to keep your muscle. That means a longer, healthier life. Here’s why every man should be lifting weights even if he doesn’t give a damn about the size of his biceps.

Lifting is good for the grey matter Men who perform three total-body

weight workouts per week for 2 months can lower their blood-pressure readings by an average of eight points.

That’s enough to reduce the risk of a stroke by 40%. Fact.

It strengthens bones As you age, you lose bone mass, increasing the likelihood that you’ll one day suffer a debilitating fracture in your hips or vertebrae. That’s even worse than it sounds, since Mayo Clinic researchers found that 30% of men die within a year of breaking a hip. Recent research in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that men who lifted weights for 16 weeks increased their hip-bone density by 3.8% and raised their blood levels of osteocalcin (a marker of bone growth) by 19%.

You’ll get more years out of your old jeans For every pound of muscle a man loses, he gains a pound of fat. In other words, that five pounds of muscle that most men lose by age 50 is typically replaced by five pounds of fat. Not only does that make you look flabby, but it also increases your trouser size, even if your scale-weight remains the same. One pound of fat takes up 18% more space on your body than one pound of muscle. Bottom line: keep your muscle, and you’ll fend off fat.

And maybe touch your toes again Between the ages of 30 and 70, flexibility decreases 20 to 50%, making it harder for your joints to move through

their full range of motion. For example, if you can’t squat down until the backs of your thighs touch your calves (most men can’t), you have tight hip flexors, which limits movement at the knees, setting you up for injury.

Three full-body workouts a week for about 4 months will increase flexibility of the hips and shoulders by more than 30. So there’s still hope that someday you may once again be able to touch your toes. Weights can get you there.

It negates the danger of eating carbs Every time you eat fast-burning carbohydrates, such as white bread, rice, and potatoes, your level of insulin, a hormone that helps keep your blood sugar normal, rises dramatically.

That’s a problem because consistently elevated insulin increases your risk of diabetes and heart disease. But lifting can help: just two full-body weight workouts a week can lower insulin levels by 25%, after a high carb meal.

Significantly better than the levels of men who don’t lift weights.

You’ll keep more fast-twitch muscles It’s not just the quantity of the muscle you lose that’s important to pay attention to but also the quality.

The ageing process reduces the size of your fast-twitch muscle fibres by up to 50% but shrinks the size of slow-twitch fibres by less than 25%. That’s significant because your fast-twitch fibres are the muscles largely responsible for generating strength and power (the key to peak sports performance when

The Edenlifestyle corner with

MAJE AYIDA

majeayida@edenlifenigeria.com www.edenlifenigeria.com, 07062614551

you’re young) and helping you easily get out of a chair when you’re old.

You’ll rev your metabolism Your body requires energy to digest food. So every time you eat, you actually burn some of the calories you’ve just consumed-typically, 15 to 20%.

However, you will burn 73% more calories when you eat right after you lift weights. Even better, scientists have calculated that men who lifted weights two times a week for 18 weeks burned an average of 9% more calories a day than non-lifters did. That’s enough for the average man to lose 25 pounds in a year without making any changes to his diet.

Weightlifting affects mood The same study showed that older men who performed three weight workouts a week for six months improve their scores on measures of confusion, tension, anger, and overall mood. Although unsure of the mechanism, the researchers say it could simply be a feeling of accomplishment from having become fit and more confident in themselves. Makes sense.

It’s actually possible to reverse a decade of age-related muscle loss and fat gain, by adding four pounds of muscle and dropping three pounds of fat, while increasing strength by an average of 42%. These results would definitely improve anyone’s mood.

That’s probably why a lot of my clients have noticed a sense of euphoria after their workouts.

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FASHION FILE

S.E.N.S.ES COLLECTION

Orange Culture Autumn/Winter 2016

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FASHION FILE S.E.N.S.ES Collection

E

About The Collection xploring the journey of the modern man, the Orange Culture AW16 collection is built on the idea of what communication would be without senses. Using an array of materials, the clothes themselves become the means of conversation, with texture and print creating an outlet of expression that doesn’t require the use of words. Linen, cotton, denim, silk and leather all boldly feature alongside bespoke crochet pieces created in collaboration with Ed Goth as well as bold hand dyed Adire print pieces inspired by cells, senses and the lack there of. As a result, the collection represents a replacement for the senses altogether providing an alternative but nevertheless effective response to self-expression.

About Orange Culture Contemporary Nigerian menswear designer, Adebayo Oke-lawal created his brand ‘Orange Culture’ in 2011.

Working with traditional tailoring techniques and influenced by the culture of his surroundings, he describes the brand as ‘a movement rather than just a clothing line’. His collections have gained the interest of the heads behind LVMH Prize earning him a nomination for the award, as well as an invitation from GQ Italia to present at Pitti Uomo in Florence.

Interest from BoF and Vogue has since followed, both placing Orange Culture in their ‘Ones to Watch’ features.

Shoot Credits Photography: Travys Owen at One league agency @ travysowen Styling, Art direction and casting: Gabrielle Kannemeyer at One league agency and Lampost SA – @gabriellekannemeyer Models : Kevwe, Ronald, Kwen and Samuel from 20model management @20modelmanagement Collection Collaborations Bags: Nodrog Street Jewellery: Neon Zinn Shoes: Maxivive

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 28, 2016

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MAY 28, 2016

WITH

MARKET PLACE

OMOLABAKE FASHOGBON 08033621009

L-R: Coordinator - Value Added Services,Hyacinth Anucha; Coordinator - Internet Services Providers,Gbeyega Ojuri; Association Treasurer,Mrs. Adeyegbe Aderonke; 2nd Vice President,David Roberts; National President,Olusola Teniola; 1st Vice President,Engr. Tony Nwosu ; National Secretary,Myke Ofili; Coordinator -Telephone Operators,Ikechukwu Nnamani;and Coordinator - Manufacturer’s Representative,Adebusuyi Adetunji at the 2016 AGM and National Executive Council elections of the association held recently in Lagos.

Fom left -Training Manager, Huawei Technology, Ayodeji Awodele;Chief Brand Strategist , Big and Bold Communications, Jide Adeyemi; Global Training Manager, Huawei, Adams Joshua Conwell and Executive Director,Big and Bold Communications, Oluranti Agunloye, at the Huawei West Africa Train the Trainers Team Building session conducted by Big and Bold Communication recently in Lagos

Lagos Begins Sale of Water to Residents The Lagos State government has begun sale of water to residents through its water distribution kiosks that is being set up across the state.

The initiative is born out of the need to connect Lagosians to the central water system operated by government and as well bridge the shortfall

in water supply, noted Managing Director, Lagos Water Corporation, Mr. Muminu Badmus.

Badmus, who at the inauguration of the Mosan Okunola Waterworks, Abesan Housing Estate, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, pointed out that the development would enable residents to buy potable

water at a cheaper rate from vendors operating the kiosks, also disclosed that the kiosk would soon go round the state to ensure that all communities have access to the new initiative.

In his remark, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said the facility was part of efforts to create a vibrant and viable

ATCON Elects Executives Melon, Okra ,Others Suffer for Tomato Scarcity The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has elected a new set of executives that would pilot its affairs for a period of two years.

At the Annual General Meeting of the association where the executive members were unanimously elected, the National President, Mr. Olusola Teniola, who commended members for their unflinching support, stated that his administration, beyond any other agenda, would focus more on protecting existing investment in the nation’s telecommunications terrain and to attract new investment in the sector.

“I want to express my profound gratitude to all members of the association, for the confidence reposed in me and other elected National Executive Council (NEC) members, to steer the leadership of this great association for two years. I promise to work tirelessly take the association to an enviable position through execution of programmes that would aid telecoms industry growth.

“The present regime is out to set new goals for the association to enable it continue to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of the telecommunications industry in Nigeria. One of such goals that must be encouraged is the protection of telecom investment and the need to encourage further investments.

“Our regime will be more proactive, pragmatic and involving. We want to further promote and encourage harmonious relationships which would impact positively on the general wellbeing of our members as well as Nigerians.

Other members of the council include Mr. Tony Nwosu,1st Vice President; David Roberts, 2nd Vice Presidents; Myke Ofili, National Secretary; Mrs. Adeyegbe Adele, Treasurer; Ikechukwu Nnamani, Coordinator -Telephone Operators; as well as Jude Egokwu, Coordinator - Infrastructure Providers.

Others are Gbeyega Ojuri, Coordinator - Internet Services Providers; Adebusuyi Adetunji, Coordinator - Manufacturer’s Representative; and Hyacinth Anucha, Coordinator - Value Added Services.

The rate at which Nigerians now consume melon and okra soup is a direct result of tomato scarcity and its exorbitant price.

For most households the period of tomato scarcity is an era of soup requiring less or no tomato as most families now enjoy their favourite solid with okro or melon soup, with many others settling for “concoction” rice in place of richly prepared jollof rice. For those whose meal can’t go without tomato vegetable, a tomato paste will suffice.

This trick is also applied in restaurant and even parties.

Market Place observed that parties organised this period depend on melon soup served with choice solid for guests entertainment.

According to Mrs. Ayodele, who

recently organised a naming ceremony for her new born child, “it is unfortunate that things are expensive this period especially Tomatoes, I have no option, the eighth day must be revered and whether you like it or not, people will dine and wine. That is why I’ve decided to feed my guest with melon soup and prepared fried rice as alternative to jollof rice .

I can’t afford to prepare jollof rice this period and I’m sure my guest also understand.”

While many have traced the scarcity of the product to factors including : diseases, high cost of transportation and insecurity in Northern states, it is hoped that the situation will abate soon and Nigerians can go back to enjoy their favourite delicacies.

VoguePay Emerges Best E-Payment Platform in Africa Leading electronic payment platform,VoguePay.com, has been adjudged the best emerging online payment platform in Africa at the African Information Technology and Telecom Awards (AITTA), held recently in Ghana.

The Information Communication Technology award, organised by InstinctWaves, publishers of MobileWorld magazine, recognised industry leaders across various categories including e-payment where VoguePay took the lead.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of InstinctWave, Mr. Akin Naphtal, the firm attracted the industry recognition as a result of its contribution to online payment in Nigeria, Africa and beyond. Other award recipients include the National Information Technology Development Agency(NITDA) for ‘local Content Promotion in Africa’ and Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) for ‘African Regulator of the

year’ among other award recipients.

While receiving the award, Chief Executive Officer of VoguePay, Mr. Micheal Simeon, reiterated the company’s commitment to champion online payment security, stating that the firm’s financial framework was designed to meet International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS).

Launched in 2012, the firm was created with a vision to make online, crosscurrency payments and transactions safer, cheaper and more accessible for businesses, traders and consumers in Africa and beyond. The platform offers both users and merchants an opportunity to transact without directly using their card or bank details.

Its integrated solutions and services are helping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to power their online payment infrastructure by offering free online payment integration to serve an estimated market audience of 20 million SMEs in Nigeria.

24-hour economy.

Although, this development appears to be a milestone in the commercial nerve of the country, Lagosians have slammed the initiative, saying water supply should be free to taxpayers, through which government generates its revenue to execute projects.

Indomie Onion Chicken Flavour now in 120 Gram Dufil Prima Foods Plc, makers of Indomie Noodles has finally bowed to consumers demand having launched the bigger size of Indomie Onion Chicken Flavour variant in the market.

The latest product, which comes in 120 gram, is according to popular demand, said Brand Manager, Indomie, Mr. Amber Yadav.

According to Yadav, the entry of the new stock keeping unit, SKU, had added to the array of product sizes that could be purchased off the shelf. “The new offering became a necessity as consumer research showed a growing affinity for the Onion chicken flavour variant among many adults, hence, a desire to have it in a bigger and more mouth filling size, and as a consumer responsive brand, we had to attend swiftly to the consumer’s bid” Speaking further on the new product, Group Public Relations and Events Manager of the brand, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju, said that the new product, which is quite affordable, was borne out of the need to continuously meet consumers’ expectations and it was affordable for all.

He said, “It is no longer a surprise that consumers view Indomie as their noodles brand of choice which constantly prioritises and guarantees their satisfaction at all times, as evident in our dynamic product development process over the years. The new 120g Onion Chicken Flavour will cater to not just the taste but also the pocket of all consumers in the market.”

He also encouraged Nigerians to embrace the brand, which promises continuous commitment to customers’ desire.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 28, 2016

PERSPECTIVE Who is Afraid of Femi Fani-Kayode?

Jude Ndukwe

T

he current travails of Femi Fani-Kayode in the hands of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had long been expected. In fact, with developments leading to his arrest, Fani-Kayode thinks the EFCC came too late. This is because owing to the current administration’s aversion to criticism even of the slightest and lightest type, Femi Fani-Kayode knew, with his relentless criticism of the Buhari administration for their gross inadequacies and obvious crass incompetence leading to a neartotal absence of security of lives and property, and the irredeemable erosion of our socio-political and economic life, had put himself in the line of fire.

Since the defeat of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, at the 2015 presidential polls, Fani-Kayode has carved a niche for himself as one who is among the very few who are looking Buhari in the eyeball and telling him to shape up, something the president obviously detests.

From the vengeful incarceration of Sambo Dasuki to the vindictive detention of Nnamdi Kanu, Fani-Kayode has made himself a voice for the voiceless and victims of executive over-reach. His essays and commentary on the incessant and unchecked invasion of communities in the north central, the south eastern, the south southern and south western states respectively by the marauding Fulani herdsmen was a nightmare to Aso Rock and all the sympathizers of the Fulani herdsmen militia which is rated the fourth most dangerous terrorist group in the world. That rating was not for nothing, yet, our federal government is yet to take any decisive action against them!

Despite the open support shown by some powerful and well connected northern leaders to the killer Fulani herdsmen, Femi Fani-Kayode was not cowed and continued criticizing loudly the mishandling of the crisis.

He rose stoutly against the controversial religious bill introduced in Kaduna and which northern governors plan to adopt across board. He spoke out against President Buhari’s continued lopsided appointments in favour of the north against the south. He expressed genuine fears and called the attention of the world to the deliberate policy of Islamisation going on in Nigeria.

He condemned the use of security agencies to intimidate, harass, incarcerate, torture and kill citizens wantonly just for political reasons. He stood above others in his condemnation of the Shiite massacre, the needless killings of innocent, harmless and armless members of IPOB/MASSOB at Aba and Onitsha among others.

The social media was one of his most effective tools. He was always on twitter and Facebook, making his opinions known without fear or favour. His positions on matters generate a lot of interests among the citizens and have the immense capacity to shape perceptions, enlighten the ill-informed, illuminate the darkened mind, lighten a burdened conscience, free the mentally enslaved and singularly redirect a national discourse.

That is how powerful the former Minister of Aviation’s writings are that his traducers at Aso Rock started seeing him as one that must be taken out of circulation.

In the days leading to his being invited by the EFCC, some top government officials and sympathizers of the current administration had approached Femi Fani-Kayode telling him he had become a target of government because of his

writings which the authorities view as being caustic and too critical. His phones would ring endlessly from officials who would advise him to desist from writing or speaking against the policies and actions of government in his “own interest”. Series of meetings with him were called by these government agents, mostly at odd hours where they pushed their agenda to have him keep quiet or face retribution from government. They would remind him of how unpleasant the consequences of his arrest would be to his family and the stress it would bring to them especially his four-month old baby, all in a bid to have him back down on the struggle.

Fani-Kayode would return home at times with heavy burdens, thinking of what next to do. He would ask, “Do I abandon the struggle and watch people suffer, women raped, children killed, communities devastated by Fulani herdsmen? Do I stand and watch as security agents murder innocent Nigerians in cold blood in their hundreds with reckless abandon and not say anything?

Do I stand and watch as the federal government works assiduously to promote one religion over the other in a multireligious and multi cultural society like ours? Do I sit and watch as Nigerians are indiscriminately locked away and humiliated by state agents just because they belong to another political divide or because they criticize government policies? Do I sit and watch how the judiciary is being intimidated, harassed and lampooned just because they choose to be on the side of law and not politics in the discharge of their duties? Do I abandon the struggle simply because of the threat of harassment, humiliation and torture?”

“Who stands for the people if everyone is cowed? Who speaks truth to power if everyone recoils into their shells?”

After these questions, Fani usually decides that the way to go is not to be intimidated or betray the trust of the people but to stand tyranny in the face and speak fearlessly to power in order to save our people and country from the strangling hold of one man.

So, when the EFCC finally invited him, it was not a surprise to many who

Series of meetings with him were called by these government agents, mostly at odd hours where they pushed their agenda to have him keep quiet or face retribution from government. They would remind him of how unpleasant the consequences of his arrest would be to his family and the stress it would bring to them especially his fourmonth old baby, all in a bid to have him back down on the struggle

Fani-Kayode

are abreast of happenings around the former Minister of Aviation. In fact, it was considered an invitation that came too late considering the barrage of pressure mounted on him to soft pedal on his criticisms of government.

One was therefore not surprised at the over-zealousness and flagrant display of naked power displayed by the EFCC operatives when they came for FFK as he is fondly called.

First, on Friday, the 6th of May, operatives came to his house to leave a letter from the anti-graft agency, inviting him to their office the following Monday being the 9th of May. However, to prove that they were on a mission of vindictiveness and vendetta, they returned about two hours later that same Friday with a detachment of heavily armed policemen, a coaster bus and a Toyota Hilux vehicle, brandishing weapons in commando style and laid siege to his house for about 6 hours before leaving, saying they had instructions to whisk him away.

He eventually honoured the invitation as scheduled and after holding him beyond the constitutional time of 48 hours allowed to detain anyone, the EFCC told Fani-Kayode’s family members and lawyers that they had obtained remand warrant from an Abuja court to hold him for another two weeks even though they did not show any one a copy of such warrant. Shortly after then, nearing the expiration of the purported remand warrant, they whisked him to Lagos where they also applied to keep detaining him for another thirty days even though the magistrate eventually granted them a remand warrant for three weeks.

This was after the EFCC had been served a court notice for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights in Federal High Court, Abuja; for the EFCC to have taken the same matter to a magistrate court amounts to abuse of court processes. But in the current administration, it seems our constitution has been suspended and the rule of force elevated above the rule of law. All these show that it is not about corruption but all about silencing the opposition.

So, when Femi Fani-Kayode eventually reported at the EFCC office and was detained and remain detained even after he had met his bail conditions, one knew it was going to be a long walk to freedom. Freedom, not necessarily for him as a person, for he has always told those close to him that enslavement is a thing of the mind, there are many who are walking free but are slaves while

there are many more who are in chains but are actually free in conscience. But the freedom he aches for is freedom for Nigerians; freedom for that man who was allegedly shot six times and humiliatingly wheeled in a barrow while his members are killed in their hundreds simply because he belongs to a different sect of Islam; freedom for that woman who was callously raped right before her helpless husband by Fulani herdsmen who seem to enjoy the protection of their political kith and kin in high places; freedom for that innocent child who was wickedly snatched away from his mother while he suckled and had his throat slashed by the bloody swords of the Fulani militias; freedom for those whose farmlands are destroyed and whose lands are forcefully occupied while the murdered owners are forced to bury themselves in the sands watered by the blood of kinsmen mowed down by mindless cattle rearers; freedom for those who have been incarcerated for so long despite court orders granting them bails and are in chains for expressing themselves and associating with fellow Nigerians etc.

Fani-Kayode believes that he is a free man once these ones are free even if he is in chains. He believes he is a free man once those murdered could find their voice in his even if he is incarcerated. To this extent, he is unruffled.

This is just to let the world know that the war against the Ife-born Chief is not about corruption but about the deliberate and calculated agenda to silence members of the opposition while the sinister motives and the incompetence of this administration that are fast plunging our dear nation into a state of anarchy and anomie go applauded by sycophants and unchallenged by critics.

It is an ignoble fight against the voice of good conscience wrapped in the smokescreen of fight against corruption.

Nigerians must speak out louder than they are doing now. Things must not be allowed to get worse than they currently are. All of us have the responsibility to defend the oppressed and help entrench democratic principles in our country.

If these executive acts of despotism are allowed to fester, everyone would be in the danger of being silenced, sometimes through the use of “extreme measures” as Fani-Kayode was once told. The time to act is now. It is Femi Fani-Kayode today, whose turn will it be tomorrow?

Nigerians arise!

––Jrndukwe@yahoo.co.uk; Twitter: @stjudendukwe

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 28, 2016

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PERSPECTIVE

PenCom: A Regulator’s Drive for Foreign Partnerships and Investments

I

Oscar Igiebor

f anyone had prophesied about 10 years ago that the Nigerian pension industry would become the toast of the global pension industry, industry leader in Africa, and a gateway to direct foreign investment in Nigeria, nobody would have taken it even with a pinch of salt.

However, like the rejected stone that is fast turning into the cornerstone, the industry stands out as a major gain of the current democratic era and while the firm regulatory control of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) a flagship platform and ambassador of President Muhammadu Buhari’s quest for economic diversification and foreign direct investment; thanks to Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2004 which brought the industry under makes, PRA 2014, and no-nonsense, dynamic, and foresighted regulatory agency.

It is heartwarming, for instance, opening to the website of the Sustainable Business Initiative (SBI) of the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, to read that “PenCom is clearly a trailblazer in Africa in terms of transforming a regulatory vision into reality”.

This unequivocal endorsement came in the aftermath the high profile inaugural lecture of the Scottish Business in Africa Forum (SBIF) delivered by the Director-General (DG) of PenCom at the University of Edinburgh.

The SBIF is a collaborative effort of the Sustainable Business Initiative (SBI), University of Edinburgh, UK and the Royal African Society (RAS) to inform and inspire Scottish businesses interested in doing business in Africa and to engage African companies interested in collaborating with Scottish industry.

It covers all sectors and aims to connect high-level African and Scottish business leaders and improve mutual trade and relations. Through the dynamic networking sessions at the events, the organisers believe there is the unique opportunity to learn more about business operations in different contexts and obtain insights into cultural approaches across diverse environments.

The Royal African Society (RAS), on the other hand, is regarded as Britain’s foremost African organisation with rich history of promoting Africa in business, politics, culture and academia.

It has worked hard over the years to foster better understanding and strong relationships between Britain and Africa.

It’s in-depth knowledge of Africa and collaborative approach to programmes and partnerships has made it the first choice for professionals, corporate entities that seek to engage, understand, celebrate or learn more about the continent and inherent opportunities in it.

Among Scottish business interests present at the event were the Walter Scott, Rathbones, Cameron Hume Limited, LeapFrog Investments, Dundas Global, Aberdeen Asset Management and Scottish Development International (SDI), etc. It was therefore another moment in the sun for Nigeria as the DG of PenCom ceased the rare privilege of delivering the inaugural or maiden lecture of this Forum entitled “Pension Funds: Opportunities for Infrastructure Support in the Development of African Economies”, to push further the frontiers for foreign investment in Africa, particularly in Nigeria and especially in the area of infrastructure.

This is understanble given the wider import of infrastructure to the economy and the huge spending needs

Director-General of PenCom, Chinelo Anohu-Amazu and Dean, School of Business, University of Edinburgh, Professor Ian Clarke on infrastructure in Africa estimated at about USD93 annually. This is about 15% of the continent’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It natural means that Africa needs long-term financing to stand a chance of bridging the infrastructural deficit. Herein lies the key role of institutional investors such as PenCom because the growing nature of pension assets makes them a true and proper source of developmental infrastructure.

For instance, six African pension funds have invested in USD630 Million funds that injected USD30 Million into the investment of fiber-optic laid along the seabed from Europe to bring Internet to Nigeria way back in 2009. The difference the Internet has made in the socio-economic life of Nigerians cannot be overemphasized.

To get the prospective investors to key in, the DG took the Forum on a sectorby-sector tour of investment opportunities in Africa, namely industrial investment, emerging advisory services, power/ energy, transportation, agriculture and agrobusiness value chain, ICT, and real estate.

Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), according to her, has grown from about USD15 Billion deficit in June 2004 upon creation to about USD27 Billion in assets as at December 2015. This represents an unprecedented 300% growth within 10 years. The CPS enjoys an average monthly inflow of USD200 Million and an average growth of 20%.

On opportunities for infrastructure financing under the CPS, Anohu-Amazu told the international business community that the estimated requirement for infrastructure development in Nigeria is over USD100 Billion for power, roads, railway, bridges, and seaports, but about USD228 Million would be needed to address housing deficit.

The Federal Government’s budget, on the other hand, offers limited funds for infrastructural development because of competing demands. The long-term financ-

ing market is underdeveloped, shallow and offered limited capital for deployment to develop infrastructure. That still makes capital provided by pension funds, which are long-term obligations, best suited to address the need for long-term financing instruments that have maturities commensurate with the long-term nature of infrastructure projects.

Unfortunately, only 5.4% of the total allocation to infrastructure financing was utilised as at December 2015 due largely to non-availability of investment instruments that meet the requirements for pension fund investments.

It means Nigeria is still a fertile ground and makes co-investment with pension funds in Nigerian infrastructure attractive.

Beyond the opportunities presented by the huge gap to fill, improved elections and historic smooth transition from one political party and government to another is a further are glaring evidences of a stable democratic environment conducive for investment. The forced quest for economic has led to a clamour for investment in infrastructure to diversify the economy. What more, Nigeria’s over 160 million population with about 60% below 30 years, is an impressive demography and qualifies her as an investment destination.

Beyond the Edinburgh engagement, PenCom has been in the forefront of spreading the economic re-engineering efforts of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration and diversification efforts in the face of oil price slump.

For instance, an appearance of the Commission’s DG on the CNBC Asia in April proved a bountiful expository to Nigeria’s abounding investment opportunities and how the nation is now upping her efforts in agricultural, manufacturing, and entertainment sectors to cushion the effect of the dwindled oil revenues.

She told the international channel that

“The thing about Nigeria is that we have a lot of entrepreneurial spirit and people move very fast; the clear leadership that we have in President Buhari is forcing everyone to look inwards. Of course, this is the slowest time to getting started, but when Nigerians start, they move, and they move very quickly”.

On advise for would-be investors, Anohu-Amazu advised investors to reduce risk by structuring their investment properly to suit local environment rather than “bringing in things from outside that have no bearing on what the local climate is”.

“If I was looking to come as an outsider, I will look to where the pension funds, for instance, are invested, and will put my money there because am certain of one thing- safety and the second thing is returns. It is always good to work with local investors who are skilled in the game and local environment”.

Also on “The Pulse” with Bloomberg’s Mark Barton, the DG impressed when she said the slump in oil price was actually good news. She maintained that while the initial shock and current challenges are bad news for the portfolio investors, it is actually time for developmental or longterm investors to dig in because Nigeria has much more than oil to offer to the world.

On this occasion of Democracy Day, there is no doubt that the Pension Reform is one good step we have to be proud of as a nation, although there are still a lot to be done, while the states have a lot of catching up to do. And as President Buhari marks one-year in office, PenCom deserves all the kudos for complementing the President’s quest for foreign investment and rebuilding of the nation’s infrastructure to create the necessary environment for diversification of her economy that will help Nigeria to live beyond oil.

–– Igiebor is a financial analyst.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 28, 2016

PERSPECTIVE

Corruption : Wither the Nigerian State - Matters Arising Vincent Obioha

I

Dear Mr. President,

greet you and commend you greatly for your drive in cleansing the Nigerian State so as to create a fresh start for the people. We must agree that you need support to achieve this lofty objective. However, where and how you get this support may give direction to your plan towards achieving success. As you gather momentum, you must gather strength and support. Mr. David Cameron has pledged his support.

We all know the much talked about gaffe in his remark to the Queen was very unfair. Thank God, the Archbishop of Canterbury created a balance for the rhetoric. Our concern here is to draw attention to the word ‘fantastic’. This appears to be an allusion to how the Judiciary is being used to witch-hunt and persecute the Senate President solely for the purpose of taking control of the National Assembly (NASS).

That is the game going on and it is what British intelligence has described to Cameron as ‘fantastically corrupt’. They noticed how the Senate President has used a team of brilliant top ranking experts on advocacy and law to plead his case in the courts against this gross abuse of due and constitutional processes aimed at removing him from office. The Judiciary is the last bastion of hope for all. The process used to deliver justice must be thoroughly transparent without an iota of doubt or cause for appeal at any instance. This present Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal is bedeviled with too many anomalies. It has been faulted by eminent jurists as constitutionally inadequate and unable to deliver on the fundamental objective for which it has been set up.

The Tribunal is not qualified to try criminal matters and one of the men sitting on its judgement is under indictment for bribery and corruption by one of the anti-graft agencies. Why on earth should that same body be trying the president of the Nigerian Senate?

Up till now, the jurisdiction of that tribunal to superintend over criminal cases is still dubious. That is another reason to describe our country as ‘fantastically corrupt’. Please halt that process and let Asiwaju Tinubu and other disgruntled elements within your party who have been sidelined sheath their swords and save you further embarrassment internationally. The laws of the land are clear . If Saraki is to be indicted let it be through a transparent judicial process and not a kangaroo process that spells doom for your government.

He who comes to equity must come with clean hands, Lord Denin proclaimed . You cannot start a legality with an illegality .

Mr. President , You are not alone in this vision to purge Nigeria and create a new political order, national orientation towards steadfastness. uprightness, transparency , tenacity and truth in the administration of government business . This vision is not unique to you and neither can you do it alone . The concert of actors in this Herculean task need to be in tandem with your blessed vision. You have been consistent with this purge syndrome since your first attempt in 1983. The actors that brought your government down then are still very much around and visible today. Their agents are in government today. They include a man like Nasir El Rufai, and his cohorts that feel threatened by Bukola Saraki.

Saraki who they are afraid of remains unperturbed. He is a man of tremendous courage. He has the vision to propagate your ideals and he will perfectly complement your determination to see your programme through this time. Your association with the former Governor of Kwara State is made in heaven. Please, let no man attempt to put it asunder. Ambition, sheer jealousy, corruption and hypocrisy have created delusions in the minds of today’s power mongers in our country. Mr President, they are the ones working hard to bring down the President of the Senate in order to derail your vision of a new beginning which is evidently being supported by the Chairman of the National Assembly. If he is allowed to fall,

The Tribunal is not qualified to try criminal matters and one of the men sitting on its judgement is under indictment for bribery and corruption by one of the anti-graft agencies. Why on earth should that same body be trying the president of the Nigerian Senate? Up till now, the jurisdiction of that tribunal to superintend over criminal cases is still dubious.

That is another reason to describe our country as ‘fantastically corrupt’. Please halt that process and let Asiwaju Tinubu and other disgruntled elements within your party who have been sidelined sheath their swords and save you further embarrassment internationally. The laws of the land are clear

Buhari Mr. President, you will be the next victim.

The implication of this viewpoint is obvious one: if that which is appreciated by everybody as progress is in fact only an illusion of progress and the reality is obvious corruption of due process. then the very fact of this camouflage is what is now known as ‘fantastic corruption’. It prevents the detection of the real nature of corruption and encourages its perpetuation.

Our Commander in chief sir, corruption is not only the opposite of progress in the sense that the majority of the philosophers of the enlightenment understood it. It is sometimes often disguised as progress.

Had history not been navigated by a series of unpredictable and unnecessary disasters, the state of affairs in Nigeria could have been different , perhaps less corrupt. Our first expression of regret over Nigeria’s history that has gone so very wrong are ultimately a critique of nature, natural occurrences and events surrounding Nigeria’s creation rather than ordination by God. This is what you seek to correct and quite rightly too .Another and very important point about the notion of corruption is that it demonstrates itself as dis- orientation . It has drawn Nigeria back, very far back. Your support and victory at the polls was on the back drop of the trust that you will work arduously to eradicate corruption. Your perpetuation into office and victory at the polls was guaranteed by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu at least that is the rumour David Cameron also has heard from his agents in Nigeria and the American Foreign Secretary John Kerry who visited you twice before your victory .

Now, that is a ‘fantastically corrupt’ individual. Though, never convicted, he is widely believed to be so. Therein lies the illusion of corruption and progress and we must divorce our use of it as a process to achieve objectives where possible, such as the ongoing trial of your Senate President. It must be halted for it is delusional, anti progress and spells doom for your pursuit of national re orientation. Corruption is not simply a transformation from good to evil, but it is in a way always a departure from the pure and unspoiled origin, and this departure always manifest itself as splitting up or falling apart. Let is not be so with this God-sent composition of the executive, legislature and about to be reformed judiciary. This last arm of government and bastion of hope for the common man should be reformed. The confidence of the reform group headed by your Vice President who is by all standards an extremely brilliant assistant, is manifest. I digress to submit that Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is a very wise choice ordained by the invocation of spiritual intervention to serve you .

The fight against Corruption is an extremely important idea for Nigeria to overcome than has been recognized: a dangerous state of nature can result from corruption of the people and corruption of the legal processes. Widely and often used is this ‘cognitive’ conception of corruption known to great political thinkers and philosophers as the distortion of mental processes, by faulty reasoning or improper attitudes. Corruption means that citizens think they benefit from sedition, a combination of politically motivated advise with self- interested rhetoric rather than impartial logic, witnesses lie and judges settle cases by bribes or pity. Although corruption is often thought to involve the pursuit of private gain, I talk here about corruption in terms of misjudged private gain, where an individual is motivated by his apparent, short-tem self-interest, rather than his real, long- term self- interest.

If Saraki is left to lead the Senate it is obvious Nigeria will benefit more than this temporary quest to bring him down . It is his innate ability that propelled him to that seat, inspired by his ambition which is made of sterner stuff. For this and many other reasons, Mr President, corruption can lead to a state of confusion as with the ongoing travails of the Senate President .

Nigeria needs a fresh start and whatever laws we want to use to bring Saraki down will have to be used to bring past leaders to book and the current members of the executive arm cannot be exonerated . MKO Abiola on his Presidential debate against Alhaji Bashir Tofa was asked if he would probe Babangida’s Government and his response was how can you probe a man using his own laws. Witch-hunting is archaic, a very negative method of settling political battles and an extremely crude and primitive method of striking back with its corrupt methods at play .

Mr President today you are seen by many as only laundering your image as insinuated by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Nigeria is in the eye of the storm and you are bound by the doctrine of collectively responsibility and so should resign on account of Saraki being persecuted if it is allowed. If you are not the one persecuting him, then who is and why? It is treasonable for the Senate President’s removal to be initiated by an individual as is being claimed by the Saraki team and as he voiced out in his recent appeal for sanity. If because he rejected a Muslim /Muslim ticket which is of national interest and significant to the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s path to success, he stepped on toes it seems clear that the control of the nation is vulnerable to private individuals wielding political power and finance as tools. This is totally unacceptable, Mr President. Please, halt the trial of the Senate President Mr President, pay no attention to the whims and caprices of a frenzied glorified party leadership. Their duty to get you into office is done and they need not interfere.

The state is presently looking like an Augean stable and the senate president has shown the path to a fresh start, new way of getting things done properly with the process he and his distinguished colleagues have handled the budget proposals, the budget ratification, leading to the Presidential assent. The cohesive nature must be replicated in many other legislative duties and evidently observers have noticed this in the type of bills being initiated. The common good is the objective of this 8th assembly and the Chairman is the author of this vision, so he must be spared. He must be allowed to lead as his vision is in consonance with the growing trend in world affairs . He represents the generational influence needed by the executive and the people, so that policies are no longer too distant from the promise of change which was the mantra of the mandate giving to you. Unlike previous democratic governments, the executive and legislature are in tandem. This must be encouraged.

For the first time, the assent has been given and from inception to fruition no ‘Ghana must go ‘ has been ferried from Aso rock villa to the National Assembly to support the eagerness to approve your budget proposals .

Alhamdudilahi, corruption is ‘fantastically’ being eradicated. We need to strengthen the institutions of government and create good precedents so that when this crop of leaders leave office, history will recall their efforts at creating a lasting legacy to emulate .

Mr. President, pay no attention to the whims and caprices of a frenzied glorified party leadership . Their duty to get you into office is done and they need not interfere in governance. We will see them in four years time if they are needed. To bring politicking into administration of government or to use government institutions such as the judiciary to witch-hunt political foes is archaic in modern times like this. Its visibility to the layman make it a ‘fantastically corrupt’ process to be adopted. If the CCT exonerated Tinubu and some others, Saraki’s case must be halted and CCB reconstituted.

If the CCB is under the office of the Secretary to the Federal government and or under full control by the attorney general then it is morally not fit to try the No 3 man. It should just update the records of his assets and make recommendations if there is a constitutional breach or criminal element . The kangaroo charade and embarrassment going on because they want his resignation is a fallacy. His refusal to resign is for the same reason because he is being witchhunted so it’s a catch 22. Why drag the exalted office Into all these?

Sir , to remain aloof and stand offish in this matter is to put all at risk, including your exalted office. The danger of using government institutions in a corrupt manner is unacceptable . It failed Babangida even in a totalitarian government. It failed Obasanjo in his third term bid. It also failed Goodluck Jonathan. You will not fail, Insha Allah.

So, please halt Tinubu, El Rufai, Nuhu Ribadu and all Saraki’s enemies. If they want to hang him, let them use constitutional means .

The present Chairman of the CCT, Mr Danladi Umar is not recognised as a member a judge and member of the judiciary. He is under indictment and investigation by the EFCC for demanding bribe of N10,000,000 (Ten million naira only). Mr President, I beg your pardon, sir, but is this an affront, a travesty of justice and breach of the law for him to be determining a matter in which the Chairman of the National Assembly is involved? He has no locus standi to hear the matter. If you decide not to listen to this appeal on behalf of your self and the nation, at least listen to the communique released

by Justice Oguntade and other eminent jurists at the just concluded summit at the Ben Nwabueze Centre on the ongoing travails of the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki .

Today, we are being watched as we put our house in order. Let no man utter a word against you as being seen or made to look when fantastically corrupt methods are adopted in dispensing justice.

That is a violation of the terms of the oath of office you swore to on May 29 2015 as you were sworn in by the Chief Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Long live President Mohammadu Buhari long live the Federal republic ––Obioha is a research associate in political Science and strategic studies in HoustonTexas

T H I S D AY SATURDAY MAY 28, 2016

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 28, 2016

INTERVIEW Durosinmi-Etti

N25bn Lagos Employment Trust Fund Widens Opportunities for Self-Employment Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, tells John Iwori, that the N25 billion Lagos Employment Trust Fund (ETF), initiated by the Akinwumi Ambode administration, is intended to widen opportunities for self-employment for persons with business ideas and entrepreneurial skills in Lagos. It is also meant to foster a startup and innovation ecosystem, create physical hubs and potential employers, among other things.

R

ole of the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment The primary mandate of the ministry is to look at ways of reducing unemployment and also expanding the wealth creation outlets within in the state. We are all aware of the enormous effect of unemployment. We are also aware that it is only through the expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). They are about the largest employer of labour in any economy. If there is no growth, employment will not be stimulated.

You should be aware there are different types of unemployment: cyclical, structural and sustained unemployment. We have to take a look at it to see which one actually affects us most.

Sustained unemployment is probably the one qualified for our attention because it impact growth and development and affects the quality of lives of average Lagosians.

Our primary mandate is to enthrone a process whereby we create opportunities for sustainable employment so that it would sort of have multiplier effect on development in the state.

Employment Folds, Formal Employment and Entrepreneurship Durosinmi-Etti We need to take a look at both. I think and bring him down. That has been the the most important thing is the strategy problem. of arresting unemployment. You are We must create competitions among looking at arresting through the formal the youths. We must create opportunities and informal sectors. There is only one and competitions so the children of the door. You can only go in through one Permanent Secretary or Commissioner, door and that will lead to other doors. here at Alausa and the children of the One generic issue that I have observed is shoe maker in town will have equal lack of employable skills. There are jobs opportunities to compete for available job available. When we have jobs, are the opportunities. We must create opporpeople employable? There has to be a tunities. We must create a competitive mindset reorientation among the unemenvironment. It is the only way we solve ployed, whether, formal or informal, or this problem. Like I told you, the problem graduate employment or whatever-entre- was also exaggerated warranting all kind preneurship. You must have a mindset. of government interventions which could You must have a focus. To get an idea of not work because there were no construcwhat we can expect going forward, it is tive engagements with the private sector. useful first to have a clear sense of the Tax payers’ money was being used scope of the jobs deficit. So we look at in attempts to create employment. In the history of unemployment. One must the process, all the people government know where one is coming from, where trained, none of the people trained by the problem of unemployment lies. If not, government have jobs? This is because of you would not be able to find solutions the poor quality of training. Government to the issue. What we did in this ministry is not in the best place to train. The trainis that we took cognizance of the history ing was done poorly. It was a predictive of unemployment and also government process. We know what was going on interventions, right from the days of there at the toll gate with personnel Directorate for Food, Roads and Rural employed by SURE-P. If an enabling Infrastructure (DFRRI), move on to Naenvironment has been created with the tional Directorate of Employment( NDE), private sector and this is reinforced with The Operation Feed the Nation (OFN), to revision of the educational curriculum National Poverty Eradication Programme and then further reinforced by youth (NAPEP) ,most recently, Subsidy Recentres with cognitive orientation, the Investment Programme (SURE-P). If you story would have been different. The look at it, government tried intervening failure to harness these cognitive values all the time. That is wrong approach. that reinforced formal education has Government does not create jobs. If there revealed why our youths lacked creative is no development, there will be no jobs. ideas to harness the advantage of technolThere must be growth. It is only through ogy transformation when it came on the sustainable development that will have a scene . multipier effect on employment. One, it Goals and Strategies will cut across all the sectors you are talkWe are creating conditions where jobs ing about - the formal sector. Some people can be created and the private sector are establishment people. Secondly, it contribute to growth. We have a lot of becomes more entrepreneurial because constraints. As I said earlier, it is not as when you look at the wholesalers and bad though government failed to fill in the retailers, the big businesses and the the gaps with its interventions. We have a activities of small businesses. They create lot of social entrepreneurs coming in to fill more jobs. Small businesses create more the gap. There are a lot of success stories. jobs. That brings in more investments. It We have Andela. We have West African covers a lot of areas.

Vocational Education (WAVE). We have The role of the ministry which we international development organisations define is that of an enabler. We are not .We have a lot of the private sector. We going in and to pay people to come and have skilled centres. The Nigeria Employtrained. If we train people where are the ers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has jobs? If after the training, they do not get also been up to the task. employed, relative deprivation would Nigerian Breweries Plc has a training set in. That means you take somebody up centre; Julius Berger Plc has a training

centre. Nestlé Plc has a training centre.

Companies are establishing their training centres, in an effort to enable staff to increase skills of their employees at various levels of production. The fact that industry employers are establishing training centres demonstrates that products from the government’s training programmes do not meet their requirements and make their products employ. We are having a constructive engagement with all these people. We are right now working with NECA and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on skills acquisition for youths and employment creation in the State. We are coming up 10 to 12 areas for collaborative engagement to create employment and looking possible employment outlets.

Not only in terms of filling in the gaps, but in skills acquisition and entrepreneurship. We are also looking at employment creation outlets that we can key into. We have had meeting with Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI).We had constructive engagement with them. We do not wait for them to come. We go out to meet them because that is the sort of environment that we are trying to create. Also the government has to be entrepreneurial in approach. We know what they are doing. If we work with them and give that endorsement, then our youths will have more.

In choosing the participants, we work with the Local Government Councils because they provide a platform with a wide reach. 300 youths registered for the programme. 80 persons were shortlisted.

Out of the 80 that started the programme, only 22 finished the programme. At the end of the programme, we had a review meeting and we discovered that the problem is that our youths are not ready to work. They still want to get things as in the past. This is the challenge. How do we address this? This is why the mindset orientation comes in. For example, out of the 22 participants that finished, about 18 got employment on the spot. After the two weeks programme, we have one week sort of internship. The internship period was like probation. The conclusion from our findings is that some of them were not ready to work.

We recognise that the government is not very good in creating jobs. One thing I should let you know is that the Lagos

State Governor Akinwumi Ambode has committed N25 billion over the next four years to job creation. The money is to be judiciously expended in creating employment.

Knack to help the Unemploy In order to achieve this, he created a N25 billion employment trust fund to cater for employment and wealth creation projects in the state. The governor inaugurated a board which is more private-sector driven. Most of the entrepreneurs will have access to the fund as long as they meet the necessary requirements and there will be an equal opportunity for everyone, especially budding entrepreneurs with new idea.

We are also represented on the board of the State Employment Trust Fund (ETF). On the board, you have youth entrepreneurs, representatives of artisans and civil society. The composition of the board is quite interesting and will be subjected to a lot of accountability. Its accounts will be published on a quarterly basis. Members of the ETF board were carefully selected based on their track records and professional integrity. The board is being led by a former Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru. I can assure you the fund is supported to assist small scale businesses, entrepreneurs, and also as subventions to expand the environment.

The N25 billion Lagos Employment Trust Fund (ETF) will widen opportunities for self-employment for persons with business ideas and entrepreneurial skills.

It is a revolving fund. The interesting thing is that the loan will be given out at three percent interest rate with a little management fee.

At the end of the day, it will be affordable because there is no way in the country that Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) will get such lower interest rate. Not even the Bank of Industry (BoI).The other fact is that it will be accessible to entrepreneurs across the three senatorial zones and five divisions of the state. The trust fund will come in the next thirty days. It is not easy to be shouldered with such kind of responsibility.

People are looking at you to perform.

You have to set up machinery to be able to do that. The government will commit N6.25 billion every year within the four years of this administration to a total of N25 billion. Already, they have N6.5 billion for the first year. I believe it will have a lot of impact. The state government intends to make the trust fund independent because of accountability. We also know that the payment processes could subject it to government interference. That is why the trust fund was created by an Act. The Chairman and Sectary were ratified by the State of House of Assembly.

The Trust Fund is not an appendage of the ministry. So let them come up with their plan so we can disseminate it to the public. They are answerable to Nigerians.

They are answerable to our legislators directly.

Because of the institutional policy framework within the state, this ministry is represented there. Because it involves tax payers funds, that is why the Commissioner of Finance is represented.

They are the only two government representatives there. The law establishing the fund is also explicit in terms of sanctions. That is why the board has to give quarterly report which will be published in two major newspapers,.

Their statement of accounts and activities can be questioned. You can be sure their activities will be closely monitored by the Lagos State House of Assembly. We will guide them in term of the state government policy. I can assure you that they are working on the right track.

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MAY 28, 2016• THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT Masari’s Katsina Ready for Business With a view to securing the partnership of the private sector for the development of his state, Governor Aminu Bello Masari recently hosted a three-day investment summit in Katsina.

Olusegun Adeniyi who was there reports

F

rom President Muhammadu Buhari to Governors from no fewer than eight states as well as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor and several captains of industry, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, it was a collection of who-is-who in Nigeria when the Katsina Economic Investment Summit held from 9th to 11th May 2016 with the theme “Unlocking Investment for Sustainable Development”. But now that the event is over, it is left for the Katsina State authorities to begin a process of gathering the gains and that is where the real work begins.

In his welcome address, Governor Aminu Bello Masari said the summit was aimed at enlisting the support of the private sector in his efforts to change the dynamics of development in the interest of the people of Katsina. “Time being short, the task being enormous, we have to telescope delivery times, vigorously animate our work culture and system to deliver on the vision of our founding fathers because, this generation neither brooks delay nor does it accept excuses,” said Masari who added: “We are humble enough to realize that we could not do it all by ourselves, no matter how hard we try. Looking from within only identifies, clarifies and simplifies our challenges; not necessarily meet them. We realized that we can only go so far alone; and no more. That is why we called on investing community, local and global to join us in this enormous but highly rewarding undertaking.”

Masari, who said his hope has always been to see a new dawn in Katsina where economic development will be easy and very smooth, identified the following as key priority areas for the state: large scale rice/ wheat production and processing, medium to large scale sugar production and processing, tannery, large scale tomato production and processing, fertilizer blending plant, livestock production and meat processing; plantation for economic trees such as: Gum Arabic, Shea nut, Moringa, locust bean, hospitality and creative arts, solid minerals exploration and exploitation; and power generation.

“We intend that by pointing up these as priority areas, broad-based wealth would be created through large scale employment.

We will support all investors, but we will give top priority to investors who take advantage of these priority areas. Their strong appeal to the Government is that they offer the shortest route to both investor and government realizing their joint objectives of wealth creation through large scale job creation,” said Masari who promised that specific incentives will be made available for interested investors.

The governor did not mince his words and he left no one in doubt about his resolve. By the time the sessions ended, the consensus was that Katsina should target agriculture and agro-allied industries being the area where the state has a comparative advantage. But to do that, there is a need to fast track the reform of land holding so as to enable the people access the badly needed capital with which they can do business.

It was also agreed that Katsina needs to improve on its quality of human capital which is considered the main reason for low productivity in the state. This has entrenched widespread poverty in the state.

Speaker after speaker at the sessions repeated the call for policies that would protect the local industries against unfair competition, especially from similar products from abroad as this threatens their businesses in the state. It was therefore recommended that the way forward remains an integrated value chain model which connects producers to other actors in the chain - input suppliers, intermediaries, processors, retailers and service providers including funding.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State in a handshake with President Muhammadu Buhari while Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State and Katsina counterpart, Governor Aminu Masari look on, during the Katsina State Economic and Investment Summit

Micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) were seen as catalysts for job creation and poverty reduction by many of the participants who noted that MSMEs are the easiest medium for achieving rapid and inclusive growth, which is essential for sustainable development. It was also agreed that the State should build the capacity of small farmers in order to boost competitiveness while increasing productivity and efficiency.

In his speech, President Buhari who personally attended the summit pledged that “the Federal Government will partner with any State Government that shows brilliant initiatives underpinned by a winning strategies such as demonstrated by the Katsina State Government and people.”

The president also made it clear that for any nation to grow and be able to compete in terms of economic growth and jobs creation, the role of the private sector must not be undermined. While praising Governor Masari for the initiative, President Buhari said holding the summit was the easier bit. “What remains is the coupling of their business spirit to world class business practices piggy-backed on a can’t-refuse raft of exceptionally attractive positive policies to achieve the outstanding results they should justly reap,” said President Buhari who added that every business considered “within the state and indeed every other part in the country must be environmentally safe and sustainable.”

The CBN governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, who was also present emphasised the need to support and grow the business concept of MSMEs across the country. He stated that for a state like Katsina to experience any economic growth or development, its government must do everything humanly possible to strengthen MSMEs with strong partnership and support from the Federal Government. “The CBN is available under its various schemes to provide financing at single digit interest rates to your smallholder farmers and SMEs. We expect that one of the immediate benefits from this Summit shall be the resuscitation of the NIM oil factory in Katsina State” Emefiele said.

In addition to the areas touched by the CBN governor, the President of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) in Nigeria disclosed that nothing will be accomplished until there is a deliberate effort to increase agriculture-based funding for SMEs in the country while also making commitment that the bank will partner with

critical stakeholders in Katsina to ensure value chain addition in the agriculture sector so as to build a hub for small scale farmers and local investors to learn new skills and grow their businesses.

However, what would perhaps go as the most insightful contribution at the summit was made by Mr Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi, former Chief Economic Adviser to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua who also happened to be a commissioner in the state in the past. In arguing that Katsina possesses most of the attributes for development, Tanimu argued that a major challenge state governments in Nigeria have continuously faced is how to generate revenue to augment the increasingly decreasing crude oil driven statutory revenue allocation from the Federation Account. “This challenge assumes a greater priority for a non-oil producing, non-intensively commercial and nonindustrialized state like Katsina.”

Poverty, according to Tanimu, is a misnomer in Katsina State because most households own their homes and farms. “But these holdings will not lift them out of poverty without land titles. For without land titles, their landed assets are without liquidity and the owners will remain locked out of credit, access to which is increasingly becoming a high ranking human right.”

Tanimu argued further that with an area of 24,192 square kilometres, representing 2.6 percent of the country’s total landmass of 923,768 square kilometers, “Katsina State is bigger than the world’s ten smallest sovereign nations that include the Vatican, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Maldives, Malta and Grenada. Their total land size is 1491.4 Km2. Katsina is substantially much bigger in size than Israel (20,770Km2), Kuwait (17,818Km2), Qatar (11,58Km2), Hong Kong (2,755Km2), Bahrain (765Km2) and Singapore (719Km2). Are we up to any of these countries either in terms of national wealth as measured by the GDP or quality of life and/or the market value of land?”

While the same question could be asked of our country, Nigeria, a measure of the quality of this factor endowment, in Tanimu’s view, would be Katsina state’s share of the national rental income, property taxes collected and total market valuation of land in the country.

“In fact, if we had policies in place to raise the value of land all over the state, whether it is residential or commercial or industrial or agricultural land, contribution of property taxes to public finance would have been topmost or second topmost among other

sources”, he said.

Even while lamenting the wasted opportunities, Tanimu said there must be conscious efforts on the part of the current Katsina State administration to change the course of events. “Katsina State is a leading farm producer among the agrarian states of the Nigerian federation. We used to account for more than 60% of the national cotton output; we are the 3rd largest millet producer after India and the People’s Republic of China; we are either first or second largest producer of maize and sorghum; we used to belong to the first five leading positions among the provinces that had once generated about 15% of global output in groundnut; today we compete with Kaduna State for the first slot as the nation’s major grower of soya beans. In recent times, farmers in different parts of Katsina state are increasingly transforming the state into a growing power among the league of leading states in growing sesame seeds and soya beans.”

However, to the extent that the peasant farmers in Katsina cannot all turn into tax payers to make the state economically viable in the absence of commercially sound agricultural produce policy and regulatory frameworks, there is need for the authorities begin the adoption of policies and regulations in that direction. “Just consider what few policies adopted could achieve such as the provision of simple storage that saves 50% of farm produce lost at post-harvest, and grant of inventory credit to help farmer hold their produce for up to 90, days when prices could be not less than twice or 100% increase above the immediate post-harvest level. Think about a mere adoption of the correct quality assurance protocols by farmers which could save two-thirds of three million metric tons of current home industry demand for grains! This is in an addition to benefits to be driven from making the farmers directly participate in the commodity export value chain as Katsina reintegrates its market with the global economy by implementing the right policies,” said Tanimu.

No doubt, the idea of an investment summit for Katsina was a good one but now that the sessions are over, it is now left for Governor Masari and his team to begin to see how to reap the gains. However, if there is anything that came out clearly from the sessions, it is that the Katsina will do well to focus on how to reposition agriculture not only as a tool for job creation but for the overall development of the state.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MAY 28, 2016

POLITY Nigel Parsons

We ‘re Ready for Digital Switch Over Nigel Parsons, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Continental Broadcasting Service (CBS), owners of Television Continental,TVC,andRadioContinentalinthisinterviewtellsGodwin Ifijehabouttheorganisation’sreadinesstogodigitaland its growing roleasAfrica’svoiceininternationalbroadcasting

C

ontinental Broadcasting Service (CBS) has become such a huge and diverse organisation in a short time, how has it been running such a fast paced media organisation?

I have managed Aljazeera English, which is bigger and I have done four or five other smaller launches. What is different about this one is that it’s very much an African project for Africans. Unlike say Aljazeera, we can go and take people from the BBC, Sky, CNN or whatever; it was not so here, we had to train everyone from scratch. It was a bit more challenging and much more satisfying. You couldn’t just take people from a national broadcast here because they had that mindset, which you cannot change. So, many of them are young people we trained by ourselves. However, what has worked more for us here is delegating authority, it’s very important that people learn to delegate.

When I came to Nigeria I found that most organisations were like kind of pyramids; nobody wants to make decisions until they got to the very top. Here we’ve got a very flat kind of management where everyone in every department has responsibilities and makes their own decisions. As long as they are getting eight out of 10 right they are doing a good job. Basically, I am the team builder, but everybody looks after his or own department.

What are TVC? Before TVC, there was no pan-African channel. So, the big foreign channel just parachute in whenever there is a disaster.

As it were, 99 per cent of the news coming out of Africa was bad news; there was no positive news. It’s changed slightly now because CNN has Voice of Africa, BBC has Window on Africa. But no one was really doing a true African eyes, the bad things

CBS CEO, Nigel Parsons that were happening everywhere and the good things. As it is, we want to report the good, the bad and the ugly. We will criticise what’s wrong, and praise what’s right. That is why a lot of our programmes are celebrating the amazing things that are coming out of Africa- the culture, environment, music and so on. So, it’s a far more balanced view on Africa and it gives Africa a much more positive image in the outside world, we ‘ve got extensive distribution in the United Kingdom (UK), France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, and the USA. So, what we are doing in the way we are reporting Africa is not only being seen by Africans, but also by people outside Africa, who are beginning to realise that there is another side to Africa apart from famine and war.

What would you say are your major challenges in trying to tell the story of Africa from the perspective of Africans?

I think the major challenges have been, as I’ve said, training people up to the right standard and leaving all the baggage of old style of journalism behind. It’s one challenge that is not really a kind of a pan-African identity. I have noticed some people in Nigerian are very much interested in what is going on in Zimbabwe or Mozambique, but you do have lots of things in common on the programming side, which we do. It may be environment, health, women issues, music, and dance- all those things you do have in common, which is why we have gone for the excellent programmes that we have. We are the first of our kind. We couldn’t get trained hands from anywhere else so, we had to train everyone and we’ve done it and we have a great product.

TVC has three channels; what are they all about?

One is an entertainment channel, however, it does have news and discussion programmes, but it has lots of light entertainments like movies and kids’ programmes.

Then we have the domestic news channel, which is really aimed at Nigerians and Nigerians in the Diaspora. And then there is a pan-African channel, which is probably the most ambitious in some ways. We are going up against the big international channels and within the industry, we’ve received dozens of awards. We are competing against the likes of CNN, BBC and companies from Asia. So, we must be doing something right.

Within the industry today we are recognised as the prime pan-African channel.

You won the best station of the year award recently. How do you plan to sustain the tempo?

We are the first channel of our kind, so, we are market leader. Already, there are other people coming on to the market. Our job is to keep pushing up to the next level, to stay ahead of the pack. We want to be the best channel for Africa. That is where we are at

the moment. We are leaders of the pack now; our job is to hang on to that.

How are you preparing to meet the June 2017 deadline for the digital broadcasting migration ?

Already, everything here is high definition.

Our infrastructure, our cameras, everything, and we are already sending out digital test signals. So, we are ready .

In line with your pan-African outlook, what are you doing to consolidate your position in Nigeria and to further extend your reach to other African countries?

We are carried on other platforms in East Africa, South Africa, Zambia and Ghana.

They are usually secondary platforms like Zuku in East Africa; of course, it’s not as big as DStv. The demography of the average DStv subscriber is different from your own Zuku subscriber. It’s just like here; the DSTV subscriber is different from your Star Times subscriber. So, it’s very important now that we are on DSTV to expand across At the moment, we are consolidating, as our commercial position improves we will look to expand our bureau network. At the moment we have bureaux in Johannesburg, Nairobi, Accra and London. We were in Egypt, but the military government kicked us out. But we remain in South Africa, East Africa, West Africa and Europe. We will look to expand our network with time.

Why were you kicked out of Egypt?

There was a group of the Muslim Brotherhood that were kind of surrounded in a mosque by security forces and we were the only crew inside the Mosque to cover the incident and interview the Muslim Brotherhood. The Egyptian authorities didn’t take kindly to that and they asked us out, we were, however, not the only ones that were kicked out. They closed down our office and revoked our operating licence.

Read full article on www.thisdaylive.com

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Acting Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BOI), Waheed Olagunju; Representative of Kaduna State Governor, Dr. Abdulkareem Mayere; Chief Executive Officer, Arnergy Solar Limited, Femi Adeyemo and the Executive Director, Corporate Services and Commercial, BOI; Jonathan Tobin, during the commissioning of the solar electrification projects, at Charwa Community, Makarfi Local Government Area, Kaduna State...recently

L-R: Customs Area Controller (CAC), Western Marine Command (WMC), Comptroller Yusuf Umar taking some some officials of the Nigerian Navy and others round over 50 bags of foreign rice intercepted by his men and officials at WMC headquarters, Apapa, Lagos...recenty

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Lola Akande; Wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. (Mrs.) Ibiyemi Olatunji Bello; and Permanent Secretary, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Folashade Adesoye, during the activities marking 2016 Children’s Day Celebration organised by Lagos State Government Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviatio at Nigeria Police College, Ikeja ...recently PHOTO: KOLAWOLE ALLI

L-R: (back row) Head, Retail and SME, WEMA Bank, Mr. Dotun Ifebogun; Executive Director, Lagos, Mrs. Folake Sanu; and Executive Director, South-West, Mr. Wale Akinleye, with pupils of Taadel Primary School, Ajao Estate; and Maryland Convent School,Ikeja during the pupils visit to the bank as part of the 2016 Childrens’ Day celebration in Lagos… yesterday

T H I S D AY SATURDAY MAY 28, 2016

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THISDAY, THe SATurDAY NewSpAper • MAY 28, 2016

NEWSXTRA

Wike: Nigeria Will Be Doomed if this INEC Conducts 2019 Election Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared that Nigeria would be heading for disaster if the Professor Mahmood Yakubuled Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is allowed to conduct the 2019 general elections in the country.

He said the commission was working assiduously to create crisis in the country judging from its performance in the rerun elections it has handled in Rivers state and elsewhere in the country.

In an exclusive interview in Port

Harcourt, Wike said the INEC as constituted had not shown any commitment to conducting any free and fair elections in the country.

He said the commission had shown that it wanted to cause crisis in the state by setting up a committee to review the elections it had cancelled in the March 19 rerun elections in the state.

His words: “You see, I don’t understand why people like to cause crisis. You can see that INEC deliberately wants to cause crisis in Rivers State. Whether people want to use INEC to cause crisis to achieve what they have failed

to achieve in the election, I do not know. I ponder how a reasonable organisation can do what they are trying to do.

“On 19th March, 2016, around 1pm in the afternoon, INEC announced that it had cancelled eight local government areas results.

Those, local governments are Andoni, Bonny, Gokana, Khana, Eleme, Tai, Asaritoru, and Etche Local Government areas. But those that were conclusive, they declared.

“Now after two months, INEC has set up a review committee to wthe cancellations that it had made and from the reports we got,

we know where they are heading to and we cannot allow them. We want to stop INEC from causing crisis in the state. And I can tell you, the way this INEC is going, I don’t know what will happen to 2019 election in Nigeria.”

He declared that he had lost confidence in the commission as it has not shown any commitment to free and fair elections but is taking sides with the rival All Progressives Congress (APC).

He said, “This INEC, I have no faith in them. I have no confidence in them. They have not shown that they want to conduct a free and fair election in Nigeria.

Dangote Disburses N40m Grants to Disadvantaged Lagos Women Crusoe Osagie

To cushion the effect of the current economic downturn, the Dangote Foundation, yesterday, commenced the disbursement of N400 million micro grant to 40, 000 indigent women in all the local government areas in Lagos State.

The disbursement held at the Conference Hall of Lagos House, Ikeja, is a continuation of grassroots poverty alleviation strategy of the Foundation set up by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, in 1993.

The programme is costing the Foundation N10 billion and six

states have so far benefitted.

The Foundation noted that the empowerment programme which was meant to compliment the efforts of the government at all levels was targeted at the disadvantaged and vulnerable women and youths with a one-off N10, 000.00 cash transfer to boost household income generation.

Dangote, the Chairman of the Foundation, had expressed concern over widespread poverty among the people especially the youths and the women at the grassroots and promised that his organisation would institute a scheme that would help in

addressing the menace.

“Consequently, the Dangote Foundation came up with a micro grant scheme aimed at empowering the grassroots dwellers with funds to help them undertake petty trading so as to lift their economy.

“Already, 256,500 women in states such as Kano, Jigawa,, Kogi, Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe have benefited from the scheme that is expected to move round all the 774 local government areas across the nation.

“However, for the first time since the programme started, the beneficiaries in Lagos are also to be given hand held

mobile devices through Airtel telecommunication, while disbursement would be via electronic payments.”

The programme, according to Dangote was to cover at least 1000 women in each of the 774 local governments in a bid to assist the federal government in the onerous task of poverty reduction by equipping the vulnerable women with some money to help them start a trade to improve family life. However, the number of beneficiaries in Lagos has been doubled in each local government in other to reach out to a larger population of women.

‘Creating Grazing Zones ’ll Escalate Herdsmen-Farmears Conflicts’ Gboyega Akinsanmi

Amid the rising spate of herdsmen’s attacks on farmers across the country, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has rejected a bill seeking to create grazing zones in all states of the federation, noting that the initiative would cause more conflicts.

The Chairman of National Council of Elders, Pastor. Israel Abatan said this at a news conference he addressed alongside the council’s Vice Chairman, Pastor Obadiah Mulero, Publicity Secretary, Pastor Ayodeji Olulani and a member RCCG Board of Trustees, Elder Kayode Ajayi among others.

Abatan spoke on the church’s 15th National Elders’ Congress and Praise Nights that started at the Redemption Camp yesterday, noting that Nigeria “will change very soon, but we need to endure the difficult time.”

He said if allowed to sail through, the grazing bill would not end herdsmen-farmers conflict in the country while noting that it was not proper for the federal government to finance the creation of grazing zone for herdsmen.

He added that the grazing zones bill “has a lot of conflict content. The federal government and National Assembly should be very careful because the creation of grazing zones in all states of the federation can cause another conflict and violence in the country.”

He said it was the time the federal government should stop the raging conflict on the grazing zones,

thereby proposing the establishment of ranches, which he said, was the modern method of rearing cattle and goats.

Also at the conference, Olulani acknowledged that there was drought in the North, which according to him, was the major reason compelling herdsmen “to migrate their cattle to the South for grazing. We should all have ranches in the country rather than insist on creating grazing zone.”

He explained that herdsmen “are performing their economic activities. But they migrate their cattle to some people’s farmlands and eat up their economic crops.

Every Nigerian has the right to do business. Where herdsmen’s rights stop is where another man’s rights begin.

“This often causes conflict and violence. But we must know that it is improper to migrate animals into other people’s farmland. In the UK and China, for instance, only three per cent of their cattle are migrated from settlement to settlement. Animals are raised basically in ranches,” Olulani noted.

He warned the federal government against building a culture of conflict and violence, noting that it was not ideal for the governments to create grazing zones because cattle-rearing was purely private business.

On the industrial action, the publicity secretary said it was improper to embark upon national strike at this trying time, noting that Nigerians did not want to bear additional burden due to economic challenges.

TRIBUTE

Uncommon Philanthropists, Annie Okonkwo, Wife Mark Birthday in Dubai

T

Machiavelli Chidi Okafor

his week no doubt, will remain a memorable one for the family of Senator Annie Clement Okonkwo and beyond. Okonkwo and his lovely wife, Lady Chinyere Okonkwo, chairman of the defunct Zoom Mobile and Clemco Group, celebrated their birthday together in a grand style in the city of Dubai, one of the destinations for tourism in the world.

Okonkwo added a year on Monday, May 22 while his wife became a year older on Wednesday May 25, just three days interval. For decades, the proudly Ojoto billionaire has been celebrating his birthday with his adorable wife in a similar way.

The combination of the two can never be wrong. They were created for each other. Apart from being couples, they are best friends and they both have similar approach to issues. Over the years, she has been the backbone of the Senator.

Senator Okonkwo is a known philanthropist, who has affected thousands of lives across the nation, the wife has also done well just like the husband in terms of giving back to the society. She has also affected several lives in Anambra State and beyond. Okonkwo and his queen both have the heart of giving.

So many fortunate billionaire men’s wives discourage their husbands from giving or helping people but it is the opposite for Okonkwo’s First Lady. Okonkwo’s philanthropy work, commitment and service have earned him several awards

Okonkwo and honours by various communities and organisations both within and outside Nigeria.

Among such titles and awards are Agunechemba Ojoto, Onwa of Oba, Dikedioranma of Aguluzoigbo, Okosisi of Nri, and Ojelu Igbo Ozi na Obosi. Okonkwo, who is popularly called Agunechemba, meaning “the guardian of the people, is a successful Nigerian businessman has through his several companies empowered over 7000 youths & also firing me (Machiavelli)through the nozzle of the Rich.

He has created several forums through which people could access him. He also established Agunechemba Foundation through which many young people have benefited from. Anyone that knows my boss, Senator Annie Okonkwo, will agree to the fact that he is a blessing to the nation.

In order to have a peace-loving environment in Anambra State, he extended his philanthropy and generosity his state by providing the best Armoured Personnel Carriers to enable the Nigerian Police Force fight insecurity to standstill.

To ensure improvement of electricity, in 2009, Okonkwo distributed 15 units of transformers to communities in Anambra Central zone. Enekwesumpu area, in Nkpor; Electrical Market, Obosi; Odume Layout, Obosi; Eke Awka market; Motor Spare parts area, Nkpor; Oba; Nnobi; Nibo; and Awka are some of the communities that received transformers from Okonkwo.

Okonkwo attracted several other bconstituency projects, such as modern library/ internet centre at Okpuno, Awka, modern library centre at Nkpor, construction and renovation of 15 primary schools across the senatorial zone, construction of classroom blocks and water boreholes in Ojoto Girls Secondary School, supply of hospital equipment and pharmaceuticals to Ojoto Medical Centre, the PHCN power distribution sub-station in Ojoto, renovation of a school in the seven local government areas.

I wish to emphasise that you are a great leader, who has touched the lives of people without boundary. Agunechemba, you have a large heart and human sense. You encourage everyone working with you. When I started working with you, you made me

believe in myself which has really helped as a man, I like to work with you because you are someone who is willing to listen to different opinions and suggestions of other people in order to achieve improvements for the benefit of all despite your verse knowledge.

Today, in Anambra State it’s difficult to get capable people that can upturn or match your foot-hole you left in the National Assembly while representing Anambra Central. I stand to be proven wrong.

After taking your seat in the Senate, it didn’t take you time to find your feet with the job with led to your appointment to various sensitive committees such as committees on Upstream Petroleum Resources, Police Affairs, Environment (vice-chairman) and Agriculture.

One of the things you did that people of the state would not forget so soon was to ensure that the Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology undertook a visit to Anambra State following the erosion and environmental degradation that the state experienced.

Some of these qualities I mentioned and many more make you a great leader. But this time I do not want to remark your excellent job performance, but rather I want to wish you , wife and your family the best in life on this special week. May all your dreams be fulfilled and may you accomplish all the goals you have outlined in your life.

• Okafor is the Senior Aide to Senator Annie Okonkwo

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MAY 28 , 2015 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

SPECIAL REPORT Governors Scorecard in 365 Days in Office May 29 in Nigeria, except for some election circumstantial states, is regarded as the start of tenures in our political space. It is also a time to take stock of how politicians whose political campaign promises are gauged against their achievements. Tommorow would be exactly a year after, power baton changed hands and it is time to take a look at how each state in the country fared within the last year counting from May 29, 2015. No fewer than 27 states had elections and new oaths of office taken by the winners. On that day, the president and state governors took oath of office. On the anniversary of that day, citizens ask questions while leaders give accounts of their stewardship.

They tell their compatriots how the journey had been. Often times, it is also a day to lament paucity of funds to run the government. But irrespective of their excuses of lack of funds, it is important and incumbent on the people to scrutinise the performances against their promises. In this special report, we focus on the governor one-year in office. Have they fared well? What has happened to the hospitals they promised and the schools they vowed to rebuild? What about the meals they said school children would get free of charge and the social security they promised senior citizens?

Will there be free education as they promised? From Lagos to Borno; from Rivers to Katsina; from Niger to Enugu; from Oyo to Plateau; from Ekiti to Adamawa and from Kogi to Cross River, governors will celebrate their achievements and also answer questions about their stewardship. Our correspondents reports on how each state has fared

KEBBI

Agriculture is the Focus There is no doubt that within one year in office, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has made appreciable progress in Kebbi State. Agriculture has received the desired attention, especially rice farming. This was as a result of the efforts of the governor and the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers Programme. Although larger chunk of the money for the programme came from the CBN, the governor has demonstrated good political leadership to drive the process.

Bagudu also created similar loan packages worth several billions of naira to accommodate farmers who were left out in the CBN loan package. There is no doubt that the commitment shown by the governor

has triggered off agricultural activities especially rice production in most parts of the state, especially Suru, Augie, Kangiwa, Aliero, Argungu, Yauri, among other rice producing communities. Current statistics shows that Nigeria requires seven million tons per annum to sufficiently meet its rice demand. But the governor promised President Muhammadu Buhari that Kebbi farmers would be able to provide the country with one million tons annually.

Another feat achieved by the governor in the last one year, was the completion of Yauri Local Government township roads which now wear a new look. Similarly, Bagudu has ensured that electricity supply to the state capital was maintained at least 20 hours daily. In fact, Kebbi is

one of the few states in the country that enjoy almost uninterrupted power supply. On assumption of office, the governor embarked on regular visits to the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company and contributed substantial amount of money to the company to provide transformers and cables to aid the distribution of electricity in the state.

Street lights in the state capital which were hitherto not functional now works. He has also been pressurising the power companies dealing with electrification projects in Zuru and Yauri Local Government Areas to hasten the completion of the projects which has been at a snail pace for years.

Rating: AVERAGE

SOKOTO

A Story of Focus and Commitment Governor Aminu Tambuwal’s focus has been on completing projects started by his predecessor, Senator Aliyu Wamakko. In fact, Tambuwal had during his inauguration on May 29, 2015, declared that he would give priority to completing projects left by his predecessor rather than embarking on new projects. He believed that abandoning such projects would not augur well for the state. Some of the uncompleted projects left by the past administration included College of Midwifery, Tambuwal, the N1.7 billion College of Agriculture, Wurno, School of Legal Studies, Wamakko, and 500 housing units of three-bedroomed flats at Gidan Manada area of Sokoto metropolis and road projects, among others.

The governor also identified education and agriculture as key sectors that could transform the lives of people of the state.

It was in view of the need to revamp

education in the state that his administration declared a state of emergency in the education sector. A committee was set up six months ago under the leadership of former Vice Chancellor of the Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto Prof. Riskuwa Shehu, to develop realistic work-plan and budget aimed at streamlining the education sector infrastructure, manpower and community development.

Already, the state government has concluded plans to launch an educational appeal fund to effectively provide basic educational needs for the people of the state. The move was part of the efforts to ensure that all the various stakeholders make their meaningful contribution towards revamping the sector.

Thus, the state government intends to reach out to wealthy individuals, corporate organisations, development partners and donor agencies to complement its efforts in providing basic

educational needs.

A Technical Committee on Immediate Framework for Agricultural Development under the leadership of Alhaji Abdullahi Chiso Dattijo, was also set up few months ago to liase with traditional leaders in order to revamp agriculture in the state. The committee organised an agriculture summit and deliberated with stakeholders to chart a road map for the revival of agriculture as a viable business in the state.

In fact, efforts of the government have started yielding fruits, as it signed an agreement with Erisco Foods to establish a tomato processing factory in the state.

Tambuwal also signed a memorandum of understanding with Henan Province of China for the establishment of a demonstration farm and boosting of agriculture in the state.

Rating: AVERAGE

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • May 28 , 2015

SPECIAL REPORT ZAMFARA

Just Little to Show Governor Abdulaziz Yari has made giant strides in providing good road networks to the towns and rural areas especially the farming communities in the state. Hundreds of kilometres of roads were constructed linking many communities in the hinterlands. Residents of some villages and towns that never dreamt of having asphalted roads can now smile.

Township roads projects are being carried out in all the 14 local government areas of the state. Yari also spent billions on the semi-urban water scheme and this is the first of its kind in the state. Yari prefers to lay emphasis on provision of infrastructure with available resources of the government.

In fact, Governor Yari has been applauded for completing most of the projects initiated by his predecessor, Shinkafi. These include the completion and equipping of the Yarima Bakura Specialist Hospital, State Ministry of Finance and court complexes in Gusau, the state capital. Other township road projects in Tsafe local government area, the dualisation of the road from Muslim Foundation to Birnin Ruwa area and the asphalting overlay of Sani Abacha way in Gusau, the state capital, among others have been completed.

These include: economic empowerment for women. During the campaign, Yari pledged that women in the state would

be economically empowered by receiving N25,000. This promise, however, has not seen the light of the day with many women expressing indignation over the unfulfilled pledge.

Moreover, the governor is also at loggerheads with civil servants over non-implementation of minimum wage.

Many workers are still expressing their disappointment over his administration’s failure to implement the much touted N18,000 minimum wage when other civil servants in other states are already being paid the wage.

Rating: AVERAGE

AKWA IBOM

Keeping Faith with Campaign Vows Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, upon assumption of office, announced that his policy direction and focus would centre on a five-point agenda namely, job creation, wealth creation, poverty alleviation, economic and political inclusion, infrastructural consolidation and expansion.

Following one year in office, in the area of construction, like the MkpokOkat road in Onna, dualisation of Awa-Ikot Nkang road with drains in Onna Local Government Area, Ikot Udom with 15m span bridge in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area as well as internal roads have been completed.

Work is also going on about 117 kilometers of roads across the state including dualisation of 19.7km Uyo-Etinan Road, construction of 39.4km Etinan-Ndon Eyo Road with two bridges, construction of

7.3km Ikot Ebekpo-Ikot Ebidang Road, resumption of work at Ikot Ekara/ Ikot Ibritam Road in Oruk Anam Local Government, construction of 5km Ikot Usop-Ikot Edeghe Ikot-Ekpuk Rod with 30m span bridge in Mkpat Enin LGA, dualisation of Eket-Ibeno road, urban renewal projects within Eket and Oron townships, construction of second runway at Ibom International Airport, construction of three collapsed bridges and internal roads in Obot Akara Local Government Area, construction of 1.2km underground drainage in Uyo

by Nsikak Eduok/Oron road junction, dualisation of Uyo-Okobo-Oron Road linking East-West road, spanning 30km, construction of water reticulation and head-works in Ifa Atai and Idu Uruan, in Uyo and Uruan Local Government respectively, construction of an

ultra-modern gynecology ward at St. Luke’s Hospital Anua in Uyo Local Government and renovation of male and children wards in the hospital and emergency intervention on gully erosion at Enen Atai-Calabar-Itu highway.

Emmanuel has also revitalised and inagurated the moribund Peacock Paints Industry Limited at Ikot Ekan, Etinan, for full operation, development of coconut plantation at Eastern Obolo, site clearing for 100,000 barrels per day petrochemical refinery in Eket.

In area of power generation, additional power sub-stations have been built in the state which resulted in the improvement experienced in electricity supply in the state..

Rating: ABOVE AVERAGE

JIGAWA

Punching Within Its Weight Governor Mohammed Badaru, on assumption of office, abolished payment of school fees for male students of senior secondary schools as part of his campaign promises to improve education in the state.

Badaru also settled over N604m State Counterpart Funding of outstanding UBEC/SUBEB Intervention Fund immediately he assumed office.

On the economic development, Governor Badaru launched the goat breeding and rearing micro credit scheme for widows. The objective of the scheme was to empower them and other divorced women who do not have tangible means of livelihood.

So far the administration also partnered with a private company,s

WACOT Nigeria Limited, on the establishment of sesame processing and cleaning plants in the state. Under the arrangement, about 300 hectares sesame seeds were distributed free to farmers at the launching of the programme in Gumel Local Government Area. Also, about 3,382metric tons of assorted fertilizer was provided to farmers at less than half of its landing cost.

Within one year also, Governor Badaru also signed an MOU with International Crop Research Institute for Semi Arid Tropic (ICRISAT) on development of groundnut value chain including seeds, processing, marketing and Aflatoxin management.

There is also a plan with collabora-

tion with Central Bank of Nigeria on mopping up of N43bn worth of paddy and support to private sector investments in agriculture through allocation of land to about 10,000 outgrowers, provision of 20,000 hectares for sugar, 12,000 hectares to Lee Group Limited for sugarcane production.

The administration also undertook the upgrading of Birniwa cottage hospitals to general hospital status to boost access to healthcare. Badaru also approved the establishment of second school of nursing in the state at Hadejia and procurement of dialysis machine for Hadejia General Hospital.

Rating: AVERAGE

CROSS RIVER

Bringing Dreams to Fruition Professor Ben Ayade, on assuming office, said the policy thrust of his administration would be “creation of wealth through industrialisation and provision of first class infrastructure.”

Ayade then announced the proposed Bakassi Deep Sea Port and the proposed 240-kilometre super highway from Bakassi to Katsina. He has held strongly to this as his signature projects which on completion, would serve as evacuation corridor for cargoes from the deep sea port to states in the northern part of the country and other African countries; thereby opening up the state’s hinterland communities to economic boom.

The calculation is that when operational, the deep sea port would create at least 30,000 jobs and also create wealth for investors and the people.

However, the paucity of funds is constituting a hindrance on Ayade’s dream.

But undauted, Ayade has traversed the world in search of foreign investors to actualise the signature projects

which would cost over N700 billion.

He seems to be making progress. To this end, the Federal Government has set up Implementation and Steering Committee towards actualising the project. EIA at advanced stage, detailed design, barthymetric survey have been completed. The soil studies of the Superhighway route, detailed route survey completed.

To his credit, within the last 12 months, he has also established the Cross River Garment Factory, which is the biggest in Africa with a size of 5,000sqm, and employs 3000 people.

Four primary health care centres have been renovated and equipped. Currently, on going, are the construction of Calabar Pharmaceutical Company and Rice City which will serve to provide food, thus boosting the economy of the state.

Aside from creation of wealth through infrastructural development, the establishment of the Green Police to protect the environment, especially

the rain forest, represents another area Ayade’s administration has targeted to create direct employment for at least 1,000 youths from the state’s three senatorial districts. Ayade has also completed the mono-rail to link the CICC with Tinapa, and sections of Unicem Road; projects his administration inherited from the administration of former Governor Liyel Imoke.

On May 1, the governor was declared the most labour-friendly governor in the country. The achievement stems mainly from his ability to pay workers’ salaries regularly since he assumed office. He has achieved this feat at a time many other state governors are unable to pay workers salaries.

Perharps, were it not for lack of funds, his bigger dreams would have come to fruition. No one will deny the energy, passion and the dexterity of Ayade to leave indelible footprints in the state’s landscape.

Rating: GOOD

57

MAY 28 , 2015 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

SPECIAL REPORT NIGER STATE

So Far, So Fair, So Average It took the administration of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello almost four months to settle down to business after upon assumption of office last year.

Even after the Executive Council was constituted, allotting portfolios to the members became an Herculean task primarily because of vested political interests.

One year after, the governor has not been able to appoint all the 15 special advisers he sought and got approval for from the State House of Assembly. Out of the seven appointed, only three were sworn in.

The administration was also weighed down by paucity of funds due largely to a serious reduction in the amount accruable to the state from the federation account. Between May 2015 and April this year, it is, however, to the

credit of the administration that it has religiously paid salaries and allowances of civil servants and pensioners though the administration had to go borrowing to augment what it received from Abuja to do this.

A couple of months ago, a massive road construction programme in Minna, the state capital, and some other roads in the 25 local government headquarters began. Roads such as the Makera-Kwangila which has remained impassable for decades is now being reconstructed; ditto is the road from the NNPC mega station to the Brighter International School where residents have had to swim through ponds of water during raining season to get to other parts of the state capital.

The construction of the Abdulkadir Kure Ultra Modern Market-Sabongari

road which the last administration of Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu commenced and terminated at Obasanjo Shopping Complex roundabout is also nearing completion.

In the health sector, some sort of transformation is being witnessed in the general hospitals as a result of the monthly release of funds for the day-to-day administration of the institutions which resulted in the improved physical structure of the Minna General Hospital and the IBB Specialist Hospital.

But, the hospitals. These institutions have continued to grapple with the problem of inadequate manpower especially medical doctors, nurses and pharmacists.

Rating: POOR

LAGOS

Ambode’s Defining One Year At his inauguration, AkinwunmiAmbode rolled out a programme of actions, which he said, would be given utmost priority in his first term in office.

Specifically, his policy thrust was built on a tripod with focus on security, infrastructure development and job creation, which according to him, were designed to restore hope to the hopeless; defend the defenceless and give voice to the voiceless in the state.

However, the first six months of his administration were fraught with three intractable challenges: hydra-headed traffic gridlocks, gnawing insecurity and environmental issues. He provided strategic leadership, which relatively restored public order to the state.

Due to the state’s rising security challenges, Ambode donated security equipment worth N4.756 billion to the state Police Command. The equipment included three helicopters, two gunboats, 15 armed personnel carriers (APCs), 100 salon cars, 55 Ford Ranger Pick-ups, 10 Toyota Land Cruiser Pick-ups, 15 BMW power bikes and 100 power bikes among others.

This intervention, which was the first of its kind in the history of Nigeria, became imperative because the Federal Government could no longer fund the Nigeria Police effectively. By implication, official statistics showed that the intervention plucked the state’s crime rate by 65 per cent in the last quarter of 2015, with Ambode saying, Lagos “is a lot safer and more secure.”

Likewise, the governor initiated ‘The Light up Lagos Project.’ He introduced this initiative on a notion that crime “thrives best in darkness.” The initiative was designed “to light up our major roads, highways and inner roads.”

Consequently, the State Electricity Board rehabilitated public street lighting in 366 locations covering a stretch of 600km of roads.

During the electioneering, Ambode promised to construct two roads in each of the 20 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas to mark his first anniversary in office. In this spirit, he inaugurated the construction of 114 roads at the cost of N17.5 billion.

The projects are now at different stages of

completion across the local councils and many of them have even been commissioned.

The administration rehabilitated about 500 major roads, which Ambode said, largely unlocked intractable gridlocks that almost crippled the state’s economic activities in his first three months in office. His government has also started constructing fly-overs in two of the state’s high traffic zones namely, Ajah roundabout and Abule-Egba junction respectively in the Lagos Central and West Senatorial District.

In addition,, Ambode initiated different mega projects, which he said, would be executed under the public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement. Some of these projects include Fourth Mainland Bridge, Marina-Ikoyi-Lekki Monorail, Oshodi Transport Interchange, Lagos Medical Park and 8-lane Ikorodu-Epe road. Even though the state is faced with scarce resources, the governor said he was resolute in his commitment “to serve and justify the trust Lagos residents reposed in me.”

Rating: GOOD

OYO

One-Man Show as Governance Flounders Governor Abiola Ajimobi broke the second term jinx in the 40 year-old state when he was re-elected last year. But it seems the state might have seen the best of him in his first term. Constituting the cabinet has remained a Herculean task since May 29 last. Save for the appointment of the Secretary to the State Government, Ismail Olalekan Ali, announced five weeks ago, and the constitution of public communication team headed by Yomi Layinka, it has been a one-man show.

In his first term, he tried in the area of road construction but same cannot be said of him in the first year of his second term. A typical example is Eleyele/Ologuneru-Ido-Eruwa road,

Ijokodo-Apete-Awotan road, General Gas-Akobo-Olorunda road, Akala way, Wofun-Exide road, Oriya ChallengeOdo Elewe Liberty Academy road in Oluyole local government, Wire & Cable-Orisunmbare-Ire Akari road, to mention but a few. And these are just within Ibadan metropolis. The state of other roads in Ibarapa, Ogbomoso, Oyo and Oke-Ogin are better imagined.

Also workers are owed salaries from February to date. Workers are given the sqek and the latest being some permanent secretaries and six directors of the State Broadcasting Corporation (BCOS). Just two weeks ago, the SSG said about 16,532 workers would have their salaries suspended with immediate

effect and may be ultimately relieved of their jobs unless they were able to scale the hurdle of a fresh panel empowered to verify their issues.”

Though some observers say dwindling revenue is responsible for the governor’s lacklustre year, but the state government through its many agencies set up to generate internal revenue, are making huge profits in billions billings, yet his state is not feeling the impact of the huge revenue stream. The state’s signage agency (OYSAA). But lack of a functional cabinet is also said not to be helping matters as well.

Rating: BELOW AVERAGE

ABIA

A Governor’s Fixation with Infrastructural Development A year ago, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu had issues concerning his election. But as he marks one year in office, he seems sure of himself and his agenda. And that is improvement of infrastructure in the state. The governor identified five “pillars” on which he hinged the development agenda of his administration namely: Education, Oil and Gas, Trade and Commerce, Agriculture, and Security.

He hit the ground running with his first port of call to the commercial city of Aba, which for years was reeling under total decaying infrastructure. He was determined to fix the roads in Aba. Ikpeazu is presently on 55 active road projects

across the state. Out of these, 27 have been completed. Governor Ikpeazu is not contented with building roads but providing roads of high quality with long life span. The chief press secretary to the governor, Godwin Adindu, explained that “the idea is to extend the life span of the roads, to ensure durability so we don’t come back to them very soon.” And the governor has also made it a point of duty that drainages and street lights must adorn every road he builds.

Aside from building new roads, the government also adopted a policy of zero tolerance to potholes under which old roads are being asphalted and resurfaced to make them smooth

for road users.

Ikpeazu is also paying attention to security; especially because of security challenges posed by the Fulani herdsmen. He has provided 20 patrol cars to the state police command to enhance their crime prevention operations. He has also embarked on youth empowerment programme anchored on skill acquisition. tagged Education for Employment, E4E, the programme is aimed at imparting vocational and technical skills to thousands of Abia youths to enhance their potential for self-employment as well fit into the job needs of industries.

Rating: GOOD

58

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • May 28 , 2015

SPECIAL REPORT KADUNA

Taming the Scourge of Insecurity and Infrastructure Though he made enough noise, as he used to do before becoming governor, Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has embarked on some reforms to cut down cost of governance, ensure transparency, accountability and efficiency in the affairs of government since he came in last May. Part of this was the adoption of the Single Treasury Account, TSA, of the Federal Government and ministries were reduced from 19 to 13.

El-Rufai listed education, security, health, agriculture, job creation and provision of basic infrastructure as top priority of his administration.

He introduced free basic education and free feeding for primary schools as well as the rehabilitation and

provision of furniture to the schools.

According to the governor, 1.5 million pupils were being fed everyday in schools, adding that over N6 billion has been spent on school upgrade and provision of furniture between September 2015 and January 2016.

In the area of security, the government donated 107 vehicles and bullet proof vests as well as 51 motorcycles to the police and other security agencies to combat crime. Also, joint security task force, made up of the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Police and the Department of State Security, was constituted. The government also set up a committee headed by former Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Martins Agwai, to look into the incessant invasion and killing of

people by armed gangs in Southern Kaduna and proffer solutions.

The Manchok, Saminaka, Kafanchan, Kaduna water works are being rehabilitated while the health sector received a boost following the contract awarded to General Electric (GE) to modernise and equip 255 primary health centres in each ward across the state.

Township roads are also being constructed with solar powered street lights being installed on major roads.

The multi billion naira Kawo dual carriage way expansion which was initiated by the previous administration is in progress.

Rating: ABOVE AVERAGE

KWARA

Modest Feats Amidst Paucity of Funds Govrnor Abdulfatah Ahmed, a year into his second term in office, knows his limitations: paucity of funds. And he has inaugurated a verification committee to determine the regular increase in the wage bill of the government every month.

The governor has also set up Kwara Internal Revenue Service during the year under review and this has now improved the internally generated revenue of the state monthly federal allocations to the state has dwindled.

The governor recently paid N2.4billion to contractors handling over 35 road projects across the state. These include the AduralereIsalekoko-Ojagboro-Sanu Sheu Road, Henry George-Agbo-Oba road, Henry George-Unilorin mini campus road, Ita-Alamuvillage road, Oloro palace road, Share-Oke Ode (lot 1)

and Share-Oke Ode (lot 2).

Debt Management Office (DMO) recently announced the approval of the state’s N10 billion infrastructural development bond and some of the projects tied to the bond, include the expansion of some major roads in the state capital, construction of two new campuses for Kwara State University, KWASU, in Ilesha-Baruba; and Osi in Baruten and Ekiti Local Government areas respectively; construction of overhead bridge at Garin Alimi; construction of Kishi-Kaiama road; dualisation of Michael Imoudu to Ganmo Road in Ilorin, and construction, equipping and fitting of new KWASU School of Business and Governance.

Others include the renovation and equipping of the Ilorin Stadium Indoor Sports Hall, equipping and training for the International Voca-

tional Centre, Ajase Ipo, renovation of Oro General Hospital and four other cottage hospitals, renovation of 481 old classrooms and 318 new ones at secondary level, contribution to the construction and equipping of the Kwara Textile Industrial Park, compliance with Contributory Pension Scheme and sinking of 938 boreholes.

To increase water supply to residents of the state and alleviate their sufferings, the state government commenced the final phase of Ilorin water reticulation project.

Similarly, as part of its vision to develop the state housing sector, Governor Ahmed in March this year, flagged off the construction of a commercial complex known as The Hub in Ilorin.

Rating: AVERAGE

ADAMAWA

Governor Mohammad Jibrilla Bindow’s Stewardship for One Year A year after he came in, Governor Muhammad Jibrilla Bindow of Adamawa State has concentrated more on constructing roads than on any other projects. The development was as a result of the deplorable nature of roads in the state.

Bindow has spent over N12 billion to construct a number of roads within and outside the state capital.

In the last one year, the Bindow administration rehabilitated three hospitals which were moribund and in a bad stale, in the three senatorial

zones of the state, ensuring drugs were also supplied to the clinics.

The administration is also renovating the abondoned Yola International Hotel.While supervising the level of job done, the governor said when the hotel is completed, it will create more than 2000 jobs and boost tourism in the state.

In the last one year, the governor also introduced the Bindow for Social Change, BSC, which is meant to encourage small scale businesses and crafts work like blacksmith.

As much as Bindow is trying to make an impact within one year of his government, one sour point is non-payment of teachers’ salaries as well as that of health workers, and some entitlements for about six other months. The governor is not also maximising the state’s economic potentials to generate revenue but always depending on Statutory Allocation which is not always enough to run the state.

Rating: AVERAGE

PLATEAU

Taming the Ethnic Monster Governor Simon Bako Lalong, on assumption of office a year ago, rolled out a five-point policy thrust to guide him in tackling the many challenges his administration met on ground. The points are: peace, security and good governance; human capital development and social welfare; agriculture and rural development; entrepreneurship and industrialisation and physical infrastructure and environmental development.

Lalong has done well in the area of peace and security, seeing that the state has became a tinder box in the past decade, a development that pitched various ethnic, political and religious groups in the state against one another. His administration has restored a semblance of peace to

cities and villages.

Commendably, he has chosen to continue with the many projects, especially those of road construction, started by his predecessor, Jonah David Jang. Many see it as an achievement seeing that some other governors would have abandoned such projects started by their predecessors.

A major campaign promise Lalong made to workers of the state before he was elected was that he would clear backlog of salaries owed workers by the previous administration. He has tried to do this within the limit of resources available to him. However, he currently owes the workers about three month salaries. But sadly, one year after assuming office, Lalong has failed

to take democracy to the grassroots.

He dissolved the local government structure he met on ground and appointed management committees to oversee the councils with a promise to conduct elections to democratically elect chairmen. However, tenures of the committees have been renewed three times. The reason he repeatedly advanced is lack of fund to conduct the election.

Also, for similar reasons of poor economy of the state, the governor has failed to appoint special advisers and assistants to join him in running the government. This has angered some of his supporters who expected they would be rewarded for their loyalty.

Rating: AVERAGE

59

MAY 28 , 2015 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

SPECIAL REPORT NASARAWA

Little Push, Over-bloated Ideas One year into the second term of Governor Tanko Al-Makura in Nasarawa State, there are mixed feelings among residents and indigenes of the state on the development efforts of the state government. THISDAY checks reveal that while the government has a robust plan to engender an economically viable state, the pace of delivering the promises amidst an unfavourable economic environment has remained a challenge.

Al-Makura has so far targeted infrastructural development; more of consolidating the modest achievements of the first term. With feats like the construction of about 800 kilometers of asphalted roads, three ultra-modern hospitals across the three geopolitical zones; completion of 36 modern classrooms for “Taal”

Primary Schools; completion of four modern market facilities; infrastructural expansion of the Nasarawa State University in Keffi, and a couple others during the first term, laying foundations for greater achievements.

Al-Makura’s most conspicuous project in his second term so far has been the construction of a cargo airport in Lafia. According to the governor, the project is meant to “open the economy of the state for enhanced investment and better fortunes for the people.”

In a recent visit to the site of the airport, the governor maintained that the project was timely and wellthought out, in an apparent response to opposition of such project.

The opposition, All Progressives

Grand Alliance, in the state tagged the project “Al-Makura’s White Elephant.”

The cargo airport, expected to gulp N17 billion, is being jointly financed by the state and a Chinese interest, Messrs Tongyi Engineering Nigerial Limited through its financial consultants, HYPAC Group.

But organised labour in the state, through the Chairmen of the Nigerian Labour Congress, and the Trade Union Congress, Comrades Abdullahi Adeka and Suleiman Ode, respectively expressed reservations about the needfulness of the project.

They called on the government to rather revive the state’s transport sector.

Rating: BELOW AVERAGE

BENUE

Not Too Much to Show Off When Samuel Ortom became governor of Benue State, a year ago, he said the vision of the state has not been fulfilled and so he was going to ensure the state reaches its full potential.

“Though we appreciate the achievements of the past 39 years, we acknowledge the fact that our state is far from reaching its potentials. Our collective vision for the state is yet to be fulfilled. The many challenges on our path notwithstanding, we must not stop in our determined march forward nor allow ourselves to be distracted from our vision of a healthy, united and prosperous Benue where capacity,

potential, resourcefulness and integrity will converge to enable the state break into the league of top states in the country. Our administration will build private sector capacity and encourage it to thrive by creating the enabling environment.”

However, one year later, it has been a mixed grill if of unfulfilled promises and plans. Since its inauguration into office, the government has been bedeviled with problems of funds. Workers in the state have not been paid for about five months despite huge borrowing by the government. The take-off of infrastructural development has been slow while the private sector

development is almost non existent.

Despite these challenges, the governor has commenced the total renovation of the school of nursing in the state and also pursuing its accreditation.

On road construction, the state government has awarded contract for eight roads to be constructed while it is at the level of completing the Achusa ring road started by the previous administration.

The governor has also begun the Mobil-Barrack road and the Daudu Gbajimba road which are now at various stages of completion.

Rating: POOR

KANO

Little Feats, Attritional Continues Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s one year in office has witnessed massive development in the state considering his pledge to complete existing projects starting of new ones.

Among his one-year achievements are introduction of free health care system, training of health personnel and free eye treatment to over 20,000 people.

On agricultural development, Ganduje provided subsidised fertilizer to farmers in the state and also improved the irrigation activities.

Ganduje’s one year in office has witnessed innovation of new projects

like construction of Madobi underpass road, construction of schools and other metropolitan roads.

He also directed contractors handling the construction of five kilometre roads across the state’s 44 local government areas to return to sites and ensure completion of the projects within a short time.

Governor Ganduje also revisited and directed for continuation of abandoned Zoo Road Hospital started by the Ibrahim Shekarau administration but abandoned by his predecessor, Kwankwaso.

The challenges now confronting

Ganduje Administration is the political attrition between him and his former boss. A situation which is threatening his administration considering Kwankwaso’s political influence and his group, Kwankwasiyya, in the state.

There is also the inability of Ganduje to sustain some laudable projects embarked upon by his predecessor especially on free education, overseas education sponsorship of indigent students and provision of free meals to students. These were low marks of his administration.

Rating: POOR

EBONYI

David Umahi: Peace, Urban Renewal Take Centre Stage Engr. David Umahi, has recorded some modest achievements in Ebonyi State, especially in the area of roads construction and reconstruction.

Some have attributed this to peaceful co-existence amongst the people of the state. Umahi has reconstructed and constructed over 20 urban roads within the capital.

Some of the projects include three flyovers at Centenary City, Dr Akanu Ibiam Roundabout, also known as Speredeo Junction and Presco Junction respectively that are at advance stages of completion; reconstruction of the Abakaliki-Afikpo federal road; Agbaja/ Nwofe road; Nkalagu/

Ehamufu road; Agba/ isu road; Odumoke/ Ugbodo road; AmasiriAmagwu/ Edda road; Okposi/ Uburu road and numerous bridges across the state.

The administration has also embarked on aggressive agricultural revolution with about N2billion consolidated fund to boost rice production in the state. Umahi’s administration has also set aside another N2billion for youths’ empowerment.

In less than five months in office, the governor embarked on aggressive streets lighting projects, making night activities to sprout in the state capital since its creation in 1996. It was

during Umahi’s administration that residents first witnessed the presence of street lights which have tremendously assisted in the reduction of crimes in the state. The street lights, which covered over 15 major streets, no doubt have added to the aesthetic outlook of the city.

However, workers unrest nearly collapsed the administration over agitation by organised labour for the continuous payment of the 50 per cent salary increment, which the former administration approved before leaving office.

Rating: GOOD

60

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • May 28 , 2015

SPECIAL REPORT OGUN

Ibikunle Amosun; More Motion, Less Speed Recently, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, marked the 40th anniversary of the creation of the state which was held in the state capital, Abeokuta, where the governor gave account of his stewardship to the people.

During the ceremony, the governor inaugurated 40 projects that included: shopping malls, flyovers, roads, schools and hospitals. The inaugurated projects cut across the 20 local government areas.

The governor reiterated his administration’s determination to continue to develop the agricultural sector. This, according to him, is in a bid to improve

the socio-economic life of the people in the state.

Meanwhile, the challenges the state maybe facing in the next one year include lack of funds to complete other capital projects in the state.

The issue of workers’ salary deductions which include cooperative deductions, contributory pension fund, Ileya/Easter deductions and other bank deductions by the state government may resurface, which led to a one-week strike by the state’s civil servants.

According to Secretary, Ogun State Joint National Public Service Negotiating

Council, Comrade Modiu Bello, the state government has refused to pay four months’ deductions made from workers’ salaries in October, November, December 2014 and January 2015.

He said the non-payment of the deductions had made life unbearable for the workers.

However, the governor assured that his government would continue to expose the state’s workforce to local and international training in order to broaden their knowledge.

Rating: AVERAGE

BORNO

Contending with the Shadows of Terrorism Borno State has been in the news more that any other state in the federation for the wrong reasons. The state has been the hotbed of terrorism which has engulfed the North-eastesrn region of the country. Although, there has been some relative improvement, it is not yet time for celebration. So far, the state is grappling with redevelopment of destroyed communities by the Boko Haram terrorist sects. The cost of Post Insurgency Recovery and Peace Building Assessment Report on Borno is put at $6 billion. 20,000 persons were killed, two million displaced, about one million houses, 665 Municipal buildings and 201 healthcare centres were destroyed.

A total of 5,335 classrooms and other school buildings were destroyed across 512 primary schools, 38 secondary schools and two tertiary institutions.

Realising this daunting task of wresting Borno State from the jaws of destruction and the need to get the development train back on track, Governor Kashim Shettima upon his re-election created the Ministry for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement with a mandate of rebuilding all communities, private homes, public structures as well as rehabilitating victims.

With that in the bag, the task of getting the IDPs, to come home instead of living

camps has begun. Reconstruction works were started with communities in Kaga, Maiduguri, Jere, Konduga and Bama local government areas having the first shot in the phase one. The government made the choice of communities based on immediate access to avoid interrupting military operations. Already, so much has been achieved with the government working in over 20 different sites.

In the reconstruction work, affected communities were remodeled to meet certain standard, schools, district head palaces, central mosques, primary healthcare centres, and water supply with repair of boreholes destroyed by the insurgents. Equally rebuilt were the Nigeria Police Quarters, general hospitals and dispensaries, Local government secretariat; police stations and barracks, magistrate courts, upper area and the complex of the Federal Road Safety Commission with emergency clinic, office and staff quarters, among others, destroyed by insurgents.

Despite the drawbacks, Shettima built a resettlement estate Yerwa Peace Estate, comprising of 500 units of two-bedroomed flats, now permanently occupied by insurgency victims of Umarari, Gwaidamgari and Jajeri communities which were completely razed down during the military offensive that led to

the final exodus of Boko Haram from Maiduguri. The terrorists had earlier controlled the three communities for two years, chasing away residents who had lived there for decades.

Other important areas where the government has made impact are in the construction and rehabilitation of roads and building of bridges that were stalled during the tenure of his predecessor due to the security situation then. In the last one year, pace of work has gained momentum and many of the projects are due to be commissioned on May 29, 2016.

Shettima also acquired complete construction equipment for the state Ministry of Works, making it possible for the roads and bridges to be completed.

One other important area where the government has made impact is in agriculture, with acquisition of numerous machineries and equipment which however are awaiting the end of the insurgency to kick start agricultural revolution in the state.

Though the insurgency has dealt a great blow on Borno, with the “Marshall plan” put in place by Shettima which work has already began, it is believed that in no distant time the state will be back on track.

Rating: AVERAGE

RIVERS

In the Throes of Violence Governor Nyesom Wike, upon assumption of office, said his administration would, in the short term, focus on development of infrastructure, urban renewal, re-opening of shut institutions like the state judiciary and House of Assembly as well as tackling the rising incidence of insecurity and cult activities. He also promised to complete projects started by the previous administration which have direct bearing on the welfare of the people.

The administration has obviously fared well in the area of urban renewal as it has reconstructed more than 70km of roads within Port Harcourt metropolis, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Eleme and Oyigbo Local Government Areas. The governor has also kept his promise of completing projects, especially roads, started by his predecessor, Chibuike Amaechi. This however did not include the monorail project which Wike

described as a monumental waste. The 1.5 kilometre monorail has so far cost the state more than N45 billion and is a subject of controversy between Wike and Amaechi.

There is also a massive construction of roads in different parts of the state.

The governor has said he would unveil and inaugurate the roads to mark his one year anniversary.

On assumption of duty, he cleared the backlog of four months’ salary of civil servants and six months of pension arrears. He also re-opened the courts that had been shut for about one year and also resolved the crisis of appointment of a substantive chief judge of the state and the president of the customary court of appeal. This is in addition to re-opening the state House of Assembly complex that was shut since July 2013.

But while the government has

restored vital institutions for the running of democracy, the major challenge facing the administration has been insecurity arising from killings in some parts of the state by suspected cultists, especially in Orashi, and Ogoni areas.

The government however believes that the issue of insecurity was being exaggerated by the opposition, All Progressives Congress, to make the Federal Government declare a state of emergency in the state.On insecurity, Wike said: “It is painful. I don’t know people who do this and what they want to achieve. I believe that in the nearest future people will see that they are politically sponsored and whose interest they want to serve I do not know.” In conclusion, Wike appears to have satisfied a vast majority of the people in his first year in office.

Rating: GOOD

YOBE

Modest Strides Amidst Insurgency Ibrahim Gaidam came into power with high expectations despite demoralising pains of insurgency that nearly pushed the state over the precipice. His task was not made easy with paucity of funds. He solved part of this by facing the menace of ghost workers in the state civil service which saved the state N20 billion. He started rebuilding communities affected by Boko Haram crisis and renovating

of the water system and facilities destroyed by the insurgents.

The state government has also commenced a comprehensive plan of helping people displaced by Boko Haram insurgents to return to their homes. The internally displaced persons camps in the state have been closed and the IDPs assisted by the government to get back on their feet.

It has not been easy on Yobe State

with insurgency making it impossible to access revenues that should have been generated internally coupled with dwindling revenue from the federation account. It takes financial discipline to pay salaries and meet other expenditures, but the good news is that a seasoned administrator and prudent manager of resources is at the helm to see the state through this ugly patch.

Rating: ABOVE AVERAGE

61

MAY 28 , 2015 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

SPECIAL REPORT IMO

Okorocha: The More He Shouts Change, the More Things Stay the Same The second tenure of Owelle Rochas Okorocha as the Governor of Imo state has not been easy. He earned his second term due to the last minute emergence of Muhammadu Buhari as President-elect.

However, Okorocha consolidated his victory from the re-run election involving some local government areas and wards as the first election was declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Though, many thought the re-election of the governor would have changed a lot of things in his first few months the people’s wish has not materalised.

The high expectation of Imo people, this period no doubt earned the governor some unprintable names. The worst issue was the backlog of salary arrears of Imo workers and pensioners. The Federal

Government’s release of bailout as a palliative to the workers’ salaries were the magic that brought some level of sanity into the system.

Realising the need to redeem his image, Okorocha reconstituted the local government caretaker committees, appointed commissioners and special assistants and advisers, and then charged them to assist him deliver the dividends of democracy. Again, determined to remedy the poor road infrastructure within the state capital, Okorocha embarked on total road rehabilitation and reconstruction, while new ones are being developed with a view to giving the state capital the needed face-lift and attraction that it deserves.

Already, the governor is intensifying efforts to complete the flyover which its

foundation was laid by former Governor Ikedi Ohakim. The flyover which unarguably will add glamour and beauty to the state capital is a welcome development.

Presently, Okorocha has laid foundation for a new Imo State considering his developmental strides of the three zones of the state, namely Okigwe, Orlu and Owerri. He is also busy widening and daulising the roads in the state capital.

However, his search for foreign investors that took him to Turkey twice with a 100-man strong delegation has so far failed to attract any foreign investment to the state. For a man who is on his second term in office, a lot more was expected.

But so far, the impact of change has been less than impressive on the citizenry.

Rating: BELOW AVERAGE

DELTA

Okowa: 365 Days of Weathering the Financial Storm In his determination to keep faith with his people whom he promised a new lease of life through the “prosperity for all Deltans” development agenda of his government, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has, in his first year in office, been braving the odds of nation-wide financial crunch to execute several people-oriented programmes. His development blueprint is encapsulated under the S.M.A.R.T. Agenda.

Okowa revealed that his government within the period created 17,173 jobs which include 6,800 direct jobs and 10,373 indirect jobs of both skilled and unskilled workers. As a special purpose vehicle, the Office of the Chief Job Creation Officer accounted for 7,522 of these jobs while the remaining 9,651 were created through projects, programmes and initiatives implemented through the various MDAs with 66 per cent of the beneficiaries being females.

Within the period, he awarded 34 roads across the three senatorial zones.

The mandatory contributory Health Insurance bill was passed and signed into law. The inauguration of the Delta

State Contributory Health Commission on May 4, 2016, makes Delta the first state in the country to have a mandatory health insurance scheme for the purpose of universal healthcare coverage. A law establishing the state commission on HIV/AIDS bill was brought on stream under him while more executive bills have been sent to the State House of Assembly.

Several hospital projects are ongoing with the Abavo Cottage Hospital ready for service.

On August, 2015, the state government inaugurated a 41-member Delta State Peace Building and Advisory Council.

Deputy Governor Kingsley Otuaro with his security advocacy team is going round the coastal areas of the state in a bid to check the resurgence of militancy.

The focus has been on technical and vocational education. Six technical schools are being restructured, with three of them fully rehabilitated, while currriculum review and retraining of the academic staff is in progress. Infrastructural development is ongoing in the three campuses of the Delta State University,

Abraka.

The state distributed tractors 64 Cooperative Societies. Other Cooperative Societies got Mellon Shellers, Outboard Engines, Fishing Gear, improved variety of cassava stems, fertilizer, cash, fingerlings, feeds, day-old chicks and feeds. Others got layers, feeds and cash, growers, feeds; while 40 tomatoes farmers were supported with seedlings, agrochemicals and cash.

Worked has reached advanced stages on the remodeling of the Asaba Airport, which was downgraded by the Nigeria Aviation authorities in April. Okowa is rejiging the airport.

However, the decision by the state government to establish a new independent power plant (IPP) project had elicited a gale of criticisms. This is against the backdrop of the apparently abandoned N23 billion IPP located in Oghara in Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state and awarded to Davnotch Nigeria Limited in 2009.

Rating: ABOVE AVERAGE

ENUGU

Ugwuanyi: Mission Not Impossible On assumption of office on May 29, 2015, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State pledged to sustain the legacy of his predecessor, Sullivan Chime, by running a government of seamless continuity and consolidation.

One year down the line, he has kept his words while also embarking on new projects.

No fewer than 20 road projects covering 35 kilometers were completed in the last 12 months. Some of the completed urban roads includes Holy Ghost Road, Samuelson Road, Holy Trinity Road, Nawfia Street., Mbanefo Street. in New Haven, Ridgeway Rd, Colliery and Lake Avenue all in the metropolis. Others are Airport Roundabout-Emene-Eke Obinagu Road, 9th Mile By-pass, Isiuzo Street. and Abakpa Nike Road.

Some rural roads constrution covering 11.6km are either ongoing or almost completed.

Apart from the Ezi-Nze Injection Sub-station, servicing three local government areas which has been inaugurated, Ugwuanyi also approved N155 million for other rural electrification projects in 15 communities of Igboeze North and Igbo-etiti councils.

In agriculture, the state now has two hatcheries producing 360, 000 day – old chicks monthly that crashed price of the birds from N250 each to N100. Enugu has over 300 pineapples planted within the period On security, the government procured 20 vehicles for security agencies in the state and also donated an initial seed money of N100 million to reactivate the

activities of vigilante groups in all the communities.

The government also paid 30 per cent equity contribution for civil servants between grade levels 01-10 for the purchase of 100 units of one bedroom flats at Elim Estate, Ibagwa Nike. It provided the sum of N100 million as grant to the State Water Corporation upgrade.

Perhaps, the greatest achievement of Governor Ugwuanyi-led administration is the prompt and regular payment of workers’ salaries.

The lingering economic downturn remain a major challenge to the administration as it obviously slowed the pace of development especially in the health sector.

Rating: AVERAGE

TARABA

Making Impact Amidst Ethnic Tensions Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku came into office with almost all the local government areas in the southern zone, including Gassol and Bali Local Government Areas in the central zone, engulfed in crises which claimed several lives and properties as well displacing thousands of others.

So, the policy direction and focus of the Ishaku administration has been the restoration of peaceful co-existence among all the various ethnic groups across the state as well as ensuring the safe return and rehabilitation of the displaced persons. And this explains the rationale behind the governor’s popular slogan to the people of the state: “Give me peace and I will give you development.”

Within his first hundred days in office,

Ishaku commissioned a 414 kilowatts power plant for Mambilla Beverages Company just as he commenced the construction of second phase of the power project which is to equally generate additional 330 kilowatts. Besides the power project, he procured ultra modern Cut, Tear and Curt (CTC) machine to boost the operations of the company which has finally returned the company to the path of profitability after several years of losses.

In the area of road, the administration constructed a 6.5-kilometre entrance road from Takum to Katsina Ala in Benue State as well as the construction of a double carriage way from Jalingo to Kona as well as the reconstruction and dualisation of Market Road including the reconstruction

of Magami road.

In the area of rural development, the administration installed a 7.5KVA transformer at Takum which is to supply electricity to Takum, Ussa, Marraraba and Yangtu development area as well as the installation of another transformer at Sunkani including the connection of Kunini in Lau Local Government to the national grid.

In conjunction with the World Bank, the administration embarked on a project of providing potable water for Jalingo which is to serve several other communities in the northern and central zones which has turned the state capital into a huge construction site.

Rating: AVERAGE

62

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MAY 28, 2016

newsXTRA Children Day… Children Day… Children Day… Children Day

Buhari Calls for End to Child Marriage Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has called for an end to all forms child abuse, including forced early marriage and exploitation.

The President made this plea yesterday during the National Children’s Day Celebration held at the Eagle Square, Abuja.

The president, who was represented by the Minister of FCT Muhammed Musa Bello, appealed to parents and the society to protect children against any form of violence.

He also stressed the resolve of

Federal Government to intensify its efforts at rescuing all the missing Chibok Girls.

He cited the recent rescue of Amina Ali Nkeki and Sarah Luka all of Chibok, as evidence that government was unwavering in its resolve in that regard.

"No child or indeed any other Nigerian should be put through the brutality of abduction, violence or forced marriage in whatever.

Every girl has a right to education and choice of life," Buhari said.

While emphasising the commitment of his administration to protecting the rights of children

as spelt out in the Child Rights Act of 2007 as well as in the 1999 Constitution, Buhari said his government would lead the fight against the scourge of child abuse, child abduction, child labour and child trafficking among others.

He thus, directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to liaise with other agencies to work out appropriate programmes including actions and measures that would help in tackling violence and abuse against children.

He appealed to parents to instill in their children a lifestyle rooted

in honesty, dedication to live and patriotism.

The president similarly urged Nigerian children to be responsible citizens by respecting constituted authorities, their parents, teachers and elders.

In her address, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Jumai Alhassan who was also represented at the occasion by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Hajiya Binta Adamu Bello assured that the government would not leave any stone unturned in protecting the rights of the children.

OOni Urges Children to Believe in Nigeria Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has urged Nigerian children to believe in Nigeria and be dedicated to the development of the country.

The Ooni said this during the maiden edition of Children’s Day Celebration organised by the Ile Oodua and hosted by Olori Wuraola Otiti Ogunwusi, on Friday in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

While noting that the level of patriotism in children was declining in the country, the Ooni urged leaders in the country to intensify investment in the children.

He said, “Children of the past believed so much in this country and that aided the growth of this country. Patriotism from the older generation children helped this nation so much, but the country no longer enjoys such today again. "Today’s children must also believe in this country, they must have hope in this country".

“The children are the future of this country; we can do more

for the children. We should be more afraid of the children than even the adult because the level of investment in them will tell on this country. Leaders must move closer to the children and that is exactly what you have seen my wife and I do today.”

On her part, Olori Wuraola appealed to parents to guide their children against social vices by dedicating more time to training them.

She expressed appreciation to the schools, children and parents that graced the occasion, saying, “Our joy is that this maiden edition came to reality. I commend us all for coming and urge us to train our children in ways that they will be beneficial for this country.”

During the Children’s Day celebration, pupils from different schools thrilled the Ooni, Olori and other monarchs with match past, and dances among other entertaining presentations.

The Ooni and Olori also danced and sang with the children who felt fulfilled and cheerful as they reacted joyfully.

Bauchi First Lady urges Lawmakers to Enact Laws to Protect Children FOR CHILDREN'S SAKE...

L-R: Zonal Quality Assurance Officer for Lagos and Ogun States, Police Children's School, Mrs Esther Gbadegesin; Executive Director, Lagos & South-West, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo; Divisional Police Officer, Bar Beach Division, CSP Olusegun Ajamolaya and the Head of Research & Development, Mrs Stella Igbonwelundu at the commissioning of the Classroom block at Police Children School Obalende, Lagos renovated and furnished by Fidelity Bank in Lagos…today

No Hiding Place for Child Traffrickers, Perpetrators of Violence, Says Ambode Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday said that the State Government would no longer tolerate any form of child abuse, domestic violence, child trafficking or violation of any law on the development of children in the state.

He warned that perpetrators would be dealt with in accordance with the provision of the law.

Ambode who spoke at the Children’s Day celebration organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Education at the Police College ground, Ikeja said that in the recent times, there had been noticeable increase in child abuse, raping, kidnapping ,

deliberate neglect and above all, child trafficking in the country.

The Governor who said that these acts constituted serious criminal offences warned that his government would not tolerate it in any part of the state.

He therefore warned perpetrators to desist as his government was ready to deal with anyone caught in the act. The governor expressed sadness that the criminal act was becoming a norm in our society today rather than being an aberration.

Governor Ambode who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule disclosed that recent findings from Violence against

Children (VAC) survey indicated that children under the age of 18 in Nigeria were being abused in the society, most especially by those that they refer to as their family members.

The Governor while assuring children that his administration had taken a holistic approach in protecting them against an abuse or unjust treatment, disclosed that security operatives had been put on the alert to arrest and prosecute anyone that abused or infringed on their fundamental rights.

“My beloved children, let me assure you all of our determination and commitment towards ensuring that anyone who engages in any

form of abuse and violence against any child shall be appropriately dealt with under the law’’ the governor warned He reminded them that his administration had demonstrated its zero tolerance for child abuse, kidnapping or violence against children with the prompt approach taken to recover three kidnapped students of Babington Macaulay Seminary, Ikorodu.

He assured that he would not only ensure that those behind the act were legally dealt with but he had directed all security operatives including the police to provide security around all public schools in the state to forestall a re-occurrence.

Ugwuanyi Assures Enugu Children On Passage of Child Rights Bill Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State celebrated the Children’s Day with Enugu children in his office assuring them that he would urgently liaise with the members of the State House of Assembly to ensure that the Child Rights Bill now before the legislators was passed into law before long.

The governor who addressed members of Enugu State Children’s Parliament as well as other school children when they paid him a courtesy

visit at Government House as part of the Children’s Day Celebration, noted that in view of the importance of the bill, his administration would do what was possible to get the bill passed into law with the urgency it deserved.

Governor Ugwuanyi informed members of the Parliament who were led by the state Commissioner for Gender Affairs, Hon Peace Nnaji, and the Speaker of the Parliament, Winifred Madubuko, that the bill was almost ready for public hearing and promised to attend the public

hearing session to lend his support for its passage.

He also promised to always stand by the children at all times, especially in matters concerning their welfare and their future, saying that the pursuance of the passage of the bill into law would be his best children’s day gift to Enugu children.

Earlier in her speech, the Speaker noted that the theme of this year’s Children’s Day celebration is “End Violation Against Children, End Child Marriage in Africa” and pointed out that the aim of the visit to

the Governor was to solicit his support for the passage of the Child Right Bill by the House of Assembly.

The bill, she stated, would go a long way towards securing the future of the average child in the State by righting all the wrongs perpetrated against children by adults including even some parents.

According to her, the bill would as well protect the girl child from the ills of early marriage that comes in the form of such diseases as Cervical Cancer and VVF among others.

Wife of the Bauchi State Governor, Hajiya Hadiza Abubakar has emphasised the need for both the National and State Assemblies to ensure the enactment of more laws to protect children and take all necessary steps to bring an end the rising cases of violence against children in Nigeria.

This is so as no fewer than 700 rural women from the 20 local government areas of the state are to benefit from a skill acquisition training programme under the auspices of the Bauchi state first lady.

The Governor’s wife who said the celebration of the children’s Day in Nigeria should not only be devoted to the promotion of the welfare of children as well as provide platforms for interaction and understanding among children, however stressed that this special day called for greater attention to the multiplicity of challenges that children face across the country.

While highlighting the various challenges that Nigeria children

faced, including the problem of out-of-school children and school dropouts roaming the streets, use of children on the streets begging for alms and some hawking (usually) a variety of petty items, she called on both the upper and lower chambers of the national Assembly as well as those of the state Assemblies to enact more laws to protect children and take all necessary steps to bring to an end the rising cases of violence against them in the society.

In order to complement her husband’s efforts, the first lady initiated a Non-Governmental Organisation(NGO) named Bauchi Sustainable Women Economic Empowerment and Peace Initiative(B-SWEEP),which has served as an organisation that has been touching the lives of children and women across the state stressing that because of her person the welfare of women and children, she will continue to use any given opportunity to promote the living standards of the womenfolk and their children.

Ayade Enjoins Children not to Lose hope in Nigeria As the nation commemorates 2016 Children's Day Celebration, Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade has enjoined children not to lose hope in the country.

Ayade gave the charge while addressing children at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, venue of this year's event with the theme: "Protect the rights of the child in the face of violence and insecurity: End child marriage."

In his words: "Your future is better. I want to give you words of hope that if I who grew up under similar circumstance as you, and who today is running the affairs of this state, you surely will be first in our consideration."

Governor Ayade said children must have love for God, respect for parents and be hard working if they want to be successful.

"I challenge you today that you must respect your parents, observe your morning prayers before you go to school, read your books as that is the only way you can grow up in the path of honour and your destiny will be guaranteed," Ayade said. The governor who affirmed that the welfare of children was one of the key agenda in his administration, disclosed that the state had entered into partnership with "Canadian Investment Bureau to build a Nigeria/Canadian International school in Calabar."

He said the intention of the program was to ensure that "all of you who pass out of your demonstration schools will have direct admission into universities in Canada under the sponsorship of the Cross River State Government."

63

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MAY 28, 2016

newsXTRA

FG Finds Solution to Ravaging ‘Tomatoe Ebola’ Dele Ogbodo in Abuja The Minister of Science and Technology, Mr. Ogbonnaya Onu, on Friday, said federal government through the National Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria in Kaduna State, an agency under the ministry had developed a home grown solution to the ravaging tomato pest tuta absoluta, otherwise known as tomatoe ‘Ebola’ The disease, the minister stated had ravaged hundreds of hectares of tomatoes farms resulting in dire scarcity of the farm product and thereby skyrocketing the prices of tomatoes in the market.

Onu made the disclosure

while playing host to the Director General of the institute, Prof.

Bugaje, who came to brief the minister about the development at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

The minister said: “Very recently the nation woke up to hear that a pest ravaged our tomato farms in many parts of the country and the nation sustained a lot of loses. As a result of tomato factories were unable to get enough supply of tomatoes and had to shut down.

“Fortunately an agency of the ministry has developed a pesticide agent that is very effective against this new tomato pest called tuta-absoluta.”

While expressing confidence that the pesticide would eradicate the tomato disease, he added: “The pest ravaging tomato farm is of great concern to the nation, and this had led to an agency of the ministry to develop a pesticide agent which is very effective against the new tomato pest.

According to him, the research institute in Zaria had been working on the disease using locally available material to develop the pesticide agent, which he said was very effective in combating the pest.

Onu said: “Now there is a factory producing this very agent that is very effective, so there is no reason for us to go outside

when we have the solution in the country.

“We should even let the world know the solution is coming from Nigeria, and should there be any outbreak anywhere in the world, they can come to ,Nigeria for a solution” He said the ministry would get in touch with the ministry of agriculture on urgent need to get farmers across the country to begin to apply the solution to the disease for food security sake.

He urged parents to allow their children study in schools, adding that N19.7bn Fraud: Court adjourns arraignment of ex-JTF Commander, Atewe, Akpolobokemi, others.

The arraignment of Former Commander of Joint Task Force (JTF), Major General, Emmanuel Atewe and a former DirectorGeneral of Nigerian Maritime and Administration Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Patrick Ziadeke Akpolobokemi, over alleged N19.

7 billion fraud before a Lagos Federal High Court, has been adjourned till June 3.

The adjournment was at the instance of the first accused person, Dr. Akpolobokemi, who objected to the reading of the 11 counts charge on the premises that he was never served with the charge and proof of evidence.

Akpolobokemi, Major General Atewe, alongside Kime Engozu and Josephine Otuaga, are charged before Justice Saliu Saidu's Court on 11 counts charge bordering on conspiracy, fraud, stealing and fraudulent conversation of the sum of N19.

744, 041, 556 billion, to their personal use.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS FADARE OLUWASEYE ADEYEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS BABATUNDE OLUWASEYE ADEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

WORKING TO SECURE YOU...

The commissioner of police HH karma and sule momodu state commander NDLEA at security seminar

Giwa, Four Others Get Five-year CAF Ban

Igbo Group Lament Buhari’s Shut-out of South East Region

Kunle Adewale

Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has slammed a five-year ban on embattled Chris Giwa and four of his associates.

The latest ban from CAF came after Giwa had earlier been slammed by the same number of years by the Amaju Pinnick- led Nigeria Football Federation.

The four others affected by the continental ban are Muazu Suleyman, Yahaya Adama, Sani Fema and Johnson Effiong.

In a letter signed by CAF’s Secretary -General, Hicham El Amrani and dated May 27th 2016 and copied to NFF President stated that the ban forbade the five gladiators from all football related activities for five years.

CAF’s letter titled “ReConveyance of Sanctions by

NFF Disciplinary Sanctions Extension at the Continental Level reads; Dear President, Following your previous correspondence dated May 16th and subsequent exchanges, CAF has well noted the decision of the NFF’s Disciplinary Committee dated May 12 placing five(5) year ban from all football related activities for the following people.

1. Christopher Giwa 2. Muazu Suleyman 3. Yahaya Adama 4.

Sani Fema 5. Johnson Effiong “Following receipt of the documentation and details on the case, CAF hereby confirms the extension of such sanctions at the continental level. Please accept, dear President, our most sincere regards”.

Giwa and Pinnick had been at loggerhead for some time over who takes control of the Glass House in Abuja.

Notable leaders of the South-East geopolitical zone Thursday in Enugu reviewed the place of the Igbo people in the nation’s present political configuration, lamenting that unless the people came together to take their destiny in their hands, the future looked very bleak.

The leaders who spoke at the Anniversary lecture of Alaigbo Development Foundation, a Corporate body comprising eminent scholars, elders, public figures, clergy, youth and women committed to the rebuilding and development of the zone and the rebirth and advancement of the spirit of her culture and civilisation, delivered by the Arch Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Owerri, Dr. Anthony Obinna, entitled "Religion and Culture in the modern Igbo context: the Chukw-Kriti Dynamic".

Among the notable leaders who lamented the fate of Ndigbo in the present administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari included former governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi, Secretary General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr. Joe Nworgu and the organisation's former President-General, Dozie Ikedife, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, the ADC to late Ikemba Odumegwu Ojukwu, Bishop Obi Onubuogu, Archbishops of Catholic, Anglican and Methodist Churches and other traditional rulers.

They expressed dismay that the present administration had relegated the Igbos to the backgroud, noting that in the present arrangement, the people of the zone had been shut out from the nation's security apparatus especially in the military and paramilitary, a development they insisted portends great danger for the people.

management of state resources, pointing out that he would not play politics with projects but would continue to deliver quality service to Rivers people.

The Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekwerenmadu, who commissioned the projects alongside the governor commended Wike for placing Rivers State on a fast lane of development within the past one year.

Ekwerenmadu said the number of projects commissioned by Governor Wike remained a clear testimony of his visionary leadership, pointing out that he has made the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) proud.

Wike, however, called on investors to key into the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Project, saying his administration has provided a conducive environment for their investments strive.

He described Rivers State as a haven for investors, adding that the objective for setting up the Authority was to expand urban development in line with global standards.

"This project is critical to the development of our State and we shall need the support and collaboration of Public Private Partnership for us to achieve set objectives," the governor said.

I formerly known and addressed as ACHIKE CHIDUBEM OLIVE, now wish to be known and addressed as ODIMEGWU CHIDUBEM OLIVE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and ABIODUN addressed as OLAITAN AKINPELU, now wish to be known and addressed as ABIODUN OLAITAN OLOJO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OPIA LUCY NDEGO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NWAIKU LUCY NDEGO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OLUYEMI MATILDA OMOGBARA OFIEKPONE, now wish to be known and addressed as MATILDA OLUYEMI SHADO. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as LUKMON AYODEJI now wish to be known and addressed as YAYA LUKMON AYODEJI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of loss original document copy of ORIGINAL DRIVER’S LICENCE issued by (FRSC) in the respect of 226, Bornu Way,Ebute Metta Lagos State, bearing and belonging to ASIBIOJO MUDIRAT TAIYE. All effort made to trace the said document prove abortive. Please if found please report to the nearest police station.

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I formerly known and addressed as DANIEL ANGELA ONYEKACHI And THANKGOD ANGELO. O, now wish to be known and addressed as ALUMA ANGELA ONYEKACHI. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as CLEMENTINE TOSI now wish to be known and addressed as CLEMENTINE LADEBI OGU . All former documents remain valid Union Bank, Skye Bank, First Bank and the general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as SABINA NKEMAKONAM UGWUANYI, now wish to be known and addressed as SABINA NKEMAKONAM MBA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ODUNAIKE KEHINDE OLUSEUN, now wish to be known and addressed as

I formerly known and addressed as

MRS AKINWANDE KEHINDE OLUSEUN. All former documents

remain valid. The general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

Wike Vows to Fulfill Electioneering Promises Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has vowed to fulfill all the promises he made to the people of the state before and after the 2015 general election.

Wike stated this yesterday while commissioning RumueprikomRumuolumeni and Elioparanwo Roads.

The governor, who also flagged off the Tam David West Boulevard pledged to remain prudent in the

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEBOLA EUNICE OMETERE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OMOLUABI EUNICE OMETERE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ENE PAULINE AKPA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ENE PAULINE EGA. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ANIWE PAUL PRINCE, now wish to be known and addressed as ANIEBUE PAUL PRINCE. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed ADEWALE OLABODE as EMMANUEL now wish to be known and addressed as OLAREWAJU OLABODE OBALOLA. All former documents remain valid, the general public should please take note.

I, MOROGBONWON BUKOLA, am the same person as MOROGBONWON IYABO and MOROGBONWON BUKOLA IYABO. All documents bearing these names refer to me and remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known as BALARABE IBRAHIM , now wish to be known and addressed as BALA BALARABE. Also my birth certificate was wrongly written as 15th December 1993 instead of 7th February 1990. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

ADAMS JOHN FEMI And MICHAEL EGBOWOROMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MICHAEL FOLARIN OWOSENI. All former

documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS EBIFA TRACY EBIWENE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EBIFA TRACY EBIWENE OBIENU. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ADEDEJI ADEBAYO IFEMADE, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEDEJI ADEBAYO ADEDEWE All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I, formally known as EYADEMA KRIGBODE VIC, EYADEMA KRIGBODE OGHEWEK and EYADEMA HENRY OGHEWEKWE, now wish to be known and addressed as EYADEMA KRIGBODE HENRY. All formal documents remain valid. The general public and Banks should please take note.

TR

Saturday, May 28, 2016

UT H

& RE A S O

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Price: N250

MISSILE Wike on INEC

INEC, with all due respect to them, has no focus. It wants to destabilise this country and we must be careful. If this INEC that has a history of inconclusive elections stays to conduct 2019 election, I am afraid we will be heading to something else.”

– Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State lamenting the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission in the inconclusive elections in the state.

PENDULUM Dele Momodu

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

The Second Coming of President Buhari (2)

F

ellow Nigerians, I’m back this week to continue where I stopped last week.

If you missed the first part, let me summarise quickly. The piece was largely historical as I took the readers on a tour de force of how we arrived at President Muhammadu Buhari, a stone repeatedly rejected but has now become the cornerstone. I concluded that the second coming of President Buhari was a miracle and that the high expectations would naturally place a heavy burden on him.

Without doubt, life has not been rosy for our dear President and Nigerians in the last one year. What Nigerians expected from Buhari was nothing short of a magical revolution that would transform Nigeria, without military power this time around. The joy that heralded his coming was surreal and uncommon. For once, since June 12, 1993, when Chief Moshood Abiola won the most monumental election since our Independence, Nigerians united in celebrating President Buhari’s superlative victory.

Everywhere I went, Nigerians were proud that Buhari had won and world leaders saluted our incredible achievement. In Dubai, where I travelled to shortly after the election, taxi drivers congratulated me once they confirmed that I was from Nigeria. The story was virtually the same in London, a city with probably the second largest concentration of Nigerians outside our dear beloved country. Indeed, we never had it so good.

So what seems to have gone wrong and how did we somehow wasted the momentum that was galloping us to prosperity, given where we have now found ourselves? Nigerians expected our President to have spent the transition period to assemble and get his team ready. His economic team was supposed to have been identified and put on notice and standby. We now know that the outgoing Government did not co-operate as fully as it should have done and the President did not have hand over notes on time, according to some impeccable sources.

Once the newly elected representatives of the people got inaugurated, one expected that everything would be smooth sailing, as APC had the majority in both chambers of the National Assembly. However, the election of principal officers of the National Assembly which was meant to be a simple and straight-forward affair since the ruling party had a simple majority already in its kitty turned out to be anything but that. No one anticipated the raging inferno that would erupt from contending ambitions and conflicting egos. The Eighth National Assembly has never known peace since inception and the rest would be history by the time the gladiators finish tearing themselves to pieces in the market place.

The selection, screening and confirmation of Buhari’s cabinet took place at snail-speed.

Nigerians mumbled and grumbled like the Biblical Jeremiah about the time it was taking for the President to pick his men and women.

It did not seem the President understood that his people are probably the most impatient human beings on earth. Perhaps, he would have jazzed up the tempo and tenor of his administration by announcing his cabinet long

Buhari before he eventually did.

The steam started cooling down like melting dew and before long the mumbling turned to moaning and grunting. Those of us perceived to be part of the Buhari Movement have not been spared by those who would never see anything good in our President. We’ve been treated scornfully and attacked as those who brought this scourge on Nigeria. All explanations and entreaties have fallen on deaf ears.

The situation was further compounded by the war against corruption which has been waged with religious fervour by the Buhari government. The horrendous stories of stealing in high places are stranger than fiction. All well-meaning Nigerians have been scandalised by the gory tales of brigandage and high larceny that we have been subjected to. Most Nigerians are happy and pray that maybe Buhari would be able to win a war that was apparently responsible for the abrupt termination of his military rule in 1985, during his first coming.

Many big personalities have been arrested, detained and prosecuted, though only one case has been concluded and most are yet to be brought to judgment and conviction.

The Judiciary that should be the last bastion of justice and the ultimate hope of the common man has been on trial and ostensibly nailed to the cross. There have been allegations of bribery and bias. Such an important institution has been weakened miserably and how it would wriggle out and cleanse its self-deprecatory mess remains to be seen. The Buhari government does not seem impressed even though it would need a willing and ready partner in the judiciary in its volatile crusade against corruption.

Security remains a huge challenge. Though our irrepressible military appear to be pushing forward in its efforts towards the obliteration of the terror group, Boko Haram, there are still some skirmishes here and there. Kidnapping is back big time. Just days ago, my young

cousin, John Fatoye, a fresh graduate was abducted as he boarded a fake taxi and found himself journeying through places that he would never be able to identify since he was blindfolded. He survived by the whiskers as God miraculously touched the hearts of the bandits who dumped him somewhere on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. This has become rampant.

We didn’t hear of the Shiites, New Biafrans, Fulani herdsmen and Niger Delta Avengers this time last year. But these groups have managed to force their ways to the front pages of our newspapers and the forefront of our attention and reckoning because of their agitations and restiveness. The Amnesty Programme that was meticulously put in place by former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has virtually collapsed. The Avengers have wreaked unprecedented havoc on our crude oil supplies and operations. It is reckoned that we’ve lost our production capacities by about one million barrels per day at a time we are grappling with abysmally low income from oil.

By far the greatest albatross of the Buhari is the comatose economy. Many are wondering what suddenly happened to the robust and rambunctious economy that was celebrated globally less than three years ago. Our economy under the government of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathain was supposed to have overtaken that of South Africa to become the front leader.

It has nosedived to an all-time low in just one year. We have studiously ignored the fact that we’ve catapulted ourselves into recession. That oil prices crashed calamitously when President Buhari took over power and the profligacy and impunity of the previous administration became manifest as there was no money to cover up and paper the cracks that had been obvious to the discerning public.

The truth is thus that the times have not been kind to this administration. President Jonathan had devalued the Naira twice in the space of six months in the last days of his administration. The effect of that devaluation is only just being felt in the course of this Buhari administration because, in the euphoria of the elections, everyone forgot about the economy.

The parallel foreign exchange market took on a mind of its own and defied all permutations

Nevertheless, the Avengers have no right or justification for the atrocities and crimes they are committing. All they are doing is contributing not only to the economic woes of the country and even the world...

as speculators held sway. Prices of food and other essentials have gone haywire. In the end the Central Bank had to capitulate to those clamouring for devaluation by recently announcing a flexible exchange policy. This will naturally mean further economic woes for the long-suffering masses of our great country but we must have faith and believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

No one is sure if we’ve finally done away with the ubiquitous petrol subsidy or whether there is now deregulation of the petrol pricing regime. Only time will tell. Thank God however that the unbearable queues at petrol stations have disappeared and we pray it is final this time.

Unemployment has become dangerously massive. In fact, we are now rated as the country with the largest army of unemployed youths in the world. And the list of our woes is full and unending.

The regular excuse for the woeful economic quagmire we have found ourselves is that the past governments created this volcanic eruption. While this is a fact, many have argued that the time for buck-passing is far gone because that is the reason Jonathan was sacked by Nigerians.

Where then do we go from here? I shall endeavour to put my humble suggestions forward. I’m aware that some aides might be dissembling to the President and telling him all is well. But Baba, there is fire on the mountain. As one of your foot-soldiers, I remain committed to telling you what the voices on the streets are saying. I will now take the challenges and prospects together, one by one.

The priority of every nation is to build a buoyant economy. Truth is that would be difficult under the current climate. There is too much tension in the land, and the uncertainties can only scare away any investor. For example, foreign airlines are jittery and United Airlines only just announced that it was closing its operations in Nigeria. The almighty British Airways is exploring its options. Even Virgin Atlantic is shedding a few flights on our routes.

These are not good signs. We must douse the tension urgently.

The banks are panicky and rocking although we are all afraid to openly say this for fear of precipitating a grand collapse. This probably accounts for all manner of unsavoury charges that are being levied on unsuspecting customers.

The Central Bank must intervene and save the already overburdened populate. The manufacturers are angry. They are being ravaged by epileptic power supply and uncertain currency regulations. Every type of power generation must be explored speedily.

Ghana has convinced me that this can be fixed quickly as demonstrated by President John Dramani Mahama. This has made most Nigerians living in Ghana very hopeful that Nigeria would break our electricity jinx one day soon. If Mahama can perform such miracle, we too should work harder.

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