Thursday 28th July 2016

CBN Directs Banks to Provide for Foreign Currency Loans, Settles Futures Contract Naira falls to N330.12 on interbank

Obinna Chima

provisioning for all delinquent foreign currency-denominated loans in line with the July 1, 2010 Prudential Guidelines for Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday directed commercial banks to review and make adequate

The CBN, which also settled futures contract valued at N962.23 million, said in a letter by its Director, Banking Supervision, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins, titled: “Provisioning

for Foreign Currency Loans,” dated July 27, posted on the bank’s website, that the move was in continuation of the efforts to enhance efficiency, facilitate liquidity

and transparency in the foreign exchange market.

Rationalising why it had become necessary to ensure adequate and proper provisioning, the central bank

directed banks to ensure that the un-provisioned portion of all foreign currencydenominated loans and Continued on page 6

Dogara Threatens Legal Action, Demands Retraction from Abdulmumin...

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Special Forces Begin Exercise for Combat in N’ Delta, Says Army Dickson meets Buhari, pleads against use of force

Tobi Soniyi, Senator Iroegbu in Abuja and Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa Prospects of a confrontation between Niger Delta militants and the military heightened yesterday as the Nigerian Army announced that its Special Forces had started exercises in preparation for combat in the restive oil rich region.

The Army in a statement

by its Director of Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, said it had started conducting exercises for its Special Forces on maritime warfare. “The Nigerian Army will from this weekend commence another training exercise code named 'Exercise Crocodile Smile' in 82 Division and part of 2 Division areas of responsibility traversing Continued on page 6

NNPC Hikes Kerosene Price to N135 on Monday

Product racketeering worsens, sells at N180 per litre Ejiofor Alike The official price of kerosene will move up to N135 from N73 per litre on Monday, THISDAY investigation revealed yesterday.

According to reliable sources, the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has decided to increase the exdepot price to N135 per litre

with effect from Monday, after the next consignment of about 17,000MT capacity imported vessel arrives Lagos this week.

THISDAY gathered that following foreign exchange crisis, which makes it difficult for the private marketers to access foreign exchange at the official price, the PPMC assumed the sole importer of kerosene, thus leading to the scarcity of the product.

Continued on page 6

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THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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Dogara Threatens Legal Action, Demands Retraction from Abdulmumin Damilola Oyedele in Abuja The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the former Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, Jibrin Abdulmumin, to retract all allegations of corruption against him and tender an unreserved apology or face legal action.

Abdulmumin, however, described Dogara’s threat of legal action as a ploy to stop the House from investigating his allegations.

He said he would not retract the allegations, adding that his lawyers had officially approached the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other

related offences Commission (ICPC) to work out a date for him to submit his petition against the speaker, Deputy Speaker Yusuf Lasun, Chief Whip Alhassan Doguwa and Minority Leader Leo Ogor.

This is as a new group among the lawmakers named Transparency Group demanded that the anti-graft agencies open investigations into the allegations levelled against the speaker and other principal officers.

Dogara and Abdulmumin have been engaged in a public spat since the removal of the latter as chairman of the coveted committee on Appropriations last week.

Counsel to Dogara, Prof.

Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) & Co, in a letter addressed to the committee chairman, said

the recent statements released to the media were aimed at tarnishing the speaker’s image at home and abroad.

The letter titled: “Request for a Retraction and an Apology of a Libellous Press Statement issued by you on Monday 25th July, 2016” was signed by the principal partner of the law firm, Prof. Joash Amupitan, and referred to Abdulmumin’s statement titled: “The Corrupt Speaker Yakubu Dogara and his 3-man Cabal”.

The law firm said the personal references in the former committee chairman’s statement, which alleged several corrupt practices were directed at Dogara and were, therefore, libellous, as they had put the speaker’s reputation into public opprobrium,

odium, scorn and ridicule.

"By the said publication and without putting to the public any shred of evidence, our client is portrayed as a criminal, corrupt, dishonest, fraudulent, dishonourable and unfit to hold the position of Speaker of House of Representatives. Our client’s reputation has further been brought down in the estimation of right thinking members of the society and he has been thrown into public opprobrium, odium, scorn and ridicule,” the firm said.

It added: “Consequently, we consider your publication on the matter as not only libellous but made in bad faith; an act of vendetta owing to your recent removal as the Chairman of House Committee on Appropriation.

The said publication is also aimed at causing disaffection between Nigerians and members of the House of Representatives.

"Sequel to the above, we have to request you to submit immediately to us a clear and unqualified apology and retraction of the publication in an equally conspicuous position in all the print and electronic media where the publication appeared. TAKE NOTICE that in the event of your failure/refusal to comply with the above mentioned demands within seven (7) days of your receipt of this letter, we have further instructions to institute a suit against you in a court of law.”

Meanwhile, the Transparency Group at a press conference addressed

by Hon. Musa Soba (Kaduna APC) said 113 signatures had been collated from members representing all geopolitical zones, and across party lines.

Only five members were, however, present at the briefing alongside Soba. They were Hon. Abubakar Chika (Niger APC), Hon. Baballe Bashir (Kano APC), Hon. Bala Ikora (Kaduna APC) and Hon. Lawal Yahaha (Bauchi-APC).

Soba said the signatures had been collated before the recent Salah recess to demand that Dogara addresses the discrepancies in the budget.

"We call for an external investigation into the matter,” the group said, arguing that this was necessary because the budget that was allegedly padded was a public document.

serve public interest to allocate kerosene at N73 or N135 per litre to some people at public expense and the beneficiaries will sell to the public at N180 and even N250 in some instances. This arrangement serves private pockets and something has to be done fast about it,” he said.

Investigation revealed that from the last consignment imported by the PPMC, the independent marketers were selling at ex-depot price of between N170 and 182 per litre.

Some of the independent marketers whose depots had sold kerosene between N170 and N182 per litre include: Capital Oil, Eterna Oil; Rahamaniyya, Aquitane, AA Rano, and Obat Oil.

It was also gathered from PPMC sources that Honeywell, Aiteo and NIPCO Plc would share the next consignment of PPMC’s kerosene that will arrive this week.

However, it was gathered that PPMC has increased the ex-depot price of this new consignment from N73 per litre to N135 per litre.

It was also learnt that because of the scam perpetrated by the marketers and the PPMC officials in kerosene allocation, the major marketers have shunned kerosene business to protect their business integrity.

“The whole kerosene thing is messy and that is why the major marketers do not want to get involved. The major marketers are not ready to

give anybody bribe and sell above stipulated price. The whole thing improved when President Buhari came in initially. You will recall that Forte Oil became involved and it sold kerosene at N50 per litre to the public and it was publicised. But now, we are back to the status quo and the whole thing has become messy. The major marketers are not ready to play ball to get kerosene allocation,” said one of the major marketers, who spoke to THISDAY off the record.

At the early stage of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, Forte Oil had commenced the sale of what it described as “Buhari Kerosene” at N50 per litre in its retail outlets in Lagos.

Rear Admiral Joseph Okojie, the new Commander of the outfit covering Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, parts of Ondo and Akwa Ibom States, described the crisis in the region as a fifth generation security threat, but stressed that Nigerians would soon begin to see the results from the efforts by the forces to tackle the violent agitators.

Okojie, who spoke with journalists in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where the JTF, ODS is headquartered, assured Nigerians that the military had total control of the security infrastructure in the country, but added that the military remained subservient to the political leadership of

the country.

He noted that the federal government, the minister of defence, the chief of defence staff and all the service chiefs were fully involved in the current operations to rout all criminalities in the oil-rich region.

“The ODS will not shirk its responsibility of securing the Niger Delta. We will ensure that there is sanctity of our territorial integrity, but we have to make sure that collateral damage is minimised.

“We are on top of the security manifestations and at the appropriate time, if necessary, action will be taken to ensure there is peace.

“If there is need to up the tempo, we will do it, but for now (our operations) are driven by the political imperatives of our leaders. The political leadership has come out with clear instructions while we also carry out our core duty,” he said.

Flanked by his lieutenants in charge of land operations, maritime and civil military operations, Okojie explained that in the last few weeks, his men had successfully foiled cases of pipeline vandalism, kidnapping, illegal oil refining, piracy and other criminalities in the region.

NNPC HIKES KEROSENE PRICE TO N135 ON MONDAY But THISDAY learnt that the public who are the end users would not be losing much as the product had always sold above the N73 official price because of racketeering by officials of PPMC and the marketers.

In the massive scam, officials of PPMC allocate the product to marketers at ex-depot price of N73 per litre, while the marketers sell to the public at over N180 per litre, THISDAY’s investigation revealed.

In a circular number: PPMC/ MKT/IBN/01/2016, signed by one LNS Madubuike, the PPMC had directed marketers to pay N73 per litre for kerosene imported by the company. The marketers, however, sell the product to the public at between N180

and N250 per litre.

Some independent marketers, who could not get allocation from the PPMC, told THISDAY that some officials of PPMC collect bribe of N1 million on every truck of kerosene allocated to the marketers.

Another alleged scam by PPMC officials in kerosene importation, it was learnt, is that up to 50 trucks are not discharged in every imported vessel.

According to a PPMC source, after discharging kerosene to the private marketers, this quantity is left in the vessel by PPMC as Remain on Board (ROB) and nobody knows what happens to this product.

NNPC’s spokesman, Mr.

Garuba Deen Muhammadu, however, told THISDAY yesterday that he would find out the true situation from the PPMC before responding to the issues raised.

But it was gathered that PPMC has been the sole importer of kerosene as the private marketers use their limited foreign exchange to focus on the importation of petrol.

An official of PPMC, who was not happy with the fraud in kerosene allocation, said that it was brisk business between some officials of the company and the marketers.

“We thought that things will change with the new administration. It actually changed initially but is now business-as-usual. It does not

SPECIAL FORCES BEGIN EXERCISE FOR COMBAT IN N’ DELTA, SAYS ARMY the South-south geo-political region,” he said.

But Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson yesterday met with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja and said force was not the solution to the problem that had massively constrained the country’s crude oil production output.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, had warned last week that if the militants failed to accept the federal government’s offer of dialogue over their grievances, the military would have to step in to protect the nation’s oil and gas assets that had been the target of a militant group, Niger Delta Avengers’ (NDA)

consistent acts of sabotage.

The federal government’s strategy for dialogue would appear to be experiencing some hiccups as the main militant group, the Avengers, has consistently expressed reservations about the sincerity of the process even as some other stakeholders query the government’s option of using proxy for the proposed talks.

Obviously not wanting to be caught unawares, the Nigerian Army has started preparing for a possible confrontation with the militants, conducting exercises for its Special Forces on maritime warfare.

Usman yesterday said: "The aim of the exercise is to practise our Special Forces

and other units of the Nigerian Army in Amphibious and Internal Security Operations in riverine environment and also check criminal activities like kidnapping, militancy and piracy and other forms of criminal activities in support of the civil authority."

He urged members of the public "not to panic on the sight of unusual movement of large number of troops, heavy military weapons and equipment in these areas".

As part of the military’s preparation, its Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe, also warned the militants not take it for granted, saying it had the capacity to crush them.

Continued on page 8

CBN DIRECTS BANKS TO PROVIDE FOR FOREIGN CURRENCY LOANS, SETTLES FUTURES CONTRACT advances in their books are fully provided for immediately in their income statements.

The letter read in part: “One of the effects of the Guidelines, which liberalised the foreign exchange market, is the increase in balances on foreign currency-denominated loans and advances in the books of banks, especially facilities that had been fully provided for under the previous exchange rate regime, but were yet to be written off, per our extant regulation under Section 3.21(a) of the Prudential Guidelines for Deposit Money Banks of July 1, 2010.

“Consequently, to ensure adequate and proper provisioning, banks are by this circular, required to ensure that the un-provisioned portion

of all such facilities are fully provided for immediately in the income statements and evidence of the additional provisions forwarded to the Director of Banking Supervision within one week of the date of this circular.

“Additionally, all foreign currency-denominated loans should be reviewed and adequate provisioning made in all delinquent ones in line with the Prudential Guidelines for Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria of July 1, 2010.”

Meanwhile, commercial banks that entered into OTC FX Futures Contract transaction with the CBN have received a total of N962.23 million from the banking sector regulator, the FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange said yesterday

following the maturity of the CBN’s naira-dollar July 27, 2016, OTC FX Futures Contract.

Although the FMDQ did not disclose the banks that received the sum, THISDAY last month reported that the first naira-settled OTC FX Futures on the FMDQ was executed between the CBN and Citibank Nigeria Limited.

It was gathered then that the total amount of the FX Futures contract was $20 million.

A futures contract is a form of derivative, meaning its value is based on an underlying security. The contract allows two parties to take different positions on whether the price of a security will rise or fall. A futures contract always includes a future expiry date and a

specific quality and quantity of an underlying security.

At the forex market, the naira exchange rate against the dollar depreciated significantly yesterday by N20.05 to close at N330.12 to a dollar, lower than the N310.07 to a dollar it closed the previous day.

But on the parallel market, the naira fell marginally by N1 to close at N378 to a dollar yesterday; down from the N377 to a dollar it closed on Tuesday.

A financial market analyst attributed the development to scarcity of dollars in the market.

“The CBN is allowing the market to trade freely and has not intervened. The exchange rate is a reflection of the level of liquidity in the market,”

the source said.

The CBN on Tuesday raised the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), otherwise known as interest rate, by 200 basis points to 14 per cent from 12 per cent.

It also assured Nigerians of the stability of the banking sector, saying whilst it was poised to deal ruthlessly with any misdemeanour and malpractice, the recent removal of some bank chiefs was not a sign of distress.

The central bank however left Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and Liquidity Ratio (LR) unchanged at 22.50 per cent and 30 per cent respectively as well as retained the Asymmetric Window at +200 and -500 basis points around the MPR.

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Ekweremadu, Anyaoku, Akinyemi, Others Shower Encomiums on Ibru

Chiemelie Ezeobi and Peter Uzoho

Encomiums were yesterday poured on the late former Delta State Governor, Senator Felix Ovuodoroye Ibru, as his family organised an evening of tributes to kick-start his final burial rites.

The evening of tributes, which held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, themed: 'Lord be thou exalted', was a combination of hymns and tributes put together.

The Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu led scores of Nigerians, including Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Chief Philip Asiodu; a former Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Prince Julius Adelusi; Chairman, Philips Consulting, Funso Philips and Divisional Director, Corporate Services, THISDAY, Mr. Emmanuel Efeni, among other dignitaries to pay tributes to the deceased who died after a brief illness on March 12, 2016.

Ekweremadu said: "In this hall, I see a whole lot of Nigerians that have played significant roles in the socio-economic growth of the economy and the nation is indebted to you.

"He was a statesman, a perfect gentleman. He was a man of inestimable pedigree.

He was my friend and mentor.

"He would be remembered for the great strides he achieved in his position. He was a lawmaker of uncommon wisdom and a one-time Chairman of the Senate Committee on Establishment.

"In the fifth Senate, he always calmed frayed nerves and would appeal for senators to calm down and this earned him the name 'Mr. Calm down'."

Speaking for his siblings, the deceased's first son, Dr. Paul Ibru, described his father as a very humble man who was the best dad, friend and uncle.

He said: "He was a man of unity and he had a dream. In his last few days, he thought about governance and how to keep the family together."

On how he died, he said: "It's surreal because I can't believe that he is gone but this has brought me closer to closure. In his last days, he got closer to God and that really warmed my heart.

"The day he died, I was with some investors and I had gone to drop them at the airport. I was actually on my way to see him afterwards, when I got a call that he was ill.

"I rushed to the hospital and he was in his last moments.

I anointed him with oil and His maker took him. He loved life and people but most importantly, he was at peace with God." Anyaoku described Ibru as a genuine gentle man. He said he had a very striking humility, adding that the usual pomposity which Nigerians were known abroad and at home was lacking in the late senator.

Anyaoku also noted that Ibru was a nice man he enjoyed his company, adding: “You would hear nothing but salient and wise words from him. The late Senator Felix Ibru was what I would describe as gentle. The word gentle man doesn’t come easily because in our society where you have many who masquerade as gentlemen but in reality are not. Ibru was a genuine gentle man.”

Akinyemi took time to narrate the relationship he had with Ibru right from

Memorial Cathedral, GRA, Ikeja, while the commendation service would be held at the same venue tomorrow.

Born on 7 December, 1953 in Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State to Chief Peter Epete and Chief (Mrs.) Janet Omotogor Ibru, the deceased was survived by his two wives — Matilda and Caroline.

He is also survived by his six children — Onojoma,

Aidido, Oyovwevotu, Sheri, Olotu and Amoroto — and his grandchildren — Stella Atamu Ibru, David and Marie Oniwinde, Noami Analise Oghomaado Ibru, Arika and Ariel Ray. The deceased, who was the second of seven children, obtained his formal education at Yaba Methodist School, Lagos; Igbogbi College; Nottingham School of Architecture, England on Elder Dempster Lines scholarship,

qualifying as an architect in 1962.

At Igbobi, he was the head boy and the first black president of the British Council with responsibility for Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire, in which he was presented to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh in Buckingham Palace in 1960.

A statesman and a patriot in the mould of the pioneer nationalists, he waded into the murky waters of Nigerian politics in 1983 when he contested for a seat in the Nigerian Senate under the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) headed by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, his political idol and mentor.

Though he lost, he subsequently won elections into the Constituent Assembly in 1988. In 1991, he contested and won the election to become the first civilian governor of Delta State. Twelve years later in 2003, he achieved his dream and became the senator representing Delta South senatorial district.

On assumption of office as the first governor of Delta State, he established the Delta State University, the Delta Radio and Television Station.

Described as a gentleman of the finest order, he was greatly admired for his love for family values, dedication to his wives — Matilda and Caroline — and devotion to his children and grandchildren.

He was a man of dignity, dedicated to any cause he believes in. He was a faithful friend and great supporter of the masses. He was for years the President-General of the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU).

and I believe that is the right position every political leader should take which is that after general election political leaders and citizens must unite and address common issues and find solutions to the problems of our country.

"All over the world, once nations have crisis, once nations come under attack, leaders unite across political lines and come together.

"I came in to have discussion with Mr. President and I thank him for that opportunity and we cross fertilised ideas around issues of security. Of course as you know Bayelsa is central to the maintenance of law and order and stability in our country particularly in the Niger Delta region.

"Bayelsa is the epicentre of the issues that have to do with the Niger Delta. We had fruitful discussions on the need for political leaders, governmental and political leaders to work together to support the work of the security agencies and foster better understanding of even people who have grievances and that we are committed to do together."

The governor expressed joy that the state Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja yesterday upheld his election, saying the judgment was an affirmation that his emergence as a true product of the democratic exercise of rights of the people of Bayelsa State in the 5 December and 9 January, 2016 elections.

He said: "Again, I want to use this opportunity to appreciate Mr. President for his non-interference contrary to the propaganda and the name dropping that some politicians back home and even in Abuja embarked upon. There is no name they didn't call, there is no claim that they didn't make but I'm telling Nigerians, I'm telling Bayelsans to disregard all that propaganda, the president never had anything to do by way of negatively influencing the last general election in Bayelsa and also the outcome of the tribunal proceedings.

That is important because if our nation must move forward, if our democracy must be strengthened, if our nation must be stable, then institutions must be allowed to grow.

"I want to use this opportunity to call on my opponent, brother and friend and fellow citizen of Bayelsa and all others to join hands with us so that we can render service to our people and build a stronger and more stable and prosperous Bayelsa."

On the crisis rocking the PDP, Dickson said the nation needed a political party in opposition that is strong and well organised.

He said that the party was working very hard to ensure that some of the issues and disputes in the party were resolved.

He said that the party's convention would produce a virile, credible opposition party that would work for democracy and the Nigerian nation.

According to him, "We need opposition that plays by the rule; that knows that there comes a time when people across divides must unite for the sake of our country. You expect to see those types of issues and disputes in any political party and we are working hard to address them."

Late Ibru their boyhood days till his departure, saying his company with Ibru made him learn good virtues.

He said: “I came to thank the senator for protecting me at Igbobi. I came to thank him for making me learn good virtues. I’m here to thank him for the virtue that I learnt from him. I learnt from him that you don’t use your position to oppress anybody.”

The service of songs holds today at Archbishop Vining

SPECIAL FORCES BEGIN EXERCISE FOR COMBAT IN N’ DELTA, SAYS ARMY “These are complex operations, but we are trained for that and very soon everyone will begin to see the results,” he said.

He added: “We are quite capable of enforcing our mandate. This is a fifth generation warfare. Not everyone there is a criminal.

It is complex and you must consider innocent people.

Every situation demands its own solution. We wouldn’t want to hear complaints that people are being killed.”

He urged the media to be objective and professional in reporting the security challenges in the region, saying that the military would continue to keep its mandate of providing a safe environment for economic prosperity.

According to Okojie, “We have seen reports emanating from faceless sources that tend to compromise national security in the mainstream media and want to restate our commitment to the mandate given to Operation Delta Safe.

“Our mandate does not include engagement in propaganda with any interest and wish to restate that the

territorial integrity of our country is sacrosanct.

“We implore the media to rise to the occasion and subject their security related stories to the dictates of their professional ethics.”

But Dickson told State House correspondents in Abuja yesterday that he discussed the looming violent confrontation between the militants and the military with Buhari and expressed the view that there was no alternative to dialogue in the conflict.

"I have said that the issues in the Niger Delta, the terrain, the historic nature of the issues and challenges are such that military solution may not be the way forward,” he said without giving details of his discussions with the president.

According to him, "For us who are products of political system, who are at this level, we have a duty to mobilise communal and local leadership, we have a duty to support the work that the intelligence and security agencies are doing; we have a duty to ensure that issues are better appreciated and that we fill the communication

gap. And where there are issues, those issues need be addressed. And it is also our duty to network like I'm doing to ensure that problems that are identified as the root cause of some of these challenges are looked into.

"The military solution as I have always maintained is not the right option, we are hopeful that the ongoing discussions will yield the desired result. I have always been in support of negotiations, of dialogue as the sustainable way forward.

Dialogue will bring out the issues and then we will all unite around these common issues to move our country forward."

Dickson, however, thanked Buhari for not interfering in the state election which he won on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and extended an olive branch to his opponents in the election, asking them to bury the hatchet by joining hands with him to build the Bayelsa of their dream.

He said: “I came in this afternoon to have discussions with Mr. President. That is because my position has been

THURSDAY JULY 28, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS

News Editor Davidson Iriekpen Email davidson.iriekpen@thisdaylive.com, 08111813081

Sheriff, Oladipo, Metuh, Ask Court to Stop PDP Convention Party youths protest alleged plans to scuttle national convention Tobi Soniyi in Abuja A Federal High Court in Abuja will today hear an application for interlocutory injunction seeking among others, an order stopping the national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scheduled for August 17.

The judge, Justice Okon Abang had on Tuesday, granted the applicants, who are mostly members of the Ali Modu-Sheriff faction of the party, leave to have the application heard during the court’s long vacation.

The applicants are Sheriff, Prof. Wale Oladapo (National Secretary); Dennis Alonge-Niyi (Deputy National Youth Leader); Alhaji Bashir Maidugu (Deputy National Legal Adviser); Mrs. Hanatu Ulam (Deputy National Women Leader); Alhaji Lawa Dutsima Anchi (Deputy National Auditor); Chief Okey Nnadozie (Deputy National Organising Secretary) and Chief Olisa Metuh (National Publicity Secretary).

Named as respondents are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the PDP as the defendants.

The applicants said the interlocutory injunction was intended to preserve

the substance of the case pending the determination of a substantive suit they filed on July 4, 2016, in which they argued among others, that by virtue of the PDP Constitution, their tenure would expire in 2018.

The nine plaintiffs said they filed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/464/2016 for themselves and on behalf of the Executive Committee/ National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP. The Sheriff faction of the party filed the interlocutory application on July 20 shortly after the Ahmed Makarfi faction announced August 17 for the party’s national convention.

They are asking the court to stop the party from going ahead with the national convention pending the determination of their substantive suit.

Justice Abang had, while granting the applicants’ motion ex-parte for leave to have the application heard during vacation, said he ordinarily would not have granted it, but for the urgency involved.

“It is deserving to be heard during the vacation by the judge nominated by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. But whether it will succeed is another issue entirely,” the judge said.

He scheduled hearing of

El- Rufai Sets up Committee to Study Report of Panel on Shiite, Army Clash are Hauwa U. Umar, Permanent Secretary, The Kaduna State Ministry of Environment; Yusuf Government has Bari’atu Mohammed, Permanent constituted a committee to study the report of the Secretary, Ministry of Judicial Commission of Works, Housing and Kaduna; Inquiry on the December Transport; 12 to 14, 2015 clash Ibrahim Sambo, Permanent between the Islamic Secretary, Ministry for Movement in Nigeria Local Government; Ja’afaru (IMN) also known as Shiite Ibrahim Sani, Permanent and the Nigerian Army in Secretary Cabinet Affairs Zaria and come up with and Special Services, Aisha Mohammed, a draft of the white paper. Kumbo Permanent Secretary and The judicial commission which was headed by Solicitor-General, Ministry Justice Muhammed Lawal of Justice, Ambisa and Garba submitted its report Adze Jonah Permanent to the state Governor, Nasir Secretary, Civil Service Commission.

El-Rufai recently.

According to the The governor had statement, the committee while receiving the had already report promised that the which government would study commenced work, is the recommendation and expected to submit a draft issue a white paper on the of the white paper within recommendations of the two weeks.

The committee, according panel.

The nine-member White to Aruwan, “is to study Paper Drafting Committee, the recommendations of according to a statement the report of the panel by the Special Assistant to into the clash between a the governor on Media detachment of the Nigerian and Publicity, Mr. Samuel army and members of Aruwan, is headed by the IMN and produce a the Permanent Secretary, white paper on the report Ministry of Education, and to make any other Alhaji Adamu Mohammed recommendation(s) that will assist government in Mansur.

Other members addressing issues raised in the report.”

John Shiklam in Kaduna

the application for today and directed that the issuance of hearing notices on both respondents - the PDP and INEC. The PDP National Youth Movement, has protested what it alleged to be a plot to use the Federal High Court to scuttle the rescheduled PDP national convention.

The placard-carrying youths, who formed the movement, staged the protest outside the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday.

The National Director of the movement, Mr. Ohazuruike Tochukwu, told journalists that they were

at the court to present a petition to the Chief Judge, Justice Ibrahim Auta.

Tochukwu said they were worried because the judge, who the case was before, had earlier recognised Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff as the PDP chairman.

He urged Auta to intervene, adding that the matter before the court had already been determined by a similar court in Port Harcourt and that dissatisfied parties could only go on appeal.

The petition indicated that multiple cases were instituted by several parties in various divisions of the Federal High Court and the

FCT High Court.

The petition, which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), indicated that the cases were scrambling for the leadership of the PDP. “So far, in all the cases, the FCT High Court has given judgment in two of the suit and the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, has given judgment in one.

“The court validated the dissolution of the PDP NWC by the National Convention and held that the holding of the convention on May 21 did not violate any order of court.

“From the totality of three judgments already

delivered, Sheriff ceased to be the chairman of the party,’’ the petition stated.

It further said in spite of the judgment of the Port Harcourt Federal High Court sacking Sheriff as PDP chairman, he proceeded to commence another suit in Abuja.

It, therefore, sought an injunction restraining the PDP from holding its convention and to stop INEC from monitoring the convention.

When contacted Metuh stated that he is not even aware of any suit to stop the convention and stated categorically that he did not file any such suit.

PAINFUL LOSS

L-R: Children of the late former Governor of Delta State, Senator Felix Ibru; his wives, Caroline, and Matilda, during an ‘Evening of Tributes’ in honour of the former governor in Lagos....yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

Senate Committee Concludes Screening of Ambassadorial Nominees Today Screens 34 so far

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs will today conclude the screening of 47 ambassadorial nominees sent to the upper chamber last month by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The committee screened 19 nominees yesterday in addition to the 15 it earlier screened on Tuesday, thus bringing the number of those screened so far to 34.

Thirteen more nominees will be screened today.

The committee Chairman, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, in her remarks at the end of yesterday’s exercise, assured the nominees that the committee would bring the exercise to a close today.

However, the committee took cognizance of the woeful performance of some of the nominees screened on Tuesday and hence, relaxed the intensity of questions

it asked those screened yesterday with a view to saving them from public embarrassment.

During her screening, one of the nominees, Mrs. Ngozi Ukaeje, canvassed the need for Nigeria to review its foreign policies if the country must witness rapid development.

Ukaeje, a nominee from Imo State, said reviewing Nigeria’s foreign policies had become imperative in view of the enormous roles the country plays in Africa.

She said even though President Muhammadu Buhari had the plan to make the country better, more attention needs to be deployed towards promoting the nation’s developmental agenda.

Ukaeje said: “As a developing country, we tend to be playing a big role in Africa. Our foreign policy has always been to take care of other African countries. Knowing full well

the national interest it takes to achieve that, there should be a review of our foreign policy even with the ongoing agenda of the president to fight corruption, develop the economy and tackle insecurity.

“With these three, I will advise the foreign minister to do a memo to the president because the country has lost a lot. The main focus should be to review our foreign policy to enable government look more inwards to prioritise and tackle our internal challenges.

This will help to develop our country.”

However, some of the nominees lamented poor funding of Nigerian embassies and high commissions abroad, pointing out that the development makes the discharge of the commissions’ responsibilities to Nigerians in such countries cumbersome.

Others disclosed that they had not been paid two months’

salaries and thus called for greater funding to enable them live up to their personal responsibilities.

Those screened by the committee yesterday were Bello Kazaure (Jigawa) and Adesesan Olatunde (Ekiti), Sunday Itegboye (Edo), Iliyasu . A. Paragalda (Adamawa), Iyang UdohInyang (Akwa-Ibom) and Obinna Chukwuemeka Agbugba (Abia).

Others were Martins Nyong Cobham (Cross River), Ngozi Ukaeje( Imo), Rahmatu Dunama (Taraba), Nonye Esther Udo (Anambra), Munir Liman( Bauchi) and Odeka Janet Bisong (Cross River).

Also screened were Umaru Zainab-Salisu (Kebbi), Momoh Sheidu Omeiza( Kogi) Kabiru Bala ( Zamfara), Queen Worlu (Edo), Abibat Sonaike (Ogun), Michael Femi Abikoye (Kwara) and Musa Saban Mamman (Yobe).

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NEWS

Osinbajo: ICT Generated $32bn FDI in 15 Years Says sustainable devt not achievable without strong ICT sector

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday revealed that the development in the Information Communication

Technology (ICT) sector has generated over $32 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for the country over the last 15 years.

He added that the ICT

Ntel Appoints Danjuma as New Chairman NatCom Development and Investment Limited (NatCom) otherwise known as Ntel has announced a key addition to its board and the emergence of elder statesman, General T.Y. Danjuma (rtd) as chairman.

His appointment as Chairman came in the wake of his strategic and significant investment in ntel.

The announcement was made yesterday following Danjuma’s inaugural board meeting.

Danjuma, fondly known as ‘the green general’ on account of his environmental activism, has interests in oil and gas, banking and shipping.

A respected environmentalist and philanthropist, he was Chairman of Abuja Green Society, and through his own Danjuma Foundation, established in 2009, he passionately supports poverty alleviation, education and medical aid initiatives across Nigeria.

The former Minister of Defence brings to the ntel board robust commercial experience covering some three decades in the public and private sectors, following a successful career in the army from where he retired as a three-star General and Chief of Army Staff in 1980. He also served as Minister of Defence in the first term of the civilian administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Olatunde Ayeni, lawyer, investor, businessman, key promoter of Ntel and until yesterday the Chairman of the

Board is now the Vice Chairman.

A vibrant, energetic and new generation businessman with never-say fail spirit, Ayeni will join hands with the new chairman to drive the new board alongside Danjuma.

Other members of the board include Capt. Idahosa Okunbor, Biola Ayeni, Kasheem Shettima, Phil Chukwu, Kola Adesina, John Darlington, Dan Kunle and Tunde Omotoba.

Commenting on this key addition to Ntel’s board, its Chief Executive Officer, Kamar Abass, remarked “we are delighted to have a man of Danjuma’s standing join us.

As our new chairman, and as a shareholder, we welcome his support as we add momentum to our growth and development in Nigeria’s telecoms industry. We expect to benefit enormously from Danjuma’s sterling leadership credentials and, in this way, to build on the excellent work of our immediate past chairman, Ayeni, who positioned Ntel to deliver the leading Broadband experiences already evidenced in Lagos and Abuja.”

Ntel commenced commercial operations of its 4G/LTEAdvanced network on April 8, this year in Lagos and Abuja.

Network services in Port Harcourt are scheduled to commence early in Q4. NatCom projects making investments totalling more than $1billion by 2020.

FG Deports Three Koreans for Immigration Related Offences Chinedu Eze The federal government has deported three Koreans for various immigrations offences, according to a statement issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

The statement said on July 20, 2016 NIS deported the three Koreans namely, Lee Yoo Song, Lee Byeung Woo and Moon Een Soo. “The Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahaman Dambuzau (rtd), in the exercise of the powers conferred on him by sections 45(2) and (3) and 44( 1e) of the Immigration Act 2015 signed the deportation order.

With the deportation order in force, the three Koreans will not be eligible to enter Nigeria again through any port in the next ten years,” the statement said.

NIS said without prejudice to the foreign investment drive of the current administration, the Comptroller – General of

Immigration, Muhammad Babandede, “wishes to use this opportunity to caution all expatriates and their employers in Nigeria to respect the laws of the country as the NIS is determined to implement all aspect of immigration laws in public interest.”

NIS however noted that expatriates resident in Nigeria with correct documentation are assured of the protection of their rights and dignity.

But observers are of the view that the NIS and security operatives should do more to rid the country of illegal aliens and expatriates who defraud and exploit Nigerians in the country; just as they deport Nigerians who do not abide by the law of various countries where they live, adding that if concerned authorities investigate the activities of most expatriates in Nigeria, many more would be deported.

sector is currently contributing 10 percent of the country’s GDP and has also created over 10 million jobs in the last ten years.

Osinbajo, who was represented by the Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu, disclosed this in Abuja at the ICT Export Industrial Forum with the theme: ‘Embracing ICT Export as an Alternative Means to Diversify the Non-Oil Industrial Sector’ organised by Afritex Initiative.

According to him, “We are living in a digital economy driven by high capacity ICT network. The world is in a massive revolution in ICT, the scope of which stretches far beyond the realm of the sector itself.

“No country seeking real sustainable development and progress, and hopes to achieve these things without a strong ICT sector in place to drive the

necessary change,” he added.

The vice president noted that with the oil sector contributing 20 percent to the Nigeria’s economy in recent times, he said the current economic challenges confronting the country could be exploited to facilitate the goal of being one of the 20 biggest economies by 2020.

He stressed that this however depends on how citizens respond to the challenges and continued focus on developing the non-oil sector especially the ICT sector like what China, India, Singapore among others have done to develop their economies.

Osinbajo stated that: “ICT is currently contributing 10 percent of the GDP and has created over 10 million jobs in the past ten years. As a matter of fact, ICT today has engage more Nigerians than

even the oil sector in the last 50 years.

“Development in the ICT sector has provided well over $32 billion in Foreign Direct Investment over the last 15 years. It is indeed the fastest growing sector of the Nigeria economy which is the second largest ICT market in Africa.

“The number of Internet subscribers in Nigeria also rose from less than 1 million in 2003 to over 80 million in November 2015.”

In spite of these, he noted that there was need for accelerated ICT development to foster inclusive development and address rising youths unemployment among other developmental challenges “Clearly, while there have been gains in the ICT sector, a lot still needs to be done. If we are going to use IT to build a stronger global competitive,

prosperous, job-creating and investment-friendly economy, we must pay adequate attention to embracing ICT revolution as an alternative source of manpower revenue generation,” Osinbajo stressed.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Executive Director, Afritex Initiative, Ugwu Emeka, said the event was in line with her objectives to promote the rapid development and improves global competitiveness of the country’s ICT industry through research and development and through effective linkages to industry and academia.

He called on the government to urgently inaugurate an all in-inclusive committee to take necessary steps towards formulating polices and guidelines for the country’s ICT export and marketing plan.

FARE THEE WELL

L-R: Former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan; former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; and Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, during an ‘Evening of Tributes’ in honour of the late former Governor of Delta State, Olorogun Senator Felix Ovuodoroye Ibru, in Lagos...yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

FG Set to Concession Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano Airports Dele Ogbodo in Abuja The Minister of Aviation, Mr. Hadi Sirika, yesterday said government is set through the Bureau of Public Procurement to concession, Abuja, Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt airports.

According to him, the concessionaire of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, would have to build a second runway and new terminal, adding that the government would also appoint transaction advisers to with BPP in the bidding.

Briefing journalists after inspecting the runway in company of the Minister State for Petroleum, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu, in Abuja, he said notices have been sent to airmen that they can now land safely on the runway.

He said dwindling sources

of revenue, unfavourable exchange rate and several challenges facing government means that government can no longer afford the burden of running the airport, adding that the concession will start with the four big airports in the first instance.

According to him, the Abuja airport was built in 1982, and the runway meant to last for 20 years, adding that it’s load bearing capacity is designed to last for 20 years which means that since 2002, the runway is expected to fail.

“In the last 14 years ,there have not been any major repairs on the runway and unfortunately we have only one runway in Abuja.

“We have just inspected the runway in Abuja and seen where several portions have failed.

However, government didn’t just fold its arm as President

Muhamamadu Buhari has asked for quick short terms repairs to bring the runway into use.

“We have done this though, bigger planes cannot for now land in Abuja and we shall soon send notices to NOTAM.” He said he had invited Julius Berger, CCECC, Reynolds, Dantata and Sawoe and CRCC to site to do inspections and research with a view to quote so that government can select the best.

The minister admitted that the country was in trying times with regards to sourcing for aviation fuel for airline operators.

He said: “There are challenges in getting aviation fuel and the Minister of State for Petroleum is ensuring to start negotiation that the product is available for use.

“I want to appeal to users in the situation that we find ourselves in. The petroleum ministry is doing its best to discharge their responsibility

but some of the challenges are domicile in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the scarcity of foreign exchange though that is also being addressed as the CBN governor is doing his best.

In a brief remark, Kachikwu said: “Government has substantially liberalised the sector and the importation of aviation fuel is no longer an NNPC driven item but given the situation, we are doing all that we can on this to look at countries where there is availability of aviation fuel to solve the intermittent problem “On the long term, we are look at some our fuel produced in the refineries and we are trying to put funds together to do that.

“We shall get solution to this quickly so that we can face the systemic issues of funding and see how the private sector can deliver aviation fuel.”

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NEWS

Stop Blaming Lawyers for Delay in Corruption Trial, Daudu Tells Buhari, Others Kasim Sumaina in Abuja A former President, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and the Coordinator, Rule of Law Development Foundation, Chief Joseph Bodunrin Dauda (SAN), has said that it was unfair for President Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, to blame defence lawyers for the delay in prosecuting corruption cases.

Speaking in Abuja yesterday at the second quarter seminar of the Rule of Development Foundation

(ROLDF), Daudu queried the way and manner the president and several other personalities, including members of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Corruption maligned defence lawyers as being unpatriotic in the administration anti-corruption war.

Daudu said that rather than blaming lawyers, critics should take a critical look at the criminal justice system.

“Obviously, there is something innately wrong with a system where people seem to think that crime and criminality pay and

Nigeria to Export ‘Special Grass’ to Saudi Arabia for Forex The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Audu Ogbeh, has said the ministry will begin the paddock development (growing of special grasses for cattle) in August.

Ogbeh, who made the disclosure at an interactive session with journalists yesterday in Abuja, explained that after some time, the country would become an exporter of the grass to earn foreign exchange.

He said the ministry had started bringing the special seeds of grass (fodder seeds) into the country.

“The Saudi Arabia is asking that if Nigeria can grow enough grass, they will buy to feed their cows,” he said.

He assured that with the paddock development, the clash between farmers and herdsmen in the country would be put to an end.

“The clash between farmers and herdsmen has been getting worse by the years and by the grace of God I will bring it to an end,” he said.

The Cable reported that the minister said no farmer would allow his crops to be eaten by cattle.

“No farmer in the world would like to plant his crops and arrive to see that cows have eaten everything up,” he said.

The minister noted that the

problem had persisted because, over the years, successive governments had not done enough to check the problem.

He said most of the conflicts were been perpetuated by Fulanis from some West African countries such as Senegal, Mauritania and Mali.

Ogbeh cited an instance where some of the herdsmen arrested could not speak any Nigerian language.

He said there was a need for the country to end the herdsmen roaming with cattle even it was a culture.

“Whether it is a culture or not, we cannot afford it any more; it has to stop,” said Ogbeh.

He said after the development of ranches, it would be an offence for any herdsmen to allow his cattle to roam the streets.

The minister said land has been allocated to government in some states that would be used for ranches for herdsmen to acquire for their cattle.

He said cattle produce more litres of milk when they are kept in one place than when they walk about in search of food.

Ogbeh noyted that the ministry was collaborating g with the ministry of interior to provide security at the ranches to check activities of cattle rustlers.

the people either take delight in committing criminal offences or glamorise those who have benefited from the proceeds of crime,” he added.

He noted that this was not the first time the grievous allegations against lawyers was being made.

According to him, it was first alluded to by no greater personality than the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, on the occasion of the opening of the Annual Bar Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association at Abuja in August 2015.

He said: “The chosen topic, ‘The Remit of Criminal Courts and Role of Legal Practitioners in Corruption Cases Under Existing Law’ is apt and is coming on the heels of extensive analysis of government and other stakeholders review of the current fight against corruption in Nigeria.

“On July 18, the Presidential Advisory Committee on AntiCorruption held or participated in a seminar for stakeholders in the criminal justice sector who are involved in one way or the other

in the apprehension, investigation and prosecution of corruption cases at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja. It appears as if the committee does not consider members of the Nigeria Bar who are defence lawyers as stakeholders in the fight against corruption, hence they held the seminar without inviting them and at a point during the workshop, concluded that the defence lawyers were frustrating Government’s fight against corruption by resorting to the use of delay tactics in the course of the discharge of their professional duty as legal practitioners.”

Speaking further, Dauda said, “Indeed, the President queried why lawyers should defend persons alleged to have been engaged in looting the country. In the course of the year, several other personalities including members of the Presidential Committee referred to above, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman and senior lawyers affiliated to them took turns in maligning defence lawyers as being unpatriotic just because

they defended persons accused of committing crimes against the treasury and coffers of the state.”

He said: “The frequency and tenacity of these allegations have begun to assume propaganda dimension such that, if the truth as to the mode or way and manner of prosecution and defense of corruption cases is not clearly brought to the fore of national discourse, then defence lawyers will be a much maligned breed of professionals (endangered species) in the country and reputations that have taken years to construct will be evaporated in a brief moment.

Continuing, he added that, “Undoubtedly, if left unaddressed, these allegations will no doubt have a deleterious effect on the image of legal practitioners in this country especially when they have been accused and tried in absentia for effectively frustrating Government’s anti-corruption agenda.

According to him, the phenomenon of the accused persons defending themselves is

cruelly referred to as ‘corruption fighting back’. Had government thought it fit to invite all the stakeholders to the aforedescribed seminar or round table discussion, the truth would have emerged that defence counsel are ministers in the temple of justice and would do nothing outside the Rules of Professional ethics in the course of the discharge of his duties.

It is imperative so that the truth maybe told about our criminal justice system. Because Nigeria is not isolated from the world and because it is part of the human community, it possesses it’s fair share of social deviants and others who flout the law,” he said.

He explained that, the difference between Nigeria and some other countries is that while those other countries are able to contain the rampancy of crimes through their own justice system, Nigeria is unable to achieve that benchmark. If we get it right in Nigeria, our criminal justice system should be sufficiently empowered to contain the excesses of those who have a penchant to flout the law.”

WELCOME TO MY RESIDENCE

Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (right), receiving Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, during the governor’s visit to the former vice president in Abuja...yesterday

Afenifere Hails Reopening of Bola Ige, Dikibo’s Murder Cases James Sowole in Akure

Fasoranti, in Akure, Ondo State capital.

The pan-Yoruba socioIn the communiqué read political group, Afenifere by the Publicity Secretary, Mr. yesterday commended Yinka Odumakin, the group President Muhammadu also called on the president to Buhari for giving order for the call for the reopening of killings reopening of investigation into of other prominent Nigerians, the murder of a former Attorney- which happened some years General of the Federation and ago saying that the action Minister for Justice, Chief Bola showed that the country still Ige and ex-Deputy National had respect for human lives.

Chairman, South-south, of the While stating that the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief investigations should not be Aminasoari Dikibo. limited to only two persons, The call of the group was one Afenifere said the probe must be of the points in the communiqué holistic and perpetrators should issued at the end of its meeting be brought to book, so as to held in the residence of its prevent such occurrence in National Leader, Chief Reuben the future.

“The investigation must also be extended to the killers of Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Alfred Rewane, Funsho Williams, Marshall Harry and other high profile political murders that took place from the days of Abacha until recent times so that they can put a closure on these murders,” the group stated.

On the state of the economy, the group said the current hardship being faced by Nigerians and inability of state governments to pay workers salaries, was as a result of the federal government controlling the largest part of the country’s economy.

“We are insisting that until Nigeria is restructured to have a new economic model that allows every state to go under the soil and bring out its resources to expand the productive base so that there will be more prosperity and can take care of their workers, we are not going to get out of this crisis.”

The group also advised the federal government to stop giving bail-outs to states and giving conditions, saying rather the government should take another look at the revenue allocation formula and “free some of what the federal government was holding at the moment to go to the state.”

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THURSDAY JULY 28, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

Rerun Elections: Wike Declares Willingness to Implement Peace Accord IPAC rejects postponement of poll Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the state government would sincerely implement the resolutions of the peace meeting brokered by the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) for the peaceful conduct of rerun elections in the state.

The governor declared that he willingly participated at the peace meeting convened by the Inspector-General of Police and the Director General of DSS because of his commitment to peace and the need to make sacrifices for the development of the state.

Addressing PDP faithful

at the Rivers West senatorial district rally in Degema on yesterday, Wike stated the people of the state must be allowed to elect representatives of their choice at the national and state assemblies.

He said: “I was at the peace meeting because we love peace and want the state to move forward. I signed an undertaking on your behalf that we are prepared for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organise credible, free and fair elections.

“It is not in our position to have crisis because we are the ones losing,” he said.

He noted that the Rivers State Government will partner security agencies

Begin Prospecting for Oil in Bida Basin, Niger Govt Urges FG Laleye Dipo in Minna The Niger State Government yesterday urged the federal government to begin the process of prospecting for oil in the Bida Basin the same way with the Chad basin as directed

by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The appeal was contained in a statement made available to journalists in Minna, the state capital by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Jonathan Tsado Vatsa, saying the Bida Basin was rich in crude oil deposits.

Former Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu had commissioned the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University at Lapai and some experts from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria to carryout geophysical survey of the Bida Basin for crude oil deposits.

The experts returned a positive report to the government but the capital intensive nature of exploration stopped the then government from commencing the project.

However, Vatsa said the federal government with its vast resources should begin prospecting for oil in the state.

This according to Vatsa would not only improve the nation’s revenue and that of the state when full exploration began but will create jobs for the large number of the unemployed in different parts of the country.

“The federal government’s decision is a giant step that can step up the economic potential of the state and country if pursued with vigour.”

While commending the President Buhari-led administration for stepping up measures for prospecting

for oil in the Northern part of the country, Vatsa said such efforts would be incomplete if the search is not extended to the Bida Basin in Niger State.

to ensure that peaceful elections hold in the state.

He said those who want the state to burn the state would be disappointed.

Wike expressed sadness that some politicians were celebrating that the elections were postponed, saying that his commitment that Rivers State should have representatives at the National Assembly is because the people of the state have been shut out on the deliberation of the Petroleum Industry Bill and other legislations.

“Nigerians know, the world knows that Rivers State is PDP. So shall it be forever,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State chapter of Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC) has said it rejects the postponement of the re-run elections in the state.

Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, the state Chairman of IPAC, Felix Obuah, called on INEC to go ahead with the earlier scheduled date of July 30 for the elections.

His text read:, “We, members of registered political parties under the aegis of Rivers State InterParty Advisory Council

(IPAC) have just received but with grave disappointment the news of the suspension of the re-run elections in the State scheduled to hold Saturday, July 30, 2016.

“It’s indeed shocking that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, could arbitrarily suspend the elections without consulting the concerned political parties and inundating us as to why the elections should not go on as planned.

“This is suspicious and clearly shows that Nigeria’s Democracy is on trial by an electoral body that ought to be an unbiased umpire.”

He disputed INEC’s claim of violence and insecurity as reasons for putting off the elections.

“There is no gainsaying the fact that the State has been relatively peaceful, with the residents carrying on with their businesses across the State lawfully and without any incidence of skirmishes in any part of the State as erroneously alleged.

“Compared to other states where elections and re-run elections have taken place also

conducted by same INEC, Rivers State can safely be described as a haven mainly due to the efforts of the State government in providing logistic support to the security agencies for maintenance of law and order. Security concerns are a national and indeed, universal phenomenon and not peculiar to Rivers State.

“To therefore anchor on, or hide under security concerns to postpone elections long prepared for, for almost a year now is to say the least, a blatant lie and deceptive,” he stated.

He called on INEC to reverse itself and go ahead with elections on Saturday.

“We, members of the

Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Rivers State hereby condemn in its entirety the unilateral suspension of the July 30 re-run elections in the State by the INEC. “We also make bold to say that we are very ready and most prepared for the elections because we have worked hard to prove to the people that we are capable and remain their best choice to pilot their affairs which are self-evident.

“We therefore urge the INEC to reverse itself and go ahead to conduct the elections it had so much promised and announced its readiness to do so,” Obuah said.

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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

COMMENT

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

MUCH ADO ABOUT HIJAB

Muhammad Ajah argues there is no harm in wearing the hijab to school

T

he noise across the country, especially in the South-west of Nigeria, about the use or disuse of hijab is uncalled for. Let this madness of seeking to ban what is part and parcel of an internationally accepted creed stop henceforth. Let every Nigerian girl be allowed to dress in public and private schools according to what is obtainable in the constitution.

The Muslims girls of Nigeria are entitled to freedom of worship, just like other children of other faiths. What is wrong in wearing the hijab to school or anywhere the girls choose to be? Does it harm anyone’s sight or existence? Does it take away anything from anyone around the girl?

Or is it just another concealed devise to fight Islam? And if the last be the reason, then it is a war to finish because no man can change a divine instruction or win a war against God’s will.

Hijab is part of a Muslim female dress code. Historically, it is also a dress code that was practised by the earlier followers of Prophet Jesus. A Muslim female child is not supposed to expose her head to foreigners – those who are unknown or not related to her. Some Muslim females, however, by fear, sheer ignorance of its divine consequences or mere sensation from inferiority complex neglect to wear it. The negligence of few does not justify why those who choose to obey their religious guidelines should be forced to do otherwise. Why is wearing Hijab is a problem to Christians?

There has been no much apprehension over the many social ills eating up our society: nakedness on the street, prostitution everywhere, sexual harassments everywhere, fornication and adultery even in worship places, child abuse and trafficking, baby factories and moral decadence, amongst others. Hijab is a dress code that signifies nobility in womanhood. Despite the ban on use of hijab in public places by some anti-Islamic states, others have become increasingly aware of its socio-cultural significance and allowed it. Our children must not be let down by the anti-Islam crusade against them. Muslim parents should explore all legal means to protect the rights of their children. It is yet another quandary that Muslim children are forced to learn Christianity in areas where they are in minority; they are forced to recite hymns in the school assembly and they are denied Islamic studies during extra moral classes.

Once, the television beamed the hijab controversy in Lagos and Osun States. My older children were dumfounded that a government of everybody can be cowed to act in a way that infringes on the fundamental right of its citizens. “I think Lagos is no man’s land”, one of them said.

My five- year- old baby girl asked what was happening and I explained to her. She proclaimed, “but our aunty and my friends wear it in our school.” She could not remember that she often wears it to school too.

She attends a private school owned by a Christian with majority of the staff composed of Christians. They allow Muslims to wear hijab in some of their private schools. Why the ban of same in public schools? Why should Muslim children go against their religious ethics and culture which do not pose any security threat? Though are attempts to discredit hijab by incorporated suicide bombers dressed in hijab, it should not deter the Muslim children from being proud to perform their religious obligation.

The story that large quantities of hijab were found in some non-Islamic worship houses in the north has been an eye-opener. Human plans against divine instructions are lethargic.

WHAT IS WRONG IN WEARING THE HIJAB TO SCHOOL OR ANYWHERE THE GIRLS CHOOSE TO BE? DOES IT HARM ANYONE’S SIGHT OR EXISTENCE? DOES IT TAKE AWAY ANYTHING FROM ANYONE AROUND THE GIRL?

The Lagos Government had banned the wearing of hijab, arguing that it was not part of the approved school uniform for pupils.

Following the ban, two teenage Muslim female students under the aegis of the Muslim Student Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit, went to court on May 27, 2013, seeking declaration of the ban as a violation of their rights to freedom of thought, religion and education. Justice Modupe Onyeabor of Lagos High Court sitting at Ikeja on October 17, 2014, dismissed the suit instituted against the Lagos State Government.

The students were dissatisfied with the judgment and appealed against it for the protection of their constitutional rights.

However, a panel by the Court of Appeal in Lagos on July 21, 2016 upturned the judgment. Justice A.B. Gumel held that the use of hijab is an Islamic injunction and also an act of worship, hence it will constitute a violation of the appellants’ rights to stop them from wearing hijab in public schools. He held that the lower court erred in law when it held that the ban on wearing the hijab is a policy of the Lagos State Government.

In Osun state, all schools were said to have been acquired in 1975 by the state government from religious bodies, individuals, communities, groups, amongst others. So there seemed to be total freedom to religious practices. However on one case, the Muslims dragged the state government headed by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola – a Muslim – to court over the refusal of some ‘Christians’ public schools to allow their female students wear the hijab. Justice Jide Falola of Osun State High Court on June 3, delivered a judgment in favour of the case instituted by the MSSN. The judge declared the wearing of hijab in public schools by female Muslim pupils as legal and appropriate. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Osun State instructed Christian pupils to wear church robes to the school – Baptist High School, Adeeke, Iwo – if the state government dared implement the judgment. Some Christian pupils obeyed and were followed by CAN leaders to ensure that they were not turned back. The entire quarrel over the hijab is routed to the hatred of Christians to it. One hears of them molesting Muslim women over it. “Are you not feeling the heat?” they would mock. “What sickness are you hiding?” they would squeal the other time. Some would shout at their subordinates to remove the hijab. The worrisome aspect is that non-Muslim women now wear hijab in different manners – tying it around their necks or just dropping it on their shoulders. By so doing, they corrupt the Muslim females who, quick to emulate, cannot differentiate between real Muslim women and pretenders.

But why the hatred and opposition to hijab? There are serious issues that demand the attention of Nigerian individuals and organisations.

CAN as a very responsible and responsive organ that defends the interest of Christians in Nigeria, should engage the government or perceived individual that tramples on their fundamental rights headlong. There is no reason for it to interfere in the ethics and culture of Islam which it knows is its main opposition. It should work hard to purge its member churches of the inclination to worldly than divine essence. Even if Christians hate Islam, hijab should be the least thing that they should fear because their children are not forced to wear it.

Ajah is an advocate of humanity, peace and good governance in Abuja

THE PRESIDENT ON THE ROPE

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elson Mandela once said something to the effect that all his life he had spent fighting black marginalisation and white marginalisation. The great mystery of creation is that no one was consulted as to where, how, when and through whom he/she would come into the world. Any one of us down south could have been born Muslims and those up north could have been born Christians or born into whatever belief system is available. This truth holds true for all peoples and civilisations. Of course history, internal, and international imperialism all played contributory roles in shaping our social consciousness and identity. Methinks that the propensity of the human person to embrace Marchiavellian and Darwinian philosophical constructs are at the heart of society’s failings especially when there is no countervailing response from civil society. Parochially motivated actions and pronouncements can never serve the public good but the good of a particular class that abounds throughout the length and breadth of our nation. Since positive virtues and altruism are not the high points of this class, the tendency for intra class competition for purely selfish motives and intra-class consolidation is not far off. The people remain the cannon fodder in the process and are used as agitators by either group to redress what the victimised class now disguises as the threat to the ‘entire people’. In other words, the interest of the ‘few’ becomes the interest of ‘all’. Still, even if we understand that all governments in the country have been guilty of some level of lopsided appointments, a brazen and careless approach to it as is presently the case in Nigeria is dangerous to the polity and undermines the ability of the government to govern.

A study of the modern socio-political development

President Buhari should make his government all-inclusive, argues Achike Chude of Nigeria should inform us on the impracticability of successful governance without the right kind of consensus from all relevant power centres in the country. Contemporary political happenings in the country attest to the fact that yesterday’s menu is still being proferred as a solution to today’s hunger.

This is simply because the cooks are still the same and have stuck stubbornly to the ingredients of the past. Even with the expiration of their shelf life, they cling suicidally to a long discarded recipe. They fail to realise that civilisation has left them behind in an era of new realities. They must keep Nigeria permanently locked in a time warp. They do not see that the former cleavages of feudal and elitist power across the country have broken down. Those who once boasted that only they held the political future of this country are in disarray. Groups, insurgents, kidnappers, ethnic freedom fighters have equally made themselves power centres to be negotiated with. Power is no longer in the North nor in the South. It is everywhere and it is nowhere. In the midst of this mindless chaos, how can a government govern if it gives some people the impression that all Nigerians are equal but some are more equal than others? This government needs Nigerians and Nigeria. It does not need northerners neither does it need southerners including the ethnic and religious baggage that go with geopolitical identities.

Surely it is the understanding of this socio-political reality that makes a pan-Nigerian approach to election campaigns an absolute necessity. It therefore follows that this understanding would naturally be adopted on ascension of political power as well as in the dispensation, dispersal and diffusion of same. After all, the concept of political power in a democratic setting is people originated, and people destined.

Once government, any government, is shorn of its

people-centric nature it loses its heart and its soul.

This is because government does not derive political and moral authority and legitimacy from itself. It must not conduct itself in an unjust, discriminatory and despotic manner but must act for the public good. In the words of Pope John XXXIII “Authority is exercised legitimately only when it seeks the common good of the group concerned and if it employs morally licit means to attain it.” If rulers were to enact unjust laws or take laws contrary to the moral order, such arrangements would not be binding in conscience. In such a case “authority breaks down completely and results in shameful abuse”. Flowing from the above, it follows that authority can never validly pass and is not in a position to pass a value judgment on itself. In a democracy, that is left for the people in whom power “resides”. Unfortunately in a growing democratic milieu like Nigeria marked by all manner of contradictions, the people are usually limited in their ability to influence the direction of government and to set a template for the political class. Even though this incapacitation, this exclusion of the participation of the people in governance is welcomed, worked for by the political class, on the basis of class interest, it carries with it the potential for future conflict and rebellion on the part of the people. When a government through acts of omission and commission, wilfully and unconsciously elevates public discourse to purely parochial issues of ethnic, geopolitical and religious discourse because of that government’s actions such as appointments that do not reflect the country’s diversity, then there is a basis for concern.

We maintain that only an all-inclusive government can activate the right kind of dynamics needed to attract the right kind of goodwill needed for a broad based social concensus for effective governance. It

cannot be driven by the men of yesterday with their hypocrisy, parochialism and penchant for initiating and promoting the processes for instability and social dislocation. How can they be totally exempt from the sins of the bloodied Boko Haram insurgents?

How can the malfeasance of unconscionable kidnappers not make its way to the abode of our political class in indictment? In an era of internal class contradiction characterised by the ongoing war against corruption it becomes more of a necessity to build a more vibrant, committed and energy-driven social force comprised of a new generation of youths aware, conscious, and jealous enough to safeguard their future. The Buhari persona before the election was one of contradiction because of the pedigree of those gathered in assemblage for battle against the PDP machinery. Still, in spite of misgivings there was the hope that the aforementioned contradictions of his presidency would signpost some turmoil for the major political actors in the polity. In this the theorists have been proved partially right with the ongoing anti-corruption probes in the country especially within the once powerful and untouchable military establishment. But this is as far as it has gone as the much awaited and requisite convictions of these ‘crooks’ are still pending. Meanwhile, their ilk and contemporaries in the APC move about, for now, protected by the simple reason that it is the party in power. As for the pre-election Buhari, only he could provide a safe landing for the post -election Buhari and lay to bed finally all the rumours and insinuations of an insidious, parochial and divisive agenda. Only he could condemn the diatribe of his traducers to the dust bin of history by being a truly Nigerian president.

Chude is the Deputy Chairman of the Joint Action Front

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EDITORIAL THE ALLEGATION AGAINST BURATAI

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Government’s indifference to the case will haunt the anti-corruption war

he controversy surrounding the alleged offshore investments of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has refused to go away, despite being swept under a growing mound of unresolved eyebrow-raising developments in government circles. Yet, to the extent that the issue is being viewed by a section of the public that the federal government is habouring some sacred cows in its much-vaunted anti-corruption war, it is one scandal that needs to be properly addressed.

We note, for the record, that Buratai has been a good commander for the army whose valiant efforts to rid the nation of the Boko Haram insurgency must be acknowledged. We must also state that being a serving military officer does not preclude Buratai from having business interests, especially when those interests are seen to be driven by members of his immediate family. We also affirm that, notwithstanding the fact that those who make damaging allegations against serving public officers have a duty to prove same, THE SAME LAW THAT institutions of state ALLOWS BURATAI CERTAIN must investigate RIGHTS AS A FREE CITIZEN every weighty allegaALSO PUTS HIM UNDER tion and help clear OBLIGATION TO FULLY the good name of any CLARIFY ANY QUESTIONS affected public officer.

THAT MAY ARISE IN The duty of a responCONNECTION WITH HIS sible government in ENJOYMENT OF THOSE such circumstances is RIGHTS AS A PUBLIC to protect all parties OFFICER and maintain the rule of law.

However, the same law that allows Buratai certain rights as a free citizen also puts him under obligation to fully clarify any questions that may arise in connection with his enjoyment of those rights as a public officer. In the instant case, the military chief must be seen to have satisfactorily answered the questions raised by his accusers, whatever may be their motiva-

Letters to the Editor

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tions. “We have defeated the terrorists on the land and they have now migrated to the cyberspace. But I want to assure that we will follow these Boko Haram that migrated to the cyberspace to wherever they are. We will follow them and clear their doubts,” said Buratai recently in response to the allegations.

It is true that the Defence Minister, Mr. Mansur Dan Ali, himself a retired military officer, spoke in Buratai’s defence, albeit in a rather inelegant language and not very coherently. Even at that, it is not within Ali’s purview to speak on behalf of any serving officer in such circumstances. The minister therefore overreached himself and may actually have worsened the case both for the Chief of Army Staff and the federal government. Besides, not one of the official reactions on this matter, so far, has addressed the substantive issue of integrity being raised.

T H I S DAY

EDITOR IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU DEPUTY EDITORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, JOSEpH USHIGIALE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAfE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAfE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EfENI, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR OLUfEMI ABOROWA DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS pETER IWEGBU, fIDELIS ELEMA, MBAYILAN ANDOAKA, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS HENRY NWACHOKOR, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI GENERAL MANAGER pATRICK EIMIUHI GROUP HEAD fEMI TOLUfASHE ART DIRECTOR OCHI OGBUAKU II DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

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t should be clear by now that not only have the belated, poorly crafted and self-serving defence of Buratai from several quarters been most unhelpful to him, they have done incalculable damage to the image of the Nigerian Army. As things stand, the federal government is also looking increasingly less than sincere in its anti-corruption fight. In addition to the Buratai case and several others, there is now a brewing controversy over the expanded investigation into allegations of fraud connected with arms purchase over a period of eight years (2007 to 2015) by the military.

Beyond the question of guilt or innocence is the matter of state probity in the conduct of public business. Therefore, we fully support the government’s anti-corruption war and the sustained probe of military procurements, as this will lead to the recovery of stolen funds and create new standards of transparency in the public service. What we do not support are actions and inactions that may summarily undermine the intended gains of such efforts by creating the impression that the war against corruption is targeted at only some people while it excludes others.

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (9501000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

LAGOS, TREE PLANTING AND THE ENVIRONMENT

rees are strategic in combating global warming as they absorb the carbon-dioxide in the atmosphere, replenish the air with oxygen and also contribute immensely to the aesthetics of the environment. They also check erosion and stem the tide of windstorm by serving as wind breakers. On another note, trees are brilliant cleansers. They remove other pollutants through the stomates in the leaf surface. It is considered that trees act as what some call a carbon sink, storing the gas in its branches, trunk, leaves, etc., instead of leaving the gas to become free floating and further polluting the atmosphere. In this natural function alone, trees directly reduce the growth of the greenhouse effect and counteract global warming.

Trees also serve the purpose of overall air quality enhancer, and a much needed one at that. They provide natural habitats for many small creatures, and reduce the temperature by providing shade. Thus, a tree is not just a beautiful work of nature standing amongst the many phenomenal picturesque settings of this world; it is a powerful and vital tool for human survival.

Modern science recognises that without tree manufacturing oxygen, life on earth would have been impossible. As the world concentrates on global warming and its adverse effects on climatic change, it is imperative that the public be more educated and enlightened on efficacy of trees. Although planting of trees has long been a suggestion to better the earth, there is a desperate need for sustained action at making it not just an annual ritual

as it is being practiced in most states of the country but what everybody, especially land owners, must embrace.

According to climate experts, human-induced global deforestation is responsible for 18-25% of global climate change. The United Nations, World Bank and other leading non-governmental organisations are therefore encouraging re-forestation and other activities that promote tree planting to mitigate the effects of climate change. Ironically, as simple as tree planting process is, only quite a few pays adequate attention to in this clime.

In Lagos State, considering the geographical nature of the state, efforts are being made by the state government to encourage tree planting. Having realised that tree planting is one of the most valuable tools available to help to provide environmental stability, the state government has concluded plans aimed at planting 10 million trees by 2020. It is, therefore, essential for the citizenry to be fully involved in this plan so that the benefits can accrue to all. Every citizenry desirous of good governance must be familiar with environmental issues because it matters a lot. This will certainly enable everyone to actively participate in the state’s environmental sustainability agenda.

Expectedly, the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) has commenced the pruning of the branches of trees on major roads and highways while also doing same in and around public buildings of the various government establishments to prevent avoidable accidents in the case of windy rains.

Established as part of efforts to achieve its goal of environmental

sustainability while also tackling the multi-effects of climate change, LASPARK has continually projected its advocacy activities resulting in the planting of about 5.9 million trees across the state, while also beautifying open spaces and loops.

According to the agency’s General Manager, Mrs. Abimbola Jijoho-Ogun, “trees are the lungs of the earth and remain crucial in sustaining human life since they purify the air we breathe.”

She, thus, encouraged Lagos residents to continue to plant trees to mark memorable events and reminded them to nurture the trees properly and patiently to maturity. She, however, warned that the law against indiscriminate felling of trees is a punishable crime is still in force and for every tree that must be removed; at least five others must be planted.

As we are currently in the thick of the rainy season with its attendant challenges such as windstorms and flooding, some of the long old branches of matured trees can give way and break-off, causing some harm or destroying rooftops or parked vehicles. In order to prevent such untoward occurrence, residents may decide to cut them off, but before doing such it is advisable to contact LASPARK for professional help in order to guide against preventable consequences. Lagos residents are advised to cooperate with the state government by seeking timely advice from LASPARK and other related government agencies on pruning, cutting and transplanting of trees during the rains for safety purposes.

Oladeinde Remilekun Ganiat, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Lagos

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY JULY 28, 2016

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POLITICS

Group Politics Editor Olawale Olaleye Email wale.olaleye@thisdaylive.com 08116759819 SMS ONLY

PERSONALITY INTERVIEW

Dogara: My Fears with the Corruption Fight Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara was in Lagos recently, where he met with journalists and also fielded questions on the state of the nation, especially the fight against corruption.

He said if government is unable to convict persons accused of diverting public funds, then the entire effort would amount to nothing. Shola Oyeyipo presents the excerpts: What do you think about Buhari’s anticorruption war?

You will recall that the fight against corruption is one of the cardinal promises that the President made before assumption of office. He had course to say that we have to kill corruption before corruption kills us and I know he is committed to fighting corruption to a standstill. The process of doing that has become a subject of concern to some people.

The EFCC is actually the agency, as we all know, that is in charge of this fight and if you look at what it has done so far, there is even a discussion as to whether they are proceeding in the right direction and whether it is not time for us to sit down and do an assessment of how the fight has been in view of the fact that in the last one year, I do not think there has been any major conviction.

It has always been a case of this person has been arrested and detained and some things have been done or he has been charged to court and then the story ends there. Whether if we continue like this, we will succeed in fighting corruption, only God knows. If the end is just to arrest people, charge them to court and thereafter nothing happens, no one is convicted; because conviction, even if you are not jailed, has a way of deterring people.

The fact that you are carrying that negative

It has always been a case of this person has been arrested and detained and some things have been done or he has been charged to court and then the story ends there. Whether if we continue like this, we will succeed in fighting corruption, only God knows.

If the end is just to arrest people, charge them to court and thereafter nothing happens, no one is convicted because conviction, even if you are not jailed, has a way of deterring people

Dogara...we must make scapegoat of the corruption fight

appellation as a former convict has the potential to deter people from corruption in the future.

But if I am just arrested, charged to court and maybe some money recovered from me and at the end of the day, nothing happens, a lot of people may not be deterred in the future from engaging in corrupt practices. But if you look at the massive looting of the treasury, actually, I have been in government for quite some time, I never, never, could have imagined the scale of corruption that we are witnessing right now where people took lots of money running billions and buried them in farms.

As we are speaking now, they are recovering monies from someone’s farm somewhere around Abuja. It is very unfortunate, where people stole money just for the sake of stealing. If you were the one who was in charge of fighting corruption, you would have even been shocked by the scale of the problem. And I guess part of the problem we have is that the scale of the problem far outweighs the anticipation of the agencies, so, if care is not taken in the process, we may not get things right. They will have to keep their heads level to be able to be in charge of this fight and to do it effectively.

But do you agree the fight is selective?

If we are talking about corruption, naturally, it will relate to those that had opportunity to serve in government. You will recall that, especially, that the PDP has been in power for

a number of years, more than a decade and if you were to weigh members of the opposition It has always been a case of this person has been arrested and detained and some things have been done or he has been charged to court and then the story ends there. Whether if we continue like this, we will succeed in fighting corruption, only God knows. If the end is just to arrest people, charge them to court and thereafter nothing happens, no one is convicted because conviction, even if you are not jailed, has a way of deterring people that are in government now and had opportunity to serve, those that would have tendencies to engage in pilfering of resources, majority will come from PDP, except we are not been realistic.

Even though we can’t claim that all the members of APC are saints, you pointed out that APC spent money in the course of the campaign, but where did this money come from? Because as it is, we haven’t really had any had facts about government officials forwarding money to the cause of the campaign; a majority of the money that was stolen was channeled towards the PDP campaign.

You know that this arms purchase monies, for instance, virtually everything was given for the prosecution of PDP campaign. I do not think a dime went to any member of the APC. We were all in government then. I can’t remember a discussion like that then but I knew when some of the funds were being given to

some of our friends as well but I believe that no one that is of APC stock was given that money. The whole thing was scripted.

I don’t think the fight has really been one sided. If you recall, one of the closest aides to the president, I don’t want to name him, when he was picked up everyone was shocked that that man could be picked up. He had been one of the most dutiful, one of the people that is very, very close to the president, yet he wasn’t spared when evidence was adduced that he benefitted from it and he had to refund the money.

And recently, one of the closest people to the Villa as well, was picked up. He has been detained and questioned, some recoveries were made from him and if the intention was that the fight should be one sided or if it were to be a case that would have sacred cows these two amply qualify as sacred cows that should not be touched.

I sincerely believe that the problem is that of evidence. If there is anybody in the APC government that perpetuated corruption and didn’t get dealt with, it could be that there is no evidence before the government right now and I know that there will be more that will come under serious searchlight of the anti-graft agencies and it doesn’t matter where they are.

One thing I will say is that in a civil society, what is important is the issue of justice.

Justice comes first even before the issue of

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T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

INTERVIEW DOGARA: MY FEARS WITH THE CORRUPTION FIGHT wealth, or power and everything. Following from justice is wealth and equality. Without that, you cannot even have democracy. So, for us to succeed really, we have to apply the rules across board. It doesn’t matter if you are a member of the ruling party or in opposition; if you are corrupt you have to be dealt with.

How do you see the alleged senate forgery case?

On the Senate forgery case, so much has happened. By virtue of my training, when a matter is in court, I really do not want to offer an opinion on it because as we say, it is subjudice. But I must say that there is an importance attached to all these institutions of democracy, where you have the case of government’s power been carved out and vertically or horizontally shared. They are all for some purposes.

I believe that the National Assembly in any country is the bastion of democracy. Where you do not have an independent National Assembly, you definitely will have some kind of totalitarian tendencies in the government. In the past, there has been stability with regards to the work of the judiciary and the executive because usually, during military regimes or intervention, the institution that was suspended was the National Assembly and for obvious reasons. The body that now makes the law is the executive body.

Ours is a democracy that is still evolving, it is not as nascent as it used to be but we still have a lot to learn.

If the goal is that they want to strangle the parliament, then definitely, we are going to run into serious problems and that will be an affront, a serious affront, on democracy and that will be totally unacceptable. But since the matter is in court, it doesn’t mean that when allegations are made, that they are true. It doesn’t.

A lot of people have been charged in courts before and at the end of the day, insufficient evidence is given.

And in a case of forgery, forgery is a criminal offense and the standard of proof – the burden of proof – is beyond reasonable doubt. The Senate has spoken. It is an issue that all of us including the Senate and the House of Representatives will have to really sit down and analyse.

As it is, I haven’t really seen the papers, I haven’t seen the charges, I don’t know whether they are grounded or not but I have asked, as a lawyer too, that I needed to see the nature of the evidence against the presiding officers that are being charged to court in a case of forgery. And if there is a compelling case, we won’t say he should be exempted because we are legislators.

Can you justify the clamour for immunity by lawmakers against this backdrop?

I know that right now, there is an ongoing discussion about the propriety or otherwise of immunity being given to presiding officers of the National Assembly. I have had attacks on the social media and the conventional media. A lot of people have expressed divergent views. If the view is that we are not entitled to immunity, then it will mean that we are conferring some kind of legitimacy to this kind of trial because in the future, we cannot stop any government that says it wants to prefer charges against a presiding officer and at the end of the day, if the goal is really to emasculate the National Assembly, that will easily be attained.

But like I said, without an independent, effective National Assembly, there is bound to be problems in any given democracy. This thing was said long ago, long, long ago by Lord Acton, when he said “power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.” A lot of people believe why do we have the Senate and the House of Representatives, why can’t we even have one house? But like they say, if you think that education is expensive, why don’t you try ignorance? There are reasons behind the creation of all these institutions.

Can we discuss the allegation of government within government?

I guess the allegation of government within government followed the charge that was preferred against president of the Senate and the deputy Senate president. We deal with the issues based on perception and sometimes, based on the light that is available to us.

The Senate President has his own sources of information, he is a close watcher of development of government; he has been in the system far

democracy.

It is only in the course of entertaining them that it is adjudged to be unhealthy to the system that we can put them aside. My take on this is very simple. I have had cause to talk to some of the promoters of this bill to say hey, there is this unhealthy discussion about these bills in the National Assembly, so let’s just halt and have a small group of people that will take a look at some of these issues from the contributions of Nigerians and let’s advise ourselves before moving on and as it is, that is where we are.

Why we must resist executive intimidation

longer than me and so, for him to have made this allegation, it means he had seen certain things or certain trends that lent credence to what he said.

But that is ultimately within the purview of the light that is available to him. In my own case, I cannot say that I have seen a situation, where a cabal that sits in government can make a decision. I don’t know, but I believe that since he is the one that said it, he will be in a better position to throw light on this and I wish he were here so that he can better educate us on this government within a government.

What’s your relationship with the presidency like?

In the last administration, there were instances where the National Assembly summoned an appointee of the executive to appear before the National Assembly like in the case of the former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani AllisonMadueke. Now, the Attorney General of the Federation has refused to appear. This is a man that appeared before the Senate for screening and now, he is saying he is not answerable to the Senate, that he is an appointee of the president. Have we returned to that era?

In specifics, what are the achievements of this APC government?

Recently, we have been engaging ministers on diversification of the economy and that will take me to the last issue on the performance of the APC government. You can imagine if all the minsters had said no, we are not responsible to the House of Representatives or to parliament and we will not come. There can’t be that discussion. We had interfaced where for the first time, ministers were called upon to come to our plenaries and explain how they were doing in the targets they have set for themselves to ensure that it is not just talks because talk is cheap.

We have always had discussions about diversification of the economy, why is it that

If I am just arrested, charged to court and maybe some money recovered from me and at the end of the day, nothing happens, a lot of people may not be deterred in the future from engaging in corrupt practices.

it wasn’t done? So this time around, we want them to tell us, through the instrumentality of the parliament, to speak to Nigerians about the goals they are setting for themselves, the targets, so that we can clearly understand the basis for holding them to their own targets or milestones that they have set.

So we had that discussion, we listened to them, we have heard all they have said they will do in the next year, the third year and so on and so forth. We will continue to press on that to ensure that at least, they deliver.

We have a course of reviewing what they are doing, otherwise nothing will be done. For us to get to where we want to, we have to do things differently and it is part of doing those things differently.

Are you concerned about members of the executive not honouring invitations of the parliament?

On this issue of the executive and the need to get Supreme Court decision on the issue, whether we should approach the court and ask for interpretation of our powers to summon ministers, I don’t think that is in doubt. The provisions of the Constitution are manifestly and patently clear about powers in pursuance of a resolution published in a gazette.

In the case of Diezani, what she did was a clever way of saying there was no publication in a gazette and so we had not complied with the Constitutional provision to compel her. That was neither here nor there but the Constitution was very clear that in pursuance to our resolution published in a gazette. We can invite any authority in Nigeria or any place to give evidence in clear exercise of our legislative powers.

It is manifestly provided for in our constitution. We will see what we can if it is necessary to approach the court again, maybe the Supreme Court, to pronounce on this. But if you have a clear crystal definition of the law like that and someone, who is a lawyer says he is not bound by that, maybe the same discussion will arise even if the Supreme Court says look, you are bound to appear if you have been summoned before parliament.

What we should correct more in Nigeria is this culture of impunity. It is not a question of law; it is just a matter of when an individual feels that to some extent, I can maneuver my way through the system so I’m not bound by the provisions of the law.

But like I said before, due to process, rule of law is the foundation of democracy to the extent that it is not the government of men but the government of laws. Anyone who knows and believes in our laws will not have any difficulty honouring the invitation of the National Assembly except that person feels guilty.

Do you want to address the Grazing Bill?

We have had bills introduced on the issue of grazing and I know that it has become a highly contested matter in the body polity. I believe that as leaders, we have responsibility to halt discussions that are not healthy in the polity. That is not the kind of thing we should encourage but as to whether we should have the discussion at all, I agree that whether things are pleasant or unpleasant, like I said before, we just have to entertain them in a

The debate on the amnesty programme is also controversial. What’s your take?

With regards to amnesty, I don’t think the government has stopped the amnesty programme. The contention, as I heard, is that the funds appropriated were not enough. It is not the case that there is an outright ban on amnesty programme. All of us believe that this is the right way to approach this.

We were in government when this decision was taken and we sincerely believe that it provides a great window for managing this crisis in the Niger Delta, so it is one of the things the executive can’t simply wish away without some dire consequences.

I believe that the only way out is engaging these militants. We have to do everything possible within government to ensure that we rein them in so that we can have the needed peace. Not even just for economy exploitation or economic benefit of the whole country, but to ensure that that the region develops too, they need the peace because development always flees violence.

Wherever you have violence, it will never develop. Development and peace and violence cannot cohabit. It has never been the case in history. So, even in the interest of the people in that region, they need the peace for development to take root. As leaders, it is our responsibility to point that out to the stakeholders in the Niger Delta to ensure that there is peace and whatever can be done to guarantee this peace should be done.

Do you believe in the calls for restructuring and the adoption of confab report by the constitution review committee?

There shouldn’t be any off-limit discussions on restructuring. It is healthy, it is going to lead us to a destination but I don’t want to prejudge the issues because I know that these issues will come very soon to me as an arbiter and if I let the cat out of the bag, it will be too obvious that I have taken a position. So, I don’t want to say this is my position in this.

I want to maintain neutrality, even though I have my own sentiments about the issues.

The House Committee has said they have adopted the conference report as a working document and that is only because they are the ones responsible for crafting bills that will lead to alteration to the constitution. It is only when those bills are crafted by the committee and transmitted to the larger house that the debate will take place and that is why I am saying I do not want to have an opinion as it is, even though I cannot run away from the fact that as a citizen and as a politician, I have to see things from the angle of an enlightened person and so, if I say I don’t have a position, I will be lying.

I just wouldn’t want to just put it there, so that it doesn’t serve as a clock to the debate that will soon take place. Let’s wait for the debate and see. I am sure that proposal is going to come before the House of Representatives.

I wish the Senate had done the same so that when we are arriving at a decision, it is not going to be difficult.

But if the Senate passes a different version and we in the House pass a different version, the job is going to be left in the hands of a very few people called the conference committee.

So, at the end of the day, it is the conference committee’s will that will prevail and you don’t know who and who will serve in that committee. But if it is done in the Senate and done in the House, it means that we would have set the issue to rest. So, that is where the challenge is. I sincerely believe that we have to do something differently in this country because if we continue doing the same things as we have been doing before, we cannot run away from the same outcomes. The outcomes can never be different. That is the truth.

20

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016 • T H I S D AY

FEATURES

Acting Features Editor Charles Ajunwa Email charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

Kaduna Lawmakers Make a Difference John Shiklam writes on how two senators from Kaduna State are competing in their efforts to impact positively on the lives of people in their senatorial zones

Sani (middle), inspecting the solar panels he purchased for distribution to communities

T

wo senators from Kaduna, Senator Shehu Sani (APC) representing Kaduna Central senatorial district and Senator Danjuma Laah (PDP) Southern Kaduna senatorial district seem to be in a hot competition as they strive to outwit one another by initiating projects aimed at improving the lives of people in their senatorial zones. The duo who are first timers in the Senate, but they have become very popular among their people courtesy of the various programmes they embarked upon which have impacted positively on the lives of their people in their respective senatorial zones.

Sani and Laah seemed to be competing among themselves in delivering dividends of democracy to their constituents.

Both politicians have initiated programmes ranging from education, electricity and security.

Keen observers are of the view that this kind of competition among elected office holders will bring about development.

For instance one of the popular programmes initiated by Sani is his "Let there be light" programme aimed at tackling the electricity challenges being faced by many communities in his senatorial zone.

Laah on his part focuses on education, electricity and security issues in his senatorial zone. Sani while launching the programme in Kaduna, lamented the epileptic power supply, which, according to him has threatened many small businesses.

He said the programme was aimed at facilitating the provision of electricity to the people to improve their living condition.

The senator, cum human rights activist, who described electricity as an indispensable

source for the socio economic development of any society, maintained that "we cannot build an economically viable nation without being able to provide power to our communities" stressing that electricity is an indispensable ingredient for the industrialisation of the country.

He disclosed that before the formal launching of the programme, he had intervened

As a senator representing Kaduna Central, I consider it my personal duty and responsibility to do everything possible to give support in the provision of electricity. Nigeria must take the issue of power supply very seriously.

If we are serious about diversifying our economy, we must take the issue of electricity very seriously

in facilitating the provision of electricity in some communities within the seven local government areas of the senatorial zone.

One of the challenges many communities are facing is the failure of the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company to repair or replace its broken transformers, leaving such responsibility to electricity consumers who contribute money for the repairs and replacement of transformers and armored cables. Sani assisted many communities with transformers as well as solar panels.

According to him, almost 55 per cent of electricity consumers have problems of transformers, disclosing that over 320 transformers were being requested by various communities in his senatorial zone.

So far, he has provided more than 30 communities in the senatorial zone with transformers, cables and solar panels.

"Right now I have a request of over 320 transformers from various communities. This project did not start today, I started it in the past seven to eight months. I have provided some transformers and I have repaired some transformers and I am going to provide more. “I am introducing solar power to our communities and I am focusing on 100 communities to provide them with solar power during the remaining three years of my tenure in the senate," he said.

Sani said that "solar power is the future of power. I am now starting the journey of liberating my people from the blackmail of power generation. I am bringing light to my people, I am empowering them. I am calling every representative of the people to tow this line. We will not be scored by what we say, we will be scored by what we do.

"I have started with installing solar power

at St. Gerald Catholic Hospital. I am using this opportunity to call on all Nigerians to think of a better way of empowering themselves, by providing solar power to these communities, I am freeing them from darkness."

Following several requests for transformers, Sani had purchased additional 60 transformers each at the cost of N750, 000 for distribution to the communities.

"There are so many requests for transformers by many communities in my senatorial zone.

I am going to reach out to all of them. I have purchased 60 transformers, each at the cost of N750,000," he revealed while inspecting the transformers shortly after the official launching of the programme.

He said it was unfortunate that after decades of independence, "Nigeria is still grappling within the range of 2000 to 3000 megawatts of electricity" while countries like South Africa and Pakistan generate over 40,000 megawatts and 65,000 megawatts of electricity respectively.

"We cannot achieve our industrial and economic ambition without electricity. We have seen over the past two years, how our power project has plummeted. This is an issue that we must take very seriously. Our people have suffered enough and I appealed that all hands should be on deck to address the issue of electricity.

"As a senator representing Kaduna Central, I consider it my personal duty and responsibility to do everything possible to give support in the provision of electricity.

"Nigeria must take the issue of power supply very seriously. If we are serious about diversifying our economy, we must take the issue of electricity very seriously," he said.

According to him, all the industrialised

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• T H I S D AY THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

FEATURES nations of the world were making progress because of stable power supply while developing nations like Nigeria have continued to lag behind as a result of poor power supply.

"In the last 16 years successive governments have spent over $25 billion in the name of power reforms, but it has not solved the problem, even the privatisation of electricity generation and distribution has not solve the problem of poor electricity in our country.

"For how long can our people continue to remain in the dark?

If we are committed to change, we must be seen to be seriously committed to that ambition. As a senator representing this zone, I will do all I can to facilitate the provision of electricity to our people," Sani declared.

He called on the electricity distribution companies to live up to the expectations of the people, stressing that "if the essence of privatising electricity generation and distribution is to improve services, it has not been able to be yield results to our people because everyday, power supply is moving from bad to worst." Sani said either the privatisation process is reversed or the privatised companies are assisted to be able to perform and deliver.

The senator also used the occasion to express his opposition to attempt by the federal government to invest in nuclear energy, pointing out that nuclear energy is unsafe in Nigeria as it comes with a lot of danger.

According to him, N2 billion from the 2016 budget was allocated for the construction of nuclear stations, adding that he was not comfortable with such decision considering the danger involved.

"My own fear is, are we ready for nuclear power stations? Nuclear power station is not like what happens when militants break a pipeline and the next day it may be repaired.

It comes with a lot of safety measures.

If we are to establish a nuclear station, we must know that it comes with a lot of consequences. Nuclear station is not an NNPC depot, it is not also an NNPC pipeline. We have seen the danger of nuclear power station in Japan and in Russia. Renewable energy is the future of energy," Sani said.

On his part, Laah donated a building worth N145 million to the new study centre of the National Open University Nigeria (NOUN) in Kagoro, Kaura Local Government Area as his contribution to ensure that people in the area have easy access to university education.

Beside the donation to NOUN, Laah also gave out eight fully air conditioned patrol vehicles and 87 security patrol motorcycles

Laah donated a building worth N145 million to the new study centre of the National Open University Nigeria (NOUN) in Kagoro, Kaura Local Government Area as his contribution to ensure that people in the area have easy access to university education…also gave out eight fully air conditioned patrol vehicles and 87 security patrol motorcycles to the vigilante groups in the area which had suffered deadly attacks by armed bandits leading to many loss of lives and destruction of property

Laah (left), during the distribution of vehicles and motorcycles to vigilante groups in Kafanchan

Sani inspecting 60 transformers he bought for distribution to communities

The motorcycles purchased by Laah for patrol by vigilante groups

to the vigilante groups in the area which had suffered deadly attacks by armed bandits leading to many loss of lives and destruction of property.

Making the donations in Kafanchan, he noted that education for the people of Southern Kaduna senatorial zone is a priority. According to him, the establishment of the education centre will enable many people to realise their dream of acquiring university education. He said before erecting the building, he had to consult NOUN who gave him the permission to erect the edifice.

"I actually started it sometimes back even before I became a senator. The physical structure alone is over N100 million. I have so far invested N45 million in just the furnishing. When fully operational, it will have state-of-the-art computers and gadgets, specifically configured for long distance teaching," he said.

He said the centre, in addition to running NOUN programmes, will also run programmes with Harvard University and some few renowned international institutes, using latest 3D video Technology.

He also disclosed that he has spent about N60 million on the Kafanchan campus of Kaduna State University, KASU, specifically by providing library books, an e-library, a 60 kva power plant, Air conditioners and the provision of water. He said the provision of the security motor cycles and vehicles were his contributions, towards checking the activities of invaders who have continued to ravage communities in the area.

“I take the issue of security very serious as part of my campaign promises. We campaigned at a time that people were so terrorised by invaders who killed, burnt our villages and rendered many communities inhabitable. People were afraid to go to farms

in many areas, worsening the poverty level in my zone,” he said. According to him, the situation had been remedied to some minimum level by strengthening the capacity of local vigilante group known as "Yan Banga" hence his decision to purchase the security vehicles and motorbikes, along with accessories that will enhance effective patrol of the eight local governments in the senatorial zone.

Laah added that so far, he has procured 30 transformers of 300kva and was working closely with officials of Rural Electrification Agency to augment and stabilise electricity supply in the various communities in need.

Many observers noted the efforts of the senators is good for Nigeria’s democracy, saying that if all elected representatives at the national and state levels as well as those in public offices, could embark on one development programme or the other, it will go a long way in improving the lives of the people.

22

IMAGES

L-R: Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; wife of the Premier of former Eastern region, Mrs Adanma Michael Okpara; and her son, Chief Uzodinma Michael Okpara, during a visit to the governor at the Government House in Umuahia...recently

L-R: Consul-General, South Africa High Commission in Nigeria, Darkey Africa; Organiser, Wine of South Africa (WOSA), Aderonke Sobodu; a former Secretary General, Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; National President, Nigerian-American Chambers of Commerce (NACC), Bitan Famutimi; and Market Manager Africa, WOSA, Matome Mbatha, during the fourth edition of the Grand Tasting of the Wine of South Africa in

L-R: Registrar, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Okwuchukwu Okechukwu; Team Lead, Medium and Local Corporates, South-east, Ecobank Nigeria, Jovita Okeahialam; Vice-Chancellor, COOU, Prof. Fidelis Okafor; and Team Lead, Non Core Public Sector, Ecobank Nigeria, Solomon Ndukwe, at the handover of a 100-seater lecture theatre to COOU, Igbariam, Anambra State by Ecobank

L-R: Contract Performance Manager, Oando Gas and Power, Eromonsele Agboighale; Head, Contract Performance, Oand Gas and Power, Babatunde Baba-Agba; Special Adviser to the governor on Urban Beautification, Parks and Gardens, Hon. Daisy West; CEO, Oando Gas and Power, Mobolaji Osunsanya; Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike; and Rivers State Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Chukwu Ogbogu, during a courtesy visit by Oando Gas and Power management team led by

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

Photo Editor Abiodun Ajala Email abiodun.ajala@thisdaylive.com

L-R, Director Legal and Regulatory,Shola Adeyemi, Chief Commercial Officer Airtel,Ahmad Mokhles, Regional Commercial Manager West African British Airways, Kola Olayinka; Corporate Sales Manager British Airways, Adetutu Otuyalo, during the Signing of Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU ) between Airtel and British Airways at Airtel Headquarter,Lagos...recently

L-R: Managing Director; Martin Middernacht, Executive Manager; Johannes Flosbach, Assistant Brand Manager; Paula Nwankwo, Business Development Manager; Emeka Ugah, all staff of Cormart Nigeria at the Renew Spray Starch launch in Lagos...recently

L-R: Executive Director, Business Development, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, Mr. Adam Nuru; the Provost, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola; and Divisional Head, Human Resources and Strategy of the Bank, Felicia Obozuwa, during the launch of FCMB Flexx Hub at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba in Lagos...recently

R-L: Baale of Alafia, Chief Saliu Jide; Chief Executive Officer, Oando Marketing Ltd, Mr. Awobokun Abayomi; KM3 Station Dealer, Chief Segun Osiyoye; Chief Finance Officer, Oando Marketing, Mr. Sow Mamadou; and Chief Operating Officer, Oando Marketing Ltd, Mrs. Olaposi Williams, at the commissioning of the Oando KM 3 Orile Service Station on Lagos-Badagry expressway...recently

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

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Quick Takes British Airways Partners Airtel

British Airways has entered into a strategic agreement with telecommunications giant, Airtel, in a deal that will see customers of both organisations enjoy substantial discounts off tickets purchased in the next few months.

Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in Lagos, British Airways’ Regional Commercial Manager for West Africa, Kola Olayinka said both companies operated in similar markets and placed a premium on customer service.

“This partnership is a way in which we are able to offer benefits to our joint customers. If you already have an Airtel number, more details on our partnership will be shared with you, if you do not have an Airtel number, this would be a good time to get one, so you can enjoy the discounts we are offering,” he added.

Airtel’s Chief Commercial officer, Ahmad Mokhles who signed on behalf of his organisation expressed his delight at the opportunity to team up with British Airways.

Discounts to Airtel customers will be available to worldwide destinations, in the UK, United States, Canada, Europe and parts of Asia. Customers can choose and pick their preferred destinations for summer or even plan, prepare and book early for Christmas.

FirstBank Leads Business Discussion

STOCK TAKING

R-L: Company Secretary, Ifeoma Onubogu; Group Chairman, Adedotun Sulaiman and Group Managing Director, Ganiyu Musa, all of Cornerstone Insurance Plc , during the 24th annual general meeting of the company in Lagos…recently

Africa Mobile Subscription to Hit 725million By 2020 Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa Top List

Emma Okonji in Tanzania The ongoing GSMA 360 Africa Mobile Conference holding in Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania, has predicted that mobile subscription in Africa would reach 725 million in 2020, up from its current penetration level of 500 million, with Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa, topping the list of highest number of mobile subscription on the African continent.

Nigeria’s mobile subscription,

ICT which currently stands at over 160 million, has been adjudged as the fastest growing telecoms market in Africa and the world.

Director General, GSMA Mobile 360 Series, Mr. Mats Granryd, who announced the growth rate of mobile subscription in Africa, said the forecast to reach 725 million by 2020, accounted for 54 per cent of the expected population of Africa.

The prediction, he said was hinged on some trends that

are currently driving mobile subscription in Africa.

“African mobile subscribers are rapidly migrating to mobile broadband networks and services, a result of ongoing network rollouts and the increasing availability of affordable mobile broadband devices and tariffs. Mobile broadband (3G/4G) accounted for just over a quarter of total connections at the end of 2015, but is expected to account for almost two-thirds by 2020,” Granryd said.

According to him, by mid2016, there were 72 live 4G networks in 32 countries across Africa, half of which have launched in the last two years.

The number of smartphone connections in Africa is forecast to more than triple over the next five years, rising from 226 million in 2015 to 720 million by 2020, Granryd added.

The predictions were the outcome of a recent research carried out by GSMA 360 Africa Continued on page 24

FG Targets ICT Development for Inclusive Economy Crusoe Osagie The federal government has stated that it would leverage on Information Communication and Technology (ICT) development to achieve an all inclusive economy growth in Nigeria.

The Minister of Communication, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, noted that with the dwindling revenue from the oil and gas sector, the federal government has realised more than ever before that telecommunication and ICT are amongst the main drivers of socio-economic development in Nigeria, maintaining that ICT plays a vital role in enhancing access to basic services in all sectors of the economy.

The minister, during the ICTEL Expo organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce

ECONOMY and Industry (LCCI), stated the federal government is focused on creating opportunities for citizenship participation in ICT training, knowledge and skills acquisition, general application and usage of ICT tools to solve problems, promote their wellbeing and enhance national growth.

He said the global quest for ICT for development is enormous in both developed and developing countries, due to the fact that ICT skills are critical to the success of enhancing national development in a globalised era.

He enjoined the Organised Private Sector (OPS) to continue to connect businesses and create opportunities for Nigerians in

the ICT sector as the nation strives to diversify its economy from the non-oil sectors.

According to him, global issues as the digital divide, cyber-insecurity, emergency telecommunications and climate change enjoy varying levels of prioritisation in the change agenda of the government, stressing that it is central to its strategies and work programmes.

He pointed out that Nigeria stands to gain a lot from leveraging opportunities in the sector to boost the economic fortunes of the country, saying that the sector is one of the major priority sectors that Nigeria should target for diversification efforts “Currently at about 10 per cent, the ICT sector has

the potential of becoming a major contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

It is no more news that this sector currently employs more professionals than the oil and gas sector. It is on record that ICT is the only sector that has recorded a positive growth in the first quarter of the year,” he said.

In his words, “The change mantra of this administration comes in different colourations.

We in the ICT sector have a responsibility to put the nation on the path of growth. This can be easily achieved when partners like LCCI key into its SMART digital initiative.

He noted that the expo will further offer a platform Continued on page 24

Consistent with its thought leadership position and commitment to promote sustainable business development, First Bank Executive Director, Corporate Banking, Dr. Remi Oni, last week, addressed French and Nigerian organisations with business interests in France and Nigeria on current developments in the financial services sector. He spoke at the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), the July Networking Cocktail Event in Lagos.

The event with the theme “Accessing Finance for Business Sustainability” was organised in commemoration of France’s National Day of independence and it turned out to be a convergence of business leaders across sectors and key decision makers of top brands, where crucial issues challenging French-Nigerian business relations, were addressed.

The forum also proffered sustainable solutions for stronger ties.

According to Oni, “FirstBank as a nation builder is committed to providing practical help on relevant challenges faced by Nigerian businesses. The Bank is by far the biggest financial supporter of the federal government in its privatisation and commercialisation programmes and would continue to reposition the national economy for sustained growth.”

FNCCI and Industry was created in 1985 as a response to the need to create a forum for the private sector of both countries to exchange ideas and enhance economic relations.

Orange Poland, Nokia Set New Record

Orange and Nokia have achieved the world’s first optical transmission of 250 Gigabits per second (Gb/s) per wavelength over 870km through Orange Poland’s existing network infrastructure.

The milestone was reached when a six-carrier 1.5 Terabits per second (Tb/s) superchannel occupying a bandwidth of 300GHz was transmitted between Warsaw and Wroclaw over standard single mode fiber. The trial demonstrates how Orange Poland can stay ahead of surging bandwidth demand as cloud networking continues to grow.

Optical systems typically achieve maximum transmission capacity over short distances and lower capacity across long distances.

The trial demonstrated how capacity and distance can be improved in tandem using Nokia technology, resulting in a 250 per cent increase in bandwidth over commonly deployed 100Gb/s networks using the same amount of spectrum.

The 1.5Tb/s superchannel is based on six carriers of 250Gb/s capacity each. With electrical speed 30 per cent faster than current technology, the capacity is maximised while the channel spacing remains aligned with the 50 GHz ITU-T grid.

“Nigeria is a globally important nation with enormous potential, and it is very exciting that I have been entrusted with helping to tell the story of my country to the world” Supervising Producer, Africa at CNN’s new multi-platform bureau in Lagos, Stephanie Busari

24

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD AFRICA MOBILE SUBSCRIPTION TO HIT 725MILLION BY 2020 and made public in Tanzania.

According to the report, mobile’s contribution to African GDP, Jobs and public funding, were expected to rise.

The use of mobile technologies and services across Africa, generated $153 billion in economic value last year, equivalent to 6.7 per cent of the region’s GDP. The contribution, according to Granryd, would increase to $214 billion by 2020, which is 7.6 per cent of expected GDP as countries in Africa continue to benefit from the improvements in productivity and efficiency brought about by increased take-up of mobile services.

The report said Africa’s mobile ecosystem also supported 3.8 million jobs in 2015 and made a $17 billion contribution to the public sector via general taxation. The number of jobs supported is forecast to rise to 4.5 million by 2020, while the tax contribution is expected to increase to $20.5 billion.

The report also explains how mobile is powering innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa. It notes that there are now approximately 310 active tech hubs across the region, including 180 accelerators/ incubators. Mobile operators are supporting this ecosystem by opening up new services to third-party developers in areas such as messaging, billing, location and mobile money, which has allowed start-ups to scale quickly.

FG TARGETS ICT DEVELOPMENT FOR INCLUSIVE ECONOMY for corporate organisations seeking to build partnerships for enhanced profitability in the sector, maintaining that it is also a veritable opportunity for government and private sector operators to meet and articulate policies that would boost the productivity of ICT sector in Nigeria.

Also speaking at the event, the president, LCCI, Dr. Nike Akande, said the theme of the fair, “Mobility, technology and the Nigerian economy” is apt and timely, noting that there is no better time to harness the benefits of ICT than now when the Nigerian economy is in dire need of diversification.

Group Business Editor

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Crusoe Osagie

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Senior Correspondent

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Chinedu Eze (Aviation) Linda Eroke (Labour) Eromosele Abiodun (Cap Mkt) Ejiofor Alike (Energy) James Emejo (Nation’s Capital) Obinna Chima (Money Mkt) Reporters

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (Maritme)

NEWS

Policy Inconsistency Will Retard e-Readiness Growth, Says ISPON Stories by Emma Okonji The Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON) has raised the alarm that policy inconsistency in government circle would continue to retard Nigeria’s e-readiness growth, if the issue is not addressed.

President of ISPON, Olorogun James Emadoye, who made the remark when he led a team of ISPON executive on a courtesy visit to the Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu in Abuja recently, decried the rate at which the implementation of national policies that will boost economic development is being handled with kid glove.

Citing instances of gross neglect for implementation of national policies, Emadoye told the minister that on October 20th, 2006, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Ufot Ekaette, wrote a letter with Ref No SGF/OP/1/S.3/VII/795, to head of civil service commission, ministries department and agencies (MDAs) of government, on the need to patronise made in Nigeria products, including procurement of locally assembled computers and locally developed software.

He said the letter directed all federal MDAs to comply with the directive, but lamented the situation where such directive was never implemented.

The ISPON boss also cited how the federal government had promised Software Nigeria a wing of the old federal secretariat in Ikoyi, Lagos, but never bothered to renovate the place and deploy the right facilities because of the weak implementation drive of government. He explained

that the asset is currently bring wasting and it is said to have been sold/concession.

According to him, the wing of the federal secretariat would have been a mini version of Silicon Valley for Software Nigeria, where great software ideas would have been incubated and developed for national growth, if the federal government had deemed it fit to renovate and deplore the right facilities, after donating the place to software development.

Speaking about the challenges of ISPON, Emadoye said the

be developed in Nigeria,” Emadoye said.

According to him, “It is in realisation of the above and in recognition of Ministry of Communication as the main government department charged with the development of Information Technology (IT) sector of which software development is a core part of it, that ISPON wishes to draw the attention of the minister to seek immediate implementation of the guidelines covering strategy, and policy for national software infrastructure, declar-

ing software as a critical infrastructure for nations building and development; liaise with the Minister for Education to introduce computer programming and software in primary and secondary schools; liaise with Minister for Education to initiate immediate revision of Software /Computer Engineering courses for tertiary institutions; create software and future technology institute in Nigeria; and to revisit the 2006 circular on patronage of locally developed computer products and software products.

WE ARE IN BUSINESS

L-R: Managing Director, Seagle International Limited, Rushi Garud; Chairman Bertola Machine Tool Limited, Albert Inyang; Head of Sales, Bosch Nigeria; Jan Mayer; Regional Director, West and Central Africa, Bosch, Benjamin Ofori, and Managing Director, Farmtec, Ibezim Johnson, at the Bosch Power Tool press briefing in Lagos...recently

Ericsson: Broadband Will Transformation in Africa Ericsson, a global player in communications technology and services has stressed the need for African governments to release specific broadband spectrum that will drive digital transformation on the African continent.

Vice President, Ericsson sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. Shiletsi Makhofane, who gave the advice during a panel session at the ongoing GSMA Mobile 360 Africa in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, said African countries must work together to free-up broadband spectrum needed to drive the digital transformation process in Africa that is being championed by Ericsson.

According to him, African governments must not look at broadband deployment from a supply side, but from a wholistic view that would speed up digital transformation.

Aside broadband spectrum, Makhofane also advised African governments to make basic infrastructure available for people, insisting that national broadband policies should be taken more seriously, especially African countries that have already adopted it. He said Ericsson has developed technology solutions that would disrupt existing technologies, to enhance various initiatives in energy, transportation, public safety and security, smart city, content creation, financial inclusion, among others, designed

institute is faced with inadequate software development fund; lack of protection and patronage for Nigerian software products and services; lack of clear national software policy/ strategy, among others.

“Nigeria may be the largest economy in Africa but other small nations are strategisng for the future.

Kenya Konza Technology City is a planned city with a target population of 250,000 inhabitants, being constructed 60km away from Nairobi, and I wonder why such could not

to address critical issues in the transformation exercise.

The solutions, according to him, were designed to meet specific needs of people in various communities and environment within Africa.

He explained that global technology advancement had led to a new thinking from the consumer point of view and that Ericsson has equally come up with solutions that will address the new thinking of consumers.

Citing practical example, Makhofane said the viewing pattern of consumers have changed, as they no longer station themselves to a particular location, just to watch television, but now watch television from their mobile phones, while on the go. About 61per cent of consumers watch television and video on their smartphones, a figure he said, had increased by 71 per cent since 2012. The demand for television content had also changed, a situation that has put content providers at a more tasking position to develop contents that are appealing to today’s consumer.

“In order to support service providers to address challenges and provide state-of-the-art video user experience, we launched a solution called NuVu, which include an offline scheduling component that downloads content to consumers’ devices during off-peak hours, thus ensuring a

Drive

Digital Increased Cybersecurity Threats Worry ICT Experts

balance in a network load for the operator and a cost-efficient setup for users,” Makhofane said. For subscribers, NuVu provides a personalised user interface, bookmarking and content recommendations. It enables users to download their preferred content on smartphones and tablets, and watch it on the move, even when there is no internet access available, Makhofane added.

He said just the same way it provided solution for the new consumer demand on television and video content, Ericsson had also designed and provided technology solutions that would address challenges in transportation, energy, security, financial inclusion, and content for the comfort of consumers.

Makhofane called on telecoms operators to align themselves with the current trend of technology developing.

He equally called on African governments to come up with policies that would not stifle growth in the African digital transformation process.

Vice President, Democratic Republic of Congo, Thomas Losendjola, who was part of the panel discussion, said the country had tried to promote digital transformation, but expressed his worries over the insecurity situation of the country, which he said, was discouraging foreign investors from investing in the country.

With the overall cost of cyber-attacks pegged globally at $400billion in 2015 and with the growing frequency and intensity of threats, the need to pro-actively address cybersecurity threats has become critically important to most enterprises, experts in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) have said.

According to the experts, in a 2014 report published by the UK Centre for Strategic and International Studies, the annual cost of cybercrime to Nigeria was projected at N127billion annually, which is 0.08 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The looming threat has been decried by Nigeria’s leading security operatives, including the National Security Adviser, Babagana Munguno who lamented the cost of cybercrime to government, economic activities, security and vital infrastructure.

Advocates for improved e-security in the country have called on policy makers and government agencies to ensure that data is better protected with focus on the institutions in sensitive sectors including government, financial, oil and gas, and telecommunications.

Threats to financial institutions appear to be higher than others, as the recent increase in financial inclusion and cashless

banking across the country is generating large amounts of data and placing billions of naira in financial assets at play.

Regulatory agencies suggest that between 2004 and 2014, Nigerian banks lost over N165 billion via electronic fraud and cybercrime.

Findings from a recent report from Websense Security Labs found that attacks against financial services institutions are four times higher than that of companies in other industries - the highest of any sector. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attackers attempt to overwhelm online financial services with malicious traffic from multiple sources, aimed at making such services unavailable.

These attacks continue to evolve with cyber-criminals targeting government and corporate systems with a frightening level of sophistication and frequency.

Organisations cannot afford to be complacent about their cyber-security and defenses as traditional methods of detection have been rendered obsolete.

The situation has alarmed governments to such levels that billions of dollars have been committed to ensuring cyber-security and state security apparatus at the highest levels are addressing these issues.

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New Drive for Innovative Technology in Delta State The current public private partnership between the Delta State Government and Mobile Software Solutions Limited to drive technology innovation through a dedicated hub, will help diversify the state’s economy beyond oil, writes Emma Okonji Following the dearth of technology skills among Nigerian youths, governments across all levels are beginning to device new ways of developing human capacity skills in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), designed to drive technology innovation across the country.

In line with the trend in boosting technology innovation, especially among youths, Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, recently signed a Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative with Mobile Software Solutions Limited to train and incubate technology savvy people of the state in software development, through the Delta State Innovation Hub (DS-IHUB) located in Asaba.

Speaking at the unveiling of DS-IHUB in Asaba on Monday, the state Commissioner for Science and Technology, Joyce Overah, commended the ‘Smarter Delta’ initiative and assured the state that the ICT Hub would help in actualising the dream, aside building colony of software developers that would disrupt the existing technology status of the state and position the state for technology innovation that would help diversify the state’s economy beyond oil.

According to the commissioner, the DS-IHUB, which is an accredited PPP project initiative, is positioned to showcase a world-class technology facility with interconnected knowledge resources, targeted at Enterprises, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) businesses, government and leadership economy, youth entrepreneur, women and girl-child empowerment, investment and finance, science and technology-based education, research institutions, social media, among others.

Benefits of DS-IHUB Pleased with the initiative to groom the people of Delta State and beyond in software development, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Delta State, Mrs. Augustina Onokpise, was joyful while explaining that the ICT Hub is a laudable project that will turn around the fortunes of the state for the better.

“There is so much to gain from science and technology, in the areas of economic gains and national development, which the ICT Hub is meant to promote in the state. Policy direction should therefore be channeled towards those areas. Expectations are high from the DS-IHUB because of the calibre of ICT stakeholders and Angel Investors that are partnering the state on the project. The idea is to incubate knowledgedriven people that will use technology solution to address individual, state and national issues,” Onokpise said.

Member, Local Organising Committee for DSIHUB, Stella Anwulika Amata, also expressed satisfaction about the benefits that the ICT Hub would bring to the state. I will like to commend the Delta State government for the PPP deal with Mobile Software Limited to develop and groom ICT developers in the state. Technology rules the world today and I think the hub will go a long way in driving ICT development in the state. Speaking on the added value that the hub will bring it the people of the state, Amata said: “The hub will no doubt, bring a lot of value to the state because young entrepreneurs will spring up from the hub.”

Managing Director, Mobile Software Solutions Limited. Pius Ekeh Jnr, said: “The initiative, no doubt will deepen technology development in the state. The idea is to help actualise the vision of the state in diversifying the economy of the state and achieve its goal of taking Delta State beyond oil. The benefits of the initiative are great and we want to use the hub to disrupt exiting technology in the state, in other states, as well as the federal government level. The hub is expected to serve the South-south region of the country,” Ekeh said.

The vision Speaking about the vision of the project, the Director General of DS-IHUB, Chris Uwaje explained that the ICT Hub would serve as a platform for technology development that will help in diversifying the state economy and the Nigerian economy.

DS-IHB Building

“ Nigeria is a consumer nation and no nation in the world can be sustained when it continues to consume without producing,” Uwaje said.

“By the time you aggregate the quantum of consumed products that are imported into the country, we will find out that we are truly a heavy consumer nation and this calls for the need to develop the human capacity of the nation, and the DS-IHUB is one way to achieve this. Again Nigeria has not been thinking of innovating would-class skills that can innovate and crate development in West Africa and the African market as a whole.

“There is therefore a gross deficiency in the capability and capacity requirement in our country. The gaps are being filled by foreigners, to the detriment of our people. Ironically, the Nigerian population grows at 4 per cent yearly, compared to GDP that is growing at about 2.7 per cent and this means that we need more technology solutions that will address the needs of the growing population, and the DS-IHUB is designed to address such issues,” Uwaje said.

According to him, we need human capital development to drive technology projects in the country and that is what DS-IHUB stands for.

“DS-IHUB was set up to build an innovative capacity for Delta State and the country as a whole. Our concept is to build a world-class innovation centre and groom world-class people that will come out with technology products that address the needs of the state and county,” Uwaje added.

The concept The whole concept of the DS-IHUB, was the initiative of Chris Uwaje, who pioneered the IT Policy for Nigeria. The concept of DS-IHUB, according to Uwaje, started between 1997 and 1998, but was actualised in 2001.

“I saw the vision of technology for the state long ago and I also saw where Delta State should be in terms of IT development in 20 years from now. I have since discovered that without leveraging ICT, the state cannot move forward the way it supposed to move, despite the availability of oil in the state. Oil and gas will not develop the state, instead it will keep the state as a perpetual consumer of products from other countries,” Uwaje said.

According to him, when the project was being

conceived, my team was looking at national competitiveness and the role of the state in securing her future in the ICT space. Other state governments have taking ICT seriously and they are getting developed, and my concern for Delta State is to use ICT to drive development in the state. We will use the DS-IHUB to disrupt existing technology and help the state to regain its lost ground in the next three years.

“We happy that the governor of the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa is listening and he is ready to move the state forward through ICT. The state Commissioner of Science and Technology, Joyce Overah is also listening and we are committed to drive the state. We have the passion to raise globally competitive technology developers for the state and we are going to use the hub to create innovative and disruptive technology wizards that will move the state forward,” Uwaje said.

Broadband availability Addressing the issue of broadband availability, which is key to sustaining the ICT Hub, Uwaje said: “We have broadband of 10 megabyte capacity already deployed at the DS-IHUB and it can be distributed to serve a whole lot of people and facilities at the hub. Our plan is to deploy a broadband colony for people to use effectively and we are encouraging the state to build a broadband duct around the state in readiness for the ‘Smarter Delta’ project of the state.”

He explained that the state must invest in broadband because it is the way forward.

“Developing broadband is like developing the brain bank of the state, and we need to develop more content that will be driven by broadband.

Nigeria must build knowledge parks that will make use of the broadband. We can’t talk of broadband in isolation. Knowledge parks and software parks must be developed and the DS-IHUB is one of such parks. It will create opportunities for the development of education, sports, e-Commerce and e-Government among others,” he said.

Facilities At the DS-IHUB, there are several faculties, with facilities attached to the faculties. The faculties

include: E-Government Academy, Software and Autocard Academy, ICT Innovation Platform, Electronics and Multi-Media Development Centre, CBT Practice and Monitoring Centre, E-Library, Research and E-Learning Centre, ICT Process Centre, Business Process Centre, as well as Oil and Gas Training Centre.

The Software and Autocard Academy has about 70 installed and connected computer systems, while the Electronics and Multi-Media Development Centre also has about 70 installed and internet connected computer systems.

The E-Government Academy will be concerned about new trend towards reforming the public sector, while the ICT Innovation Platform will address various innovations that will drive business ideas. The Electronics and Multimedia Centre will train students on acquiring expertise in various technology disciplines, while the Business Process Centre comprises of a team of mentors, business coaches and strategic thinkers that will groom and mentor startup business and SMEs. ICT Expert in Software Development and Angel Investor, Mr. Charles Omordia, said: “From these departments, we will groom and mentor young developers, invest in their solutions and we will be producing world-class innovators and we will be collaborating with foreign training institutions on ICT development and we will domesticate core aspect of curriculum that will help drive development in the state and the entire country.”

Highlights Highlights of the unveiling of the Delta State Innovation Hub, is the brand presentation and induction of some distinguished personalities into the Delta State Technology Hall of Fame, who have contributed to the growth of technology development in the country.

They included: the Governor of Delta State, Okowa; Chairman of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia; former Publisher of Guardian Newspapers, late Dr. Alex Ibru; Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu; former Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ernest Ndukwe; Director, Centre for Applied Economics, Lagos Business School, Prof. Pat Utomi and CEO, MainOne Broadband Company, Funke Opeke.

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Curbing National Insecurity with Technology Solutions

Growing concern over national insecurity is creating openings for computer professionals to come up with technology solutions to address the problem, writes Emma Okonji National insecurity, ranging from cybercrime to terrorism and kidnapping, has been a source of great concern to the federal government. The government therefore doing everything within its powers to curb the menace, yet the challenge still persists, threatening lives and property, and creating financial losses for government and several organisations in the private and public sectors of the economy.

Government has even gone to the extent of seeking international collaboration to address insecurity in the country. However, technology experts under the aegis of the Nigerian Computer Society (NCS), are saying that application of basic technology tools and solutions would go a long way in combating criminal activities in the country, rather that physically chasing of suspected criminals with guns and sophisticated ammunitions.

At the recently concluded 26th National Conference of the NCS, the Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, who condemned the continued rise in cyber-attacks and financial losses, said there was need to address the issue, using technology tools, in order to avert further loss of lives, property and money to criminal activists.

He said recent statistics shows that Nigeria loses about N127 billion to cybercrime yearly, but insisted there was need to reduce such huge loss, using relevant technology tools.

National security threat Although Nigeria has identified several areas of national security threats, such as cyber -attacks, terrorism, kidnapping and hired assassination, but the federal government is yet to find a lasting solution to the challenges.

Apart from global drop in oil prices, militants in the Niger Delta region are busy vandalising oil pipes and oils facilities, a situation that has further dropped the total output of the number of barrels of oil that the country produce for export, thus loosing huge amount of money to pipeline vandalism.

The same is applicable to cyber- attacks, where Nigeria is said to be losing over N127 billion to cybercrime yearly. The issue of kidnapping for the sake of placing ransom on victims of kidnap is also rampant in the society, and these are creating great fears among Nigerians.

The height of it all, is that those involved in such unholy act, go scot free and this is so because the enabling technology to trace, monitor and track down on the perpetrators, are yet to be put in their proper perspective.

Aside all of these vices, financial leakages in the private and public sectors of the Nigerian economy, are also on the increase, where people who are entrusted with government or organisational fund, steal them with impunity and still go unpunished.

The current government of President Muhammadu Buhari, has, however, put several machineries in place to fight financial corruption in the system, but the situation persists.

Combating the challenges The federal government is currently using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to address financial theft in the country, while deploying the services of the military to fight insurgency in the country.

Although the efforts are yielding results slowly, technology experts are of the view that the application and use of technology solutions, will better address national insecurity in the country.

The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) experts who gathered at the recent NCS conference in Abuja, therefore advised government to consider applying technology solutions in addressing the country’s insecurity.

Shittu, who was part of the conference, with the theme ‘Information Technology for National Safety and Security,” advised the federal government to support the initiative of making broadband access available to all Nigerians and affordable rate. According to him, broadband availability would increase

Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu (left), with President, Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) Prof. Adesola Aderounmu, at the 26th National Conference of NCS on cybersecurity in Abuja...recently

access to internet facilities, and this would enable Nigerians transact business, campaign, communicate, learn, interact and relax, without thinks of perpetrating crime.

The minister, however, explained that in view of the critical nature of the economy and government activities, it is obvious that protection from different types of cyber and terrorist attacks is required. Software piracy, identity theft, electronic fraud, online spam, intellectual property theft and malware attacks can all lead to devastating and far reaching consequences. “In addition to the activities of hackers and cyber bandits, we know cyber space is also being exploited to aid violent extremism,

Aside all of these vices, financial leakages in the private and public sectors of the Nigerian economy, are also on the increase, where people who are entrusted with government or organisational fund, steal them with impunity and still go unpunished

especially among the youth,” the minister said.

Proffering solution to the challenge, Shittu said government has set up computer emergency response teams through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

“To further improve the nation’s preparedness to secure cyberspace, the Cybercrime Advisory Council has also been inaugurated. The council is expected to facilitate the implementation of the Cybercrime Act, 2015, as well as the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy,” the minister said.

The minister, however said that while the country is pushing through IT to improve national safety and security, Nigeria must ensure that there is considerable value addition through local content development, which he said, would foster revenue generation for the private and public sectors, grow the IT sector, create more jobs, facilitate global competitiveness and stimulate growth for the economy.

President of NCS, Professor Adesola Aderounmu, who also spoke on the increasing rate of cybercrime in the country, said the protection of lives and property remained the major function and responsibility of any government.

“All over the world, no nation is excluded from the challenges of insecurity. Murder, armed robbery, terrorism, cultism and other crimes abound, despite the best efforts of security and law enforcement agencies,” Aderounmu said, while calling for a more proactive Information Technology (IT) led approach to combating the menace of insecurity.

He said NCS has diligently, over the past few months, canvassed the use of IT towards resolving of national safety and security in Nigeria.

The Chief Executive Officer of Teledom Group, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem raised the alarm that the country borders are porous and that Nigeria needed to install more close circuit television (CCTV) cameras on major security check points.

He also called for the need to train security personnel on the proper use security gadgets.

The Director General, Delta State Innovation Hub (DS-IHUB), Chris Uwaje, said security issues should be domesticated by using data to track movements of terrorists. He called for

a national information security cyber bill that would help address the issue of insecurity in the country.

Other initiatives According to the views of ICT experts, without safety and security, growth is impossible. They were of the view that beyond military might, financial crimes and corruption were added burden to the national security challenges that threaten the very existence and development of the nation.

The Shittu, however called on NCS to step in by offering the nation an authentic platform to explore the role of ICT in national safety and security. “Using ICT and Geographical Information System (GIS) to tackle Boko Haram, Niger Delta militancy and other security challenges with enhanced efficiency and professionalism has become a matter of paramount importance,” Adebayo said.

Some ICT experts suggested the need to expand the scope to see IT for national safety and security as an outstanding and indispensable revenue earner, job creator, youth developer, innovation enabler and growth stimulator.

NITDA’s initiative The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has a different approach to national security and has called for youth engagement and diversification of the nation’s economy, in order to address the issue of cybercrime.

The aching Director General of NITDA, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, who spoke on ‘NITDA’s Activities in ICT Towards Economic Diversification,’ said over-dependence on oil has caused Nigeria great harm than good. He said Nigeria was far above countries like Korea, Singapore and China, some years back in the areas of infrastructure and national development, explaining that the countries are now far ahead of Nigeria, because they diversified their economies, using ICT. “NITDA’s role is to develop and implement IT policies for the country that will help reposition the country for global competitiveness and we will continue to do so in order to dissuade young Nigerians from indulging in crime of any kind, which remained a major set-back to the county’s growth and development,” he said.

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Smile Launches 4G LTE Mobile Call at Cheaper Rate Stories by Emma Okonji Smile Communications Nigeria Limited, a broadband service company has crashed call rates to as low as 8 kobo per second to any network with the recent introduction of its lowest tariff on call rates.

The new tariff rate allows customers within and outside the country to make calls at cheaper rates, using SmileVoice App. The SmileVoice allows thousands of Nigerians to enjoy seamless, super clear voice and video calls to their loved ones to and from anywhere in the world.

Unveiling the new app recently, Managing Director of Smile Nigeria, Godfrey Efeurhobo told stakeholders that the world-first free mobile app would give customers the opportunity to have access to super clear voice calls over 4G LTE network, without the need for a VoLTE handset.

“I am proud to announce the lowest call rate in Nigeria, using the very latest 4G LTE technology. You can make calls at 8kobo per second to any network in Nigeria. You can also make and receive calls at the same rate from any country in the world,” Efeurhobo said, adding: “That is the Smile innovation. That is the Smile promise.”

The app is structured to

function exactly like SIM card in a mobile phone.

“Having the SmileVoice app on your mobile is like having a second SIM card in your phone,” Efeurhobo said. He added that “Our customers can use their data plan to make super clear voice, video calls and send SMSs to any number locally and internationally. There is no need for the recipient to also have SmileVoice.”

According to him, the new app was developed to wipe the era of ‘roaming bill shock’ that hitherto makes it impossible for Nigerians to make calls with their local numbers abroad. What that means is that registered subscribers on the choice network can now make undisrupted calls anywhere in the world at the unprecedented rate of about N5 per minute.

“If home is where the heart is, you never have to be far from home again. On the Smile network, you take home with you everywhere you go,” Efeurhobo said, adding that registered customers could now do video calls and send SMS using the SmileVoice App. True to its promise, Smile made the first ever Voice over LTE (VoLTE) call in Nigeria during the testing of its voice service in October last year.

In order to access SmileVoice, a VoLTE phone or the free

Sophos Enhances Programme for MEA Sophos, a global leader in network and endpoint security has announced a new partner programme for resellers in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), to help channel partners achieve their growth objectives with competitive margins, dedicated marketing and sales support, deal registration protection, sales tools, training and certification and other programmes.

The core objective of the Sophos partner programme is to equip partners with resources and training that enable them to sell, market, distribute and implement the company’s award-winning cloud, network, server and end user protection solutions to organisations of all sizes.

The new Sophos partner programme provides access to the company’s comprehensive portfolio of market-leading endpoint and network security products, which have been engineered keeping its partners in mind. Partners are now able to manage all Sophos solutions for every customer through a centralised management platform, Sophos Central. Within Sophos Central is Sophos Central-Partner, a specialised dashboard that allows partners to distribute licenses, add new customers on demand, cross- and up sell services, drive recurring revenue and have a clear, real-time perspective on all customer activity. Partners can respond to security incidents faster and track alerts of all levels directly from the dashboard, so time spent handling incidents, including minor ones, is more

SmileVoice App is required.

The SmileVoice App is the first 4G LTE voice App launched in the world – another first for Smile, Efeurhobo said.

Smile’s Group Head, Corporate Communications and Marketing, South Africa, Nicolene Vanzyl, who was in the country for the launch, said customers were simply required to use a VoLTE handset with their Smile SIM card or

download the free SmileVoice App to their mobile phones.

“SmileVoice Only plan is available at N1000 with 200 minutes at 8k/sec, again another industry first,” she said.

“The new innovation is a milestone for the telecoms company because it has a super fast Internet access on the go with a 4G LTE network that delivers fastest Internet, available anywhere. It “significantly

enhance call setup times than on a 2G/3G network,” she said.

Among other distinct features, the app has the flexibility to use one data bundle for calling and messaging; ability to have two numbers on one mobile phone – you select which one you call from, while the subscribers can use data bundle for super clear voice SMS. The app can make high

definition (HD) calls when calling from Smile’s network to another person that is on Smile’s network.

Speaking about reliability of the app, Vanzyl said it has network capacity to ensure quality and reliable service and almost no failed connections or dropped calls on Smile’s network with less dropped calls when calling other networks from Smile’s network.

FOR ICT REPORTING Partner HONOURED L-R: Communications/E-Business Editor, THISDAY Newspers, Emma Okonji; Publisher, CyberAfrica Magazine, Dr. Bayero Agabi and

productive and effective.

The Sophos Central-Partner dashboard integrates with Professional Service Automation (PSA) software, and partners’ can tie-in and customise Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) software from leading vendors to deploy and update Sophos agents locally.

This unlocks new avenues for all partners (Cyberoam and Sophos) to start selling abroad and powerful portfolio of IT security products allowing partners to deliver a “complete security” and a “synchronised security” solution to their customers.

This partner program actively reflects Sophos’s commitment to help partners sell next-generation IT security technology to address today’s sophisticated threats. Partners have a great opportunity to grow their business by making the most of the demand for advanced IT security solutions and also exploring the clear up sell and cross-sell opportunities within existing customers.

Speaking on the development, Vice President, MEA, Sophos, Harish Chib said: “We realise there is tremendous diversity when it comes to selling approaches adopted by our security partners in the Middle East and Africa.

We have developed our MEA Partner Program with feedback from our distributors and resellers and this collaboration has resulted in the introduction of a four-Level partner program that reflects our deep commitment towards partner engagement and their growth.

Publisher, DigitalSENSE Magazine, Remmy Nwaeke, all awardees of the Presidential Award of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), for ICT Reporting, during the 26th National Conference of NCS in Abuja...recently

Bosch Set to Deepen Market Share in Nigeria Bosch, a German multinational engineering and electronics company, has promised to increase its market share in Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African countries in 2016.

The company, which made the disclosure during its maiden dealers summit held in Lagos recently, said Africa had always been the focus of its business, while Nigeria remained the core focus of its business.

With over 80 years of operating through its distributors and dealers in Nigeria, Bosch said it has opened a new sales and service outlet in Lagos.

Regional Sales Director at Bosch, Benjamin Ofori said: “Africa offers great potential for Bosch businesses with Nigeria leading the pack as the biggest economy on the African continent, with more than 170 million people. Doing business with Nigeria is a step in the right direction for us at Borch Group.”

Ofori, who said the Group is renowned for its leadership in mobility solutions, industrial technology, consumer goods, energy and building technology, noted that the German firm was determined to establish more business segments in Nigeria and the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, with local offices already established in Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Kenya, Ghana, Morocco, Mozambique and Tunisia.

Ofori emphasised the importance of power tools to increase efficiency in output and

overall growth of businesses.

“The major significance of the power tools dealership event is to underline the commitment of Bosch in Nigeria at building and fostering sustainable business relationship with customers and also build confidence of the brand in the market,” he added.

Delighted dealers and distributors at the event were taken around the tools exhibition area to view the various tools, where they had a one to one session with the Bosch Group service support team discussing customer requirements and how they can further support them.

The Power Tools Division stands for customer focus and great engineering progress and has recorded significant successes in innovation of power tools, power tool accessories and measuring tools.

The German company said it is also committed to empowering young talent in sub-Saharan Africa where they initiated the AFRIKA KOMMT, a programme engineered towards empowering young budding African business leaders.

According to the company, in partnership with various companies, it offers scholarship programmes to junior African executives so that they can spend a year in Germany completing professional courses.

The goal of the programme is to foster mutual exchange and learning between African executives and German companies.

FG Restates Commitment to Revamp EconomyVia ICT The federal government has restated its resolve to revamp the country’s economy through Information and Communications Technology (ICT), by providing special technology support for Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

President Muhammadu Buhari, who made commitment, described ICT as an important catalyst in the economic development of the country.

The president, who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Job Creation and Youth employment, Mr. Afolabi Imoukhuede, during the Techplus 2016 conference held in Lagos, said the overdependence on the oil sector by successive governments, brought about the economic hardship currently facing the country. He said his administration was ready to support ideas that are in positive direction towards revamping the Nigeria’s economy.

According to the President, “We clearly understand that the driver of job creation is private sector and with the government playing the role of an enabler by giving enabling environment. So, that is our mandate. We support every idea that is in positive direction towards revamping the Nigeria’s economy.”

“We must diversify the economy so as to move away from oil. We all know the role of technology in moving the economy and many countries

have done that successfully.

Tech plus 2016 conference is a good convener that we believe is a good platform that addresses the role of technology economy development,” Buhari said.

“Technology is key, we recognise the role of technology, we recognise the role of innovation, even using technology, we have seen countries that have gone far with this diversification many years before us and how they have used technology. We have seen the case of Barcelona so, we recognise the importance of technology and that is why we have given it a boost and that is why the government is also taking the lead and also to support stakeholders in all that we have planned to do to revamp economy through ICT,” the President said.

He stressed that service and technology were the differentiators between countries that are able to tackle poverty effectively by growing and developing their economies.

He said the extent to which developing economies emerge as economic powerhouses depends on their ability to grasp and apply insights from science and technology and use them creatively.

“Innovation is the primary driver of technological growth and drives higher living standards. As an engine of growth, the potential of technology is endless,” the President added.

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ICT-SQUARE

MICHAEL MICHAEL OKEKE OKEKE

I

t is currently a trend to offer two versions of a smartphone. This is the case for high-end models, like from Apple iPhone 6s/iPhone 6s Plus or Samsung Galaxy S7/Galaxy S7 Edge, but also for mainstream devices Moto G4/Moto G4 Plus.

Huawei follows this trend as well with its flagship device that has proven successful the P9.

Manufacturers usually equip the most expensive versions with bigger screens, bigger batteries or some additional features that justify the cost and upgrade.

This can be said of the P9 Plus, but the Chinese company goes even further. The display is not only bigger at 5.5, but is based on the AMOLED technology instead of IPS technology and it does support pressure-sensitive inputs, which are called “Press Touch” by Huawei. Users also get a second speaker as well as an Infrared transmitter.

Design Case The cases from the two P9 models hardly differ from each other. Because of the bigger screen and the bigger battery, the P9 Plus is obviously a bit bigger and slightly heavier at 162 grams. The Huawei P9 Plus shares the same design as the P9. Both feature a premium aluminium build, for a slick and solid design that very much fits with the family series, this has been established over previous devices such as the Mate S and the Mate 8. It’s flat across the back with no camera bump, but comfortable to hold. Huawei is showing off a premium grade finish in the same way that HTC did with M9, with reference to micron-level polishing and hairline brushing. These handsets look great, coming in a range of colours spanning the usual silver and gold options.

There’s a ceramic white option for the P9 Plus, which Huawei says is smoother than the paint finish on premium cars.

Much of the talk around these new models has been about the minimal bezel, meaning the display runs pretty much to the edge of the handset.

The design is excellent and the device is good looking, although it perhaps lacks the design flourish you get elsewhere, such as on Samsung’s

The Huawei P9 Plus Review recent phones. Like HTC with the One M9, Huawei seems to be pushing superlatives, but it is still a fairly safe unibody smartphone design overall. At the backend, the twin cameras do make it a little unique, but Huawei’s emphasis still seems to be on creating the slimmest handset for that premium quality and top of the range design. Importantly, however, it feels solid and offers the sort of quality that you expect a premium handset level.

The Huawei P9 Plus features a HiSilicon Kirin 855 octo-core chipset with 4GB of RAM. This is an in-house solution, one of the aspects that helps Huawei keep the price down.

It perhaps will not keep pace with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 820 found in many rival flagship devices, but experience of the power of the Mate 8 and Mate S with previous generation Kirin chipsets suggests that in daily use it will make no difference.

There is 64GB of internal storage, which is a healthy offering, and there is support for microSD card expansion. There is a boost for the battery, and for charging, however, on this larger model.

The battery capacity increases to 3400mAh, with Huawei boasting some impressive fast charging times via the USB Type-C on the bottom. Additionally, Huawei has enhanced the speakers, claiming that the regular ear speaker can act as a loud external speaker, and when combined with the bass speaker in the base, makes for richer audio, interesting you may agree. Users of the P9 Plus also get an IR blaster at the top edge as well as the corresponding application called “Smart Controller”. The application already includes many manufacturers household devices and you can control many of your home devices, TV, DVD, Air-condition, Sound System to mention but a few. Another highlight is the compatibility with DSLRs, where the P9 Plus can be used as a remote trigger. A step counter is also included and it can be used in combination with the preloaded application “Health”.

Display Contrary to the standard P9, Huawei does not use a NEO-IPS, but an AMOLED screen for the

bigger model. It is slightly bigger at 5.5 inches, but the resolution is similar at 1920 x 1080 pixels.

This also results in a slightly lower pixel density compared to the smaller sibling as well as many rivals.

As expected, the luminance is a bit lower compared to the standard P9, but the performance of the P9 Plus is excellent. The Huawei P9 Plus offers several settings for the colours. Users can adjust the colour temperature pre-sets or manually and the picture mode Standard, Intense. The picture mode “Intense” in particular produces rich colours, which are typical for AMOLEDs Cameras The P9 Plus is equipped with a front camera of 8MP, so Huawei follows the current Selfie trend.

The quality of the pictures is very good and is definitely sufficient for selfies. Thanks to the Beauty Mode, you can apply a soft focus, which will smoothen out folds or pronounce the eyes. This is certainly a nice gadget for some users. The camera takes decent pictures in low-light situations. The most advertised feature of the P9 Plus is definitely the dual-camera at the back, which was designed in cooperation with Leica according to Huawei. The maximum resolution is 12MP with one

standard RGB sensor as well as a monochrome sensor. The images are conveniently sharp and offer very rich colours in daylight in particular, which results in a very vivid picture impression. The picture quality is sharp will take a slight hit in low-light situations, but the picture is pretty bright and there is not a lot of noise. You can still see all the important details when you take a shot.

Connectivity Huawei P9 Plus, supports many frequencies you should be able to get a connection in many parts of the world.

The SoC – System on Chip supports fast LTE Cat 6. The WLAN standards also include the fast 802.11ac in 2.4 as well as 5 GHz networks. Huawei also advertises the so-called WLAN + 2.0 feature, where the smartphone lists networks based on their signal quality and automatically switches to the best available network.

Depending on your position or connectivity, the smartphone will not continue to use the weaker network connection but automatically switched to the better one. This provides excellent browsing or connectivity experience using the WLAN. Software Huawei ships the P9 Plus with

the latest Android version 6.0 Marshmallow including its own user interface EMUI 4.1.

The latter leaves a very clean impression and can be heavily customized.

There is no application drawer and applications are just located on the home screens, where folders can help to organize them. Another small specialty is a small menu, which can be activated on the lock screen with a swipe from the bottom. Similar to Apple’s iOS you will get access to some applications voice recording, flashlight, calculator, camera and you can skip through the preloaded wallpapers. Besides regular screenshots, it is also possible to record screen videos.

In addition to the actual screen content, you will also see your inputs visualized as circles.

The video quality is in High Definition HD which is at 1280 x 720 pixels, 21 fps, ~7 Mbps, 60 MB per minute and Mini 768 x 432 pixels, 20 fps, ~1.3 Mbps, 10 MB per minute.

The Huawei P9 Plus also offers a split-screen mode, this will be activated by a long press on the rectangle symbol, but the number of supported applications is limited. The P9 Plus does offer another highlight because the manufacturer implements a pressure-resistant touchscreen similar to the Mate S. Huawei

calls this feature “Press Touch”, and the functionality is already familiar from Apple’s current iPhone generation. However, the feature is mainly limited to Huawei’s own applications. A hard press on the application will open a small context menu.

This feature is really handy with pictures, where you can launch the zoom with pressure gestures.

Verdict The Huawei P9 Plus is not only a bigger version of the standard P9. The manufacturer does not only equip the Plus model with a bigger screen and a larger battery but also implements several additional features and even uses a completely different display technology. The IR blaster and the additional speaker are additional value for some users, but the Press Touch feature is still in its infancy for Android.

If you consider all the improvements twice as much storage, more RAM, bigger display, bigger battery, additional features, this justify its higher price over the standard P9. The Chinese company has produced a high-end smartphone with many good characteristics that can meet many expectations; Huawei’s P9 Plus is definitely a premium product.

Michael.okeke@thisdaylive.com

THISWEEK ON GADGETS Qualcomm WiPower Wireless Charging Technology Charging with no cables can be convenient, but adoption rates have not been exactly smooth either. Qualcomm one of the leading technology giant announced that it has developed a new technology by which devices with metal body can be charged wirelessly. The technology called Qualcomm WiPower can charge devices with

metal exteriors wirelessly, thus eliminating the need for using wires, reducing the clutter. Qualcomm says it is an industry first, and it comes at a time when more manufacturers are choosing to make devices with bodies made of something other than plastic, in an effort to grab some of the premium market.

The system uses Qualcomm’s WiPower charging technology, and the

metal-bodied phone recharging system is not the only benefit.

WiPower wireless power pads can charge hardware that is not actually in contact with the surface, and by using Bluetooth Smart, can send the correct amount of power to multiple devices with different charging requirements. In other words, if one device can accept a higher amount of energy than another, the charger will step up the power and recharge it faster.

With WiPower, mobile

devices with metal bodies can also benefit from wireless charging.

As Qualcomm states, both plastic and metal alloy smartphones and tablets should work. Currently, the technology can charge devices with an energy demand of up to 22 Watts and devices do not need to be aligned perfectly with the WiPower pad to begin charging.

Michael.okeke@thisdaylive.com

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Glo’s New TV Satire as a Wakeup Call for Nigerians Beyond building a business empire in the telecommunications industry, the promoters of the Globacom brand have demonstrated their quest for a better society in a new TV satire built around ‘Professor Johnbull’, who plays the role of a social crusader. Raheem Akingbolu reports Recent developments in the country have shown that the corporate Nigeria is advancing well in the understanding of the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility. Against the belief of the yester years, when organisations and individuals assumed that CSR was all about pulling resources together to provide some social amenities, top players in the various sectors are already changing the trend. In line with international standard, companies in Nigeria are now looking beyond physical structures –they are approaching CSR in unconventional ways to re-orientate Nigerians.

On Tuesday last week, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), aired the maiden edition of a new television drama series, tagged ‘Professor Johnbull’ on its network service.

At the beginning, the drama didn’t move this reporter because of its humorous presentation but after a while, it turned out to be a powerful message presented in a satirical way to teach morals.

Sponsored by Globacom Nigeria, the drama is obviously the contribution of the brand to help Nigeria win the war against social devoid vices. It has since been confirmed that the drama is also being aired on NTA International and Startimes.

In the maiden episode titled “Claimant”, the drama throws sardonic barbs at impersonation of successful celebrities, one of the rampant vices in the country which falls under the broad rubric of “419”. It’s practiced by misguided individuals who name- drop and are desirous of getting rich quick without hardwork.

One of the characters in the series, Makuachukwu Ilodibe impersonated the Koko master, D’banj by dressing like the megastar and interspersing his speech with the refrain “I’m D’banj!” to scam unsuspecting members of the public including the lead character, Professor Johnbull acted by the inimitable Kanayo o. Kanayo. The erudite Professor met the fake D’banj at a restaurant owned

by Olaniyi starred by Yomi Fash Lanso and tutored him on the essence of his sobriquet, Kokomaster which the Professor inadvertently interpreted to mean cocoa.

The drama deploys series of exciting discourses hallmarked by the characters’ peculiar locutions and dictions to highlight the conflict between the fraudulent impostor who got invited to the house of Professor Johnbull, the acclaimed opinion leader in the society where he inevitably met his waterloo.

The deceit was exposed when Professor Johnbull’s engineer son, Churchill, who was the impostor’s school mate, disclosed his real name and gave him a beating for lying as he was wont to do from their school days. Olaniyi, the restauranteur, also joined in punishing the impostor for deceiving him by eating free food along with his two friends. Professor Johnbull gave the denouement as he made didactic closing remarks on the repercussions of impersonation.

Earlier, the episode opens with Caro, the semi-literate house girl acted by Mercy Johnson-Okogie turning the letter “p” written on a newspaper upside down to change to “d” and claiming she was performing magic when queried by Professor Johnbull. The grandiloquent man of letters tongue lashed her, concluding “I have been cohabiting with the very witch of Windsor herself”.

This scene was closely followed by the entry of Churchill clutching a newspaper and gleefully announcing the news that the Koko Master was billed to perform in Enugu, their location. The drama then morphed into the scene where the impostor and his two friends arrived Olaniyi’s restaurant to get the best amala in town.

The drama series, Professor Johnbull, ignited a sense of déjà vu in select viewers who thanked Globacom for giving them sublime

comedy which they had not savoured in recent time, thereby enriching their television experience.

Synopsis Retired Professor Johnbull Eriweagwuagwu Macathy Macnwigwe, a widower, relishes using grandiloquent expressions. He lives with his engineer son, undergraduate daughter and star-struck wannabe housemaid in an upscale neighbourhood in Enugu, South East Nigeria where he is; (by virtue of his academic and social exposure, which includes but is not limited to a Phd from a foreign university as well as a long lecturing career) the voice and conscience of the people.

His house, by virtue of his pedigree, has become a melting pot where people from different segments of the society often congregate to discuss contemporary issues and drink from

The drama deploys series of exciting discourses hallmarked by the characters’ peculiar locutions and dictions to highlight the conflict between the fraudulent impostor who got invited to the house of Professor Johnbull, the acclaimed opinion leader in the society where he inevitably met his waterloo

Professor John Bull’s fountain of wisdom.

His son Churchill Ikenga Macnwigwe, an engineering graduate, is interested in pursuing a career in music against his father’s wish.

His daughter Elizabeth is a year two Psychology undergraduate who is a dyed-in-the-wool but self-assured replica of her father. She is close to her father but generational issues always come up.

Caro is the semi illiterate house maid of the family and a great challenge to Elizabeth who routinely toils to improve her literacy and social construct.

Apart from the dramatic events in the professor’s house, there are other major characters whose lives and activities are interwoven with that of the professor and his household. The drama series explore social satire to shed light on contemporary issues affecting Nigerian youths.

Sound track To complement the setting and story line, the unseen hands behind the drama cleverly settled for urban high-life maestro and Glo ambassador, Chinedu Okoli, popularly known as Flavour, to compose a scintillating sound track for the T. V social satire series.

The sound track highlights the key messages which the drama series seeks to send across to the teeming audience. It revolves around the central character, Prof. John Bull, played

by Nollywood legend, Kanayo O. Kanayo, and focuses on the grandiloquent language which the professor is famous for.

The sound track concisely summarises the plot and storyline. For instance, it repeatedly hails the erudite scholar who has travelled round the world acquiring knowledge and enlarging his vocabulary.

The rhythm and beat of the sound track, originally produced in Igbo, are typical of Flavour’s urban high-life music genre and style and is full of eulogies for the professor.

The four-minute song which is currently ruling the airwaves particularly in the South East and South South part of the country, features notable stars such as Kanayo O. Kanayo, Patience Ozokwor (Mama G), Bimbo Akintola, Mercy Johnson, Yomi Fash Lanso and Ime Bishop. Others are; Queen

Nwokoye, Chiwetalu Agu and several other top Bollywood stars and Glo Ambassadors.

The series is produced by Nollywood creative genius, Tchidi Chikere with iconic Nollywood legend Richard Mofe-Damijo as consultant.

Radio stations across the South East and South South states such as Enugu, Ebonyin, Anambra, Abia, Imo, Cross Rivers, Rivers and Akwa Ibom have started blasting the song massively on their stations while music lovers have been urging On-Air-Personalities to play the soundtrack during phone-in programmes.

For instance, the song was said to have been heard repeatedly on Dream FM 92.7 Enugu and other stations on recently.

Endorsements In a telephone interview with this reporter, the lead character in the drama series, Kanayo O. Kanayo, described the song as perfect. He said: “the sound track for this drama series is just apt and awesome. In-fact, I was marveled when I listened to it. It just summarizes what the drama series is about. It encapsulates the story-line” Meanwhile, the producer of the new TV drama series, Tchidi Chikere, has said that Nigerians will be full of gratitude to Globacom for bringing back social satire to the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Chikere who made the remarks on the set of “Prof. Johnbull” in Enugu said the TV series “is a hilarious satire that will appeal not only to the young at heart but also to everyone that can appreciate drama and its ability to correct social ills”.

“It is high time we had more corporate bodies coming to support the entertainment industry like Globacom is doing. Honestly, I think it is highly commendable that Globacom has moved from just endorsing entertainers as brand ambassadors to sponsoring full productions as Executive Producers”, the ace producer said.

He however lamented the dearth of comedy series in the country, and noted that the last ones the country had were years back when the Village Headmaster was running.

With the drama series, it is obvious that Glo has scored another goal as it will both entertain and win more patrons for the brand.

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How DDB Won the Diageo Account Raheem Akingbolu, who followed the pitch that led to DDB’s emergence as the winner of Diageo Nigeria’s creative account, writes on how experience and quality helped the agency to beat its competitors Months after the process to choose another advertising agency for Diageo Nigeria advertising account began, the result of the pitch was recently announced. The journey started early this year , when DDB Lagos, alongside other agencies like; Noah’s Ark, STB McCann and LTC/JWT received invitation from the procurement unit of the company to participate in their forthcoming pitch process which was scheduled to hold in February.

After the invitation was received and acknowledged by various agencies, a de-brief session was held at the Guinness Ikeja Office with all the invited Agencies in attendance.

The session afforded the agencies concerned opportunity to clarify grey portions of the briefs which were designed to further push Johnnie Walker and McDowell’s brands.

However, according to a source within the company, Lanre Adisa’s Noah’s Ark was said to have pulled out shortly after the clarification stage for reasons best known to the agency.

Process From the First day, the company tried to live up to its international status by making sure the process was transparent and met global standard. This was clearly shown in the quality of people that accessed the agencies. The first noticeable signal was the assemblage of a team of young people led by the Business Development and Creative Director that coordinated the ideation, strategy development and planning stages of the pitch process. To avoid any ambiguity, all these were eventually uploaded on the Guinness e-sourcing online platform on Thursday 25th February, 2016, ahead of the presentation date which was scheduled to hold the next day.

The same feat was also said to have been achieved during the presentation, which was witnessed by brand managers of the different brands in attendance. After the presentation, agencies proceeded to share presentations for both briefs after which they fielded questions from the Diageo team.

A few weeks later, DDB Lagos was shortlisted for the 2nd stage of the process which involved an Agency visit which held on Tuesday, 22nd March 2016. The session helped the Diageo team to familiarise themselves with DDB Lagos, its modus operandi, values, team and facility. It also served as an opportunity for further clarifications on the remuneration proposal amongst other things and was a good meeting for both parties.

In the weeks that followed, there were further negotiations on the remuneration proposal after which DDB Lagos was formally appointed on Friday, 8th April 2016. With this latest achievement, the agency, which is currently under the mentorship of Mr. Ikechi Odigbo as Chief Executive Officer, DDB Lagos, will henceforth handles the Spirits portfolio of the global brand, which includes; Baileys, Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, Ciroc, McDowells and Gordons brands.

The strength of the agency Indeed, every success story of DDB Lagos owed something to the agency’s commitment to the philosophy of going the extra mile and putting clients and their brands first to ensure that the brands continue to win against market competition.

For over a decade, DDB Lagos has continued to maintain its leadership role in the highly competitive advertising business in Nigeria and West Africa. A consistent winner at the Lagos Ideas and Advertising Festival (LAIF), awards since 2006, with over 60 awards, which make the team the most awarded agency in the history of the awards. DDB Lagos also has it’s footprints on the international stage where it became the first Nigerian agency to pick up prestigious awards at the EPICA and the African Cristal Award Festivals.

Last year, DDB Lagos also successfully added five new accounts to its portfolio.

As at today, its new businesses include; Olam, an Asian multinational dealing in

Odigbo

confectioneries, beverages and other products, Wakanow, Nigeria’s online travel company and Huawei, the Asian technology experts. Others are; Verve and Quickteller from Interswitch, payment platform professionals and Africa Re, insurance specialists.

Established by Mr. Enyi Odigbo, current

Indeed, every success story of DDB Lagos owed something to the agency’s commitment to the philosophy of going the extra mile and putting clients and their brands first to ensure that the brands continue to win against market competition

chairman of Caesars Group in Nigeria 29 years ago, DDB was among the second set of agencies that demonstrated in practical terms that Nigerians were prepared to change the fortune of the ad industry.

After overcoming its teething stages, the agency became one of the most sought-after agencies, first as a result of the influence of its global network. The defining moment came when it won the MTN accounts in 2006.

The agency, which prides itself as ‘enemy of the ordinary’ has in the last seven years created innovative selling ideas in pushing the brand equity of MTN in the market place.

Imports After days of pressure, the victorious agency opened up to THISDAY early this week.

According to its CEO, Mr. Ikechi Odigbo, the agency was excited as a result of the achievement and confident that it would give wind to its sails for more conquests ahead.

He said: “It is hard to find the right words about this news...I think the words are best summed up by the legendary Bob Scarpelli, former Chief Creative Officer of DDB Worldwide in a note he once wrote: “..Win or lose, we always learn something about ourselves from a pitch. What I’ve learned through all my years here is that we are a proud, resilient group. We are winners. We are fighters. We don’t give up. And we always have the attitude that when we don’t win one, we’re going to win the next one. Most of the time, we do…”

He however stated that the achievement was a testament of the hard work of the team.

“We are structured more like a medium sized agency handling billings of a large agency.

Being able to divert resources to pitch from existing accounts is a big challenge but we have stuck to our policy of having the highest billing ratio per executive because we want to be sure that whoever is working within DDB Lagos is outstanding and we are not just bringing in bodies, bringing in numbers and at the end of the day diluting the quality. We are very happy with our new client and the entire credit goes to the team who worked directly on the pitchand also a big thanks to everyone in the Group for their total support and confidence,” Also reacting, the Director of Business Development of DDB Lagos, Tunde Dosekun, spoke aboutone of the fundamental elements of DDB’s success.

According to him, “When you have the benefit of working for brands like MTN, Unilever, Interswitch and a host of other clients that we have had, I think it is almost only inevitable that you will achieve success because these are leading brands in their respective categories,” To this end, Dosekun drove home his point by stating emphatically that the objective of the agency has never been to win awardsbut to help clients’ product and services gain superior market share in the marketplace and to achieve their marketing objectives, whatever they may be.

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Djembe Communications Expands Footprints in Africa Stories by Raheem Akingbolu The management of the Djembe Communications, a Pan-African communications consultancy firm, has indicated plan to reposition the company for continued growth in the second half of 2016. In a statement issued by the Lagos office of the agency, the agency was said to have built a solid growth foundation in the first half of 2016, adding that this has seen it increase its African network presence, win new clients and recruit new team members.

To this end, Djembe recently established offices in Accra, Ghana, which will support client projects in West Africa and in Rabat, Morocco, which will serve as a regional hub

for the Maghreb region. The statement further indicated that it has plans to establish an office in Mauritius to further solidify its position across the continent.

In 2016, Djembe further developed the Consultancy’s strong client base and won Banco Nacional de Angola, The Commodities Exchange of Mozambique, NiFund, a Nigerian Investment Fund, and the Global Fund, an organisation dedicated to accelerating the end of AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Djembe’s Managing Director, Mitchell Prather was quoted as saying that: “Djembe’s growth is a mirror image of what we are witnessing with our clients, who are actively pursuing opportunities in the

region. Djembe is implementing impactful communication programs to support their growth strategies while building strong reputations for our clientele on the global stage. We are therefore delighted to be working with quality clients in the private and public sectors, as together we look to change Africa’s narrative to one of a

region with enormous potential.

These industry awards are a testament to our solid growth and performance over the last two years.”

To support client growth across the continent, Djembe has further expanded its team with strategic recruits in senior positions across the Consultancy’s network of

wholly owned offices. These include Debbie Ghamkhar, a former Franklin Fellow with the U.S. Department of State to serve as Country Manager of the U.S., Walid Al Alaoui, founder of the leading Moroccan digital agency and Azur Systems, as the consultancy’s Digital Director and Country Manager of

Morocco, Toyin Dania, former Strategic Project Manager at African Foundation for Development as Djembe’s Country Manager in Ghana.

These hires were complemented by additional team members joining across the Consultancy’s offices in Angola, Mozambique, Nigeria, Switzerland and the UAE.

Star Auto Unveils Break Pads and Linings Factory In a renewed effort to strengthen the industrial base in Nigeria, Star Auto Industries Limited, a leading manufacturer of spare parts, has inaugurated a new factory to produce brake pads and linings. The factory, which is located at Navy Town, Lagos is established by the 24 year old company, in line with the aspiration of the current administration to encourage made in Nigeria goods.

According to the Managing Director, Star Auto Limited, Mrs. Ngozi Ukachukwu, the company’s objective is to manufacture brake pads and linings for Nigerians at competitive prices. She expressed the determination of the management of the company to serve Nigeria and Nigerians with the new factory in the area of revenue generation, employment opportunities and manufacturing of quality products.

She said: “Star Auto is going to create jobs; we previously had over 200 staff and we intend to surpass that in nearest future.

Our operations are also in line with the current monetary and fiscal policies of the government of the day. About 60% of our raw materials can presently be sourced locally. We expect that our optimal operations will reduce the amount of foreign exchange demanded for the importation of brake pads,” Ukachukwu further stated that the company is currently partnering with a government agency and a couple of educational institutions to carry out independent research and testing. According to her, these include research in local resin production and replacement of certain materials with local alternatives extracted from Palm Kernels. It is expected that these efforts would yield results and further reduce the company’s imported raw materials component to 20% over the next two years.

The managing director, who disclosed that the foundation of the factory was laid in January 2015, stated that the company has mapped out some business and marketing strategies that would enable it survive the tough economic regime the country is currently

undergoing.

Also speaking at the event, the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Engr. Aminu Jalal, commended the effort of the chairman of Star Auto Industries Limited, Mr. Chidi Ukachukwu and his team, for their consistent and commitment to the manufacturing sector, despite the economic challenges currently facing the country. Jalal, who expressed the desire of the council to partner with the company to take it to the next level, called on Nigerians not to shy away from patronising products made from the company.

“I have been in close contact with Star Auto Industries Limited for years, especially the chairman, Mr. Chidi Ukachukwu, and I know how committed the company is to manufacturing of quality goods. Over the years, Mr. Ukachukwu has explored the manufacturing spaces in Ibadan, Lagos and other places, which makes the terrain easy for him to tread. With the opening of this factory here in Navy Town, I’m convinced that this will go a long way in cushioning the effect of harsh economy in the country as well as bringing spare parts close to vehicle owners,” he said.

Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Tunde Zedomi, who was represented by Kayode Akinsowon, had commended the doggedness of Ukachukwu and pointed out that brake pads and linings are part of the major items required in any automobile. “They are precision parts, which must be manufactured to acceptable world standards and their manufacturing ingredients are specially sorted so as to avoid any unforeseen malfunctions of any particular batch,” he said.

On the need for the management of the company to follow the rules and regulations that guides the military environment, Capt. A.E. Olorogun, said Navy Authority abhors embarrassment and therefore called on Star Auto management to produce quality goods as well as promoting healthy and safety environment.

REWARD FOR COMMITMENT TO IDP

L-R: Head, E-Government, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr. Bernard Ewah; Director of IoT Smart City Strategy and Market Development for Intel Corporation, Susan Tauzer and Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder of US Ignite, Dr. Glenn Ricart, during cheque presentation to Jalingo-based Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Tracking and Monitoring project at the Global City Team Challenge Expo in Austin, Texas, United States...recently

Dignitaries Honour Mandela as Wine Tasting Holds in Lagos Former Secretary General, Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, National President, Nigerian-American Chambers of Commerce (NACC), Bitan Famutimi and several other wine loving dignitaries attended the fourth edition of the Wines of South Africa (WOSA) Grand Tasting event held in Lagos recently.

The one-day event, organised in collaboration with the South African High Commission in Nigeria to commemorate Nelson Mandela Day, was also designed to showcase quality wines from wine producers from different regions in the Cape Wineland.

Distributors and prospective distributors traded, tasted and as well attended the special wine course According to a statement issued by the organisers, the WOSA is a not-for-profit marketing body representing all South African wine exporters. Its mandate is to promote value growth for the South African wine industry abroad, exhibiting regularly at major wine shows as well as working closely with the tourism authorities to advance Cape wine tourism. Aside trade, WOSA is very interested in educating Nigerian consumers and wine business operators. As a result, the body introduced a special wine education course last year in furtherance of that vision.

This year’s wine course was facilitated by Wine Advisor,

Allister Kreft, from renowned education company, Beverage Intelligence. The course was opened to 40 participants in trade businesses, hotel, food, beverage managers, retailers, portfolio managers, including other wine and food service providers. Participants were issued a diploma certificate and conferred with an honorary Ambassadorship for Wines of South Africa.

Wines of South Africa Grand Tasting is targeted at people in the trade such as importers, distributors and portfolio managers working in the food and beverage/ hospitality industry and wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs.

The B2B Marketplace, hosted meetings and entertained inquiries between producers and trade business owners or their representatives. The event was also designed to create an experiential platform for wine enthusiasts and consumers in the Nigeria market.

This year, WOSA paraded wines from the leading family owned Wine Estates in South Africa such as Accolade Wines, Estate, Origin Wine, Blake Family Wines, Cape Classics, Noble Hills Estate, Rooiberg Winery among others.

The annual event is said to have been established as a platform that delivers an up-market audience in a very prestigious environment. “The grand tasting event aims to create awareness for the South African wine category in

the Nigerian market; being the 12th largest importer of packaged wine from South

Africa and the second biggest among African countries,” the statement further added.

New Digital Company, Res-Q, Begins Operation in Nigeria Res-Q Digital, a research based digital marketing firm has commenced full operation in Nigeria.

The agency which is an offshoot of Richbrand Group said its vision is to provide innovative research based marketing solutions for brands across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Speaking at the inauguration of the firm in Lagos, its Managing Director, Lekan Abioye said with the ongoing global digital revolution, the company felt it’s the right time to carve a niche in the Nigerian digital marketing space.

His words: “We are set out to become the most sought after innovative research based digital solution company on the continent.

“The world and communication exposure is digitalised.

Digital is the future. And digital marketing provides the much needed communication reach at low cost, with advanced targeting options and spontaneous feedback.

“Our unique selling point is our research acumen which provides us with deed insight for solutions. And we want

to use this to provide quick insightful and superior solutions for clients to be able to reach their specific targets where they are at a reasonable cost.

A digital expect in the company, Wale Ogunjobi noted that the prevalent economic situation coupled with increasing level of Internet exposure in country served as contributing factors to the launch of Res-Q Digital.

“With Internet penetration at 47%, and a nation of over 180 million, Nigeria is world’s number seventh on the Internet exposure index. This shows that with time digital marketing will upstage conventional marketing in Nigeria. So we can’t continue to remain in the conventional.

“The idea behind this company was also influenced by the cost effectiveness of running digital advertisements. We believe that small and medium businesses might not be able to do the conventional marketing which is far more expensive.

So it’s an avenue to help businesses grow, develop the economy, while also meeting up with world standard. Digital is the future and Res-Q Digital is a launch into that future,” he said.

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INTERVIEW

Busari: CNN is Investing in Nigeria Because of Her Enormous Potential CNN is launching a new multi-platform operation in Lagos, Nigeria, with Stephanie Busari as the head of the operation. In this interview, Busari, who will be the network’s first responder for all platforms, spoke on what her key functions would be as regards content development and news dissemination. Excerpts: Congratulations on your new appointment as Supervising Producer, Africa at CNN’s new multi-platform bureau in Lagos. What does this mean to you, having worked for so long outside Nigeria?

I am thrilled and excited to be back home after a long time away. Although, I have always kept close links to Nigeria and have a considerable network here already from the work I have been doing on CNN’s digital platform on Africa. CNN is investing here because we believe Nigeria is a globally important nation with enormous potential, and it is very exciting that I have been entrusted with helping to tell the story of my country to the world.

What would your key functions be, as regards content development and news dissemination?

I will be in charge of coverage out of Nigeria and in some cases West Africa for all of CNN’s platforms (TV, mobile, digital). I believe being here and having a digital-first approach gives us unique opportunity to engage directly with our audience.

industry call, ‘platform agnostic’. We want to be able to reach the audience whether they are sitting in front of the television or browsing on their smartphone on their commute or at their desktops at work. Sometimes, even a combination of those! That is exciting, and I think there is still a big part to play for all of those platforms.

In what ways would your previous experience as a reporter in England and Northern Ireland help you discharge your new duties?

I have covered a wide variety of beats across hard news stories and features. I have even worked on the party scene as a showbiz reporter, and at the other extreme, I have worked as a court reporter, so hopefully all of this experience will stand me in good stead in such a diverse country as Nigeria.

There are literally stories to tell everywhere you look here!

How will the new bureau operate as a conduit for information for CNN? Our emphasis will be on producing the world class and engaging content that CNN is known for. In addition, I want to get under the skin of life in Nigeria and the West Africa region beyond the usual narrative. Social media will be a key component of this. In fact, we are launching a new Facebook Africa page this week where our audiences can find and follow all the powerful content that CNN produces from across the continent but in

Busari

a more concentrated way than you would find if they went straight to our website.

How does the platform tie in with the global shift toward digital media?

I am bringing with me a decade’s experience working in the digital media space, and I know that people are consuming news and media content on whatever device is handy for them. CNN’s approach is what we in the

What challenges and opportunities do you expect to face as you begin to work in a different environment?

Well, Nigeria has its well-documented infrastructure problems. Anyone who lives here will be familiar with power and traffic issues, for example, so those are the everyday challenges. But like most Nigerians, I am very used to being resourceful and making the most of any situation.

In terms of opportunities, over the years, I have met so many dynamic Nigerians and Africans who are working to transform their countries and the continent. I am looking forward to chronicling their achievements and highlighting their successes. There is nowhere in the world I would rather be.

FG to Encourage Production of Crops for Exports Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Audu Ogbeh has disclosed that the federal government would continue to encourage the production of some crops for export.

Ogbeh said the measure was in line with the government’s

efforts to diversify the economy for Sustainable development.

Speaking in Kano on Tuesday at a North-West Business Summit and Exhibition organised by Daily Trust in collaboration with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Ogbeh, represented by the Managing Director, Bank of Agriculture, Professor Danbala Danju, said:

“We will prioritise for export markets, the production of the following crops and activities: The crops include cowpeas, cocoa, cashew, cassava, ginger, sesame, oil palm, yams fruits and vegetables as well as beef and cotton.

He said the ministry would also work with investors, farmers, processors and other

stakeholders to deepen the supporting infrastructure to ensure that quality are defined and maintain across the value chain.

According to him, the ministry will ensure that farmers and investors are operating in a market that is safe, competitive, and capable of enabling wealth creation in

Osun Trainees in Germany Vow to Oando Marketing Commissions Turn Around Agriculture in Nigeria Ultra Modern Mega Station in Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo Barely three weeks after leaving Osun, Nigeria and arriving in the State of Saxony-Anhalt for their three months intensive training in agriculture and food production technology, beneficiaries of the scheme have expressed high hopes that Nigeria’s fate lies in modern agriculture enterprises.

The beneficiaries, who shared their experiences with a German newspaper A-Z Online revealed how their three weeks already spent in Germany have shown that Nigeria’s economy had refused to grow because of the country’s over-dependence on oil.

The ongoing training is in furtherance of the collaboration between the State Government of Osun and the state of Saxony-Anhalt Germany.

The training is in continuation of government’s drive to revolutionise agriculture in the state under the Osun Rural Enterprise and Agriculture Programme (O’REAP) and boost food productions for local consumption as well as export.

Adesuyi Fasola Michael and

Adebayo Waheed Adekunle, both trainees, were quoted by the German newspaper as expressing satisfaction with their trainees, vowing that Nigeria and Osun in particular would feel their impact when they return to Nigeria.

In a statement by the Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Fasola was quoted as saying, “We are poised to take agriculture to a new height in our state.”

Fasola added that Nigeria’s potential in agriculture have been lying untapped for ages.

Adekunle, who also spoke with the German newspaper, said when the new technologies are deployed in agric business, Nigeria will have a lot to learn from them.

“We are here for the future of our country. I am confident that this is the way to go if Nigeria must feed itself and as my Governor, Rauf Aregbesola tells all of us, a nation that cannot feed itself is on its path to perish. Our people must perish.”

The coast became clear for the youths who have been selected for the training when they rounded up their German Language training in Osogbo.

Lagos

Ejiofor Alike As part of its commitment to drive excellence in the downstream retail sector, Oando Marketing Limited has commissioned its stateof-the-art retail station at KM3, Orile, on the Lagos – Badagry expressway, thus raising the company’s current fuels distribution capacity of over two billion litres yearly.

The upgrade of Oando KM3, Orile Lagos was timely executed to complement the new 10 lane super highway which is billed for completion in less than 24 months.

Specifically, the station is situated very close to one of the passenger train stations on the new highway.

Equipped to service over 2000 cars per day, the stations arsenal of silent, ultra-fast premium fuel dispensing units have been specially configured to deliver accurate quantities at all times to ensure consumers receive value for money at every visit to the retail outlet.

In addition to liquid fuels, Oando KM3 Orile will also retail Oando’s full basket of

petroleum products, including car maintenance services via its advanced auto-care center, which was also commissioned for immediate use by customers.

Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of Oando Marketing Limited, Mr. Abayomi Awobokun expressed satisfaction with the quality of station upgrade, “its visual contribution to the neighborhood, the environmental considerations in its design and most important the value it would bring to customers and travelers on the LagosBadagry super highway when its completed”.

He acknowledged the hospitality of the host community, led by the Ojora of Ijora, Oba Abdulfatai Oyeyinka Aremu Aromire.

Awobokun noted that “despite industry challenges, Oando Marketing Limited is still able to compete favorably amongst its peers evidenced not only by its market share and current station footprint but also by its ability to continue upgrading and growing its network right across the country”.

the country.

“The ministry is engaging many stakeholders, including the Nigerian Agribusiness Group (NABG), being led by a Kano state indigene, Alhaji Sani Dangote, to facilitate trade and investment, ”he said.

Ogbeh said the government would continue to support value chains through adequate

provision of specialised fertilizers and protection chemicals as well as high yielding seeds to boost food production.

The summit, which has its theme: Unlocking the Agriculture and Solid Minerals Potential of the Zone, was attended by various stakeholders from across the North West geo-political zone.

Osun Launches Job Center to Address Unemployment Raheem Akingbolu In a bid to ameliorate the level of unemployment among its indigenes, Osun State Government is set to launch Osun Jobs Center.

The center to be bankrolled by the State Government will provide free information and basic employment skills for job-seekers with the aim of tailoring them to meet the quality requirements of employers.

Lead consultant to Osun Jobs Center, Mobolaji Akande, told journalists in Lagos that the centre is an integral part of the state government’s resolve to solve the problem of unemployment among its indigenes.

Her words: “Since Governor Rauf Aregbeshola assumed office in 2010, he has aggressively pursued creation of jobs in the state with both training and skill acquisition to reduce in rate of unemployment in the state.

“We are about to launch the Osun Job center to re-orientate our job seekers. We found that in Nigeria as a country and Osun as a state, job seekers have issue with their mindset as regards job search.

“The economy may be on the down side, but there are still jobs out there. So we see the need for job seekers to know how to go about searching for jobs that meets with what they are qualified for. We need to match the skills of the individuals to the job requirement of the employers. This has not always been in place and that’s why people apply for jobs they do not have the skill sets for.”

Akande however noted that the center doesn’t create jobs, but will provide an interface between job seekers and employers.

“Osun Jobs Center doesn’t create jobs. What it intend to do is re-orientate job seekers on how to search for jobs by providing skills training to help them create a good CV for their job search, prepare them with interview skills: how to answer interview questions and dressing code.

It would provide an interface between employers and job seekers. We already have verification units that would vet certificates submitted to the job centre to make sure they are genuine before they get to the employers of labour,” she said.

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DEVELOPMENT

Marist Brothers’ Juniorate: Boosting Educational Standards, Devt

Academic performance in many schools have nose-dived, with majority of the students in secondary schools recording very poor grades from qualifying examinations such as the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and National Examination Council (NECO). However, a group of Catholic Schools operated by Marist Brothers’ Congregation is leading the move to reverse the trend and ensure development in education. Onyebuchi Ezigbo writes

T

he lacklustre performances being recorded by Nigerian school children in major examinations in recent times has become a source of worry to parents and the society at large.

Most public schools across the country have failed to live up to expectations in striving to maintain a record of excellence in examinations. This poor show is not by any means limited to only public schools as many other schools operated by individuals and private organisations have concentrated on raking huge profits from the schools rather than ensuring quality education for children.

Indeed the situation has reached a worrisome state where the entire education system in the country is being undermined by rising number of students with poor academic standards.

Beacon of Hope However, it is not all bad news after all. There are quite a number of exceptions amongst schools in the country where academic excellence has become a matter of principle. Among these centres of excellence in the education sector are the mission schools of which one of them is the Marist Brothers Juniorate.

Stories have been told of how in the years past, missionary schools ran by churches and religious bodies had provided standard education and successfully transformed students placed under their care into great talents. With its headquarters in Uturu, Abia state, Marist Brothers Juniorate schools recently made history by emerging the second best school in the 2015 WAEC examinations. The schools are operated under the auspices of the Marist Brothers’ Congregation, a Catholic religious organisation.

The history of the school is traced to 1949 when the Marist Brothers came to Nigeria and opened their first schools namely Bishop Shanaham College (B.S.C) Orlu in Imo State and College of Immaculate Conception (C.I.C) Enugu. They were the best schools in the East in those days and today they still remain the pride of their states.

In 1965, the Marist Brothers established the Marist Brothers’ Juniorate in Uturu. Their focal point remained the teaching of children in Christian morals - that behind the forces of fate there is a God who made man in his own image, and loving him, had given him the freedom to choose between good and evil.

In 1964, the Marist Brothers established the Marist Brothers’ Juniorate at Uturu. From then till now, the Marist Brothers and the Marist Schools have grown like a mustard seed.

Today it boasts of seven schools in five different states: Marist Brothers’ Juniorate, Uturu; Marist Comprehensive Academy, Uturu; Marist Comprehensive College, Ezzagu, Ebonyi State; Christ the King College, Ire Ekiti, Ekiti State; Marist Comprehensive College, Nteje, Anambra State; Marist College, Yangoji, Abuja; Christ the King College, Gwagwalada, Abuja, and Sacred Heart Marist College, Ejule, Kogi State.

Peculiar Characteristics The congregation consists of men who voluntarily devote their lives to the service of the poor (of Jesus Christ) in the schools and Social Centres, whereas the juniors are young aspirants to this congregation and the Institute where they are taken care of is called the Juniorate. The Juniorate was established to provide the young men with basic post-Primary education. It also gives them time to mature in a Christian atmosphere so that they clearly understand the type of life they want to embrace.

Some underlining factors helped to mark out these schools run by the Marist Brothers in the country. First, the Marist educational philosophy pursues a holistic education of the

Students of Marist Brothers Juniorate

child, and for many years the group has held tenaciously to this vision.

This holistic education helps young people build a well-rounded and integrated personality, trains them to respect the dignity of work and develop strong character and will, as well as spirit of team work. Moreso it inspires young people to adopt a life of service to their local communities, the country and the world by imitating Mary’s way of being: simplicity, modesty and purity.

In the pursuit of this goal a number of things come to mind. Every normal human being possesses the capacity to learn concepts when organised systematically. This differentiates humans from the other primates and researches in education psychology have proved that there is no limit to human capacity to teach.

Overcoming Challenges Teaching and learning remain challenging practices in the Nigerian environment. Marist Schools were established basically to confront and defeat the challenges. In Nigeria today,

one major problem in imparting knowledge remains the physical environment where the learning process takes place.

Most schools, public and private have very shoddy class-rooms. The roofs leak, the walls are dilapidated and there are no basic facilities, even some lack chalk and chalkboards. Most often, their students have not seen science laboratory before and the idea of computer education is a mirage. The teachers are not paid, majority of them indulge in self-pity and express the wish that their off-spring may never experience the same disappointment and difficulties they currently endure.

But at Marist Brothers’ Juniorate, schools were built with adequate attention to physical aesthetics required for a good learning environment. As the Director of the Juniorate in Uturu-Okigwe in Abia state, Rev. Ifeanyi Mbaegbu explained, the school employs an architect whose main role is to see that the structures erected in the school correspond with the natural landscapes of the environment that house the school. The class-rooms are spaciously arranged in the

ratio of a teacher to 30 students; to make the teaching and learning process less stressful to both teacher and learners.

In the vital area of staff recruitment and quality control measures, Mbaegbu said that adequate care is taken to ensure that graduate teachers are recruited from all the tribes of Nigeria and even beyond. He explained that the teachers are recruited through a rigorous process, after they had done well in oral, written and practical interviews conducted by the school Management team in collaboration with the Marist Management Education Board.

In the last few years, the teachers had attended seminars in Europe, America and East Africa. The idea is that the attendees would have a wider scope of what the education of youth entails and come home with new ideas which they would share with both teaching and non-teaching staff members.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

RANDOM THOTS Securing Agriculture If all things go according to plan, many farms in Nigeria will soon be guarded as tightly and as safely as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); albeit for a security fee. This is because the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, ably guided by some consultants, has come up with a fool-proof plan to make agriculture secure and safe enough for farmers and related practitioners to produce enough food to feed the 170 million citizens of this great country.

According to the erudite minister who is working in concert with the Minister of Interior, for the farm-

ers and their farms to be safe as those farmers who live on their farms and homesteads in the rural US and other farming countries, they may have to pay for security provided by some special forces to secure and defend them (farmers) from kidnappers and other potential marauders; as part of measures to protect farmers around the country.

Chief Ogbeh also disclosed that very soon, like in a year and half, Nigeria should be self-sufficient in local production of vital grains such as rice, beans and maize, and to a great extent in local produc-

tion of wheat. Central to this plan however is securing the farms, both big and small, from kidnappers, insurgents like the Boko Haram, rampaging herdsmen and even selfish middlemen. The resultant boost in agricultural production will take care of near-famine situations in the North-east and millions of hungry mouths in the country; aside saving billions of dollars in rice and wheat importation annually. If this security initiative can be pulled off successfully, Nigeria would be much better for it. A juicy thought…

Abimbola Akosile

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DEvELOpmENT/ISSUESINBOx

Nigerians must patronise locally-made products to fight inflation

How Best Can Inflation be Reduced in Nigeria?

In the latest report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), inflation rose from 15.6 per cent in May 2016 to 16.5 per cent in June 2016, its highest point since October 2005. According to the report, energy and food prices weighed heavily on the inflation level, and the biggest impact is on the average citizens, who have no corresponding increase in their incomes. Although there are various suggestions on greater dependence on local products, improved agriculture, more jobs, and better security, among others, to you, how best can inflation be reduced to a single digit level in Nigeria?

Abimbola Akosile * Nigeria is strange; at a time everyone from government to individuals are complaining of a lack of liquidity, inflation is rising. I’m no economist, but the normal thing done is to reduce spending and encourage saving. This is counter-productive to an economy that needs investment as well as massive infrastructural development. As government, we must spend our way out of this recession to get us back into growth. We are currently feeling the effects of a year of doing nothing in terms of capital projects or continuing with ongoing projects, oil production reduction and little or no foreign or local investment. Until these change, we would still be in the woods for quite some time.

- Mr. Buga Dunj, Jos, Plateau State * We must disown our humiliating ego promptly.

Smuggling must be blocked; government should remove N1,000 from circulation now; they should strengthen the financial institutions, use Nigerian labour, and ensure the people consume Made in Nigeria goods. There should be improved storage facilities and processing facilities for our products’ adequate preservation and use.

At 16.5 per cent inflation, we must overhaul our policies now and now.

- Miss Apeji Patience Eneyeme, Badagry, Lagos * Why wouldn’t there be inflation? I don’t think that the Bureau of Statistics did a thorough job otherwise the percentage increase would have been higher. Nevertheless, I was already a wage-earner in 1984/1985, it was the same scenario. People like us knew that Buhari’s second coming will hit us this hard.

- Sir Idika Okorie Amaeke Abam, Abia State * The truth of the matter is that inflation is not only hampering development in Nigeria; it is also a global issue. But the past government failed to save for the rainy day like this;

THE FEEDBACK Top tip:

Intensify economic diversification

Second:

Revive moribund marketing boards

Third:

Patronise locally-made goods more

Radical tip:

Withdraw all N1,000 notes!

Total no of respondents:

10

Male:

7

Female:

3

Highest location:

Lagos (4)

rather they looted the treasury. Even Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala former minister (of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy) raised the alarm that Nigeria will witness hard time, which we are now passing through because we failed to diversify the economy when they discovered that oil price is going down every day. Nigerians should not blame much on this present government over the economic crisis.

There is hope for Nigerians; we just need prayers to overcome the present difficulties.

- Mr. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Public Commentator, Umukabia, Abia State * The urgent introduction of Marketing Boards can curb inflation of prices of commodities, check warehouses where foodstuffs are stored and sold at exorbitant prices to the public; if they are given full legal laws and backing.

- Mr. Dogo Stephen, Kaduna * Inflation, too much money chasing too few goods and hiked services is grossly dangerous

for our ailing economy. Our financial policies must change proactively. Middlemen and the chain of goods distribution must be checked now. The current inflation rate at 16.5 per cent calls for policy review to avoid disaster.

- Mr. Apeji Onesi, Lagos State * It is time to bring in marketing boards and apply the price system. The stock market needs re-organisation. Our financial house must be invigorated urgently. Food production must be stepped up urgently.

- Ms. Saiki Ometere Tina, Gboko, Benue State * Yes, who is to blame for inflation, when the past government looted the treasury? Instead of diversifying the economy into agricultural and other sectors, they depended on oil, which is affecting the economy because of oil price fall.

I believe everything will be okay as President Muhammadu Buhari is on the right track to find solution to inflation through agriculture, mining and other sectors. Inflation will not kill Nigerians, but solution will come.

- Mrs. Ijeoma Nnorom, Lagos State * If I understand inflation correctly, it means too much money chasing too few goods. Therefore, the currency in circulation should be mopped up. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has to be up and doing; also our manufacturing muscle as a nation has got to be strengthened.

No more lip service, I implore!

- Mr. E. Iheanyi Chukwudi, B.A.R. Associates, Apo, Abuja * Inflation in Nigeria goes beyond too much liquidity for too few goods and services; there is also a lot of profiteering going on in the manufacturing and food production chains and the final prices getting to the consumers is way beyond the cost of production or labour and reasonable profit. Thus, the prices of goods, foodstuffs and other commodities must be

controlled strictly and marketing boards will go a long way to ensure sanity in the price regime of products, otherwise the whole of Nigeria will become deregulated. Anyone caught flouting laid-down prices should be punished as scape-goats to deter others; while production must be increased especially in agricultural products to allow supply overrun demand and force down prices of goods and services.

Government must sit up now beyond paying lip service to a better day and vain reassurances.

- Mr. Olumuyiwa Olorunsomo, Lagos State

Next Week: Is There Any Way Out of the Current Mess?

Nigeria is arguably facing one of the bleakest periods in her history since independence in 1960, with inflation rising alongside destructive acts of Niger Delta militants, pockets of insurgency in the North-east, upheavals in the National Assembly, allegations of coup plot; cash crunch at all government levels, spate of kidnapping, higher costs of living and mutual mistrust between the executive and the legislature, which have all greatly hampered the pace of development in the country? please make your response direct, short and simple, and state your full name, title, organisation, and location. Responses should be sent between today (July 28 & monday, August 1) to abimbolayi@yahoo.com, greatbimbo@gmail.com, AND abimbola. akosile@thisdaylive.com. Respondents can also send a short text message to 08023117639 and/or 08188361766 and/ or 08114495306. Collated responses will be published on Thursday, August 4

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DEVELOPMENT

Water for all citizens, still a pipe dream

ABIMBOLA AKOSILE

Aregbesola: To Tackle Under-development, Africa Must Increase Competitiveness, Agric Productivity Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo Governor of Osun State, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola has stated that African nations need to improve on the levels of their competitiveness and agricultural productivity, in a bid to tackle the problems of under-development bedevilling the continent.

Speaking at the launch of Africa Business Club of the Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London, UK recently, the governor reiterated the need to identify problems of the non-competitiveness in Africa’s economy.

Aregbesola, in a statement by his Director Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Semiu Okanlawon, averred that even in agriculture which

is the main occupation in Africa, productivity has been very low.

“There is also the urgent need to bring innovation to agriculture for farm produce to be converted into secondary products. For instance, our foods have remained the same from time immemorial.

“Nutritionists and food scientists should find better uses for our crops. For instance, coconut in some parts of the world has become big business, with candies, cosmetics, medicine and animal feeds providing an industry that is geometrically bigger than the old practice of just cracking the hard shell and eating the nut”, he said.

Aregbesola said while Nigeria and much of Africa are leading producers of

cassava, the traditional yield per hectare has been around 10 tonnes, and while global average in 2010 was put at 12.5 tonnes, India’s average yield in the same year was 34.8 tonnes per hectare.

He stated that if Africa can double her food output from cultivating the same land size as she currently does, it is possible to eliminate hunger from the continent, saying this would require innovation in crop science, mechanisation, improved inputs and agriculture entrepreneurship.

“One interesting cause of low productivity is poor health, especially caused by malaria.

It has been established that malaria cuts productivity in Africa by as much as 40 per cent. It is a major cause of poverty, just as it is also a

product of poverty. There should be an innovative way of eliminating malaria and other common diseases that debilitate health and reduce productivity in Africa.”

He lamented that Africa is the least economically integrated region in the world, which is best illustrated in the pattern of trade within the continent. According to the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in a 2015 report, only 14 per cent of Africa’s total trade is within the continent.

He said the implication of this was that the remaining 86 per cent is with other regions.

Aregbesola noted that in contrast, North America’s internal trading stood at 61 per cent, EU 62 per cent while Central America 45

per cent, stating that the reason according to the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is that Africa produces primary products and imports finished products which the continent does not produce.

The governor emphasised that this can be effectively addressed with switching from being producers of primary to secondary goods and adding values, stressing that, adding values creates a value chain that increases the momentum of development.

He said, “In our own little way, when our administration was inaugurated, we made a policy that all government’s purchases must be made within the state, except where it is absolutely necessary to do otherwise.

“This created a value chain that raised the economy of our state from bottom up and empowered people mostly in the grassroots, especially artisans. In a small way, that is innovation. If this should happen on a larger scale, continent wide, where most of government spending is retained locally, the result would be transformational in a very short time.

“Specific attempts should be made on adding value and transiting secondary producers, while tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade in the continent should be removed. There has to be creative ways of doing this. It is disheartening that more economic interaction is done informally than is done formally because of tariff and non-tariff hindrances.”

Farmers’ Association Gets FG’s N20bn Disbursement to Support Productivity Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Gross Enhancement Support Scheme Agricultural Association of Nigeria (GESSAN) has applauded the federal ministry of agriculture for its prompt effort in paying part of the monies owed by the federal government to resource constrained farmers.

GESSAN said recently in Abuja that the arrears of bills owed it ran into N61 billion

under the last administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. It noted that out of this amount the incumbent administration has paid it N20 billion.

It poured encomium on the government for discharging its responsibility effectively to the farmers to improve their productivity; ensure food security; and their income.

The association also appealed to the government to disregard

criticism purportedly sponsored by one of its members in which government was castigated.

The National Chairman of GESSAN, Alhaji Kabiru Umar Fara, told reporters in Abuja that the issues raised by one of its members in a newspaper report were against the association’s professional ethics, adding: “The allegations are untrue, unfounded and immature.”

Fara explained that the embattled member who made the allegation had done something similar in the past and tried to tarnish the image of the past government as well.

He asked the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh to institute a legal action against the embattled member. He also thanked the minister for making a case for the association to get paid its outstanding money, and

urged the federal government to give premium attention to food security in the country, in the same way it is waging war against insecurity across the country.

GESSAN also called on the government to scale up the distribution of fertiliser, which it said its price has since gone up to about N9,000 per bag because of alleged unpatriotic practices of some local producers.

“Government should look into the activities of these producers as some of them are not patriotic enough in protecting the interest of Nigerian farmers,” Fara said.

He lamented that the action of the producers was affecting farmers’ productivity, adding: “For instance, of the 700,000 metric tonnes of urea needed by farmers this year, it is less likely that they have the capacity to meet the demand.”

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BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“The most important thing about young people is the way their minds work. Young people are better than old people at driving innovation, because they are not locked in by the limits of the past. The real returns will come if we can multiply this talent for innovation by the whole of Africa’s growing youth population” - MICROSOFT FOUNDER, MR. BILL GATES, SPEAKING WHILE DELIVERING THE 2016 NELSON MANDELA ANNUAL LECTURE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA Over 2.5m Children Suffer Severe Malnutrition in Nigeria, Says UNICEF Amby Uneze in Owerri

Ambode: Tree-planting Key to Mitigating Ocean Surge, Climate Change Says 10m trees to be planted by 2020 Gboyega Akinsanmi Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has warned residents of the state against uncontrolled felling of trees, noting that tree planting was a potent measure “to fight ocean surge and mitigate climate change effects.”

The governor, therefore, disclosed the plan of the state government to plant ten million trees by 2020 out of which he said six million trees had been planted across 20 local government areas (LGAs) and local council development areas (LCDAs) since the state’s tree-planting programme took off in 2010.

He stated this at the recent 2016 tree-planting day held at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Lagos, noting that tree planting “has been identified as one of the cheapest means of combating the effect of global warming and climate change.”

Ambode, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Olatunji Bello, noted that the state should plant trees “to replace those removed from vast acres of land so that we reduce the rate of ocean surge and erosion with its attendant problem of displacement of homes and communities.”

Before delivering Ambode’s message, Bello disclosed that the tree-planting programme under a theme ‘Lend a Hand to Save Trees’ was held simultaneously in 87 locations including 20 LGAs, 37 LCDAs and 8 other ceremonial sites across the state.

He added that the Deputy Governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule stood in for the governor at the Cherubim and Seraphim Primary School, Ikorodu while wife of the governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode represented at the Ikosi Senior Secondary School, Ikosi.

In his keynote address, Ambode explained the importance of tree planting to Lagos

Planting a tree to fight climate change

metropolis, which he said, could not be overemphasised as trees “provide oxygen, cool the atmosphere, help conserve energy, save water, prevent erosion, save children from ultra-violet rays and provide food, among other benefits.”

He added that the annual programme on tree planting was a veritable platform for Lagos to meet the target of 10 million trees by 2020, noting that the peculiarity of the state as a coastal city-state makes it prone “to several environmental challenges, a situation which demands that the government and the people must carry out infrastructural development without jeopardising the environment.”

The governor added that the fast growing urban development areas across the state “must curtail the uncontrolled felling of trees and ensure all developers adhere to all the Town Planning and Greening regulations.

“We must plant trees to replace those removed from vast acres of land so that we reduce

the rate of ocean surge and erosion with its attendant problem of displacement of homes and communities.”

He alluded to the estimate of scientists that the world needs 30 billion trees annually, noting that a world without trees “is a world without life, and so as a people, Nigerians must resolve to ensure that trees are not only saved, but efforts must be geared towards planting more trees.

“Lagos has become a positive reference point in Nigeria about creating a Green environment.

We remain committed to this cause and will vigorously pursue the State Greening Policy of total regeneration of degraded sites as part of our pact with Lagos residents. We will do even more.

“Already, the security and Light-up Lagos initiatives of our administration are complementing our beautiful city at night and ensuring the parks and gardens that are safe for relational purposes,” the governor said.

The United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that more than 2.5 million children in Nigeria are currently suffering from severe acute malnutrition as this figure calls for serious attention by various authorities and stakeholders to do something in reducing the scourge.

Media practitioners around the country were also enjoined to sustain the campaign against child malnutrition using their columns and medium to achieve this, and to report any progress made in the fight against malnutrition.

The Chief of Communication, UNICEF Abuja, Doune Porter disclosed this in Owerri, Imo state during a recent media dialogue on child malnutrition with the theme ‘Good nutrition - an investment for the future’.

Ms. Porter stated that Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) is currently being implemented in 12 states, adding that in 2015, over 400,000 children received CMAM services while 77,000 lives were saved.

She stated that severe acute malnutrition could be prevented in Nigeria by avoiding giving children between 0 and 6 months water during exclusive breast feeding. According to her, other measures include preparing nutrients rich food for children immediately after exclusive breast feeding, giving 3-4 meals and 1-2 snacks daily to children above 6 months and proper washing of hands and utensils after use to avoid diseases.

In a lecture on Nutrition interventions in Nigeria, a Nutrition Advocacy Specialist, Mr. Zachary Fusheini, said based on available statistics, mothers who engage in exclusive breast feeding and also give water to children between zero to 6 months affect children and cause severe acute malnutrition.

Fusheini stated that, for severe acute malnutrition to be tackled in the country, there must be an immediate action plan.

He stated that the immediate action plan includes, adopting a comprehensive costed multi-sectoral nutrition strategic action plan, with government ensuring adequate funding of the programme among others.

He expressed regret that it takes about N17,000 to treat severe acute malnourished child, adding that intensified campaign is needed to reduce the high rate of acute malnutrition in the country.

The nutrition expert also urged the media to lead the campaign in monitoring government policies and pronouncement on funds released to reduce the rate of malnutrition in the country, and to also ensure that such funds are channeled appropriately and judiciously utilised.

He further stated that efforts have to be made to urge breastfeeding mothers to discontinue completely from giving their new born babies water alongside breast milk, adding that breast milk alone contains every nutrient a child requires to grow adequately.

A malnourished child

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

Acting Features Editor Charles Ajunwa Email: charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

Understanding Sudden Deaths With the recent alarming rate of sudden deaths in Nigeria, Martins Ifijeh writes on their causes and prevention

W

hile Nigerians continue to observe with optimism, the relative decline in disease outbreaks in the country, several families have not stopped telling their recent but sad true life stories of how they are losing their loved ones to sudden deaths with no sign of ill health or prior complain as a warning.

One of such families is the Olalekans who lost the mother of the house, Mrs. Remi, 51, in a fit of time without any clinical manifestation.

She had left Ibadan to Lagos as a healthy woman ready to assist her daughter who just gave birth. But she could barely stay only two days in Lagos before she slumped and then died just like that.

“My mum never complained of fever, headache or anything. In fact, that morning she bathed my little baby, discussed with me on a lot of issues. I did not know she won’t be able to live more than that very day. By that afternoon, she fell and started gasping for breathe. That was how we rushed her to the hospital and the doctor declared her dead.”

She said according to the doctor, the mother had a heart attack and was probably suffering from hypertension, which was unknown to her and other members of the family. Remi’s death, no doubt will remain a big shock for the family as no one had premonition or a prepared mind towards what was to come.

The Olalekans are not the only ones who have suddenly lost loved one or know someone that has lost loved one. In fact, it has become a daily occurrence across the country, even with prominent figures becoming victims of the new trend, no thanks to the creepy consequence of silent killers.

For instance, one of the country’s greatest football legend-turn coach of the national team, Stephen Keshi, who otherwise was seen to be healthy and full of life, suddenly went to the ground, gasped for breathe, and then was gone. He was, as matter of fact billed to be on a flight the next day to the United States to see his family (not for medical checkup).

Just as the country was still thrown into shock on the manner he was lost, another former coach of the national team, Amodu Shuaibu, who had, a day before his death paid a condolence visit to the Keshi family, also suffered same fate. Doctors described his as cardiac attack, which unfortunately could not be remedied as at the time he was taken to the hospital.

Just recently, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency of Lagos State, Hon. Elijah Adewale slumped and died. He was said to have participated actively in a caucus meeting of the House of Representatives an evening before the unfortunate incident. He was not known to be suffering from any chronic illness prior to his death.

Among other prominent Nigerians who have lost their lives suddenly include the former Ondo State Governor, Segun Agagu, former Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Zannah Umar Mustapha, former Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Ranti Akerele, former Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Tonye Ezekiel and his Taraba counterpart, HarunaTsokwa, just to mention but a few.

In less than two years, the country has lost prominent sons and daughers, who are mostly at their prime, to sudden deaths, leaving the country at the mercy of the scourge, as no one knows who is next in line for the sudden attack that hardly spares its victims.

Information from health experts, however showed that hundreds of thousands of Nigerians have lost their lives to sudden death in recent times, even though the cases of the prominent Nigerians are mostly heard.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines sudden deaths as death occurring within 24 hours of an abrupt change in one’s previous

Sudden deaths can be prevented

clinical status, adding that it was becoming prevalent in sub-Sahara African countries like Nigeria.

Sudden death is said to occur when a blood clot suddenly cuts off the blood flow to the heart, preventing oxygen from getting to the heart. A lack of oxygen-containing blood flowing to the heart results in the loss of heart muscle.

Experts believed despite the myth by most Nigerians that sudden unexpected deaths are due to over thinking, stress, diabolical powers or the emerging economic hardships in the country, the causes of the new trend may go beyond that. Experts say the likely factors may not be unconnected with hypertension, stroke and heart attack, stating clearly that they could be preventable if Nigerians are conscious of their health status and live healthy lives.

Apart from hypertension, which is a chief agent for stroke and heart attack, other factors that may cause sudden death include unhealthy lifestyle, obesity, diabetes and other non communicable diseases, which are unfortunately on the rise in Nigeria

A recent research conducted by some teaching hospitals in the country, including the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH); Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH); University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH); and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), specifically showed that stroke and heart attack represents the major causes of the sudden and unexpected deaths (SUD) in the country.

The study says that the prevention of stroke and heart attack will undoubtedly reduce sudden deaths by 93.7 per cent, with emphasis laid on awareness, improvement and management of hypertension, which has been said to be a key driver for stroke and heart attacks.

The American Heart Foundation has suggested that any factor that physiologically puts the blood pressure in its normal/healthy stage, will in no small measure aid in reduction of stroke and heart attacks prevalence, which experts have implicated in different studies to majorly cause sudden deaths.

The Foundation, on its website, noted that high blood pressure damages arteries throughout the body, such that they burst or clog more easily, adding that weakened arteries in the brain put one at much higher risk for stroke.

“About 87 per cent of strokes are ischemic, which are caused by narrowed or clogged blood vessels in the brain that cut off the blood flow to the brain cells. Because HBP damages arteries throughout the body, it is critical to keep one’s blood pressure within acceptable ranges to protect the brain from this often disabling or fatal event,” the AHF noted.

It also noted that apart from hypertension, which is a chief agent for stroke and heart attack, other factors that may cause sudden death include aggressive lifestyles, cigarette smoking, obesity, diabetes, among other non communicable diseases, which are unfortunately on the rise in Nigeria.

No wonder the Medical Advisor, Novartis

Pharmaceutical Services, Dr. Chinwe Adebiyi, stated that when Nigerians adopt healthy lifestyles, non communicable diseases, including cardiac issues will be reduced significantly in the country.

According to her, habits to be stopped includes: lack of exercise, lack of sleep, reduction of caffeine intake, weight loss, reduction in salt intake, reduction in alcohol consumption, among others. Adding that if Nigerians cut short on fast foods, processed, as well as canned foods, and patronise vegetables and fruits, it would help a long way in reducing the prevalence rate of NCDs in the country.

A recent study conducted by the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, showed that in addition to the unhealthy lifestyle changes of Nigerians, their poor medical checkup habits has also been a major factor for sudden deaths and cardiac and vascular issues in the country.

True, the Ministry of Health has in recent times raised the alarm over poor medical check up habits by Nigerians, adding that, when the habits are imbibed, most health issues would be able to be nipped in the bud before they go out of hand.

Another factor, according to the study is the lack of patient data, as this has affected specific interventions, which should be tailored into tackling the scourge.

Lending his voice, the Director General, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Prof. Innocent Ujah, while chatting with newsmen said the cultural belief that sudden deaths were not natural but linked to diabolical attacks, was one of the impediments to medical solution to some of the diseases, adding that it was easier to address some medical health conditions that could lead to sudden death when people adopt regular medical check-ups.

While sudden deaths remain a common occurrence in the country, the awareness by the citizens on its causes and preventions, as well as government’s conscious efforts to deal with the scourge can help tackle the challenge.

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

NEWS

Need for Alternative Funding for HIV/AIDS Outside Donor Agencies Stressed Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Following the decline in funding by international donor agencies, the need to adopt new strategies for funding of activities to check transmission and spread of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria has been stressed.

This was the highpoint of the Media/Legislative Roundtable organised by Koyenum Immalah Foundation (KIF) held recently in Asaba, Delta State.

The forum, which focused on efforts at the executive and legislative levels to midwife into reality the law transforming the Delta State Committee on HIV/AIDS (DELSACA) into a full-fledged agency, was dismayed by the sharp decline in the sectoral budgetary allocations for combating HIV/AIDS in Delta State from approved figure of N250 million in 2015 to N110 million in proposed figure for 2016.

Participants while expressing

the urgent need to sustain the gains of the DELSACA which saw the rate of HIV prevalence in the state dip from 5.8 per cent to 3.5 per cent to its present rate of about 0.7 per cent in a few years, described the drop in budgetary allocation for girl-child education from N12 million in 2015 to a paltry N500 (five hundred thousand naira) in the 2016 estimates as grossly inadequate.

“There is no gain-saying for the fact that there is an urgent

need to grant DELSACA an agency status. As it is, the current situation is that DELSACA is being shortchanged.

It cannot access the very many opportunities which several international organisations and donor agencies offer for the fight against HIV/AIDS”, the KIF Project Manager, Miss Hope Nwadishi, pointed out while presenting an analysis on the budgetary provision for the programme in Delta State.

The forum however

expressed optimism that the executive bill before the Delta State House of Assembly would be passed and duly signed into law in the next few weeks since it has reached the crucial stage with its consideration at the committee of the whole House last week.

Executive Director of KIF, Faith Nwadishi, stressed the need for a private public partnership (PPP) approach to getting around the new

funding challenge as several donor agencies over the last couple of years had scaled down their support for HIV/ AIDS programme in the country.

A joint committee made up of representatives of the state Women Affairs and Youth Ministry, the state legislature, the media in the state as well as technical experts from civil society organisations (CSOs) was constituted during the roundtable.

The Bridge Clinic Achieves 49% Pregnancy Rates, Says Alexander Forbes Martins Ifijeh The Bridge Clinic, one of Nigeria’s foremost and leading fertility centres has achieved a 49 per cent pregnancy rate for its patients between the ages of 21 and 35 years in 2015, revealed in an audit report by Alexander Forbes.

Speaking during the presentation of the report to the fertility clinic, the Head, Verification Services, Alexander Forbes, Ibilola Akinla, said after its assessment, it was discovered that the clinic recorded a total of 215 pregnancies in 2015 from a total of 758 clients that had valid treatments during the year under review, from which its golden standard (21 to 35 years) achieved 49 per cent success rate.

“In carrying out our audit, we found that the clinic achieved a pregnancy rate of 49 per cent from its client who are in the golden standard.

It also achieved an overall pregnancy rate of over 22 per cent. Our audit also found that the clinic had a total of 91

babies, comprising 61 single births and 15 twin births in 2015 and has delivered a total of 1203 children since 2006,” she continued.

Speaking at the event, the General Manager, The Bridge Clinic, Dr. Ekundayo Omogbehin, said the company retained the services of the frontline business services consultancy in order to have an independent and authoritative assessment of its practice.

According to him, “The Bridge Clinic has a culture of transparency and it is in line with this culture that we submit ourselves to the highest integrity scrutiny. Alexander Forbes has today put their seal on our performance and it is a thing of joy for us here.

“Our achievement of 49 per cent pregnancy rate for our gold standard clients, that is, clients below the age of 35 years is a feat no other clinic in Nigeria has been able to achieve. It puts us in a highly competitive stance with our peers in Europe and North America,” he added.

Lack of Technology, Bane of Nigeria’s Health Sector, Says Cardiologist Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi Lack of technology, adequate electricity supply and other befitting materials in Nigerian hospitals are the bane of the country’s health sector.

The overall best 2012 graduate of cardiology of Nigerian extraction from the ‘Memorial sa’ad Medical Centre of the University of Cairo, Egypt who is also an indigene of Bauchi State, Dr. Ahmed Abdulrahman Mohammed asserted this recently during an interview with journalists in Bauchi.

The heart doctor who opined that all nations that excelled in medicine have advanced technologically, advised government and institutions in Nigeria to accord priority to the profession so that more students would be motivated to study it, adding that only when there is conducive atmosphere that the country could produce qualified doctors.

Mohammed noted that his decision to specialise in cardiology was informed by the consideration of inadequate

experts in the nation and the frequent deaths of patients who suffer from heart related diseases.

“Heart failure is now a common cause of deaths across the globe after road accidents. I carried out a research sometime ago that showed that many Africans suffer from hypertension which concomitantly causes heart diseases. Hence my decision to specialise in the treatment of such diseases in order to help my society,’’he explained.

The physician claimed that he was currently a member of over 102 professional associations in the world and had received several awards that included award of excellence from Misr University for Science and Technology, Egypt in 2012, best scientific researcher at scientific research competition organised by the university in December 2012 as well as best poster presenter at the 23rd international medical sciences students’ congress at Istanbul University, Turkey in 2012.

WAR AGAINST HIV/AIDS

L-R: Director, Partnership Coordination Department, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Emmanuel Alhassan; Director, Programme Coordination Department, NACA, Dr. Akudo Ikpeazu and Director General, NACA, Prof. John Idoko, during the NACA World Bank Implementation Clinic with states SACA in Abuja ...recently

Emzor Restates Commitment to Affordable Healthcare Celebrates 30 years of its paracetamol brand Martins Ifijeh As part of efforts to bring wellness to every nook and cranny of Nigeria and beyond, Emzor Pharmaceuticals has restated its commitment to affordable and accessible healthcare through its various brands.

Stating this in Lagos recently to mark 30 years of existence of one of its flagship brand, Emzor Paracetamol, the Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Dr. Stella Okoli,said the loyalty by Nigerians for the past 30 years has shown that its paracetamol brand was contributing immensely to the health of the people, adding that they will consistently deliver time valued quality products and services to the delight of the citizens.

She said over the years, Emzor Pharmaceuticals has gone extra mile in ensuring that affordable healthcare was readily available to everyone, with the mission to see unlimited wellness among Nigerians. “It is our belief that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. Therefore, we are giving the gift of wellness to our people, our nation and our world,” she declared.

According to her, Emzor has become a household name in the country and a leader in

the pharmaceutical market that was known for quality products at prices that offer real value. “The company has a range of more than 100 high quality pharmaceutical products which conforms with international standards and are approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Also, till date it still remains the highest selling paracetamol in sub-Sahara Africa.

“Even when people see me outside the country, they call me ‘Madam Emzor’ while also reminding me of how their children grew up with the paracetamol brand.Nigerians from the remotest part of the villages are as well happy because we have been part of their children’s growing process,” she noted.

She said in its 30 years of existence, the company has attracted thousands of indirect employment to Nigerians, while it has over 600 direct staff who have continued to put in their best for the wellbeing of Nigerians.

He also noted that Emzor was involved in several corporate social responsibilities including advocacies on prevention of malaria in pregnancy, preeclampsia, hypertension, among others.

Poor Incentive, Motivation Identified as Key Factors Responsible for Brain Drain in Health Sector Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Poor incentive and motivation have been identified as key factors responsible for internal and external brain drain in the health sector, says Edo State branch chairman of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Afekhide Omoti.

Omoti who decried this alarming rate particularly in the health sector, spoke at the NMA Edo State branch 2016 Annual General Meeting / Scientific Conference with theme, ‘Medical Practice in a Depressed Economy.’

While lamenting the frequent disruption of services as a result of industrial actions by the various groups of healthcare professionals, he also frowned at the unnecessary and unhealthy struggle for supremacy by various paramedical practitioners.

Explaining that the AGM was to X-ray the challenges in the health sector as well as proffer solutions, the Edo NMA chairman appealed to the state government for the payment of competitive salaries to doctors under its employment when the New Central Hospital complex in Benin city, come into operation as well as sponsorship

of a major medical/surgical outreach programme for doctors in the state, particularly, those in the rural areas of Edo North senatorial district in the state.

Omoti therefore asked the state government to urgently address the issue of brain drain in the health sector in particular, expressing dissatisfaction on the issue of multiple taxation.

He noted that the issue of multiple taxation cannot be overemphasised as doctors in private hospitals have become endangered species and prime targets for government tax officials, both legal and illegal.

“Multiple taxation and incessant harassment must be eradicated from the state to sustain the trust the people repose in this government and to boost entrepreneurship “Different agencies at both state and local governments such as Edo State Board of Internal Revenue, Ministries of Health, Commerce and Industry, Environment, Edo State Environmental and Waste Management Board and Local Government agencies demand levies for similar items. This has made the practice environment of our members not conducive for optimal medical practice, “Omoti stated.

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

HEALTH MATTERS

HEALTH

By Goke T. Akinrogunde

goketakinrogunde@gmail.com

O

07037677348

The Danger of Overweight

besity carries potential heavy cost on our health and wellbeing.

Outlined below are related medical conditions that can come as cost of being overweight. Being overweight is to have a weight more than expected for height - it is quantified in BMI (Basal Metabolic Index) measured as weight in kilogram divided by the person’s height (in meters) twice. Individuals with BMI 25 and above are considered to be overweight and are at higher risk for the following conditions

increased in people who are overweight. In the same vein, obese workers were over three times more likely than slender people to develop carpal tunnel syndrome, manifesting as a swollen and painful condition of the wrist and hand, and other problems involving nerves in their wrists and hands.

Cardiovascular disease and diabetes Obesity is a risk factor for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. People who are obese have almost three times the risk for heart disease as people with normal weights. Studies continue to report that obesity in childhood is a strong predictor of heart disease, so it is important to watch how we fattened up our kids.

Particularly noteworthy is the fact that weight concentrated around the abdomen and in the upper part of the body poses a higher health risk than fat that settles in a pear-shape around the hips and flank. Fat cells in the upper part of the body appear to have different qualities from those found in the lower parts.

Effects on the Lungs Obesity is proving to be a strong risk factor for adult-onset asthma. Obesity puts people at risk for hypoxia, in which oxygen is insufficient to meet the body’s needs. Obese people need to work harder to breathe and tend to have inefficient respiratory muscles and diminished lung capacity.

Gallstones The incidence of gallstones is significantly higher in obese women and men. The risk for stone formation is, however, also high if a person loses weight too quickly.

Overweight can be tackled through healthy lifestyle

cholesterol) levels tend to be low--both of these are strong risk factors for heart disease.

Risk for hypertension Hypertension is the health problem most commonly associated with obesity, and the greater the weight, the greater the risk. While hypertension carries its own serious risks for stroke and heart attack, overweight people with high blood pressure are also at increased danger for enlargement of the left heart chamber, a major risk factor for heart failure.

Even modest weight loss is beneficial for reducing blood pressure and the risk for heart failure.

Diabetes.

Obesity is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes (previously called non-insulin dependent or adult-onset diabetes). Almost 90% of type 2 diabetics are obese. Although only a minority of obese people is diabetic, obesity and sedentary living is mainly blamed for the dramatic increase in type 2 diabetes over the past period.

Type 2 diabetics generally have normal or high levels of insulin, a critical hormone in the regulation of blood sugar. However, they are unable to use the insulin, a condition called insulin resistance, which is believed to be caused by increased body fat.

Cholesterol The effect of obesity on cholesterol levels is complex. Although obesity does not appear to be strongly associated with cholesterol levels, among obese individuals triglyceride levels are usually high while HDL (the so-called “good”

Cancers

Excess weight is a strong risk factor for cancer of the oesophagus (the food pipe that carries food to the stomach) in certain people. The increased risk may be due to a higher incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disorder (heartburn disease) in people who are overweight.

Similarly, women who are obese appear to have two to three times the risk for uterine cancer as thinner women. Obese women are also at higher risk for gallbladder cancer, and obese men are at higher risk for colon and prostate cancers.

Muscles and Bones Obesity places stress on bones and muscles, and overweight people are at higher risk for hernias, low back pain, and aggravation of arthritic conditions. Likewise, the incidence of osteoarthritis is known to be significantly

Sleep Apnea and Sleep Disorders People who are obese and nap tend to fall asleep faster and sleep longer during the day; at night, however, it takes them longer to fall asleep and they sleep less than people with normal weights. In an apparent vicious circle, studies have suggested that not only can obesity interfere with sleep, but that sleep problems may actually contribute to obesity.

Obesity is particularly associated with sleep apnea, which occurs when the upper throat relaxes and collapses at intervals during sleep, thereby temporarily blocking the passage of air.

Sleep apnea may actually contribute to weight gain by depriving people of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. This is the dreaming phase of sleep, necessary for long-term emotional wellbeing; REM deprivation has been linked to overeating.

Reproductive health Women who gain weight after age 18 are at higher risk for developing uterine fibroids.

Abnormal amounts of body fat, either 10% to 15% too high or too low, can contribute to infertility in women. Similarly, in men, obesity can contribute to reduced testosterone levels.

One-on-One

Can I Reach Menopause at 39 Years Old? I read through your article in THISDAY Newspaper on the above subject and I will like to share my concern with you.

I’m 39yrs old and have got 3 children aged13,9 and 4; my menstrual cycle (if I can recall) has never been irregular, I never had a predetermined cycle, short menstrual days and low bloodflow are the norms for me. I never got the hang of ovulation etc.

I have not had any menstrual period in 4yrs, maybe occassional bleeding once in a while. I would like an explanation to this and to know if its early menopause.

Thank you

Regards Sola Dear Sola, You case sounds very interesting and understandably worrying in respect of your reported irregular menstrual cycles.

On the other hand, I think it is rather comforting that there is no accompanying complaint of inability to conceive associated with this longstanding regularly irregular menstrual cycle.

The opposite seems to be the case with you as your ‘well-spaced’ 13, 9 & 4 respective ages of your kids show; this is because the medical

import of most similar complaints is commonly related to cases of infertility. Generally speaking, it is not common for women of 39 years old to be post-menopause, but it can happen depending on when your first flow occurred.

You are correct to have noted that where this is ascertained to be so, it is medically referred to as ‘premature menopause’.

It is premature menopause to the extent that the woman’s last menstrual flow has occurred more than 12 month ago in a woman less than 40years old, depending on the relevant medical history.

The true status can actually be confirmed with

the benefit of appropriate blood test in women less than 45 years of age, who have not seen their menses for more than one year.

A typical profile is noted with fertility hormonal test in such woman. In your case, however, your menstrual flow would have to cease completely for one year, without any minor break whatsoever, before you start getting yourself worry in the first instance that you are post-menopause.

My candid advice is for you to opt to see your doctor to counsel appropriately on the aforementioned tests and other clinical investigations as necessary.

Best wishes.

NAFDAC Intercepts Trailer Load of Counterfeit Pharmaceuticals Following an intelligence report and surveillance mounted at Iddo Motor Park in Lagos by men of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, a Kanobound trailer load of counterfeit pharmaceutical products has been intercepted by the Agency.

The products, which includes Tramadol and other pharma-

ceutical products, also contains Toluene diisocyanate 80/20 (TDI), a highly regulated and controlled chemical that could be used as a precursor in the manufacture of illicit drugs and chemical weapon by terrorists.

Stating this in a press briefing recently, the Acting Director General, NAFDAC, Dr. Yetunde Oni, who said the

counterfeiters used bundles of second-hand clothes (a.k.a.

Okrika), measuring tapes, screw drivers, food products and some other registered NAFDAC regulated products to conceal the counterfeit medicines, added that internationally controlled precursor chemicals were also found in the truck.

“Violative medicinal and

chemical products discovered which the agency evacuated to its warehouse are: Dr. Relly Extra (Paracetamol, Diclofenac and Caffeine tabs, 325mg50mg30mg); Dicloforte 550 (Diclofenac sodium 50mg) 470 cartons x 20 x 5 x 10 x 1 x10tabs; Toluene diisocyanate 80/20 (TDI), 10 drums x 250kg Tramadol 225mg/200mg, 25

cartons, among others. The agency has not registered any Tramadol 225mg or 200mg strength and added that the strength of tramadol intercepted is not approved

by NAFDAC for registration,” she maintained. Adding that owners of the intercepted products would be prosecuted after due investigation.

Similarly, the Agency in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano State Command, has arrested one Mr. Ikechukwu Adiba for being in possession of counterfeit packaging materials of Augmentin powder for oral suspension for infants and children.

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

HEALTH

Investing in Local Vaccines Odimegwu Onwumere Ahead of 2016 conference of Anglophone Africa Peer Review Workshop on sustainable immunisation financing in Abuja, the Executive Director, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Ado Muhammed says Nigeria needs about $284 million to accomplish the expected goal in immunisation.

Worried by the lack of local vaccine content in the country, the Director-General, National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Professor Lucy Ogbadu laments in Abuja on March 11 2016 over what she sees as Nigeria’s failure to produce vaccines against typhoid and other killer diseases, knowing that, according to her, the good thing about vaccine production was that the same plant can be en suited with different apparatuses to go into numerous vaccine productions.

Hence, she wants to find out the reason owing to the fact that the country was producing vaccines many years ago, but no more. She is bewildered that not a single human vaccine is produced right now.

“This cannot continue, it has fallen within our mandate to act and make sure that the country goes back to producing vaccines” she said, adding, “So, we have approached Cuba for this, knowing that eight out of the 11 vaccines that are involved in the national immunisation programmes in Cuba are produced in Cuba. Even with her third world country status, Cuba has gone far and nothing stops Nigeria from following suit.”

Ogbadu is of the view that Cuba also has a technology of polyvalent vaccine production.

She says this means that pair of vaccine can be coalesced into one, therefore saving the receiver-person the suffering of taking several thrusts. She is mindful that with polyvalent vaccine development, one poke of vaccine, different vaccines can be met at the same time.

However, in 2012, the then President Goodluck Jonathan had approved the local production of vaccines with the take-off of Biovaccines Nigeria Limited, a joint venture company between federal government and May & Baker Nigeria Plc, as part of the commitment towards ensuring constant availability of routine vaccines in the country.

“Our job is to revive that entity using our knowledge, expertise and resources to produce and distribute vaccines in Nigeria once again and consequently end the era of 100 per cent dependence on foreign vaccine producers to immunize our citizens against vaccine preventable diseases that ravage our society,” MD/CEO, May and Baker Nigeria Plc, Pharm. Nnamdi Okafor said.

“Our major priority now is to commence local vaccines production as soon as possible.

The Biovaccines business plan is being reviewed and will be presented to the Board as soon the latter is constituted. We plan to commence construction of a new vaccine plant at the new site in Ota, Ogun State with a view to starting production of Yellow Fever vaccines within 18 months,” Okafor added.

Seeking for ways When Bauchi State was imbued with foreign snakes that got into the country through the massive flooding that enveloped 22 states of the country in 2012, which were noticed in a river in Yuli Village by natives, the government, through the chairperson of Presidential sub-committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation, Professor Dora Akunyili (now late), sought for innovative approaches to delivery of vaccines. Samples of the snakes would be taken to establish the type of anti-venom vaccines for them.

“By going into local vaccine production, Nigeria will be putting the health security of her citizens in Nigerian hands.

Immunisation is a national health security issue. No country can afford to leave the health security of her citizens in the hands of foreign organisations.

“The venture would also save Nigeria substantial savings in foreign exchange and logistics costs of vaccine importation.

Currently, the Federal Government spends over N6 billion to import vaccines every year, excluding what is imported by states and local governments,” Okafor noted.

Looking for novel approach to help locals get vaccines when in such a situation, leaders on the continent converged on February 29, 2016 to invest in local and regional ability for the manufacture of vital vaccines, being that immunization is identified as the best way to prevent diseases.

Dr. Patrick Uduje, a Physician at Graceland Hospital, Lagos, said during 2015 World Immunisation Week, “Studies show that vaccine preventable diseases are a major contributor to child morbidity and mortality especially in the sub-Saharan Africa and Nigeria in particular.”

Losses to lack of vaccine The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund, UNICEF, clamoured that the country loses about 2,300 under-five year olds every single day with 22 per cent of these deaths caused by vaccine-preventable diseases.

Given that, professionals admonished the need for parents to make sure that everything possible is done to enable infants who naturally inherit certain antibodies from their mothers, to begin to build theirs from say six months, when the antibiotics they gain begin to wane.

“The WHO’s statistics reveal that annually, vaccines prevent more than 2.5 million child deaths globally, especially from deaths which could have been prevented through immunisation,” Uduje said.

It is knowledgeable that children are prone to diseases such as poliomyelitis, measles, diphtheria, serotype b infection, hepatitis, meningitis, mumps, pertussis, rebella, tetanus, tuberculosis, yellow fever, and

nauseam.

“These vaccine preventable diseases account for 17 per cent of global total under-five mortality/year and 22 per cent of child mortality in Nigeria.

This means that the appropriate deployment of relevant vaccines would significantly reduce mortality and that is why we appeal to parents to immunise their children and wards,’’ Uduje added.

The assemblage of the African leaders with the theme ‘Universal Access to Immunization as a cornerstone for health and development’, made at the African Union (AU) headquarters, Ethiopia, was geared towards increasing domestic financial investments in countries across the continent for the conveyance of schedule immunisation vaccines in order to regularise Gross National Income for the availability of vaccines through inexpensive and impartial prices to all African countries.

The highlight of this was that if there were local contents of vaccines, the outbreak of the Meningitis C strain in decades that has killed 800 of 12 000 people infected in Nigeria and neighbouring Niger would not have been recorded, while international health officials fought to find Meningitis C vaccines to quell the outbreak from spreading.

The World Health Organisation (WHO), showed anxiety that the cases have been rising since 2013.

Manufacturers said that they could not produce stockpile five million doses of Meningococcal C conjugate (MenC) vaccine made from a small part of the Meningococcal bacteria, which were demanded by health officials to fight the menace.

“The Bacilli CalmetteGuerin (BCG) is administered to a child at birth or as soon as possible after birth. The Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) is given at birth and also at six, 10, and 14 weeks of age. OPV can also be received any other time, especially during the immunisation weeks. Pentavalent vaccine is a combination of five vaccines-in-one that prevents diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis b and haemophilus influenza type b, all through a single dose.

The vaccine replaced the Diphtheria, Pertusis, Tetanus (DPT) vaccine which is given at six, 10, and 14 weeks of age. Vitamin A is given at nine months and 15 months of age.

The introduction of Pentavalent vaccine is expected to prevent nearly 400,000 cases of haemophilus influenza type B , with about 27,000 lives saved annually in Nigeria,’’ said Dr. Temi Adekunle, Paediatrician,

St. Rapheal’s Clinic, during the 2015 World Immunisation.

The Delta State Government in 2012 partnered with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals to immunise 2000 internally displaced children between the ages of 2-5 at various camps in the state, when pneumonia wanted to ravage the state.

Nigeria battled to produce PCV13 vaccines through the state ministry of Health to vaccinate the children at the relief camps across the state.

The then Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan highlighted that vaccine immunisation as well as environmental care were the very means to fight antibiotic resistant pneumonia disease.

Consultant Paediatrician, Dr. Olajide Ojo, said, “To lessen the awful rate of pneumococcal infections, which kill 17 children every hour in the country especially among low income earners, Nigerians must espouse improved hygienic lifestyles and increase vaccine intake for their children.”

Onwumere, is a Rivers State based poet, writer and consultant.

He won in the digital category, Nordica Media Merit Awards 2016, Lagos; and the International Award for Excellence in Journalism 2016, Geneva

WAR AGAINST QUACKERY

L-R: Medical Director, On-George Medical Services, Lagos, Dr Femi Olagunju; Registrar/CEO, Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria (RRBN), Mr. Sunday Okpaleke, and Radiographer, Anun-Medics Sonovision, Enugu, Mrs Georgina Afamefuna, at the RRBN press briefing in Lagos ...recently

Erectile Dysfunction, Female Sexual Challenges and Regenerative Medicine David Ikudayisi Sex is cherished because of the pleasure people derive from it.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a man or a woman. Sex is designed by nature to be enjoyed, especially when you are married. Besides, it is the only natural way of procreation.

Meanwhile, there are hindrances to healthy sexual life that tend to make the lives of the victim miserable. One of such hindrances is erectile dysfunction suffered by men. A victim will normally not have penile erection to have sex. Or,

to put it mildly, the victim may suffer what many people refer to as premature ejaculation. In the case of the woman, her own problem may be loss of vaginal sensation that results in what is commonly called frigidity.

There are various traditional medical remedies to erectile dysfunction or loss of vaginal sensation. However, there is an emerging regenerative medicine that promises to treat the two hindrances to sex just like many other forms of treatment, if not better. Regenerative medicine refers to a therapy that involves the use of a patient’s own

platelets (through a process called Platelet Rich Plasma, PRP) and adult stem cells (through a process called Adult Stem Cell Therapy) to repair and accelerate body natural healing process and prevent further tissues degeneration related to both medical and aesthetic conditions. PRP is blood plasma that has been enriched with platelets, and contains growth factors which may elicit the gathering of stem cells around the damaged region stimulating cellular proliferation and tissue regeneration.

In the case of adult stem

cell therapy, cells are found in specialised areas of many tissues, including bone marrow and fat. The cells are capable of self-renewal and differentiation.

During the natural course of one’s life, the cells are recruited from within the body to replace those lost over time and facilitate repair due to injury. These autologous stem cells are taken from an adult patient.

Regenerative medicine has allowed clinicians to tap into the healing potentials provided by these cells. When injected into a diseased or injured area, adult stem cells can develop

into healthy specialised cells needed to repair damaged tissues. So how does PRP resolve challenges relating to erectile dysfunction? Because the process regenerates damaged tissues very fast under a procedure called P-Shot for Men, it gives treated men the possibility of saving their relationships by increasing stamina, enjoying bigger and harder genitals, and eventually increase in length and girth.

For women, the regenerative medicine procedure for them is called Orgasm-Shot for Women.

This procedure leads to in-

creased ability to have orgasm, better arousal from clitoris stimulation, decreased pain for painful intercourse, tighter vaginal opening, increased sexual desire and natural lubrication, and increased arousal from G-spot stimulation.

Besides, because of the O-Shot rejuvenation capabilities, there is help available for women suffering from urinary stress incontinence without the need for invasive surgery. * Ikudayisi, is of Glory Wellness and Regenerative Centre info@ glorywellness.org

42

THURSDAY JULY 28, 2016 T H I S D AY

43

THURSDAY JULY 28, 2016 • T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

Donald Trump Encourages Russia to Hack Hillary Clinton Zacheaus Somorin with agency reports Donald Trump appeared to call on Russian hackers yesterday to find 30,000 of Hillary Clinton’s deleted emails, adding a stunning twist to the uproar over Moscow’s alleged intervention in the presidential election “They probably have her 33,000 emails. I hope they do.

They probably have her 33,000 emails that she lost and deleted because you’d see some beauties there. So let’s see,”Trump said at a news conference, referring to emails that Clinton judged as personal and did not hand over to the State Department from her private server, which she used to conduct official business.

The billionaire businessman then went even further, in remarks that left open the possibility that he would be open to Moscow staging a new hack against the United States to find the emails.

“Russia, if you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing.

I think you will probably be

rewarded mightily by our press,” Trump said during a news conference in Florida.

Trump’s comments marked an unprecedented appeal to a foreign country to essentially launch an espionage operation against a political opponent.

They come as Democrats gathering for their convention in Philadelphia are already grappling with a hack of emails at the Democratic National Committee, which were later posted on WikiLeaks.

“This has to be the first time that a major presidential candidate has actively encouraged a foreign power to conduct espionage against his political opponent,” said Hillary for America senior policy adviser Jake Sullivan.

“That’s not hyperbole, those are just the facts. This has gone from being a matter of curiosity, and a matter of politics, to being a national security issue.”

Trump rapid response director Steven Cheung pushed back on the notion that the GOP nominee had invited Russia to hack Clinton’s emails. He maintained that Trump had“absolutely not”done

so.“What he intended was hand them over, yes. But inviting”goes too far, he said.“I think that’s a completely ridiculous thing to say that he’s inviting a country to hack a presidential candidates’ emails.”

Yet former Defense Secretary and CIA Director Leon Panetta took the comments as clear-cut, questioning Trump’s loyalty to the United States in an interview CNN’s Christiane Amanpour.

“No presidential candidate who’s running to be president of the United States ought to be asking a foreign country, particularly Russia, to engage in hacking or intelligence efforts to try to determine what the Democratic candidate may or may not be doing,” said Panetta, a Clinton ally.

“This just is beyond my own understanding of the responsibilities that candidates have to be loyal to their country and to their country alone, not to reach out to somebody like Putin and Russia, and try to engage them in an effort to try to, in effect, conduct a conspiracy against another party,” he said.

UN Warns South Sudan President over VP Replacement The United Nations yesterday warned South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir, that any political appointments must be consistent with a peace deal that ended nearly two years of civil war after Kiir replaced his vice president and rival Riek Machar.

Machar left the South Sudanese capital Juba earlier this month after an eruption of violence in the city when forces loyal to Kiir and Machar battled each other for several days with tanks, helicopters and other heavy weapons. An August peace agreement states that the vice president must be chosen by the South Sudan Armed Opposition. Machar was sworn in as vice president in April. However, Kiir replaced Machar on Monday with General Taban Deng Gai, a former chief opposition negotiator who has broken ranks with Machar and has

the support of some other opposition members.

“Any political appointments need to be consistent with the provisions outlined in the peace agreement,” U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters in New York on Tuesday. U.S. State Department spokeswoman Elizabeth Trudeau said some members of the South Sudanese opposition had met in Juba on Saturday and agreed to appoint Deng Gai as vice president.

“In terms of this and whether it’s allowed under the peace agreement is going to be a question for the leadership of South Sudan,” Trudeau told reporters.

Kiir’s appointment of Deng Gai - a former minister of mining - came after Kiir issued an ultimatum last week, demanding that Machar contact him within 48 hours and return to Juba

to salvage the peace deal, or face replacement.

Deng Gai, who was the chief negotiator for Machar’s SPLM-IO group during the peace talks, and some other opposition members backed Kiir’s ultimatum. Machar said on Friday he had fired Deng Gai and accused him of defecting to Kiir’s party.

“We call on all parties to ensure that the ceasefire is maintained and that any divisions within the opposition or between the parties be dealt with peacefully through dialogue,” Haq said.

Machar has said he would only return to Juba after international troops were deployed as a buffer force to separate his forces from Kiir’s. South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, descended into civil war after Kiir fired Machar as vice president for the first time in 2013.

‘ANC Likely to Lose Local Election in Major Cities’

South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) looks likely to lose major urban areas it has held since coming to power in 1994 at the end of apartheid, opinion polls ahead of next week’s local elections showed. The economic hub of Johannesburg, the capital Pretoria and Nelson Mandela Bay on the east coast, could all fall to the main opposition party, Democratic Alliance, on Aug. 3, according to polls published last week by Ipsos.

The ANC’s support looked set to slip to 31 percent in Johannesburg from 59 percent in the 2011

local elections, and in Tshwane municipality, which includes the capital Pretoria, to 23 percent from 55 percent. In Nelson Mandela Bay, support was just 28 percent, from 52 percent last time, the Ipsos polls said. With its reputation bruised by accusations of corruption against President Jacob Zuma, and high unemployment as Africa’s most industrialised country teeters on the edge of a recession, voters are disenchanted, Ipsos and other polls showed.

“I voted for the ANC last time but now I’m not sure,”said Brian Malope, 38, who works in a

supermarket kitchen, in Soweto, one of Johannesburg’s largest townships.“Look around, nothing has changed,” he said pointing at a disused bus terminal where homeless people were sheltering and street vendors sold fruit and grilled sheep heads.

The ANC, which can point to a number of successes, including more housing and increased basic sanitation countrywide, has said its own opinion polls show it would prevail at the vote. Some analysts said a flare-up of violent anti-government riots would not necessarily lead to ballot box losses.

44

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Expert Urges FG to Float Bond to Offset FX Loans to Oil Marketers • Bank chiefs honour Oduoza Obinna Chima A former Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Bank Plc, Mr. Emeka Onwuka has advised the federal government to float a bond programme to cover backlog of forex payments due to the downstream oil and gas companies which were funded by banks.

These loans, Onwuka, who is currently the founder of Origins Capital Limited, said are presently due in the books of most banks, were compounded by the recent devaluation, “which has impaired the capacity of the customers to pay outstanding trade obligations.”

He said this while presenting the keynote address during the launch of a book titled: “Dynamics of the Nigerian Financial System (Essays in Honour of Phillips Oduoza),” which was written in honour of the outgoing CEO of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), in Lagos yesterday.

“In resolving this situation, the government may consider floating a bond programme to cover the backlog including FX differentials to date and the banks will be made to subscribe to the

extent of their exposure to the oil marketers, thereby switching the relevant risk assets to liquid assets to improve their balance sheets. The government will then introduce petroleum products tax that will be used to fund the redemption of the bond,” he said.

Speaking further, Onwuka who welcomed the new forex policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria, argued that it may be necessary to place a one year minimum tenor on repatriation of all CCI (Certificate of Capital Importation) transactions to discourage entry of hot money.

He urged Nigerians to support the CBN for the forex market to settle and achieve the desired objectives of the new regime.

“Hopefully the rates at which the market will settle will ultimately result in improve liquidity in the forex market,” he added.

Meanwhile, banking industry experts and university dons have hailed the contribution of the outgoing Oduoza towards the growth of the banking industry.

The Chairman of UBA, Mr. Tony Elumelu described Oduoza as a very hard working and committed Nigerian.

Elumelu explained that UBA has an institutionalised transition process, which was structured to promote corporate governance.

“Phillips worked at Standard Trust Bank (STB). But I must tell you all that Phillips never applied for the job. I called him to join the bank and since then he has done a lot of wonderful things in the bank. When I was retiring from UBA, as you all know we hire the best in the industry. So, it was difficult to choose a successor from a team of great and intelligent people.

But finally the board appointed Phillips as my successor and he did very well,” Elumelu said.

Also, a former CEO of Diamond Bank, Dr. Alex Otti praised Oduoza for his commitment to corporate governance.

The editor of the book, Prof.

Mike Ogbeide of the University of Lagos, in his comment said Oduoza was committed to putting his extraordinary talent towards service to the society.

“That is why he has been able to make such a huge impact in the banking industry. This book is a worthy testimony to his sterling contributions to an industry whose zenith he reached by scoring many first,” he said.

Union Bank Ends Half Year with N8.6bn Profit Goddy Egene Union Bank of Nigeria Plc has reported improved performance for the half year ended June 30, 2016 amidst the challenging operating environment. The unaudited results made available at the stock market yesterday showed that the group recorded gross earnings of N60.1 billion, showing an increase of eight per cent above the N55.4 billion in the corresponding period of 2015.

Net interest income rose by 18 per cent from N26.3 billion to N30.9 billion, while non-interest income grew by 25 per cent from N12.6 billion to N15.7 billion in 2016.

Impairment charges went up by 100 per cent from N3.0 billion to N8.8 billion, while operating expenses was kept flat at N29.1 billion, compared with N29.3 billion in 2015.

The financial institution ended the period with a profit before tax of N8.6 billion, up by 21 per cent from N7.1 billion in 2015, while profit after tax rose by same margin to hit N8.4 billion in 2016, compared with N7.0 billion in 2015.

Customers’ deposits rose by seven per cent to N611.9 billion from N570.6 billion in December 31, 2015. Loans and advances jumped by 32 per cent to N514 billion as against N388.8 billion as at December 2015.

Commenting on the results, the Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank, Mr. Emeka Emuwa said: “Our sustained focus on executing Union Bank’s strategic transformation objectives during the first half of 2016 has delivered growth in our core business, notwithstanding a difficult economic environment.

The bank recorded nine yearon-year growth in core gross earnings, driven primarily by balance sheet optimisation.

With the combination of an improved retail portfolio of product and service offerings, securities trading and efficient cost management, the bank was able to deliver N8.2 billion in core PBT, up 23 per cent when compared to N6.7bn in the same period in 2015.”

Emuwa said the bank’s core business remains resilient in these challenging times and they maintain their commitment to delivering value to all our stakeholders.

“We also remain confident that our profit retention strategy will adequately support the bank’s medium term growth objectives, and continue to strengthen our risk management to mitigate risk and losses,” he said.

CWG Boss: ATM Usage Higher in Nigeria Compared to UK Nosa Alekhuogie A recent assessment by the Computer Warehouse Group (CWG) Plc has revealed that a higher percentage of Nigerians use the ‘Automated Teller Machines’ (ATMs) compared to their counterparts in Ghana and the United Kingdom (UK).

The Chief Executive Officer of CWG, Mr. James Agada, who spoke at an Editors’ workshop organised by the company in shared the outcome of the assessment and noted that the average ATM in Nigeria dispenses thrice the number of notes in Ghana and 10 times the number of notes in U.K “By accepted proportion, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria, we should have at least 60,000 ATMs installed but

only 15,000 ATMs are available to serve the teeming population.

The number of people with ATM cards keeps increasing by the day, despite the shortfall in ATMs and Nigeria still ranks higher in ATM usage,” he said.

Agada, who agreed that ATMs come with some issues, however said these problems are overstated.

“The core issue we have with the ATMs are that we don’t have enough of them and the few around are overwhelmed,” he said.

The CWG boss, who also spoke against the background of ATM related fraud in the country, said it is not peculiar to the Nigeria environment, but a global challenge that is receiving attention from various quarters.

“As far as ATM security is

concerned, Nigeria is more secured compared to places like the United States of America or U.K. In Nigeria we have many measures being deployed to curb the problem of ATMrelated fraud. We also have PIN-Shield, security cameras, mirrors, encryption technology, anti-phishing devices fixed on the ATM and we are not resting on our oars,” he said.

The ICT expert, who emphasised that no technology is completely impregnable, said: “There’s nowhere you carry out transactions, without the risk of some likely fraudulent potential. You will recall that the Central Bank of Bangladesh was scammed and lost 80million dollars to fraud which has gone untraced till date.”

Oduoza

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

MARCH 2016 Broad Money (M2)

20,470,436.00

-- Narrow Money (M1)

9,040,817.68

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,441,365.03

---- Demand Deposits

7,599,452.65

-- Quasi Money

11,429,618.32

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

5,551,714.27

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

14,918,721.73 22,664,815.74

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC) ---- Credit to Government (Net)

3,782,578.01

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

4,991,246.39

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

-1,208,668.38

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

18,882,237.7

--Other Assets Net

-7,746,094.02

Reserve Money (Base Money)

5,758,634.07

--Currency in Circulation

1,811,090.48

--Banks Reserves

3,383,756.72 • Source - CBN

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Price (N) Stanbic Balanced Fund

Buying Price(N)

Selling Price

1,660.29

1,685.29

Stanbic IBTC NEF

1,000.00

11,002.32

11,326.67.11

Stanbic SIBond

20

120.47

120.47

Stanbic IBTC Ethical

1

1.10

1.13

Stanbic IBTC GIF

142.90

143.38

UBA Balanced Fund

1.2563

1.2493

UBA Bond Fund

1.3443

1.3443

UBA Equity Fund

0.8205

0.8074

UBA Money Market Fund

1.1510

1.1510

ARM Aggressive Growth Fund

N13.0544

N13.4480

ARM Discovery Fund

N288.2515

N296.9425

ARM Ethical Fund

N22.5268

N23.2060

ARM Money Market Fund

13.1030 (Yield % ) • Monetary Policy Rate - 13%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT TUESDAY 26, JULY 2016 The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $40.62 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $41.35 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The new OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Oriente (Ecuador), Rabi Light (Gabon), Minas (Indonesia), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Qatar Marine (Qatar), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela) SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

45

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

Nigeria’s top 50 stocks based on market fundamentals

26-July16

25-July-16

% Change

Capitalisation

EPS

P/E

P/S

Div. Yld

Price/ Book Value

Table 1 Market Statistics Mkt Indicators

01 Dangote Cement Plc

175.00

175.00

0.00%

2,982,088,795,875.00

11.57

15.12

5.76

4.57%

4.27

02 Nigerian Breweries Plc

146.54

144.91

1.12%

1,161,930,444,127.52

5.37

27.30

4.21

2.46%

6.82

03 Nestle Nigeria Plc

850.00

850.00

0.00%

673,757,814,200.00

29.95

28.38

4.45

3.41%

17.73

04 Guaranty Trust Bank Plc

22.36

21.30

4.98%

658,081,167,448.64

3.38

6.62

2.21

7.92%

1.52

05 Zenith Bank Plc

16.39

15.65

4.73%

514,588,533,152.54

3.33

4.92

1.23

10.98%

0.83

06 Lafarge Africa Plc

59.00

59.24

-0.41%

268,739,206,790.00

5.93

9.95

1.01

5.08%

1.53

07 Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

13.43

12.39

8.39%

246,434,472,817.45

0.71

18.99

0.46

4.62%

0.49

175.91

175.91

0.00%

229,119,450,828.73

4.58

38.41

1.80

1.96%

4.98

09 United Bank for Africa Plc

4.60

4.39

4.78%

166,885,821,081.20

1.64

2.80

0.53

13.04%

0.50

Oando Plc

10 Access Bank Plc

5.70

5.30

7.55%

164,889,438,296.70

2.48

2.30

0.48

9.65%

0.43

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

297.83

313.50

-5.00%

164,792,410,520.79

23.48

12.68

1.46

5.35%

0.59

Access Bank Plc

12 Guinness Nig Plc

94.99

95.00

-0.01%

143,044,318,978.12

3.70

25.69

1.27

0.00%

3.22

13 Presco Plc

36.00

36.00

0.00%

142,937,173,620.00

1.10

32.81

1.97

3.61%

14 Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc

13.25

13.09

1.22%

132,500,000,000.00

2.04

6.51

1.12

3.57

3.45

3.48%

128,146,195,267.44

0.30

11.71

33.00

33.00

0.00%

124,848,776,250.00

0.32

134.00

140.45

-4.59%

85,839,108,642.00

18 Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc

6.75

6.80

-0.74%

19 Oando Plc

6.20

5.63

20 Julius Berger Nig. Plc

50.93

21 International Breweries Plc

08 Forte Oil Plc.

NSE All Share Index NSE Market Cap (N'Trillion) Thisday BGL 50 Index Thisday BGL 50 Market Cap (N'Trillion)

Open Close Change % 25-July-16 26-July-16 27,629.90

27,945.02

1.14

9.49

9.60

1.14

114.15

115.52

1.20

8.89

8.99

1.20

Table 3 Top 5 Gainers Stock

Open 25-July-16

Close Change 26-July-16 %

5.63

6.20

10.12

12.39

13.43

8.39

5.30

5.70

7.55

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc

21.30

22.36

4.98

3.40

Mansard Insurance Plc

2.04

2.14

4.90

0.75%

1.18

Table 4 Top 5 Losers

0.26

4.20%

0.21

104.71

2.11

0.15%

15.60

11.12

12.05

1.10

1.64%

3.58

Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd

313.50

297.83

-5.00

81,000,000,000.00

0.96

7.02

0.80

7.41%

1.32

7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc

140.45

134.00

-4.59

10.12%

74,614,637,142.80

0.50

12.40

0.13

12.10%

0.47

Sterling Bank Plc

1.29

1.25

-3.10

50.93

0.00%

67,227,600,000.00

1.85

27.55

0.50

2.95%

2.77

Fidson Healthcare Plc

2.00

1.94

-3.00

19.58

19.58

0.00%

64,501,400,902.40

0.64

30.63

3.49

1.28%

5.35

Wema Bank Plc

0.79

0.77

-2.53

22 Total Nigeria Plc

181.50

181.50

0.00%

61,623,213,415.50

11.92

15.23

0.30

7.71%

3.79

23 Mobil Oil Nig Plc

162.00

161.55

0.28%

58,416,432,444.00

13.51

11.99

0.91

4.44%

3.80

1.48

1.48

0.00%

57,307,076,189.00

0.05

28.21

1.41

0.00%

0.65

25 Flour Mills Nig. Plc

21.50

21.50

0.00%

56,421,099,520.50

5.50

3.91

0.16

9.30%

0.59

26 U A C N Plc

20.50

20.50

0.00%

39,377,719,933.50

2.70

7.60

0.54

4.88%

0.53

27 Diamond Bank Plc

1.61

1.60

0.63%

37,288,226,238.48

0.18

8.77

0.17

0.00%

0.17

28 Sterling Bank Plc

1.25

1.29

-3.10%

35,988,022,657.50

0.36

3.50

0.33

7.20%

0.38

29 Fidelity Bank Plc

1.18

1.13

4.42%

34,175,851,116.56

0.47

2.53

0.24

13.56%

0.19

31.50

31.50

0.00%

30,048,165,000.00

2.76

11.42

3.09

0.32%

2.49

0.77

0.79

-2.53%

29,702,338,882.37

0.06

12.76

0.65

0.00%

0.64

15.00

15.00

0.00%

28,173,030,600.00

3.21

4.68

0.84

8.67%

2.72

1.39

1.35

2.96%

27,525,767,985.59

0.06

24.39

0.19

7.19%

0.17

36.00

36.00

0.00%

25,200,000,000.00

2.49

14.49

3.57

3.19%

16.58

35 Mansard Insurance Plc

2.14

2.04

4.90%

22,470,000,000.00

0.16

13.52

1.36

2.34%

1.29

36 Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc

3.80

3.79

0.26%

22,351,083,941.00

0.72

5.26

0.71

3.68%

0.81

37 Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Nig. Plc

18.50

18.50

0.00%

22,123,715,028.00

0.72

25.82

0.72

1.62%

1.65

8.20

8.20

0.00%

21,725,394,699.60

0.79

10.32

1.34

6.71%

3.06

39 PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

20.60

20.60

0.00%

20,600,000,000.00

3.28

6.28

1.81

0.49%

0.92

40 Honeywell Flour Mill Plc

1.58

1.51

4.64%

12,529,712,299.64

0.14

11.18

0.26

10.13%

0.59

41 Unity Bank Plc

0.98

0.95

3.16%

11,455,551,183.16

0.54

1.81

0.18

0.00%

0.13

42 Skye Bank Plc

0.80

0.81

-1.23%

11,104,241,128.00

0.85

0.94

0.08

37.50%

0.08

43 Continental Reinsurance Plc

1.01

1.01

0.00%

10,476,471,755.12

0.19

5.26

0.51

11.88%

0.64

44 Cement Co. Of North.Nig. Plc

6.99

6.99

0.00%

8,784,177,584.34

0.96

7.31

0.67

1.43%

0.87

45 Wapic Insurance Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

6,691,369,126.00

0.10

5.16

0.94

6.00%

0.45

46 UACN Property Development Co. Limited

3.85

3.85

0.00%

6,617,187,480.75

1.81

2.13

0.59

18.18%

0.20

47 Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc

4.00

4.00

0.00%

6,496,875,000.00

0.26

15.57

0.79

5.00%

1.06

48 Resort Savings & Loans Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

5,664,866,202.00

4.68

0.11

0.02

0.00%

1.89

49 AIICO Insurance Plc

0.73

0.72

1.39%

5,059,049,270.40

0.28

2.64

0.15

6.85%

0.52

50 Fidson Healthcare Plc

1.94

2.00

-3.00%

2,910,000,000.00

0.31

6.33

0.43

2.58%

0.46

11 Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd

15 FBN Holdings Plc 16 Unilever Nigeria Plc 17 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc

24 Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc

30 Okomu Oil Palm Plc 31 Wema Bank Plc 32 Cadbury Nigeria Plc 33 FCMB Group Plc 34 Cap Plc

38 National Salt Co. Nig. Plc

TOTAL

8,994,273,404,622.34

TOTAL MARKET CAP

9,597,701,516,458.26

% OF MARKET CAP Annotation - MA* = Simple Moving Average

93.71%

Stock

Open Close Change 25-July-16 26-July-16 %

Market rebounds as All Share Index appreciates by 1.14% Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today – Tuesday, July 26, 2016 ended on a positive note as the stock market closed green. This was further highlighted by positive performances from the NSE sub-sectors: Banking, Consumer Goods and Insurance (Save Oil & Gas). However, trading activities decreased in volume as 286.72 million shares worth N2.34 billion in 4,316 deals exchanged hands today. This is a decrease from the 378.51 million shares worth N2.26 billion in 3,519 deals exchanged on Monday. Topping in volume terms was Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc and Access Bank Plc while Nigerian Breweries Plc and Zenith Bank Plc ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms.

The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed positive with a 1.14% (+315.12) increase to close at 27,945.02 from 27,629.90 the previous trading day. Market Capitalization depreciated in tandem to N9.60 trillion from N9.49 trillion of prior trading day. Similarly, the Thisday BGL 50 Index followed suit with an increase of 1.20% to close at 115.52 from 114.15 recorded at the end of the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at N8.99 trillion from N8.89 trillion of the previous trading day.

A total number of 24 stocks gained on the bourse today while 14 stocks declined, 60 leaving stocks unchanged. Oando Plc again emerged the day’s toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list with a gain of 10.12% to close at N6.20 per share. It was followed by Ecobank Transnational Incorporated with a gain of 8.39% to close at N13.43 per share. Others on the gainers list include: Access Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and Mansard Insurance Plc, while on the decliners’ list; Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd led with a loss of 5.00% to close at N297.83 per share. It was followed by 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc with a loss of 4.59% to close at N134.00 per share.

Others on the losers list include: Sterling Bank Plc, Fidson Healthcare Plc and Wema Bank Plc. REQUIRED DISCLOSURE This report has been prepared by BGL Plc. BGL Plc does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should use this report as one of many other factors in making their investment decisions.

For more details go to www.thisdaylive.com

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

46

MARKET NEWS

NAHCO’s Diversification into Free Trade Zone, Agric Excites Shareholders Goddy Egene Shareholders of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) on Tuesday hailed the board and management of the company for its diversification programme, just as they approved the N324.8 million dividend recommended for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Apart from its major aviation services including cargo, aircraft

handling , passenger facilitation, crew transportation, NAHCO few years back embarked on a diversification programme that led to the establishment of a subsidiary, The NAHCO Free Trade Zone(NFZ) and lately, The NAHCO Agri-Zone Project.

Speaking at the 35tha annual general meeting of the company in Abuja, shareholders of the company said the

diversification programme has become strategic given the current economic challenges.

For instance, the National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN) Sunny Nwosu said the shareholders were very happy that the NFZ has finally taken off and will serve as major income earner for the company in these challenging times.

“We are happy that the NFZ has taken off and The NAHCO Agri-Zone will soon commence business. This is a development that is worth commending. It shows that we have a board and management that think ahead ,” he said.

Addressing the shareholders, the Chairman of NAHCO, Alhaji Suleiman Yahyah, said the NFZ has already started attracting high quality

international customers to its facilities, which is under development based on the phase one of the master plan.

“Our operating and management partners of the NFZ, International Development of Ireland(IDI), are fully in charge of the operations and management of the zone. The IDI has an international track record of establishing the first trade zone in the world at

Shannon, Ireland,” he said.

On The NAHCO AgriProject in 2016, he said it is will be domiciled in Abuja and is in partnership with Dube Trade Port of South Africa, adding that it will be involved in the value chain addition and processing of Nigerian produced fruits and vegetables for local Nigerian market and exports to the rest of the world.

DAILY STOCK MARKET REPORT. T H E

N I G E R I A N

STO C K

E XC H A N G E

THURSDAY JULY 28, 2016 • T H I S D AY

47

NEWSEXTRA

Dokpesi Dreams Digital President for Nigeria Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia Frontline aspirant in the race for the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Raymond Dokpesi, yesterday said it was high time Nigeria elected a digital president who is in tune with modern trend in thought and actions.

He stated this while fielding questions from journalists in Umuahia after visiting the state and local government executives of the Abia State chapter of PDP, saying that old politicians who “are now becoming analogue” should start leaving the scene for young and brilliant Nigerians.

The media mogul said he wants to see his dream come true in the next dispensation.

“I want to see a president after this time around who will not be above 45, young people who are able, energetic, brilliant and have all the contacts to be able to lead.”

Dokpesi said he has strong belief that “the young should grow,” adding that all around the country “there are many brilliant, digital young men and women who can represent us very effectively” in the National Assembly and at the apex political office in the land.

He said PDP was blessed with competent and capable

people to lead the party and he happens to be one of them While seeking for the support of Abia PDP the pioneer of private broadcasting in Nigeria said he possessed what it takes too rebuild the former ruling party and get it repositioned to displace the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I have all my life been a builder. I am used to building and rebuilding from the scratch,” said, adding that he is a self made man as neither of his parents left anything for him as inheritance.

According to him, PDP needed to be rebuilt, rebranded and refocused to meet the present and future challenges.

Dokpesi also had a strong word for the APC government, telling his fellow party men and women that the Nigeria was going down under the present federal government hence the need for PDP to put their acts together and save the nation from the clueless managers that are now presiding over its affairs.

He accused the Buhari administration of running exclusive administration where people are not given equal opportunities to realise their potential irrespective of their tribe, creed or faith.

To buttress his point, Dokpesi cited the fate of

the South-east geopolitical zone in the hands of the present federal government, saying, “What we are seeing today is that the South-east is marginalised.”

“We can’t sit back and allow our country to be declining,” he said while he sounded a wake up call to the PDP faithful urging them to elect him as the next national chairman of the party so they could chase APC out of Aso Rock come 2019.

The founder of Daar Communications acknowledged that PDP “made mistakes” during its 16 years in power but has learnt from such mistakes.

He added that the present crisis in the party has not developed to factionalisation since “the people with Ali Modu Sheriff is what you can count on

your finger tips”.

In his response the state Chairman of PDP, Chief Johnson Onuigbo, commended Dokpesi for his achievements and his pioneering efforts in the broadcast industry and possessed the quality of good leaders.

He said zoning arrangement whereby the post of national chairman was zoned to the entire south without restricting it to a any particular geopolitical zone was good for the party as it would give room for PDP to get the best hand to pilot its affairs after the August 17 national convention scheduled for Port Harcourt.

Meanwhile, the National Committee of Yoruba Youths (NCYY) has drummed its support for Dokpesi.

The group stated that an

enduring democracy and good governance needs a stable and matured leadership.

In a statement issued and signed by the President of the group, Oladimeji Adeyemi, the group stated that after considering many factors, such as the repositioning of the party be a very viable alternative, the party would strive to have a stable leadership which does not have godfathers, but ready to work for all members of the party to reunite, re-position the party and the country for greatness.

“We believe the only person, most especially from the Southern part of the country with such a pedigree, charisma, respect and goodwill is Chief Raymond Dokpesi’.

“After a careful consideration and consultation with our

associates, party faithful and compatriots far and wide, we by this statement appeal to the members of the Board of Trustees, all delegates, the leadership and members of the party to throw their weight behind his candidature,” the statement noted.

He pointed out that Dokpesi’s political antecedent and efforts over the years in the political and the nation’s economic space of the country distinguishes him as the best for the job.

The group expressed confidence that Dokpesi would be able make necessary sacrifices for the purpose of ensuring the primacy of moral rectitude and national interest on the administration of the country’s common wealth.

USAID, Edo Govt Launch $1m Programme in Support of HIV/AIDS-affected Children, Families Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Banquet Hall of the Edo State Government house was filled with emotion yesterday when the United State Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with Edo State government, launched a $1million programme to support HIV/AIDS-affected children and families to the tune of N20,000 each to the beneficiaries for food, school needs and other necessities which would last till 2018.

Speaking at the launch of the programme, the USAID Mission Director for Nigeria, Michael Harvey, said the programme would bring hope to 2,400 vulnerable families here in Edo State.

He added: “We want this to be a model for how such programmes can effectively and affordably be put in place, so that other states can follow suit”.

The programme funded by the US of America President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through USAID, would help to lift out of poverty 15,000 families affected by HIV/ AIDS in Edo, Benue, Kogi, and Nassarawa

States and FCT. Also in his address, the Secretary to the Edo state Government, Professor Julius Ihonvhere said the state government commends efforts of the USAID to the state and Nigeria in particular.

According to him, “Edo State Government will continue to support efforts to assist our vulnerable children and families in need of affection as demonstrated by USAIDS. We will take it off from here as the programme develop” The wife of the governor, Mrs. Iara Oshiomhole, who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Aenena Jemitola Fulani-Ojo, noted that: “The bulk of the people who live in the rural areas suffers more and they need this supports to enable them live a better life.”

Earlier, a lecturer and Head of Department of History and International Studies, University of Benin, Professor Eddy Erhagbe in his remark said, “There is a connection between food, health, employment and education for the people.”

IT’S NICE TO SEE YOU SIR

President Muhammadu Buhari (right), receiving the Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, at the President Villa in Abuja...yesterday

Buhari, Sanusi, Others for NDC Graduation Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

college.

The commandant who President Muhammadu described as unique, course Buhari and Emir of Kano, 24 of the college, urged them Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, will to be good ambassadors of be among the top dignitaries the college and the armed scheduled to attend the forces. graduation of the 2016 Alade said a lot was National Defence College expected from the (NDC). participants to find solutions The Commandant of NDC, to the complex challenges Rear Admiral Samuel Alade, facing the military in order disclosed this yesterday, to move it forward. while fielding questions He also reminded them from journalists shortly after that leadership was all about a presentation by the Chief self discipline, handwork, of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. dedication and good Gabriel Olonisakin, at the character.

Colleged in Abuja.

He said: “It is my pleasure Alade said the programme to draw from the CDS’s of the 2016 graduation would wealth of experience and a start with a world press new leadership approach in conference on Friday, July carrying out our professional 29 at the college auditorium duty. and would be followed by “I have no doubt in my a host of other activities. mind that such a wonderful He also used the lecture will go a long way opportunity to task to assist the participants in participants on projecting a their carrier. good image of the military “Course 24 is very lucky in their future postings after for the great opportunity their graduation from the they enjoyed all through the

duration of their programme in having dignitaries talk to them.

“And in a short while we will be hosting the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, and the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the graduation ceremony of the college,’’ he added.

Alade also commended the CDS for making the course possible through his timely intervention and support.

Earlier, Olonisakin in his presentation urged the participants to work hard and be dedicated in their future tasks.

He reminded the participants of the emerging trend in leadership development in the military which should cut across the three areas, strategic, operational and tactical.

“In the military actually what we do is to ensure that we secure the environment and the environment is occupied by the civil

populace.

“So we need the confidence of officers in ensuring that this is achieved and we need them also in whatever we are doing, we do it right,” he said.

“Most times, tactical commanders are the ones that interface with the troops, if the strategic level does not interface properly with the operational tactics, they may get it wrong.

“That is why i posited in my lecture that it is important that the tactical level is continuously in touch with operational level in order to succeed together,’’ he stressed said.

The Defence chief said that even though strategic and operational levels used to be distinct, the modern approach employed and removed the distinction at the strategic level.

He however, urged them to ensure that they interfaced with the appropriate levels to achieve set targets.

48

THURSDAY JULY 28, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

Ize-Iyamu Tasks US, EU on Free, Fair Election in Edo US Consulate-General promises to assist The Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has called

on the United States and other European nation missions in Nigeria to show huge interest in the Edo State governorship

FG Calls for Concerted Efforts in Fight against Violent Extremism Alex Enumah in Abuja As the country continues to groan under the rising wave of militancy in the Niger Delta and other violent extremism occasioned by the herdsmen and farmers’ clashes in parts of the country, the federal government has called for a more coordinated and concerted effort by stakeholders in battling the malaise.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, made the call at a two-day national workshop on ‘Radicalisation, De-radicalisation and Counterradicalisation’ in Abuja.

The workshop organised by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution in conjunction with Peace Building Development Foundation has as its theme; Preventing Violent Extremism in Nigeria.

The SGF, who noted that the workshop is apt as it would help provide policy direction in tackling violent extremism in the country, disclosed that it was the support of all Nigerians and the efforts of the gallant men of the Nigerian Armed Forces that helped in degrading insurgency in the Northeastern part of the country.

Represented by Suleiman Haliru, a director in the Office of the SGF, Lawal said: “If extremism thrives in the shadows of personal, social, political and economic marginalisation – capitalising on the grievances of those who

feel cast aside, left behind, ignored, or repressed, let us call it what it is and suggest policies to counter it with the bright light of education, inclusion, tolerance, good governance and opportunity.”

He stressed that violent extremism does not stop at borders nor distinguishes among its victims and charged participants to come out with propositions that would defeat the monster.

“We are counting on the knowledge you will take away from this workshop to understand and defeat all threat to our nation. This is whether we are soldiers on the battlefield, public officials in office, community leaders, teachers, entrepreneurs, students, etc, all of us have a stake in the peaceful future of Nigeria,” he said.

In his opening remarks, the Director-General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Prof. Oshita Oshita, said the workshop is coming at a time when the nation’s youth population is increasingly being exposed to extremism doctrines from different religious platforms across the country.

The DG, who was represented by the Director, Democracy and Development Studies, Gabriel Jiya, lamented that Nigerians hitherto have had a myopic view of the concept of radicalism and that the workshop would help put in better perspective the concept and the roles expected by the populace.

Indonesia to Execute Nigerians, Others Weekend Zacheaus Somorin with agency reports Indonesia will execute 14 drug convicts including Nigerians this weekend, the attorney general said yesterday, stepping up a “war on drugs” that has drawn international condemnation.

Those to be executed will include nationals of Zimbabwe, Pakistan and India, H. Muhammad Prasetyo told journalists at the state palace.

News of the impending executions prompted condemnation from the United Nations and the European Union.

“We understand that there is a camp that does not agree with us, but no matter what, this is not a pleasant work but it still has to be done,” Prasetyo said, adding that notifications had been sent to the foreign embassies.

He did not say which day of the weekend the executions would happen.

The UN human rights chief expressed alarm and urged Indonesia to reinstate a moratorium on the death penalty that was suspended in 2013.

“I find it deeply disturbing that Indonesia has already executed 19 people since 2013, making it the most prolific executioner in South-East Asia,” said Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights.

The EU also called on Indonesia to halt all executions.

“The death penalty is a cruel and inhumane punishment, which fails to act as a deterrent and represents an unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity,” a spokeswoman for the EU foreign policy chief said in a statement.

election fixed for September 10 in order to ensure a free and fair election.

The PDP candidate stated this when he received the US Consul-General, Mr. John Bray, and the Economic Officer of the Consulate General, Mr. James Plasman, at his residence in Benin-City. ‘’I want to appeal to you to collaborate with your colleagues in the European nations to monitor the coming election in Edo State and also put pressure on the security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that we have free, fair and acceptable election

that will be devoid of violence,’’ Ize-Iyamu stated. ‘’By our nature, Edo people are not violent people. But we are aware that Governor Adams Oshiomhole is doing everything to compromise some senior INEC officials and security agencies in the state. And I know our people will resist any plan to rig the election, and it will not be good for our democratic process.’’

Ize-Iyamu lamented the level of decay in the state infrastructure and the lack of vision exhibited by the state government towards development.

He later presented his

manifesto, titled: ‘SIMPLE Agenda’ to the US officials, promised to work closely with the US mission in Nigeria in areas of infrastructure and industrial development if elected.

Earlier while responding, the US Consul-General, Bray, said they would be back in Benin-City in September to monitor the election and promised to work with INEC, security agencies and nongovernmental organisations on how to ensure a free and fair election in the state.

Apart from coming to Benin-City to have conversation with all

stakeholders in the September 10 election, Bray added that they were also in the state to celebrate the opening of the first phase of the Azura Power Plant.

According to him, “We are here to celebrate the opening of the first phase of Azura Power Plant, which is a deliverable from President Obama’s power Africa initiative in 2013.

“We are also here to talk to the candidates regarding the upcoming election, and we are hoping that the election will be free, transparent and non-violent. And we will be talking about that. We will be back in September.’’

FACILITY TOUR

L-R: Representative of the Clerk of the House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services, Mr. Edwin Airhauhi; Clerk of the House Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Hon. Adoyi Omale; Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, Hon. Kehinde Agboola; Chairman of Conserveria Africana Limited, Alhaji Francis Ogboro; Co-Chairman of the House Joint Committee, Hon. Eucharia Azodo; Group Manufacturing Head of Conserveria, Mr. Rajib Chattopadhyay; Consultant to House Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Dr. Folake Majekodunmi; and the Consultant to the House Committee on Healthcare Services, Dr. Charles Onuoha, during an inspection visit by members of the House to the company in Lagos...recently

Buhari Scared by Ndigbo’s Economic Dominance, Says MASSOB The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has said President Muhammadu Buhari is “rattled and unsettled”

by Ndigbo, but that the race is “divinely destined to lead” in every field of nation-building.

In a statement signed by Uchenna Madu, the group’s Director of Information, MASSOB said the sin of the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, is that he is Igbo.

The group, according to The Cable, said President Buhari and former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, would “relax their nerves” if Ekweremadu loses his position to a non-Igbo.

“MASSOB has discovered the major reasons behind President Buhari’s hatred against Ndigbo and Biafrans in general,” the statement read.

“Buhari’s grouse against

Ekweremadu is because he is an Igbo man. If a non-Igbo PDP senator replaces Ekweremadu, Buhari, Tinubu and their likes will relax their nerves. MASSOB also reminds Ndigbo that this is the time to be your brothers keeper.

“President Buhari is always rattled and unsettled whenever he sees, hears or encountered the magnanimity of economical dominance and booming enterprising exploits of Ndigbo both in Nigeria and in diaspora.

“Today in Nigeria, Ndigbo owns 70 per cent of private, economic and social investments in Nigeria, this Jewish and Zionist advancement of Ndigbo also stretched to many countries of the universe.

“Ndigbo and their Biafran brethren have never been deterred, frustrated or admitted failure in all endeavors of life, we are always progressives,

Republican, conquering every obstacle of lives including the environment we found ourselves.

“MASSOB declares that any person or group of people that hates Ndigbo as a result of religious beliefs, tribal/ ethnic sentiments, personal envy or tutorial orientation will constantly experience unfulfillment, unprogressiveness and backwardness.

“Biafrans are direct legitimate descendants of Abraham. God of Abraham ( Chukwu Okike Abiama) always bless friends of Biafrans and course our enemies.

“MASSOB wish to inform Buhari that all his political, economical and religious persecutions of Ndigbo and anti Igbo policies of his government will never derail, deter, frustrate or shortchange the domineering nature or economical prowess of Biafrans.

“The more our people are

persecuted, the more we are united and resolute, irrespective of our billions dollar investments and establishments in Nigeria, we shall not relent in our genuine and legitimate pursuit for Biafra restoration.

“MASSOB reminds Igbo Leaders that Nnamdi Kanu, arrowhead of new Biafra agitation, Benjamin Onwuka, 23 members of MASSOB in Onitsha/Awka prisons, Chidiebere Onwudiwe are still languishing in Nigeria prisons and DSS cage including Lotachukwu Okolie who is being detained in Norway prisons since 2013.

“Igbo political, religious, traditional, progressive leaders including elder statesmen should rise up now in defence of our people and living heroes; MASSOB shall hold Igbo leaders responsible if any harm befall on these innocent Biafra detainees.”

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THURSDAY JULY 28, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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Oshiomhole Campaigns in Okada, Vows to Retrieve Land Illegally Acquired by Igbinedion The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his campaign train yesterday

stormed Okada community and country home of the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, in Ovia North East Local

Protesters Storm Abuja, Accuse Buhari’s Govt of Nepotism, Illegal Recruitment Nigerians drawn from various civil society groups yesterday protested alleged illegal recruitment and nepotism in some government agencies, questioning the anticorruption effort of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The protesters, according to Premium Times included popular activists, Aisha Yesufu; author, Chido Onumah; and members of Citizens of Impact, Enough is Enough, Youthup Africa – marched to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, where they submitted their protest letter for onward transfer to Mr. Buhari.

“All Nigerians must be given equal opportunity in employment,” one of their placards read.

In his address, Daniel Olatunde, convener of Citizens of Impact, said the Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Inland Revenue Service and Nigeria

Prisons Service, embarked on illegal recruitment exercises and that some of the recruits paid huge amounts to get the jobs.

He recalled that one of the 909 persons recruited by the CBN “through backdoor” was a nephew of Mr. Buhari.

He added that FIRS Chairman, Babatunde Fowler, “lied barefaced and was deceiving Nigerians” that the body was going to recruit 1,250 people during a session with the Senate Finance Committee at a time he had already concluded “the recruitment of children of his cronies including that of John Enoh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance.”

To cover its illegal recruitment exercise, Mr. Olatunde alleged that NPS backdated letters of appointment to 530 people.

“No transparency as these exercises were done under the table,” Olatunde said.

Government Area of the state where over one thousand five hundred persons including a cousin to the Esama, Ewemade defected to the ruling APC. Speaking at the rally, Governor Adams Oshiomhole vowed to retrieve all the large hectares of lands that were illegality acquired by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Igbinedion and hand them over to investors.

Oshiomhole told the mammoth crowd that his administration has granted waivers to investors to encourage them in the industrialisation process in the state.

The governor further declared his resolve to stop any Benin chief who intends to take the

position of the Oba of Benin, pointing out that Oba’s position cannot be faked but must be respected as a divine institution.

According to Oshiomhole, “I will stop any Benin chief who wants to take the position of the Oba of Benin. I am aware that I have had cause to revoke some lands illegally acquired by Igbinedion, I will revoke more and give to investors.”

He said: “We granted waivers to investors in order to encourage investors to set up companies in the state, with Obaseki as the next governor you will have nothing to fear, we will build more roads, schools and bring more investors to the state.

“PDP wants to come through

the back door back to power because they want to continue to use your money to feed the god fathers and we must stop them,” he said.

The APC governorship candidate, Obaseki said Oshiomhole had laid the foundation for growth and development in the state.

He said: “My job is to raise the house upstairs because the foundation will carry sky scrappers. We will continue to build on infrastructure, build more roads in the local governments, build more schools and recruit more teachers.’

Obaseki stated that when elected as governor of the state,

“We will put more money into Usen Polytechnic to improve the standard of teaching in the school so they can be one of the best in Nigeria.”

He said: “The polytechnic will groom students into becoming land inspectors, surveys that can be employed in the state Ministry of Works. We will give small loans to market women. Our major priority is to create empowerment for women and youths.”

The defectors said they decided to dump the PDP due to the giant strides and developmental achievement by the Oshiomhol-led government in the state.

Udoma Meets China Exim Bank Officials Discusses funding of critical projects

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, yesterday commenced follow-up discussions with the management of the Chinese EXIM Bank in Beijing, China, that will lead to the implementation of the various projects discussed during the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to China.

President Buhari during a state visit in April this year reached various agreements with the Chinese government on development assistance particularly the funding of some critical infrastructure in the country. The visit by the president further bolstered Nigeria’s participation in the ten critical areas under the Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Udoma is in China to attend the FOCAC Coordinators meeting.

In the meeting with the Vice President of EXIM Bank of China, Yuan Xingyong, at the bank’s headquarters in Beijing, Senator Udoma, said Nigeria would appreciate the financial assistance from the Bank to enable it execute some of the basic infrastructure projects that will drive growth, develop the economy of Nigeria and increase business partnership with its global business allies.

Senator Udoma said his visit was to exchange views with the

management of the bank and to see how Nigeria can deepen the bilateral cooperation already existing between it and China.

“Our relationship with China is very important to us, which was why our President led a big delegation on a State visit to China in April this year. We are quite impressed with the infrastructural development in China and believe that China has a lot to teach us in Nigeria; particularly we will like the support of China in the area of infrastructure development.”

The Minister said he believes quite strongly that the rapid development of Nigeria will enable the country be a better business partner with China as the volume of business and investments will grow bigger and better.

“We have a list of some projects, some of them we have started work and others about to start, which we had submitted to China for financial assistance. Some of the priority projects, the President has asked me to stress include the Nigerian railway modernization projects from Lagos to Kano – (Lagos –Ibadan) and Lagos - Kano (Kano – Kaduna) which are two parts of the same project; the coastal railway project from Calabar to Lagos, the Mambilla Hydro-electric project and the Niger Delta East West road project.

HONOURING ODUOZA

L-R: Chairman of the Occasion and Chairman of Best Foods Limited, Mr. Emmanuel Ijewere; Outgoing Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza; and his wife Jumai, during the launch of book titled: ‘The Dynamics of Nigerian Financial System, an essay in honour of Phillips Oduoza,’ held in Lagos...yesterday DAN UKANA

PDP Denied Access to Campaign Ground as Ize-Iyamu Promises Council Autonomy to LG Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The campaign rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Edo State, Pastor Osagie IzeIyamu, to be held in Egor Local Government Area of the state was nearly aborted yesterday after the state government allegedly cancelled the approval earlier given for the usage of a Olua Primary School as venue of the rally.

Organisers of the rally were said to have put in place logistics and materials needed for the rally such as canopies, chairs, stage and sound system only to received words from authorities of the school that they had been directed to cancel the approval earlier given for the usage of the school field for the rally.

Following the turn of event, it was gathered that the organisers of the rally were asked to come for a refund of the money they had paid late Tuesday night.

The situation was said to have rattled the organisers of

the rally and the leadership of the PDP in the state, which had to quickly look for another place to host the rally.

In a message sent to journalists in Benin last Tuesday night, the state Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chris Nehikhare, said: “The Egor rally that was to hold at Olua Primary School on July 27, will now hold at Timber Shed along Uselu/ Lagos Road. Oshiomhole told them not to allow PDP use the primary school which is a public property.”

Nehikhare said the Edo State Government has continued to deny the PDP the use of public places in the state for campaigns, recalling that the PDP was denied the use of Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for its campaign flag-off early this month, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been using public schools for its campaign.

When contacted, Edo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said he was not aware of the

development, adding that the state government would not have stopped the PDP from using the school since they were allowed the use of Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium during their party primary election.

“There are procedures for securing public places for events.

If they fulfill the requirements, nobody will stop them. We are, however, conscious of campaigns when schools are in session. If the schools were not renovated, will they go there to campaign?”

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the state, Ize-Iyamu, has promised to ensure that local government areas in the state are granted autonomy to enable them perform their constitutional responsibilities.

Ize-Iyamu stated this while campaigning in Uselu, headquarters of Egor Local Government Area, just as he insisted that the financial crisis facing local government areas in the state was as a result of tampering of their funds from

the federation account by the government of Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

“Local government councils in the state cannot pay salaries of their workers because the state government tampers with their allocations. I am assuring you that if I am elected governor of the state, I will not touch allocations meant for local government areas and I will ensure they enjoy autonomy so that they can function.

“I will not make promises that I cannot keep. Whatever we promise, we will fulfill it. For Egor local government council workers, I want to assure them that I will pay the salary arrears owed them,” he stated.

While remarking that Egor council was bereft of social amenities such as good roads, schools, potable waters among others, he assured them that his government would build primary healthcare centres, promote tourism and industries, employ teachers and pay bursary and scholarships to students.

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Local Content: House Committee Commends Saipem, Sanctions Korean Firm Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt The House of Representatives Committee on Local Content has declared Saipem Construction Nigeria Limited a success story in the implementation of the Nigerian Content Act. This came as the committee slammed Hyundai Heavy Duty Industries (HHI) and Samsung for failure to implement the provisions of the Act. Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday after an oversight visit to Saipem to assess the local content compliance of Egina Deep Sea Project being executed by the company for Total E & P Nigeria, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Local Content, Hon. Emmanuel Ekon, said the committee was impressed that Nigerians were fully involved in the execution of the project.

His words: “I think our expression today is wao!

This is because what we are seeing here is unbelievable, this is massive. The level of fabrication work we saw at the fabrication workshop is unbelievable.

“We have gone to LADOL-Samsung yards.

What we saw there was just an off-shoot of what is going on here. What we saw here is nothing compared to what we saw in Lagos. But my biggest joy today is that comparing both LADOL-Samsung Yard and what we saw here at Saipem is that if it were to be Ladol-Samsung Yard, you would have seen more than 100 Koreans and Filipinos working.

“But going through this yard, going through this

workshop, with the massive very highly technical fabrication that is done here, we hardly saw five foreigners working there.

That is impressive and I am very happy and I believe committee members here are very impressed with what Saipem is doing.

“This goes to prove to the whole world that these things can be done here. The idea of multinationals or service companies coming to tell us that some of these things cannot be done here does not even arise.

Everybody is convinced with what Nigerians are doing here.

“This is massive. This is very appreciable by the committee. I lack better words to explain what Saipem is doing in Nigeria.

But I want to commend them. This is another success story of the Local Content Act.” He said the committee decided to embark on the facility tour to have first-hand information of what is going on around the different fabrication yards, servicing companies around Nigeria.

Ekon said the committee had visited Samsung yard three weeks ago.

“What we saw there was a complete departure from what you are seeing here today,” lamented.

He said: “The Local Content Committee three weeks ago frowned at the attitude of Samsung in bringing over a hundred welders and fitters that we have in abundance here.

That is a complete violation of Section 53 of the Local Content Act. The essence of our touring these facilities is to see where these companies have violated our law and then try to enforce those companies

to comply with our laws.”

Ekon said the House of Representatives would not spare any multinational or servicing company that violates the local content act, saying the House had already taken steps against identified companies.

He recalled: “We started engaging Hyundai Heavy Duty Industries (HHI). We found out that HHI violated the law by bringing in expatriates without valid papers. How they came into the country we do not know. And these are people that are coming in to take jobs who are meant for Nigerians. What we did was to invite the Immigration Services into HHI. They started their investigation that lasted about a month.

At the end of it all, HHI was found guilty. As I am talking to you now, the managing director was deported last

week Thursday; the country representative was deported and another officer was deported for 10 years. That means they cannot come into this country for the next 10 years.

“Now we have about 31 more that are working in Chevron Excravos still HHI expatriates. They are under investigation right now; their passports have been seized and by Tuesday next week, Immigration Services will also come out with result of their investigation. If they are found guilty, all of them will go the same way.

“So, my advice to multinationals and service companies working in Nigeria is that we have a new Sheriff in Town and things just have to be done the right way. We are not here to with-hunt any company. We want them

to come to Nigeria to do business; we appreciate their investments (especially look at what Saipem has done, we appreciate the level of investment Samsung brought into the country; the training, manpower development, the technology transfer. But in doing all these it is not a licence for them to come in here and violate our laws.”

Also addressing journalists, the Managing Director of Saipem, Mr. Guido D’Aloisio, said the visit had afforded the House Committee to see that his firm had been complying with the relevant laws.

He said: “We are very humble to say that Saipem is proud of these achievements in Nigeria. Again, this is an example of our Nigerian project made and executed

by Nigerians. We have a lot of technology here which has

now become the property of the Nigerian group in Saipem here. We are setting up a first class yard, exporting from Nigeria some of our technology like in the area of safety and we were discussing our first class training course in working in confined space. All these are our commitment in Nigeria.

“It is not by chance that we have been here for 50 years and consistently trying to grow with Nigerians in Nigeria. We are for sure in the right path of growth with Nigerians in Nigeria.”

He said Saipem had been working with Nigerians even before the Local Content Act was passed.

“For us the Nigerian Act was not something new or something which changed our lives. We started working with Nigerians well before the Act became law,” he said.

POWER TO THE PEOPLE

R-L: Rivers State Governor, Nyesom EzenwoWike; Deputy Governor, Mrs. Banigi; former acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus; and Senator Osinakachukwu Ideozu during the PDP Rivers West senatorial district rally in Degema... yesterday

Remo Traditional Council Formally Informs Ogun Govt ‘Civilian JTF Approach Should be Adopted in Solving Niger Delta Crisis’ of Demise of Akarigbo The Remo Traditional Council yesterday formally informed the Ogun State Government about the demise of the Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Michael Adeniyi Sonariwo, who was also the Chairman of the state Council of Obas.

Elepe of Epe, Oba Adewale Osiberu, who spoke on behalf of the council, told the state Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, that Oba Sonariwo joined his ancestors on July 23 in a United Kingdom hospital at the age of 80.

The governor, in his response, said the news

was a rude shock to the government and described the demise of the first class monarch as a great loss to Remoland in particular and the state in general.

He promised that his government would support the people of Remoland and the Council in all burial activities towards giving the Akarigbo a befitting burial.

Oba Sonariwo was born on July 28, 1936, and ascended the throne on July 14, 1990.

Also present were the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Dayo Adeneye, and his counterpart in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Chief Jide Ojuko.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Global Excellence Foundation (GEF) has called on the federal government to adopt the Civilian JTF approach in solving the problem of militancy in the oil rich Niger Delta region as a concept of community policing.

Its Country Director, Prof.

Yemi Ola, stated this while addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja, where he commended the federal government for absorbing members of the Civilian JTF into the army and other security agencies.

He noted that the federal government should start expanding the process by

asking all military, security and para-military services to take inventory of their personnel needs in the areas covered by the civilian JTF with a view to identifying the ones that could be filled under the absorption programme.

Ola suggested that adopting the civilian JTF approach in addressing the problem of militancy in the Niger Delta should not be ruled out since it worked so well in providing the community component to fighting Boko Haram in the North-east.

According to him, “Now that the militants have not started taking human life is when to bring in a sort of civilian JTF, which is

the concept of community policing that helped defeat Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State and environ.

President Muhammadu Buhari mustn’t wait till things in the South-south gets as ugly as that of Boko Haram before applying this homegrown solution.

Ola,who was a member of the House of Representatives in the Second Republic noted: “It therefore makes sense that the remaining Civilian JTF are accepted into one security agency or the other so that youths in other geo-political zones will easily heed the clarion call to serve because they would have seen that the federal government does not forget nor neglect to honour

sacrifice made in national interest.

“The absorbed youths, with the asset they possess by way of detailed knowledge of the local geography and lore, are now the first line of defence against insurgency and criminality.

“This sort of community policing that the president has implemented will not only end Boko Haram’s reign of terror but will go a long way to help in identifying individuals with tendencies to launch future attacks,”he stressed.

He emphasised that the development deserves commendation for its uniqueness in solving the problems of what to do with the ex-members in a way that everyone emerged a winner.

THURSDAY JULY 28, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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Akeredolu Backs INEC on Inconclusive Election Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant in the next Ondo

State governorship election, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, has said politicians and political parties are responsible for

Assembly Approves Renaming of Sokoto State Polytechnic after Shinkafi The Sokoto State House of Assembly has passed a bill for a law to amend the Sokoto State Polytechnic Law, 2014, and rename it Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto.

This followed a motion moved yesterday by the assembly’s leader, Alhaji Garba Bello (APC- Yabo), after scrutinising the bill at the committee of the whole house. “Umaru Shinkafi was a great leader that needs to always be remembered for his past records, both in the development of Sokoto and Nigeria at large.

“In fact, Shinkafi deserved more recognition not only in Sokoto, but across all sectors of the country for his dedication, engagement and courage for the growth and peace of the nation,” he added.

The Speaker, Alhaji Salihu Maidaji, said: “The House does approve to amend the Polytechnic of Sokoto State Law 2014, and rename the

polytechnic Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto.”

In a related development, the assembly considered a bill for a law to provide for the establishment of Zakkat and Endowment Commission. The house also considered a bill to amend the Public Procurement and Price Law, 2013.

The two bills were referred to the House Committee on Finance and Religious Affairs, respectively. In another development, the assembly condoled with the victims of the fire incident at the Sokoto old market.

Maidaji said: “The Assembly sympathised with all the victims of the incident and will also ensure necessary support to ease the pains of the huge losses.” The speaker called on all relevant authorities and agencies to urgently come to the aid of the victims, to ease their suffering.

the crisis that always leads to stalemated elections.

Akeredolu, former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), stated that Nigerians should stop blaming the Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC) for cases of inconclusive elections recorded recently.

Addressing journalists yesterday at the national secretariat of the APC shortly after picking his nomination forms, Akeredolu said: “When INEC make some efforts to put

in place all their preparations toward the elections, politicians will go ahead and put impediments on their path.

“I can assure you that this inconclusive election has been a thing of concern to everybody but the question must be asked, who is to be blamed? I think the blame is for all of us, and I want to believe that mainly the blame is for the politicians because when INEC make some efforts to put in place all their preparations toward the elections, politicians will go

ahead and put impediments on their path, it is an unfortunate development.”

He regretted that increasing rate of violence that accompanies recent elections has not enabled INEC to make significant progress from where the former INEC boss stopped.

On what he has in stock for the people, the APC governorship aspirant said: “If given the mandate, we shall take the state to enviable height, without celebrating cosmetic achievements as we have now.”

Regarding the conduct of governorship election in Ondo State, Akeredolu said the exercise would not be disrupted by violence.

The governorship aspirant who said he has what it takes to move the state forward, assured his people that priority will be given to the issue of youth unemployment.

“I don’t have any fear about the election in the state. I can assure you that results will be declared the following day,” he said.

New Deal as Ajimobi Pledges 100% Federal Allocation for A YEAR OF UNCOMMON REWARD Monthly Wages L-R: Former Deputy Governor, Cenral Bank of Nigeria/Guest Speaker, Rev. Tunde Lemo; former Nigerian Ambassador to Great Britain/ Ademola Babalola in Ibadan

Flowing from the new found love and agreement reached with the workers in the employment of the Oyo State Government, the state Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, last night promised a new deal with the state workforce with an assurance that all the agreement reached with their labour leaders would be carried out to the letters without any hindrance.

To this end, the governor, through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Olalekan Alli, said no going back in devoting 100 percent monthly federal allocation to the state for the payment of the workers’ salaries forthwith.

The SSG also reaffirmed the governor’s pledge to financial transparency and accountability in running the affairs of the state as monthly allocations would henceforth be published for the public to know how much accrues to government purse in a manner that is unprecedented in the history of the state, starting from next allocation.

Workers in the state last Monday night called off their seven week strike. The state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had directed its members to proceed on the strike over unpaid salaries and pensions.

However to underscore the government’s seriousness to henceforth engage its teeming workforce in dialogue and mutual understanding, Ajimobi stated that although his administration has once again

been vindicated in its efforts at promoting best practices and good governance by throwing open the books in the course of the negotiations and deliberations at the various meetings of the Government/ Labour Committee on Unpaid Salaries, Wages and Pensions, he also added that this has facilitated a better understanding and appreciation of the government’s position with labour having a better insight into the financial standing of the state.

According to the SSG, “Henceforth, the income and expenditure statement of the state will be made public on a monthly basis to forestall misinformation, misunderstanding and misinterpretations of government’s financial profile.

“A holistic and realistic solution will be jointly proffered to the issue of utilising available funds for subsequent payment of salaries and pensions bearing in mind the dedication of 100 percent allocation from Federation Account to payments of salaries and pensions.

Alli said this is in furtherance of the government’s commitment to financial transparency and accountability.

The SSG who commended the labour for the maturity exhibited during the negotiations also said the dialogue between labour and government would be a continuous one aimed at resolving outstanding issues pertaining to salaries, wages and pensions in the state and enhancing the welfare of the workforce in the state.

Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Christopher Kolade; and the General Overseer, Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Rev. Felix Meduoye, during the church’s 61st annual national convention lecture in Lagos....yesterday ETOP UKUTT

Bakassi: Obono-Obla Blast Ita-Giwa over Attack on Buhari Bassey Inyang in Calabar

The Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on prosecution, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has joined issues with former Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, for accusing Buhari of neglecting the people of Bakassi while paying serious attention to the people of the North-east.

Obono-Obla who disagreed vehemently with Ita-Giwa on the issue, said she was not sincere in her assessment of the Bakassi issue and the prevailing condition in the North-eastern region.

Besides, the president’s aide said Ita-Giwa was being hypocritical by making false claims against the president in the face of resounding facts indicating that the past Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration of which she was part of did little or virtually nothing to address the plight of the Bakassi people.

Obono-Obla’s counter of Ita-Giwa views was contained in a statement entitled: ‘The Hypocrisy of Senator Florence Ita Giwa on Bakassi.’

The statement made available to journalists yesterday read in part: “I was pleasantly surprised as well as amazed when I read a statement credited to Senator Florence Ita Giwa alleging and accusing President Muhammadu Buhari of bias in his handling of the problems concerning the North-eastern region and Bakassi!

“In the first place there cannot be any comparison between the travails of the peoples of North-east and Bakassi. The two issues are different and therefore any objective commentator must separate them and put or situate them in the proper perspective.”

Obono-Obla said contrary to the allegation raised by ItaGiwa against Buhari on the Bakassi issue, the president had taken some measures concerning the well-being of the people.

“Contrary to the position of Senator Giwa, the federal government under President Buhari has undertaken diplomatic measures to resolve the issue of Bakassi peninsula? Why is Senator Giwa hypocritical crying wolf?,” ObonoObla stated.

Group Condemns Failed Coup in Turkey A group, Ufuk Dailogue, has strongly condemned the attempted military coup that took place in Turkey more than a week ago, insisting that there is no place for military intervention in democracy.

In a statement signed by its President, Kamil Kemanci and made available to THISDAY, Ufuk Dialogue observed that the attempted military coup to overthrow the Turkish government was an act of military aggression and injustice.

“We have always supported the development of Turkey’s democracy despite the increasing anti-democratic practices in recent years.

Ufuk promotes Hizmet Movement (Golden Movement) philosophy, which has advocated for, and demonstrated commitment to peace and democracy for more than 40 years. We have consistently denounced military intervention in democratic politics,” the body said.

Ufuk said democracy, rule of law, peaceful co-existence, freedoms and human rights are the core values of Hizmet

participants, adding that Ufuk Dialogue strongly condemn any attempt to overthrow an elected government by military coup.

The body said Mr. Fethullah Gulen, inspirer of the Hizmet Movement, had always advocated democracy and insisted, “there is no u-turn from democracy at every stage of his life. As someone who suffered under multiple military coups during the past five decades, it is especially insulting to be accused of having any link to such an attempt. I categorically deny such accusations.”

The statement also said President Erdogen and his close circles’ blame on the Hizmet movement was very “irresponsible and concerning. We hope that Turkey will overcome these difficult days and take this sad incident as an opportunity to strengthen its democracy.

Our hearts and prayers are with all Turkish citizens and for all those in Turkey. We also stand for a free and fair democratic system for all Turkish citizens,” the statement said.

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THURSDAY JULY 28, 2016 • T H I S D AY

CRIME&PUNISHMENT DSS Nabs Four-man Kidnap Syndicate in Military Uniforms Arrests 6 others in Kogi State Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The Department of State Services (DSS) has nabbed a kidnap syndicate operating in Kogi State with military uniform in an attempt to halt the increasing spate of kidnapping in the state.

The Director of DSS, Lokoja Command, Mr. Joseph Okpo, in a statement yesterday, said the DSS has in the course of intensified efforts towards curtailing this threat within the last six weeks, arrested about 10 suspected kidnappers, most of whom have been charged to court.

Okpo said the DSS had recently arrested gang of robbers/kidnappers along Abuja-Lokoja highway, Koton-Karfe, Kogi Local Government Area, following liaison report corroborated by signal intelligence linking them to robbery and kidnapping

activities within and outside the state.

He listed the members of this gang who operated in military combat uniforms to include their leader Haruna Saleh aka Auta; Kabiru Shaibu, Abdulmuminu Adamu and Tukur Shuaibu.

The Service boss however noted that the DSS operatives recovered several items during an on-the-spot search conducted on the suspects’ vehicle such as three pairs of army camouflage uniforms; a locally-made pistol and long barrel gun.

Other items recovered were seven pump action cartridges; a cutlass, knife, 14 handsets, a set of plate number (AG 556 BNG), three touch lights, one green Gulf 3 car with registration number KWL 946 FB; and the sum of N46,675.

Okpo further stated that signal intelligence revealed that the group has links with other kidnap syndicate operating in Abuja,

Kaduna, Katsina and Niger States.

He said: “They admitted that from the Ramadan period to the time of arrest, they have conducted six different robbery/kidnap operations alongside two other gangs.

“The locations are MinnaKantogara road, Niger State; Mararaba-Jos road, Kaduna State; twice along Manufarshi road in Zaria, Kaduna State and twice along Jaji-Zaria road.

“They have disclosed their source of military uniforms and I have invited the appropriate service to join us in investigating this angle of the case.”

The DSS director said apart from what was recovered from them, they revealed that they have a cache of three AK 47 and other weapons to be recovered.

He noted that both signal and human intelligence indicated that disproportionate

percentage of kidnappers in Kogi State come from outside the state.

According to him, the suspects exploited the physical geography and landforms as well as the route structure of the state.

“Kogi State is bordered by nine states and Abuja and is the gateway between the North and South. The terrain is rugged and it has both land and inland waterways exist and entry routes,” he stated.

Okpo assured the state that the Command will continue to collaborate with other security agencies by deploying its core competences to address the security challenges in the state and the country, taking advantage of the renewed zeal of the state government in supporting and partnering security agencies.

Hesaidthesuspectswillbein court soon.

In Brief

FCTA to Prosecute Seven Members of Begging Syndicate I n i t s e ff o r t s t o s t a m p o u t s t re e t b e g g i n g i n t h e Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Special Task Team on Abuja Environmental Protection has broken a syndicate of suspected suppliers of beggars to strategic locations in Abuja. The Chairman of the FCT Special Task Team on Abuja Environmental P ro t e c t i o n , S q u a d ro n L e a d e r A b d u l l a h i A d a m u M o n j e l ( r t d ) , m a d e t h i s d i s c l o s u re y e s t e rd a y while parading the suspects at the FCDA Police S t a t i o n a t A re a 11 , G a r k i I D i s t r i c t , A b u j a . T h e C h a i r m a n re v e a l e d t h a t t h e f e a t w a s a c h i e v e d with the close collaboration of security agencies i n t h e t a s k t e a m w h e re i n t e l l i g e n c e s h a r i n g i s uppermost. The leader of the suspected syndicate, B a b a G w a r m a f ro m K a d u n a S t a t e , s a i d h e i s based in Karma-Jiji, a suburb of Abuja with their l e a d e r ( S a r k i ) i n t h e s a m e v i c i n i t y. S q u a d ro n leader Monjel further disclosed that he has three personal vehicles for movement of beggars in and around Abuja as well as neigbouring states of Nasarawa, Niger and Kaduna. He said Baba G w a r m a h a s h o u s e s t h a t h e h a s re n t e d o u t a n d a l s o p ro v i d e s h e l t e r f o r t h e b e g g a r s i n t h e syndicate in Karma-Jiji. The Chairman stated t h a t t h e s u s p e c t h a s b e e n a r re s t e d m o re t h a n 50 times in the past, but this time he would be c h a rg e d t o c o u r t f o r s u b s e q u e n t p ro s e c u t i o n .

M o n j e l f u r t h e r re v e a l e d t h a t t h e s u s p e c t u s e s dangerous weapons to attack enforcement team.

Alleged Murder: Court Issues Arrest Warrant against Ekiti APC Chairman, Others

CAUGHT IN THE ACT

A four-member kidnap syndicate being paraded by the Department of State Services (DSS) in military uniforms after their arrest in Kogi State....yesterday

Five Arrested, Six Policemen Injured as Shooting Continues in Igando Community Chiemelie Ezeobi No fewer than five persons were arrested by the Lagos State Police Command in connection with Tuesday’s attack by displaced pipeline vandals at the Igando community that left six policemen igun shot injuries.

However, a day after the intense gun duel between the displaced pipeline vandals and the police operatives, the gun duel continued yesterday as the gunmen staged a comeback.

The displaced vandals had stormed the Obadore, Ewedogbon, Akesan Fatoki, and Egan communities of Igando, and left six persons injured, as they robbed other residents of their valuables.

Although they were later

repelled by the police, the gang had successfully carted away money and other valuables from the defenceless residents.

However, despite the heavy police presence and the deployment of drones, helicopters and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), the gunmen staged a comeback yesterday.

The gunmen were said to have taken their time until the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, and his team, who visited the area for an on-the-spot assessment, had left the scene.

However, the CP had not gone far when they struck, so the police were able to immediately deploy their personnel and repelled the gunmen again, which triggered

rumours that the CP was attacked by the vandals.

Speaking with THISDAY, some of the residents, who lamented that they had been traumatised by the continuous attacks in recent times, called on the police to ensure that the criminal elements are fished out.

One of the residents who spoke on anonymity said: “We don’t feel safe anymore. Our lives are under threat. These criminals come here at will, rob and traumatise us and go scotfree.

“Now, the police have told us that they can’t access the creeks because of its nature, isn’t it high time they invited the navy and the air force, with their advantage of the air and the water to tackle this menace?

“Granted that thick foliage covered the creeks, but they shouldn’t fold their hands and watch us being maimed. The air force should carry out an aerial bombardment of the area, while the navy should patrol the creeks.”

While debunking claims that the CP was attacked, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Dolapo Badmos, said the police have regained control of the area.

She said: “The CP was there to see our men deployed thereand see to their welfare. He also went there for an on-the-spot assessment.

“He met with the residents and we opened up investigation channels. We discovered that the residents live within the community.

A High Court sitting in Ijero Ekiti, Ekiti State, yesterday issued an arrest warrant against the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Jide Awe, and three others for alleged complicity in murder cases. Others listed for arrest include: Faboro John Ojo, Aniramu Basiru and Falayi Busuyi, who have been declared wanted for their alleged involvement in the murder of two persons; Mr. Ayo Jeje and Mrs. Juliana Adewumi In Erinjiyan-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on March 30, 2013. The APC chairman and five others are facing trial in Charge No: HIJ/1c/2015. A High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti had earlier issued a warrant of arrest against the suspects, shortly after Governor Ayodele Fayose assumed office. Justice Dele Omotoso of the IjeroEkiti High Court, who granted the order on July 25, 2016, said the Jide Awe and the three other accused persons must be brought to court by the police on October 5, 2015. The warrant of arrest dated July 27, 2016, was issued based on the prayer of counsel to the Ekiti State Government, Yakubu Dauda, who asked the court to invoke Section 94 of the state Administration of Criminal Justice Law to compel the appearances of the accused person before the court. “Consequently, I hereby invoke the provisions of Section 94 of the Ekiti State Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Ekiti State by ordering that bench warrants be issued against the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants to compel their appearances before this court at the next day of adjournment and subsequently to stand for their trial. “Consequently, this matter is hereby adjourned till October 5, 2016 for hearing,” the judge ruled. The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Owoseni Ajayi, said: “The court order will be served on the police with immediate effect, hoping that it will be complied with strictly.” Ekiti State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Owoseni Ajayi, in a letter to the IG dated July 8, 2016 and copied to the Attorney General of the Federation, National Human Rights Commission and the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police had decried the refusal of the police to arrest the accused persons despite several requests. “The Ekiti State has requested the Nigeria Police, Ekiti State Command to effect the arrests of these culprits but instead of effecting the arrests, the police has refused and/or neglected to effect the arrests on the grounds that such arrests should not be made except with the approval of the Police Force Headquarters, Abuja,” the Attorney General said.

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THURSDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

NOC: We Are Not Aware of Mikel’s Captaincy of Team Nigeria Mikel: I am overwhelmed with this opportunity to be the captain of Team Nigeria

Duro Ikhazuagbe The appointment of Super Eagles Captain and Chelsea stalwart, John Mikel Obi, as captain of Team Nigeria’s 85man contingent to next month’s summer Olympiad in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil has continued to generate controversies as the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) insisted yesterday that it was not aware of such an important appointment.

On Tuesday evening, Special Assistant to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Nneka Ikem Anibeze sent out a press statement, announcing the appointment of Mikel as Team Nigeria captain to Rio2016. But yesterday when THISDAY sought the views of the Secretary General of the NOC, Hon. Tunde Popoola on the development, he claimed not to be aware of such appointment.

“As the secretary general of the NOC, I want to state categorically that I am not aware of such appointment.

If anything at all, the NOC as the body to lead the Nigerian contingent to Rio2016, we should have foreknowledge of such an appointment,” declared the NOC scribe.

Technically, the announcement of Team Nigeria leadership is usually done based on consultation between the NOC and the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports.

A former Nigerian Olympian who did not want his name in print told THISDAY at the National Stadium in Lagos yesterday that if the appointment of Mikel was done to attract international attention to Team Nigeria that was a perfect choice.

“I know Mikel has a huge image globally and has the capacity to attract attention to Team Nigeria at the Games but if it was not, I wonder what informed his choice. We have in that team athletes like Segun Toriola and Olufunke Oshonaike who are going for the seventh and sixth Games in Brazil. Why pick Mikel who is a debutant as captain?” queried the former athlete.

He recalled that in the spirit of Olympics, “Mikel who refused to play for Nigeria at the Beijing 2008 edition of the Games did not deserve to lead Team Nigeria.”

However, in apparent reaction to the controversy generated by his choice, Mikel said he is honoured by the appointment, insisting that he’s going to lead Team Nigeria to win gold medals in Brazil.

“My objective is definitely going to be to carry everyone along. I think it’s important that we all work together, it’s important that we all set one goal, and that goal is to be successful, to win medals, to make sure we get gold medals,” he said.

“Our country has not done very well in recent times at the Olympics, so hopefully we can go to Rio and do well.”

He said he is thrilled with his captaincy of the entire Team Nigeria.

“First and foremost, I will say I am overwhelmed with this opportunity to be the captain of Team Nigeria to the Rio Olympics,” he said.

“This is the highest accolade you can ever have as a sportsman and it’s one I am really looking forward to.

“I am much pleased and very happy with myself for what

L-R: Head Corporate Affairs, Union Bank Plc, Ogochukwu Ekezie-Ekaidem; Transformation Director, Union Bank, Joe Mbulu; National 200m Champion, Divine Oduduru and Secretary-General, Nigeria Olympic committee, Hon. Tunde Popoola during a press conference by Union Bank to announce its support for the Team Nigeria at Rio 2016 in Lagos ...yesterday abiodun ajala I have been able to achieve, and grateful to the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports and the entire country for this opportunity.

Mikel added: “It’s massive (responsibility), it’s big, it’s not just the football team. I am the captain of the Super Eagles. Sometimes you look at it and you think that’s a big burden, but this is even

RIO 2016…RIO 2016…RIO 2016…

FISA Bans 17 Rowers as Excluded Russian Athletes Hits 105 A further 17 Russian rowers have been banned from competing at next month’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro by the International Rowing Federation (FISA), resulting in the disqualification of four boats.

It means that more than 100 Russian athletes have so far been barred from competing at the Olympics in a number of sports.

FISA has ruled only six competitors from Russia eligible for Rio 2016 under the criteria set out by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The 17 athletes - plus two coxsmen - have been excluded for failing to meet the guidelines after the IOC asked the International Federations to “carry out an individual analysis of each athlete’s anti-doping record, taking into

account only reliable adequate international tests, and the specificities of the athlete’s sport and its rules”.

They did not meet the criteria of not being tested outside of Russia, according to FISA, who admitted those implicated “are not at all considered to have participated in doping”.

The athletes were likely tested in the Moscow Laboratory, which was found to be using a “disappearing positive methodology” where positive samples were switched for clean ones, uncovered by Richard McLaren’s report into Russian doping.

They have, therefore, been prohibited from entering the Olympic rowing competition.

Alexsandr Chaukin, Georgy Efremenko, Artem Kosov, Nikita Morgachev, Vladislav

Ryabcev and Anton Zarutskiy have been cleared to represent Russia in the rowing events at Rio 2016.

Rowing’s worldwide governing body has offered Russia the chance to form a men’s four crew from the six eligible athletes, made up of one lightweight specialist and five open weight competitors.

Their lightweight men’s four, men’s and women’s eight and lightweight women’s double boats, have all been removed from the competition as a result of the decision of the FISA Executive Committee.

Greece are set to take the spot of the men’s four, while the place of the men’s eight has been given to Italy, who have also been handed Russia’s berth in the women’s lightweight double.

Australia have been offered the slot in the women’s eight.

much bigger, it’s one that I am looking forward to.

“If you look at my track record at Chelsea, I have always played for the team, I have always been a team player, I have never been an individual player, so I think this is something I will be carrying into the Olympics and carry into Team Nigeria to make sure that we are successful.”

Rio 2016 will be his first Olympics and the 29 –year-old midfielder maintained he is ready to rise to the occasion.

He said: “I don’t think it will be a disadvantage. I think leadership is either you have it or you don’t. Sometimes, people grow into leadership and sometimes people are born with leadership qualities.

“I think I have always been

in that leading role since my U-17 days, even when not wearing the captain’s band, I have always had people looking up to me to carry the team,” concludes Mikel in his chat with africanfootball.com from Dream Team vi camp in Atlanta, USA. Coach Samson Siasia and his wards are scheduled to depart USA for Brazil tomorrow.

NOC Issues Zika Virus Guidelines to Nigerian Heading to Rio2016 As the zero hour approaches swiftly for the 2016 Summer Olympics which begins in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from August 5 through 21 and the Paralympic Games scheduled for between September 7 and 18, the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Medical and Scientific Commission has issued out guidelines to athletes and officials on how to prevent the spread of the Zika virus pre and post Rio 2016.

Chairman of NOC Medical and Scientific Commission, Dr Akin Amao, said that following the guidelines issued by World Health Organization (WHO) to prevent the spread of Zika virus in the context of the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, it has become important for every Nigerian going to Brazil to embrace the guidelines to’’ help you stay safe and healthy’’. He gave the following advice as

preventive measures to curb the spread of Zika Virus: •Pregnant women are advised not to travel to Brazil.

•At the games, travellers should prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent and protective clothing.

•Practice safer sex, including the consistent and correct use of condoms, or abstain from sex during stay in Brazil.

•After the Games, women who discover they are pregnant during their travel or shortly after returning from Brazil should contact their healthcare providers for counselling about Zika virus risks and pregnancy management.

•After the Games, all travellers should practice safer sex, including the correct and consistent use of condoms, or abstain from sex for at least eight weeks after their return.

• Men who experience symptoms of Zika virus disease during or after their

return, should adopt safer sex practices or abstain from sex for at least six months.

•Pregnant women whose sexual partners travelled to Brazil should practice safer sex practices or abstain from sex for the duration of their pregnancy.

Couples or women planning a pregnancy should wait at least 8 weeks after return from Brazil before trying to conceive; and 6 months if the male partner was symptomatic.

•All travellers should use personal protective measures such as insect repellent for at least three weeks after returning from the Games to avoid being bitten and potentially spreading the infection to other people through mosquito bites.

•Travellers should not donate blood for at least four weeks after departure from Brazil to reduce the potential risk of onwards transmission.

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THURSDAYSPORTS

Guadiola Bans ‘Overweight’ Iheanacho from Man City Training

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has been embargoed by coach Pep Guardiola from training with the Manchester City first team until he reduces his weight to an approved threshold.

Reports out of England yesterday said that some of City’s top players on pre season tour of China were outlawed by Guadiola from the first team because they were not fit.

According to the BBC, Guardiola gave order to the players to avoid pizza, some juice and certain “heavy food”.

“They are not overweight, but I want my players fit,” said the new City boss.

“The weight is so important. When you are

not fit, danger is coming.

You’re not fast enough or quick enough in the head.

That’s why you need to be fit.” Guardiola said.

Man City will meet Borussia Dortmund Thursday in the International Champions Cup in Shenzhen, China.

It is understood that former Nigerian junior international Iheanacho is one of the players whose fitness Guardiola has questioned.

The player, who impressed under former coach Manuel Pellegrini, scoring 14 goals in all competitions last season, weighs 79kg which the coach considers to be excessive for a professional footballer and should be reduced.

French defender Gael Clichy says he is fully behind Guardiola’s approach.

“For my part, it’s the

first time any manager has really done it,” added the 31-year-old. “And we have a few players who are not training with the team yet.

“If your weight is too high, you’re not training with the team. You have to know that if your weight is 60 kilos and you are on 70 kilos, then you cannot play football.

“Some people think that’s normal but, in truth, it’s not always like this. I know because I’ve been playing football for a long time. It’s really refreshing and very exciting,” Clichy said.

It would be recalled that Guardiola, who left Bayern Munich at the end of last season, initially left out Iheanacho from Man City’s squad of 32 players that left for China on July 19 for reasons that were not specified.

Iheanacho (left) with Guadiola

Grassroots Soccer Fiesta Fans Returns to Agege Stadium after Serving out Ban Kicks off in Calabar Bassey Inyang in Calabar A grassroots football competition, the first of such, in Cross River State, has kicked off in Calabar.

The soccer fiesta which will last for two weeks will feature ten teams within Calabar Municipality, among them: Ikot Ansa Rocks, Qua Rangers, Ikot Effanga United, Ishie Pillars, Eefut Strikers and Ediba Bombers.

The completion, cosponsored by Calabar Municipal and NorthWest Petroleum, is aimed at promoting football at the grassroots and also act as a talent hunt for Rovers FC and other clubs within the metropolis, the organisers announced.

According to the organisers, the tournament will end on Saturday, July 30, 2016 at Ishie Maracana Arena.

They disclosed that the team that emerges champion of the competition will win a cash prize of N150, 000, while the second and third

place winners will go home with N100, 000 and N50, 000, respectively.

Chairman of Calabar Municipal Council and the initiator of the competition, Ntufam Donatus Etim, said:“I commend the NorthWest Petroleum for the sponsorship of the tournament. It was actually conceived to sustain the bond of unity amongst the youths.

“It will also serve as a breeding ground for potential soccer stars while at the same time distracting idle youths from negative tendencies.”

Commending the organisers of the competition, the Chairman, Cross River Sports Commission, Mr. Orok Duke, said: “It is interesting to see the private sector participating actively in sports development at the local level.”

The sports commission chairman said he was optimistic the soccer fiesta will proved ample opportunity for budding football talents in the area to be discovered.

Dream Team VI Final Warm-up Cancelled Nigeria Dream Team VI final warm-up game against fellow Rio-bound Honduras has been cancelled.

Officials would not give any reasons for the cancellation but it may not be unconnected with the poor arrangement that has attended the team’s preparation for the Rio Olympics.

A Nigerian based in the United States of America agreed to foot the bills of the team for their first 10 days in Atlanta, before the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) came through for the team after the sports minister

publicly announced he was unaware of the team’s whereabouts.

Coach Samson Siasia’s team lost 1-0 to Olympic defending champions Mexico in their first test game overseas, before they defeated local side Charlton Battery FC 2-0 in another friendly.

They will now depart for Brazil from Miami on Friday.

African champions Nigeria are drawn against Asian champions Japan, European champions Sweden and Colombia in the first round of the football event of the Rio Olympics.

Fans and supporters of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lagos will be returning to the Agege Township Stadium on Sunday for the Match Day 29 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) tie against Plateau United Football Club of Jos. The League Management Company (LMC) slammed a three-game behind closed doors order on MFM FC with two of these games suspended. This followed the crowd incidence that occurred during MFM FC Match Day 23 fixture against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan at the Agege Stadium on the 19th of June, 2016.

With the execution of the game against Heartland FC at the same venue behind closed doors, the Olukoya Boys are free to have their fans and supporters back at the Agege

Stadium this weekend.

The Olukoya Boys played their first match which was a local derby against Ikorodu United Football Club of Lagos on the 3rd of July with their fans in attendance.

The second match against Heartland FC was played behind closed doors with fans and supporters cheering their darling team from outside of the stadium to a 2-0 victory, thus the club faithfuls will now be allowed to see the Olukoya Boys play their next league match and subsequent ones at the Agege Township Stadium, the home ground of the team.

Meanwhile, MFM FC efficient defender, Austin Opara, became the first player of the NPFL debutant to win two awards in one month, namely; the Player of The Month (POTM) of June and the club’s Long Service

Award.

Opara’s virtuosic performances week in week out for MFM FC last month saw him displaying his defensive technical skills from his central back position as he helped his team to a remarkable outing.

The award-winning defender was picked by his teammates on Tuesday ahead of defensive midfielder, Oladele Oshobe during the teams monthly birthday celebration event that witnessed the celebration of three club officials and two players who became a year older this month, they are ; Club Chairman, Godwin Enakhena, team’s Head Coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, Team Manager, Sunday Ojieh, Under-23 invitee, Julius Emiloju and experienced goalkeeper James Aiyeyemi.

The management of the

Lagos-based team led by Enakhena in its usual style rewarded the central defender who is unarguably the longest serving player of the club with cash incentives and promised to do something remarkable for the player during the two-in-one event took place at the players camp in Shomolu, Lagos State also .

Shortly after the award presentation, Austin appreciated his teammates and thanked the club management: “I’m speechless really, this is unbelievable. What more can I say than to say thank you to you all and most especially our management led by Enakhena for these historical awards.

The players and officials of the club had more than enough to eat and drink alongside cakes for all well wishers who were present at the event.

Jordan 2016: Nikyu Invites 30 Flamingoes to Camp Ahead of the final preparations for the 5th FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, Jordan 2016, Coach Bala Nikyu has invited to camp 30 players who will arrive in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Sunday.

At the head of the pack is team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who plays for FC Robo Queens in the Nigeria Women Football League. There is also nifty midfielder Peace Efih and the experienced left back Patience Dike and forward Cynthia Aku. Nigeria, quarter finalists at the 2010, 2012 and 2014 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, has been drawn against Korea DPR, Brazil and England at the fifth edition of the competition starting in Jordan on the last day of September 2016.

All the invited players have been directed to report at the Agura Hotel, Abuja on Sunday, 31st July with their training kits, birth certificates and international passports.

The Flamingoes defeated Sierra Leone, Namibia and South Africa home and away on the route to qualifying for the finals in Jordan.

THE FULL LIST Rasheedat Ajibade (FC Robo Queens), Cynthia Aku (Rivers Angels), Mercy Omokwe (Abia Angels), Yetunde Fajobi (Young Talented FC), Arit Ifu (Rivers Angels), Abidemi Ibe (Ibom Angels), Folashade Ijamilusi (Spring Soccer Academy), Catherine Kenneth (Rivers Angels), Esther Adeboye (Young Talented FC), Opeyemi Sunday (Sunshine Queens), Peace Efih (Edo Queens), Christy Ucheibe (Nasarawa Amazons), Christiana Obia (Martins White Doves), Chiamaka Nnadozie (Abia Angels), Patience Dike (Abia Angels), Rebecca Ajimuda (Edo Queens), Margaret Etim (Delta Queens), Agnes Ajibade (Osun Queens), Ramat Abdulkareem

(Abia Angels), Joan Benedict (Akwa Ibom Queens), Maryam Ezenagu, Ikekhua Brume (Delta Queens), Uchechi Onyechere, Akudo Ogbonna (FC Robo Queens), Chinyere Igbomulis (Nasarawa

Amazons), Patricia Innocent (Sunshine Queens) Hodo Williams (Pelicans FC), Seun Bello (Confluence Queens), Effioawan Ekeng (Pelicans), Helen Oga (Confluence Queens)

Tevez Rejects Conte’s Offer to Join Chelsea Boca Juniors star Carlos Tevez has revealed he received a call from Antonio Conte offering him a place at Chelsea.

The former Juventus forward had hoped to win a second Copa Libertadores crown with Boca but suffered defeat in the semi-finals at the hands of Independiente del Valle.

Tevez confirmed that Conte, his former coach in Turin, offered him a route back to Europe but after considering retirement he

has now decided to play on in Argentina.

“I was driving with all my family in the car,” the 32-year-old told Radio La Red. “It was crazy. He said that he needed a forward and asked if I would like to play for Chelsea.

“He said: ‘Come with us, let’s fight together in this tournament and win the Premier League. We need someone like you to be a leader.’ But I told him that I can’t leave Boca like this.”

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THURSDAYSPORTS SUMMER TRANSFER UPDATE

Manchester City Targets Stones Manchester City are in talks with Everton over the possible signing of England defender John Stones.

A deal is yet to be agreed but it is thought the two Premier League clubs are not far apart in their valuations.

It is thought City will pay about £50m to sign the 22-year-old former Barnsley player, who came close to joining Chelsea last summer.

Stones was part of the England squad at Euro 2016 but did not feature as they were knocked out in the last 16.

He made his debut for Barnsley in March 2012, 10 months before joining Everton for £3m.

City boss Pep Guardiola has identified the Yorkshireman as the kind of central defender who fits his approach to the game.

“Normally central defenders are strong in the air and aggressive,” said Guardiola yesterday.

“But we need to have a good build-up to create easy passes in the midfield so they can create good passes for the strikers. I believe when the ball goes from the central defender to the striker as quickly as possible, it comes as quickly as possible back.

“That is why the players in that area need quality. By 31 August we will have the right squad to play how we want.”

Guardiola used midfielders Javier Mascherano and Javi Martinez as central defenders while managing Barcelona and Bayern Munich respectively.

And the Spaniard has identified a City midfielder who could step into the back four if required.

“Fernandinho can play in 10 positions,” he said.

“He is quick, fast, intelligent, aggressive. He is strong in the air and has the quality to play good build-up, can go right or left and can pass long.”

Stones

Celtic Rescue UCL Draw in Kazakhtan Barca Land Gomes, Gives Mascherano New Deal Celtic emerged from a testing visit to Astana in which they were largely second best with a commendable draw.

Looking to reach the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2013, they found the Kazakhs tough opposition.

In Brendan Rodgers’ third competitive game in charge, they fell behind to a Yuri Logvinenko header.

But after heavy Astana pressure, Leigh Griffiths struck a potentially crucial away goal on 78 minutes.

Griffiths had scarcely been involved in the match, his partnership with Moussa Dembele failing to gel.

But the striker, whose 40 goals last year earned him multiple awards and medals, showed his worth with a fantastic equaliser.

Patrick Roberts, Celtic’s brightest player on the night, won possession near the byeline and picked out Griffiths inside the penalty

area.

With barely a glance up, Griffiths rifled the ball past Nenad Eric to change the complexion of the tie.

Such an outcome had looked unlikely as a makeshift Celtic defence had to deal with a barrage of Astana chances.

With Erik Sviatchenko added to an already extensive list of injured defenders, Rodgers brought in 20-yearold Eoghan O’Connell for his European debut and Efe Ambrose was reintroduced to a three-man backline alongside Mikael Lustig.

Ambrose was fortunate not to see a lapse of concentration punished as he missed a Patrick Twumasi cross altogether, with Junior Kabananga inches away from connecting and Mikael Lustig nervously knocking the ball clear.

But from the 19th-minute corner, O’Connell was left for dead by Logvinenk, who headed unchallenged

into the net.

Although there were several further scares for the small travelling support, the majority of Astana’s opportunities came from distance, with Craig Gordon looking assured.

As they often have, Celtic had their goalkeeper to thank for keeping the deficit to just one goal until Griffiths’ leveller.

The Scotland international again produced save after save to help ensure Celtic are in the driving seat going into next week’s second leg.

He somehow clawed away an awkward Azat Nurgaliyev chip after another Ambrose error, parried a ferocious 40yard Twumasi drive, touched a dipping Nurgaliyev shot on to the crossbar and kept out a Kabananga effort with his legs.

Those interventions could prove vital as Celtic aim for a win in Glasgow next week to reach the Champions League play-off stage.

Russian T’tennis Players Cleared to Play at 2016 Olympic Games After careful review of the criteria set up by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday following the release of the McLaren report, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has determined that the three Russian athletes qualified for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games will be allowed to compete.

ITTF’s investigation of the matter included individual test analysis of these players outside the Russian anti-doping system, and confirmation by World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that none of the concerned players were implicated in the McLaren findings released on 18 July 2016.

ITTF believes that the provided evidence meets the requirements of the IOC and confirms the eligibility of the three qualified Russian players Polina Mikhailova, Maria Dolgikh and Alexander Shibaev to play at Rio 2016.

If ITTF’s ongoing testing program and/or further findings from Prof. McLaren’s extended mandate reveals any potential anti-doping rule violation or wrongdoing, the ITTF will take immediate action to investigate and take sanction within the framework of the World Anti-Doping Code and the ITTF’s applicable regulations.

The ITTF will continue to take doping issues very seriously and do everything in its power to ensure that

table tennis stays clean, not just at the Olympic Games, but in all levels of table tennis.

The Olympic table tennis event runs between 6-17 August at Riocentro Pavilion 3.

Mikhailova

Barcelona have signed midfielder Andre Gomes from Valencia for an initial 35m euros (£29.3m), and given Javier Mascherano a new three-year contract.

Gomes, 22, joins after helping Portugal win Euro 2016, and could cost a further 20m euros

(£16.7m) in add-on fees.

“Barca relates to my way of playing football and my identity,” said Gomes.

Mascherano, 32, has made 247 appearances for Barcelona since joining from Liverpool in 2010, winning four La Liga titles and two Champions

Leagues.

Gomes is the club’s fourth summer signing, after French defenders Samuel Umtiti and Lucas Digne joined from Lyon and Paris St-Germain respectively, and Denis Suarez re-signed after a season at Villarreal.

US PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

Day ‘Running on Empty’ before Title Defence World number one Jason Day says he is “running on empty” as he prepares to defend his US PGA Championship title.

The Australian has played only one practice round at Baltusrol after spending Tuesday night in hospital with his wife, who had an allergic reaction.

Day, 28, could lose his number one spot if he finishes 29th or worse, and Dustin Johnson is in the top two.

“I’m just a little bit under the weather,” said Day, who has topped the world rankings since March.

“I’ve got to really try and manage my patience out there, because I have very little patience right now. For some reason, every time I get a little bit under the weather, I’ve got zero patience.”

He has since finished tied 10th in the Masters, tied ninth in the US Open and tied 22nd at The Open in a season disrupted by illness and injury.

“It’s very, very difficult to win golf tournaments,” he said.

“I think everyone expects if you’re in the lead, or if you’re a favourite to win, you will

win, and if you don’t, then you’re in a slump. It’s not the case.”

Day will tee off at 13:30

Day with the trophy

BST today alongside Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy and the United States’ Phil Mickelson.

Thursday, July 28, 2016

TR

UT H

& RE A S O

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Price: N250

MISSILE Ibn Na’Allah to Obasanjo

“I find this statement, if it is true, to be reckless and terrifying. The implication of the statement is to say that the entire over 170 million Nigerians have not elected a single person with integrity among the 469 members of the National Assembly.

This definitely does not conform to common sense and reason” – Deputy Senate Leader, Bala Ibn Na’Allah, challenged the former President Olusegun Obasanjo to prove his corruption allegation against National Assembly.

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Leadership in a Time of Recession “W

hat will economic policy look like once the global financial crisis is finally over?

Will it resume the pre-crisis consensus, or will it be forced to contend with a post-crisis ‘new normal’? Have we made progress in addressing these issues, or does confusion remain? In April of 2015, the International Monetary Fund gathered leading economists, both academics and policymakers, to address the shape of future macroeconomic policy. This book is the result, with prominent figures—including Ben Bernanke, Lawrence Summers, and Paul Volcker—offering essays that address topics that range from the measurement of systemic risk to foreign exchange intervention. “The chapters address whether we have entered a ‘new normal’ of low growth, negative real rates, and deflationary pressures, with contributors taking opposing views; whether new financial regulation has stemmed systemic risk; the effectiveness of macro prudential tools; monetary policy, the choice of inflation targets, and the responsibilities of central banks; fiscal policy, stimulus, and debt stabilization; the volatility of capital flows; and the international monetary and financial system, including the role of international policy coordination. “In light of these discussions, is there progress or confusion regarding the future of macroeconomic policy? In the final chapter, volume editor Olivier Blanchard answers: both.

Many lessons have been learned; but, as the chapters of the book reveal, there is no clear agreement on several key issues…” =================================== The foregoing is from the overview to a recently released book, “Progress and Confusion: The State of Microeconomic Policy”. Published by the MIT Press with contributions from 28 world-acclaimed experts in the field of economics, what makes the book unique is that it is not replete with the usual technical jargons such that it is easy to read and digest even by economic illiterates like me. And the conclusions are very disturbing, especially when those to whom we look for solutions for our current woes, including the challenge of deprivation and want that is now a global phenomenon, give the impression that they have little clue.

However, as a Nigerian, what is particularly striking is that in a 302-page book that deals with most of the issues affecting the global economy today, there is not even a single mention of our country. Lawrence Summers in his intervention titled “Rethinking Secular Stagnation after Seventeen Months” mentioned South Africa among the emerging markets while Jonas Vinals, in his “Introduction to the Monetary Policy Section”, also draws some illustrations from South Africa. And yet, as I stated earlier, there is not one reference to Nigeria.

What that says most eloquently is that we are not even part of the global conversation and that should worry the authorities. But perhaps more worrying is that, having last week announced that our country is in “technical recession”, the Federal Government has not communicated to Nigerians what exactly that means as well as their response and the sacrifices that would have

Buhari to be made by citizens. Unfortunately, while the government is silent on these issues, all manner of economic “experts” are seizing the space.

In a piece being circulated widely online by a Mr. Da Thinker, the writer offers the following weird advice: “In a recession, liquidity is king.

Avoid investing in long term projects. Keep your cash under your mattress if need be.

The banks cannot be trusted. Have an active passport. Running away is not betrayal; it’s a tactical survivalist maneuver. Take all the loans you can take. It’s better for you to owe than for you to be owed. Do not lend money to no freaking body! They will not pay back. A recession changes people’s characters. That you knew them to be trustworthy before doesn’t mean they are trustworthy now. Recession changes character involuntarily. A recession turns people into liars and a government like ours that has been known to lie without reason will now be built on nothing but only lies. If you must make new investments, make sure it’s in your state of origin. You don’t want your gateman taking over your investments in case of an exodus.”

For sure, the reversal of the current recession would require a combination of fiscal and monetary creativity. And it would also take strategic communication not only for Nigerians to understand what the current challenges entail but also to know the efforts being made.

Meanwhile, the worst thing that could happen in such circumstance is a resort to panic decisions based on some ill-digested ideas which many would take, in the absence of any assurance from government at a most difficult period.

Perhaps to illustrate the fact that there are no longer easy options for Nigeria, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Tuesday increased the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) otherwise known as interest rate to 14 percent (from 12 percent); in a move the Financial Derivatives Company (respected by both local and foreign investors) Bulletin last night aptly summed up as “Hard Choice: Choosing to combat Inflation over Growth”.

That the decision was taken by a vote of five

to three is also very telling.

Indeed, if there is any virtue that is not golden for a leader in our circumstance today, it is silence.

On Tuesday, an office was burgled overnight in Abuja and when the manager went to report at the police station, the officer on duty spoke in a note of both resignation and helplessness.

“You are the 21st person that will be here to complain of burglary within the last 24 hours and in many of the arrests we have made, the culprits are basically desperate young people who are being forced into crimes for lack of any means of livelihood”, said the officer who concluded most ominously, “Nigeria is in trouble.”

According to the World Bank, poverty is becoming more entrenched in countries that are either conflict-ridden or overly dependent on commodity exports like Nigeria, notwithstanding the fact that we are still trapped in self-deceit.

For instance, a recent publication quoting figures from the African Development Bank raises a poser from the 2010 rebasing of our economy: “How confident can one be about a 7% growth rate in a country like Nigeria when almost half of the economy was missing in the official baseline?”

So much has been said and written about the Asian countries which did not have our kinds of prospects for developments in 1960 but which have lifted their societies by dint of hard work and committed leadership and the example often cited is Singapore. Yet, Lee Kwan Yew could have been speaking about Nigeria when in a January 1972 speech he said: “You must have a structure in your society which makes learning and hard work rewarding...if you have a system where the chap who cuts corners is a man who gets rich and the man who studies hard is the chap who’s a mug, then you will fail. And that’s what is wrong with many countries that have not succeeded.”

That indeed is what is wrong with our country which seems to reward neither industry nor talents but mediocrity. And that also explains why Nigeria is almost always the universal reference point when it comes to squandering opportunities. In the book, “The Wealth and Poverty of Nations”, David S. Landes wrote: “Of all the so-called developing regions, Africa has done worst: gross domestic product per head increasing; statistical tables sprinkled with minus signs; many countries with lower income today than before independence. The failure is the more poignant when one makes the comparison with other parts: in 1965, Nigeria (oil exporter) had higher GDP per capita than Indonesia (another oil exporter); twenty-five years later, Indonesia had three times the Nigerian level.”

I sympathise with President Muhammadu Buhari because he inherited a broken system

that is now coming under greater stress with deepening economic crisis; essentially because in the years of plenty, our Pharaohs had no Joseph who could see tomorrow. In the season we are now in, insecurity could worsen as unemployment and job losses lead many idle young hands into crimes of desperation. Labour agitations and strikes by workers will also most likely increase as more states get into trouble with payment of salaries. And for sure, we will see more of separatist tendencies, especially those driven by pecuniary demands as well as blackmail militancy and transactional kidnapping, all of which will stretch the authorities to the limits of their wits.

Therefore, to the extent that we live in an unusual time, there must also be a new approach if we must overcome. What we need now is a coherent response from the federal government in collaboration with the authorities in the 36 states who, by the way, should be told to drop their harebrained idea of a German trip for vocational training. And there must be a clearly articulated economic plan for job-led growth and development. Meanwhile, the hallmark of great leadership is simply to stay engaged with the people, to challenge them to innovate while coming up with policies that would empower them.

Above all, this is a time to reunite the people, not tinker with divisive tactics or dwell on a job that was lost over three decades ago, well before more than 50 percent of the current generation of Nigerians was born!

In a stirring (and very romantic) speech, rich with anecdotes of his relationship with his wife and Democratic party presidential nominee, Hillary, in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, former United States President, Mr. Bill Clinton, reminded those of us “who have more yesterdays than tomorrows” that the preoccupation should be more about the future (of our children and society), not the past.

Times indeed are very tough in our country today and, all factors considered, majority of our people can hardly see any prospects that their material conditions would Change for the better anytime soon. That is why the president cannot continue to stay aloof, distant and silent or keep reminding us of who did what in 1985.

His full attention must be on our future. From the creeks of Oporoma in Bayelsa State to the IDP camp in Bama, Borno State, the President must visit to challenge the people to maintain hope beyond their present circumstances with assurances that the difficult times will not last.

That is the kind of leadership needed for a time like this. That is the kind of leadership President Buhari should offer.

A Nation of Single Stories While I had in the past read the text of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s 2009 TED Talks titled “The Danger of a Single Story”, it was only recently that I watched the video clip on Youtube. On one link alone, about 11 million viewers have watched the clip. It

is something I strongly recommend to my readers because it speaks to our country in several ways…

NOTE: This piece continues in the online edition at www.thisdaylive.com

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