Friday 2nd Sept 2016

Again, Nigeria’s Manufacturing Index Declines in August Naira drops to N425/$ on parallel market

Obinna Chima

The Manufacturing Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) declined to 42.1 index points in August 2016, compared to 44.1 in the preceding month, indicating that the manufacturing sector declined

at a faster rate during the review period.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) disclosed this in the PMI report for August that was released yesterday.

According to the report, of the 16 manufacturing subsectors, 15 recorded a decline in August in the following order: nonmetallic mineral products; transportation

equipment; petroleum and coal products; fabricated metal products; furniture and related products; cement; appliances and components; printing and related support activities;

paper products; computer and electronic products; food, beverages and tobacco products; primary metal; textile, apparel, leather and footwear; plastics and rubber

FG Releases Details of Supplies to IDP Camps ... Page 9

products; and chemical & pharmaceutical products. The electrical equipment sub-sector remained unchanged in the review period.

Also, at 40.5 index points, the report showed that the Continued on page 8

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After Grim Economic Data, Buhari Appeals for Patience, Promises Real Change

President not practising voodoo economics, says APC, blames PDP administrations Makarfi advocates economic team to salvage the country Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and John Shiklam in Abuja with agency report Following the grim economic data released on Wednesday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) confirming Nigeria’s slide into recession, rising inflation, unemployment

and plummeting foreign capital importation, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday pleaded with Nigerians to be patient with his administration, assuring them that the pains they are currently going through would soon give Continued on page 8

Bala Usman Moves to Decongest Apapa-Oshodi Expressway Wants automotive policy reviewed to address revenue loss at seaports

Eromosele Abiodun

In a bid to improve operations at the Apapa seaports and increase revenue for the federal government, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, has stated that she

will at a stakeholders’ meeting today present a holistic plan to free the Apapa-Oshodi expressway of the endemic gridlock on the road.

Bala Usman, who stated this during a tour of the Continued on page 8

Historic North-South Rail Transportation of Cattle, Farm Produce Launched... Page 11

ECLIPSE OF THE SUN… A SOLAR PHENOMENON WORTH VIEWING School children and adults gathered in Abuja yesterday in protective eyeglasses to view the annular eclipse of the sun. The annular eclipse of the sun occurs when the sun and moon are exactly in line, but the apparent size of the moon is smaller than the sun. Hence the sun appears as a very bright ring, or annulus, surrounding the dark disk of the moon

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 • T H I S D AY

PAGE EIGHT AFTER GRIM ECONOMIC DATA, BUHARI APPEALS FOR PATIENCE, PROMISES REAL CHANGE way to development.

Buhari, who reminded Nigerians that his administration’s “change” mantra was aimed at restoring the nation on the path of integrity and prosperity, said this in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, during the inauguration of the Osogbo Government High School built by the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

The president urged Nigerians to be patient and persevere for a while, promising that the pains would soon give way to development.

He said his administration was working hard to avoid the mistakes of the last administration in tackling insecurity and corruption and to revamp the economy, which has been badly affected by the drop in the price of oil, reported the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Buhari said: “We promised Nigerian people positive and progressive change during our campaign. We are not and shall not be deterred from that noble undertaking.

“But as we have learnt from history, change has never been attained by any nation on a bed of roses, but rather through patience, perseverance and steadfastness.

“We are quite aware of the pains and inconveniences that have been the lot of the citizenry in the past one year as we strive to faithfully implement our programmes in fulfilment of our change agenda.

“We are however comforted by the real change and progress we have made in fighting corruption and restoring integrity to government; providing security for lives and property; and positioning the government for effectiveness and especially deregulating the oil sector.

“We must also not forget the fiscal discipline that has now characterised government business at all levels. This indeed is how it should be and we are determined

to introduce and implement actions and measures that will entrench the change mantra in our individual lives, just as we are doing in curtailing excessive waste and rent seeking in governance.

“We are determined to remain on track as we strive to deliver to rescue the country from past mistakes in fulfilment of our promise of improving the conditions of our people and making Nigeria a prosperous country.”

Also rising in defence of the administration, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) said yesterday that the country’s economy under Buhari could not be equated to the reckless fiscal policies that were the vogue when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was in office.

Reacting to the call by the PDP for Buhari to resign on account of the dire economic situation, APC blamed the present state of affairs on the reckless policies of the previous administration.

APC assured Nigerians that the Buhari-led administration was solidly committed to resuscitating the economy in the quickest possible time and in the best interest of the people.

A statement by the National Secretary of the APC, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, criticised the PDP for trying to divert the attention of Nigerians from the genuine efforts being made by government.

“The statement by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday was the latest in the party’s insensitive plot to deflect attention from the voodoo economics and reckless fiscal policies the country was subjected to during its 16-year rule.

“For the umpteenth time, the PDP lacks the moral basis and credibility to comment or condemn the government on the economy after the mess it left behind. Instead, the PDP must apologise to Nigerians.

“The warning signs were

glaring to the immediate-past administration but it chooses the path of economic sabotage by looking the other way and squandering the country’s commonwealth – a reckless decision that has brought the country to its knees.

“Nigerians will recall that even the immediate-past Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, confessed that the zero political will to save under the immediate-past administration was responsible for the challenges facing the country.

“Happily, the President Buhari administration has embarked on a well-thought economic agenda, policy actions, appropriate fiscal governance, and socio-political reforms to revamp the economy and tackle the nation’s current challenges in the short to long term.

“Under the new flexible foreign exchange policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in June 2016, we now have a single market-determined exchange rate which enables suppliers of foreign currencies to bring in their money and take the same out at market-determined rates.

“The new foreign exchange policy being implemented will ensure our economy recovers in the medium to long term.

“As contained in the assented 2016 National Budget, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is aggressively formulating and implementing policies aimed at diversifying Nigeria’s economy from oil to other sectors such as agriculture, mining and manufacturing.

“The administration is also proactively tackling increased attacks on oil facilities in the Niger Delta region which has led to disruptions in crude production,” it observed.

The party noted that in line with the critical infrastructure

BALA USMAN MOVES TO DECONGEST APAPA-OSHODI EXPRESSWAY terminals in the Tincan-Island seaport, disclosed that the stakeholders expected at the meeting included the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, terminal operators and other critical stakeholders at the Apapa ports.

However, she said contrary to the general belief, the gridlock was not only caused by the poor state of the road, but the absence of a holistic traffic management system.

According to her, “We have holding bays and trailer garages for the trailer drivers to park and hold pending when they are called upon to come and pick up their cargo.

“I think we need to do holistic traffic congestion management in this location and work closely

with the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing in addressing this issue.

“It is one of our priority areas, we will assess our port development levy and ensure that there is decongestion around this area.

“The issue of decongestion of this road is critical, we have seen it during this tour and we will make a presentation during a stakeholders’ meeting and like I said we will do a holistic assessment of the traffic congestion on this road.

“We believe that beyond repairing the road, there is much more to be done jointly with the relevant ministries.”

On how soon this will be done, she said it would happen within the timeline that

other stakeholders and critical participants are able to deploy the needed resources required, “because this is an assignment that is beyond the NPA”.

“We need to link up the Ministry of Works and the Lagos State Government to ensure compliance,” she explained.

While restating that the concessions at the ports would soon be reviewed, she said the issue of the holding bays that were concessioned might not be within the port complex, stressing that there was a need for the holding bays to be outside the ports.

That way, she said, “the NPA can regulate the traffic going into the ports complex.”

“We will holistically review this and determine what it is that is applicable as it relates to

focus of the Buhari administration, it voted an unprecedented 30 per cent of the 2016 budget to capital projects.

“As the administration works assiduously to build a new solid foundation, credible image and pull the country out of the present hardships, the APC appeals for patience and cooperation from Nigerians,” he said.

The ruling party also announced that it had constituted a caretaker committee to run the affairs of the Gombe State chapter of the party.

A statement by Mai Mala Buni said that it had accepted the resignation of Mr. Karu Ishaya and Mr. Sallau Manu Pindiga as the state deputy chairman and secretary, respectively.

The party also said that it had decided to relieve Muhammad Magaji Doho and Dauda Manu of their positions as state chairman and state legal adviser, respectively.

The caretaker committee is headed by Hon. Lawan Shetima with Alhaji Sule Yakubu as state secretary.

Also, the Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar, said yesterday that the way out of the economic downturn is for Nigeria to expand its economy and make it more competitive.

The governor, who spoke to journalists at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, shortly after being inaugurated to chair the committee of the Ondo State governorship primary, said the present hardship would have been averted if past leaders had started cutting their expenditure and import bill to save for tomorrow.

“The problem with the past leaders was they should have started cutting expenditure.

For instance, what Obasanjo did with cement was good. We stopped importation of cement into Nigeria. Why do we have to import rice, why do we have to import maize, why do we have

to import wheat? Why do we have to import milk?

“At the time the going was good, the government was supposed to have given credible intervention like what Obasanjo did with the cement to encourage the production of rice,” he said.

Also commenting on the nation’s economy, the former governor of Kaduna State and the Caretaker of Committee Chairman of the PDP, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, advised Buhari to assemble an economic team, irrespective of party affiliations to find a solution to the present economic situation in the country.

Makarfi, who spoke in an interview in Kaduna yesterday, said there was need for all hands to be on deck to find solutions to the economic hardship facing the country.

“We are all Nigerians, we must know that things are tough today.

I read a letter written by Cardinal Olubunmi Okojie to the president in the newspapers expressing the same concern.

“This is not an issue for one political party alone. Long before that letter, and as a matter of fact, before the president was sworn into office and to be candid, my personal belief was that the country was facing a serious problem and that we were heading into more serious problems.

“So all hands needed to be on deck. There is a time to play politics, and there is a time, whether you are the party in government or not, we should not play politics with certain issues,” Makarfi said.

Making further reference to Okojie's letter to Buhari, Makarfi said: “If the economy is bad, it is the political class that is to be blamed.”

He was of the opinion that other than the political class, the military, which was in power for several years, should also share

part of the blame, “because they did a lot of damage to the system”.

He said: “Let us own up to the wrong we have done and let us collectively repent and come together for the sake of the ordinary man and woman and even those that are not ordinary and save our nation from economic doom.”

He said working together to salvage the country “doesn’t mean we should become a one party state and it doesn’t mean we should agree on political matters, but we should realise that the country’s survival is foremost”.

He said he shared the views expressed by Cardinal Okojie in his letter to the president on the state of the nation, noting the problems of the economy were more structural and had been there for a long time, even before 1999.

“Of course, there are issues that you can reduce to the last five, seven or 10 years or so. That is why I say it is a collective thing if it is failure, because you can extend this failure to as far back as you can remember,” he said.

He however stressed that this was not the time to start apportioning blames, “rather it is time to come together and salvage the country and do the needful”.

“In any case, people voted for this government, because they were dissatisfied with the last administration. If they were satisfied they would have returned all the past administration at all levels.

“Having not returned them, because people believed that things will improve with this government, it will be good to go forward and see what we can do and improve on our economy.

“It should not be seen as failure to say look, ‘the issue at hand now requires that we should come together and salvage our country’, in fact it is not a sign of failure,” he said.

the holding bays inside the port complex and also outside.

“Indeed the NPA has premises as we have sighted now, there are locations that are owned by the NPA that can be used to provide such services at a commercial rate where users can pay a limited amount to keep their trucks, pending when they are called upon to come and collect their cargo,” she added.

On the need to review government policies that are discouraging importers and leading to the diversion of cargoes to ports in neighbouring countries, she said she has been engaging with the relevant government agencies to ensure the policies are reviewed.

“We are discussing with the Federal Ministry of Trade and

Investment regarding where we are with the federal government’s automotive policy because the federal government needs to review some of these policies to determine some of the benefits that will accrue to the government following the period of implementation.

“There has been a period of implementation of the policy; there is a need to look at it to determine the opportunities lost by the federal government as against the development of the automotive industry.

“This is on-going, we will aggressively sustain these discussions to ensure that in a timely manner, the government concludes its assessment of this policy and takes a decision on the way forward as it relates to the

beverages, for six consecutive quarters,” Rencap added.

Also, Standard Chartered Bank’s Business Sentiment Indicator (BSI) for Nigeria released yesterday showed that the country’s non-oil Q3 growth will likely also be soft.

It noted that although hope had risen for a more robust recovery in H2-2016 following liberalisation aimed at improving FX supply in June and better implementation of the federal government budget after May, there was still need for caution.

“Our BSI strikes a note of caution. Average business sentiment in the three months to August 2016 was only 55.4 – in positive territory above the key 50 level, but implying that growth remains weak.

“So far in Q3, there is little evidence of a significant recovery momentum in the economy.

Production, new orders, employment and order backlogs

have all declined, according to our August survey data.

“Of the components that make up the headline BSI, only supplier delivery times increased, but after having hit a series low only a month prior.

Nigeria’s traditionally buoyant expectations are starting to falter.

“Although an economic recovery is anticipated, the strength of the optimism is fading. In August, eight of the 15 current conditions indicators declined. However, 10 of the future expectations measures were down from previous levels,” the Standard Chartered report stated.

The naira fell again to N425 to the dollar on the parallel market yesterday, from N423 the previous day. But on the interbank market, the spot rate of the naira climbed to N313.31 to the dollar yesterday, compared with the N316.24 to the dollar the previous day.

revenue being lost by the authority and also the development of the automobile industry itself,” she stated.

She also disclosed plans by the NPA to partner with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to improve rail facilities from the Lagos ports to the hinterland.

The NPA boss said this would necessarily improve the trade chain as the railways can be used to move large quantities of consignments real time.

“Regarding infrastructure, we are keen on ensuring that our rail lines from the ports to the hinterland function. We want to prioritise the evacuation of cargo using rail.

“We have had discussions with the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

We are going to continue with that, and we believe that a percentage of our cargo should be evacuated using the rail lines,” she said.

AGAIN, NIGERIA’S MANUFACTURING INDEX DECLINES IN AUGUST productivity index for the manufacturing sector declined for the eighth consecutive month. It declined at a faster rate than what was recorded in July 2016.

All the 16 manufacturing sub-sectors recorded declines in productivity last month in the following order: appliances and components; plastics and rubber products; petroleum and coal products; transportation equipment; nonmetallic mineral products; computer and electronic products; primary metal; paper products; electrical equipment; cement; fabricated metal products; food, beverages and tobacco products; furniture and related products; printing and related support activities; textile, apparel, leather and footwear; and chemical and pharmaceutical products.

Meanwhile, Renaissance Capital (RenCap), a research

and financial advisory firm, has revised down its 2016 growth projection for Nigeria to -1.4 per cent from -0.5 per cent.

Nigeria’s economy contracted by 2.06 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2016, compared with 2.4 per cent in the corresponding quarter of 2015.

The deepening of Nigeria’s economic decline was largely due to the troubled oil and gas sector, which contracted by eight per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2016, as against the 6.8 per cent in the comparable period in 2015.

RenCap, in a note yesterday, stated that it expects that any lift from government spending in the second half of 2016 to be offset by depressed oil production, a contracting services sector, and the dampening effect of high interest rates.

It said that there was the likelihood that the biggest

contributor to growth, crop production might slow down in the second half of 2016 “because of an increased risk of flooding, according to a famine early warning network”.

“Oil output is likely to remain depressed at about 1.6mbd in the second half of 2016 (2H16), at best, versus 1.96mbd in first five months of 2015.

“The execution of the FY16 budget from June may provide a lift to public administration.

“However, as the external financing required to fund capital expenditure has yet to be raised, construction, which contracted by 6.3 per cent year-on-year in 2Q16, is likely to continue declining in 2H16.

“A troubled consumer implies wholesale and retail trade, a proxy for consumption, may see its growth turn negative in 2H16. This may in part explain the decline of the largest manufacturing sector, food and

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FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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

FG Releases Details of Supplies to IDP Camps

Tobi Soniyi inAbuja The federal government has said it distributed thousands of bags of essential food and non-food items to Nigerians in Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDP) camps in Cameroun, Chad and Niger, according to a report by the presidency.

A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Mr Laolu Akande, listed the food items distributed to the camps in the three countries to include: 12, 332 bags of parboiled rice/rice; 6,084 bags of maize; 6156 bags of millet; 5,180 bags of granulated sugar; 2,000 bags of salt (25kg); 800 bags of semolina; 4,016 bags of beans; 9,800 cartoons of Indomine noodles; 1,800 cartoons of powdered milk; 800 cartoons of spaghetti; 2,000 vegetable oil (20 litres); 2,180 cartoons of Omo detergents; 600 kegs of palm oil and 400 cartoons of 3-in-1 tea.

Akande also cited the monthly report of government actions in the

North-east states affected by Boko Haram in which the Senior Special Assistant to the President (SSA-P) on IDPs in the Vice President’s Office, Dr. Mariam Masha, stated that the National Humanitarian Coordination Forum (NHCF) was addressing the welfare of IDPs in these areas.

The report indicated that nonfood items supplied to the camps in the three countries from 2015 to date included medical and non-medical supplies such as antibiotics, anti-fungal, anti-malaria, anthelmintic, NSAID, non-SAID analgesics, anti-tussives and antithasmine drugs.

The statement said: “There were also eye drops, anti-diabetic drugs, Antacid drugs, multivitamin, laboratory consumables, blankets, mattresses, mosquito nets, men’s and women’s wears.

“In Minawao, Cameroun alone, 48,400 bags and cartoons of non-food items like medium and small mattresses, pillows, mosquito nets, blankets, towels,

guinea brocade, nylon mats, plastic plates, cups, spoons and buckets, Omo detergents, washing soaps, bathroom slippers, pampers as well as exercise books pencils and textbooks were distributed to IDPs.” The report stated that the federal government through initiative of the military had constructed a temporary school for IDPs in the Bama camp and deployed teachers for a population of over 3,000 children.

It said the military also provided solar boreholes in Dikwa, Gamboru, Monguno,

Marte, Mafe Gwoa, Buni Yadi, Bulla, Allargano and in several other communities in Borno State.

“The scale of humanitarian efforts by the military also cover road construction and reconstruction, donation of educational materials to schools as well as rehabilitation of worship centres and markets in Adamawa and Yobe States,” the report added.

The report also stated that the military through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) had formed a working

group which was to develop a policy framework and national action plan in preventing and countering violent extremism The report stated that the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Health were to collaborate with the military and civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to vaccinate children in all accessible local government areas in Borno State in support of government’s Polio Response Plan.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), according to the report, relocated a total of 23,391 IDPs from schools that were initially used as camps

to new sites in Bakassi and Dalori IDP camps in Maiduguri.

Similarly, the Federal Ministry of Education provided emergency classroom supplies for learners in Borno State communities such as Konduga (675), Bama (2500), Dikwa (500), Damboa (500) and Monguno (500).

The report which noted the interventions by the Presidential Initiative for the North-east (PINE), showed that displaced persons also received from PINE, various food items (rice, millet, guinea corn, maize, iodized salt, vegetable oil and Indomie noodles).

FG to Sanction Heads of Agencies over Abuse of Procurement Act Insists contracts, projects should only be advertised in national dailies, tenders board PaulObiinAbuja The federal government yesterday said it would henceforth sanction any chief executive or director general heading government departments, agencies or parastatals over the abuse of the Public Procurement Act 2007.

This was made known at a forum for chief executives of agencies, chairmen, secretaries of tenders board and other relevant stakeholders in the administration of procurement.

Speaking at the forum, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Folashade Esan, said sanctions had become imperative given the high cases of abuse of the Public Procurement Act. Esan told journalists that “the ProcurementAct is what we are talking about, and in that act the responsibility lies solely on the shoulders of the chief executive. In that act, it stipulate what the sanctions are.

“One sanction is that the liability of what you do in office lies with you even after you have left service. Even if the chief executive is in place for four

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or five years and leave service, he or she will be called back to answer what he did in office,” she stated.

The permanent secretary further warned head of agencies to ensure that advertisement for contracts and projects are only placed on national dailies and federal tenders journal.

According to Esan, “every adverts for contracts should be placed on national dailies.”

Asked what criteria is used to determine national newspaper, she explained that “the Public Procurement Commission has the list of national dailies, and in addition to that, they must placed the advert In the federal tenders journals.” Also, Director of Procurement, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Hussaini Adamu, added: “It is necessary to state that the provisions of the act cover all federal government procuring entities as well as other units which derived at least 35 per cent of funds appropriated for any type of procurement.

“It is on that note, that effective and timely implementation of the budget couple with strict compliance to the provisions of the act becomes expedient for all procuring entities.”

Adamu further tasked the participants to be vigilant in their services in order “to curb excesses in execution of government business” and ensure “legal and institutional framework for the enthronement of transparency, accountability, value for money, economy and efficiency in the procurement of works, goods and services within MDAs for direct and maximal benefits of all Nigerians.”

YOU ARE WELCOME, MR. PRESIDENT

L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari, being welcome by Governors Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo); Kashim Shettima (Borno); and Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos), during his visit to Osun State where he inaugurated the Osogbo Government High School as part of the activities to mark the 25th anniversary of the state....yesterday

NAF Attacks Boko Haram Leadership Location in Northern Borno

Shekau is dead, army insists Troops to ransack Sambisa forest

Senator Iroegbu in Abuja and Daji Sani in Yola with agency report The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has in its ongoing onslaught against Boko Haram terrorists attacked its leadership location in the northern part of Borno State.

The Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, in a statement yesterday, said that NAF in a series of another well-coordinated air operations, successfully attacked the terrorist camp at Tumbun Rego in northern Borno where some wounded commanders of the notorious sect were believed to be receiving treatment.

Famuyiwa said that intelligence report has it that some terrorists commanders, who survived the air assault on the night of August 20, 2016 leading to the death of over 300 insurgents, had sustained serious injuries and were said to have relocated subsequently to the Camp at Tumbun Rego for medical treatment.

“The latest strike followed the trail of this piece of intelligence to neutralise these suspected leaders of the sect who are high value targets,” he said.

While the NAF is yet to ascertain the casualty figure, Famuyiwa said post-strike Battle Damage Assessment mission showed that the degree of damage achieved was devastating as the buildings were engulfed by wild fire as can be seen from the declassified video of the air operation.

Meanwhile, Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole in the North-east, Major General Lucky Irabor, has insisted that Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau is dead.

He insisted that the individual originally identified as Shekau has indeed been killed.

He said this during a tour of Adamawa State as part of the formations under his command.

“I can confirm to you that the original Shekau was killed, the second Shekau was killed, and the man presenting himself as Shekau, I can also confirm

to you that few days ago, he was wounded. We are yet to confirm whether he is dead or not.”

He further said that the Army does not make statements that are not based on facts.

The General according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the Nigerian troops fighting insurgency in the north-east, will continue the military operations until the last terrorist is taken out.

He also mentioned that there had been division amongst the Boko Haram as a result of the constant pressure put on them by the Army.

According to him: “They released videos to prove that they are still active, but that’s just a facade” Irabor stated that the military was ready to hunt down the remaining members of the insurgents, adding that they would ransack some parts of the dreaded Sambisa forest still being occupied by the terrorists.

During an interactive session with journalists in Yola, the

Adamawa State capital, he noted that the future of the North-east in term of security was bright.

He further explained that the troops in collaboration with other security agencies and the vigilante groups are making frantic effort to end the Boko Haram crisis in the region.

Irabor said they have received information from some kingpins of the sect recently arrested and women rescued from their custody which is helping them to end the crisis soon.

He also revealed that two among the three journalists on the military’s wanted list had appeared before them as he further explained that after series of interrogation, they were able to gather some revelations that is also helping their operations.

Irabor said his visit to Yola was to encourage the troops and also abreast the media about the activities of Operation Lafiya Dole for the few past months sequel to some unpalatable media reports about the fight against insurgency from the state.

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First Nation Confirms Suspension of Operations As workers occupy Aero office Chinedu Eze First Nation Airways has reacted to the report that it has stopped operations, explaining that it is currently undergoing maintenance on its A319 fleet.

The airland said the maintenance exercise would be completed by mid September.

In a statement signed by the airline’s commercial manager, Sarah Awogbade, the airland said the airline planned this maintenance action well ahead and it would resume operation later in the month.

“This will ensure that passengers continue to enjoy safe and reliable service that the airline is reputed for.

Current foreign exchange constraint, coupled with over 70 per cent devaluation of the naira, partly contributed in no small measure to this development. The airline’s plan remains on track to reinstating service as advised herein,” the airline said.

The airline said it is an International Airlines Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certified airline and operates a fleet of Airbus A319.

Oyegun: Edo will Never Return to Darkness Adibe EmenyonuinBeninCity The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, yesterday,urged the people of Edo Sstate to resist attempts by the opposition to return the state to darkness.

Oyegun, who stated this at the APC ward campaign at the Oba Market yesterday in Benin City, said: “When they say they want to change the change, they want to take us back to darkness. Does one go back to darkness, have you all not seen the good works that Oshiomhole has done.

“Things can be improved on and it is Obaseki that has the capacity do them. So September 10 you all should come out and vote APC. I know that Obaseki will do as much as what Oshiomhole has done and he will make Edo different and a new place.

Oyegun urged: “Come September 10 we are going to have yet another progressive government.”

On his part, the state Chairman of the party, Anslem Ojezua, who disclosed reasons why Obaseki is widely supported, described him as intelligent and well groomed to face the challenges of governance.

He said: “We have not come to campaign here but we have escorted your son so that you will pray for him. We have been to so many communities since our campaign started and each of those wards, youths, men and women have promised to support Obaseki.

“We did not pick Godwin just because he is the son of Obaseki, we picked him because he is the best candidate, we picked Godwin

because he has the intellect, he has learned from Oshiomhole for eight years. So he has learnt and his is perfect.

“When we give credit to Oshiomhole, he tells us that Godwin is among those who have supported him, executed and implemented projects with him and therefore we believe that if Godwin is the governor of Edo state, he will do just better,” he stated.

Also speaking, the APC candidate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki said his plan to continue the development in the state is born out of his zeal to serve the people.

“I am not here to campaign but to thank God that Iwas born inside this family,” he said.

“Before Oshiomhole came to Edo State, they said we don’t have money that we are a civil service state. In the past eight years have you not seen what the government has been able to do? We have built schools, roads, hospitals and provided water but it is the scratch, the next phase of what we are going to do is to empower the youths and our women. We are going to build technical and vocational centres across the 18 local government areas and teach our youths skills that will enable them provide for themselves and their family.

He assured the people, “We have said we will create 200, 000 jobs in the first four years, it is not a joke.

We have built our infrastructures and now investors are saying they want to come to the state. We have 20 investors already waiting and when you elect me as the governor, they will come and create more jobs for everybody.

National Drivers Licence Now Valid for FiveYears The Lagos State Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA) has announced a new validity period of five years for the National Drivers’ Licence, noting however that the choice is optional.

The General Manager of the Agency, Mr. Lateef Lawal, who disclosed this today, said the decision was taken at the 134th meeting of the Federal Road Safety Commission’s Joint Tax Board in order to ease off the renewal/reissue process of the driver’s licence.

Speaking further, the General Manager lauded the initiative and maintained that with the new feature, applicants have the opportunity to either select the option of three or five year validity

period, adding that applicants who are unable to complete the processing within a specific time now have an extended period for renewing the licence.

While emphasising that this initiative is also aimed at improving on service delivery and ensuring that the service is readily available to all applicants, Lawal affirmed that processing fees remain at N6,350 for the three-year period and N10,350 for five year option, inclusive of bank charges.

The General Manager however urged intending applicants to patronise only accredited driving schools following which an e-certificate will be issued to commence the process of obtaining a driver’s licence.

NCAA clarifies suspension of operations by airlines

“The airline is aware of a press release by NCAA and the authority was formally informed by ourselves.

At First Nation, safety is our priority and we look forward to reinstating service shortly upon completion of current maintenance upgrade,” the airline said.

Meanwhile, in reaction to the suspension of scheduled operations

by Aero Contractors, workers comprising of the Air Traffic Services Senior Staff Association (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) on yesterday took over the head office of the airline at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) as early as 6a.m.

President of ATSSSAN, Benjamin Okewu, revealed that the take over of the airline followed the indefinite leave given to the over 1,400 workers.

The workers led by union leaders were seen in front of the office singing solidarity songs while others were also singing Christian songs asking God to lead the workers in pursuing this case.

Okewu said what Aero management has just done by locking out the workers was shocking, adding that negotiation

was still ongoing when Aero sent workers on indefinite leave.

He stated that some of the workers who were on night duty were locked in, pointing to the chairman of the union in Aero Contractors and others workers, who were watching event from the windows because they were locked in.

He stated that workers decided to take over the airline because the management of the airline sent workers on indefinite leave without paying them their salaries and other entitlements.

The unions, Okewu said would not be taken lightly what Aero’s management has done, adding that under the labour law the company is bound to pay workers their entitlements.

The ATSSAN boss added that the unions were ready for negotiation but that if Aero’s management refuses to talk to aviation unions, the airline’s office will remain shut.

Also speaking, the Assistant General Secretary, NUATE, Olayinka Abioye, alleged that Aero’s management locked in workers that performed night duty and locked out other workers that had reported for duty.

He remarked that what Aero has done was a violation of workers’ rights, adding that the two parties started discussing following attempt

by Aero to declare 457 workers redundant, an action he said the unions rejected.

However, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has dismissed the claims that some domestic airlines are winding down their operations, clarifying that Aero Contractors and First Nation Airways have suspended scheduled services, not stopped operations.

NCAA said in a statement signed by its Director-General, Capt.

Muhtar Usman, that contrary to the statement making the rounds that the airlines had stopped operation, he said they had merely suspended their operations temporarily to enable them undertake certain operational overhaul and strengthen their overall operational outlay.

“One of the airlines, Aero Contractors Limited, at present has only one serviceable aircraft.

This is in contravention to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARS), which stipulates that no airline operator shall carry out

schedule commercial operation with only one aircraft. The minimum acceptable number is three aircraft.

“In other words, any airline with one aircraft is in contravention of the authority’s regulations therefore cannot be adjudged to be capable of providing safe operation. The only option available is to suspend your operations temporarily while other aircraft arrive in due course,” the Director-General said.

He noted that NCAA’s regulations provides a window for such operator to embark on non-scheduled operations in the interim.

The First Nation Airlines on its part is in the middle of an Engine Replacement Programme for one of its aircraft. Another aircraft is due for mandatory maintenance as its allowable by the regulatory authority.

“In these circumstances, these airlines clearly cannot continue to undertake scheduled operations, hence the inevitable recourse to self-regulatory suspension.

“NCAA wishes to reiterate that on no account will it compromise safety and security of airline operations in the airspace,” the authority said.

MONEY TRANSFER PARTNERSHIP

Assistant Manager, Marketing, Western Union, ECOWAS, Ibere Nwaolikpe; Deputy Managing Director, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Francis Shobo; Country Director, Western Union, West Africa, Anthoine Bocchino; and the Group Head, Product and Marketing Support, First Bank, Abiodun Famuyiwa, during the 20th anniversary celebration of Western Union and First Bank partnership, in Lagos...yesterday kola Olasupo

Osinbajo Lays Foundation for N16bn NPF Crime, Incident Database Dele Ogbodo in Abuja The Vice President, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday laid the foundation for the construction of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Crime and Incident Database (NPCID) estimated to cost up to N16 billion upon completion.

Speaking at the event in Abuja, Osinbajo said the centre would equip the Nigeria Police Force with the necessary modern equipment to be able to handle crime tracking and investigation more smartly with modern technology.

He said: “Government is already set for smart policing and this is going to be an incredibly useful tool and there is a lot of information everywhere.

“So, I expect to see smart policing everywhere, faster investigation and a much smarter NPF.” He tasked NPF on the deployment of modern techniques

for solving crimes, noting that the Nigeria an police officers have always been one of the best in the world.

Osinbajo, expressed hope that with the establishment of the centre across the country, the Force would be equipped with all the necessary instrument work to be ahead of criminals.

“The NPF has been one of the best in the world. I am saying this because I witnessed what they achieved in Somalia on a peace mission as I worked with the United Nations and saw how our police distinguished themselves.

“Also, as an attorney general in Lagos for eight years, I worked with the police. The challenge has been lack of equipment and welfare of the policemen. I believe that with the proposed Nigeria Police Crime and incident database, our men will conduct police activities smartly and faster.”

In a remark, the acting Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, explained that the centre, which is projected at N16 billion when completed, would help the police to process data of suspect and get the needed information even if the suspect committed the crime in any part of the country.

He said the purpose of the centre which is due for completion in three years’ time is to harness all data across the federation into one central base where police detectives can just key in the name of a suspect and all his or her data will pop out.

He noted that the establishment of the centre was long over due considering the myriads of challenges that are characterised with the manual form of police crime and incident registers, which have become obsolete and moribund.

Also in a related development,

the FCT Police Commissioner, Mr. Mohammed Mustafa, inaugurated FCT Police elders forum as a channel for enhancing policecommunity relations at the grass root level.

He said: “Policing requires the active participation of all and sundry, with the exception of people with questionable character.

“And this explains why the Command took its time to do thorough background check before coming up with its list of eminent people who will form an integral part of the command security architecture.”

He said the constitution of the forum was part of measures to bring opinion leaders together who will form a formidable team that will meet at intervals to brainstorm and come up with viable ideas and information that will further help the police to serve FCT residents better.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS

Historic North-South Rail Transportation of Cattle, Farm Produce Launched NIRSAL estimates N950bn in annual revenue James Emejo in Abuja The Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Alhahi Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, yesterday formally flagged-off the historic movement of cattle from the North to South by rail.

The project, which is being facilitated by the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agriculture (NIRSAL) in partnership with ConnectRail Services commenced with the transport of an initial 15 wagons of 500 cattle from Gusau, the state capital.

He said an efficient rail system played a critical role in the revolution of the agricultural sector, adding that the initiative will afford farmers the opportunity to easily move products to all parts of the country, and with wider access to markets as well as enhance their profitability.

Represented by the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Mallam Ibrahim Wakkala Muhammad, the governor commended NIRSAL

for the innovation in rail transport of farm produce and also praised the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for reviving the ailing rail system.

He added that the impact of the new initiative would be felt all over the economy.

He said the state would continue to partner with any initiative that boosts the agricultural potential for people.

The take-off came barely two weeks after NIRSAL announced the commencement of its National Farm to market scheme to enable a low cost and efficient transport link between agricultural producers and consumers across the country.

NIRSAL estimates the total value of live animal trade between Northern and Southern Nigeria at between N850 billion and N950 billion per annum.

Currently, the total value of the North-east-Lagos cattle trade market alone is estimated at N324 billion per annum, excluding the North-South-East cattle trade or the

trade in small ruminants including sheep and goats.

Speaking at the inauguration, Managing Director/Chief Executive, NIRSAL, Mr. Abdulhameed Aliyu, described the event as a landmark in the history of the Nigerian agricultural sector and a practical demonstration of the current administration’s vision to take country beyond oil.

The project is a culmination of two years of intensive work by NIRSAL and Connect Rail.

He said the movement of cattle represented the first component of NIRSAL’s “Farm to Market” flagship programme designed to boost value and efficiencies across the agricultural value chain through a remunerative, sustainable and market-focused food production that achieves greater equity so that farmers and other agricultural producers get more reward for their efforts.

He said the ultimate plan was to enable the movement of

meat in the form of carcasses in chilled containers as is done in the developed world.

Abdulhameed: “What we have witnessed today is the culmination of this rigorous and consistent effort to demonstrate that agric in Nigeria can be innovative and business oriented. The transportation component launched today is only the first part.

“The next phase of NIRSAL’s effort for the commercial development of the livestock value chain will include the creation of business models and specific financing products for the Ranching and Trading components of the value chain. The strategy is to mainstream all the actors into regular and sustainable relationships with structured finance and structured markets. This will include the transportation of carcass and cut beef in refrigerated containers.”

He commended the vision and commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari, the leadership

of The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, and the active support of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Audu Ogbeh, for bringing the initiative to fruition.

Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director, Connect Rail Services, Mr. Edeme Kelikume said: “The potential of rail in boosting exchange between the north and the south is immense. As logistics providers we are excited at the magnitude of this scheme and the massive impact it is going to have on the economy.”

The scheme is projected to reduce the cost of transporting cattle from the north to the south by over 20 percent, minimize injury and death of cattle while in transit and also preserve their value so livestock breeders can get good price for their produce at the destination markets.

Over the past three weeks, as part of a test run of the historic

initiative, cows were transported from Jebba to Lagos by rail within two days in a journey that takes several days by road.

The arrival of the cattle in much better condition than herded cattle generated excitement in Oko-Oba, a famous abattoir in Lagos.

Furthermore, it was disclose that discussions with respected global names in refrigeration technology on the design of the refrigerated chilled containers are ongoing.

NIRSAL’s mandate is to catalyze a national agricultural revolution by boosting food productivity and food security through the mechanism of de-risking the agricultural value chain in order to encourage investment by banks and the entire financial sector.

The focus is to enable a structured, sustainable and business oriented approach to agriculture that can stand the country in good stead in the emerging post oil Nigerian economy.

Lai Mohammed: FG Partners Bauchi to Make Durbar International Festival Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi As Nigeria continues to explore other sources of revenue owing to dwindling oil prices and activities of vandals in the Niger Delta, the federal government has identified Bauchi State’s tourism and cultural endowments as one of the major endowments the nation is shifting its attention to.

The Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who stated this yesterday after a meeting with Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar of Bauchi State on a courtesy visit, said with the untapped potential in the state and the effort being made by the governor towards that very important sector that the federal government was focusing attention on the information, culture and tourism has no reason not to partner the state in that regards.

Mohammed said both the ministry and the governor are working for the same goal of making Nigeria successful, stressing that they share many things and have discussed at length with the governor on how to harness the cultural and tourism potential that Bauchi is heavily endowed with, noting that the Yankari Games Reserve is also going to be accorded necessary attention to restore its place as an international tourism destination.

According to a statement signed by the Press Secretary to Bauchi State governor, AlSaddique Abubakar, which was made available to THISDAY, the minister explained that they had also discussed on the revival of Durbar festival in the state because Durbar is an international festival that requires revival for its uniqueness, pageantry and great potential to attract tourists from all parts of the world.

Mohammed observed that “all over the world, the new oil is in

culture and tourism and unlike oil, it can unite people and reinforce the bunch apart from being a very serious revenue earner.”

The minister revealed that he had already initiated discussions on Durbar in northern Nigeria, especially Bauchi with the UNESCO during his recent visit to Paris. He said that the Bauchi Durbar “can hardly be replicated anywhere in the world and is unique and has the potential to create jobs and wealth for the people.”

He promised that his ministry would partner the state government to ensure that all the tourism and cultural potential in the state are fully harnessed and commended the governor investing so much in exploring other non-oil sources of revenue and developing the tourism and solid mineral sectors.

“But for some last minutes hitches, we were supposed to commence the tour of Savanna scenic master plan from Bauchi because we want to commence our tourism tour with Bauchi,” the minister said.

He said his rescheduled visit to the state not only be for exploring the culture and tourism potentials of the state, but will also accord him the opportunity of letting the world know the “good job the governor of Bauchi State is doing,” since he assumed office.

Earlier, Governor Abubakar, who explained that he was in the minister’s office to explore areas of mutual cooperation with the ministry, observed that information and communication are central to the success of democratic governments, noting that the minister is well groomed in information management, “especially with the way he handled his assignment from the national publicity secretary of an opposition party before assuming office as the cabinet minister in charge of information, culture and tourism.”

MEDIATOUR

L-R: Divisional Head, Corporate Communications, Herritage Bank, Sola Longe-Okenimpe; Head, Brand Management, Ade Adegbite; and Team Member, MediaRelationsOfficer,BlaiseUdunle,duringtheteam’svisittoTHISDAY HeadOffice,Apapa,Lagos...yesterday YomiAkinyele

NIPOST Revokes 12 Courier Licences, Seals Four Operators Emma Okonji The Courier Regulatory Department (CRD) of the Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) yesterday in Lagos, announced the revocation of 12 courier licences, for various offencses ranging from non-renewal of operational licences, to sundry unethical practices.

CRD also clamped down on four other courier companies operating in Lagos without licence.

The affected operators have over the years, engaged in unethical practices that have deprived government of huge revenue and they have also put the courier business as risk as they indulge in unethical practices.

Announcing the action of government shortly after the clampdown, the Assistant Postmaster General and Head of CRD, Dr. Simon Emeje, said the move to revoke the licences of the 12

operators and the sealing of offices of another four courier companies in Lagos became necessary in order to sanitise the courier industry of illegality that often affect genuine businesses in the courier industry.

The 12 operators whose licences were revoked, were hitherto operating courier business in different parts of the country. They include AM Express; AMC&C Express; Bems Courier; Danzas Express; ESPN Logistics; Fenway Courier and IAS Express. Others are Team United Express; Time Courier; Vitesse Courier; Wadoye Express and Worldwide Premier Logistics Solution.

The four courier operators whose offices were sealed in Lagos include BD Logistics, located on Point Road in Apapa; 12 Baskets Foods Limited, located in Sura Shopping Complex on Lagos Island; E-Top Nigeria Limited, located in Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi; and Nuli Juice Delivery,

located in Obalende, Lagos.

Items such as motorcycles, weigh bills, and delivery invoice were seized from the operators as evidence to prove that they operate courier business in Nigeria, yet they do not have the licence to operate.

While advising all licensed courier operators to ensure proper branding of their motorcycles for their dispatch riders, Emeje also advised the general public to desist from doing business with the courier operators whose licences have been revoked, and whose offices have been sealed. He said the sealed offices would be reopened for business, after they must have regularised their operations.

“We used our surveillance team to detect unregistered courier operators and we go after them to track them because they constitute nuisance in the industry by indulging in sharp practices because they know full well that

their customers cannot trace them when they are duped,” Emeje said. He added that most of the unregistered operators use fictitious addresses in order to escape easily after carrying out their dubious businesses.

Emeje also said most of the unregistered operators secure contracts to deliver items and end up not delivering the items after collecting huge amount of money from the customer to deliver the courier items.

He assured Nigerians and all licensed courier operators of the determination of the CRD team to sanitise the courier industry and make it more attractive to customers and investors.

At the point of revocation of the 12 licences, Nigeria had 290 registered courier operators, bringing the total number of licensed courier operator to 278 after the revocation.

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FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

Pass PIB, Privatise Refineries, Experts Tell Buhari Chineme Okafor in Abuja Following Nigeria’s descent into an economic recession that has been widely ascribed to low turnover in the oil and gas sector, experts in the sector have identified ways the federal government can quickly get the economy out of recession.

The experts who spoke with THISDAY yesterday in Abuja, explained that Nigeria could be long on the recession if the federal government fails to adopt a sensible approach to solving the situation.

They noted that since the recession was basically created by the country’s oil and gas sector,

Mark Greets Ogbeha at 69 Former Senate President, Senator David Mark, yesterday felicitated with former military Governor of Akwa Ibom State and the old Bendel State (now Edo and Delta States), Senator Tunde Ogbeha, on the occasion of his 69th birthday, describing him as a compatriot and confidant Mark, in a good will message signed by his Media Assistant, Paul Mumeh, described Ogbeha as a true friend, reliable and dependable brother as he recalled fond memories of their days as students in military schools in Zaria and Kaduna respectively.

Mark recalled with fond memories , his acquaintance with Ogbeha since their days at the Nigeria Military School, Zaria in the early 60s, the Nigeria Defence Academy ((NDA), Kaduna, their service years in the military and later in politics till date.

“Tunde has demonstrated beyond measures, as a trusted and dependable companion to me over the years. I pray that the good Lord bless him and his household. I wish him good health, peace, wisdom and courage in the years ahead,” the statement added.

it would only be natural that the sector is buoyed to help other sectors increase their productivity using its resources as feedstock for capital and not recurrent spending.

They however added that since the government cannot come up with the huge financial support needed by the oil and gas sector, it can augment by taking measures such as passing the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), privatising the country’s refineries and completely taking its hands off fixing prices in the downstream sector.

One of the experts, Dr. Tim Okon who was a senior official at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) but now oversees the International Institute for Petroleum Energy Law and Policy (IIPELP) told THISDAY that the government would be making a mistake if it is hoping on an increase in prices of oil to

get the country out of recession.

“It is actually the oil and gas industry that is creating the basis for the recession. Part of that is due to the fact that projects that the sector would have done are no longer going to be done.

“After many years of asking Nigeria to adopt sensible policies, and governments refusing to, the outcome is what we have today – a recession,” said Okon.

He stated: “The money we could have saved during all the excess crude oil withdrawals are no longer available to balance the budget.

“The long term impact is simply that Nigeria cannot rely on hydrocarbon money as income.

We need them as feedstock for the industries. If we privatise the refineries, open up the market, remove subsidy so that people can process hydrocarbon in Nigeria and remove all the price fixing, then

the economy will get back and its industries enjoy low prices of oil.”

Okon said: “The age of oil is ended and with oil as income, Nigeria will never be in a position to have huge money to spend, so government need to be less reliant on oil as income.”

Similarly, the President of the Nigeria Association for Energy Economics, Prof. Wumi Iledare stated that one way out of the recession was for the government to quickly pass the PIB and free the sector from its stronghold.

Iledare said: “The reason we are in recession is because of the downturn in the petroleum sector and the only way to turn it around is to turn the petroleum sector around, meaning that the government need to think quickly on how to pass the PIB.” He stated: “Some of these things are the stupidity in the fact that we

have not passed the PIB after so m any years and three attempts.

Government need to put action on this.”

Iledare noted that with the prices of oil and Nigeria’s production down, the government cannot fulfill its planned expenditure on infrastructure unless it opens up the petroleum sector for investment through the PIB “It has to find a way to invest in the petroleum sector but it has no money because we are not producing at the level we are producing and also at a low price which makes it a double jeopardy. “Price of oil are low, production is low, there is nothing the government can do unless its increases spending in infrastructure.

It has to now wake up and do the right things. What it needs to do is glaring, otherwise, we have not seen anything yet,” he said.

Adeosun: I Don’t Own a Twitter Account Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, has disowned a Twitter handle in her name, purporting her to have said that “recession is just a word.”

A statement issued by her media aide, Mr. Festus Akanbi, which described the handle as fake, said for the avoidance of doubt, the minister does not own a twitter account.

The Twitter handle currently trending, and any other twitter handle presently in existence is not, and cannot be that of the

minister, Akanbi said.

According to the statement, a twitter account has not yet been set up for Adeosun, stressing that the one in question “is obviously fake and does not represent the views and opinions of the minister.”

“Also at no time did the minister, who addressed the media immediately after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council, make such a statement.

“The minister has consistently demonstrated empathy for the plight of Nigerians hard hit by dwindling oil prices and the impact on the economy,” the statement concluded.

Wike Dissolves 17 Local Government Caretaker Committees Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has dissolved the caretaker committees of 17 out of the 23 local government councils of the state.

A statement issued yesterday by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, listed the affected councils as Abua/Odual, Akuku Toru, Ahoada East, Andoni, Bonny, Eleme, Emohua and Etche.

Others are Ikwerre, Obio/Akpor, Ogu/Bolo, Okrika, Ogba/Egbema /Ndoni, Omuma, Oyigbo, Port Harcourt City, and Tai councils.

Although no reason was given, the statement said the dissolution took immediate effect.

The statement also directed the affected caretaker committee chairmen to hand over to the most senior official in their respective councils.

Mohammed Audu: Why Family Rejected Bello’s Award Dele Ogbodo in Abuja The eldest son of the late former Governor of Kogi State, Abubakar Audu, Mr. Mohammed Audu, yesterday said the family rejected the award given by the state incumbent Governor, Mr. Yahaya Bello, because it was a disrespect to the late Audu.

According to him, the father cannot be given an award in an insensitive atmosphere where the masses and 70 per cent of civil servants are being owed salaries for months, adding that

such award is laden with political colouration.

Addressing the media in Abuja, on the award which was given to his late father in Lokoja last Saturday, Audu said Aisha Omeja, who received the award was not qualified to receive any award on behalf of the family.

He said Omeje, according to family tradition, does have the right to receive any award on behalf of his late father, adding: “This woman divorced my father seven years ago.”

WE ARE ALL INVOLVED

Zamfara State Governor, Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari; Chairman, UBA Plc and Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu; and the wife of the President, Hajia Aisha Buhari, during Elumelu’s visit to contribute to the #Get Involved’ Innitiative of the Wife of the President, for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Abuja ...yesterday

Traders Count Losses as Flood Destroys Goods Worth Millions in Awka David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Flood occasioned by heavy rainfall on Wednesday night wreaked havoc in Awka, the Anambra State capital, leaving traders and residents in the city counting their losses.

The flood sacked most residents from their houses around the Arthur Eze Avenue and in most other parts, while traders at the building materials market near Odera lost goods worth millions.

The traders who resumed for the day’s trade yesterday mornin, found their shops in a pool of water, with most of their wares either floating or submerged.

Most of the traders who deal in cement were moved to tears as flood soaked their warehouses which were packed full with the product.

The leadership of the market could not be reached as at the time of filing this report, but one of the traders and a youth leader for Awka, Comrade Obi Ochije said the extent of damage cannot exactly be quantified in monetary

terms, as each trader is bearing their loss individually.

He however, put the cost of damaged goods in tens of millions, saying that it would not be the first time such is happening.

“Anytime there is heavy downpour in Awka, we loss goods, but today’s own is just too much for us to bear. We are calling on the governor to come to our aid, and assist us by working on the drainages.

“We have a big drainage here, but it is not enough. Water coming from the upper part of Awka, joins the one coming from Igwebuike, and they all move down to this place with force, and in that way it overflows into the roads, then our shops.”

He called on the governor to come to their aid, saying that a city like Awka that is a state’s capital should not be associated with the kind of heavy flood that is witnessed each time it rains.

In Umuogbu village, also in Awka, the oldest man in the community, Mr. James Ijeomah,

was yesterday rescued from being carried away by flood as he relaxed in his room.

An eyewitness said, the rain which began in the evening formed a huge flood in Mr Ijeoma’s house, and he only realised it when the flood covered his bed. He was said to have been rescued after shouting for help.

Similarly, most residents of

Obinagu area have fled their homes for fear of the flood, just as over four houses have been lost to it.

A resident of the area, Mrs. Eugenia Eze who spoke with THISDAY said, “we did not sleep in our house yesterday. Anytime it rained, people in this area do not sleep. Its so bad now that a lot of people have lost properties, while some houses have been abandoned.

Babangida Aliyu Loses Elder Brother A veteran broadcaster and elder brother of the former Governor of Niger State, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, Alhaji Usman Aliyu, is dead.

Usman died in an Abuja hospital yesterday morning after a brief illness. He was aged 67.

The deceased was one of the pioneer broadcasters in the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and voluntarily left service to form his own recording studio in the late 80s.

The late Aliyu introduced the first video rental service in Niger State before retiring to become a

full time Islamic scholar.

He was also a writer whose books were adopted into the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) curriculum.

He excelled as a businessman whose business empire extended beyond the shores of Nigeria.

His remains were interred at the Muslim cemetery also yesterday with prominent dignitaries in attendance among them were former governor, Babangida Aliyu, his brother and Saurdauna of Minna Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS

Film on Murtala Muhammed Premieres in London Forty years after the assassination of the then Head of State, Gen. Murtala Muhammed, a film titled, ’76 inspired by that dark episode, has made history as the first

Nigerian film to have its European premiere at the prestigious BFI London Film Festival in October.

The film, a love story embedded in treason, intrigue, patriotism and

Group Warns against Continued Attacks by Fulani Herdsmen Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The Adada Progressive Union, a socio-cultural group of people of Nsukka extraction, has warned against the continued attacks by Fulani herdsmen across various communities in Enugu State and some other parts of the South-east.

The group warned that its patience in the face of series of bloody attacks on communities in Enugu State in recent times should not be misconstrued for cowardice.

In a statement signed by its National President, Ben Ugwu, and captioned “Attacks by Fulani herdsmen: Enough is Enough,” the group said it had watched with utter dismay “the spate of violent attacks and the attendant carnage on our people by a group of hoodlums identified as Fulani herdsmen.”

It recalled that the first major attack by “this group of bloodthirsty vermin on the Nimbo community in Uzo Uwani Local Government of Enugu State was on April 25, 2016. They pillaged the land and visited much savagery on scores of innocent citizens leaving in their trail an ocean of blood, tears and destruction.”

According to Adada Progressive Union, earlier in March, no fewer than 76 villagers from Ugwuneshi Autonomous Community, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State were arrested by soldiers while protesting peacefully against the destruction of their farmlands

by Fulani herdsmen and their cattle.

“Only in the wee hours of last Thursday, August 25, another group of murderous herdsmen took their orgy of blood-letting to the sleepy community of Ndiagu, Attakwu, Akegbe-Ugwu in Nkanu-West Local Government Area of Enugu State where they slaughtered a Catholic Seminarian, Lazarus Nwafor.

“Four members of the Ogbodo Nwarum family, where Nwafor, the Seminarian, was a tenant, sustained severe machete cuts from the rampaging Fulani herdsmen who slit open the stomach of a six months pregnant woman, Nwarum in the operation.

“We decided to catalogue just a few of the many heinous crimes and atrocities that herdsmen sojourning in parts of Enugu State have visited on their host communities in the last six months alone. They have also left in their trail such atrocities

in various parts of the South-east in the last few years.

“While these brazen, unprovoked and premeditated attacks on our innocent and harmless people are fast becoming a recurring decimal, the federal government, the police and other law enforcement agents appear to have given their tacit support, going by their inaction. The state government has also handled the undeserved annihilation of our people in their ancestral homes by Fulani herdsmen with kid gloves.

“We want to place on record that our people have turned the other cheek, and restrained themselves from reprisal actions each time the herdsmen struck not out of cowardice, but a resolve to sustain the fragile peace in the country.

An adage says, that only a man with wounds knows that flies have teeth. The affliction has become unbearable.

“While we have continued to nurture the virtues of peace and restraint, we have come to the painful realisation that our peaceful disposition has been taken for granted, and has emboldened the herdsmen and their sponsors,” ” the statement added “At this juncture, we want to say with all the emphasis at our disposal that enough is enough.

We can no longer tolerate the excesses of Fulani herdsmen and their sympathisers.

“Adada Progressive Union wants to place on record that people of Adada ancestry, Enugu people and the Igbo ethnic nationality in general are not known to be cowards. We would not want to take laws into our hand, trying to defend ourselves while we have government, both at national and state in place,” the statement added.

The group urged the state governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to sit up and provide his people the much-needed security, and stem the activities of the marauding herdsmen and other forms of threat.

“The governors of the entire South-east states should urgently meet and fashion out appropriate strategies to tackle the herdsmen and their excesses.

“Posterity may not forgive the Igbos, especially leaders who sit by and watch their people murdered daily across the country, particularly in their ancestral homes. For the interest of peace, let this be enough is enough,” the statement concluded.

Kwara Speaker, Chinda for OrderPaper.ng Budget Colloquium The Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Ali Ahmad and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, Kingsley Chinda, have confirmed participation as panelists at this month’s budget colloquium to chart paths of reform for Nigeria’s budgetary process.

The Colloquium is conceived

by OrderPaper.ng, Nigeria’s premier independent parliamentary reporting portal to address contentious issues on the budget and will bring together several top government officials from both arms of government to share ideas, perspectives and experiences on the appropriation process as dictated by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

faith, is set in Ibadan, Oyo State, against the backdrop of transition and the struggle for political stability in 1976 and is inspired by real life events that led to the assassination of Gen. Murtala Muhammed.

‘76, the multi-million dollar landmark Nigerian cinematic production, already scheduled to make a global opening at the 41st Toronto International Film Festival later this month, has now also been exclusively chosen to have its European premiere at the prestigious BFI London Film Festival.

This is the first Nollywood film, the third largest film industry in the world to be chosen by both Toronto and London film festivals back-to-back and is a new milestone in African cinema.

The film’s, cast and crew have received a major boost with a high profile endorsement from the

Head of State who succeeded the assassinated Murtala Muhammed at the time; General Olusegun Obasanjo, then later went on to become a two-term president.

He described ‘76 as “the best view of one of the worst times in our nation’s history. A must watch and an insight that was long overdue. Watching the attention to detail and hearing my own voice in February 1976, brought out both sweet and sour memories as Murtala Muhammed was not only my boss, he was my friend. I can not attest to what went on in the homes as we were focused on the field, but this film gives even I, an insight into that.”

Set during the era of military assassinations and political unrest in Nigeria, the movie also had the full approval and endorsement of the Nigerian Army and the Murtala Muhammed family,

and was shot inside the confines of a military base, another first in Nigeria’s cinematic history. It comes 40 years after the actual events, and follows four years of work by the multi-award winning Director, Izu Ojukwu and the production teams of Adonis Production and Princewill’s Trust, a brainchild of Prince Tonye Princewill and Adonijah Owiriwa who are the film’s executive producers.

“Our objective was to show audiences, amongst other things, what the wives of officers had to go through. Military coups were our legacy. In some ways, we are still trying to recover from this.

Everyone sees and hears the perspective of the officers. But the woman’s story stays silent. We wanted to highlight the strength and the vulnerabilities of the typical African woman through the eyes of officers’ wives. This is a filmmaker’s

small contribution to raising their volume.” the Executive Producer Adonijah Owiriwa stated.

The film stars renowned and respected Nollywood megastars Rita Dominic, Ramsey Nouah, Chidi Mokeme, Ibinabo Fiberesinma, Memry Savanhu, Daniel K Daniel (African best actor 2016), Debo Oguns and Adams Shuaibu and a host of other rising stars. At the centre of this very gripping romantic thriller is the charismatic, ‘Captain Joseph Dewa’, played by Ramsey Nouah who is indicted by the military for his alleged role in the coup.

The film will have its red carpet London premiere on October 15 and would be attended by all the key cast, crew and special guests. It will then have its African premiere in Lagos on November 11 before being released nationwide in cinemas from November 25.

REACHING OUT FOR PEACE

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello (left), with Prince Yahaya Audu, younger brother of the late governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in last year’s election, Prince Abubakar Audu, during the 25th anniversary of the creation of the state in Lokoja...Wednesday

CSOs: Creating Phantom Factions Won’t End Biafra Agitation Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia

As the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) contends with the alleged factions, some civil society organisations in the South-east have condemned the emergence of “fictitious factions” within IPOB, warning that such “creations” would not end the agitation for Biafra self-determination.

The groups, namely Igbo Women Assembly (IWA), Igbo Youth Movement (IYM), Igbo Students Union (ISU), Igbo Traders Association (ITA) and South East Christian Network (SECN) sounded the note of warning in a joint statement made available to journalists via e-mail.

Splinter groups, The Reformed Indigenous People of Biafra (TRIPOD) and Reformed Indigenous People of Biafra (REIPOB), recently emerged from the blue and disowned IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu and even threatened to burn the Biafra flag publicly on October 1.

REIPOB has gone further

to release names of eminent personalities it said would negotiate with the federal government on its behalf, a move that has angered some of the people named in the list.

Leader of IWA, Mrs. Mariah Okwor, said: “The funny games being played by the federal government is a further confirmation of the arrogance of this government in their stubborn refusal to address the problems from the root by restructuring Nigeria along six regions without delay.

“Only true fiscal federalism can save Nigeria now. Creating non-existent factions of IPOB will not stop the agitation. Government should stop amusing the public with childish plots,” she said.

The octogenarian activist noted that it has become evident that “there is clearly no crisis or factions amongst these gallant boys; they united under Nnamdi Kanu and they are committed to their struggle.”

According to her, Kanu has

surprised everybody by his “righteous, sincere and total commitment to the struggle,” thereby projecting himself as a hero.

IYM founder, Evang. Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko, corroborated the IWA leader, saying that “those who claim there is crisis in IPOB are the very people who are being used to create the impression of a crisis.

“Ndigbo knows that IPOB is intact,” he said, adding that the federal government should do the needful, “which is, begin to address the fundamental reasons why millions of youth have lost faith in Nigeria.

He insisted that “Creating artificial factions will not stop the agitation (as) only a restructuring of the polity will restore hope. Time is running out.”

President of Igbo Students Union, Chimezie Ubani, would rather laugh to scorn the fake splinter groups of IPOB, saying that “nobody knows the fictional characters, Philip Effiong Osuji and

Ikemba Biafra or Nzeogwu Biafra” He challenged the leaders of the fictitious groups “to publish their photographs and tell us their home town and local government of origin, if they truly exist.

“These fictional characters are only a creation of the oppressor, in order to deceive the public and waste tax payers’ money. There is no crisis whatsoever in the great and noble IPOB. We will honour Kanu in all the campuses in Eastern Nigerian soon. This is because he is our eternal hero, a prophet and a legend. He destroyed our oppressors with the power of truth. IPOB is intact and we are all proud of them,” he said.

Bishop Mike Ibeneme, coordinator of South-east Christians Network, condemned the propaganda targeted at giving the impression that IPOB has disintegrated, saying that “those alluding to factions in IPOB are only those who are afraid of IPOB (and) they have failed in their attempt to deceive the public. There is no crisis whatsoever within IPOB.”

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

COMMENT

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

THE WAR IS OVER

Following the controversy that rocked his appointment as clerk of the National Assembly, Jummai Calebs writes that Sani-Omolori is expected to hit the ground running

H

is appointment as acting Clerk of the National Assembly from being the clerk, House of Representatives, did not go down well, particularly with the leadership of the Senate. Senate President Bukola Saraki had reportedly favoured Mr. Benedict Efeturi, who was the Deputy Clerk, and had even written to the National Assembly Service Commission to withdraw the letter appointing Sani-Omolori.

But the commission had stood its ground: its Executive Chairman, Dr. Adamu Fika had explained that SaniOmolori was senior to Efeturi, and that denying him appointment as deputy clerk in 2014 was improper in the first instance. Sani-Omolori, according to records, was promoted to the post of deputy director on January 1, 2003 while Efeturi attained same post January 1, 2004.

The commission in a letter dated April 26, 2016, also explained that Efeturi himself would proceed on his pre-retirement leave on August 2, 2016, which is 12 days before Maikasuwa would hand over to his successor.

“This means Efeturi is barred for the acting appointment. Hence the choice of Mr. Sani-Omolori to act and ensure continuity in that very important public service office where he will serve for the next five years,” the letter read.

The House of Representatives did not show any opposition to Sani-Omolori’s appointment, but even congratulated him at one of the plenary sessions. SaniOmolori has now been confirmed substantive clerk.

Now that the dust over his appointment seems to have settled, he is expected to hit the ground running to consolidate on the achievements of his successor, Dr. Salisu Abubakar Maikasuwa.

A prince of the Ebira Kingdom in Kogi State, Mohammed Ataba Sani-Omolori is a graduate of law from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. His period as a youth corps member seemed to have prepared him for the future: he served as a legal draftsman/adviser in the Sokoto State House of Assembly for just three months.

There, he was saddled with drafting legislative bills, which included the Anti-Hoarding Edict (1983) and the Alcohol (Prohibition in Certain Places) Amendment Edict (1983), and providing on the spot legal advise to the

IN REPOSITIONING FOR GREATER PRODUCTIVITY, SANI-OMOLORI IS EXPECTED TO SUPPORT THE POLITICIANS, PARTICULARLY PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF BOTH CHAMBERS, TO REALISE THEIR MANDATE OF LEGISLATION, REPRESENTATION AND OVERSIGHT

Speaker and members. He continued his youth service as a legal adviser, at the Headquarters, Seven Mechanised Infantry Brigade in Sokoto.

Sani-Omolori had stints in legal practice with a private law firm before joining the civil service, at Ajaokuta Steel Company in 1985. He transferred to the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) and finally to the National Assembly as legislative counsel in 1992.

He was acting director of the Legal Services Department and eventually appointed substantive director in January 2007. The department’s law library was established during his tenure, alongside the setup of the legal services database management centre, which developed the software for the constitution, bills and data of legislators.

Elevated to the post of clerk, House of Representatives in February 2010, Sani-Omolori oversaw the affairs of over 600 parliamentary staff when he superintended over the affairs of the green chamber.

But he faces several challenges in the new appointment, in an era of dwindling funds, where the National Assembly is seeking to reposition itself and rebrand as a parliament for Nigerians. In repositioning for greater productivity, Sani-Omolori is expected to support the politicians, particularly principal officers of both chambers, to realise their mandate of legislation, representation and oversight. He must therefore work to bridge any gaps and ill-feelings from the initial opposition to his appointment, particularly from the Senate. Courting relevant stakeholders like civil society organisation, and the media would also go a long way to assist him achieve his mandate.

He must also ensure fairness, transparency, justice and equity in his administration of the legislature, among all staff members and legislative aides whose works are important to the smooth running of the parliament. This, he would achieve by running an open door policy, in the same manner as his predecessor.

His first task however, should be to soothe lingering bad blood and division caused by his appointment, whether justified or not.

THE TASK AHEAD OF HADIZA USMAN

A

Zik Zulu Okafor lists the areas demanding immediate attention at the ports

t the recent appointment of Hadiza Bala Usman as the new Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) a handful of kicks and jerks ensued from different sections of the public. Some latched on to her young age as an impediment while others covertly chipped in the gender card.

But reasons abound to counter such claims. Catherine Cook was just 20 when she led the growth of meetme.com (generating millions of dollars yearly in revenue).

Yang Lan also in her 30s kick-started what is now one of China’s biggest media corporations, Sun Media Investments Holdings. It is in this context that this appointment is seen as being capable of effecting the desired change needed in the ports.

Truth be told, the ports in any economy serve as a major catalyst for growth. From the grand impact of the development of the Suez Canal by Ramesses II in the 17th century to the economy of Egypt (through Port Said, berthing over 18,000 ships annually) to Cape Town’s Port influence on the economy of South Africa and, by extension, the Southern Africa region, the impact of ports in global economies had never been underplayed throughout the ages. It is in this context that one may want to agree that indeed a herculean task lies before Hadiza Usman.

One obstacle suffices though, which might serve as clog- vested interests, those bent on enriching themselves at the expense of the commonwealth. However, with a highly revered family pedigree with a staunch commitment to service and humanity, and her recent coordinated efforts with the #Bring Back Our Girls Campaign that brought

the world’s attention to the plight of the abducted secondary school girls at Chibok, she has demonstrated leadership qualities required to handle this monumental task.

A rare opportunity lurks ahead for her to cast her name in stones in the hearts of the Nigerian people forever. But this won’t be a seamless sail-through, as she would have to step on powerful toes, just as Dora Akunyili did at NAFDAC. Sources from NPA revealed that since 2012 to date about N60 billion has been remitted by the NPA to the Federation Account, an amount industry experts believed can be quadrupled within two years given the right leadership. Many analysts say a good start has begun with the strict compliance to the TSA directive and the automated payment and carriage procedures instituted by the past management.

Furthermore, the prevailing contention on the issue of the implementation of the 2006 Ports Concession Agreement would have to be reined in once and for all to help berth the corresponding success that was envisaged when the idea was conceptualised, key among which was a competitive and market-driven industry. These lofty goals have the tendency of being rubbished by a memo purportedly issued by former President Goodluck Jonathan during the dying days of his administration. The memo allegedly approved a so-called oil and gas terminal status for some ports, a move that contradicted the letter and spirit of the 2006 Concession Agreement.

A practical case would be to take a look at the beginning of oil exploration within the shores of Lagos. With this strange arrangement in place, all transport arrangements for exploration and production taking

place in Lagos would have to be done in the South-South part of the country where INTELS, the benefitting operator, has all its concessions located, whereas there are equally thriving port terminals in Lagos.

This, of course, would be a situation of economic suicide.

The present scenario where a particular port operator has been given the exclusive licence to carry out cargo operations relating to oil and gas, which the 2006 Ports Concession never made mention of, leading to a clear-cut abuse of the principle of sanctity of contract and tantamount to changing the goal post in the middle of a match.

This requires the new managing director’s immediate attention.

Business in any civil society is based on calculated and predictable risks on which investors make their financial plans. Where this is violated ‘a solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short life’ as in the stone-age according to Thomas Hobbes’ theory is what would be left for us all.

Today, a monopoly has been crafted yet again when in fact a key agenda of the concession agreement was to break the monopoly of the government -run NPA, and transforming same to an umbrella authority and regulator. This time even more dangerous, a privately run monopoly!

A roundtable discussion where all parties would lay bare all contending issues should be setup up in earnest to revive the true spirit of the 2006 agreements. All parties must be made to respect the letter and spirit of that agreement. Where the issue is beyond the NPA management, appropriate and patriotic recommendations should be made to the Minister of Transportation and the Presidency.

The new management should take firm and fair decision that will encourage all litigants in court over Goodluck Jonathan’s policy to withdraw their cases, so as to end the protracted crisis in the industry.

The drive towards a faster turnover in the discharge of cargo is an issue the past management took head long with the institution of a 24-hour operation mode at the ports; this can be better harnessed to achieve a more efficient result.

The return to the old system of 100% physical inspection is a worrisome development and extremely time wasting.

The new management should ensure the immediate rehabilitation/repair of the scanning equipment at the Apapa and Tin-Can Island Ports which broke down since last year, thereby leaving the Nigerian Customs service (NCS) with the only available option- 100% physical examination, a truly cumbersome and time wasting alternative. With automated ports inOur nearby neighbor, Benin Republic, has a fully automated ports. We cannot afford the luxury of sticking to the past.

Issues of arbitrary and double taxes would also need to be looked into, with a view to creating a conducive and thriving business environment for all across the value chain. At a time when the oil revenue is sinking and the government seeking about 2.95 trillion from non-oil business (according to the 2016 passed budget), it would take the navigation of a well-run ports system especially in a net importing country as ours to meet such an ambitious target and also stimulate the economy.

Okafor is the managing director of Zulu Films Ltd

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

EDITORIAL THE KILLINGS IN ZAMFARA

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Government must ensure that the murderers are brought to justice

amfara Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, last week provided gory details of the circumstances that led to the death of eight persons in the state when a mob set ablaze the house of a man who had rescued an undergraduate accused of blasphemy. According to Yari, reports from the security agencies indicated that there was a fight between two students, during which one accused the other (said to be a Yoruba from Kogi State) of abusing Prophet Mohammed. The attracted mob pummeled the “blasphemous” student until they thought he was dead, but some security personnel who later arrived the scene requested help from a shop owner who took the victim to the hospital in his car.

“When the students heard that the victim was still alive, they went to the hospital, but soldiers intervened,” said Governor Yari. “Then the students returned to the polytechnic and burnt the shop of the man who helped the victim. Unfortunately, the police in the division didn’t have enough men WE NEED TO EMPHASISE to contain the riot.

THE POINT THAT ONE Before reinforcement NIGERIAN LIFE UNJUSTLY came, the crowd LOST IN THE MANNER OF also burnt the man’s THESE RECENT INCIDENTS house. Everyone in DIMINISHES ALL OF US the house was killed, AND CORRODES THE all of them Muslims.”

FABRIC OF OUR SOCIETY That a man who tried to help save the life of an innocent person would be visited with such bestiality is a national tragedy. In another country, such a man would be declared a hero. But this is Nigeria where those in authorities cannot appreciate such things. However, we call on the security agencies to find the killers and bring them to book.

It should not be difficult to do if the police and other

Letters to the Editor

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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

security agencies can apply themselves to the more serious job instead of chasing a man who named his dog “Buhari”.

Unfortunately, the governor said that there was no arrest yet. That, more than anything, explains the brazen manner in which human lives are being taken, especially by sundry terror wolves, or groups brandishing sectarian credentials in our country.

They have been made to believe that they are above the law.

To the extent that crime is inherent in every society, what deters perpetrators is the certainty of consequences and penalties. But we are not aware of any serious measures to bring these murderers to justice.

Yet, as we have repeatedly argued on this page, the casual execution of fellow citizens for the simple reason that they believe differently is the beginning of something more frightening. We must all remember that televised public beheading by global terror merchants, of perceived adversaries, began this way.

In a nation swarming with all manner of militant and religious groups, we might be headed for that day when some crackbrained fundamentalist could just round up people of a different faith and routinely execute them in utter defiance of the state which has repeatedly proved ineffectual in protecting lives and basic freedoms. It is all the more disturbing that the government of the day has remained helpless in the face of a clear erosion of its sovereign legitimacy with anarchy now a clear and present danger.

At a time like this, therefore, we need to emphasise the point that one Nigerian life unjustly lost in the manner of these recent incidents diminishes all of us and corrodes the fabric of our society. That is the only way we can reaffirm and reinforce faith in our suddenly fragile unity. To do otherwise is to provide additional ammunition to the entrepreneurs of violence who already have chips on their shoulders.

The authorities must do everything to put them out of business.

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.

HARMONISING NIGERIA’S SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMMES Recently the United Nations, through its special Rappouteur on the Human Rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs), Professor Beyani Chaloka, called on the government of Nigeria to put in place a comprehensive and co-ordinated approach in addressing the problems of internally displaced persons in Nigeria.

At the moment, the United Nations puts the number of IDPS in Nigeria at 2.2 million, including women and children. The United Nations projects that the number could rise to 5.5 million persons.

This situation calls for an urgent re-evaluation of Nigeria’s social protection programmes in order to reposition it to effectively address and confront the potential humanitarian catastrophe looming in the North-east zone. It is general knowledge that the Nigerian economy remains in the woods in spite of the concerted efforts of the government, with growing job losses, unemployment, rising hunger and poverty, thus making it all the more crucial for a reappraisal and remodelling of Nigeria’s social protection programmes in order to effectively cater for the IDP’s and the expanding category of vulnerable persons

in our society, including the physically challenged.

The Nigerian government has to its credit a number of social protection programmes, but they have remained plagued by a general lack of inter-agency co-ordination, duplicity of functions, low coverage, and the lack of a comprehensive national social protection policy.

The government’s intervention programmes in the North-east typifies some of the problems bedevilling Nigeria’s social protection programmes, with the widely reported diversion of relief materials intended for suffering IDPs by criminal elements within the system and an apparent lack of effective inter-agency co-ordination.

Aside the lack of a comprehensive national social protection policy, Nigeria’s social protection programmes have also been held back by the lack of a co-ordinating institutional lead on social protection programmes, with social protection programmes currently being implemented by at least seven agencies of government, who report to a varied number of known and sometimes unknown political leader-

ship.

For example, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) office, all social protection platforms of the federal government, report to an assorted number of political leadership with the reenergised NSITF reporting to the Minister of Labour, the NHIS reporting to the Minister of Health, while the SDG office reports to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. This system, it is respectfully submitted, does not permit for efficiency in the implementation of social protection in Nigeria.

To remedy the situation, it is humbly suggested that there is need for the development of a national social protection policy, and the selection or establishment of a specific agency of government empowered with the requisite political and legal authority to establish and foster synergy and coherence between the various ministries, departments and agencies implementing social protection programmes in Nigeria.

Ugochukwu J. Amasike, Lagos

ENUGU AND HERDMEN’S VIOLENCE The recent attack by suspected herdsmen in the Ndiagu Attakwu community in Enugu State has understandably generated a lot of bile to such an extent that nothing can assuage their angst other than an extra-judicial crackdown on the herdsmen. Many observers blame the governor for the failure of security agents to curb the menace of herdsmen. But such sentiments often tend to obscure the reality of the Nigerian situation, especially with regard to its federal structure.

Governors are chief security officers of their states. In practice, however, this is a mere presumption as they neither have powers over the police nor any armed services deployed to their states. As a result of that, they are severely constrained in their constitutional mandate to protect lives and property and generally secure the states they govern.

Calling for extreme measures to tackle the problem of violence perpetrated by herdsmen is akin to aggravating an already grim situation.

The brunt of the public’s outrage should rightly be borne by the federal government - not the governor. What we should canvass is a reform of our flawed federalism in a way that gives governors substantial control of the police.

Uchenna Nwuzo, Agbani, Enugu State

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FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Oshiomhole Appoints Pat Utomi as Chairman, Edo Varsity’s Governing Council Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has inaugurated

the Governing Council of Edo University, Iyamho to be Chaired

by Prof. Pat Utomi.

Other members of the council are

Ayade Gives Instant Employment to 300 Applicants in Calabar Garment Factory Cross River State Governor, Senator Ben Ayade, yesterday sanctioned the immediate engagement of about 300 shortlisted applicants as employees of the newly built state-owned Calabar Garment Factory.

The lucky beneficiaries were at the garment factory for the final screening exercise for employment, which is in three batches for applicants from each of the three senatorial districts in the state.

Speaking during the exercise for applicants from the southern senatorial districts, Ayade directed that every applicant at the event be given automatic employment.

He told the cheering crowd that: “When we set up this factory, the intension was not just to create jobs but to guarantee that young men and women who have been challenged by circumstances of their births have the opportunity to better their lots.

“I’m so excited at what I am seeing here today, the number of people and their energy and it is an indication that our factory has taken off. Remember, the factory has the capacity to create 3,000 jobs.

“Truly, if you call yourself a leader, your focus should be on the vulnerable and the weakest that we are engaging today. We will guarantee you good salaries, food and proper transportation.”

According to the governor, “This is a lifesaving opportunity for the vulnerable. These women constitute the basis of the family, but unfortunately, because of the nature of our society, things have

become very difficult for them.”

Ayade described the factory as a new horizon for the employees to realize their true skills, potentials and manifestation of that which God has endowed them with.

Ayade further noted: “We want to show to the world that we have skills, great fashion engineers. I call you engineers because you are going to provide the skills that we have not seen before.”

Also speaking, president and founder of Africa Young Entrepreneurs (AYE), Oluwa Summy Francis, who was in company of other entrepreneurs from other parts of Africa, described the establishment of Calabar Garment Factory by Governor Ayade as a demonstration of true leadership in action.

Francis who was overwhelmed by the sheer size and capacity of the factory said: “What I am seeing here is something far from Nigeria, this is not just an opportunity but something that will create Africa.”

He further testified: “This is what happens when a youth becomes a governor, someone who truly has everything on his side like age, exposure, connections and commitment. When you have youth in the saddle, we should expect things like this.

“From our interactions with the governor, we are made to understand that the garment factory is the least of his lofty dreams for the people of Cross River. So, if this amazes you, then be ready for something that will blow your mind.”

Kumuyi: Nigeria will Overcome Economic Recession Bassey Inyang in Calabar Despite what seems to be endless hardship in Nigeria following the economic recession the country is facing in, the General Overseer of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor Williams F. Kumuyi, has stated that the nation would eventually overcome the challenge.

Kumuyi, who stated this yesterday at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport (MEIA) in Calabar, also allayed fears in some quarters that Nigeria can be Islamised.

Commenting on the current economic recession in the country, Kumuyi said: “The information is now made public and official that this is the worst recession situation in Nigeria in the last 29 years. “Well, as it affects the church, it also affects everyone. But there are things we still do in spite of the economy.

“Money is just a servant to man and it is not suppose to be the master. There are things we keep doing even when the money is not there. I believe that we will come out of this recession.”

Though he said it was not possible for him to tell exactly

where the nation got it wrong for economic recession to set in, he said: “Different situations brought us to this climax. So, we must have got it wrong somewhere, but I cannot pin it to one.”

On the issue of Islamisation of the country and the alleged persecution of Christians in some parts of northern Nigeria, the General Overseer of the church said: “I think it depends on the will of the people. You cannot impose a religion on a country without the will of the people. Worshiping God is a personal thing. If I chose my way, so will it be. If a country is said to be going through a process, if the people are asleep and they do not have any conviction, then it becomes easy for another person to impose what he feels he has on you. But the will of the people will not be easily overruled....

“When we say alleged killing we will need to investigate well.

Neither of the two dominant religions in Nigeria, Christianity and Islam, advocate the killing of neighbours.

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, (Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto); Bishop Gabriel Dunia (Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi); President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Aigboje AigImoukhuede, Dr. Solomon Uvie Owumi of the Department of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, a Director of the Board of Directors of Sterling Bank Plc; Prof. T.O.K. Audu, a Professor Emeritus of Petroleum Engineering of the University of Benin; Prof.

Emmanuel Aluyor, Acting ViceChancellor of the univeristy; and Dr. Isoken Ogboro, Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council.

Inaugurating the nine-man council, Oshiomhole said his vision was to midwife a firstclass university for the state and turn the state to the hub of tertiary education in the country.

He said: “I want to thank you for accepting to help us

to midwife the birth of a new university which is intended not to be run the way conventional public institutions are run.

“From my experience in Edo now for seven and a half years, I am convinced that the problem is not money. As a political economist, one of the basic elements of economic theory is that resources are necessarily scarce in relation to our wants. Therefore, the operating word is management.

It is that quality of management and governance that defines the outcome. And so I am confident that we can build and have a first-class university that will not only attract those who want quality university education but will also attract even foreigners.

“Because of my vision of the possibility of a first-class university that does not rely on government funding in the foreseeable future, I know that no government in the foreseeable future has all the resources that a university

needs to grow and develop, I just thought that having had my own frustration trying to intervene, I thought that we could build a centre of excellence that can run independently of the state.

“So, I think we need to think outside the box to have a unique university.

Responding on behalf of other members, Chairman of the council, Prof. Utomi, thanked the governor for the appointment.

He said: “Let me begin with a simple example, you mentioned Stanford University.

Many people fail to understand that California as a state in America is perhaps the 5th or 6th largest economy in the world, larger than many great European countries like Franceand others. At the heart of California prosperity is a university called Stanford. That knowledge flowing out of Stanford has created a tributary of the most famous CEOs in the world, one of which is in Nigeria right now. These CEOs command more influence

than many presidents of some largest economies of the world.

“We need to sit down and think about what kind of university we need to build. I am persuaded that if the right vision that we put forward is advanced with the appropriate strategy and culture to support it, one university can transform this state and become the basis of its prosperity if it is done right. Unless we build a culture of excellence, we will not achieve our potential as a people and so, from the very beginning, we need to ensure a culture that will drive excellence and part of that excellence is something you have just spoken to.

“I pledge my commitment to do everything that we can to ensure that kind of culture is created so that the dream that has been laid down is achieved.

“Again, I have to thank you on behalf of all of my colleagues and to say to you that we will do all of our very best to ensure that all of the noble objectives you have laid out are attained.”

CELEBRATING WITH THE OKONKWOS

L-R: Representative of Lagos State Governor and Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello; Guest Speakerand former Minister for Informaton and National Orientation, Mr. Frank Nweke; Celebrant/ President, The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo; his wife, Peace; and Chairman of the occasion, Chief Arthur Mbanefo, at the 17th Mike Okonkwo annual lecture in Lagos .... yesterday Etop Ukutt

Kogi at 25: Stakeholders Commend Bello over Development As the people of Kogi celebrate the 25th anniversary of the creation of the state, some stakeholders have applauded the governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for the rapid transformation and development that is taking place in the State under his watch.

Specifically, they applauded the governor for the massive rehabilitation of rural and urban roads in the sState, as well as the attention to the welfare and security interests of the people, which is the primary purpose of government.

The Kogi Democratic Forum (KDF), comprising leaders of thought from the State, made this commendation in a statement in Abuja as part of events marking the 25th anniversary of the creation of the state.

Leader of the group, Alhaji Ozigi Omeiza, in the statement, observed that there is paradigm shift in the political governance of the state, which has resulted into an equitable and balanced distribution of appointments and development projects among the

three geo-political and cultural groups in the state.

He claimed that no part of the state is being left out in the scheme of things as all the on-going projects especially, roads rehabilitation and other infrastructural facilities such as water schemes, schools, health care delivery and agriculture are being fairly distributed across the three senatorial zones of the state.

According to the leader, “The emergence of the Bello administration is providential.

We are very grateful to God who brought him on board at this point in time to salvage our state from the grips of backwardness and forces of retrogression. He has been fair-minded in the way and manner he is distributing development projects in the state. No part of the Kogi is being left out in the scheme of things.”

Omeiza also commended Bello for mobilizing contractors back to all the road projects abandoned in the 21 local government areas of the state by the preceding administration.

KDF noted that the on-going remedial works on the strategic roads in the state have brought a lot of relief to the people of Kogi and other commuters that must of necessity pass through Kogi to other parts of the country.

This was also as the group observed that the anti-corruption programme of the governor was yielding results as he had taken bold steps to block all known areas of financial leakages in the economy of the state through the institutionalisation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which ensured that all revenues of the state are never diverted into secret or private accounts.

Omeiza and his group further commended the administration of Bello for commissioning a staff audit of the state civil service with a view to weeding out ghost workers who have constituted a major drain on the lean resources of the state.

The staff verification exercise according to the group was hugely successful as about sixteen

thousand ghost workers were identified and expunged from the payroll of the state.

This, they noted, translated to a saving of a whopping N18 billion annually which would now be deployed to provide key infrastructure and other important amenities in the state.

The group also gave kudos to the governor for “the commendable progress he has made in the area of security,” which, they noted is evident in the strategic partnership the governor has forged with the nation’s military high command.

The partnership, according to Omeiza, has resulted into a high-level visit of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, to Governor Bello in Lokoja where he pledged to deploy troops to critical roads in the state with a view to routing out kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, bandits and other sundry criminals that have made lives unbearable for Kogi citizens and commuters especially on the dreaded Lokoja-Okene road.

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

POLITICS

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

PERSONALITY FOCUS

The Power Debate

There is an ongoing debate about the stability currently being experienced in the power sector. While some argue that the rains are responsible for the temporary relief, there are those who hold the view that the efforts of the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, might have begun to yield results, writes Olawale Olaleye

O

ff the turf of real politics, the debate about power is one in which no Nigerian can be stifled, because of the many ways power seems to affect him.

Power, to him, is everything.

Take away power and life becomes null and void and without form. Perhaps, it was the reason light was God’s first invention at the formation of the earth from its crudest form.

Unfortunately, the history of power failure in Nigeria is synonymous with her creation many years ago. The nation’s story about power has never been anything elating, even when Nigeria could be said to have had it good in other sectors – nothing positive has been consciously recorded against the power sector.

With ludicrous generation capacity, Nigeria has remained the joke of the continent, struggling with paltry megawatts that could merely pass as the byproducts of optimal power generation in other parts of the world.

It is no surprise too that power, for many years, has become a campaign issue in the country and the present ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) made a good capital from it during the 2015 elections. Besides, the choice of the man in charge of power, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, a former governor of Lagos State, also gave the hope that things might change for the better in that sector, if Fashola’s record as governor is put forward for debate.

As a governor, whose tenure was generally believed to have altered the face of governance and embraced an entirely cosmopolitan approach to delivering on election promises, Fashola, on the contrary, has had a rather rough and tough start as minister. It was as a result of such teething challenges that some people in their compulsive irritant nature christened him the minister of darkness.

But the Mechanic as Professor Wole Soyinka, Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate is wont to call him, was neither disturbed nor distracted. Focused, determined and committed to the road map he outlined for the power sector, Fashola’s clinically thorough efforts at fixing the power menace seem to be paying off gradually.

From the initially celebrated body language of the administration to a relapse to near total darkness, Fashola’s out-of-the-ordinary initiative in ensuring stable power supply is gradually shifting the debate in the all-important sector of the economy.

Yet, the debate is instructive, indeed, a good one. There are those who reckon the current stability in electricity supply is not new at this time of the year, when the rains are in full cycle. They contend that with increased water level, the dams across the country are usually in full swing and therefore, nothing extraordinary might have been added to support the current stability in power supply.

But another school finds the argument defective.

While this school agrees that the water level as a result of the rains might have helped to boost and sustain the current stability through hydro dams, Fashola, they posit, has taken the initiative beyond mere reliance on what is not within his control, if capacity and the application of knowledge were to change the slant of debate.

For instance, the total power generated as at February this year was 5,074 megawatts and 80 per cent of that was from gas, which was about 4,000 megawatts. Not long after, the nation lost 3,000 of the 5,074 megawatts to vandalism and the insensate attacks on oil installations in the Niger Delta region of the

Fashola...changing the narrative

country, leaving the entire nation to deal with 2,074 megawatts. That naturally affected power supply for some time.

Today, however, the current capacity is averagely around 3,500, even when what was responsible (vandalism) for the initial loss of 3,000 megawatts has not been sufficiently addressed. The question, therefore, is: how did the nation get the additional megawatts that are currently sustaining supply?

First is hydro. Since water is the fuel for hydro dam – the more water, the more energy – and about 300 megawatts is being sourced here alone. In other words, the debate about the rains assisting supply is valid and true to it.

But that does not automatically translate to

The debate is instructive, indeed, a good one. There are those who reckon the current stability in electricity supply is not new at this time of the year, when the rains are in full cycle…Another school finds the argument defective. While this school agrees that the water level as a result of the rains might have helped to boost and sustain the current stability through hydro dams, Fashola, they posit, has taken the initiative beyond mere reliance on what is not within his control, if capacity and the application of knowledge were to change the slant of debate

electricity if the power plants – the electrical parts of the project – are not maintained and put in their best form.

Recall that Fashola, on assumption of office had commissioned the Jebba plant. That was part of the maintenance initiative embraced to enhance efficient support for supply. The same maintenance approach was applied to the turbine in Shiroro and the dam in Kainji.

What this means is that they have been firing more turbines, meaning more power is being realised from hydro as a result.

From the Lagos axis alone, government is also realising about 40 megawatts, which helps to up the capacity of what is being used nationally.

And since certain areas naturally need more power than the others, even as some are wired to need power at a particular time of the day, the judicious application of the supply further assists in achieving a degree of balance.

Evacuating condensing in some gas production lines is another move known to have assisted greatly in realising stability, take for instance, the gas at Itorogwu, which has helped to increase supply at the eastern line.

Suffice it to note that while the 3,000 megawatts earlier lost to vandalism has not been restored yet, a balance has been gained somewhat from other sources like in Okada, Edo State, Igbogbo in Ikorodu and Alagbon in Ikoyi, both in Lagos as well as Maiduguri, Borno State. Whilst it is true that the rains have helped significantly in raising supply and stability, it should not also be lost on the debate that the maintenance of the electrical aspects is germane to the positive results.

There is also the plan by government to support an initiative in Kainji and Jebba for what is known as partial risk guarantee to secure funding for 300 megawatts from solar that will be connected to the grid. This forms part of the power diversification initiative of the ministry to maintaining and sustaining the current level of success while working harder to pushing it further up. And since no one source of power is sufficient, the diversification model becomes imperative.

Look at it this way, one, hydro is seasonal because it comes with the rain, and so also is the solar source which is controlled by the rising and setting of the sun. On the other hand, coal and gas too have their limitations in terms of environmental damage.

Thus, while government is not oblivious of

the challenges of each of these sources, the diversification initiative is complementary of each other and which will further test the sustainability of this model at a time other sources of power appear to be at their lowest ebb.

Taken together, Fashola’s headship intends to achieve his goal of a promising power sector through a combination of energy blend as well as preservation policy, which he glibly refers to as power diversification initiative.

Central to this is the recently approved different solar projects – about 14 of them – to generate a combined capacity of 1,286 megawatts, most likely the biggest solar projects the country has ever undertaken. And if achieved, it would help deliver in a matter of months, stable power supply. The gap that has been over time created in the power supply through the already weak infrastructure, Fashola is bridging by repairing and rehabilitating the existing infrastructure.

Another laudable initiative of the minister is the consideration being conceded to the possibility of decentralising the grid while still keeping them interconnected.

At the fifth monthly Power Sector Operators meeting hosted by the minister at Shiroro Hydro Power Plant in Niger State, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) provided progress update on 16 critical projects identified by distribution and generation companies.

These are the repairs of the Owerri/Ahoda/ Yenagoa line, which now connects the newly commissioned Gbarain plant to the grid. The completion of repairs to transmission projects in Ajah, Akoka, Afam and Kainji was also announced

by TCN at the meeting. This elucidates focus, determination and commitment.

In addition to the recent overhauling of the Jebba Hydro power plant, which was Fashola’s first assignment on assumption of office were the repairs of the Egbin power plant in Ikorodu, which hitherto had only two functional turbines in 2013 but now has all of its six turbines working. Repair works are also ongoing at the Forcados pipeline damaged by vandals and this is expected to be completed soon to allow gas to be supplied to thermal, power stations and result in an increased power on the grid.

The Azura Independent Power Project in Edo State is also receiving great attention and is expected to deliver 450 megawatts upon completion sometime in 2018. Supporting this is the Zungeru Power plant dispute in Niger State, which was held up in court for several years but has not been resolved by the minister. When completed, the power plant is estimated to deliver not less than 700 megawatts to the national grid.

There is also a new inter-agency collaboration aimed at achieving optimal cooperation to assist power producers, investors and all stakeholders in the siting of solar and hydro projects in the North, coal in the North Central, and South-east as well as gas plants in the South-west and South-south.

This is even the more promising as the Ministry of Petroleum Resources has promised to provide gas to encourage investors in the sector while its water resources counterpart has agreed, in collective interest, to provide access to Dams and River basins for hydropower use. In the same vein, the Ministry of Solid Minerals is said to be providing coal data to assist the revival of some of the coal-to-power initiatives.

With a well-articulated road map for Change in the power sector geared towards addressing the nation’s electricity challenge, there is certainly no mistaking the fact that these clearly lined up efforts of Fashola will eventually lead to stable and constant power supply in no time.

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POLITICS

EVENTS&REPORTS

Amosun: Actualising the Mission to Rebuild Ogun As a delegate to the first Media Conference/Summit organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ogun State, James Sowole reports that revelations from delegates who toured some projects of the state government showed that the rebuilding process is on course

C

onsidering huge infrastructure development and the modernization of many towns in Ogun State, it would not be an overstatement for anyone, who knew what the state looked like about seven years ago and what it is now to conclude that things are changing positively and rapidly too, in the state otherwise called the Gateway State.

Revelations from a day tour by journalists, who were delegates to the just concluded Media Conference/Summit held in Abeokuta, the state capital and sponsored by the Ogun State Government, were testimonial to the fact that the state is undergoing a total rebirth.

For four days, the state government hosted more than 400 delegates from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including National Officers of the union under in environment conducive for such an event. The tremendous transformation that has taken place in various sectors of the state were appreciated better by those who had at one time or the other lived in the state and had left for one reasons or the other but now have the opportunity to visit after again.

During the tour, which took delegates from various councils of the NUJ and national officers to the three senatorial districts of the state, delegates were amazed at the impressive improvement in infrastructure with new road network, housing estates of different categories, health facilities, education infrastructure and construction of bridges and flyovers at strategic places.

The story of some of the delegates that went on tour of Ogun West, Ogun East and Ogun Central pointed to the same direction that the present administration was seriously pursuing the rebuilding mission with vigour. Delegates were taken to some of the government projects by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Lekan Adegbite, who is an architect by profession and some by the governor’s media aides, including Mr Jide Fadairo.

Amosun

For the housing projects, the commissioner said three categories were embarked upon. The three categories are the one built directly by the government as welfare package for workers, the one built by the State Housing Corporation for interested members of the public and third one was the one built by the Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation (OPIC).

At the Workers’ Estate, Laderin, by the Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, delegates were conducted round the estate built directly by the government as welfare package for public servants, which comprises the workers in the core civil service and others in corporation and agencies.

The commissioner said though the target of the government was to build 1,000 units of the houses, 160 units had been completed and ready for allocation, adding that each unit costs N2.5 million. He said an alotee only needed to pay 10 per cent of the cost of the building while the rest would be paid by installment through mortgage arrangement.

The commissioner said the government embarked on the housing project because what the current administration inherited as workers’ estate were grossly inadequate, considering the number of

workers in the employment of the government.

When asked that buildings in the estate that had been inaugurated were yet to be occupied, the commissioner said the delay was due to the pressure from workers as requests were far more than what was on the ground. He said in order to ensure that the houses get to the targeted beneficiaries, the process of allocation would be handled by the office of the Head of Service.

The second housing estate toured by NUJ delegates was the one named after the late Mrs. Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, popularly called HID Estate. In this estate with modern housing infrastructure like tarred road, water supply, electricity and in a secure environment, there are three and two bedroom flats detached and semi-detached buildings.

The commissioner disclosed that a three bedroom flat costs N4.5 million while the two bedroom flat costN4 million to whoever can pay for any of the houses.

The third estate was the high-brow Orange Estate. The houses in this estate are duplexes with one bedroom boy’s quarters each. That the estate is a high brow was not an understatement because apart from the ambience, the estate has a central power generating supply apart from electricity from the public power supply and also has a club with swimming pool and other indoor game facilities.

Other projects inspected by the delegates were roads and three flyovers constructed at strategic locations in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Mr Adewale Adewunmi, who had experienced traffic gridlock at the popular Mortuary Junction during peak hours while going to the Federal Secretariat, Oke-Mosan from his Asero Estate residence before he was transferred to Ondo State was marveled at the sight of the flyover that now connects the dualised Abiola Way with the road that goes to Leme and the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Mega Station.

“I must confess, this project is unique and

appropriate. People had suffered a lot at this junction when going to work in the morning and while coming in the afternoon because this is a cross road. Sometimes, I used to pity traffic policemen that were posted to this junction.

With the construction of this bridge, relief has definitely come to the people that ply this road,” Adewunmi stated.

Adewunmi, who claimed he had been reading of the rebuilding mission of the current administration in newspapers and watching same on television, was the more convinced that the Ibikunle Amosun administration was actualising the rebuilding mission, when the delegates train arrived at the starting point of Oke-Ijehun-Sapon-Kenta Oloko-Itoku-Odo-Oyo dualised roads and a flyover bridge.

“With these new road networks and link flyover bridges, modern shopping complexes and school buildings that I have seen today, I am now convinced that Amosun is working to change Abeokuta the state capital status from the ancient look to a modern city. Things have really changed for better,” he said.

Expectedly, projects like these did not come cheap, particularly on those whose properties were demolished for road dualisation and building of modern shopping complexes. The Works and Infrastructure Commissioner said many issues were raised on the payment of compensation to families of the affected property, but many had been resolved while some are still pending due to internal crisis among owners.

He said since most of the affected properties were ancient buildings inherited by offspring of the original owners, issues of whose names should be written on cheques delayed payment of compensation to many families, adding that those who agreed on what to do had been compensated.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

PERSPECTIVE

Ondo’s Changing Political Landscape The outcome of tomorrow’s governorship primary of the All Progressives in Ondo State will determine to a great extent, its chances in the November election. Tunde Rahman writes

T

he race towards the November 26, 2016 Ondo governorship election has its own defining features worth recalling from the get-go.

Firstly, unlike the 2012 election in the state that could be said to be a threepronged affair among Labour Party, Peoples Democratic Party and defunct Action Congress of Nigeria – the extant contest is clearly a two-way horse race between the All Progressives Congress, a rainbow coalition, which emerged from the ACN and other legacy parties and which eventually ousted the PDP government of President Goodluck Jonathan, and the same PDP. Labour Party, which won the 2012 governorship poll in the same state, has been emasculated by the same forces that threw it up in Ondo at the time. PDP’s candidate in that election, Chief Olusola Oke, who some analysts reckoned could have carried the day if supported by the powers-that-be in Abuja, was spurned by the government in Abuja, produced by the same party, and its apparatchik, for Labour Party’s candidate, Governor Olusegun Mimiko, all because of a tenuous alliance that failed to engender Jonathan’s re-election in 2015.

Now divided down the line, it is doubtful if the PDP with two governorship candidates

Oyegun

for the election can re-invent the wheel.

Again, ironically, the same Oke, the former PDP National Legal Adviser, has since pitched his tent with APC and is also in the race for the party’s ticket.

Secondly and more importantly, the 2012 poll was framed at the time by many commentators as a straight fight between former Lagos State governor and now APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and Mimiko, who was then seeking a second term in office.

On the lips of the pro-Mimiko campaigners was the phantom allegation that the ACN, which by then had regained control of the South-west, was out to siphon Ondo’s oil resources to Lagos. Those who believed the propaganda at the time now know better, given the wide disparity between the state’s oil wealth and the standard of living of the people of the state since after that election.

Meanwhile, Lagos is working. Under former governor Babatunde Raji Fashola and now Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the state remains a model that other states are copying. The performance of Governor Mimiko in office has remained confounding, according to analysts, given the oil resources of the state.

Mimiko seemed to have squandered the goodwill he garnered over the years.

At present, the state owes civil servants five month salary arrears, resulting in a low morale among workers in Ondo. The governor has been accused of erecting white elephants projects while most of the beautification projects are said to be centered in Akure, the state capital, where his PDP faction, the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee, picked its candidate, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN).

The calculation in picking Jegede,

Mimiko’s former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, who hails from Ondo Central Senatorial District, which already produced Mimiko for two terms, is because of the district’s high voter-population. But Akure is an urban centre inhabited mostly by people from other two districts, many of whom are said to be rooting for a change.

They fear that Jegede, if elected, may be an extension of Mimiko’s years, which they alleged had failed to uplift the standard of living of the people in the state.

The APC, on its part, is not without its problems, some of them self-imposed.

The build-up to its primary election, now rescheduled for tomorrow, September 3, has been marked by accusations, counter-accusations and bitter intrigues.

The accusation that the APC leadership had endorsed one of the aspirants in the race has been laid to rest, as the party’s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has denied any such endorsement, while noting, however, that endorsement is not the same as imposition and promising a level-playing field at the primaries.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

R A T E S

A S

NIBOR

18.1583% 16.4521%

3-MONTH 6-MONTH

17.7293% 20.2207%

A T

NITTY 1-MONTH 2-MONTH 3-MONTH

Group Business Editor Chika Amanze-Nwachuku

Email chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com 08033294157

A U G U S T 114.4332% 15.1358% 115.2408%

6-MONTH 9-MONTH 12-MONTH

2 5 ,

2 0 1 6

17.5623% 19.28% 21.3438%

EXCHANGE RATE N314.95//1US DOLLAR* *AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes New Businesses at Nation’s Waterways

TOWARDS CREDIBLE CREDIT SYSTEM

L-R: Deputy Chairman, Banking and Currency, National Assembly, Hon. Salisu Zakari Ningi; Chairman, Credit Bureau Association of Nigeria (CBAN), Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun; Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim; Vice Chairman, Senate Committee Banking, Insurance and Financial Institutions, Senator Umaru Kurfi; at the 3rd National Credit Reporting Conference organised by CBAN in Lagos…recently

Recession: Domestic Airlines Face Bleak Future Chinedu Eze Industry experts have projected that by the end of 2017 only three Nigerian airlines will be operating scheduled passenger service, which means that two more airlines may stop operation after Aero Contractors.

Domestic carriers are facing hard times owing to high cost of aviation fuel and a slumping Naira because almost everything used for airline operation is imported with foreign exchange.

With high cost of overseas maintenance, depleting passenger traffic due to economic recession and high cost of spares, many Nigerian airlines may not survive the next 16 months, industry insiders have predicted.

AVIATION While announcing the discontinuation of scheduled service on Wednesday, the CEO of Aero Contractors, Captain Fola Akinkuotu said: “Unfortunately, the operating environment within and outside the airline have hindered any possible progress especially in the last six months when the Naira depreciated against the dollar, thus making it impossible for the airline to achieve its operational targets.

“The impact of the external environment has been very harsh on our operational performance, hence management decision to suspend scheduled services operations indefinitely effective September 1, 2016

pending when the external opportunities and a robust sustainable and viable plan is in place for Aero Contractors to recommence its scheduled services.”

Travel expert Ikechi Uko said Nigerian airlines over the years go through boom and bust; that this is the last part of the bust period and if there is no intervention of any kind, most of the airlines may not survive it.

He said that so far the two airlines that might survive are the ones on international operations, which access fares in foreign currency, adding it would be extremely difficult for airlines that earn Naira revenues in their operations as almost every service given to airlines is dominated in forex.

“This time needs strategic thinking. Nigeria cannot afford having only two airlines of less than 36 aircraft in its domestic service, so something has to happen; however, it reflects what is happening now on the national economy. No critical decision has been taken, no proper plan and no economic blueprint. There must be intervention of some kind to sustain the operation of some of the airlines,” Uko said.

Why it is more difficult for the airlines to survive is the huge expenses they pay to remain in operation and the low fares, which do not defray the cost of operation.

Continued on page 22

Customs Agents: How FG Can Boost Export Eromosele Abiodun The National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) has identified lengthy and cumbersome documentation process on export, multiplicity of regulatory/security agencies, high and duplicated terminal/ shipping company charges and process and lack of export infrastructures as the major obstacles that affect export process from Nigerian ports.

In a letter to the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and copied President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Shippers Council

MARITIME (NSC), NCMDLCA called on the federal government to take urgent steps to remove the obstacles before it is too late.

The letter signed by its National President, Lucky Amiwero alleged that: “Federal government agencies duplicate the process of quality inspection with that of the appointed federal government pre-shipment inspection on export. This constitutes serious bottleneck due to lengthy and cumbersome process, procedure and cost, which resulted in attendant delays and high cost that necessitated to the movement of our product to our neighbouring

West African Ports.”

On the duplication of charges by shipping companies, the customs agents said: “The Nigerian Shipping companies in line with the contract of carriage, handle import container that are loaded back to the country of origin as empty container without any charge due to the level of export activities that is still very low in the country. The shipping lines Terminal Delivery Charges (TDC) is a charge that is not tied to service, as such charge is duplicated in the charges of Terminal Operators. Their charges do not represent any service to exporters in Nigeria in any form.”

“The excessive Terminal Charge coupled with various

other charges, they added, are not tied to services in line with WTO Articles VIII –(1)(a), which stipulates, that all fees and charges of whatever character imposed by contracting parties in connection with importation and exportation shall be limited in amount to the approximate cost of service renders.

“The terminal charges are charges component that are not tied to service and it’s duplicated by the shipping company who do not perform any service in the terminal.

The operational procedure of Terminal/shipping activities contributes to the associated Continued on page 22

The managing director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Boss Mustapha has said that the agency would strategically grow new businesses across the Nigerian Inlands Waterways and also embark in wealth creating infrastructure that will add value to water transportation in the country.

Addressing the staff of Lagos area office of the federal agency saddled with the responsibility of regulating inland waterways transportation in Nigeria, Mustapha who is the newly appointed boss of NIWA urged the workers to brace-up for new challenges through creation of wealth and not be seen only as revenue collectors, a development he wished to be thrown into the dustbin of history.

He also enjoined the staff and management to think out of the box, deal with the visible stagnation in NIWA and joins hands with him to deliver to Nigerians a highly visible, revitalised and technically efficient organisation that the nation can proud of.

“We must show competence and not lose sight of the component of national development through waterways which we must unlock strategically to encourage small businesses in the riverine communities and states to thrive” Boss Mustapha explained, adding that the expectations of change in work ethics will be backed with staff welfare and opportunities of training to generate new revenue lines.

He assured the staff that he has got the character, ability and capacity to deliver a new NIWA and challenged them to also recreate themselves in the agency so that their children and those yet unborn would wish to become part of the legacy story of NIWA.

Air Peace Rewards Loyal Customers

Nigeria’s domestic carrier, Air Peace has issued hundreds of free business and economy class tickets to its loyal customers who have earned enough points under the airline’s frequent flyer programme tagged “Peace Advantage.”

In a message sent to the qualified customers, the airline said it was grateful to them for their loyalty and patronage.

“You have kept faith with us and continued to make Air Peace your airline of choice. On behalf of the chairman and management of Air Peace, please accept our heartfelt gratitude and congratulations,” the airline said.

“The Peace Advantage package is our way of giving customers a well-deserved appreciation for their decision to fly with us always. With a Peace Advantage card, the traveller gets additional travel time on any destination they wish each time they travel with us.”

LASG Sets Up Offences Mobile Court

In a bid to deter road traffic, environmental offenders, the Lagos State Government (LASG) has established the Lagos Special Offences ‘Mobile’ Court Services (LSOMCS).

The coordinator of Lagos special offences (Mobil) court service, Femi Alabi made this known in a statement made available to THISDAY. He said the body has been empowered by it under section 1, CAP S8, law of Lagos state 2015, to arrest and prosecute environmental offenders and other special offences such as Road Traffic offences, wrong packing, environmental sanitation law offences street trading, illegal markets etc.

“The LSOMCS came into full operation in February 2016, with the aim of making Lagos more habitable and enforce strict compliance with traffic laws. Their mode of operation is to move from one place to the other in company of Lagos special task force, LASTMA members, police and other security bodies with magistrate and prosecutors directly affiliated to the attorney general’s office. Other relevant members of staff like accountant, defense council will be waiting at nearest LCDA with the primary aim of bringing offenders to justice and enhance attitudinal change and not revenue per say. Fines are Optional as offenders have the option of community service.”

“Recognising that our greatest asset is our people, the leadership of the maritime industry in Nigeria, is committed to building a skilled, talented and effective workforce” DG, NIMASA)

Dr Dakuku Peterside

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BUSINESSWORLD RECESSION: DOMESTIC AIRLINES FACE BLEAK FUTURE For them to sustain their operation they will have to receive support, which could serve as kind of subsidy, “because if they could charge profitable fares, most passengers will not be able to afford it and they would operate almost half empty flights,” an operator told THISDAY. “For an airline to be profitable it has to operate each of its aircraft for approximately 11.5 hours per day. That is the global average. And for Nigerian operation to be profitable the cost of one-hour flight presently should be N45, 000, which obviously is beyond the means of many Nigerians.

That is equivalent of N19, 500 of last two years when the exchange rate was N170 per dollar. Then fuel was about N90 per litre but now it is going for N200 to N230 per litre,” industry expert told THISDAY. CUSTOMS AGENTS: HOW FG CAN BOOST EXPORT delay due to short shipment of consignment that result to late Loading and reloading of exported containers.

The mandatory applicable global adoption of International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Convention for safety of life at sea (SOLAS) Chapter VI, Part A Regulation 2 cargo information, is the shipper responsibility to provide the container’s gross.

“The Verification of gross Mass (VGM) shall be verified by shipper either by weighing the packed container using calibrated and certified equipment as contained in the provision of SOLAS CHAPTER VI Part A Section 4 paragraph 1&2, which clearly states, the shipper of a container shall ensure the verified gross mass (VGM) is stated in the shipping document and shall be signed by the shipper.”

Consequently, they requested that trade procedure committee (TPC) be set up with expert, to address the obstacle and the shortfalls inherent in our system as it relate to export and import trade

Group Business Editor

NEWS

NIMASA to Enforce Implementation of ISPS Code Eromosele Abiodun

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA) has again restated its position to ensuring the full implementation and enforcement of the International Ships and Ports Facility Security (ISPS) code in the nation’s ports.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside stated this at the opening ceremony of a five-day training programme facilitated by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in conjunction with NIMASA on ISPS code compliance in Lagos.

Peterside observed that skilled, efficient and talented workers are critical to the growth of the maritime sectorr assuring NIMASA will continually equip its staff with new knowledge, skills and technologies necessary to ensure compliance with the ISPS Code.

According to him, “Our people and values are hallmarks of a good and strongorganisation.

Recognising that our greatest asset is our people, the leadership of the maritime industry in Nigeria, is committed to building a skilled, talented and effective workforce. This is why we take advantage of every training programme to equip our people and prepare them for new challenges that come up daily in the course of carrying out their assignments.”

He also disclosed that in pursuit of its vision to reposition the maritime industry, NIMASA has developed an in-house training initiative to continuously update the skills of its staff and keep them in

tune with various developments in the industry.

While assuring the participants that the training will be continuous, Peterside said that the Agency as the Designated Authority (DA) for the implementation of ISPS Code, will work with local and International stakeholders to develop quality industry specific training for its staff, to enhance their performance and productivity in the line

of duty.

He thanked the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi for showing rare leadership in the maritime industry.

“Things are turning around in the maritime industry because we have a Minister who understands that the industry offers Nigeria a great opportunity to leapfrog our economy”, he stated.

Meanwhile, Peterside has highlighted his management’s

determination to make the agency a world class, high performance organisation.

He said this during the Management Performance Review (MPR) of the Agency held in Lagos. He said the Agency’s repositioning initiative is all encompassing and when concluded would be beneficial to the entire maritime sector.

The NIMASA boss also said that the MPR was an avenue to assess the progress being

made by the Agency viz-a-viz its reform, restructuring and repositioning drive to ensure that the Agency’s mandate is achieved. According to the DG, “There is no organisation that can grow without innovation and the MPR affords us a rare opportunity to assess our journey thus far. It is a rare privilege to match set goals with results, to assess ourselves on how far we have gone in this journey.

CAPACITY BUILDING

L-R: Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Lead Consultant, Mr. Brian Cranmer, during the opening ceremony of a five-day training organised by IMO in conjunction with NIMASA on ISPS Code Compliance in Nigeria ...recently

National ID: NCC Approves Data Release to NIMC Emma Okonji The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, has approved the release of the Commission’s data from the ongoing Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards registration exercise to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

The approval is in line with efforts by the federal government to harmonise biometric

data captured by different agencies in the country.

Danbatta, who made this known while receiving the Director General of NIMC, Aliyu Aziz, who paid him a courtesy call yesterday in Abuja, said the decision to release the data is in line with similar federal government’s instruction to transfer validated data to the sister agency.

The inter-agency and other stakeholders’ collaboration is a key component of the eight Point Agenda the professor of

telecommunications engineering, unveiled in February this year, with a view to moving the industry forward, Danbatta said.

According to him, “I would like to pledge our commitment to this cooperation between the NIMC and the NCC to ensure that we have a secure, reliable database containing biometric information for all Nigerians, which will definitely augur well for the security of the country among other benefits.”

“So we are committed to

this. We recognise the importance of this cooperation and I would like to stress the need to give it all the seriousness it deserves. I am happy that there’s MoU and there’s also a federal government’s directive, which would help in facilitating the data transfer,” he added. The EVC, however, called for the reinvigorating of the existing inter-agency committee handling the exercise in order to fast-track the peacemeal data transfer to NIMC. The EVC however directed

the NCC to ensure that the data transferred to NIMC are fully backed up to avoid any hitches in future.

Responding, the NIMC boss, who expressed delight at the cooperation between the two agencies, said the data transfer from NCC would also improve the ongoing National Identification Number (NIN) exercise of the commission.

He said NIMC would use the NCC’s data to assign NIM to Nigerians who were captured in the validated data received.

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku AgriBusiness/Industry Editor Comms/e-Business Editor

‘Nigeria’s Business EnvironmentVery Tough’

Capital Market Editor

Emma Okonji

Crusoe Osagie Emma Okonji

Goddy Egene

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

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

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (Capital Market)

The former Managing Director of Business Connexion, an ICT services company, Mr. John Sviridov, has said that doing business in Nigeria in the last two years was hectic, due to the harsh economic situation.

Sviridov, who made the revelation while handing over to the new Managing Director of the company, Mr. Ayo Adegboye in Lagos recently, said businesses were put on hold for fear of uncertainty during the extension of the presidential campaign of former

President Goodluck Jonathan and President Muhammadu Buhari during the 2015 general elections.

He however said tension was a bit relaxed after the elections were declared peaceful and successful, but that the business environment became tough again shortly after President Buhari was sworn in as President. Sviridov however attributed the tough business environment to delay in the appointment of Ministers as well as the delay in the approval of 2016 budget, which he said, adversely affected technology

businesses and other forms of businesses in the county because of limited liquidity in circulation, which others attributed to the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy of the current administration.

“Business confidence dropped when elections were delayed in the country last year. Finally when President Buhari emerged winner of the 2015 presidential elections and was sworn into power, budget was delayed and it also affected businesses.

Again lack of dollar in the last one year has made it extremely difficult to do business in

Nigeria because the cost of dollar became so high even at the official bank rate, and we as business entity, have to raise so much naira to purchase few dollar notes with which we buy technology equipment outside the country,” Sviridov said. Although businesses have been tough in the past two years in Nigeria, but it appears things are beginning to take shape and we have hope to continue doing business in the country, Sviridov added. According to him, “A lot of purchases that we make are based on foreign currency, and the lack of dollar

is making it difficult to trade.

So one of the ways in which the Nigerian economy can be revived, is by implementing the use of digital services to achieve digital transformation.

The more people are involved in using technology, the more people use data applications, the better for the country because it will enhance sector growth and that will boost the economy of the nation.”

He said the future of Nigeria is bright, and that businesses that embrace technology, are sure to survive doing business in the country.

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BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

Again, NDLEA Warns Pilgrims against Drugs Trafficking Chinedu Eze The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has again warned pilgrims against going to the holy land with any narcotics substance.

The agency said any substance either injected or hidden, would be detected by the agency.

An officer-in-charge of Hajj operations at the NDLEA, Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi explained that drug trafficking attracts death sentence in Saudi Arabia, the consequence of it before Almighty God is equally huge.

Shinkafi spoke at the Hajj seminar organised for pilgrims on international route by MedView Travels Konsult, an arm of Med-View Airlines PLC held Medview Head office in Lagos.

The NDLEA official noted that those arrested recently at Ilorin International Airport injected the substance but the Airport lacks the scan-

ning machine to detect the substance.

Disclosing that the agency had beefed up its search, he urged all pilgrims, who are still performing the exercise this year to call themselves to order. “Wherever you put it, we would detect it”, he said.

Other agencies like the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) also cautioned pilgrims to abide by the rules and regulations of Saudi Arabian authorities.

Managing Director/CEO of Med-View, Alhaji Muneer Bankole explained that the airlines had saved pilgrims the stress of going through Dubai on Emirates or other foreign carriers which journey is usually longer.

“For the international pilgrims, the good thing God has given us is that we are the only Nigerian air carrier that operates schedule to the

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We have the right for four flights weekly”, he said.

Few weeks ago, the Saudi Arabian authorities arrested three pilgrims from Kwara for alleged possession of substance suspected to be cocaine.

Hajia Fatima Abolore-Jimoh, the Executive Secretary, Kwara Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, confirmed the arrest from Saudi Arabia in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

She said the three pilgrims, who were among the first batch of 505 Pilgrims from Kwara, were arrested in Madina by Saudi Arabia security operatives.

The executive secretary, who did not disclose the identities of the three suspects, said they were still in the custody of Saudi Arabian authorities.

Abolore-Jimoh said the Saudi Arabian law would certainly take its course on the three suspected drug traffickers.

IATA, Egyptian Authorities Move to Address Airline Blocked Funds The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Egyptian authorities are working together to find a practical solution to release, for repatriation foreign exchange funds due international airlines operating to Egypt.

Since March, airlines have been unable to repatriate the full amount due them under international conventions, as a result of restrictions imposed by the Government of Egypt.

The current value of funds blocked in Egypt stands at US$275 million.

Discussions between airlines, the Central bank of Egypt and Egypt’s Civil Aviation Authority have resulted

in the release of US$240m for repatriation. Talks continue towards establishing a realistic and achievable payment schedule to settle the remaining amount.

Connectivity is critical for Egypt. Aviation supports over 1 million jobs and provides US$13.1 billion in social and economic benefits to the country.

The economic impact of the connectivity that aviation provides is essential for Egypt to overcome current economic challenges.

Airlines struggle to provide vital connectivity if they are not able to recover revenues which are essential to covering

their costs. IATA, the airlines serving Egypt and the Government of Egypt are working closely to find a solution that will comply with international obligations and facilitate effective air links in support of Egyptian business, including trade and tourism.

IATA is also working with the Nigeria’s Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Office of the Vice President and the United Bank for Africa in charge of Billings Settlement Plan in Nigeria on the repatriation of foreign airlines funds in Nigeria put at about $800 million as at early last month.

Etihad Airways Launches Global Sales Etihad Airways has launched its annual global sales campaign, targeted at business and economy class guests, with fares available on a wide range of destinations served across the world and fares available for travel until June 2017.

According to the airline, guests can make the most of this offer over seven days, by booking on etihad. com or via their local travel agent, between August 29 and September 4, 2016.

Etihad Airways said that the sale would offer up to 50 per cent off fares to 45 of the world’s most popular destinations from across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas.

The airline said that in addition to that members of the airline’s loyalty programme; Etihad Guest, will continue to earn miles on all fares in the sale.

Speaking on the development, the Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Etihad Airways, Daniel Barranger said, “We have continued to

expand our global network this year and add further aircraft to the fleet, ensuring we have a high quality product throughout our aircraft and available to the millions of guests, who choose to fly with us each year. By including our partner airlines in our new offer, we are providing access to a larger list of destinations and a combined fleet of over 700 aircraft, ensuring we can meet every guest’s personal requirements.”

The sale, the airline said will cover a wider range of cities including those served by the Etihad Airways partners.

With a combined network of over 400 destinations across six continents, the partners provide even greater access across the combined destinations of Etihad Airways, Airberlin, Alitalia, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Etihad Regional, Jet Airways and NIKI. For the experience of all guests, Etihad Airways continues to invest in world-leading in-flight products throughout its cabins.

The airline has pioneered

supporting features such as Flying Nannies to assist parents with young children and Economy Smart Seats, specially designed to provide more comfort and legroom.

Additions to the airline fleet have seen Airbus 380s serving Abu Dhabi, London, Sydney, Mumbai, New York and Melbourne while Boeing 787 Dreamliner services have been added to cities including Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, Perth and Dusseldorf, with the new aircraft allocated to serve Johannesburg before the end of the year.

On the ground, new lounges have opened over the last 12 months in New York, Los Angeles and Melbourne while a flagship First Class Lounge and Spa opened its doors in Abu Dhabi in May. Alongside the continuous service updates and improvements onboard, the global sale is another addition to Etihad Airways’ diverse strategy of developing world-class products and experiences for its guests and to continue to re-imagine.

AIR WATCH FAAN Boosts Revenue through Concessions

Managing Director, FAAN, Saleh Dunoma (R) receiving an award of Best EMERGING AIRPORT-AFRICA REGION from Director General, Gulf Aviation Authority, Prince Saif Suwaidi in Abu Dhabi

D

espite the recent decision of the federal government to concession airport facilities, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has since adopted the system of partnering the private sector, a strategy that has gained traction about four years ago when the number of international airlines that operate into the country doubled.

With the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano hosting more foreign carriers since 2012, FAAN had to boost its commercial offering to cater for the needs of increasing passenger traffic as it built more shops and other commercial facilities to attract investment from the private sector.

This has boosted the nonaeronautical revenues of the agency, which is expected to rise in the coming years as the country gears to increase its perishable goods export and as it is expected that passenger growth despite current economic recession would rise by 15 percent 2019.

The Managing Director of FAAN, Saleh Dunoma told THISDAY that recently, more international airlines have added the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos to their long haul schedules, including now one from the USA, two from the Middle East, one from Far East and several regional airlines.

“Local airlines are also expanding their fleet and route networks while private-public partnership is growing, with a fresh set of projects underway at various airports and the first of Build-OperateTransfer (BOT) projects recently commissioned at four major airports in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja and Kano,” Dunoma said.

The FAAN boss believes that the new terminals would boost passenger traffic and enhance passenger facilitation, as the new terminals would come with state-of-the-art facilities.

“It is easy to see why several factors work in our favour. FAAN offers an array of irresistible incentives and doing business with us has become a lot easier. We are investing heavily in the renewal and expansion of infrastructure at our airports with five international buildings nearing completion at Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Enugu airports.

“Our aim is to create capacity and promote excellent investment environment. With tourism growing in direct proportion to the Nigerian economy, international best practice regulatory policies in place and world class service delivery at our airports, we are poised for a significant growth in passenger traffic and therefore confident that investors, both local and foreign, would realise prompt and significant returns on their investments,” Dunoma said.

He said the aviation industry contributes over $1billion to the Nigerian economy annually and supports more than 150, 000 jobs in Nigeria and thus creating immense business opportunities for both local and foreign investors.

FAAN is calling for investment in airport infrastructural facilities like the construction and management of hangar facilities and well as fixed base operations (FBOs), construction and management of hospitality facilities, including but not limited to hotels; construction and management of automated car parks, development of terminal buildings, construction of runways, taxiways and aprons; construction and management of helipads and construction and management of independent power plants (IPPs) and aviation fuel deposit facility.

Also for perishable agri-produce, FAAN is inviting for the construction and management of cargo air services for perishable agricultural produce.

Dunoma explained that for third party businesses, FAAN provides land spaces or developed aviation and nonaeronautical facilities, under appropriate business and financial arrangements, in line with the agency’s commercial and investment policy guidelines for leases and rentals.

“In the interest of transparency, FAAN advertises all commercial concessions and infrastructural facilities and calls for bids for such concession/ facilities from local and international investors,” Dunoma said.

He said there is direct linkage between economic prosperity, population growth and airport, airline and tourism activities.

“A number of indices can make FAAN and by extension tourism in Nigeria attractive and flourishing. Investors will find both the new and improved airports as well as Nigeria generally a haven for investment. We have stable democratic government, potentially popular tourist destination in a country of scenic beauty with airport connection in Cross River, Bauchi, Kwara, Osun, Plateau, Taraba and Adamawa states,” the FAAN boss said.

But indigenous airlines have advised FAAN to offer land freely for the establishment of Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO).

They argued that the agency’s revenue would be boosted further if it offers land for the establishment of MRO facility, which when completed would be attracting patronage from airlines operating in West, Central and other parts of Africa.

“And if such facility is managed by renowned companies like Lufthansa Technik and other well-known maintenance organisations, it would be directing aircraft from other parts of the world to come and do their maintenance in the Nigerian facility. FAAN will collect revenue from landing and parking and other services it will offer. But it has to map out land and give it freely to any airline or partners that want to build MRO facility because a major airport cannot be complete without MRO facility. That is what will contribute in making Lagos a hub,” an airline operator told THISDAY.

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BUSINESSWORLD

AVIATION

Aero Contractors Heads for Extinction Nigeria’s foremost indigenous carrier, Aero Contractors is in danger of extinction.

Only urgent injection of funds can save the ailing airline, writes Chinedu Eze

Aero Contractors aircraft

Nigeria promising and oldest indigenous carrier, Aero Contractors has paid the price of a selfish decision taken against it some years ago, when its stakeholders shortchanged the airline and gained at its expense. The consequence is that Aero, which few years ago, was a beacon of hope as the most technically advanced local airline is now moribund.

Few years ago, the company took critical decisions that undermined its future. That was when it acquired six Boeing 737-500 at inflated costs, which many in the industry described as ill-advised acquisition. THISDAY learnt then that Aero became a victim of a sour deal, which some interest groups padded their pockets at the expense of the company. The then Oceanic Bank funneled money through its subsidiary, Oceanic Capital and seven aircraft were earmarked to be purchased, but six were eventually acquired without a refund and the aircraft, which were supposed to be purchased at $3million each, were allegedly inflated to $7million each and they were purchased from the Arizona aircraft graveyard in the US. The toxic loan was inherited by Ecobank when it took over Oceanic Bank, which handed it over to Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON).

AMCON as Undertaker This was how AMCON became an undertaker of an airline that was a bastion of hope for many pilots, engineers and cabin crew, who dream that one day they would work with Aero Contractors. This was an airline whose passenger queues snaked the length and breadth of the check-in hall of the domestic terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, known as MMA2. It was an airline known for its timeliness and professionalism. But today, it has almost completed its reluctant trek to the graveyard.

As at Tuesday this week Aero has only one Boeing 737-500 and two Dash 8 aircraft that were airworthy; all others are either awaiting to be ferried for maintenance or were already at maintenance facility, waiting for money to be paid before they are ferried back to resume operation. What this means is that by the time this one Boeing and two Dash 8 aircraft become Aircraft On Ground (AOG); the airline would not have any operating aircraft and would technically be out of business.

Aero is under the receivership of AMCON. Will the government agency allow the airline, which has over 1000 direct workers and hundreds of indirect workers to go under?

As at last week, about five Boeing 737-500 and one turboprop, Dash 8 in Aero fleet were waiting to go for maintenance. The airline

management said it was waiting for maintenance slot at its preferred facility overseas. It was also waiting for source of funding, which is actually the more critical thing because it could get the maintenance slot but without source of funding the aircraft would not be ferried overseas for maintenance.

Injection of Funds Aero needs injection of funds to resuscitate it and put it back on track. The aviation unions alleged that interest groups, including AMCON representatives who ran the airline aground, mismanaged the initial funds AMCON made available to the airline.

The estimated cost of maintenance check for each aircraft is about $600,000, “but we should not forget that in a check the total cost can increase because beyond the scheduled job in the job card other issues may emanate when the aircraft when opened and the cost could rise up to $900,000,” an official said.

With average age of 22, each of the Boeing 737-500 aircraft needs comprehensive C-check to put them back in the air again.

THISDAY learnt that three Boeing B737 had already gone for C-check, but have not been ferried back because the cost of maintenance has not been paid. “Part payment has been done on some but they have not been completely paid for,” a source told THISDAY. “We are trying to raise money but the bank is looking at the financials. Aero has invaluable goodwill; it has the first maintenance organisation in Nigeria. We have the capacity to do all checks on Dash 8 aircraft and all checks below C-check on Boeing 737. We have the expertise to do C-check and we have applied to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to get approval. We do Kings Air, Hawker, Hawker Sidney and Dash 8 Bombardier,” inside source told THISDAY. AMCON could facilitate access to funds but the financial institutions are apprehensive about the airline’s ability to pay back.

“What we have decided to do is to reduce our overheads. Now the domestic market is extremely fragile, but if we can get our airplanes in the air they will start making money; you don’t make money with airplanes sitting on ground,” inside source told THISDAY. Loss of Manpower If Aero goes down 1,100 Nigerians will lose their jobs. The airline used to have 1,453 workers but there was slight reduction recently, leaving the aforementioned number still in its employ.

Out of the three Dash 8 in Aero fleet, two

are presently working but the airline could put the third one back into operation if it could get the spares.

Aero and AMCON THISDAY learnt that AMCON is striving to solve the Aero problem, but it is sceptical about injecting new funds into the airline, unless it is sure that this time the funds would be judiciously utilised. The government agency is in receivership of the airline and would not want the company to go under while under its management. That would nibble at the image of AMCON, as it would seem that it takes over ongoing concerns and kills them. Industry observers say that AMCON has its own share of the blame because it took over Aero strutting around as if it had the experience to effectively manage the airline, even without any prior experience and now it is gearing or threatening to take over other airlines, such action would spell doom for the airline industry.

Ethiopia Airlines Connection About two weeks ago there was rumour that Africa’s most successful carrier, Ethiopia Airlines was contemplating taking over Aero.

While it would be a welcome development of the Nigerian carrier, it would give the East African airline a leeway to Nigeria’s domestic market, which would pit it with other local carriers, but later THISDAY learnt that Ethiopian did not make any commitment on Aero but what happened was that a member of the Ibru family, who married Ethiopian wife used that connection to arrange a meeting with the East African carrier.

“There was a meeting but there was no commitment. Ethiopian does not have money to pay. What Aero needs now is operational fund, so AMCON did not indicate any strong interest in the visit because there is no firm commitment. But if Ethiopia has money to pay, AMCON might be willing to take them in. We have to look at the way Ethiopian operates.

They have been in Togo with Asky; they are always unwilling to invest money. Aero has ideas but needs money to implement them,” inside source told THISDAY. Fate of Domestic Carriers Industry operators said what is happening to Aero could happen to any other domestic carrier because Nigerian airlines have low utility due to inadequate infrastructure at the airports and low utility damages aircraft. As many airports runways do not have airfield lighting, aircraft operate average of seven hours a day, but for adequate utilization of

the equipment aircraft should be operated for about 12 hours a day.

“For an airline to be profitable it has to operate each of its aircraft for approximately 11.5 hours per day. That is the global average.

And for Nigerian operation to be profitable the cost of one hour flight presently should be N45, 000, which obviously is beyond the means of many Nigerians. That is equivalent of N19, 500 of last two years when the exchange rate was N170 per dollar. Then fuel was about N90 per litre but now it is going for N200 to N230 per litre,” industry expert told THISDAY. Overall, there is reduction in passenger traffic due to present economic recession but an official of Aero told THISDAY that Aero has invaluable goodwill and that goodwill is not easy to replace.

“Aero as an airline that is well structured.

It has potential. It can create a model with high capability and highly skilled manpower, so AMCON should not allow it to die,” the official said.

However, THISDAY learnt that the airline has started losing its technical personnel, including pilots, engineers and other technical staff.

The Unions Last year the aviation unions raised the alarm about the dwindling fortunes of Aero and said to was obvious that the funds of the company were grossly mismanaged and that explained why the airline was unable to take its eight aircraft on ground then for maintenance checks. Out of 13 aircraft the once glorious airline was operating five and whenever any of the five came to C-check it may be dropped instead of ferrying it for maintenance overseas because despite the revenue the airline was generating every day, the structure in place could not enable it save money for maintenance.

The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) suggested then that there was urgent need for proper management team of technocrats and upright characters to take over the management of the company and look into the all the injustices in the system in order to reposition the company to its enviable height.

The union then warned that if no urgent action was taken, one could see from a short distance the grave of the once most reputable Nigerian airline that had so much goodwill and promise.

Aero Contractors may be in the hand of effective management now, but it needs funds to remain in business.

25

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

MARITIME

Of Corruption and Smuggling Cartels

Eromosele Abiodun writes on the impact of smuggling on the Nigerian economy, saying the malaise will not be possible without the active connivance of some officials of the Nigeria Customs Service

A Customs officer displaying smuggled goods

Smuggling harms the economy of a country in several ways. It undermines the local industry, discourages legal imports and reduces the volume of revenues collected from duties and levies by the state. Unfortunately, a parallel underground economy, through smuggling, has taken roots in Nigeria.

A major proportion of the revenue to be collected by the federal government is being lost, over and above the adverse impact that the smuggled items cause to local industry.

Obviously this cannot be done without connivance of corrupt officials including those in the law enforcement agencies and everyone is aware of it but no action is being taken.

Markets and shops across the country are flooded with smuggled goods of various kinds and all descriptions. Smuggled items through the Seme, Idiroko, Katsina, and Yobe borders form a major part of the informal economy volume of which ranges between 50 to 60 per cent of the formal economy. Smuggling has assumed an alarming proportion and turned out to be a parallel economy, which is depriving the country of its rightful levies including excise and customs duty worth hundreds of billions of naira.

As a result of the activities of smugglers, thousands of industrial units have been rendered sick due to the availability of smuggled goods in open markets. Smuggling has now become a routine part of all economic activities in Nigeria and hardly raises any fear of the law. Nigeria is facing the challenge of measuring and countering enormous revenue leakages and black money — its size estimated to be three time the regular economy.

Illegal Importation of Goods Meanwhile, a report by the World Bank on the level of illegal importation of goods into Nigeria from neighbouring Benin Republic and other West African countries showed the alarming rate of smuggling and the impact on the nation’s economy.

Experts believe this should be a major concern to the federal government and the agencies responsible for the management of the nation’s economy. According to the World Bank, an astonishing $5 billion (N1.45 trillion) worth of assorted goods are smuggled into Nigeria through Benin Republic alone every year.

This amount represents about 15 per cent of total smuggled goods through that border.

The World Bank report also claims it has enough evidence that over $400 million (N116 billion) representing about 25 per cent of the total current annual revenue collected by the Customs Service is lost through nefarious smuggling across the sub-regional borders.

The report, which was prepared by two of the World Bank’s leading experts on the African Transport Unit, also noted that smuggling into Nigeria will further hamper the operational efficiency of the Customs Service and cause more revenue losses if urgent steps are not taken by government to tackle it. It advised a liberalisation of trade policies which encourage smuggling across the borders.

Experts told THISDAY that the report is troubling but not surprising, considering the increasing rate of smuggling across our borders, especially along the Benin Republic axis.

“A combination of factors accounts for this unhealthy trend. One of them is the high cost of clearing goods in our ports and the laxity of enforcement of anti-smuggling laws by those charged with responsibility in the country. It is not unkind to say that the integrity of some of the customs and immigration officials statutorily charged with policing our borders is suspect.

Many compromise their positions. Bad eggs among them are more concerned with lining

As a result of the activities of smugglers, thousands of industrial units have been rendered sick due to the availability of smuggled goods in open markets.

Smuggling has now become a routine part of all economic activities in Nigeria and hardly raises any fear of the law

their own pockets than checking smuggling activities, thereby denying government muchneeded revenue.

“Therefore, the World Bank report should not be ignored. It should be treated as a wake-up call to address systemic difficulties in checking smuggling through the Benin Republic borders, and others in the region.

In this regard, information exchange is vital.

This has become crucial because available statistics reveal that 13 per cent of traffic of goods from the port in Cotonou, the capital of Benin Republic, is destined for Nigeria, while about 75 percent of the containers that land at the Cotonou Port are headed for our country.

“We also believe that the current rate of smuggling through the West African subregion is encouraged by tariff differentials.

This has made it more economically viable for importers to patronise other ports in the sub-region rather than Nigerian ports.

Government should seriously look into the problem with a view to formulating better policies to redress the situation,” said a top player in the maritime sector who do not want his name in print.

He added, “Also, government should take a hard look at some of the treaties of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Some of these treaties encourage free movement of people without addressing its harmful effects. Often, this freedom of movement undermines the economy of other countries through unbridled smuggling of goods.

“All in all, the World Bank report should be seen as a roadmap for designing new strategies for our country’s trade policy initiatives with neighbouring countries. This is crucial because inability to adequately check smuggling into Nigeria can undermine both national and economic security of the country, with attendant broad political implications.”

Mis-invoicing of International Trade It is not just smuggling that is destroying developing economies. Terrorism, human trafficking and drug smuggling have long painted a gritty picture of crime in the developing world. However, new details are coming to light about another much less visible form of crime and its adverse effects on developing countries. Fraudulent financial transactions, in particular the mis-invoicing of international

trade transactions, are having a significant impact on most African economies.

According to a report published by Global Financial Integrity (GFI) on mis-invoicing and the Impact of Revenue Loss, the mis-invoicing of international trade transactions has allowed for the fraudulent movement of at least $60.8 billion in and out of the five African countries alone between 2002 and 2011.

Mis-invoicing is a form of trade-based money laundering that includes the over and understatement of import and export values on official forms and records. Firms engaging in international trade in developing countries often conduct these fraudulent transactions in order to evade tariffs and taxes, collect additional export-related tax credits and subsidies, or move large amounts of capital in and out of countries illegally.

Mis-invoicing can typically be as simple as altering the values on the books for a given transaction. For example, a firm may understate the value of an import shipment in invoices and records in order to pay lower tariffs or overstate the value of an export shipment in order to gain more export credits and subsidies than the shipment actually earned.

Experts believe catching those that engage in mis-invoicing is typically difficult for developing countries. “Often times misinvoicing can be performed effectively by making very small augmentations to the prices of common goods. If a firm augments the value of its goods by only one or two dollars per unit, even the best customs officers would be unlikely to notice it, and the benefits of such an augmentation could still add up significantly in large volumes.

“However, this is only trade mis-invoicing in its mildest form. In many cases, firms engaging in mis-invoicing and other forms of money laundering send their transactions through anonymous shell companies in tax havens and developed countries in order to further disguise their activities, allowing them to augment values much more as the important details of the transactions disappear without a trace behind a shield of secrecy and anonymity, “said National President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Continued on page 26

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

MARITIME

OF CORRUPTION AND SMUGGLING CARTELS

Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun

Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Lucky Amiwero.

Die-Hard Smugglers The Nigeria Customs Service has, however, made some effort to tackle smuggling with the effort leading to loss of lives.

Recently, Comptroller General of the NCS, Col Hamid Ali (rtd.) lamented how the Service has lost 70 of its officers in various battles with smugglers along Nigeria’s border with Benin Republic.

He solicited the corporation of Customs in Benin Republic, as well as her stakeholders to partner Nigeria in the fight against smuggling.

Ali gave the charge at a stakeholders’ interactive session that was held in Cotonou at the residence of the Nigerian Ambassador to Republic of Benin.

He said the 70 officers were lost while combating smuggling within Idi Iroko and Seme area, adding that the biggest problem confronting Nigeria Customs Service till date is the lack of compliance on the part of traders, who make dishonest declarations.

Ali, emphasised the fact that borders are imaginary as far as ECOWAS is concerned, stressing that the Benin Republic Customs administrations must work hard to ensure that trade between both countries are without unnecessary hindrances.

He further charged both customs services to cooperate and forge an understanding to move goods and services seamlessly, between countries in West Africa.

The Customs CG also reiterated the need to review existing MoUs and agreements, with a view to bringing them in conformity with internationally accepted standards in trade, between countries.

He emphasised that both countries must address issues of dumping and smuggling across borders.

He also promised to bring up the challenges for discussion, especially that of the commonly traded items like Rice, vehicles, and find solutions to the numerous complaints made to the embassy and also, arising from other stakeholders meetings held earlier.

He advised that everybody involved in the business of trading across West African countries must read the ETLS protocol and understand the laws as it affects their trade, and challenge Customs whenever they feel marginalised.

Also speaking at the interactive session,

Ali

National President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr. Olayiwola Shittu, who led a delegation of the association to Cotonou, drew the attention of the CGC to the expensive nature of doing business across the Benin-Nigeria border.

In his words: “Cost of transiting ETLS (ECOWAS Goods) from Ghana to Lagos needs to be checked, to provide room for trade facilitation and trade competitions within the west African sub region. That is, a truck of ETLS cargo from Ghana pays 300,000cfa to exit Ghana into Togo and pays 400,000cfa to exit Togo into Benin Republic. The same truck will be charged 2,800,000cfa to ext Benin Republic into Nigeria, for reasons best known to Benin Republic Customs.”

Shittu said the multiplicity of security agencies are further aggravating the expenses incurred in transiting cargoes across the borders, demanding a review of these agencies downwards.

Shittu pleaded with the CGC to intervene on the exchange rate and the increase in import duty.

He said imports are drying up fast because of the unfriendly policy and it is robbing

In pursuant to your zero tolerance for corruption and revenue losses, the command was able to intercept 16 by 40 containers falsely declared as paper board and machinery. The importer was granted a fast-track facility but declared different items.

On examination, these containers were found to contain car tyres and we have kept them waiting for your full examination

government of much needed revenue and threatening thousands of jobs.

On the issue of DTI closures, the ANLCA president urged the CGC to hasten the process of allocating passwords to 2016 renewed Customs licenses, as most jobs have been left hanging, with the abrupt shutdown again of commercial DTIs. He said that the private DTIs will ensure that particular licenses are immediately held responsible, whenever infractions occur.

On his part, Rice Millers Association’s leader, Alhaja Karamatou Ibironke demanded to know the legal conditions for the exportation of rice to Nigeria, so that they can abide by it.

Also speaking at the meeting, Chief Alaba Lawson-Chairperson of NACCIMA, Ogun State branch wondered how rice gets into Nigeria massively through land borders, urging Customs, despite its ban. She said more should be done to curtail the trend or find a way to accommodate it, in order to generate revenue for the government.

Jailing Fraudulent Importers It is not just at the borders that the Nigeria Customs plans to wage the war of economic sabotage, it is taking the battle to fraudulent importers.

Speaking to newsmen recently, Ali vowed to bring to book importers and freight forwarders who are bent on defrauding the federal government.

Specifically, he said importers who abuse the fast track facility meant to enhance trade facilitation and global best practices will face the full weight of the law.

According to him, “We are out on a mission and we get information on matters such as this, we react. I am glad that the Apapa command was able to nip this in the board. I am here to strengthen the command, commend them for what they are doing and use the opportunity to send a very strong message to our partners who are either importers or freight Forwarding agents.

Anybody got in this crime will be brought to book. Once you falsely declare and we discover it, it is automatic seizure. Whoever is involved will face the law and if there is any officer that connived with the importer he will be prosecuted and the minimum jail term is five years.”

He added, “It is instances like this that has continued to deter us from ascending to global best practices in trade facilitation. We

will no longer trust in our stakeholders when we grant certain reprieve to ensure smooth clearing of goods and they turn around and abuse it. We have no option therefore than to subject every container that comes to our ports to 10 per cent inspection. That is going to course delay and increased expenses. At the end of the day, it is the poor consumer that will bear the cost.

“I therefore want to use this opportunity to say that in line with the law, we will fight corruption to its knees. That was the promise we made to this nation when we assumed duty. We are sure that anybody that has gone contrary to the law in the course of doing their job will be brought to book. We will use this as an example.“ According to the Customs Area Controller Apapa, Willy Egbudin, the importer Messrs D.IE HOPES based in Ikeja was the one involved.

He disclosed that his command got a tip off on July 26, 2016 that 16 containers laden with tyres at the port were falsely declared as paper board and industrial machinery and were about to be moved.

He said he immediately ordered that the containers be impounded, adding that on Friday the 29th, the containers were intercepted at the gate of the port.

The clearing agent, he stated, took off when the containers were taken to the customs enforcement unit.

“In pursuant to your zero tolerance for corruption and revenue losses, the command was able to intercept 16 by 40 containers falsely declared as paper board and machinery. The importer was granted a fast-track facility but declared different items. On examination, these containers were found to contain car tyres and we have kept them waiting for your full examination,” he explained.

Egdudin said that by that false declaration a total amount N116, 284.740.00 duty was lost by the Customs.

The CAC said the agent later came back stressing that when investigation was done by the Customs it was discovered that all the consignments were car tyres.

“The command then profiled the importer and discovered that the total number of the containers was 26, and the company had taken delivery of 10 falsely declared. The agent was thereby detained while efforts are on to track the importer, “he said.

WEEKEND WEEKLY PULLOUT

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

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‘MY VISION IS TO CHANGE THE FACE OF MUSIC' ACTING EDITOR CHARLES AJUNWA / charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

28/COVER

02.09.2016

‘My Vision is to Change the Face of Music' Rotimi Akinfenwa popularly known as “Rotimikeys” is one of Nigeria’s most gifted music producers today. His dream to change the face of music in Nigeria and beyond drove him to leave his role as Senior Studio Producer at West Africa’s leading advertising agency - Insight Communications - to establish SonG23 Productions.

In this interview with Mary Ekah, he talks about his vision, achievements and many challenges Tell us how you started in music?

I started with music pretty early. I joined the choir at the age of six. I started playing drums and keyboards at age nine. As a young child, I always fiddled with my dad’s turntables and cassette players for hours on end. Before I even knew there was anything called a recording studio, I used to imagine arranging music and recording different instruments all by myself.

In 2001, I had my first encounter with studio software and fell in love with it immediately because it was what I had always wanted and I haven’t looked back ever since.

In this industry, there are all shades and dimensions to talent, what would you like to be known for?

I would like to be known for quite a number of things. There are different parts of me. I would love to be known and respected for my contributions as music entrepreneur, a producer/ arranger, artiste, contentcreator and thought leader in the entertainment industry.

You have one of the best-equipped music studios around, what was the thinking behind investing so much into equipment when technology suggests that those can be substituted with software?

At this point, let me correct what seems to be a misconception in the industry, software cannot completely substitute hardware. Those who rule the world of music and entertainment have at some point in the course of their career invested so much in their craft and their equipment and that’s exactly what I am doing, and it’s for the long haul. Have you seen Timaland, Dark Child and Pharell Williams studios or the famous Abbey Road Studio in London that has been around for a pretty long time?

What major projects have you worked on and artistes have you worked with in the course of your career?

I have produced jingles, sound design and support for the biggest advertising campaigns in Nigeria and West Africa for flagship brands such as MTN, Etisalat, Gulder, Glo, Peak Milk, Indomie, Bournvita, Amstel Malta, Sterling Bank, Stanbic IBTC, 7up, Golden Morn, DSTV Vitafoam amongst others. I have also worked with artistes likeAsa, MI, Burna Boy, Lynxx, Naeto C, Flavour, Waje, Omawumi, Bez, Cobhams, Tuface, YemiAlade, Niyola, Olamide, Banky W, Dammy Crane, Dija, Flavour, Chidinma, Simi, Ty Bello, Nikki Laoye, Pita, GlowreeyahBraimah, Nathaniel Bassey, OC Ukeje, Kakadu (The Broadway Musical) and many more. I produced the Ambode’s Ambo Oh 2015 campaign music, Konga’s Happiness Theme Music, Yemi Alade’s Nakupenda and Kelele tracks on the Mama Africa Album.

Are there plans to evolve into a music artiste in future as a singer that you are?

Oh yes, I’m an artiste. I have written, produced songs and collaborated with a couple of artistes.

Some like the Yemi Alade Kelele song on her Mama Africa Album and others to be released soon. I sang the hook in the famous Ambode Ambo oh 2015 campaign song, which I produced as well. Watch out for more singles before the end of this year.

How do you joggle being a producer and also CEO of Song23 Productions and Song23 Records?

At first, it wasn’t easy. I had to get used to wearing multiple hats. I have had to think about the craft and creative work in the studio as well as the business side of things. It has however pushed me to better myself every day.

I’ve had to balance wearing T-shirts on some days and wearing suits on others.

Do you plan to release any singles soon and is there plan for any collaborations?

I plan to release a number of them before the end of the year. There will be a number of collaborations. Just watch out for them.

What is your most memorable project till date?

It’s hard to tell, but the Ambode 2015 Campaign Theme music has gotten the most remarkable reviews.

What are the biggest challenges you have encountered?

The business terrain is a dynamic and ever evolving one with competition getting stiffer every day. The major challenge has been standing out in the entertainment industry, conforming to global standards in terms of our quality, creativity and processes. Obviously, the infrastructure issue is there: unstable power supply, access to funds, exchange rate fluctuations because we do business internationally and so on.

Having produced some of the biggest advertising jingles in the country, could you tell us what inspires you about selling brands and products?

I have always loved creating new sounds and telling stories with my music. When I watch movies for instance, sometimes, I’m actually not looking at the pictures. I listen to the dialogue, music and sound effects, which sucks me in; I would just follow the sound till the end of the movie. So when I had my first encounter with advertising music in 2003, it was just a natural connection. I could now create my own stories with sound.

How has your experience in advertising impacted your work with artistes and other projects?

I have worked on countless number of blue chip brands, which have over the years required a wide range of music genres/sounds/emotions in order to connect with their target audiences.

What I have been able to do, along with a number of my colleagues in the industry, is to establish the proper fusion between proper music writing and production standards and

What’s your niche in the area of production and music?

I’m a specialist at music concept creation/ direction, arranging and producing. I’m quite versatile and in love with a lot of genres.

Rotimi

advertising music. I have produced rock, reggae, Afro fusion, pop, R n B, Jazz and so much more for brands. This has really expanded my horizon and I’ve been able to translate my wealth of experience to artistes and other music projects.

Today, there’s no genre of music around that I cannot produce.

What’s your personal vision about the entertainment industry in Nigeria?

I personally want to build the largest music production company in Nigeria and one of the largest in the world, one in which global standards are upheld and creative people-artists, musicians- from different parts of the world can come in, flourish and get the best service as good as anywhere else in the world. There’s

so much potential right now in Nigeria in terms of talent, opportunities and creativity. In the next 10 years, Nigeria will be one of the biggest industries in the world, not just in terms of creativity alone but in terms of business.

These days, we see a lot of Nigerian artistes collaborating with respected foreign acts in various ways. Do you think Nigerian acts measure up to them?

In a way, yes. Nigeria has been able to prove to the world that major talents exist here. However, the onus is on us to develop and stretch them to match world standards anywhere, anytime every time in terms of our stage performances, attention to the slightest details: quality of musicians, sound, lights, camera etc

As with the music video production, we are aware that a lot of audio works are done and possibly completed abroad in a quest for quality sound, do you do that too?

We work with our consultants in the USA and Europe who mix and master our production tracks so that we get the most optimal results in our productions. If it’s what the track requires, we make it happen. We also work with session musicians abroad as well, guitarists, drummers, singers, orchestra sections and so on.

What would you say has helped your career journey so far?

That would be the quality of my work as well as the standards we have been able to create, maintain and improve upon over the years. Also the relationships we have built with a lot of our friends.

What are the qualities of a great artiste?

A great artiste should be able to see far down the road, capture it, and bring it into the moment.

He should know his strength and build on it, know his weakness and get assistance there, but most importantly, stay true to himself and not give up for anything.

29/XTRA

02.09.2016

Chikamnayo: Let’s Give Peace a Chance in Abia Dr. Eze Chikamnayo, the Director General ofAbia Interest Group and former Commissioner for Information, is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as a revered stakeholder in Abia polity.In this interview with Peter Uzoho, speaks on 25 years of Abia State creation, the agenda of the South-east for 2019 presidential election, President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption, among others Abians recently celebrated 25 years of the creation of Abia State. What do you have to say about this landmark event?

Like other well-meaning Abians, I must give all the glory to God. Abia is God’s Own State.

And that means that from the first day Abia became a state, our founding fathers recognised the preeminent and the overwhelming presence and role of God in the evolution of Abia, and in whatever Abia will be in future. So God is preeminent in Abia. So we must give glory to God. We’re happy, all of us in Abia to attain this milestone. It’s not easy; 25 years whether in the life of a man or in the life of a state it’s a milestone. That’s why we’re celebrating our silver jubilee with lots gladness and you can see that prominent Abians from all walks of life are at home celebrating. And it coincided with our New Yam Festival, so you can see that it’s a very colourful and happy occasion. Also to the glory of God, our Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (Ph.D), also used this occasion to define the future direction of Abia. All of us listened to his speech and we were also witnesses to the unveiling of the new logo of Abia, the new anthem and flag of Abia. Such re- engineering is really needed at this time. Such deliberate and conscious repositioning of Abia can only happen under a visionary leader like Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu. And all of us are happy.

You are a revered stakeholder in Abia polity.

What is your assessment of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s government so far?

The first thing you will notice in everything Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu does is a touch of class and excellence. Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu is a man imbued with excellent spirit and it manifests in everything he does. Whatever he touches turns to gold. If you come to the Government House Umuahia; if you go to the ministries and parastatals; if you take a look at the quality of the projects he delivers, you will see a touch of class and excellence. You see life is about input and output. And life is about a manifestation of what is inside. Everybody in Abia today, will readily agree with me that Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has made a lot of impact. The last one year or so of his administration has been both eventful and turbulent. It has been very challenging to the entire Abia citizenry. It has been eventful in the sense that over 60 roads in the state are undergoing complete revamping; new ones, existing ones, critical arteries of roads cutting across the three senatorial zones, especially in Aba, because Aba is the hotbed of Abia. Aba is a microcosm of Abia. There is no Abian of any extraction in terms of communities and towns and villages that you will not find in Aba. So whatever happens to Aba happens to every Abian. And Aba is Abia’s identity. It’s a symbol of our ingenuity, of our tenacity of purpose, of our industriousness. Aba defines who we are as Abians, and the Governor realises this, and is trying to reposition Aba, by reinventing the Enyimba City and making it able to play its noble role. Even before Abia was created, Aba was fondly called the Japan of Africa; it’s not for nothing. It’s because of the industriousness that is embedded in that famous city. Through the current efforts of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Aba is witnessing a complete renaissance. That’s the eventful part of the last one year and happily, what is going on in Aba is being replicated in other areas. Now, apart from the infrastructural revolution, the Governor has also re-envisioned education in a manner that will serve the interest of Abians. Abia Polytechnic, College of Education and the state university are now much more vigorously taken care of. During the anniversary, the Governor graciously reduced the school fees payable by Abians in Abia State University and has expanded the horizon of the university, situating some of the major

Chikamnayo

faculties to cities where their input will help to reengineer the Abia society. The Governor is a stickler to excellence and whatever he takes as a decision; you can immediately see where it is leading the society. Governor Ikpeazu is bent on working for the common good and it shows as you have seen in the committed manner he is tenaciously implementing his five-point agenda that covers the entire socio economic and infrastructural spectrum.

So in the area of education the Governor has done very well and you can see what he has done with the College of Education Technical at Arochukwu, completely repositioning that institution. Today, to the glory of God and to the credit of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, the College of Education Technical in Arochukwu has found its mission. Skills acquisition programmes, especially for all of our people in the far-flung communities have become the order of the day in that institution. The institution has become more vibrant as a result of this policy. Agriculture of course, is taking a premium place.There is a new lease of life in every aspect of the Abia society.

Before we proceed to other issues, let’s talk about security.How safe is Abia under Governor Ikpeazu?

Abia under Okezie Ikpeazu has witnessed excellent security. I’m sure you have not heard of even one case of kidnapping since Governor Okezie Ikpeazu came on board. All the fringe elements that were involved in those nefarious activities have been smoked out. Even some of them that went into the villages have been apprehended by the police. Intermittent breakdown of law and order is no longer part of the Abia story. Because of the very well-coordinated and proactive security measures which Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has put in place crimes whenever and however they are committed in Abia meet immediate and appropriate response.And what is very special about the crime management technique of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is the proactive nature. He doesn’t wait for things to happen before actions and measures are taken.

Apart from the vehicles he has brought in, not the usual pick-up vans, this time very sleek and efficient vehicles with modern technological gadgets. He has equally expanded the scope of information dissemination and interface between government officials and the security agencies and even with the man on the street. So with this level of collaboration security has become much better. He has improved upon what he

met on the ground and that is a thing of joy.

In the last one year his administration has been encumbered by politically induced legal tussles. In what way has the crisis affected his ability to deliver on the democracy dividends?

The truth is that Dr. Ikpeazu is a focused, calm and calculated personality. He has survived some of the most ferocious opposition we’ve ever had in the history of Abia. His meekness, discipline and sense of responsibility is legendary. That’s why he has been able to tactically manage the upheavals and still harness the limited resources at his disposal to achieve so much within so short a time. The last election of 2015 is what is called transition election. Generally, it was a very turbulent one for Nigeria and Abia was not an exception. But even though the Governor emerged and met a lot of hurly-burly, he has been able to navigate through this turbulence through the grace of the Almighty God. It’s only a mandate that has divine approval that can survive the level of onslaught that has been unleashed on this government. Expectedly, our brothers, like Alex Otti who contested in the last elections from other parties have pursued this matter all the way to the Supreme Court and Governor Ikpeazu has been returned by the Supreme Court. That is why the current effort of the people who never contested the election to begin another round of litigation is annoying,uncalled for, unpatriotic, unnecessary and self-serving. It’s a veritable distraction. It is the height of insensitivity to the welfare and feelings of Abians. The Bible makes us to know that there is time for everything under the sun. There is time for war and there is time for peace. This is time for peace in Abia and every Abian should sheath their swords and allow Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu ample time and space to think through the problems of Abia and provide solutions. Trying to distract him at this time is not just a fight against him but a fight against the collective good of all Abians. So my advice to our brother, Uche Ogah is for him to show humility and maturity and quickly retreat. He should hastily do everything within his power to give peace a chance because Abians are no longer amused. From civil servants to community leaders to the political class, everybody is of the opinion that this futile tussle has to stop forthwith. More so, since he is of the same party with the Governor issues of that nature should be solved within the party family. It smacks of unreasonableness and vain glory for him

to continue to waste the time of Ndi Abia. He is ruining his reputation and standing with this stiff necked pursuit of what does not in any way belong to him. It will be very unfair and unwise for him to continue to distract the Governor Ikpeazu. Just last two weeks, the Appeal Court gave a verdict insisting that the Governor’s mandate is correct and should not be revoked under any circumstance. At that stage, enough should be enough because if there is brotherly kindness in the heart of those pursuing that agenda, they will know that it is no longer funny. It’s a handshake taken too far. It’s a joke that is taken too far. They should now come together in the greater interest of Abia. While I was Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Abia, one of the greatest moments I had was sitting back at the Banquet Hall on one good evening and admiring former Governor T.A. Orji, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, Chief Vincent Ogbulafor, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, the late Ambassador Ojo Maduekwe and the crème de lacrème of the Abia society eating in that Banquet Hall, thinking together, praying together. It’s beautiful to behold when brothers burry their hatchets to serve the common good. Polarity will only lead to recriminations that is at best, retrogressive. But when brothers learn when to draw the line; when to hold on; when to stop the fight, it’s a very wonderful thing to see.

And I want to see Uche Ogah and his cohorts come together under the Abia spirit and give the man God has chosen a chance to prove his mettle in the saddle. Governor Ikpeazu is being unjustly suffered. The whole world should rise in unison and tell Uche Ogah and his clique to stop the distraction now.

2019 is fast approaching, what do you think the South-east political gladiators which you are part of should be doing now ahead of 2019?

I’m in APC and our party has zoned the presidency of this country to the North for the next eight years. So I don’t believe it is momentous for us in the South-east to begin to make any flux towards contesting for the presidency in 2019.

Rather, this is the time for us to look inwards and ask ourselves some veritable questions. We will ask ourselves, where do we go from here?

It’s a time of introspection. It’s not a time for political gerrymandering. The expectation of every Nigerian is that President Buhari will do well and after four years, will be re-elected to complete his eight years tenure; the eight years allotted to the North before hopefully, power rotates back to the South. I’m a strong believer in power rotation. In a multi-ethnic nation like Nigeria, there is no part of the nation, either North or South, that you will not see a preponderance of prepared leaders. Even in Lagos alone, the population is bigger than most African countries and European countries. Lagos can give you more than100 presidents who will do very well. The same with Abia, the same with Sokoto. So it is very important then that we have a functional constitutional arrangement that will ensure that power devolves among the different zones to give everybody a sense of equity and a sense of belonging. Again, I want to humbly call on everybody in the South to cooperate with the North so that they will give us the best within this period. And when it is the turn of the South, whoever they produce the North also should give the same cooperation. This fratricidal and destructive ethnic labelling of our leaders and this type of pull him down syndrome once he is not from our area, is inimical to the growth and development of our nation and must be discouraged.

So Ndigbo at this time should concentrate on reorganising themselves and cooperating with the various state governors to make sure that value is added to governance at our zonal level.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

30/ NEWS

02.09.2016

Lions Holds Seminar to Teach Youths on Leadership Virtues Mary Ekah The future of youths lies in their early exposure to the positives of life to new learning, knowledge and good morals. It was for this reason that the Lagos Royal Lions Club of the International Association of Lions Clubs, District 404B 2, Nigeria, recently held a youth empowerment programme as part of its activities to mark this year’s Worldwide Lions’ Youth Service Day. Tagged, “Engaging the Youth for Leadership Roles”, the seminar’s core message was that when you cultivate skills and commitments as leaders, you not only prepare yourself to be 21st Century leaders but to also tap the energy and imagination to solve problems and create positive change in the society.

“We are having worldwide youth service and we want to see how we can empower the youths with leadership skills. And the aim of this meeting is to distract the youth from the criminal activities and other vices that some of them do indulge in. We want them to become useful in the society and by so doing add value to life,” the President, Lion Marce Anyanwu said at the event.

Anyanwu who advised the youth to live right and concentrate on their education and not to follow trends that will land them into trouble, asked that they make efforts to engage in things that will better

Chiemelie Ezeobi

Lions Club members with participants at the youth empowerment seminar

their lives tomorrow, noting further that the Club’s next point of action apart from the lecture it held for the youth, will be to teach them to acquire skills in various aspects of life.

The keynote speakers, Lion Sylvester Effiong, who spoke on Leadership Virtues, said, “It is globally acknowledged that good leadership makes a difference in whatever we do at home, school and the community we live in. So now we are trying to inculcate the leadership quality in these set of youths so that we can have better homes, children, community and even a larger society. And we would have youths who are disciplined and would get to do what they have to do when

those things are to be done, and using such discipline to get to where they want to get to.

He said the attribute of a good leader, included “accepting responsibilities, noting, while we seem not to succeed in most of what we do today in tis country is because people seem not to accept their responsibilities rather they run away from them. They would not accept the responsibility to ensure that you are doing what they are supposed to do even when it is not convenient for you; responsibility to ensure that you are able to co-exist with your fellow human being, responsibility to ensure that you are able to understand the view of the next person. “

Next Titan Season 3 Begins Next Week Peter Uzoho Arrangements have been concluded to begin the search for the Next Titan Season 3 next week as thousands of prospective young entrepreneurs have applied through free registration to be eligible for the contest.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Executive Producer, Next Titan Mr. Mide Kunle-Akinlaja, said the auditions for Next Titan Season 3 would kick off in Abuja before moving to Port Harcourt and Lagos respectively, saying that there would be a lot of exciting pre-show activities such as Top 50 BootCamp holding in Lagos, Premiere Show Gala Evening and many others.

Kunle-Akinlaja explained that 16 top contestants would have very real street smarts in order to make it through the challenges, stressing that the contestants would prove their entrepreneurial flair through various business challenges in the 10-week show.He pointed out that the effects of educating and involving Nigeria’s budding entrepreneurs who are watching the show would hopefully be far reaching.

Stakeholders at the event

“The main judges of the show still remain the same, and these are top Nigerian business leaders such as Kyari Bukar, Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group; Tonye Cole, CEO, Sahara Group; and other captains of industries. The mentorship aspect of the show will also entail visiting the houses of the contestants by other young successful entrepreneurs on weekly basis,” he noted. The Divisional Head, Cowry and SME, Heritage Bank, Mrs. Ori Ogba said, “we are proud sponsors of

the Next Titan Season 3. The show on its own actually encapsulates what Heritage Bank is all about. We’re all about creating wealth. We’re all about giving expression to ideas same way Heritage bank was born out of an idea, and we’re all about leaving legacies. “The Next Titan, we expect that you produce a lot more of these people, you improve them. In whatever ways and manners that Heritage bank would continue to help, we would lend our support,” she said.

‘Grooming for Greatness’ To Train More Youth The annual youth training sessions, Grooming for Greatness has declared its application open as the inaugural session rounds up. Grooming for Greatness is a youth oriented programme that is committed to working with up and coming leaders to hone their leadership skills through a special curriculum and frequent interactions with professionals and collaborators.

The foundation launched its yearlong leadership and mentorship programme in 2015 with 12 Fellows. Among the first set are ‘TalentBase’ CEO, Chika Uwazie; ‘Lifebank’ Founder, TemieGiwa-Tubosun; ‘inspiredbyglory’ CEO, Glory Edozien; Actress, TomiOdunsi, amongst others, all doing exceptionally great in their respective fields. Biola Alabi, the founder of the foundation said about this new session, "I am super excited about the opportunities we are creating for young Africans. I can’t wait to meet the amazing young men and women that will apply this year" For the 2016/2017 programme, a group of no more than 12 handpicked participants will be mentored by Mrs. Alabi and her

A Boost for Naval Personnel Welfare

Nimi (left) and Alabi (right) with fellows of Grooming for Greatness

associates. They will spend a year working on a personalised leadership track, which includes a three-day immersion programme, one-on-one leadership development and ongoing mentoring over the course of 12 months. “The goal is to provide participants with skills and tools that can be readily applied to their existing career and business paths and breed a new generation of quality African leaders. Applications are now open on the website, www.groomingforgreatness.com

and interested candidates should find out information about the programme and apply,” Alabi explains.

Some of the areas of focus will be; authentic leadership, strength based leadership, leading with purpose, building a meaningful career, building powerful networks and creating influence. Grooming for Greatness is a programme that embraces the philosophy that realising your greatness is an attainable goal, if provided with adequate resources.

In a bid to boost the welfare of its personnel, especially those fighting in the war front to protect the nation's territorial integrity, the Nigerian Navy (NN) has begun series of renovations at the 28 blocks of flat at Gowon Estate, allocated to them by the Federal Government. Forty years after the Gowon Estate, Ipaja, was built by the Federal Government to cater for participants of the FESTAC 77, the Nigerian Navy has commenced renovation of the 28 blocks allocated to it in the estate. Although built in 1975, the Federal Government then had considered the place too far from the venue of events and subsequently allocated the apartments to the Armed Forces, police and paramilitary agencies after the area became hideout for criminal elements. The Navy, which got 28 of the blocks, used them as barracks for its officers and ratings since the Navy Town, Ojo, could not accommodate all the personnel in the state. The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear Admiral Fergusson Bobai, while inspecting the state of the renovation approved last year by the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-EtteIbas, admitted that it was the first time meaningful renovation has been carried out on the structures since 1975.

Bobai, who noted that renovation works were not limited to the force's Gowon Estate Barracks, but extends to some buildings at Navy Town and Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Wey, said similar activities were going on across naval barracks to boost the morale of personnel. He said, "Considering the strategic guidance and vision of the CNS, Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas, which encapsulates highly motivated personnel, this administration decided to embark on complete renovations of the facilities. Because of the high number of personnel at this barrack, a sick bay was established to cater for them and their families, which has also undergone tremendous renovations. I can say that the work, which, commenced last year, is already about 98 per cent completed. What is left now basically is to fix the water system. Similar renovations are ongoing at other barracks and at the Navy Town, we are working on building a mini-stadium for the recreation of personnel and their families."

First Female Rotary President Affirms Commitment to Pro-Poor Services Peace Obi In a bid to alleviate the suffering of the less-privileged people in the society, the first female president, Rotary Club Ikeja, District 9110, Rotarian Olaitan Ojuroye has hinted that issues like material/child care, water/ sanitation and education will be receiving a lot of her attention during her one tenure. The Rotarian Ojuroye said this during her investiture as the 50th President and the first female president of the club as well as the induction of the Board of Directors for the 2016/2017 Rotary year. The new president in her inaugural speech, pledged to bring about remarkable paradigm shifts in the Ikeja District during her tenure.

“In my administration, breast cancer awareness and special hand washing campaign will top my agenda. Announcing her tripod vision, Ojuroye disclosed that it would revolve around education/ literacy, maternal/child care and water/sanitation.

Among the personnel chosen by the club to run its affairs for the 2016/2017 Rotary year are Rotarian Goke Olayinka who will serve as the board chairman and Rotarian Muyiwa Fagbola as the Vice Chairman.

Other members of the board include Rotarian Sola Akinsiku who will be the Public Relations Director among others.

In his remarks, the immediate past president, Rotarian Tosin Kadiri, said he was enthused to hand over to the first female president of the Ikeja Rotary club and assured the new president of his support and that of other Rotarians. The investiture which held in Lagos, had Rotarians and other high net-worth individuals gathered to mark the take off of the tenur of the first female president of the Club as well as the induction of the Board of Directors for the 2016/2017 Rotary Year.

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Education and National Development: Lessons From Peter Obi’s Model Esin Suji There is universal acknowledgement of the primacy of education in the sustainable development of any society; and this can hardly be over-stressed. Education is the foundation on which societies are built and defines the quality of life. Up to the mid-1980s, Nigeria’s educational institutions were rated among the best in the world. With a first degree in Nigeria, for instance, one could secure straight admission for post-graduate studies in a top university in North America or Western Europe – and excel above one’s peers! Alas, the rot set in and began to fester across the land; putting the sector in dire straits. At all tiers – primary, secondary and tertiary – this strategic platform for meaningful progress has been tottering to the edge of collapse, with adverse implications for the economy, polity and society.

Even as we bemoan the state of our education, it is pertinent to observe that a reversal to the era of integrity, distinction and fulfilment is largely a function of purposeful leadership – leadership of clear vision, determined agenda, strong commitment and diligence. In focus here are lessons from the revolutionary strides of Mr. Peter Obi who served as Governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014.

With the inauguration of his administration, Peter Obi began to strengthen and build institutional structures in the state, which had been variously crippled and non-existent. In a New Deal for the education sector – an area very dear to him -- he steadily boosted administrative and management capacities, complete with a magnificent edifice for State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB). Who would believe that barely four years before his tenure, schools in the state were shut for about one calendar year due to non-payment of basic salaries to teachers? We could also juxtapose that scary experience with the hard evidence that the same area had previously produced leading educated elite in Nigeria.

The Obi administration stabilised Basic

Obi

Education in Anambra State with his singular and courageous decision to hand over the management of some schools in Anambra State to their initial proprietors. The transition also went with operating grants to the missions in the sum of N6 billion spread over 15 months and subject to approval of their work plans. Obi Administration also donated buses, laboratory equipment, transformers and power generators, dispensary consumables, sports gear, computers and other ICT tools to schools in the state. The momentous decision of the Obi administration to hand over schools to their initial proprietors was widely acclaimed nationally and internationally. The two leading clerics in Anambra State Archbishops Valeria Okeke and Christian Efobi were overwhelmed. While Okeke said it was the greatest thing to have happened to the state after the civil war, Efobi said it was a great rebirth for the state that could only be witnessed when the righteous were on the throne. Today, among others, Anambra State is adjudged the best in improved school infrastructure in Nigeria. In addition, a World Bank study supervised by Professor Paul Collier of Oxford University, UK recommended the Anambra Model for the rest of Africa and other developing countries. On

his part, renowned cleric, educationist and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Revd.

Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah urged the Nigerian Governments at all tiers to emulate what he termed the "Peter Obi Education Model". He noted that the sector was at its lowest ebb in Anambra State prior to Peter Obi’s far-sighted decision to return schools to the Church, backed with adequate funding, with the effect that the state is now doing well educationally. In the same vein, a former Minister of Health, Professor A.B.C. Nwosu contends that the greatest thing that happened to education in Anambra State was the return of schools by the then Governor Peter Obi to the Church proprietors – a formula he advised other States to adopt.

Tertiary education was also part of Peter Obi’s new deal for education – receiving boosts in structures, facilities, faculty, welfare, accreditation and improved funding. Benefitting institutions included: Anambra State University (and its various Campuses and Teaching Hospital); School of Agriculture, Mgbakwu (with laboratories, hostels, classrooms, administration and staff offices and demonstration farms); School of Nursing and Midwifery, Nkpor; and College of Health Technology, Obosi, Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, among others.

In a bold measure to promote a reading culture among students and literate residents alike and expand research resources in the state, the Obi administration constructed a Central Library in Awka (named after renowned educationist, Professor Kenneth Dike). That gigantic project attracted the support of Bank PHB drawn, again, from Governor Obi’s goodwill. Interestingly before this, the only such facility in the entire State was a divisional library set up in Onitsha in the 1960s. The Obi administration also renovated and expanded that facility.

Exhibiting admirable dynamism and foresight, the Obi administration procured and distributed personal computers to post-primary schools in the state, along with professional ICT teachers, power generators & Internet connectivity. Included in the package was the setting-up of Microsoft Academies

in designated secondary schools -- the first State in Nigeria to embark on such a project. He also institutionalized the ICT infrastructure, tools and competencies for best practices in governance, management, instruction and learning. As one of its complements to formal education, the Obi administration – in collaboration with committed partners – embarked on a comprehensive programme to re-orientate and empower the youths and integrate them into the mainstream of the development process. Tagged “Anambra State Youth Re-Orientation and Empowerment Programme (ANSYREP)”, the scheme incorporated a re-orientation exercise, skills acquisition, further studies and job placements.One of the unique features of Peter Obi’s giant strides in education was a deliberate policy of extending support to private institutions. Critics were faced with the hard fact that pupils and students of those institutions were wards of Anambra indigenes and other Nigerians domiciled in the state.

It is also revealing that Peter Obi used his tremendous goodwill to attract private sector support for his education initiatives and institutions. Since leaving Government House, he has continued the practice of providing assistance to educational institutions. In a schedule he tagged “School Apostolate”, he raises funds from friendly and good-spirited sources and undertakes visits to selected schools to help fulfil their areas of need. Education is easily the strongest launching pad we can provide our children and youths, to enable them hold their own in our increasingly dynamic world. The deliverables of any educational system depend largely on focused leadership, proper planning, effective management and adequate funding. As Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi did not let education slide into the doldrums and anarchy; but elevated it to a pride of place in the developmental scheme of things. It was not the cost as much as the benefits that mattered – and should matter. As the great philosopher, Aristotle reminded us, the difference between the educated and the uneducated is as the distinction between the living and the dead.

Suji, writes from Owerri

Internet of Things (IoT): LG Electronics Gathers Momentum for IFA 2016 Mary Ekah LG Electronics aims to impress IFA attendees this September with an array of cutting-edge products when technology enthusiasts converge for the world's leading trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances, otherwise known as IFA, in Berlin. While LG holds a commanding position in the global television and home appliances market, plans are ongoing to push the boundaries further. Technology is improving faster than ever and LG is committed to creating products that stand the test of time and won’t fall victim to the next industry trends and fads.

In an IoT world, people will connect to the Internet in innumerable ways. Today, where people connect to the Internet through devices as the Internet evolves toward IoT, people will connect in more relevant and valuable ways. It has been predicted that a human life span will see a considerable improvement in the coming years and human beings will be able to live a longer and a healthier life! It has been predicted

LG Electronics, Middle East & Africa, President, Mr. Kevin Cha

that a human life span might increase 100 plus years – which is like being able to see some generations evolve in front of your eyes!

With IoT technology is progressing to where a patient can swallow a pill that senses and reports

digestive tract health to a doctor over a secure Internet connection. In addition, sensors placed on the skin or sewn into clothing will provide information about a person's vital signs.

Progress may seem slow to end users, but IoT is booming and the world will witness the impending effects soon. As a thought leader in consumer electronics and home appliances, LG Electronics is cognizant of the tremendous trendsetting role IFA plays in the industry. This year’s focus is not merely about product utility as products have begun to take on aesthetic elements that serve little in the way of function but lend devices an aura of class and stylish sophistication; therefore, lifestyle benefits and social status are seen to be key drivers as more and more consumers will use forward-thinking technology to denote their lifestyles. The Internet of Things (IoT) trend has been trending for a while now and all have all been waiting and wanting to know more and experience this new evolution. Technology has progressed to the point where innovation is no longer about creating

a better life; instead it is the desire to create a better lifestyle for consumers that underpins the most exciting new products.

As IFA 2016 approaches, it will be important to assess the impact of technology on consumer lifestyles, as well as the way that 21st century life is changing expectations for technology. The driving force behind intuitive, connected and stylish devices is no longer aimed at simplifying daily tasks and chores, products are instead about helping users live more fulfilled lives that allow them to thrive in today’s ultra-connected world. The industry-changing and transformative power of the emerging IoT is visible in how the Internet is merging people, process, data and things to bring about a "democratisation of information" that builds bridges between previously separate systems and scenarios. In the emerging intelligent networks landscape, for example, more machines are being outfitted with sensors that connect to the cloud, enabling communications with other machines and their operators in real time.

CIPM to Host over 2,500 Delegates at 48th Annual National Conference Over 2,500 local and international delegates including representatives of the Nigerian government at all levels, decision makers from both public and the private sectors, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders and CEOs of A-rated organisations would converge at the International Conference Centre, Abuja where the 48th Annual National Conference of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria would hold from October 18–20.

Tagged ‘People/Potentials/Possibilities’, the conference will thoroughly explore and exploit significant and specific set of industry issues and trends that will inspire a paradigm shift in leadership and human resource management.

The conference offers a 3-day platform to elicit

creative and strategic responses that would optimise the competence of the Human Resource Management practice in Nigeria. This event provides an opportunity for career advancement and keeping pace with relevant emerging trends in the Human Resource Management industry and benchmark HR practices globally and locally through quality and professional networking and interactions. The several engaging sessions would be presided over by sought-after thought leaders highlighting critical socio-economic issues with Nigeria’s rising unemployment situation at the front burner. This discourse would be championing pertinent perspectives with a view to helping the government identify the challenges, impediments and the way forward

as a major stakeholder in the people management industry and breathe new life into your leadership strategy, HR activities and personal branding. All thanks to business leaders, CEOs from leading brands, government representatives and sought-after thought leaders who would be taking the stage at this year’s plenary sessions, HR Clinics and technical Masters Series. The stellar line up of speakers at the intellectual include Dennis Zulu - Director, ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra-Leone and Liaison Office for ECOWAS; ShaiGanu - ASIA Business Leader, Talent, Mercer Consulting; Senior Special Assistant on Job Creation and Youth Employment, Office of the Vice-President – Afolabi Imoukhuede; Executive Chairman,

African Centre for Shared Development Capacity Building - Professor Olu Ajakaye; Franca Ovadje - Founder of Centre for Research in Leadership and Ethics of the Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University; Mrs. Regina Olubunmi Fabamwo - Director-General, Lagos State Public Service Staff Development Centre, Chude Jideonwo – Managing Partner, Red Media Africa. Dignitaries and Speakers expected at the conference include the Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment - Dr. Chris Ngige; the Head of Service of the Federation - Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita; and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment - Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah to grace the stage of the CIPM 2016 Annual National Conference.

32 /ENTERTAINMENTRAVE

02.09.2016

eraveonline@gmail.com

Senator Speaks on His First Lagos Concert Popular Nigerian comedian, Benjamin Njoku popularly known as Senator is set to host his first comedy show in Lagos.

Scheduled to hold on Saturday September 10 2016 at the Muson Centre, the talented comic act has now joined the growing list of brave entertainers hosting their own shows in Lagos.

Speaking with ERAVE on the concept behind the show, the spontaneous entertainer says the show is basically in line with his brand name, 'Senator' and the supposed legislative comic appeal it creates. "I titled the show Senator: Most distinguished. Just trying to explain that there's a difference in my own trade of comedy. I am in a lane of mine with an

Senator

unwavering relevance for over few years now. I have been doing shows back then

Speaking on the choice of the two new artistes, the COO of the company, Mr. Ikechukwu Onuorah said the two artistes are full talents and they believe they can further help develop their talents and put them on the international stage.

“We have been silently working with two extremely talented and creative recording artistes and would like to take this opportunity to introduce them to you all. Some of you might know them as they have made some noise in the industry in the past. The first is the Queen of ACI Records, former winner of Nigerian Idol 2014, the beautiful Evelle and the second artist is a man with a big voice, Buckwylla.”

Some of the facilities of the company open to the public include state of the art recording studios (both analogue & digital) kitted with hardware & software that can be found in any world class professional

stringent project assessors who trimmed the entries down after a thorough and painstaking examination. After scaling the project assessors’ hurdles, Ekanem informed that the panel of judges will subject the valid entries to further scrutiny and thorough assessment process, charged with determining who becomes the Maltina Teacher of the Year. On October 20, 2016, the winners will be announced and celebrated at a grand event in Lagos. Ekanem stated that members of the panel were assembled based on their individual pedigree, professionalism and dedication adding that the job of the panel is to examine and scrutinise the valid entries received from across the country to determine winners at the state levels (state champions).

The 10 best entries will thereafter be invited for the grand finale where the panel will further subject the 10 finalists to rigorous scrutiny in order to determine who truly should be named

recording studio, a first class live and rehearsal room fully sound proofed, live event stage and equipment rental, music business & production training, among others.

the Maltina Teacher of the Year. Like last year, the Maltina Teacher of the Year 2016 will get one million naira instantly, plus one million naira every year for the next five years. The package also includes a development training opportunity abroad and a block of classrooms built at the school where he/she teaches. The MTOTY initiative with prizes worth N50 million annually, is done on the platform of NB/Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund. Ohiwerei is a former Chairman and CEO of the leading beverage conglomerate, which has been operating in Nigeria since 1946. The Trust Fund was established in 1994 to contribute to the development of educational sector in the country. Over the years, the company has used the fund to assist over 20,000 students, built over 250 classrooms and 22 libraries in both primary and secondary schools across 49 communities in the country.

Cobhams Asuquo to Direct Hennessy Artistry Live Show Gifted producer, Cobhams Asuquo is set to direct music activities at the second edition of Hennessy Artistry Live RnB & Soul Show, holding on Sunday September 4, 2016. The event has been curated to promote the RnB genre in Nigeria with live performances

by Waje, Brymo, Shaydee, Tjan and Ruby Gyang. There’ll also be Funbi, Falana, Faith, Omolara and D’Tone Martins. The Hennessy Artistry Live

RnB & Soul Show will hold at Hard Rock Café, Lagos and according to the organizers, the show will combine perfect blends of individual styles in the R&B genre as guests on the night enjoy a variety of Hennessy’s popular cocktails. With Cobhams at the hem of affairs, this collection of voices will deliver memorable performances in a very intimate, exclusive and interactive style.

FUNKE AKINDELE

Funke Akindele has confirmed her marriage with Abdul Rasheed Bello better known as JJC Skillz. She confirmed the rumors of her and JJC been secretly married by adding her husband’s name ‘Bello’ to her name on her social media accounts.

Funke Akindele will now be known as ‘Funke Akindele Bello’ confirming her marriage with Abdulrasheed Bello.

Evelle and Buckwylla

Jury Finetunes Modalities for 2016 Maltina Teacher of the Year As the deadline for the submission of entries for the 2016 Maltina Teacher of the Year (MTOTY) ended last month, the panel of judges has met in Lagos to deliberate on the assessment scheme for the initiative. The jury led by Professor Pat Utomi after their meeting agreed that profile of teacher, strategic approach to teaching, challenges encountered, resources utilised, among others, will be the core assessment parameters The Corporate Affairs Adviser of Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Kufre Ekanem, disclosed during the meeting explained that aside from Kebbi and Zamfara, 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, are up in battle for the second edition of the Maltina Teacher of the Year. Ekanem explained that the project received hundreds of entries from across the states of the federation. However, the entries were shortlisted and validated to compete for the initiative’s coveted prize by the

www.eraveng.com

in Jos but this is my debut in Lagos."

"My line up of artistes will include MI, Sound sultan, Raskimono, African China, Mr Raw, Ice Prince, Skakes and Falz. For comedy, we have Alibaba, okey Bakassi, Gordons, Omo baba, Funnybone and Daniel the humourous. And a few fast rising acts too”, he added. While speaking on the significance of the show, the comedian said he already made enough statements with his delivery as a veteran comedian.

"There's no particular message. The Senator brand isn't a new one, as such there's no particular message to passed'. Over the years, Senator has distinguished himself as one of Nigeria's most consistent and spontaneous comedians.

Evelle, Buckwylla Begin New Musical Journey Talented Nigerian artistes, Evelle who is the winner of the 2014 edition of Nigerian Idol and another fairly popular Nigerian artiste, Buckwylla have started a new musical journey. The two acts were recently unveiled as the two first recording acts signed on ACI Records.

The two gifted acts are assuredly not new entrants in the Nigerian music industry.

While Evelle, who won the fourth edition of the Nigerian Idol reality show has been up and doing with her career, Buckwylla has released several songs and done major collaborations in the past with the likes of Olamide, Cartiar, among others.

Speaking during the unveiling of the artistes and launch of the label, the CEO of the company, Mr. Wole Adeniyi said the fundamental philosophy behind the creation of the company was to provide a breeding ground for the best professionals in music and film technology.

@eraveng

Cobhams_Asuquo

WIZKID American rapper, Drake and Nigerian singer, Wizkid are set to feature in an upcoming movie titled “Please Forgive Me” to be released by September 30th 2016.

The short film is aimed at hyping Drakes most recent album, ‘Views’ which has been making waves lately.

The film which will include visuals for songs like ‘One Dance’ and Child’s play’ off Drake's ‘Views’ album will be co-directed by Anthony Mandler.

9ICE

Nigerian musician, Alexander Abolore Adigun Alapomeji better known by his stage name 9ice has revealed that he is going to dedicate his upcoming album to his fist producer, ID Cabasa and the album will be also benamed after him. In the revelation, he said, “I am currently working on an album that would come out in October and I would title it ID Cabasa.

I am dedicating the album to ID Cabasa and all the remuneration and profits from the album would go to him. All the money I make from the album would go to Cabasa because of all the work he has done for me from the time of Gongo Aso. When I was nobody, he was there for me; there is difference between someone believing in you and someone encouraging you. ID Cabasa believed in me and encouraged me through his platform. Cabasa is going to produce some of the tracks on the album and he welcomed the development.”

33/ TRAVEL, LEISURE & TOURISM

02.09.2016

TeamAfrica Starts Search for the 21 Wonders of Africa on September 27 The TeamAfrica, a Pan African travel association, will be opening up its membership log to accommodate more members as it launches its flagship project- The 21 Wonders of Africa on the 27th September which is globally recognised as World Tourism Day. African Union was also launched in September 1999.

The TeamAfrica Leader, Mr. Ikechi Uko had explained to the foundation members that membership was kept closed since March this year because the legal registration processes were not complete. He told the members that finally the legal registration and the trademark processes have been completed so The TeamAfrica is now a properly registered organisation.

New members can now join TeamAfrica on recommendation of any registered member and approved by the founders or through the website www.theteamafrica.org. New members can join from all over Africa and the Diaspora once the person or organisation can provide evidence of interest and involvement in the promotion of Africa as a destination.

Earlier in March the long awaited guidelines for membership of the New pan African travel association TeamAfrica was released. TeamAfrica is open to anyone who meets the criteria outlined in the guidelines. The Team Leader, Uko also said that the 21wonders of Africa which is the flagship project of the group will be launched

Uko

immediately after registering New members.

He explained that the delay in the takeoff of the project is because of legal issues that needed to be sorted out before takeoff. While waiting for the registration process the association had been busy articulating positions on Pan African issues including a widely used press release on the African passport. The Pan African Travel Association The TeamAfrica had commended the efforts of the AU leadership to bring about seamless travels within Africa for Africans. The AU leaders launched a new African passport at its annual General Assembly in Kigali for

Diplomats as a way of bringing to the fore the issue of free and easy movement within the continent.

For members of TeamAfrica who discussed the issue exhaustively it was agreed that the launch of the AU document is noteworthy but symbolic as it has no real value as at now. They pointed out the difficulty of implementing the Yammousokro Decision to open African skies for aviation which has not been implemented since 1999. According to the AU chairperson, Dlamina Zulu, this delay in implementing an AU decision since 2003 has cost Africa 40% market share in Aviation on the continent. So the implementation of the African Passport may face similar difficulties. TTA argues that immediate implementation of Visa on arrival for all Africans is easier to Implement and adopt. Ghana recently joined Rwanda and Seychelles in Implementing VOA for all Africans and it has taken off successfully and Nigeria announcing it will start with VOA in 2017.The Team recommends this route as a faster way of integrating Africa while discussions on the modality of how implementation of the AU passport is being worked out between Nations.

ECOWAS region was the first to launch free movement protocol among the 15 countries with little or no negative impact despite the huge population within the region. Recently

regional blocs in the East and South of Africa have all implemented free movement protocol for regional citizens with no negative fallout.

Some regions have even implemented Joint visa for the regions like the EAC tourism Visa for 3 countries in East Africa. The next linkage may be free movement protocol between the regions. ECOWAS and the EAC group can sign an MOU and bring this about long before the targeted date of 2018 for AU Passport launch for citizens. Visa fees is another issue of interest in Africa. As Uganda drops visa fees from $100 to $50 which is commendable some Africans still pay close to $200 for visas within Africa and TTA believes that the AU should assist members to establish a uniform fee for visas for African Travellers The TeamAfrica is an association for players in travel and tourism business in African. Its major role is to encourage travel within Africa for Africans as most Africans do not travel much within African. TTA aims to grow travel within Africa by jointly promoting events within Africa and pressure Governments to adopt policies that encourage intra African Travels. It was formed in Kigali Rwanda last year and has since grown to include practitioners from over 15 countries. Its landmark project is the expected Launch of the search for the 21 wonders of Africa.

Chesney: Improving Service through Technology Chesney Hotel, one of the leading hotels in Lagos, is building a brand built on personalised service and the smart use of technology, report Ugo Aliogo and Chineye Nduka The gentlemen in a dark grey suit reclined on the leather sofa in the cool lounge which was a welcome departure from the midday sun outside. He was clutching a glass of coke complete with lime and ice, a smile lingering on his lips. But his content demeanour had little to do with his drink but rather, the swift process involved in getting his drink served.

To get the drink, all he did was press a discreet device press placed on the table. The device sent a signal to the wristwatch of one of the bartenders, who quickly showed up. He took the order and a few moments later, was back with the chilled drink perched on a tray.

This is just one of the ways that technology has been put to use at Chesney Hotel on SakaTinubu, Victoria Island, Lagos. The hotel is not only service orientated, but also technology driven in servicing their numerous clients. No doubt, this is another chapter in the business of hospitality management in the country, judging from the desire of Nigeria to bridge the technological gap with the Western World in this aspect.

“We want to improve on this technology by coming up with new ways to improve how our waiters take orders from guests. We want to keep up with the latest trends in technology to better our service delivery. Very soon, our waiters will be equipped with I-pads to take orders,” noted the Business Service Manager of the hotel, MalvinOkorafor.

The new I-pad technology is expected to take the client’s order from wherever the individual is sitting and sends it to the computer system in the kitchen, where they begin preparation of the delicacy or drink immediately. This process saves time and promotes swift service delivery.

“It reduces that 25 minutes delay, we are

Chesney… One of the rooms

trying to make the food processed faster and the time customers have to wait for their orders,” noted Okorafor.

Another of the many ways the hotel is putting technology to use is its state-of-the-art irrigation system. The irrigation system has six pressure pumps which supplies water for use in the hotel, though they don’t work simultaneously.

It is to ensure that if one is not functioning properly, there will be five pumps on standby.

“When one of the pressure pumps was not functioning well, it was taken to South Africa. The pressure pumps purify the water and supplies it at a certain pressure. They’re also special; the pipes don’t rust. Presently, people are building pipes inside the building and within a period of 10 years, the pipes are filled with rust. We are trying to raise our standard in terms of water supply, because clean water is a big issue in Victoria Island,” Okorafor said.

Another noteworthy technology in the hotel is the air purifier on every floor of the hotel.

This purified air is fresher than natural air, with the unwanted parties sifted. “The air our

clients breathe in help them relax properly. The devices in use here are not so complex. We have engineers who operate them regularly so we don’t have difficulties using them.”

In the business of hoteling in Nigeria, the age, motivation and experience of the staff are key determiners to the quality of services rendered to clients. In some hotels, professional qualifications and years of experience are required to gain employment.

At Chesney, there is a shift in this tradition, though excellent culture service still remains a focal point. The management employs a large army of youths with little or no experience in the hospitality industry. These youths are taught the basic principles and values of hotel business. The management believes strongly in investing in human capital and developing people.

Okorafor stressed that: “I think the youth centric nature of the hotel has to do with the nature of my boss (hotel owner Ken Obinna).

As much as we want to make profit which is very vital, the hotel is a people orientated business. The owner believes in raising young

minds with potentials and building them into professional managers. We are not only concerned in making profit, but also giving back to the society through the development of these youths.

“Our boss is very simple, humble and friendly. He believes in ideas, teaching and developing people for them to get better. He loves investing in people. He shows concern about the challenges and personal life of his employees from the top to the lowest cadre,” he remarked.

He explained that the positive influence of Mr. Obinna on the staff is a key factor responsible for their increased input to the company. “The staff believe they have a stake in the success of the organisation and they put their best into it,” Okorafor revealed.

He continued, “With the current economic challenges facing the nation, most companies are downsizing. But the hotel is focused on its mission to develop its employees and give them the very best through motivation and support. The hotel is not concerned about cutting down on cost of operation or salaries of staff, instead they are developing staff competence for better performance. As a leading name in the hospitality industry, the hotel has maintained a good relationship with its clients and built strong goodwill in the industry.”

In the last week of August the hotel had a tasting session to launch their new buffet. The event was well attended by guests from the corporate world. Guests were treated to a nice delicacies and fine wine. The new buffet has African, continental and Chinese cuisine on its menu. Okorafor contends that the reduced buffet price of N4,500 is the best value for money in Victoria Island.

Ethiopian to Launch Flights to Moroni, Comoros Ethiopian Airlines, the fastest growing and the largest African airline, has announced that it has finalised preparations to launch flights to Moroni, Comoros with the latest B737-800 New Generation with Sky Interior, as of the 30th of October 2016. Moroni is the largest city, the federal capital and seat of the government of the Union of the Comoros, a sovereign archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean. The flights to Moroni will be operated

thrice weekly via Dar es Salaam. Group Chief Executive Officer Ethiopian Airlines, Mr. Tewolde GebreMariam, said, “We are thrilled to spread our wings farther to the Comoros islands. We believe our flights to Moroni and elsewhere in our beloved continent, Africa, contribute positively to the overall development of the continent and serve as a critically essential vehicle for the flow of investment, trade and tourism. Hence, with

the new service, passengers to and from Moroni will find convenient and hassle free connection to destinations in Ethiopian wide route network to 95 cities in five continents with a minimum layover at our main hub, Addis Ababa.” In the just ended physical year, African cities like Cape Town, Gaborone, Goma, Yaoundé and Durban have joined Ethiopian vast intra-African network. Moroni will be Ethiopian’s 54th African destination.

34/ETIQUETTE

02.09.2016

THE ETIQUETTE FORUM ADEKANMI OLUSANYA

email mretiquetteonline@yahoo.com

tel. 08112661635, 0809285 4855

The Etiquette of Thinking (2) “If your mind isn't open, keep your mouth shut too” – Sue Grafton With this quote, I continue my synopsis on the proper way to think effectively. This leads me to the next point – talking less.

An interesting proverb on effective thinking says: Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise and he that shuts his lips is esteemed and a man of understanding (deep thinker).

Our mind is more productive than our emotions.

Someone said: Life is a comedy to those who think, Life is a tragedy to those who feel.

But before I explain more on how it works, I will like to share on the difference between THINKING and FEELING and how they interplay in aiding or impeding effective thinking. I will explain just like I did last week with a couple of bullet points and real life case studies.

Your thinking and your feeling work in opposite directions. If your thinking is more dominant than your feeling, your brain ends up more effective all other things being equal.

If vice versa where the feelings are more dominant than thinking, the brain becomes less effective. The crux for every man is to ensure that their thinking is more dominant than their feeling as much as possible. I will give you an example when people have a strong feeling of anger they end up making

We Think With Our Mind (Brain) We Feel With Our Emotions (Heart)

Pro Activity Is Of The Mind, We Make Up Our Mind To Do Things Not Our Emotions.

Transformation Is Of The Mind, We Are Transformed By The Renewing Of Our Mind Not Our Emotions.

foolish decisions most of the time because at that point, the feelings were dominant over their thinking and so they took thoughtless actions. I heard of the story of a man who in a fit of anger gave a fatal punch to his friend and went on to serve a life sentence at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison!

At that point of anger, his feelings prevailed over his thinking and so he took a ‘brainless’ decision. Can you see how it works! The same goes for infatuation. When a man loves a woman so much, his feelings become so strong he may end up doing things that are senseless. The same goes for excitement. When we get too excited, we take decisions that we may sometimes end up regretting. I’ll share yet another example. Sometime in 1997, Nigeria’s Super Eagles had a World Cup qualifier to play with their Guinean counterparts. When Nigeria scored her second goal, an exited

defender, Austin Eguavoen took his shirt off and was handed a yellow card by the referee. Eguavoen was exited and took a decision lacking clear and deep thought.

Apart from anger other ‘good’ emotional feelings could weaken our brain potential and cause us to take the wrong decisions.

It is not wrong to have feelings, however they must be kept subject to a healthy mind.

Next week, I will delve deeper on the science of how talking less keeps the brain more effective.

You could purchase a copy of my book on etiquette titled PROPER MANNERS AND ETIQUETTE IN ANYTHING AT ANYTIME AND ANYWHERE at the price of N3,500 at our corporate head office at 340 - 344 Ikorodu Road, by Idi-Iroko Bus Stop, Maryland, Lagos.

Or call 0811 266 1635 or 0802 312 6010 to have a copy sent to you

If your mind isn't open, keep your mouth shut too – Sue Grafton. Too much talk weakens our brain potential. However talking is not the same thing as speaking as I will explain next week

When a man loves a woman so much, his feelings become so strong he may end up doing things that are senseless. Like Hollywood actor Tom Cruise Jumping all over the sofa on the Oprah Winfrey show after his hitch with Katie Holmes. The relationship failed months later

Sometime in 1997, Nigeria’s Super Eagles had a World Cup qualifier to play with their Guinean counterparts. When Nigeria scored her second goal, an exited defender, Austin Eguavoen took his shirt off and was handed a yellow card by the referee. Eguavoen was exited and took a decision lacking clear and deep thought

We think with our mind (brain), we feel with our emotions (heart). Our mind is more productive than our emotions. Pro activity is of the mind, we make up our mind to do things not our emotions. Transformation is of the mind, we are transformed by the renewing of our mind not our emotions

35/ENTREPRENEUR

02.09.2016

‘My First Cut was Horrible’ Nasir Elias, the Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director of Glue by Nasir Elias, is a graduate from the London School of Economics, University of London External Programme; Department of Information Systems and Management. In this encounter with Sandra Ukele, he talks about his journey into the fashion world Tell us about the brand Glue by Nasir Elias?

Glue by Nasir Elias is a fashion brand predominantly for male. Most of our apparel cuts across corporate outfits all the way down to casual outfits, T-shirts and corporate wears.

As the Creative Director, I am the one who makes designs and draw the art exactly how I want it to be. As the CEO my duty cuts across running the entire organisation.

What is your inspiration?

I will say God. Also everything I see around me inspires me. I could walk around a garden, out of the tranquility of the garden something comes up. Sometimes it is when I am stressed out that the inspiration comes forth and I sketch out a design. So I cannot attribute the inspiration to any source other than God.

Why the focus on men clothe line?

I would say that over time my inspiration comes from mostly men apparel. So I will like to concentrate on what I have been able to tap into. However, right now we have started our female collection. It is part of our 2016/2017 collection tagged ‘Sartorial Splendor’ which launched recently in Lagos. Basically, we do hope to do a lot of female outfits very soon.

Where do you source your fabrics?

We work with a few suppliers that import fabrics into Nigeria from various countries as Italy, India. Although some of them import from China and I know a lot of Nigerians have a negative belief about China but China actually produces whatever quality you want.

So I usually deal with those suppliers that offer the best quality materials available.

How did you get into the fashion business?

Glue by Nasir Elias started in the year 2003 when I was in my first year in the University of Lagos before I moved to the University of London. The whole dream started out when I used to help out another designer to put out his brand in public. Afterwards a cousin of mine kept on drumming it to my hearing that I had to start a business of my own. I did not take it seriously until I picked up a software used in designing fabrics known as Corel draw. I tried it out the first day and came up with about 10 designs even without knowing what I set out to do. I came up with designs that people saw and actually liked. So I tried it again the second time and came up with more designs. At that point, I realised that this might be my calling. I kept trying everyday and making better designs.

Elias Over time, I desired to delve into shirts. The moment I tried out the shirt, making it had a lot of hiccups here and there. When I tried out the shirt making business it was an era where a lot of people did not trust Nigerian brands. Initially we were not doing too well and I almost gave up on the shirt making.

I was really disturbed. I did not know if to give up or not. Later it just came to me how I could make up for all the errors. Right now I can say we are one of the best making outfits in Nigeria.

Did you ever train to become a tailor?

No. I had no prior training on how to make a shirt and I never went to a training school. Like I said, the first shirt I ever cut looked horrible.

What message do you want pass on with your kind of designs?

Our aim is to create attraction for the wearer; that earns the name Glue. If you look at the word glue it is one that attracts two materials together. To stick two things together actually creates a form of attraction. At the end of the day what we are trying to say is that Glue

by Nasir Elias is all about attraction.

What are some of the challenges you encounter in your chosen trade?

I can say the first challenge would be attributable to fabric availability. When the fabrics are shipped in they come in a certain quantity and once quantity is exhausted that creates a problem. A lot of times we have great designs that sell out. But overtime fabric availability becomes a problem hence

the challenge comes that we cannot continue with a particular design. We therefore kill the design. What we would really like to do is build a fabric production factory in Nigeria that produces international standard fabrics.

When we create product it is a combination of fabric and design. So a particular design might have five to six different fabrics and people might appreciate a particular fabric more. But when that fabric becomes scarce that creates a problem.

Sincerely speaking are you the tailor that turns out these styles or do you employ group of tailors?

We have our factory in Ogun State while our store is at Shoprite Surulere. Yes, there are tailors in our factory in Ogun State. It is where we run our production. The factory is made up of cutters and tailors that actually sew.

How would you describe the fashion industry in Nigeria?

I would say it is really challenging being a fashion designer in Nigeria because we face a lot of problems like high staff turnover, fabric availability and most importantly power supply.

Epileptic power supply frustrates production.

It is truly challenging when the power supply keeps going off and on.

How affordable are your clothes?

For our price range we are very affordable.

How do you see your brand in the next 10 years?

I see Glue by Nasir Elias as an international brand. We are presently negotiating an international affiliation with a few stores.

Why Cash is the Enemy of Inclusion Michael Miebach Two billion people – nearly one-third of the world’s adult population – lack a bank account. For many readers of The UN Global Daily, this statistic is likely well known. What perhaps isn’t as well known is that of those two billion people, 40 per cent are young people. Nearly half are women. Half are urban.

Half have jobs. And they’re all left without things that are commonplace for many of us: proof of identity, a way to save money for a rainy day, a way to get loans, a way to insure themselves or their crops. And it’s not just about having an account – it’s about using an account. Usage is a challenge in many countries, where large segments of a population may have an account but still use cash to pay for things like utility bills, school fees, and remittances.

Why does all of this matter? It matters because cash is the enemy of inclusion. It matters because cash is the enemy of the poor.

Think about having to weigh the demands of an hourly job with the need to stand in

line to pay a bill. Think about not being able to send money back home to your family at a reasonable cost. Think about having the social benefits you just got in cash stolen as you make your way home.

And if cash is your only choice for how to pay for things or receive payments, you’re left using a medium of exchange that can’t connect you to technology in an age of technology; that isn’t digital in an age of digital; that doesn’t provide data analytics or insights in an age of smart data; that frankly and simply, doesn’t compute in an age of computing. And what about the role of cash in a future with the Internet of Things, where every device is connected? What kind of life will those who aren’t included have?

We’ll have the Internet of Everything but not the Inclusion of Everyone – which is what makes me also say cash is the enemy of a smarter future.

The opportunity before us is clear. Technology – if used well – can help us as a global community achieve things previous generations could only dream of: reduce global poverty

further, include more people financially, and create economic growth that’s more inclusive and equitable. International development organisations like the UN and the World Bank – along with countless governments and foundations around the world – as well as many of us in the private sector – are working together to seize this opportunity. At Mastercard, we’re partnering with governments to channel social benefits directly to recipients, cutting out the middle man, and providing a sense of identity, security, and empowerment, most importantly, to those most in need. The UN World Food Programme is leveraging our technology to provide aid to hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees. We have 500+ financial inclusion programs around the world in 50+ countries. We’ve committed to bringing 500 million people and 40 million small merchants and micro-entrepreneurs into the financial mainstream by 2020. And we’re well on our way. As more people move from cash to digital forms of payment, shoring up trust in financial systems – getting various players of an ecosystem connected in a

seamless, secure way also becomes mission critical. To get these things done – to drive financial inclusion in a sustainable way - we need public-private partnerships. We need organisations advocating for change. We need companies bringing their technologies and skills to the table. And we must continue to resist the temptation to act in isolation within our own sectors or within borders and continue to build on the solidarity that’s the proven path to success.

British philosopher Alfred North Whitehead said “civilisation advances by extending the number of operations we can perform without thinking about them.” In the 21st century, one of the great tests of capitalism and governance is to make sure those advancements are extended across geographies and incomes. That when we take more friction out of the financial system…when we foster greater peace of mind when it comes to commerce, we do so in a way that lifts not some boats but all boats – that benefits not the few but the many.

Miebach writes from Lagos

Sixth Sense Interiors Opens for New Session The training academy of Sixth Sense Interiors, one of the respected establishments in the Nigerian designing industry, is set to commence its nine-week training programme.

The academy's new session, scheduled to begin on September 9, 2016 and end on November 11, will give students exposure to various modules such as introduction to design, principles and fundamentals of design, colours and psychology of colours. Beside the fundamentals, students are subsequently introduced to the gritty aspects of design, the

business aspects of running a design outfit (such as dealing with artisans and contractors, managing and sequencing a project) and a terminal personal project. The academy, in addition to the tutored courses, also affords opportunities for first-hand practical experience during training, which enables students to build personal design portfolios leading to the award of certificate at the end of the session. Established in 2005, Sixth Sense Interiors has been diligently run by its founder, Temitope Olagbegi, as to become

one of the notable interior design brands in Nigeria. Of the academy, Olagbegi said: "The school is unique because it utilises a fledging design practice. The studios are creative environments, enabling students to work with current samples, pattern books and lots of exciting specialist resources." The curriculum, which is practical-oriented, is drawn from her considerable professional experiences. Sixth Sense has consistently won numerous industry awards including Brand of the Year in 2010.

Sixth Sense Interior's CEO, Mrs. Temitope Olagbegi

36/COLLAGE

02.09.2016

L-R; Acting Managing Director/CEO Bank of Industry, Mr. Waheed Olagunju; Chairman Honeywell Flour Mill, Dr Oba Otudeko and Dr Tunji Soleye at the marriage reception of the daughter of Olagunju, former Miss Doyinsola Olagunju and Mr Adebayo Aromolaran in Lagos...recently

L-R; PRO, Egbe Omo, Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo, Lagos, Bro Aramide Tola Noibi; Secretary, Bro Prince Akitoye; Social Secretary, Pastor Deji George and the Life President, Bro Evan Bode Thomas at the thanksgiving service/Inauguration of Egbe Omo at the Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo, Lagos....recently

Jason Madu being supported by his mother, Onyinye during his 5th birthday celebration in Abuja...recently

L-R: Guest Speaker and Director General FIIRO, Dr. Gloria Elemo (middle) flanked by District Governor, District 404-B Nigeria, Lion International, TPL Waheed Kadiri (left), and Multiple Council Chairman, Lion. Kola Oyekanmi, signing an MoU during the Presentation of Kadiri as district governor, in Abeokuta....recently

L-R; Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Mr. Ernest Chukwunonso Aziagba and his wife, former Miiss Eunice Ijeomah Okoh durind their wedding service at the Cathedral Church Of Advent , Life Camp , Abuja...recently

L-R: Chief Host/Parish Priest, St. Matthew Catholic Church, Amukoko, Lagos, Rev. Father Emmanuel Sikuku Likoko; Rev. Sergius Paul Iberi; Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo; Newly Ordained Priest, Rev. Father Jude Ikenna Kurumeh and Visiting Priest, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ikere, Ekiti State, Rev. Father Dominic Ikede, during the Priestly Ordination of Rev. Father Jude Kurumeh, at the Church's Premises in Lagos...recently KOLAWOLE ALLI

Cross-section of members of City of Recovery Deliverance Ministries, a.k.a. Chariot of Fire, during their traditional praise and worship night in lgando, Lagos...recently

L-R: District Governor-elect, Rotary Club of Nigeria (District 9110), Dr. Wale Ogunbadejo; President, Rotary Club of Gbagada South, Rotn Babatunde Jeje and member, Rotn Nelson Amuwa, during the investiture ceremony of the new President of Rotary Club of Gbagada South, in Lagos...recently

37/THISLIFE

02.09.2016

Abubakar

Abubakar: Promoter of Peace Clocks 6O Recently, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III was on the spotlight as he marked his 60th birthday anniversary. Peter Uzoho who followed the event, writes that the non tribalistic monarch and rare cleric was celebrated by Nigeria’s timber and caliber for his patriotism and selfless service to the nation and humanity Call it a payback time you may not be wrong afterall. It was a time to give honour to who honour is due. Since his 60th birthday anniversary on 24th August, 2016, goodwill and congratulatory messages have continued to rain in torrents on the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubabar III. The Sultan of Sokoto remains to be celebrated any day, any year, any time for proving beyond every reasonable doubt that, despite being the head of the Muslim community in Nigeria, he is a leader for every Nigerian irrespective of tribe and religion. Being a strong advocate of national peace and unity, he ensures that all his public utterances and comments are guided by wisdom and are always in the interest of the nation.

Right from the day he ascended the throne as the 20th Sultan of Sokoto, the highest and most exalted position in the Northern part of Nigeria,Abubakar has been among the few powerful voices in the country that are readily available to calm frayed nerves and sue for peace whenever occasion demands. He is a true Nigerian that believes in the Nigerian agenda and is determined to see a prosperous Nigeria.

In the build up to the 2015 general elections, he was among the religious leaders who cautioned on “skewing religion for political gains” as politicians at the time were hiding under the cover of religion, making inciting comments which would have degenerated into crisis.

Abubakar has never hesitated to cooperate with the government both at the national and state levels on matters of national interest.

He is ever ready to assist in ensuring that government policies and programmes that are tailored towards alleviating the plight of the people are executed. During the administration of former President,Goodluck Jonathan, he played a significant role in making sure that poliomyelitis, a major disease ravaging some parts of the country was eradicated. He mobilised the religious and traditional communities for a joint battle against the disease. According to him, “No father will want to watch his child go disabled.” He continues to show

same support and assistance to the present government as he believes that with collective effort, all challenges facing the country will be overcome.

What better way to appreciate the royal father, a rare cleric, a strong patriot and embodiment of wisdom, for his selfless service to the nation, than to join his families and friends on yearly basis to wish him well on occasions of his birthday anniversary. Holding in August every year, many August personalities in the country, one after the other take turn to congratulate the Caliph.

Among those that sent their birthday messages to the Sultan during his 60th birthday anniversary was President Muhammadu Buhari,who in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina said, “As the head of Jama’atu Nasril Islam and President-General of Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), you have demonstrated uncommon leadership style, patriotism and wisdom in your consistent advocacy for security, peace and unity of Nigeria.”

“Your wise counsels and support on issues of good governance, girl-child mortality, and agriculture has greatly enriched my administration’s efforts to improve the livelihood of Nigerian.

“I pray that the Almighty Allah will grant you good health and long life to continue in the service of humanity.”

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki described him as “an ambassador of peace, promoter of national unity, champion of national development, embodiment of tradition and culture, and a source of inspiration to many Nigerians.

“I am delighted to congratulate you on this epoch anniversary of attaining the age of 60.Your legacies as the Sultan of Sokoto, the head of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), are visible to all. You have continued to diligently serve humanity both in your immediate domain and the county at large.

“You remain a source of blessing and inspiration to the entire country, especially your quest for peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance, fight against insurgency, free and compulsory education for the less-privileged and the holistic development and unity of the entire country. I pray that the Almighty Allah will continue to grant you perfect health, long life and more wisdom in the discharge of your duties,” Saraki added.

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar described him as “a remarkable man of peace”, praising the Sultan’s courage and sincerity for always forcefully condemning violent extremism which has created negative perception problems for Islam and Muslims in Nigeria and elsewhere in the world.”

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike said, “On this auspicious occasion of your 60th birthday,I,on behalf of my wife,Suzette,our children as well as the government and people of Rivers State felicitate with you and join your family, friends and millions of the Muslim faithfuls in Nigeria to thank the Almighty God for his grace upon your life.

“A day of joy like this reminds of the invaluable contributions you are making towards national cohesion and development. Your endless pursuit of peace in Nigeria especially in very challenging times has remained invaluable and future generations will remember you in gratitude. As you begin another journey of greatness, we pray God to grant you longevity, good health, happiness, prosperity and courage to continue to serve our nation and humanity to the glory of His name.”

Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello, on his part, showered encomiums on the Sultan, appreciating his role and quick intervention in crisis anywhere in the country, which he said has assisted tremendously in ensuring peace in the country.

“Abubakar has demonstrated uncommon leadership in establishing unity among the Muslim community in the country,” adding “I wish him more fruitful years and good health in the service to humanity.”

Abubakar is a younger son of the seventeenth Sultan, Siddiq Abu Bakardan Usman, who held the Sultanate for over fifty years. He is the fifth heir to the two century-old throne founded by his ancestor, Sheikh Usman Dan Fodio (1754-1817), leader of the Maliki school of Islam and the Qadiribranch of Sufism. He attended the prestigious Barewa College, Zariaand proceeded to the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1975 where he was a member of the 18th Regular Course. Abubakar was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in 1977 and served in the elite Armoured Corps.

Abubakar headed a presidential security unit of the Armoured Corps that guarded then military ruler General Ibrahim Bagangida in the late 1980s. He also commanded a battalion of African peacekeepers in Chad during the early 1980s as part of the Organisation of African Unity’s force, and was the military liaison officer for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in the mid-1990s.

He was appointed Commanding Officer 241 Recce Battalion, Kaduna in 1993. From 1995 to 1999, he was ECOWAS military liaison officer and Commanding Officer, 231 Tank Battalion, ECOMOGOperations in Sierra Leone from 1999 to 2000. From 2003 to 2006, Abubakar served as Defence Attaché to Pakistan also accredited for Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Afghanistan.

Upon his elder brother, Sultan Maccido's death, he was recalled to take office as the 20th Sultan of Sokoto and retired as a brigadier General.By his position as the Sultan of Sokoto, Abubabar is the leader of the Qadiriyya Sufi Order, historically the most important Muslim position in Nigeria.

In 2015, Amirul Mumineen Sultan Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar III was listed among the 10 recipients of the maiden edition of the Global Seal of Integrity(GSOI), an annual list which is compiled and authored by two young Nigerians; Emmanuel Josh Omeiza and Godspower Oshodin, under the Global Youth Coalition for Integrity, for promoting integrity among the people and consequently promoting the well-being of the Universe.

38/OPINION

02.09.2016

ADEOLAAKINREMI HOME TRUTHS

I

Email: adeola.akinremi@thisdaylive.com

Tel 08116759785(sms only)

Nigeria’s Robin Hood Story

’m good at doing catch-up calls with friends. This past week I did with two of my friends.

The recent piece written by my editor, friend and brother, Simon Kolawole—a celebrated journalist and publisher of TheCable—known for his crowd pulling ideas triggered the first conversation.

At a time government has proved toothless and clueless on how to revive the economy, SK as he’s fondly called pointed us to common error in governance—a one jacket fits all approach.

The government fantasy with agriculture and back-to-farm slogan everywhere in government circle without serious thought for industrialisation was the subject of his piece, “agriculture is not the magic solution.”

Kolawole performed exploratory laparatomy on Nigeria’s situation. At the end he pointed us to the disease with rhetorical questions.

“But how can we add value when, despite the billions of dollars we have made from oil since 1999, we don’t have the basic infrastructure to inspire an agro-based industrial explosion? Where are the roads? Where are the rails? Where is the electricity? Where is the security? Where is the finance? Yet I can point to uncountable private jets, mansions and customised cars that politicians and their friends have acquired since 1999 with proceeds from the oil boom — while they keep preaching stone-age agriculture to Nigerians. So if your governor joins this craze of declaring work-free days for primitive farming, just ask him politely: Your Excellency, who agriculture alone don epp,?” he wrote.

Pity, Nigeria is a basket case. It is a country

NEMA official at work

where the rich robs the poor. It is a reverse story of Robin Hood. SK told me it is “Hood Robin.”

Really, If the recent statement made by the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi—known for his frank talk—about how this government has added to the fortunes of Nigerian billionaires since 2015 from foreign exchange in a “rich take the profit” economy with the poor paying the price does not convince you, I will now take you to the IDP camps.

The other friend I had a catch-up call with is Ms Serah Makka, an international development expert with unusual devotion to Nigeria’s greatness. I met Ms. Makka while she was working for Tony Elumelu Foundation in Lagos and we have had several occasions to compare notes and share ideas in the last four years.

It is another reverse story of Robin Hood going on across IDP camps, particularly in

the North-east that formed the kernel of our conversation.

Just think for a moment that you’re one of those at the IDP camps and your foodstuff is being sold by your care provider just to enrich himself.

Many donated items for IDPs that are clearly marked NOT FOR SALE are now in the market with the internally displaced persons dying of hunger. The world must be laughing at us.

Clearly, the statistics of death from IDP camps is not good for the book. The serious sin here is error of coordination among government agencies and lack of seriousness in implementing good policies on the part of government.

But Ms.Makka and some other concerned Nigerians that include ‘Yemi Adamolekun of Enough is Enough Nigeria, Bukky Shonibare, of Adopt-A-Cam, Evon Idahosa of Pathfinders International, Nanre Maiyegun of IAMSafe Coalition and Ier Jonathan-Ichaver, Sesor are not sleeping over the issue.

In a recent letter sent to Veepee Yemi Osinbajo, the group said: “There have been several allegations of corruption in IDP camps in relation to distribution of food and supplies.

“For several months, there have been citizens’ reports that food and supplies marked ‘NOT FOR SALE’ or stamped with the logos of various international development agencies are offered as is, or repackaged and sold in markets in Borno State.

“This is clearly unacceptable and urgent attention needs to be given to ensure that supplies meet their intended beneficiaries in good time to meet their needs. If goods

clearly marked ‘NOT FOR SALE’ are being sold, what happens to donations by citizens that are unmarked?

“In June 2016, there were reports of trucks of food being diverted from IDP camps. There was also a report of hoodlums taking over a food distribution event in Borno State and stealing bags of rice. Also last month, pictures and a video surfaced online and the report stated that food allocated for IDPs were being re-bagged for resale.

“Furthermore, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), in their May 2016 Report, found that cases of ‘sex for food’ by women and girls in government-run camps had increased.

“In January 2016, the Chairman of the House Committee on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Alhaji Sani Zoro (Jigawa, APC), announced that the committee would investigate allegations of ‘sex for food’ in IDP camps.

“Despite these allegations, there has been no published report by the Federal Government of the findings of any investigation.”

Makka and her team simply want Osinbajo to use his office as the nation’s vice president and chairman of National Emergency Management Agency to act swiftly before things get out of hand.

That letter was sent out to Osinbajo by mid- July, but it is not clear why IDPs are still dying of hunger. After surviving the terror and horror of Boko Haram, it is a shame that the government couldn’t stop the IDPs from second death. It is our reverse case of Robin Hood story.

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LEKANFATODU HEADS-UP

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t is instructive to start with the figures and the statements that corroborate them. “Every single day, Nigeria loses about 2,300 under-five year olds and 145 women of childbearing age. This makes the country the second largest contributor to the under–five and maternal mortality rate in the world”- UNICEF. Few days ago a pro-development African businessman, Mr. Taofik Adegbite offered sound thoughts on the peril of poverty. So little wonder on the “Dangote and Bono poverty tackling partnership”, as stated on ONE.org And according to the director of the welfare department at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development (FMWASD), Jummai Mohammed, “Nigeria has about 19 million persons living with one form of disability or the other. Therefore disability issues are far too important to be ignored.”

Naturally, the foregoing is more than enough to get one terribly unsettled and disturbed. But, it is common knowledge that the privileged few have always been indifferent towards such circumstances. And that’s because they usually benefit from the unfortunate situation.

Without doubt, this awful outlook poses a great danger to any nation. The present state of the country is highly troubling for all and sundry, and is particularly worse for the physically-challenged and other vulnerable members of the society.

This is exactly what concerns Adebola Daniel, son of former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.

Though born into a home of affluence, Adebola’s life was somewhat altered by a

Email lekantodun@yahoo.com

Tel 07058069255

On Adebola Daniel’s Pains

Adebola Daniel...breaking barriers

rare medical condition that confined him to a wheelchair.

“I was born into a very comfortable home, with both amazing parents and without a disability. However, when I turned 5, I was diagnosed with paraplegia- a rare condition with no medical clarity.

“I became confined to a wheelchair”, he said in a recent public statement.

The ill fate notwithstanding, the young man went ahead to make good meaning of his life and to find worthy purpose in human existence in different aspects.

He acquired a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from University College London and has gained valuable experiences in his chosen career. Similarly, he has made a mark as an inspirational speaker with TEDx Talk.

Interestingly, with all of these endeavours which can be deemed amazing, Adebola is yet to get fulfilment. And this is because he felt that little is being done by the government and the society at large to alleviate

the suffering of people living with disability across the country.

So amongst other things, Adebola is seeking ways to significantly reduce, if not totally eliminate, discrimination against this vulnerable group.

And he is also on a mission to influence policies in a manner in which issues around citizens with disability will become one of the government’s priorities.

“Growing up in Nigeria, I unconsciously associated disability to poverty and crime due to amputated beggars on the streets mostly as a result of Sharia Law practiced in the North. This was general opinion of most Nigerians in my social circle as a child.

“Having myself become physically challenged, I was exposed to the stigma and assumptions that came with being ‘disabled’.

“All of a sudden, I was looked at with pity, with judgement and sometimes with resentment by my fellow countrymen.

“I see a lack of integration and it saddens me knowing that there is a young disabled Nigerian out there that has the capability to achieve what I have achieved and even surpass me but regrettably, he/she is not being given the adequate support from government and the society.

“It is unacceptable that most schools in Nigeria are inaccessible. It is unacceptable that road side pavements are not fit for wheelchairs.

“It is unacceptable that Shell and other multinationals adhere to strict disability codes in the US and UK but are unable to carry this same principles to Nigeria,” he said.

Undoubtedly, a wide range of issues is

linked to disability amongst Nigerians. Poverty is a major issue while the recent issues of terrorism and insurgency cannot be ruled out.

From the North down to the South, there are countless people, especially children, incapacitated through one or more of the listed issues. Their conditions are worsened by bad leaders who have failed to properly manage the affairs of its people. And this blame goes to leaderships across cadre: federal, state and local governments including some indigenous corporate entities and NGOs. For instance, as state and local governments are mentioned here, one may be compelled to inquire what the statistics of poverty, maternal health and mortality, preventable diseases, violent political crises and other contributing factors to disability amongst the people in different states and their various local governments to further and critically analyse how leadership have unwittingly created a situation of incapacitation amongst its people or have helped to reverse the unfortunate trend.

This, I’m certain, would serve as a valuable case study in articulating a policy position towards the improvement of the lot of the disabled people in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, with Adebola’s commendable commitment to a clear-cut advocacy in support of Nigerians living with disability through his foundation, it is anticipated that he will help inspire many disabled people on the verge of despair to keep hope alive. And also push the discussion on the challenges and the solutions to the plight of the disabled to the relevant quarters through his father’s expansive national networks.

39

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

Agriculture as Driver of Nigeria’s Economic Resurgence Chika Amanze-Nwachuku writes that with the increasing interest of Nigerian banks in agriculture and strong government backing, the sector can be developed to become a major revenue earner for the country in the near future Erisco Foods Limited, an indigenous manufacturer of food products in Nigeria, has, over the last one year, even without a loud roadshow, emerged as the new exemplar of local enterprise. It joins the shortlist of other notable Nigerian companies such as Dangote Group, BUA, and Ibeto Group that are currently forming the building block of Nigeria’s industrial and economic renaissance.

What makes the Erisco story interesting is that although the firm was established in 2004 and began operations in 2009; today it has become the poster-boy of Nigeria’s current drive for economic diversification and local manufacturing.

Erisco Foods Ltd, which is reportedly enjoying financing from Stanbic IBTC Bank, has almost become synonymous with tomato processing and agriculture. Its remarkable trajectory was buoyed by the ban on the importation of substandard tomato produce into Nigeria, which gulps a staggering N80 billion from the nation’s coffers annually.

Juxtapose this huge drain with the billions of tax payers’ money allocated to agriculture yearly and the fact that most Nigerians depend on agriculture for sustenance and livelihood. Yet, the funding agriculture gets in Nigeria, whether it is from banks, public allocations, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), private investments or as assistance from multilateral organisations is surprisingly too little.

The ban on importation of goods, which can be produced locally demonstrates the current government’s renewed focus on agricultural development to ensure diversification of the country’s revenue source away from oil. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, speaking at the inauguration of the Technical Working Group of Agricultural Roadmap, emphasized that the decline in global oil prices has made it imperative for the country to diversify the economy, with agriculture as major anchor. “We have to diversify and that diversification holds a lot of promises through agriculture,” Chief Ogbeh stated. “We need to fashion out how to liberate Nigeria from the stranglehold of food importation. The government realistically cannot afford to encourage importation of food, particularly those we have the comparative advantage to produce in the country. We cannot sit idly and watch our agricultural resources fritter away,” he added.

Lack of Access to Finance A factor bedeviling the industry is the lack of access to finance, a major impediment that prevents farmers from investing in basic inputs, such as good seeds, fertilizers and small-scale irrigation needed to raise productivity and generate sustainable income. As a result, yields have not increased significantly, leading to pervasive hunger and poverty. Similarly, with little or no commercial financing and other incentives available to entrepreneurs seeking to build businesses that could boost food production, agricultural production remains at a subsistence level.

“Regarding agriculture, the opportunity is immense,” said Jerry Gushop, Head of Agricultural Banking at Stanbic IBTC Bank. “Though much is required, and a collective inertia still remains, there are increasing signs of how agricultural transformation can change the country’s fortunes.

The current economic situation, especially with strong government backing, makes agriculture an attractive prospect for the country. Note also that the demand for upstream products linked to the broader agri-business sector will blossom, creating new economic opportunities for a wide range of local and international enterprises,” he added.

Agriculture is expected to feature as one of the driving forces in Africa’s economic resurgence and was already among the key factors contributing towards a swelling interest in the continent’s natural resources. It is estimated that over 60 percent of the world’s available and unexploited cropland is in sub-Saharan Africa. In the case of Nigeria, agriculture contributes about 22 percent of its GDP and over 90 percent of employment.

CEO, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Sola David-Borha

However, about 90 percent of the agricultural output is accounted for by small scale farmers with less than two hectares under cropping.

This situation presents huge gaps that can be exploited for good and possibly put an end to the era of treating agriculture as a development programme.

Government’s Efforts However, the various governments and the Central Bank of Nigeria have introduced financing initiatives to encourage local banks to finance agriculture and also help to reduce the cost of finance for investors/ entrepreneurs in the sector. Some of these initiatives include the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing Model for Agricultural Financing (NIRSAL), an initiative that provides guarantee on exposure to the financing institution while also providing interest rate rebate for the borrower. The other is the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS), a CBN initiative that provides single digit financing through commercial banks at nine percent annually for commercial farmers. The Real Sector Support Fund (RSSF), also a CBN initiative which provides single digit financing to the real sector, including the Agric sector for periods of up to 15 years at nine percent per annum interest rate. The Anchor Borrowers Programme, another CBN initiative, provides financing at nine percent per annum interest rate. The scheme was recently established to cater for small-holder farmers via an ‘anchor’ platform, by creating markets/offtake for the smallholder farmers.

Rising Interests of Nigerian Banks To move forward, experts say Nigeria must look inward for local financing solutions. Several local banks have become quite active in the agric space, providing both financing and other support to the industry. For instance, a few years ago, Stanbic IBTC Bank collaborated with Tata Africa Services and John Deere Financial, a division of United States-based John Deere, through which the bank is providing a range of financial services to customers of John Deere. At the official unveiling ceremony, Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Mrs. Sola David-Borha, had urged stakeholders in the agriculture industry,

Buhari

particularly smallholder and commercial farmers, to turn to banks for structured funding to boost their productivity, as the various tiers of government work around creating an enabling environment and appropriate policies that will reduce the credit risks associated with agriculture lending. The bank has a similar partnership with CAT Mantrac on heavy duty equipment for land preparation and is also collaborating with development agencies such as USAID and DFID to explore opportunities in the SME segment of the value chain for funding and provision of agronomy and agriculture extension services for better crop yield and employment generation.

Growing Interests Companies in different sectors are venturing into agriculture as part of efforts to source their raw materials locally. Guinness Nigeria Plc last year announced its intention to increase its local content usage from the current 43 percent to 75 percent in the next three years. Mr. Peter Ndegwa, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company noted that job creation and economic empowerment remain major challenges in Nigeria, but that the local content initiative will substantially address these challenges by targeting the poorest areas and channeling investment into job-creating segments in the agriculture value chain.

For stakeholders though, the multiplier effect of the new strategy on the company, society and the economy will far outweigh whatever short-term concerns there are. Apart from driving down costs for the company, which will in turn ensure higher returns on investment via dividend payouts, the move will in addition create employment opportunities, boost income levels and empower farmers along the agriculture value chain as well as small and medium enterprises and suppliers, resulting in application of modern technologies, improved quality control, higher output, product marketing and self-sufficiency.

Technological advances are also helping in some instances to get around some of the shortfalls in hard infrastructure. For instance, with cellphones people can conduct their businesses more efficiently, rather than rely on face-to-face meetings, a development that benefits the economy and

eases traffic congestions. With India and China becoming major world economies, long gone are the practices of sending antiquated factory machinery to Africa. Capital goods manufacturers now fight to sell equipment worldwide, including into Africa. This is helping to raise the quality of goods produced on the continent. An improved policy climate, higher FDI flows, demographic advantages, commodity resources, and a faster growth rate mean that Africa’s technology stock will grow rapidly, and in turn boost growth.

Ultimately, there is a gradual shift in Africa from relying on food aid to focusing on food security. Higher food prices around the world have pushed the focus onto the use of Africa’s fallow arable land. This global focus combined with policy shifts and the increased involvement of multinational companies in agribusiness bodes well for agriculture on the continent. In addition, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the donor community are working with African governments towards food security, poverty alleviation, and the sustainable development of the continent.

Changing demographics predicts that a bell shaped population curve will occur in Africa by 2050. With better governance and policies in place, Africa will reap the economic benefits of having a greater proportion of the population in the economically active sector. The large share of agriculture in Nigeria’s GDP, according to experts, suggests that a strong growth in agriculture is necessary to trigger overall economic growth.

For a country with a huge youth population, modernisation and incentives will convince the youth to see a viable career path in agriculture.

The perception of farming as a back-breaking venture for the old will steadily ebb. Youth unemployment presents both a threat and an opportunity. However, agriculture can change the dial as from the farm to the table lies huge opportunities that the youth can harness, with the right support.

“There is a need and an opportunity for investment that will develop the middle ground in Nigeria’s agriculture. As a leading emerging markets bank, our goal is to perform a transformative role in the country’s agricultural sector in partnership with other organisations,” said Stanbic IBTC’s Gushop

40

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

CITYSTRINGS

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

Benin Honours Solomon Arase After his meritorious service to his fatherland, the immediate past Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, was honoured by his native Benin people, writes Adibe Emenyonu

L- R: Former IG Solomon Arase, former Millitry Administator of Taraba and Oyo States, AIG Amen Oyakhire and Mrs. Agharese Arase

L-R: Deputy Speaker Edo State House of Assembly, Elizabeth Ative, and Iyom Josephine Anenih, at the event

S

ince the 1930s when the present day Nigeria Police Force was established with headquarters in Lagos and under the command of an Inspector General of Police, no Benin man was made to head the establishment.

Even when officers and men from the then Midwest, now Edo and Delta states, constituted the operational hub of the Nigeria Police, no officer was appointed to the position of Inspector General. The highest position they got to was Deputy Inspector-General of Police in the likes of Parry Osayande and Christopher Omoben, while others such as Eddy Obinwevbi, Casmire Akagbosun, Stephen Olumese and Fidelis Oyakhilome and Sam Igbe ended up as Assistant Inspector-General of Police and Commissioner of Police respectively, until April 22, 2015 when the 18th indigenous Inspector General of Police was appointed by then President Goodluck Jonathan in the person of Solomon Igbe Arase.

It was on the basis of this that upon his retirement from service after attaining the mandatory age of 60 years on June 21 this year, a group, known as like minds mainly of Benin extraction, organised a reception in honour of the former Police boss to welcome him home.

In a welcome address, delivered by Victor Osarenren, Chairman of the Organising Committee in honour of the ex-police boss, the group said the motive behind the welcome reception was to acknowledge one of their own who for the first time since the creation of Nigeria Police, got to the apex of his career and retired meritoriously without blemish.

Appreciating those who conceived the idea to welcome Arase, Osarenren said it was a meeting of like minds that made it possible for the event to take place because of their numerous contributions and supportive role they played in the organisation of the event which earned Arase encomiums from his kinsmen.

The praises were showered first by the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri who said what made Arase outstanding was because he distinguished himself amongst other citizens of the state by visiting the late Benin Monarch, Oba Erediauwa, in his palace to intimate him of his new position as the IGP. According to the Esogban, “what made Mr. Solomon Arase so exemplary amongst others was that shortly after he got promoted to the rank of IGP, he visited the late Benin monarch for his blessings and advice,” stressing that others who got promotions in their various field of endeavours did not deem it feat to visit the palace to notify the Oba, but Arase did.

“Many citizens of the state have risen to various prestigious positions in the country

R-L: Chief Edionwe Oliha (the Oliha of Benin kingdom), former IG Solomon Arase, his wife, Agharese and Chief Sam Igbe (the iyase of Benin)

which have made them very proud, but were however brought down along the line by circumstance beyond their control. Arase’s case was different as he rose from the ebb of the ladder to the zenith of his profession before he eventually retired from the police force,” he said.

Describing the feat attained by the former IGP, as a ‘Finger of Fate’ Mr. Parry Osayande,

It is also noteworthy that you have not only brought renewed dynamism, but that you have left a worthy legacy of a repositioned Nigeria Police Force.

Therefore, I wish to seize this opportunity to congratulate you for a successful public service career, which had been marked by several distinctions, well deserved promotions and commendations

retired Deputy Inspector General of Police and former Chairman, Police Service Commission, who chronicled the history of the Nigerian Police said, Arase was among the over 150 officers whose promotion were regularised by the commission.

“Is it then the finger of fate that Solomon Igbe Arase became the first Inspector General of Police from the neglected Edo State? Yes it is. Let me explain today that this same Arase was one of the over one hundred and fifty officers whose promotions were regularised by the Police Service,” the former DIG enthused.

In its goodwill message, the government of Edo State described Arase as a courageous and gallant police officer who made the noble profession of policing not just a career but a calling. The goodwill message personally signed

by Governor Adams Oshiomhole noted that the government and people of the state are proud of the retired IG because he brought respect and recognition to the state in the eyes of the world through his inspiring and exemplary record which saw him rose to the pinnacle of the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

“It is also noteworthy that you have not only brought renewed dynamism, but that you have left a worthy legacy of a repositioned Nigeria Police Force. Therefore, I wish to seize this opportunity to congratulate you for a successful public service career, which had been marked by several distinctions, well deserved promotions and commendations,” Oshioomhole stated.

The judiciary and legislative arm of Edo State government were not left out in the showers

of praises poured on Arase. For instance, in the goodwill message signed by Justice Cromwell Idahosa, Chief Judge of the state on behalf of the judiciary, congratulated Arase for a successful retirement after a distinguished career in the Nigeria Police Force, adding that “we rejoice with you as the drums are rolled out to honour and welcome you home.”

Justice Idahosa who joined others to acknowledge Arase as the first Benin man to rise to the apex rank of IGP, also noted his remarkable contributions in the promotion of policing policy, welfare of members of the force in an immeasurable way.

Words of commendation also came from the office of the Deputy Speaker, Edo House of Assembly who in a statement, said she is proud of the retired IGP for his numerous contributions to uplift the Nigeria Police Force in particular, and the nation in general during his tenure.

Responding, Arase said though he is retired but not tired because he would like to write books and teach to contribute to society, as a retired police officer.

Arase, who described life after active service as “very relaxing”, added: “I am an academic; I will write books, I will rest and do humanity work. I want to spend the rest of my life touching the less-privileged people within my community.

“I will sit down to write some books, develop protocol for security sector reforms and, if I have an opportunity to teach, I like teaching; I like talking. I will do humanitarian work.”

Describing the process of addressing the security challenges in the country as a “marathon” and not a “sprint,” he however, noted that Federal Government was on course, with its current efforts.

In order to advance peace and security across the country, he also pledged his support for the police.

His words, “It is a gradual thing. It is not a sprint; it is a marathon. When you want to deal with security situations, it is a gradual thing and I think we are on course in the country.

I have been a policeman for 35 years. I will always remain a policeman and anything that I will do to enhance the policing culture, you know I will always do that .”

While expressing appreciation for all the support he received during his time as IGP, Arase debunked the speculation that he might delve into politics, and said, “No, I do not have the temperament for politics.”

Continuing, he declared, “I am humbled; I am grateful that my people have found me worthy to be so honoured in this way.

That is why I said in my speech that I will continue to do everything that is edifying of a Benin man.”

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T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

CITYSTRINGS

Old Boys Regroup to Restore GCU’s Splendour In playing its illustrious role, Government College Umuahia has given so much and gotten very little in return from its beneficiaries. Over the years it may even seem to have been overlooked, but its old students are coming back to restore its lost glory.

Chineme Okafor writes

T

he Government College Umuahia (GCU), was founded in 1929 as a secondary school for only boys. Its current site on the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road was reportedly chosen by an English educator, mathematician, and Anglican priest, the Rev. Robert Fisher who arrived Umuahia in 1927 to set it up.

When Fisher arrived in Nigeria, and acquired a 10 square miles (26 km2) land for the college in Umuahia, he was perhaps acting out the mandate given to him by the then British colonial government which had set out to establish three new secondary schools for boys - a school in Ibadan (Government College, Ibadan); in Zaria (now Barewa College) and in Umuahia, GCU. Fisher may not have held so much thought that GCU would go on to take up an enviable status in history of mankind.

The colonial government had decided to set up these extra three to take after the famous English public schools – Eton; Winchester; and Harrow Schools, 20 years after establishing Kings College, Lagos. The GCU however opened its gates to 25 students drawn from all parts of Nigeria and West Africa, but with catchment in Eastern Nigeria, and the Southern Cameroons on January 29, 1929.

From the time the GCU began first as a teacher training institute in 1929, and later converted in 1930 into a secondary school before becoming famous as the ‘Eton of the East,’ because as reported, it was located in Nigeria’s orient and was known for its elite standards and selectivity, it never looked back at the values it could offer to anyone who entered its gates.

As a former teacher at the Achimota College Accra Ghana, as well as an education administrator in Ghana, Fisher built up GCU, served as its first principal from 1929 to 1939 before he retired and left for England when the Second World War started. But before he left, he had established GCU as a school that drew students from among the best performing from Nigeria and Southern Cameroons.

From the teachings in its classrooms and laboratories, students consistently achieved high scores in examinations they entered. They completed academic courses in the arts and sciences. They also kept up with extracurricular activities such as cricket; hockey; handball and football.

As reports would have it, with the complement of two standard fields; cricket pavilions; seven lawn tennis courts; basketball court; and Olympic-size track field; as well as a nine-hole golf course; a botanical garden; and an aquarium, GCU didn’t start small but came prepared to educate and rollout students with inclusive personalities.

Remarkably from its efforts, GCU has produced a high number of literary elite who in their arts have influenced African literature more than any other educational institution in Nigeria.

From Ben Enwonwu; Chinua Achebe; Elechi Amadi; Chukwuemeka Ike; Christopher Okigbo; to Kelechi Amadi-Obi; Chike Nwoffiah; and Laz Ekwueme amongst others, great art personalities have emerged from the gates of GCU. Likewise, persons who have gone on to make humanity proud in their chosen endeavours of law; petroleum; politics; diplomacy and economics like Justice Charles Dadi Onyeama of the Nigerian Supreme Court and International Court of Justice, the Hague; Dr. Edmund Daokoru, a former oil minister; M.C.K Ajuluchukwu; Dr.Jaja Anucha Wachukwu; Nigeria’s first Speaker of the House of Representatives and First Republic Foreign Minister; Dr. Okoi Arikpo, Anthropologist and former foreign minister; as well as G.K.J. Amachree, former Solicitor General of Nigeria, have passed through GCU. But years down the line, the general Nigerian malaise of poor maintenance culture gradually nibbled away the fortunes of the illustrious college, that it soon desired a serious facelift.

The decline according to reports has its roots

R-L: Vice President Osinbajo, Enelamahs and Udo Udoma, at the event in Abuja

GCU Old Boys during the fundraising in Abuja

in the Civil War of 1967.

It was stated that after the war in which the school was closed down for the period, it became progressively difficult for it to live up its standard and very little from its library to laboratories; classrooms; dormitories; sports

According to the old boys association, the restoration plan would include a complete overhaul of the current facilities in the school, as well as processes for learning. It will also include an upgrade of the school’s scholastic and physical trappings, that way it will regain its competitive edge before other top schools in the country

facilities; and other infrastructure for conducive learning were spared from the gradual decadence which was brought on it by funding challenges.

Nevertheless, its beneficiaries who live and work in Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital city recently galvanised efforts to see how much of support they can extend to the trustee who have been given the mandate to revive the school, and place it back on a competitive edge.

Under the auspices of the Abuja Chapter of the Government College Umuahia Old Boys Association (GCUOBA), a fund raising dinner was held for the prestigious college when one of its heirs and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Dr. Okey Enelamah was honoured for his appointment as a federal minister.

Tagged ‘Restoration of GCU’, the event was held at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Abuja. It had the full complement of the society’s crème de la crème like Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo; Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige; Minister of Budget and Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma; Minister of Science and Technology; Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu; former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; former governor of Enugu State, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo; Director General Budget Office, Ben Akabueze; and Chairman of Wema Bank Plc, Pastor Ade Asekun.

Also in attendance were the former Nigerian ambassador to Argentina, Chief Empire Kanu;

immediate past Managing Director of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc, Mr. Rumumdaka Wondi; Managing Director of the Sovereign Wealth Investment Company, Mr. Uche Orji; President of Kings College Old Boys Association Lagos, Mr. Hakeem Bello-Osagie; Director Finance and Accounts of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Chief Sonny Iroche; and General Manager, ICT of TCN, Chief Godson Azubuinne.

The event targeted to raise funds which would be used to restore GCU to its prior status of a world class centre for learning, equipped with facilities for modern learning.

According to the old boys association, the restoration plan would include a complete overhaul of the current facilities in the school, as well as processes for learning. It will also include an upgrade of the school’s scholastic and physical trappings, that way it will regain its competitive edge before other top schools in the country.

They said GCU was once a beacon of excellence and source of pride for the country, but that it was presently a shadow of itself. According to them, that lost glory and legacy which reflects in the long list of its distinguished alumni and their achievements in Nigeria and the world would be regained through their efforts.

To transparently accomplish these, THISDAY learnt that whatever GCUOBA Abuja Chapter realised from the fundraising would be remitted to the Fisher Educational Development Trust (FEDT) which global members of GCUOBA established and named after the school’s pioneer principal, to manage the restoration plan for GCU. It was gathered that through a ‘Deed of Trust’ which GCUOBA signed with the Abia State government on December 22, 2014, all legal interests, rights and power pertaining to ownership; management; operation; control; and funding of GCU has been transferred to FEDT as a trustee.

To further give it a legal backing, the Trust as disclosed, was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). This secured ownership of GCU now allows the restoration of the school as a citadel of excellence to continue unimpeded under a good management style and sustainable funding through streams of donations and fundraising just the way GCUOBA Abuja Chapter recently did.

42

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

FG: Science,Technology to Contribute 3% of GDP in Four Years Nume Ekeghe and Nosa Alekhuogie The Minister of Science and Technology, Mr. Ogbonaya Onu, has said that his ministry would start contributing three per cent of Nigeria’s Gross domestic product (GDP) in the next four years.

He said the aspiration of the government is to ensure that science, technology and innovation drives the engine of growth in Nigeria’s economic diversification and development. > Onu made the remark at the Nigerian Economic Submit Group (NESG) science and technology policy dialogue with the private sector in Lagos yesterday.

He said: “Our main objectives is to appropriately position science and technology as

the backbone for the current administrations diversification strategy; increase our awareness and consciousness on relevance and importance of science and technology in national development; scale up the contribution of science and technology in the production sales and export of locally made goods and services and make Nigeria the technology hub of Africa.”

Also, speaking on the present economic situation, he said: “As a result of mistakes from the past, our economy is passing through many challenges arising from the performance of our economy in the second quarter of this year, we are in a recession.

“We saw this coming from about two years ago with the sharp drop in the price of

oil and the shrinkage in the volume of crude oil produced due to militancy in the Niger Delta region, resulting in the reduction in revenue available to government. The handshake between technology and business will help us overcome these challenges and build a future that is better and brighter.”

He therefore called for a stronger collaboration between the government and private sector in all the various sectors especially in science and technology.

“If the organised private sector works closely with the government, it is clear in my mind that never again shall this our dear country fall so easily into the economic turmoil simply because of falling prices of commodities in the international market. We therefore urgently

Niger,NEPC Set Up Committee to Drive Economic Diversification Nume Ekeghe Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State has endorsed the ‘Zero Oil’ Plan initiative as one of the best steps to take in the country’s pursuit for diversification of its economy away from the monolithic product of oil.

He made the remark while receiving the Executive Director/CEO of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr Olusegun Awolowo and his management at his office in Minna yesterday.

According to the Governor, his state and probably other Nigerians have “always known the right path to take in changing the economic narrative of the country but lacked the courage to take the bull by the horn.”

He said with the situation

we have found ourselves, the economic downturn necessitated by continuous slide in price of oil, we have no option than to turn to agriculture and exportation.

He said that Niger State is blessed with several of these key products including rice, soya bean, cotton and gold among others.

As an immediate demonstration of support for the initiative, Abubakar constituted a 7-man committee made up of Director Generals of relevant ministries in the state, under the leadership of the Commissioner for Industry and Commerce to strategise, identify at least three products for exportation and synergise with NEPC for that purpose.

He charged the committee to turn-in its report within a

month.

The official visit to Minna was part of the nationwide engagement strategy by the NEPC to create the buy-in of stakeholders and investors on the government’s vision to put behind Nigeria’s overdependence on crude oil, in line with the current administration’s agenda of restructuring the economy as a way to reduce the dependence on crude oil exports.

The CEO of NEPC, Awolowo, while presenting the ‘Zero Oil’ plan to the governor emphasised the use of exports as a core economic driver of the country – in job creation, increased investments and growth in government income which would lead to macroeconomic stability through foreign exchange inflows.

NCR Will Boost MSMEs, Create Jobs, Says CBN John Shiklam in Kaduna The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that the National Collateral Registry (NCR) will boost small and medium scale businesses (MSMEs) and create employment opportunities for Nigerians.

The Registrar of the NCR, Mr. Mainasara Muhammad stated this at an interactive session with operators of small and medium scale businesses in Kaduna.Muhammad explained that the NCR was recently established by the CBN with the support of International Finance Corporation (IFC) to

help low income earners and small scale entrepreneurs to secure loans against movable assets. He said the NCR is a web-based system that allows lenders to determine any prior security interests, as well as to register their security interests over movable assets provided as collateral by small business operators.

According to him, the registry facilitates the use of movable and personal assets as collateral for loans but the assets presented will remain in possession or control of the borrowers and thereby improves access to secured finance.

He said the registry was established to address the challenges of funding facing small businesses, especially the difficulties in securing loans from commercial banks.

Muhammad said the system will help bridge the MSME finance gap that has been estimated to about 62 billion dollars.

He noted that there are about 37 million MSMEs, many of who are struggling to gain access to the capital they need to grow because they lack collateral such as land and buildings that commercial banks usually request for.

Onu

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

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

22,664,815.74

---- 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)

18,882,237.73

--Other Assets Net

-7,746,094.02

Reserve Money (Base Money)

5,758,634.07

--Currency in Circulation

1,811,090.48

--Banks Reserves

3,947,543.59 • 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

10,000 Kano Rice Farmers to Benefit from CBN Loans

ARM Aggressive Growth Fund

N13.0544

N13.4480

ARM Discovery Fund

N288.2515

N296.9425

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

ARM Ethical Fund

N22.5268

N23.2060

About 10, 000 rice farmers in Kano state are to benefit from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)-initiated Rice Anchor Borrowers Programme, under the first phase, during the current wet season in Kano state.

Already, the first batch of 5,540 beneficiaries have been cleared for participation in the Programme while the rest are awaiting clearance from the central bank to enable them participate.

Disclosing this during the flag-off of the programme at Bunkure Cattle Ranch in Bunkure local government area on Thursday, the state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje explained that more farmers would be involved in the programme during the year’s dry season and subsequent rainy seasons.

It is envisaged that thousands of rice farmers in the state would take advantage of the programme, aimed at creating profitable linkages between over 600, 000 small

holder farmers and large scale processors in Nigeria, with a view to increasing agricultural production and extensively improving capacity utilisation of integrated mills.

Stressing the implication of dwindling price of oil in global markets to Nigeria’s economy, the governor maintained the Buhari administration accords top priority to agricultural production, as one of the viable sources of revenue generation, job creation and ensuring food sufficiency for its teeming populace.

ARM Money Market Fund

13.1030 (Yield % ) • Monetary Policy Rate - 13%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT WEDNESDAY 31, AUG 2016 The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $43.91 a barrel on Wednesday, compared with $45.25 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

43

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

Nigeria’s top 50 stocks based on market fundamentals

1-Sept-16

31-Aug-16

% Change

Capitalisation

EPS

P/E

P/S

Div. Yld

Price/ Book Value

01 Dangote Cement Plc

191.00

175.89

8.59%

3,254,736,914,355.00

9.56

18.35

5.52

4.56%

4.40

02 Nigerian Breweries Plc

141.00

140.02

0.70%

1,118,003,225,208.00

4.50

31.14

3.71

2.57%

6.82

03 Guaranty Trust Bank Plc

26.75

26.50

0.94%

787,284,044,242.00

4.20

6.22

2.14

6.78%

1.70

825.00

825.00

0.00%

653,941,407,900.00

19.41

42.50

3.94

3.52%

18.59

05 Zenith Bank Plc

14.90

14.90

0.00%

467,807,757,411.40

3.10

4.82

1.12

12.04%

0.76

06 Lafarge Africa Plc

58.00

58.00

0.00%

264,184,304,980.00

-6.71

-8.64

1.19

5.17%

1.89

177.00

175.00

1.14%

230,539,155,231.00

4.22

41.47

1.54

1.97%

5.32

08 Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

11.67

11.54

1.13%

214,139,262,679.05

0.23

50.05

0.39

5.39%

0.35

09 Presco Plc

45.30

45.30

0.00%

179,862,610,138.50

0.54

77.37

2.37

3.13%

4.03

303.18

303.18

0.00%

167,752,620,695.34 -14.43

-19.06

1.63

5.79%

0.40

11 Access Bank Plc

5.60

5.53

1.27%

161,996,641,133.60

2.56

2.18

0.47

9.86%

0.38

12 United Bank for Africa Plc

4.31

4.35

-0.92%

156,364,758,447.82

1.66

2.61

0.50

13.82%

0.39

04 Nestle Nigeria Plc

07 Forte Oil Plc.

10 Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd

13 Unilever Nigeria Plc

39.00

39.00

0.00%

147,548,553,750.00

0.46

84.34

2.42

0.13%

16.56

14 Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc

14.50

14.50

0.00%

145,000,000,000.00

2.04

7.12

1.23

0.69%

1.29

15 Guinness Nig Plc

94.65

93.51

1.22%

142,532,316,994.20

3.70

25.29

1.25

0.00%

3.17

16 FBN Holdings Plc

3.10

3.05

1.64%

111,275,407,655.20

0.30

9.84

0.21

5.00%

0.18

17 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc

140.00

140.00

0.00%

89,682,650,820.00

3.75

34.14

0.92

1.72%

3.18

18 Total Nigeria Plc

240.00

240.00

0.00%

81,485,240,880.00

31.13

7.77

0.34

5.79%

3.89

19 Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc

6.45

6.50

-0.77%

77,400,000,000.00

1.05

6.19

0.65

7.69%

1.31

20 International Breweries Plc

19.76

19.76

0.00%

65,094,365,772.80

0.17

113.27

2.61

1.27%

5.28

170.78

170.78

0.00%

61,582,458,844.36

17.69

9.65

0.75

4.22%

3.58

4.97

4.92

1.02%

59,812,055,903.18

-3.46

-1.41

0.31

15.34%

0.43

23 Julius Berger Nig. Plc

43.69

43.69

0.00%

57,670,800,000.00

0.24

199.88

0.62

3.10%

2.85

24 Flour Mills Nig. Plc

20.00

20.00

0.00%

52,484,743,740.00

6.81

2.94

0.14

10.00%

0.52

1.10

1.10

0.00%

42,593,097,167.50

-0.37

-2.98

0.95

0.00%

0.57

26 U A C N Plc

20.50

20.50

0.00%

39,377,719,933.50

2.44

8.40

0.55

4.88%

0.53

27 Okomu Oil Palm Plc

36.00

36.00

0.00%

34,340,760,000.00

4.60

7.83

2.79

0.28%

2.21

28 Sterling Bank Plc

0.97

0.93

4.30%

27,926,705,582.22

0.31

3.11

0.26

9.38%

0.33

29 Fidelity Bank Plc

0.92

0.89

3.37%

26,645,578,836.64

0.39

2.39

0.19

17.20%

0.15

30 Wema Bank Plc

0.69

0.66

4.55%

26,616,381,595.89

0.06

10.94

0.54

0.00%

0.56

31 Cadbury Nigeria Plc

14.00

14.00

0.00%

26,294,828,560.00

0.83

16.95

0.95

9.29%

2.12

32 Diamond Bank Plc

1.08

1.05

2.86%

25,013,220,085.44

0.11

9.52

0.12

0.00%

0.11

33 Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Nig. Plc

19.01

18.51

2.70%

22,733,612,036.88

-2.54

-7.29

0.76

1.62%

2.42

34 Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc

3.85

3.85

0.00%

22,645,177,150.75

0.76

5.20

0.70

3.54%

0.83

31.57

30.09

4.92%

22,099,000,000.00

2.36

12.76

3.03

3.82%

14.43

36 Mansard Insurance Plc

2.08

2.08

0.00%

21,840,000,000.00

0.27

7.36

1.09

2.50%

0.99

37 National Salt Co. Nig. Plc

8.01

8.01

0.00%

21,222,001,407.78

0.89

9.03

1.17

6.88%

3.07

38 FCMB Group Plc

1.07

1.02

4.90%

21,188,900,535.67

0.61

1.70

0.13

9.62%

0.12

39 PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

18.70

18.20

2.75%

18,700,000,000.00

4.14

4.39

1.37

0.55%

0.54

40 Honeywell Flour Mill Plc

1.31

1.33

-1.50%

10,388,558,931.98

-0.40

-3.46

0.23

11.43%

0.67

41 Continental Reinsurance Plc

0.99

0.99

0.00%

10,269,016,868.88

0.33

2.92

0.48

12.50%

0.51

42 Unity Bank Plc

0.78

0.78

0.00%

9,117,683,594.76

0.54

1.44

0.14

0.00%

0.11

43 Skye Bank Plc

0.65

0.63

3.17%

9,022,195,916.50

-2.93

-0.21

0.05

47.62%

0.08

44 Cement Co. Of North.Nig. Plc

6.00

6.00

0.00%

7,540,066,596.00

0.44

13.54

0.68

1.67%

0.70

45 Wapic Insurance Plc

0.50

0.50

0.00%

6,691,369,126.00

0.11

4.62

0.88

6.00%

0.43

46 UACN Property Development Co. Limited

3.50

3.50

0.00%

6,015,624,982.50

-0.05

-67.70

1.80

19.83%

0.17

47 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

48 Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc

3.40

3.50

-2.86%

5,522,343,750.00

0.15

22.69

0.71

5.71%

0.92

49 AIICO Insurance Plc

0.66

0.63

4.76%

4,573,934,956.80

0.26

2.45

0.14

7.81%

0.47

50 Fidson Healthcare Plc

1.77

1.70

4.12%

2,655,000,000.00

0.31

5.55

0.38

2.94%

0.40

21 Mobil Oil Nig Plc 22 Oando Plc

25 Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc

35 Cap Plc

TOTAL

9,224,878,940,599.14

TOTAL MARKET CAP

9,760,803,646,737.64

% OF MARKET CAP Annotation - MA* = Simple Moving Average

94.51%

Table 1 Market Statistics Mkt Indicators NSE All Share Index NSE Market Cap (N'Trillion) Thisday BGL 50 Index Thisday BGL 50 Market Cap (N'Trillion)

Open 31-Aug-16

Close 1-Sept-16

Change %

27,599.03 9.48

28,419.92 9.76

2.97 2.97

114.77 8.94

118.48 9.22

3.23 3.23

Table 3 Top 5 Gainers Stock

Open Close Change 31-Aug-16 1-Sept-16 %

Dangote Cement Plc Cap Plc FCMB Group Plc AIICO Insurance Plc Wema Bank Plc

175.89 30.09 1.02 0.63 0.66

191.00 31.57 1.07 0.66 0.69

8.59 4.92 4.90 4.76 4.55

Table 4 Top 5 Losers Stock

Open Close Change 31-Aug-16 1-Sept-16 %

Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc Honeywell Flour Mill Plc United Bank for Africa Plc Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc

3.50

3.40

-2.86

1.33 4.35 6.50 140.00

1.31 4.31 6.45 140.00

-1.50 -0.92 -0.77 0.00

3-day gaining streak leads to 2.97% rise in ASI Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today – Thursday, September 1st, 2016 was bullish as the market closed green today. This was further highlighted by positive performance from all the NSE Sub sectors: Banking, Insurance and Consumer Goods and Oil & Gas. Trading activities decreased in volume as 229.23 million shares worth N2.12 billion in 3,243 deals exchanged hands today. This is a decrease from the 262.61 million shares worth N2.48 billion in 3,302 deals exchanged on Tuesday. Topping in volume terms was FCMB Plc, Diamond Bank Plc and Fidelity bank Plc while Nigerian Breweries plc and Nestle Nigeria Plc ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms.

The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed positive with a 2.97% (+820.89) increase to close at 28,419.92 from 27,599.03 the previous trading day. Market Capitalization appreciated in tandem to N9.76 trillion from N9.48 trillion of prior trading day. Similarly, the Thisday BGL 50 Index also followed suit with an increase of 3.23% to close at 118.48 from 114.77 recorded at the end of the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at N9.22 trillion from N8.94 trillion of the previous trading day.

A total number of 25 stocks gained on the bourse today while 13 stocks declined, 66 leaving stocks unchanged. Dangote Cement Plc emerged the toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list with a gain of 8.59% to close at N191.00 per share. It was followed byCap Plc with a gain of 4.92% to close at N31.57 per share. Others on the gainers list include: FCMB Group Plc, AIICO Insurance Plc and Wema Bank Plc while on the decliners’ list; Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc led with a loss of 2.86% to close at N3.40 per share. It was followed by Honeywell Flour Mill Plc with a loss of 1.50% to close at N1.31 per share.

Others on the losers list include: United Bank for Africa Plc and Dangote Sugar Refinery 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

44

T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

MARKET NEWS

SEC Warns Investors against Ponzi Scheme as Market Rises 3.0% Goddy Egene and Nosa Alekhuogie The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) yesterday raised the alarm over the activities of an investment fund tagged ‘MMM Federal Republic of Nigeria,’ asking investors to stay away from it.

SEC, in a statement on its website, described the facilitators as online fraudsters, who

carry out their illegitimate business via Nigeria.mmm. net portal and are promising investors a monthly investment return of 30 per cent.

The regulator noted that the venture has no tangible business model as returns would be paid from other people’s invested funds making it a Ponzi scheme. It explained that it is a fraudulent investing scam promising high rates of

T H E MAIN BOARD

DEALS

MARKET PRICE

return with little risk to investors that generates returns for older investors by acquiring new investors.

“The attention of SEC, Nigeria has been drawn to the activities of an online investment scheme tagged ‘MMM Federal Republic of Nigeria (nigeria. mmm.net). The platform has embarked on an aggressive online media campaign to lure the investing public to partici-

N I G E R I A N QUANTITY TRADED

STO C K

VALUE TRADED ( N )

Daily Summary as of 22/02/2016 Printed 22/02/2016 14:36:10.010

Daily Summary (Bonds) No Debt Trading Activity Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board EQTY AGRICULTURE Crop Production OKOMU OIL PALM PLC. PRESCO PLC Crop Production Totals Livestock/Animal Specialties LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC. Livestock/Animal Specialties Totals AGRICULTURE Totals CONGLOMERATES Diversified Industries A.G. LEVENTIS NIGERIA PLC. TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC U A C N PLC. Diversified Industries Totals CONGLOMERATES Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Infrastructure/Heavy Construction JULIUS BERGER NIG. PLC. Infrastructure/Heavy Construction Totals Real Estate Development UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. LIMITED Real Estate Development Totals CONSTRUCTION/REAL ESTATE Totals CONSUMER GOODS Beverages--Brewers/Distillers CHAMPION BREW. PLC. GUINNESS NIG PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC. NIGERIAN BREW. PLC. Beverages--Brewers/Distillers Totals Beverages--Non-Alcoholic 7-UP BOTTLING COMP. PLC. Beverages--Non-Alcoholic Totals Food Products DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIG. PLC. HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC NASCON ALLIED INDUSTRIES PLC N NIG. FLOUR MILLS PLC. TIGER BRANDED CONSUMER GOODS PLC Food Products Totals Food Products--Diversified CADBURY NIGERIA PLC. NESTLE NIGERIA PLC. Food Products--Diversified Totals Household Durables VITAFOAM NIG PLC. Household Durables Totals Personal/Household Products P Z CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC. UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC. Personal/Household Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ACCESS BANK PLC. DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED FIDELITY BANK PLC GUARANTY TRUST BANK PLC. SKYE BANK PLC STERLING BANK PLC. UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC UNION BANK NIG.PLC. UNITY BANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC. Banking Totals Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. AXAMANSARD INSURANCE PLC N.E.M INSURANCE CO (NIG) PLC. UNITY KAPITAL ASSURANCE PLC WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Insurance Carriers, Brokers and Services Totals Micro-Finance Banks NPF MICROFINANCE BANK PLC Micro-Finance Banks Totals Other Financial Institutions AFRICA PRUDENTIAL REGISTRARS PLC CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED PLC FCMB GROUP PLC. STANBIC IBTC HOLDINGS PLC UNITED CAPITAL PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals HEALTHCARE Pharmaceuticals FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC

pate in what it called ‘mutual aid financial network’ with a monthly investment return of 30 per cent. The commission hereby notifies the investing public that the operation of this investment scheme has no tangible business model hence it’s a Ponzi Scheme, where returns are paid from other people’s invested sum. Also, its operation is not registered by the Commission,” SEC said.

6 6 12

30.00 34.00

12,629 11,640 24,269

374,530.15 421,345.20 795,875.35

19 19 31

1.25

1,078,511 1,078,511 1,102,780

1,358,964.30 1,358,964.30 2,154,839.65

5 68 13 86 86

0.77 1.13 20.47

33,500 6,740,423 65,995 6,839,918 6,839,918

25,070.00 7,635,453.96 1,344,425.15 9,004,949.11 9,004,949.11

13 13

41.50

31,970 31,970

1,409,214.78 1,409,214.78

5 5 18

5.20

28,901 28,901 60,871

154,716.48 154,716.48 1,563,931.26

6 24 7 98 135

2.85 118.85 20.00 99.00

190,900 53,000 15,200 429,541 688,641

528,079.00 6,201,924.95 293,757.00 42,728,789.84 49,752,550.79

9 9

168.50

166,476 166,476

28,285,937.95 28,285,937.95

54 38 6 12 1 29 140

5.61 19.00 1.37 6.86 6.65 1.27

2,120,306 314,421 40,000 119,863 433 3,285,739,119 3,288,334,142

11,610,520.13 5,953,792.96 55,716.00 842,442.48 2,736.56 4,074,348,894.07 4,092,814,102.20

11 54 65

17.86 700.00

18,825 98,360 117,185

329,518.50 68,567,962.00 68,897,480.50

11 11

4.46

99,050 99,050

420,455.00 420,455.00

13 21 34 394

21.90 28.00

36,887 133,117 170,004 3,289,575,498

820,034.75 3,737,067.92 4,557,102.67 4,244,727,629.11

82 51 21 25 200 41 16 147 11 15 67 676

4.10 1.49 15.60 1.21 16.70 1.07 1.76 2.95 5.30 0.63 0.98

3,962,506 2,163,396 278,470 790,900 4,847,312 1,969,858 1,204,932 8,586,418 39,752 501,617 5,920,564 30,265,725

16,210,255.82 3,314,106.88 4,136,459.40 958,864.34 80,963,793.44 2,115,552.11 2,087,767.85 25,302,954.71 205,645.40 316,018.71 5,813,502.17 141,424,920.83

14 8 2 3 7 10 1 1 46

0.80 0.90 0.50 0.50 2.06 0.76 0.50 0.50

200,107 276,500 5,004,000 1,000,000 351,540 327,285 37,708,135 10 44,867,577

160,838.67 251,350.00 2,502,000.00 500,000.00 720,728.80 245,325.31 18,854,067.50 5.00 23,234,315.28

1 1

1.08

4,760 4,760

4,950.40 4,950.40

31 7 105 7 20 170 893

2.46 4.00 0.85 14.15 1.31

1,149,464 27,041 31,257,120 38,035 708,255 33,179,915 108,317,977

2,830,722.84 104,002.06 26,613,309.20 537,985.34 931,556.31 31,017,575.75 195,681,762.26

27

2.69

614,065

1,572,223.05

> SEC, therefore, advised the general public to distance themselves from the online scheme, stressing that “anyone that subscribes to this illegal activity does so at their own risk.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian bourse sustained the positive run yesterday as the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) All-Share Index rose by 3.0 per cent to close at 28,419.92. Similarly, the

market capitalisation added N281.9 billion to close at N9.8 trillion.

Yesterday’s performance was majorly boosted by an 8.6 per cent appreciation in market heavyweight – Dangote Cement Plc, after management guided to an increase in ex-factory price of cement in Nigeria (its largest market) as well as accelerated installation of coal mills to curtail cost of production.

E XC H A N G E

MAIN BOARD GLAXO SMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC. MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Pharmaceuticals Totals HEALTHCARE Totals ICT IT Services TRIPPLE GEE AND COMPANY PLC. IT Services Totals ICT Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials ASHAKA CEM PLC BERGER PAINTS PLC CAP PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTH.NIG. PLC PORTLAND PAINTS & PRODUCTS NIGERIA PLC LAFARGE AFRICA PLC. Building Materials Totals Electronic and Electrical Products CUTIX PLC. Electronic and Electrical Products Totals Packaging/Containers BETA GLASS CO PLC. Packaging/Containers Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals OIL AND GAS Energy Equipment and Services JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Energy Equipment and Services Totals Integrated Oil and Gas Services OANDO PLC Integrated Oil and Gas Services Totals Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors CONOIL PLC ETERNA PLC. FORTE OIL PLC. MOBIL OIL NIG PLC. TOTAL NIGERIA PLC. Petroleum and Petroleum Products Distributors Totals Exploration and Production SEPLAT PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD Exploration and Production Totals OIL AND GAS Totals SERVICES Automobile/Auto Part Retailers R T BRISCOE PLC. Automobile/Auto Part Retailers Totals Courier/Freight/Delivery RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Courier/Freight/Delivery Totals Printing/Publishing LEARN AFRICA PLC Printing/Publishing Totals Transport-Related Services AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Transport-Related Services Totals Support and Logistics CAVERTON OFFSHORE SUPPORT GRP PLC Support and Logistics Totals SERVICES Totals EQTY Board Totals Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board ASeM CONSUMER GOODS Food Products MCNICHOLS PLC Food Products Totals CONSUMER GOODS Totals ASeM Board Totals Daily Summary (Equities) Activity Summary on Board PREMIUM FINANCIAL SERVICES Banking ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC Banking Totals Other Financial Institutions FBN HOLDINGS PLC Other Financial Institutions Totals FINANCIAL SERVICES Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Building Materials DANGOTE CEMENT PLC Building Materials Totals INDUSTRIAL GOODS Totals PREMIUM Board Totals Equity Activity Totals

DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

32 4 6 69 69

25.33 0.94 0.69

551,998 16,020 597,000 1,779,083 1,779,083

13,903,164.18 15,299.40 412,110.00 15,902,796.63 15,902,796.63

1 1 1

1.69

500 500 500

805.00 805.00 805.00

16 9 4 6 10 31 76

24.00 9.30 35.78 8.62 3.36 80.50

110,727 40,229 26,700 142,300 299,900 14,373,223 14,993,079

2,707,053.97 362,501.29 992,680.00 1,227,076.00 966,480.00 1,157,057,077.16 1,163,312,868.42

6 6

1.51

134,500 134,500

204,240.00 204,240.00

5 5 87

50.00

24,529 24,529 15,152,108

1,165,135.50 1,165,135.50 1,164,682,243.92

2 2

0.50

24,262 24,262

12,131.00 12,131.00

90 90

3.47

3,827,573 3,827,573

13,288,632.05 13,288,632.05

21 7 8 21 7 64

18.34 1.84 342.00 150.00 145.00

81,125 100,300 20,300 16,295 13,699 231,719

1,505,034.50 182,832.00 6,595,470.00 2,396,080.60 1,959,692.96 12,639,110.06

33 33 189

318.00

389,934 389,934 4,473,488

124,037,602.56 124,037,602.56 149,977,475.67

1 1

0.50

941 941

470.50 470.50

5 5

3.80

32,870 32,870

127,756.40 127,756.40

13 13

0.89

624,500 624,500

538,430.00 538,430.00

1 22 23

2.29 4.00

4,588 251,094 255,682

10,001.84 1,001,583.80 1,011,585.64

1 1 43 1,811

1.68

10,000 10,000 923,993 3,428,226,216

16,000.00 16,000.00 1,694,242.54 5,785,390,675.15

2 2 2 2

1.21

270,464 270,464 270,464 270,464

327,261.44 327,261.44 327,261.44 327,261.44

306 306

11.45

13,929,679 13,929,679

159,605,439.23 159,605,439.23

278 278 584

3.74

10,438,552 10,438,552 24,368,231

39,515,087.18 39,515,087.18 199,120,526.41

35 35 35 619 2,432

139.83

38,770 38,770 38,770 24,407,001 3,452,903,681

5,304,666.00 5,304,666.00 5,304,666.00 204,425,192.41 5,990,143,129.00

2 2 2 2 2 10 10 10

2,330.00 2.33 6.02 11.09 18.07

3,000 20 20 20 15 3,075 3,075 3,075

6,986,000.00 46.70 120.20 221.80 270.65 6,986,659.35 6,986,659.35 6,986,659.35

Daily Summary (ETP) Exchange Traded Fund Name NEWGOLD EXCHANGE TRADED FUND (ETF) VETIVA BANKING ETF VETIVA CONSUMER GOODS ETF VETIVA GRIFFIN 30 ETF VETIVA INDUSTRIAL ETF Exchange Traded Fund Totals ETF Board Totals ETP Activity Totals

45

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

WORLD OF ISLAM

Trump Returns to Hardline Position on Illegal Immigration

The first ten days of Zul Hijjah: Why they matter

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump, vowed on Wednesday that anyone who is in the United States illegally would be subject to deportation if he is elected, sticking with his hardline position after flirting with a softer approach.

In a major speech in the border state of Arizona, Trump took a dim view of the 11 million people who crossed into the United States illegally, a week after saying many were “great people” who had lived in the country for years and contributed to American society.

He said all people in the United States illegally would have “only one route” to gain legal status if Trump were to win the Nov. 8 presidential election: “To return home and

CHANGE OF NAME

apply for re-entry.”

“Our message to the world will be this: You cannot obtain legal status or become a citizen of the United States by illegally entering our country,” Trump said. “People will know you can’t just smuggle in, hunker down and wait to be legalized,” he said. “Those days are over.”

Trump again vowed that Mexico would pay for construction of a “great border wall” between the two countries. He spoke hours after Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto told Trump in a face-to-face meeting in Mexico City that Mexico would not pay for it.

“We will build a great wall along the southern border,” Trump said. “And Mexico will pay for the wall - 100

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Banks and the general public should please take note.

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IGBINESIGIE ANDREW.

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TEMOFE HENCEFORTH.

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percent. They don’t know it yet, but they’re going to pay for the wall.”

Trump said at a joint news conference with Pena Nieto that he and the Mexican leader did not discuss who would pay for the wall. Pena Nieto remained silent on the issue at the event, but said later on Twitter he did raise the issue.

“At the beginning of the conversation with Donald Trump I made it clear that Mexico will not pay for the wall,” Pena Nieto said in a tweet.

Trump used the Phoenix speech to clarify his stance on illegal immigration after prevaricating on the issue last week. He returned to the hardline rhetoric that powered him to the Republican presidential nomination over 16 rivals, heartening those conservatives drawn to Trump by the issue.

Ann Coulter, a conservative activist who had fretted that Trump might be softening, tweeted: “I hear Churchill had a nice turn of phrase, but Trump’s immigration speech is the most magnificent speech ever given.”

Correct The Record, an organization supporting Democratic nomine

Bomb Blast in Lebanon’sValley Kills one, Injures 11 A bomb blast on a road in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley on Wednesday killed at least one person and wounded 11 other people, the Lebanese Red Cross said.

The explosion took place at a roundabout near the city of Zahle, the source added, without elaborating. Local media reported the person killed was a woman, but gave no further details. TV images from the scene showed broken glass littering the road near the roundabout, and people trying to treat someone lying on the ground with what looked like a head injury.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Several security incidents have hit Lebanon in recent months, including an attack by eight suicide bombers who blew themselves up killing five other people in a Christian village in the north in June.

Lebanon has been repeatedly jolted by the five-year-old civil war in neighboring Syria, where powerful Lebanese Shi’ite group Hezbollah is fighting on the side of President Bashar al-Assad.

The spillover has included a number of attacks by Sunni Islamists, among the biggest of which was a bomb attack in Beirut in November last year.

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email deji.mustapha@thisdaylive.com

Samana Siddiqui/SoundVision

E

ven for those not performing the pilgrimage, Hajj, the first ten days of this month are considered very sacred and a time for increased reflection, seeking Allah’s forgiveness, doing good and various other forms of worship.

Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him) has said about the first ten days of Zul Hijjah: There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”

The people asked, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?” He said, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing (Bukhari).

So sacred are the first ten days of Zul Hijjah that Allah swears an oath by them when He says in the Quran: “By the dawn; by the ten nights” [al-Fajr 89:1-2]. Swearing an oath by something indicates its importance and great benefit.

What kinds of worship should be performed?

While any good deed done for the sake of Allah according to the way He approves will be rewarded immensely during the first ten days, Insha Allah, some of the more specific actions mentioned in the Traditions of the Prophet are fasting and verbal Zikr (remembrance) of Allah.

In terms of fasting, it is particularly encouraged to fast on the ninth day of Zul-Hijjah, known in Arabic as Yawm Arafa. The Prophet used to fast on this day (al Nisai and Abu Dawud). Fasting on this day will expiate a Muslim’s sins for two years.

The verbal remembrance of Allah is another meritorious act during these first ten days of Zul Hijjah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged Muslims to recite a lot of Tasbeeh (“Subhan-Allaah”), Tahmeed (“Al-hamdu Lillaah”) and Takbeer (“Allahu akbar”) during this time.

The Takbeer may include the words “Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha ill-Allah; wa Allahu akbar wa Lillahi’l-hamd (Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise),” as well as other phrases.

Men are encouraged to recite these phrases out loud and women quietly.

Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah, two of the Prophet’s Companions, used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Zul-Hijjah, reciting Takbeer, and the people would recite Takbeer individually when they heard them.

Generally, all good deeds are rewarded highly at this blessed time. These actions include praying, reading Quran, making Dua (supplication), giving in charity and being good to our families.

In addition, seeking Allah’s forgiveness at this time is also encouraged. This means more than just a verbal expression of sorrow for past misdeeds.

It also requires a firm resolution to avoid making the same mistakes in the future by giving up bad habits and behavior while sincerely turning to Allah.

9 things you can do in Zul-Hijjah’s first 10 days Below is a sample schedule of activities you and your family can do together in these blessed days.

Daily Show what people making Hajj are doing that specific day on a blackboard. This way, you and the family will feel connected to the pilgrimage.

Day 1: Make Hajj come to life in your home What can you do with a square-sized cardboard box, some black paint and a line of gold fringe material? Make a model of the Kaba!

But don’t stop there. Make it the centerpiece of your living room for the next 10 days. Discuss Hajj by describing exactly how it is performed. If possible, get some dolls or action figures to demonstrate.

Also, get one of the male family members to “model” Ihram, the clothing men wear during Hajj and Umra, using two big bath towels.

In addition to talking about how Hajj is performed, you can give details about the Kaba in terms of its construction and its reparations.

Day 2: Invite a Hajji, dim the lights and.....

What better way to learn about Hajj than to hear it from someone who’s done it?

If you have a Haji (a person who has performed Hajj) in your home great! Otherwise invite one over, preferably someone skilled in storytelling.

Dim the lights and ask people to close their eyes. Then the Haji should recount the story from A to Z, from when he or she first thought about Hajj to how the whole journey took place. At the end of this activity, everyone should make Dua (supplication) to Allah to be blessed with the opportunity to perform Hajj if they haven‘t.

Day 3: “Take me, take me, take me to the

Kaba!”

It’s tempting to think traveling to Hajj is as simple as booking a plane ticket and flying to Makkah.

But this is still a luxury most Muslims worldwide can’t afford, which is why you and the family should discuss how people of today and the past traveled to make the journey of a lifetime.

If five-year-old Ammar, the baby of the family, is a car, plane, ship or train fan, use this to your advantage. Use his beloved toy(s) to show how so many people use different means of transportation to get to the Kaba, and how long it takes to get to Makkah using these various methods. Transport is a key point because Hajj becomes compulsory on an adult Muslim if the means of transportation are available.

It would also be interesting to look up Mecca online and see satellite images…….

Finally, end this activity with everyone singing the song Take me to the Kaba. The song is on the Allah Helps You Grow CD. Day 4: Tell it like it is: the story of Prophet Ibrahim Forego family movie night and replace it with storytelling hour so you can share the incredible story of Prophet Ibrahim. Make it as exciting and interactive as you can, adding sound effects, movement, and awesome narrative.

What was it like when this great Prophet was thrown into the fire? What was it like when he built the Kaba with his son Ismail?

At the end of sharing his story, also discuss how Jews and Christians revere Prophet Ibrahim. End with a Dua asking Allah to guide all of us to the life of commitment to God and sacrifice that he exemplified.

Day 5: Hajj film night In the last 20 years, Hajj has been caught on film through various documentaries, and more recently, an IMAX film. For kids, they can check out Adam’s discussion of Hajj in Adam’s World 4: Take me to the Kaba.

Pop that popcorn, get comfy, and don’t forget to follow up with a discussion of what you’ve just seen.

Day 6: Share what you know- prepare a school presentation Contact your child’s teacher as soon as possible to arrange a class presentation on Hajj. This is a great way to share what you’ve learned these last few days about the fifth pillar of Islam and bring a different aspect of the faith to your son or daughter’s classmates.

Day 7: Engage your tongue in the remembrance of Allah Every person, individually, should regularly remember Allah by saying La ilaha illa Allah (there is no god but Allah), Allahu Akbar (Allah is great), and Alhamdu lillah (Praise be to Allah).

Also, talk about the Talbiya (what pilgrims recite during Hajj) and everyone should recite the Takbir of Eid! Finally, don’t forget to make Dua for those who are suffering, whether that is sickness, abuse, as well as injustice of any sort. Ask for Guidance, and ask Allah to guide humanity.

Day 8: Planning for the big day Did seven-year-old Yassin wear different colored socks to prayers last Eid? Did Daddy forget to bring change for parking at the stadium where prayers took place?

Planning and Dua are the keys to ensure that disasters like those mentioned above don’t happen.

Eid can be stressful and rushed. Reduce this by planning properly. Call a family meeting and discuss logistics, menu, where the family will go or who will be invited for Eid, for instance.

Day 9: Fast & read aloud the Last Sermon of the Prophet Muslims are recommended to fast on this day.

The Prophet said, “fasting the Day of Arafa (the ninth day of Zul Hijjah) will be credited with Allah by forgiving one’s sins of the previous year and the following year.”

As well, we should sincerely ask Allah for forgiveness for mistakes on this day as the Prophet said: Allah sets more people free from Hell on the Day of Arafa than on any other day (Muslim).

Have a big family Iftar. The 9th of Zul Hijjah is going to be on a weekday, so everyone should try to get home from work or school early to enjoy Iftar together.

Also, read the Prophet’s last Sermon that day, since it was on the 9th of Zul Hijjah that it was delivered. There are so many lessons it offer. You can designate specific parts for presentation to one member of the family. For instance, Sara, 15, can discuss what the Khutba says about women. Ali, 12, can talk about what it says about racism and prejudice.

46

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 • T H I S D AY

CRIME&PUNISHMENT Lead Campaign against Sexual, Domestic In Brief Violence, Lagos Urges Men Folks Copyright Commission Police to parade pastor arrested for keeping 30 underaged sex slaves Chiemelie Ezeobi The Lagos State Government yesterday flagged off a one month long awareness campaign against all forms of domestic and sexual violence crimes, just as it urged the men folk to lead the quest to put an end to the menace.

The state government, which made the call at a media parley organized by its Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, said the campaign should not be left alone to the women folk, adding that all hands must be on deck to frontally address it.

Speaking on the activities lined up to celebrate the month, the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Adeniji Kazeem said the theme of this year’s event: “Promoting Positive Masculinity, Men Can End Sexual And Gender Based Violence,” was carefully selected and same centered on the compelling

need to ensure men act as flag bearers in the fight against such crimes.

Kazeem, who was represented

by DSVRT’s Alternate Chairman, Mrs. Omotilewa Ibirogba, said the campaign would kick off on September 8, with a walk from Ikeja Under Bridge at 9a.m. to Lagos House in Alausa where they would be received by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, while there would be a simultaneous walk from Festac Divisional Police Station to Federal Housing Authority where participants would be received by the Sole Administrator of Amuwo Odofin Local Government and the Priest of Anglican Cathedral Church in the area.

He said a one-day symposium on the role of men in ending Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) targeted at artisans, market men and women, members of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), police officers, among others, would take place at Muson Centre in Onikan on September

15, while an event for children will hold on September 26 at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa.

The climax of the activities, according to Kazeem, is an evening of arts where SGBV will be expressed through arts, and the event will be hosted by Ambode with participation of key players and influencers in the society who have helped in the fight against SGBV in Lagos, adding that deserving individuals and private institutions will also be honored at the event.

Kazeem, who is also the Chairman of DSVRT, said in furtherance of the Team’s objectives to be a repository of data, a detailed research was carried out in February 2016 in all prison facilities in Lagos on sex convicts and inmates awaiting trial for SGBV cases Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command will today parade one Pastor Chukwuma Nkwocha, the General Overseer of the Tongue of Fire Restoration Ministry, located in the Shogunle

area of the state, who was arrested for allegedly keeping 30 underaged girls and using them as sex slaves.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, Fatai Owoseni, who will parade the suspect at the command headquarters at Ikeja, was said to have directed for his arrest following a tip off.

It was gathered that while the suspect was conducting a service in his church, he was picked up by operatives of the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS).

After he was picked up, Owoseni was said to have ordered for a detailed investigation into the case, and it was following the outcome of the investigation that the CP decided to parade the suspect before he is charged to court.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, who had earlier confirmed the arrest, said two of the rescued girls had confessed that the suspect had carnal knowledge of them.

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule (second left), presenting an award to the Chief Executive Officer of Job-Link Recruitment Services, Mary Dinah, for exceptional contribution to youth development in Lagos...recently

Customs Intercepts Rice Concealed as Dead Body Seizes 16 containers for false declaration Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Command, yesterday arrested daredevil smugglers for concealing rice as dead bodies.

The suspected smugglers who brought in the commodity in a Volvo Car with registration number DV 74 EKY through the border were led by Mr. Moses Degbogbahun.

The suspects who were arrested around the Aradagun area of Badagry, a few kilometres were said to be regular user of the Badagry-Seme route.

The mobile patrol team leader, Chief Superintendent of Customs Mr. M Ozah, stated that the team noticed the frequency at which the said ambulance was patronising the international route

with the alleged “dead body”, a development they thought was becoming alarming.

The frequency of the movement of the vehicle however aroused the curiosity of the patrol team and necessitated the stoppage of the vehicle (ambulance) for proper examination.

The ambulance was discovered to be carrying 11 bags of imported rice that was carefully arranged and wrapped as a corpse when examined.

The management of Seme Command however, warned that no amount of smuggling antics along Seme border route will go undetected by the eagle eyes of officers and men of the Command on patrol.

Commenting on the development, The command’s Public Relation Mr Taupyen

The Director General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Mr. Afar Ezekude, yesterday said the commission destroyed by burning 17,266 units of copyright infringement products between January and March 2016. Addressing the media in Abuja on its anti-piracy and enforcement activities across the country, he said 35 suspects were arrested in 12 states across the country. He said: “Within the period under review publicly destroyed by burning, 17, 266,187, units of various categories of copyright infringing products estimated at N2.4 billion. NCC arrested 35 suspected pirates were arrested and 48,207, units of suspected pirated literary, musical, software and broadcast gadgets estimated at N39,020,300, were confiscated by men of the NCC within the first quarter of the year 2016.” According to the DG, the commission carried out 22 surveillances and investigations, adding that 13, strategic anti-piracy operations were also carried out in 12 states across the country within the period. Ezekude, noted that the impounded items represented income that would have been diverted from legitimate rights owners and taxable income and revenue that would have been lost to the federal government. On the break down of the destroyed items, he said:

Troops Burst Illegal Oil Bunkering Syndicate in Delta The military Joint Task Force code-named ‘Operation Delta State,’ in Effurun, Delta State yesterday uncovered an illegal oil bunkering syndicate and seized 310,000 litres illegally refined diesel estimated at over N52.5 million. Twelve suspects were arrested in connection with the dastardly act while seven tankers, loaded with the products were also impounded by the soldiers of the sector.

Commander, Sector One of the JTF, Colonel Alhassan Mohammed, made the disclosure while handing over the suspects and the seized tankers to the officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at the sector’s headquarters for further investigations and prosecution. He said since the ‘Operation Delta Safe’ was reactivated, his men had been working silently bursting the activities of illegal oil bunkerers burning down their illegal refineries in the swamps and creeks of its Area Of Responsibilities (AOR). Mohammed disclosed that the suspects were arrested in different locations with the stolen petroleum products and promised to frustrate the operations of criminals in the waterways, creeks and on land. “Since the activation of ‘Operation Delta Safe,’ we have been quite busy. We have effected several arrests and seizures and we will continue to do that until the criminals have a change of heart and embrace legitimate ventures,” he said. Apart from the tankers, the army chief disclosed that one truck, one bus and a Golf car were recovered from the suspects. “Some were arrested in Koko, some in Warri and Ughelli. We also arrested several Cotonou boats but those ones were destroyed instantly.

The arrests and seizures were made within one month,” he said.

Anambra Community Petitions IG over Claims of Terrorism

AWARD FOR HARD WORK

Eromosele Abiodun

Destroys N2.4bn Pirated Products

Selchang said the suspect was still undergoing investigation for possible prosecution as the time of filling this report.

Despite the effort of both the Seme Border Command and operatives of the Federal Operations Unit of the service, the activities of smugglers on that axis have remained unabated.

In the same vein, the Apapa Command of the NCS yesterday announced that it made a seizure of 16 containers for false declaration.

This it stated in a statement is to send a strong signal to the port community that customs is focused on implementing all extant laws concerning its operations.

“Investigations are ongoing over the seized containers and arrests have been made in preparation

for prosecution, “Customs Area Controller of the Command, Willy Egbudin said.

He also announced that the command made the highest collection of monthly revenue with a feat of N34,923,757,810.77 collected in the month of August 2016.

“The figure is about N8 billion higher than the N27 billion collected in July this year. This collection is the highest monthly generated revenue/collection made by any customs command in the country in the last ten years. A remarkable feature of this is that it was made at a time the ports were said to be having low volume of trade and shipping companies reported to be leaving the country in the face of some trade restrictions and high exchange rate regime, “he said.

Leaders of Abagana, headquarters of Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State have written the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, faulting a claim by the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Samuel Okaula, that 23 persons he recently paraded in Awka, the state capital, were terrorists. The town union accused the state police commissioner of taking sides with a wealthy oil tycoon in a land dispute between Abagana and Ukpo, capital of Dunukofia Local Government Area. The leaders, under the auspices of Abagana Welfare Union, asked the police boss to investigate the oil tycoon for allegedly terrorising the residents of the town using Mr. Okaula, Area Commander, Awka, as well as the Divisional Police Officers in charge of Abagana and Ukpo.

They said they had lost confidence in the four police officers. In the petition dated August 29, 2016, Abagana Union, through their lawyer, Emma Ifeadike, said they were constrained to draw the Inspector General’s “attention to mounting threats to the peace, law and order of Abagana community by the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, Mr. Samuel Okaula, the Area Commander (Awka), Longe, as well as the Divisional Police Officers in charge of Dunukofia and Njikoka Local Government Areas by their bid to forcefully take over the ancestral land of Abagana community, at the instigation of (the oil tycoon).” Continued the petition, “The aforementioned police officers, who ought to be officers of the law have, quite regrettably become pawns on the chessboard of this moneybag whose cliché is “every man has a price” and that “when money talks, bullshit works.” The union accused the oil tycoon of rolling in bulldozers into the disputed land, erecting several buildings, including a police post on it, in contempt of an appeal filed by the community on a judgment of a high court. The town union said it strongly believed that the oil tycoon masterminded the latest violence on the disputed land in order to frame up youth of Abagana. In addition to taking over investigations from Anambra State Police Command, the petitioners urged the IG to direct the immediate “release all persons arrested in the wake of the latest round of clashes between Abagana and Ukpo youths, as the youths of Abagana are becoming restive with each passing day,” adding, “alternatively they should be charged to court.”

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T H I S D AY •FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

FRIDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

Rohr to Recall Enyeama to Eagles

Okon Bassey in Uyo Former Super Eagles Captain, Vincent Enyeama, may return to the team if the on-going discussion with the new coach of the team, Gernot Rohr is fruitful.

Rohr confirmed yesterday that he was in close touch with the former Nigerian captain with a view to bring him back to the team.

Speaking at a press briefing in Uyo ahead of Nigeria’s clash with Tanzania in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game, Rohr admitted that he knew Enyeama during his earlier sojourn in Africa. The Franco-German coach also revealed that he has called Enyeama twice since taking over as Eagles gaffer.

Enyeama voluntarily retired from the Super Eagles last year although in controversial circumstance after a bust up with former gaffer Sunday Oliseh.

“I have personally called him and I think we will need him after this weekend’s match. I am working to have all our best players available for subsequent matches.” Rohr declared.

According to the Super Eagles coach, he is favourably disposed towards giving all Nigerian players the opportunity to

showcase themselves and bring back football glory to the country.

Under his tenure as Eagles coach, Rohr said he would ensure good team ethics, organisation and discipline.

He expressed satisfaction with the performance of the local players at the last invitational tourney in Spain, stressing that he has already penciled down two of them for the Eagles.

The former Burkina Faso coach said although he has indicated interest to live in Nigeria that would not preclude him monitoring the performance of the country’s players within and outside this shores.

He said, “I am ready to live in Nigeria but they are yet to get a house for me yet.”

Rohr who could not guarantee Eagles’ qualification for Russia 2018 however said it was achievable with hardwork and commitment from all stakeholders.

The coach maintained that despite the tough group Eagles found themselves, “Nigeria has enough quality players to qualify from the group.”

Former Super Eagles Captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha (left) and Portfolio Manager, National Premium, Nigerian Breweries Plc Tokunbo Adodo (right) with the representatives of PSG at the official unveiling of Star as the official partner of five European clubs on Wednesday in Lagos sunday adigun On his part Eagles Captain, John Mikel Obi expressed sadness over Nigeria’s inability to qualify for the 2017 AFCON

but called on all stakeholders to redouble their efforts to see Nigeria qualify for the next World Cup.

“All of us need to share in the blame of our nonqualification and not only the players. We have resolved

to put that behind us and work towards getting our preparations right to be in Russia.” he stressed.

Star Lager in Historic NPFL: Rangers Aiming to End 32 Years Partnership with Five Wait for another Title, Tie with Wikki European Clubs Femi Solaja History was made on Wednesday, August 31, 2016, as Star Lager Beer announced an unprecedented partnership with five of the biggest European football clubs – Arsenal, Juventus, Real Madrid, PSG and Manchester City, having a combined history in football of 544 years.

By virtue of the partnership, Star has become the “Official Beer Partner” of the clubs.

These five clubs also have a combined history of 87 domestic league titles, 13 UEFA Champions League titles and numerous European titles.

Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Franco Maria-Maggi, described the partnerships as a commitment from Star, Nigeria’s foremost beer brand to bring new football experience to consumers and loyal fans of these clubs.

The significance of this new partnership bestows Star lager beer rights to promote the brand’s association with Real Madrid; Arsenal; Juventus; Manchester City and PSG to millions of fans across Nigeria and beyond, supporting its vision to embrace an unrivalled passion of football.

The partnership, first of its kind in Nigeria by a beer brewery, intends to see Star Lager actively engage consumers and fans with

series of cross-promotional events and communication materials designed to enhance visibility of the European giants in Nigeria.

The ground-breaking partnerships with these clubs poses an exciting bright future for football development and viewing experience in Nigeria as confirmed by the Portfolio Manager, National Premium, Nigerian Breweries, Tokunbo Adodo.

He affirmed Star’s accession as “Official Beer Partner” to these five clubs, has bought into important football assets across the biggest leagues in Europe - England, Spain, Italy and France.

The established partnership will have Star organise digital amplification of the European clubs in Nigeria, including digital promotions to drive viewership as well as providing outdoor amplification of the clubs and billboards.

The partnership will give access to an archive of images and content from the respective clubs with an opportunity for Star to brand its bottles with logos of these clubs. Going forward, a bottle of Star would symbolize more than just another larger, it would mean a communion between a fan and the pride, history and colours of their favourite club side; Real Madrid, Arsenal, PSG, Manchester City and Juventus FC.

Enugu Rangers shot to second place on the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) table yesterday after they recorded a 1-0 home win over MFM FC in a rescheduled tie.

They now have 54 points from 32 matches, same as leaders Wikki Tourists, who enjoy a better goals difference.

They could climb to the summit of the standings should they beat third-placed Rivers United at home on Sunday as Wikki are scheduled to host Giwa FC . Rangers last won the league 32 years ago.

Rangers match winner on Thursday was Tope Olusesi, who headed home a cross by

Chisom Egbuchulam in the 75th minute. MFM are 18th on the table on 38 points.

In his reaction to the win, Rangers Manager, Imama Amakapabo, who declined media interviews after the loss to Nasarawa last Sunday said it was a huge relief to get the full points at stake.

“I think it was heartwarming to get back to winning ways because after our game against Nasarawa I was so angry that we lost and had been pained since then.

“Today, we fought hard as the boys knew what was at stake and playing an MFM side that was struggling against relegation meant they

came out to play and give their best but my boys stood up to the occasion”.

Meanwhile, league matches will be played across the country this weekend despite a court order suspending the competition until further notice.

A high court in Bukuru, near Jos, suspended the league indefinitely on Wednesday until an earlier order by the same court for Giwa FC to be fully re-instated in the league was complied with.

However, Chief Operating Officer of the League Management Company (LMC), Salihu Abubakar, assured stakeholders that matches

will go ahead as planned even after this latest court order.

“The league will continue, there is no problem,” said Abubakar.

“The clubs should go about their business we will worry about the legal issues.”

Nine matches have been scheduled for Sunday.

Heartland are home to Ikorodu United, Pillars hosts Sunshine Stars, Plateau United welcome Shooting Stars and Rangers take on Rivers United.

The other fixtures are Warri Wolves vs Nasarawa United, Abia Warriors vs IfeanyiUbah, Akwa United vs MFM, Lobi vs Enyimba and El Kanemi vs Tornadoes.

A F T E R M AT H O F R I O 2 0 1 6

SWAN Urges Buhari to Probe DreamTeam’s Atlanta Saga Also wants Presidency to probe late kits arrival to Rio2016 Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to probe the Atlanta saga which involved the national Under-23 team getting stranded in USA ahead of the just concluded Rio Olympics.

SWAN also wants the Federal Government to probe the late arrival of Team Nigeria’s kits to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, stressing it was an international disgrace to the country.

The body also called on the government to find out

the reason why the National Sports Commission (NSC) was scrapped two months to the Olympics and why the sports minister now wants it back.

In a communiqué issued and signed by the Communiqué Drafting Chairman, Mike Oboh, after SWAN’s September Congress in Abuja, the umbrella body for sports journalists in the country noted Nigeria’s dismal performance at the Olympic Games.

It therefore called on the Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, who believed the country was adequately

prepared for Rio2016 to take full responsibility for the failure of Team Nigeria.

The congress also agreed that the Presidency should probe the delayed arrival of the Olympic contingents kits to Brazil after seven officials of the sports ministry were in China for the purchase of the sportswear.

The congress further noted that if the Kenyan government could still prosecute some of her officials for misdeeds despite winning 13 medals comprising six gold, five silver and one bronze at Rio2016, the Presidency should get to

the root of the embarrassment caused the country when the Dream Team VI were stranded in Atlanta.

Team Nigeria paraded in track suits at the opening ceremonies of Rio2016 despite provisions were made for ceremonial dresses for the contingent in the funds released to the ministry by government.

While calling for return to school sport, SWAN said that Nigeria should look beyond the next Olympic Games in Tokyo in four years time from now and prepare ahead for the 2024 Olympics.

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Friday, September 2, 2016

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MISSILE Abdullahi to Nigeria’s Elite

“If Lugard made a mistake in 1914, let’s correct it now. Why not? If Nigerians cannot live together and allow peace and development to reign, then let’s go our separate ways and to our different places so that we can concentrate and develop our children and grandchildren in peace. There’s nothing wrong with that. So many countries have gone through that before. So I don’t believe in all these emotions and sentiments that Nigeria is indissoluble” – A member of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Prof. Ango Abdullahi, taking a swipe at Nigeria’s elite who he claims are fanning the embers of secession in the country.

TONYELUMELU Role of Private Sector in Fighting Poverty GUEST COLUMNIST

O

ver one billion people, referred to as the “bottom billion” live on less than $1.25 a day worldwide. In Nigeria, it is estimated that up to 70 per cent of Nigerians can be classified as living in extreme poverty. Without a doubt, poverty statistics can be overwhelming, but I am certain that the fight against poverty is not a Herculean task to be fought by a heroic government as the sole actor. It is an epic saga, which must be fought by multiple actors, to not just pull everyone out of poverty, but also to keep future generations out of poverty.

My greatest contribution in the fight against poverty is not money. It is in the fact that the poor can relate to me. Another regular guy like majority of them. And when I say to them – if I succeeded, you can too, it resonates.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP) represents my response, as a private sector actor, to the challenge of poverty in, not just in Nigeria, but the entire continent of Africa. The programme represents the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s commitment to invest $100 million over the next 10 years to identify, train, mentor and seed 10,000 African businesses.

We aim to create 1 million new jobs and $10 billion in additional revenue for the continent by democratising and institutionalising the ‘LUCK’ that I had as a young man that led me to significant levels of success in the Nigerian and African private sector. Additionally, we are identifying and advocating policy reforms to enable not just the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs but all African entrepreneurs with the will to succeed.

What we are seeking is the economic transformation of Africa. The response has been overwhelming. In its inaugural year, we received 20,000 applications for the 1,000 available slots and, this year, more than 45,000 aspiring entrepreneurs applied. This October, we will host another class of 1,000 budding entrepreneurs from 53 countries in Africa, at the Elumelu Entrepreneurship Forum in Lagos.

The programme and the forum will aim at empowering them, inspiring them and, most importantly, teach these young African men and women how to become fishermen. I am proud to tell you that in the Class of 2015, Nigerian entrepreneurs numbered 480, and all 36 states were represented. This year, Nigerians make up 601 (or 60%) of the top 1,000, bringing the total number of Nigerian entrepreneurs in our programme to 1,081.

The fact that Nigerians make up more than half of the 2,000 beneficiaries chosen in a merit-based selection process led by Accenture, and that every state in the federation has been represented in the programme both years, are testaments to the strength of the entrepreneurial spirit in our Nigerian youth.

Let me share with you three concrete examples of what some of these Nigerian entrepreneurs are doing that help to fight poverty through profit-making and sustainable

and the private sector continue to operate in parallel, at best it is a recipe for “MutuallyAssured Mediocrity.”

However, if African governments and businesses are connected by a shared philosophy, common principles and coordinated objectives for trade and investment promotion, it will deliver the shared prosperity we seek. Essentially, Africapitalism requires the government and private sector to work in “Shared Purpose.”

CSR vs Africapitalism

Minister of Trade and Investment, Okey Enelamah solutions: In the ICT sector, one of the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs, Nasir Daniya from Sokoto State, has created an app to link all Nigerian Police Stations together with photos of wanted individuals, a critical gap in our national security coordination.

Kehinde Yinusa, another beneficiary of the programme from Lagos State, has created and is now scaling up the distribution of cost-effective “birthing kits” with essentials to aid midwives and birth attendants in the birthing process to help reduce maternal and child mortality.

A third entrepreneur, Nkem Okocha from the South-east, is crowd-sourcing funds to lend to female micro-entrepreneurs to support their efforts to lift themselves out of poverty.

These are all private sector solutions to pressing development challenges facing our country and continent. And they are available right here in Nigeria, from our own youth.

The Birth of Africapitalism Africapitalism is borne of my own experience of investing in the private sector. When I stepped down as the CEO of UBA in 2010, and established Heirs Holdings, I was venturing out from my comfort zone, as a banker, into new territory, as an entrepreneur.

To help guide my investment decisions, I took some time to reflect on what principles, practices and decisions had underpinned the success of Standard Trust Bank and UBA, what I had learned and what impact I wanted to make in all my new endeavours.

I found that I wanted to: create wealth; promote development in Nigeria and across Africa; do it from the private sector; and deliver societal benefits. And that is how the concept of Africapitalism was birthed.

Specifically, Africapitalism promotes longterm investments in strategic sectors that deliver economic dividends for shareholders and social dividends for society. Africapitalism is needed because if African governments

Now, one of the areas I have been asked to speak about is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a tool of fighting poverty. I think CSR is tremendously valuable. However, if our collective objective is transformative development on a macro-scale, CSR is not enough. We have got big problems and we need big ideas that deliver big results! In my view, CSR goes far but not far enough to deliver sustainable development on the scale that Nigeria requires.

And this is where CSR differs from Africapitalism. Africapitalism is NOT about what a company does for the community AFTER it has done its business and generated

profits. Africapitalism is about HOW a company goes about its business and WHAT kind of business it is engaged in, to ensure that its very existence, strategies and operations generate profit and serve society. So, I recommend an Africapitalist approach to business, with CSR augmenting it, after profits are derived.

Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship is a key feature of Africapitalism and it is the philanthropic pathway I am using to promulgate Africapitalism to promote development across Africa. My target is to replicate my success and create 1,000 more Tony Elumelus and UBAs to help stimulate the economic transformation of Africa by nurturing The Next Generation of Africapitalists.

Governments and large corporates do not have the capacity to provide employment for the tens of millions of young Africans entering the job market every year. Therefore, we MUST empower them to create their own lives.

•Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, writes from Lagos

THE RITUALS THE SO-CALLED PRESIDENTIAL ENABLING ENVIRONMENT COUNCIL WILL BE GIVEN 3 YEARS TO PUT NIGERIA AMONG THE TOP 100 BUSINESS-FRIENDLY NATIONS! 3 YEARS IS UNREALISTIC! WHY NOT 10 YEARS?

NONSENSE! GIVEN THE RIGHT ENABLING ENVIRONMENT, IT COULD BE DONE IN ONE YEAR! IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE!

GIVEN OUR CULTURE, IT’S ROCKET SCIENCE, BECAUSE OF THE TIME-CONSUMING RITUALS THAT MUST BE DONE AT TAKE-OFF! ...LIKE MANOEUVRES, GATHERING OF NATIVE INTELLIGENCE, ACROBATICS, SUMMERSAULTS...

….I DON’T GET IT! WHAT’S THAT IN LAYMAN’S TERM?

...AH… GOT IT! OH, …THEY’LL SPEND PLENTY OF TIME ...THEY’LL NEED LOBBYING FOR A ”BEFITTING” BUDGET, UP TO 3 YEARS TO JOSTLING FOR SPACE, POSITIONS, SECURE ALL THOSE RELEVANCE, ACCOMMODATION, SUVS, LIFE-AND-DEATH PERSONAL STAFF, ALLOWANCES, TAKE-OFF ESTACODES, FACT-FINDING FOREIGN TRAPPINGS! TRIPS, SELF-PROMOTION, SELF…..

02-09-16

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