Thursday 13th October 2016

Banks Have Strong Capital Buffers, CBN Insists

FBN, Fidelity say they’re adequately capitalised Rising NPLs: Fitch warns of further downgrades in banking sector

Obinna Chima

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday allayed concerns over the soundness of Nigerian banks, assuring

the public that they are sound and have strong capital buffers.

This is just as Fitch, an international ratings agency, acknowledged that banks in the country had experienced a

sharp rise in non-performing loans (NPLs), adding that other key concerns in the banking industry include forex scarcity, weakening capital adequacy ratios, and the sovereign’s

ability to support banks, given its weaker financial flexibility.

“If current challenges do not ease, the banks could face further downgrades,” Fitch said.

The central bank, which was reacting to a recent report by Arqaam Capital, a Dubai-based investment company, that said some banks were close to being insolvent, stated that

the assertion was false.

The CBN, however, admitted that just like in other oil and commodity-dependent Continued on page 8

Southern Governors’ Wives Pledge Loyalty to Aisha Buhari...

Page 49

Thursday 13 October, 2016 Vol 21. No 7847. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

DSS Gets More Damaging Petitions Against Embattled Judges To arraign them next week, NJC speaks on arrests today Lai Mohammed: Council hasn’t got monopoly on discipline of judges

Iyobosa Uwugiaren and Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

Amidst the diverse reactions over the arrest of seven judges by the Department of State Services (DSS) for alleged

corruption, THISDAY has learnt that several more petitions against the embattled judges have continued to trickle in.

A senior intelligence officer who spoke to THISDAY

yesterday, also said that the affected judges would be charged to court next week.

This was as the National Judicial Council ((NJC), which held a two-day meeting on the fate of the embattled judges

remained mum yesterday.

A source at the council said that the meeting was concluded yesterday but the NJC was unable to make a statement.

However, he promised that

the council would speak on the issue today.

He also confirmed that Justice Walter Onnoghen, who was at the council meeting, was recommended to President Muhammadu Buhari

for appointment as the next Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

The judges who were arrested at the weekend and released on bail are: Continued on page 9

16 Killed in Shiite, Mob Clashes, Suicide Blast in Northern Nigeria IMN claims 20 members slain President condemns bomb attack, condoles with families of victims

Our Correspondents It was a bloody day in several states in Northern Nigeria yesterday, as eight members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shiite or Shi’a sect, were reportedly killed across Katsina, Kaduna and Sokoto States, when irate mobs attacked members of the sect during their procession in the states to celebrate the Islamic New Year.

The attacks coincided with a suicide bombing along a highway in Borno State, the epicentre of the Boko Haram insurgency, resulting in the death of eight persons with several others sustaining injuries.

However, the spokesman of the Shiite sect, Mr. Ibrahim Musa, has put the death toll

of members of the sect at 20, alleging that they were killed by a combined team of security forces and those it described Continued on page 8

TOP GAINERS NGN NGN CAVERTON 0.06 0.76 SEPLAT 18.37 385.88 GUINNESS 3.74 79.74 WEMABANK 0.03 0.65 WAPIC 0.02 0.52 TOP LOSERS NGN NGN UPDC 0.37 3.58 ETRANZACT 0.28 5.41 LEARNAFRICA 0.03 060 PAINTCOM 0.04 0.84 FCMB 0.05 1.12 HPE Nestle Nig Plc N805.57 Volume: 155.581 million shares Value: N1.433 billion Deals: 3,277 As at yesterday 12/10/16 See details on Page 44

% 8.5 5.0 4.9 4.8 4.0 % 9.3 4.9 4.6 4.5 4.2

GE TARGETS NEW PROJECTS, JOBS IN NIGERIA...

L-R: Managing Director of General Electric (GE), Africa, Mr. Jay Ireland, and Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, at a panel on jobs creation, skills and employment at the 22nd edition of the Nigerian Economic Summit, in Abuja…

Tuesday kola olasupo

2

THURSDAY OCTOBER 13, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY THURSDAY OCTOBER 13, 2016

3

4

THURSDAY OCTOBER 13, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY THURSDAY OCTOBER 13, 2016

5

6

THURSDAY OCTOBER 13, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY THURSDAY OCTOBER 13, 2016

7

8

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016 • T H I S D AY

PAGE EIGHT 16 KILLED IN SHIITE, MOB CLASHES, SUICIDE BLAST IN NORTHERN NIGERIA as hoodlums.

In Katsina, three Shiite members were killed, in Kaduna four lost their lives, while in Sokoto one was also slain. In addition, several vehicles and properties were either burnt or vandalised during the attacks on the sect.

The attacks came a day after a standoff between soldiers and members of the group, outlawed last week by the Kaduna State Government.

Worshippers had gathered to commemorate the historical events associated with the Islamic month of Muharram that are particularly significant in the Shiite calendar, UK-based Islamic Human Rights Commission had said on Tuesday in a statement.

But the gathering was encircled by armed troops. The standoff ended later in the night after the troops withdrew.

The military action on Tuesday was reminiscent of the run-up to the massacre last December of hundreds of supporters of IMN by the Nigerian Army and the arrest of its leader, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, who remains in government custody.

In the Muslim-dominated area of Tudun Wada in the Kaduna metropolis, yesterday’s attack allegedly started when irate youths descended on the Shiites.

The angry mob was also said to have demolished the Islamic school belonging to the sect in the area.

The residence of one Muktar, said to be a leader of the Shiites, was also set ablaze. However, the timely arrival of men of the fire service put out the fire.

The mob was said to have descended on members of the sect with sticks, machetes, knives,

stones and other weapons, injuring many of them.

Confirming the incident in a telephone interview, the spokesman for the Kaduna State Police Command, Aliuyu Usman, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), denied claims that the police were involved in the attack.

He said by the time the police arrived the area, the killings had already taken place.

He however said police were observing the situation, adding that everything was being done to enforce law and order.

News of the incident sent shivers down the spines of residents of Kaduna, who have witnessed countless incidents of deadly ethno-religious clashes in the past.

Some traders at the Kaduna central market were said to have closed their shops for fear of the unknown.

In Katsina, the state Police Command confirmed yesterday that three Shiite members were killed, while two policemen sustained injuries when members of the sect attempted to attack the area command of the police in Funtua town during their procession.

The state Police Commissioner, Mr. Usman Abdullahi, told reporters in Funtua, when he visited the town, that the police also arrested 46 members of the sect during the incident.

He said the Shiites confronted the police area command in the town with the aim of attacking those on duty, adding that the police repelled the attack and fired several canisters of teargas into the air to disperse them.

Abdullahi said the Shiites also took away the corpse of one of

the three dead persons, while police discovered two dead bodies after the incident and some weapons.

The commissioner said the police recovered different types of weapons from the sect members, including five dane guns, cutlasses, sticks and other dangerous weapons.

In Sokoto, some unidentified hoodlums were reported to have killed a young man believed to be a member of the Shiite sect at the Tudun Wada area of the state capital, Sokoto.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammad Abdulkadir, confirmed the incident to journalists during a press briefing at the police headquarters in Sokoto.

Abdulkadir explained that the deceased came from Kebbi State and was heading to the procession in another part of the metropolis when the hoodlums attacked him at Tudun Wada.

He disclosed that as a result of the attack, the Shiite member slumped and died while his Toyota car, with registration number BRK 144CM, was set ablaze by the rampaging hoodlums.

The commissioner further said that members of the sect also burnt three motorcycles after the procession.

“In fact, while members of the sect were returning to their respective destinations, after the procession, some of them engaged members of the public in a violent confrontation at Tamaje area of the metropolis.

“Three motorcycles belonging to sect members were burnt and one person was arrested with a cutlass,” he said.

He said the command had

embarked on an investigation with a view to unravelling those behind the attacks.

Abdulkadir advised residents in the state to go about their normal businesses without fear, saying the command had taken adequate measures to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the state.

Although no death was recorded in Kano, members of the sect also encountered an angry mob in the largest metropolis in the North, leading to many sustaining machetes wounds, as they were violently attacked when they came out for the procession in defiance of a police order.

The incident occurred yesterday at 1.10 p.m. at the abbatoir area of Kofar Mazugal, en route to the Abdullahi Bayero mosque, popularly known as Fagge Mosque, when the angry youths tried to divert the Shiites away from the mosque where they normally converged before going round the Kano metropolis during their processions.

When THISDAY visited the scene of the incident, it was gathered that some angry youths came out with dangerous weapons, including machetes, sticks and knives, in order to attack the Shiite members who on sighting the mob took to their heels.

It was also observed that armed policemen were deployed in all nooks and crannies of the state and were also present at the mosque which they barricaded.

The prompt intervention of the policemen deployed to the area prevented what could have been a deadly clash between the sect members and the angry youths.

Police spokesman in Kano, Magaji Musa Majia, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said that the incident happened around the abattoir area when members of the sect blocked some schools and markets around the place.

“Some members of the public stoned and attacked them but we had to rescue some of their women, children and the aged.

We rescued between 40 and 50 persons to safe custody,” he explained.

Majia said there was no casualty during the incident, adding that the command took proactive measures to maintain law and order.

The police in Kano had issued several warnings prohibiting all forms of religious processions in the city, which the Shiites flouted, leading to the confrontation that was nipped in the bud by the police before violence erupted in the city.

Also, residents of Anguwan Rogo community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State yesterday burnt down a structure allegedly used for worship by the Shiites.

The incident, it was gathered, followed the annual procession by the sect.

Eyewitnesses said most of the residents who attacked the Shiites belong to a gang or group called Yan Daba, which vandalised the structure before setting it on fire.

When contacted, the military task force in charge of security in Jos, said through its media and information officer, Captain Ikedichi Iweha, that the attack was a “community mob action”, but added that men of the task force were able to put out the

sheet, we took it directly to our profit and loss account.

“So we are far more conservative than some others.

That was over N1 billion. So Fidelity Bank is well capitalised,” Joshua added.

The central bank also said yesterday that no amount of blackmail and intimidation would deter it from carrying out its monetary policy objectives.

The acting Director, Corporate Communications of the CBN, Mr. Isaac Okoroafor, who said this in an interview on the sidelines of the Bankers' Committee meeting, was reacting to a protest that took place at the central bank’s head office in Abuja on Monday.

He urged Nigerians to partner with the fiscal and monetary authorities in order to lift the economy from recession.

He said the present state of the economy was as a result of “our collective failure to make the right choices over the years, to plan and to develop our economy, as well as developments in the oil industry which saw a drop in the price of crude oil”.

“We are not joining issues with anybody and the CBN is not going to yield to any kind of blackmail. But whereby you block avenues through which people were doing round tripping and they go and organise some innocent women, print T-shirts for them to say they are protesting, we would not be deterred by such actions and blackmail.

“All we know is that our economy is facing a very serious situation and both the monetary and fiscal authorities are putting their heads together to find solutions. Already, some of the solutions can be found in what we are already doing at the CBN. “This includes making sure that we make judicious use of the forex that comes in and directs it to the most important sectors, to stimulate the economy and create jobs,” Okoroafor said.

Fitch Ratings, meanwhile, has confirmed that Nigerian banks

are currently experiencing a sharp rise in NPLs, but has pointed out that asset-quality deterioration is not yet a negative driver for the 11 commercial banks in the country under its rating.

Fitch Ratings stated this in a report yesterday and warned of downgrades if NPLs continued to deteriorate.

Worsening NPL trends in the sector have accelerated since the end of 2015. Fitch expects this to continue because operating conditions remain difficult.

The CBN’s latest financial stability report released this week showed that the sector's NPLs rose to 11.7 per cent of gross loans as of June ending 2016 from 5.3 per cent at the end of 2015.

This exceeded Fitch’s start-ofyear expectations of a 10 per cent NPL ratio by the end of 2016.

But NPLs are not evenly spread among banks and sector NPL ratios are distorted by some exceptionally high concentrations.

For example, First Bank of Nigeria, the country’s largest bank, reported a 23 per cent NPL ratio at end-June 2016.

“Some tolerance remains on NPL ratios for the banks’ Viability Ratings, which are all in the ‘b’ range. Other key concerns are tightening foreign currency (FC) liquidity, weakening capital adequacy ratios and the sovereign’s ability to support banks, given its weaker financial flexibility.

“If current challenges do not ease, the banks could face further downgrades. Our discussions with banks indicate that most impairment is concentrated in the private sector, which is affected by FC shortages and the depreciation of the naira.

“Borrowers are struggling to access scarce FC and those dependent on naira income are finding it hard to meet escalating repayment costs triggered by the depreciation.

“Sector NPLs would have been higher if banks had not undertaken widespread

fire.

He said security agents were moved into the Anguwan Rogo, Gangare, Katako and Anguwan Rimi communities in the state, to prevent molestation and a breakdown of law and order.

IMN Puts Death Toll at 20 Reacting to the attacks on the sect in several states, the sect’s spokesman claimed that over 20 of it members were killed while commemorating the 10th Muharram, 1438 (Ashura) in major cities across the country.

Musa, in a statement yesterday, said Shiite members were attacked by a combined team of security forces and others dressed as hoodlums, as well as paid thugs escorting them, resulting in at least 13 deaths in Funtua, Sokoto and Kaduna.

Musa said the procession of the martyrdom of Imam Husain started in Funtua, Katsina State peacefully, but was later stopped by a team of policemen who were drafted to the scene to forcibly stop the march.

He claimed that after firing teargas canisters at the procession, the police opened fire with live bullets, killing nine instantly and injuring about 20 others, adding that “there are reports that they went with some victims”.

He said: “In Kaduna, the peaceful Ashura procession was concluded without any incident. However, armed paid thugs attacked some members of IMN on their way to their various homes injuring them.

“This was followed by the Continued on page 9

BANKS HAVE STRONG CAPITAL BUFFERS, CBN INSISTS economies, banks in the country were also feeling the headwinds in the economy.

The Director, Banking Supervision, CBN, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins, said this while responding to a question at the end of the Bankers’ Committee meeting held in Lagos yesterday.

Martins stressed that to say “seven banks are undercapitalised is absolutely not true”.

She added: “That is not to say that the banking sector is not feeling the economic headwinds, they are. Just like every other jurisdiction. It is not strange.

“Non-performing loans (NPLs) at 11 per cent is not what we need to focus on. What we need to focus on is if the banks have the capacity to absorb losses that may arise from those NPLs? And the answer is yes. They have very strong capital buffers.

“Another thing that is important is that Nigerian banks have very huge capacity to generate income to also absorb those losses, if they do arise. And then the loans that are non-performing, can they re-perform? Yes they will because the underlying assets are still there and they are good.

“The fact that the country has NPLs at a period like this should be expected and is not a thing that any jurisdiction should be demonised about.

“Other jurisdictions going through what we are also going through are experiencing the same thing. There are countries that have NPLs as high as 15 per cent, some 30 per cent, and some countries in Europe have NPLs as high as 80 per cent.”

Earlier, Martins said the Bankers' Committee discussed issues pertaining to the downsizing of workers in the industry. According to her, news of mass retrenchment in the industry was not true.

“Another thing that we discussed was the rule that was put in place that customers are not allowed to withdraw more

than $50,000 on their naira debit card per annum.

“For a while, some have been breaching that rule. But we have decided that it is now time for us to take action. If people continue to breach that rule, they may lose that money and may be exempted from the forex market entirely,” she said.

The chief executive of Skye Bank, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru, said the meeting also discussed issues around financial literacy.

Part of the resolution was that banks would play an active role during the World Savings Day celebration coming up this month, he said.

Each bank is meant to take up at least two public schools in each geo-political zone in the country, which comes to 12 public schools to be taken up by one bank.

“We would be educating the students on general commerce, manufacturing, and banking and finance,” he added.

On her part, the Deputy Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Mrs. Cathy Echeozo, further disclosed that prior to the meeting, bank CEOs and top CBN officials met with a team from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).

According to Echeozo, the meeting focused on improving access to forex by manufacturers.

“We met to discuss how to improve the supply of forex to manufacturers so that they can continue to produce and not lay off workers. It was a very fruitful meeting and we are very positive that the outcome will be beneficial to the economy,” she explained.

Also, the chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Yinka Sanni, said the bank CEOs agreed to continue to contribute their quota to the overall growth of the economy.

He said the committee also discussed ways the country could leverage on the huge amount that resides in the pension industry to develop the economy, but in

a safe manner.

Still dismissing the report of Arqaam Capital, First Bank of Nigeria Limited and Fidelity Bank Plc, in separate statements yesterday, said that they were adequately capitalised.

In its statement, FirstBank said it remained adequately capitalised as reported in the FBN Holdings first half results released on 26th July 2016.

The chief financial officer of the bank, Mr. Patrick Iyamabo, said: “At FirstBank, we strive everyday to maintain our position as the safest and most respected banking franchise in the country. We continue to benefit and leverage our unique ability to grow and capitalise the institution – a testament to our solid track record.

“Our highest priority remains meeting the financing and banking needs of our customers, by providing world class services, knowledge and expertise to support our customers, even in very difficult times.”

Fidelity Bank also faulted the report, with the bank’s Chief Operation and Information Officer, Mr. Gbolahan Joshua, putting Fidelity Bank’s capital adequacy ratio (CAR) at 16.8 per cent.

“We have an international banking licence and we are expected by the CBN to have a CAR of 15 per cent. So our CAR is 180 basis points above what is required by the CBN. “Secondly the regulator has those classified as systemically important banks (SIBs). If you are a SIB, your CAR is supposed to be 16 per cent. We are not an SIB, but our CAR is above the threshold set for the SIBs. “If you look at our first half 2016 numbers, the provisions we made, were almost as much as the entire provision we took in our 2015 financial year.

“Last year, when CBN said banks should make provisions for particularly challenged loans in the industry and said banks should take it through the balance

restructuring of loans to the oil and gas sector, which accounts for 30 per cent of total sector loans,” Fitch added.

It stated that asset-quality indicators in those portfolios were holding up, as borrowers have been able to comply with generous loan maturity extensions.

But the central bank had warned that it was expecting continued deterioration across banks' oil and gas portfolios during the second half of 2016 as the sector faces sustained low oil prices and production disruptions.

The central bank has set an informal maximum five per cent NPL ratio for all banks. Once this is breached, the regulator can impose measures to boost capital, such as restrictions on dividend payments. In a one-off policy change, the central bank allowed banks to write off fully reserved NPLs by end-2016.

“Writing off loans is normally protracted, but even this measure is unlikely to significantly bring down the level of sector NPLs. The central bank says that unreserved NPLs represented a high 31 per cent of regulatory capital in the sector at end-June 2016, far higher than the six per cent reported at end-2015.

“This puts further pressure on capital ratios, which have been affected by currency devaluation, causing some banks to report limited buffers over regulatory minimums,” Fitch added.

Nigeria's economy remains in recession and Fitch Ratings opined that it would be difficult for banks to contain the escalation of NPLs. “We expect real GDP to contract by one per cent in 2016, against our previous forecast of a 1.5 per cent expansion. We do expect a limited bounce-back and our 2017 forecast foresees a recovery to 2.6 per cent. But the medium-term growth outlook remains significantly lower than the 5.6 per cent growth of 20102014,” the ratings agency added.

9

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

NEWS

Ibrahim Wins NLNG $100,000 Literature Prize

Davidson Iriekpen

The advisory board of the Nigeria Prize for Literature sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has announced Abubakar Adam Ibrahim as the winner of the 2016 edition of the prize after a nine-month long process of adjudication.

The announcement was made by the chairman of the advisory board, Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo, at a press conference in Lagos.

Ibrahim’s novel, Season of Crimson Blossoms, emerged winner from among 172 other entries received for the competition.

According to Prof. Banjo, “It was a strong field this year.

The shortlisted entries were very strong and the board had no difficulty in accepting the recommendation of the panel of judges, considering the subject matter and competent manner in which Ibrahim demonstrated the execution of his work.”

Reacting to the verdict, the General Manager, External Relations at NLNG, Kudo Eresia-Eke, said: “It has been a very rigorous process and we

are very happy that at the end of the day, both the international consultant and panel of judges came to an alignment. We are very proud of the quality of entries received.

“Let me reiterate very clearly that we will continue to support integrity and excellence, which are some of the pillars we have built NLNG’s success as a company on.”

The prize is awarded with a cash prize of $100,000, the 19th richest literary prize in the world and the richest in Africa.

The decision on the winning entry of The Nigeria Prize for Literature was reached by a panel of judges, led by Prof.

Dan Izevbaye, a well-respected literary critic and professor of Literature in English; Prof. Asabe Usman Kabir, professor of Oral and African Literature at Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto; and Professor Isidore Diala, first winner of The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism and Professor of African Literature in the Department of English, Imo State University, Owerri.

The international consultant, Prof. Kojo Senanu of the University of Legon, is an

internationally acclaimed scholar.

The panel had, through the advisory board, released a shortlist of 11 writers in July 2016 and later, a shortlist of three in September 2016. The three shortlisted entries in alphabetic order, were 'Born

on a Tuesday (Elnathan John), Night Dancer (Chika Unigwe), and Season of Crimson Blossoms (Abubakar Adam Ibrahim)'.

Members of the advisory board for the literature prize besides Prof. Banjo, a two-time

vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan, are Prof. Jerry Agada, former Minister of State for Education and former President of the Association of Nigerian Authors; and Professor Emeritus Ben Elugbe, former President of

the Nigerian Academy of Letters and President of the West-African Linguistic Society (2004-2013).

The Nigeria Prize for Literature rotates yearly among four literary genres: prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature.

A NEW LITERARY GIANT EMERGES...

Prof. Kojo Senanu, international consultant for the 2016 Nigeria Prize for Literature; Prof. Dan Izevbaye, Chairman, 2016 Panel of Judges; Emeritus Prof. Ayo Banjo, Chairman Advisory Board for Literature; Kudo Eresia-Eke, General Manager, External Relations, Nigeria LNG Limited; and Emeritus Prof. Apkoveta Susu, Chairman, Advisory Board for Science, at the press briefing to announce the winner of the 2016 edition of the Nigeria Prize For Literature, in Lagos… Yesterday

DSS GETS MORE DAMAGING PETITIONS AGAINST EMBATTLED JUDGES Justices John Inyang Okoro and Sylvester Nwali Ngwuta of the Supreme Court; Justice Muhammad Ladan Tsamiya of the Court of Appeal; Justice Kabiru Auta of the Kano High Court; Justice Mu’azu Pindiga of the Gombe High Court; Justice Ibrahim Auta, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria; and Justice Adeniyi Ademola.

On the fresh petitions flooding into the DSS, the official said: “We are almost through with the investigation. The ongoing investigation is not supposed to go beyond this week.

“We have written the NJC about what has happened and we expect it to take some decisions about the affected judges this week.

“Once that is done, hopefully by next week or thereabout, we should arraign them in court.

For now, more facts in the form of petitions are trickling in about the judges.

“It’s like everyone who has had cause to go to court for one reason or the other has been a victim. More facts are trickling in and we cannot ignore them. It is our statutory responsibility to investigate painstakingly every complaint.”

The DSS source added that some “victims” had even indicated their readiness to testify in court against the accused judges, assuring THISDAY that the DSS would do a thorough job, including investigating all the properties linked to them.

“The kind of things we have observed as regards the forms they submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau is another kettle of fish. We discovered a judge who filled three different forms with different information, either in terms of assets declared or even personal information like age,” the intelligence officer who spoke to THISDAY in confidence volunteered.

“Imagine one judge filling three different forms with different information just to deceive the CCB. Just as I said, we will do a thorough job,” he added.

While several Nigerians and institutions have vehemently condemned the arrest of the judges, others including presidency, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), have justified the arrests.

The minister spoke in Abuja Tuesday said no one was immune from investigation under the law.

‘NJC Has No Monopoly on Judges’ Discipline’ In a related development, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said that operatives of the DSS did not violate the law when they raided the residences of the seven judges at the weekend.

Addressing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting

yesterday, Mohammed said the federal government was being careful with its handling of the issue.

Also at the briefing were the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika and Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola.

Mohammed said the receipt of complaints against erring judges and their discipline were not exclusive to the NJC. The information minister said: “I want to state clearly that this government believes very much in the doctrine of separation of powers. This government has a lot of respect for the judiciary and for obvious reasons, not just because the constitution says so, and I think probably this is one cabinet that has the highest number of lawyers as ministers.”

He said it was neither the intention of the president to humiliate the judges, nor the institution of the judiciary.

Asked to react to the perception that the executive was usurping the powers of the NJC by ordering the DSS to arrest the judges, Mohammed said such claims were not correct.

He said: “Again, they have tried to muddle up issues by trying to say that the NJC is the only authority that can attend to complaints and discipline against judges. The answer once again is ‘no’.

“There is a difference: when a judge is accused of professional misconduct, it’s quite different from what is happening

now. If you suspect anybody including governors who have immunity, they are still subject to investigation.

“So, I want to make it clear, this government has the highest respect for the judiciary and two, we are not in anyway trying to ridicule the judiciary.

“Three, we are not painting all the judges with the same brush but we also have a duty to fight corruption at whatever level and in doing so, we will do so within the ambit of the law.”

On whether the arrest of the judges did not contravene the principles of separation of powers, the minister said: “I think the federal government is being very careful with the handling of this particular issue.

I want to state clearly that this government believes very much in the separation of powers; this government has a lot of respect for the judiciary and for obvious reasons, not just because the constitution says so.

“As at the last count, about 11 or 12 council members are lawyers and we have female lawyers also in the cabinet, and until death robbed us of late (James) Ocholi, we had five SANs (Senior Advocates of Nigeria) in our cabinet and I think this is unique.

“Therefore you can understand the kind of respect we have for the judiciary. And also look at Mr. President, himself, four times he sought to be president, three times it was thwarted and all the three times he took his case to the judiciary.

“So, I can say clearly that this administration has a lot of respect for the judiciary and I think I stand by Mallam Garba Shehu who said we should not confuse the fight against corruption as a fight against the judiciary.

“What the government is concerned and passionate about is to fight corruption. In the process of fighting corruption, it will not be unusual that you may step on some very sensitive toes.

“But the question to ask, and I think this has been adequately answered by the attorney-general, is: one, do judges have immunity?

The answer is ‘no’.

“Can judges be arrested? The answer is ‘yes’. Have judges that are serving been arrested in Nigeria? The answer is ‘yes’.

Justice Okoli was arrested and tried.”

He maintained that the DSS did not breach any procedure in the arrest of the judges. “Now, the next question to ask is what is the proper procedure for arresting anybody, including judges. There must be properly executed search warrants. Was such presented?

The answer again is ‘yes’.

“People have tried to muddle up the facts about when to search a person’s house, but the truth of the matter is that under the new criminal justice law, you can search anybody, anywhere, anytime.

“Unfortunately, people have even brought up issues that are completely irrelevant to the matter. Some people are saying that the reason

they went to some particular judge’s house was because the president wants somebody from one part of the country to be Chief Justice of Nigeria. I think that was preposterous.

“I want to assure you that this government has no intention of humiliating the judiciary and as for those who are talking about separation of powers, I think you are stretching it too far.

“I and other members of the executive can be invited by any arm of the government and we will go. So, I think we should situate this thing in the right perspective.

“You were all witnesses in 2015, in Ghana, when 32 judges were caught on tape by journalists asking for bribe.

22 of them were dismissed in one day in Ghana.

“Yes, it is true that what is happening today has probably never happened at this level before, but frankly speaking, and with all due respect, we do not intend to humiliate any judge; we have no intention of humiliating the judiciary, but believe me, what we have done, we have done so within the ambits of the law,” he said.

Also briefing newsmen on the outcome of the FEC meeting, Fashola said the council approved N700 million as cost variation for federal secretariat buildings in six states of the federation.

He listed the states where the secretariats would be sited as Osun, Bayelsa, Nassarawa, Zamfara, Anambra and Gombe States.

five others sustained injuries.

Cars in Borno State often travel in convoys organised by the military to minimise the risk of Boko Haram ambushes in rural areas. The army has retaken most of the territory initially lost to the terrorists, but Boko Haram still stages suicide bombing attacks and plants roadside bombs.

Buhari, who stated this on his twitter handle, described the attack as a cowardly act on soft targets.

While sending his condolences to the families of the victims, the president said he was disheartened by the news of the blast.

He said: “I am disheartened by the news of the bomb blast in Maiduguri. My condolences to the families of the victims and the Borno State Government.

“Unable to hold territory, the severely degraded terrorist group now occasionally resorts to cowardly attacks on soft targets.

“I commend our military for their unflagging efforts. This attack has further strengthened our resolve to completely neutralise Boko Haram.”

16 KILLED IN SHIITE, MOB CLASHES, SUICIDE BLAST IN NORTHERN NIGERIA torching of Islamic Centre of IMN at Tudun Wada, Kaduna, and subsequent demolition by a combined team of policemen and the army. Three members of the movement were killed there.

“The story was similar in Jos, Plateau State, where armed soldiers brutally attacked the Ashura procession, then proceeded to invade the Islamic Centre belonging to IMN, making some arrests while threatening to demolish the worship complex.”

Musa also stated that peaceful Ashura processions were conducted in Katsina, Yola, Potiskum, Suleja, Bauchi, Gombe, Lafia and Kano, among other towns.

In Kano, he said, the police arrested some Muslim sisters of IMN on their way to their

various homes.

Musa claimed that those arrested have been taken to Bompai police headquarters, Kano. He also said that a number of arrests were made in Kaduna and were arraigned before the Shariah Court on Daura Road.

Car Bomb Kills Eight In an unrelated incident, no fewer than eight persons were also killed and 15 wounded when a car bomb, believed to be the handiwork of Boko Haram, hit a convoy on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

The explosion went off yesterday morning at Muna garage, as the convoy, with a military escort was going to

Gamboru Ngala.

Five persons were inside the taxi hit by the bomber. A witness said he saw 10 corpses at the scene of the explosion, but a source at the Maiduguri Specialist Hospital said that no fewer than 18 bodies were deposited in the hospital morgue with more being expected.

A statement by the spokesman of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Sani Datti, made available to journalists yesterday, however, said eight persons lost their lives, with 15 others injured.

Datti said: “A total of eight persons lost their lives and 15 were injured in the explosion that occurred early this (Wednesday) morning at Muna motor park, Maiduguri, Borno State.

“The rescue team of the National Emergency Management Agency promptly responded to the incident and evacuated injured persons and the bodies of the dead victims to University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and Borno State Specialist Hospital.

“The explosion occurred outside the park, located on the outskirts of the town and is used by motorists that carry passengers to the Dikwa, Gamboru Ngala axis of the state.

“The Injured persons taken to the hospitals are currently being attended. Security has been beefed up at the scene of the explosion.”

The Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Police Command, Mr. Victor Isuku, said five persons died, while

Buhari Condoles with Families of Victims President Muhammadu Buhari, in a swift reaction to the early morning bomb blast, said he was disheartened by the news, adding that the incident had further strengthened his administration’s resolve to completely neutralise Boko Haram.

10

THURSDAY OCTOMBER 13, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWS

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

Aside FirstBank, CBN Terminates Banks’ Dollar Sales Role to BDCs

Obinna Chima Following their failure to fully comply with the directive which requires commercial banks that act as agents of international money transfer operators to always sell foreign currency remittances to licensed Bureau De Change (BDC) operators, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday relieved other banks of the role, and exonerating FirstBank Nigeria Limited.

THISDAY learnt from a reliable source in the banking industry that a circular to that effect was sent to the banks yesterday.

However, all the affected banks are expected to sell their dollar inflows from remittances to Travelex, for onward sale to the BDCs. According to the source, the CBN took the decision because the returns on forex sales showed that the affected banks had not been active in selling the greenback to BDC operators since the directive was given in July.

She also said it would help “remove the huge inflows from remittances the banks have been sitting on.”

This is just as THISDAY learnt that the apex bank yesterday also suspended a total of 195 BDC operators, over failure to renew their operating licences.

Speaking in the decision to remove the function of dollar remittance sales to BDCs from the other banks, the President of the Association oof Bureau De Change of Nigeria (ABCON), Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, welcomed the move by the central bank.

He said it would help strengthen the naira and improve dollar liquidity in the market.

“It will ensure that more dollar are distributed to BDCs in uniform

and transparent manner as some of the banks have not been selling funds from the international money transfer operators (IMTOs).

“If you check, since Travelex started selling to BDCs, speculation has reduced in the market and the naira is on the path of recovery.

My advise to our members is to partner with the central bank on this project. I advice everybody to be patriotic, any member that goes against the rule would be punished,” Gwadabe said in a telephone chat.

Commenting on the suspension of his members, he said those affected would in the coming days ensure they renew licences for them to be reinstated in the market.

Travelex, a global foreign exchange company last week began weekly disbursements of US$15,000 (part of the country’s diaspora remittances) to each of the 3,000 registered Bureaux DeBDC) operators in the country.

Travelex was officially directed by the CBN to distribute FX to BDC operators following complaints from BDCs of low supply from the banks.

The naira closed at N467 to the dollar on the parallel market yesterday, slightly stronger than the N468 to the dollar it closed on Tuesday. On the interbank FX market, the spot rate of the naira remained unchanged at N304.50 to the dollar yesterday.

“Clearly, the involvement of Travelex is an attempt to reduce the premium at which dollars are being sold on the parallel market relative to the interbank market by improving supply.

“Based on our calculations, no more than US$45 million in remittance inflows will be sold to the 3,000 BDCs each week. CBN

Buhari to Leave for Germany on StateVisit Today

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari will embark on an official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany from today to October 15, 2016.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said in Berlin, Buhari, would confer with German Chancellor, Angela Merkel on issues of shared interests between Nigeria and Germany.

He listed such issues as including further cooperation on security, the humanitarian situation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and rehabilitation of the North-east as well as trade and economic relations between both countries.

According to him, the president will be accompanied

by Governors Kashim Shettima of Borno State and Rochas Okorocha of Imo State respectively and representatives of the National Assembly.

Adesina said Buhari would also meet with the country’s President Joachim Gauck.

He said: “In furtherance of the administration’s objective to attract more foreign investment and create economic opportunities in the country, Buhari will participate in a business forum in Berlin

with leading German companies already active in Nigeria and other prospective investors.

“Before returning to Abuja, the president is expected to meet with representatives of the Nigerian community in Germany.”

Adesina said Buhari was committed to deepening relations with Germany and building on the very cordial relations both countries enjoyed in several areas of bilateral cooperation including the fight against terrorism, economic relations, rebuilding of the Northeast, support for IDPs, vocational training, energy partnership and cultural relations.

He recalled that shortly after his inauguration on May 29, 2015, Buhari, on the invitation of Chancellor Merkel, attended the G7 summit in Elmau, Germany - the trip was his first to a non-African country after his assumption of office.

Adesina also stated that from February 8 to 12 this year, President Gauck, accompanied by a delegation of German business community, was on an official visit to Nigeria, where they had fruitful discussions on trade and investments with representatives of government and the private sector in Abuja and Lagos.

balance of payments data show that Nigeria receives around US$20

billion per annum in remittances which equates roughly US$380

million per week. As such, only about 12 per cent of remittance,”

analysts at the CSL Stockbrokers stated.

FEC MEETING

R-L: President Muhammadu Buhari ,Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Secretary to the Federal Government Engr. Babachair David Lawal during the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Aso Chambers, Presidential Villa Abuja Yesterday Godwin Omoigui.

Family Accuses Emir of Katsina of Abducting, Forcefully Marrying a Christian Minor Girl misses school resumption Police, CAN ignore plea to intervene CP bungles rescue move Royal father compels girl’s father to make undertaking under duress Paul Obi in Abuja The family of Mr. Isiyaku Tanko of Warkaza community in Kudun Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, yesterday accused the Emir of Katsina of forcefully abducting and marrying their 14-year-old daughter, Habiba Isiyaku, denying her of her constitutional rights.

Habiba was alleged to have been abducted on August 16, 2016, by an official of Emir of Katsina and staff in the palace, Jamilu Lawal.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the father of Habiba, Mr. Isiyaku Tanko, who spoke through his lawyer, Yakubu Bawa, decried the manner which the Emir Palace manhandled him in his attempt to secure his daughter.

Tanko who was accompanied to the briefing by his eldest daughter, Mrs. Hajara Suleman, cried profusely, begging for the rescue of Habiba and calling on Nigerians to assist them return their daughter.

He also complained about the mishandling of the matter by both the Inspector General of Police (IG), Ibrahim Idris, and the Katsina State Commissioner of Police, Usman Abdullahi.

Speaking on the matter, Bawa said: “Because she is under a guardian and the control of her parents, now until she clocks 18 that’s the age of maturity and accountability. The second point is that Habiba cannot be forcefully converted to Islam by

the Emir of Katsina, His Royal Highness, Alhaji AbdulMumin Kabiru Usman.

“He has no right to do that.

The third point to look at is the fact that the Commissioner of Police; this was a helpless man, a vulnerable man that called Stefanos Foundatiaon to come to his aid to secure the release of his daughter.

“And when the CP summoned the parties concerned in his office, what baffled me of which my heart is still bleeding is the fact that ordinary security detail gave an instruction that Emir has instructed him that when the girl was brought to his office that he’s under instruction to bring back the girl to the of palace of the emir.

“And yet the CP who has the entire command under his control could not even take a position but unfortunately succumbed to the instruction of an ordinary detail and release that girl back to the palace.

“He instructed the man to go the palace the following day and receive his daughter. For me, with due respect, the CP has failed in his constitutional duties as enshrined in the Police Act. “On reaching the emir, all that this man was confronted with was for him to sit on the floor and the emir demanded to introduce the matter through his aide, the Kilishin Katsina, to tell him that ‘since your daughter has converted, she came with hijab. She couldn’t look at her mum and her father. He said since she has converted, there is

a big barrier between you and your daughter now.

“The man said if my daughter has converted to Islam, give me my daughter to go and practice her newly found faith in my house. The Kilishin Katsina said no, that it’s not possible.”

Bawa stated: “The Emir then said the man has committed a crime, he was compelled under duress, in this statement, they forced the man to say that the complaint he made to the police was not true. He left the palace shattered, helpless and emotional broken.

“Habiba is about two months now in captivity.” The abduction and procurement of a Christian minor, Habiba Isiyaku, by the Emir of Katsina as vicious, barbaric, callous acts and atrocities done to Christians not only in Katsina but the entire North west of Nigeria.”

Also speaking, an official of Stefanos Foundation, a nongovernmental organisation (NGO), Mr. Mark Lipdo, decried the pain the family have been going through since the forceful abduction of their daughter.

Lipdo further stated that “Habiba is expected to clock 15 years on October 15, 2016, and would have resumed school in the new academic term.”

He said Habiba passed her Junior secondary school examination in flying colours and was expected to start Senior Secondary School (SSS1) this new term.

It was also revealed that attempts to make the IG, Idris,

Habiba intervene in the matter received no positive response from Police Headquarters in Abuja.

Idris also failed to respond to the letter forwarded to his office calling on the police to secure Habiba from her abductors.

To make matter worst, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) were said to have failed to show commitment in rescuing Habiba.

Even when they were contacted in October, the dilly-dally approach adopted discouraged the family from pushing forward.

Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of Fantastic Mum Nigeria (FMN), Mrs. Joy Akanonu, pleaded with President Muhammadu Buhari and his wife of the Aisha to intervene and secure Habiba.

Akanonu tasked the president to intervene given that the matter originated from his home state of Katsina.

THURSDAY OCTOMBER 13, 2016 • T H I S D AY

11

NEWS

House C’ttee Opposes Airport Concession as FAAN Sacks Directors, Others Chinedu Eze The House of Representatives Committee on Aviation yesterday said it did not support the planned concession of airport facilities by the federal government and insisted that there would be a stakeholders’

meeting and public hearing before the decision to concession would be decided.

Just as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has finally carried out the planned purge of senior officials of the agency with the sack of about 21 directors, general managers,

EFCC Declares Goodie Ibru Wanted for Alleged Capital Market Fraud Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared a businessman, Mr. Goodie Ibru, wanted over allegations bordering on capital market fraud and lingering crisis on shares in Ikeja Hotels Plc. The commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, in a statement yesterday, explained that Ibru is wanted for alleged money laundering.

“The public is hereby notified that Goodie Minabo Ibru is wanted by the EFCC in connection with a case of conspiracy, capital market fraud, stealing, diversion of funds and money laundering.

“He diverted billions of naira and assets of Ikeja Hotels Plc, owners of Sheraton Hotel, Lagos; Federal Palace Hotel and Capital Hotel; owners of Sheraton Hotel

Abuja to his personal benefit.

“Anybody with useful information as to his whereabouts should contact the commission through any of its offices located at Abuja, Kano, Gombe, Lagos, Ibadan, Maiduguri and Port Harcourt,” Uwujaren stated.

In the same vein, a source in the anti-graft agency said they had served summons on Ibru but he was yet to respond to our invitation.

According to this source, “This is why we have declared him wanted.

“I think it is a board crisis which has made many shareholders to write a formal petition to the EFCC. “Also, the federal government through the Bank of Industry has about 13.1 per cent stake in the conglomerate. So, the government’s funds are trapped too.”

assistant general managers and deputy general managers.

The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Nkiru Onyejeocha, said government would have to explain why it has decided to concession the four international airports, which are the most profitable facilities that sustain the other 18 existing airports being managed

by FAAN. Onyejeocha who led 18 members of her committee on oversight tour of facilities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, also noted that while government has planned to concession the airports it has not explained what it intends to do with the workers that number over 4,000, adding that the planned public hearing would enable Nigerians to come out and decide whether the airports would be concessioned or not.

Onyejeocha said the House would have to get the input of industry players on the concession of airports, adding that her

personal view was that concession might not be the best way to go by giving out airports that are yielding revenue to government.

“I am one person who doesn’t believe that we should concession the four major airports that we have because I know it is those four airports that are funding the other 18 airports and, of course, you have to look at the issue of workers and of course the Nigerian people as a whole. If we concession them and people are going to make money and be okay, why can’t we do it?

“Having said that, I also know that we are going to conduct public hearing where we would take all the issues together, where we would be able to ask Nigerians and of course the key players in aviation industry; the stakeholders including the workers, the press to tell us what you think. We would also look at the issues of the concession that has been done in the past,” she said.

At the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the committee

members urged the regulatory authority to take urgent steps to ensure more domestic carriers do not collapse.

The House members said recent challenges affecting domestic carriers have attracted their attention urging the NCAA to step up efforts to ensure sustainability of the struggling carriers.

They also noted that while government is planning to concession the four major airports it was yet to explain what would happen to the subsisting agreement it had with Chinese government from where it borrowed $500 million to build five airports terminals in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Enugu, which hopefully would be competed early next year.

Meanwhile, FAAN has sacked over 21 senior officials who were engaged about four years ago and demoted others on what the agency referred to as “proper placement.”

Informed source from the agency disclosed to THISDAY that most of the directors,

general managers, assistant general managers and deputy general managers employed under Senator Stella Oduah when she was the Minister of Aviation have been sacked.

“They said that the post of directorship is political appointment and when the minister that appoints them is removed the directors should go with him or her.

Among those removed are three acting directors and three substantive directors. One acting director was demoted and two substantive directors were also demoted, but the Director of Human Resources was retained.

“Meanwhile, two directors were appointed and they have started work. They are director of finance and accounts and the director of commercial and business development,” the source told THISDAY. The rumour to sack these officials started about five months ago, just as new graduates were employed by the agency few months ago.

Oil Prices Slump 1% as OPEC’s Output Hits Eight-month High

Barkindo meets energy ministers in Istanbul Ejiofor Alike with agency reports Oil prices fell about one per cent yesterday after the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) reported its September oil output at eight-year highs in its monthly Oil Market Report (OMR), thus eroding optimism over the carte’s pledge to bring a global crude oil glut under control.

This is coming as energy ministers from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Venezuela and Russia yesterday began informal closed-door talks with the Secretary General of OPEC, Mr. Mohammed Barkindo, in Istanbul, Turkey, as part of the coordinated efforts to rebalance the oil market.

Also, concerns that the American Petroleum Institute (API) could report the first built in United States crude oil stocks in six weeks in preliminary inventory numbers have fueled possibility of worsening the glut in the market as Reuters reported that analysts expected the US government to report that crude oil stockpiles rose 300,000 barrels last week.

Global benchmark crude oil Brent crude fell 52 cents, or one per cent, to $51.89 a barrel while the US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slipped 68 cents, or 1.3 per cent, to $50.11.

However, despite the drop, Brent is still up nearly 13 per cent since OPEC announced on September 27 that the group and other major

crude oil producers would agree on a sizeable output cut or freeze to reduce a global glut by November 30 when OPEC meets in Vienna.

OPEC’s latest monthly report, issued yesterday, showed an increase in its oil production in September to the highest in at least eight years and a rise in the forecast for 2017 non-OPEC supply growth.

In its monthly market report, OPEC said expected total world oil demand for 2016 was revised upward from its previous report by 10,000 bpd to 1.24 million bpd.

Next year, world oil demand is expected to increase by 1.15 million bpd, a level unchanged from OPEC’s previous report.

The group produced 33.39 million barrels per day (bpd) last month, up 220,000 bpd from August, and as much as 890,000 bpd above the new supply target.

In a related development, energy ministers from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Venezuela and Russia began informal closeddoor talks with Barkindo in Istanbul as they try to coordinate efforts to rebalance the oil market.

OPEC officials are holding a flurry of meetings in coming weeks to nail down an agreement reached in Algiers last month on modest output cuts, the first such deal since 2008, for which they are seeking cooperation from non-OPEC producers.

The ministers were meeting on the sidelines of the World Energy Congress in Istanbul but no decision

TOP BANKERS

L-R: Deputy Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Cathy Echeozo; Director, Banking Supervision Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Tokunbo Martins; Group Managing Director/CEO, Skye Bank Plc, Tokunbo Abiru; and Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Yinka Sanni, after a meeting of the Bankers’ Committee in Lagos....yesterday

Senate Moves to Review Tax Laws to Enhance Investment Drive Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja Senate President, Bukola Saraki, yesterday said the eighth Senate would improve investment drive in Nigeria by streamlining Nigeria’s multiple taxation system.

Saraki, according to a statement by his Media Office, made the promise at the 22nd edition of the Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja while answering questions from the audience.

He said Nigeria’s corporate taxation system needed to be reformed and revamped to get the country out of the economic recession.

“With 37 million small and

medium scale enterprises providing about 95 percent of our jobs, as we promote ‘Made in Nigeria’, we must also use our legislative powers to amend the taxation laws.

“To get out of this recession, we must provide a business-friendly environment,” he said.

With the theme: ‘Made in Nigeria,’ Saraki commended the organisers for “keying into Senate’s plan” to empower home-grown businesses and ensure that Nigerian brands are strong enough to be patronised by our people and exported abroad.

“Earlier this year, when in the Senate, we started the ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ campaign, we knew how important it was,

but even we did not foresee how far it would go.

“To promote the patronage of our domestic businesses, the Senate has gone as far as amending the Public Procurement Act to compel government ministries, departments and agencies to key into this initiative.

“It is our hope that Nigerian businesses can begin to benefit from the over N2 trillion in government expenditure in the 2016 budget so that we can reduce the demand on foreign exchange while simultaneously creating employment, moving towards self sufficiency, increasing our GDP and boosting our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).”

Saraki also listed bills in the works in the Senate to address recession to include: the Petroleum Industry Bill; the National Development Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill; the Nigerian Ports and Habours Authority Act (Amendment) Bill and the National Road Fund (Establishment) Bill; the National Transport Commission Act of 2001.

Others are Warehouse Receipts Act (Amendment) Bill; the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA); the Investment and Securities Act (ISA); the Customs and Excise Management Act; the Federal Competition Bill; and the National Road Authority Bill.

12

THURSDAY OCTOMBER 13, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Senate Bills Make Presidential, Governorship Debate Mandatory, Restructure Polytechnic Education To scrap FERMA, create FRA to fund, maintain roads Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja If the Senate bill which scaled second reading on the floor of the parliament yesterday is eventually passed into law, every presidential and governorship candidate will henceforth, participate in an organised debate before he can be eligible for election.

The bill, which also seeks to institutionalise debates during elections, also seeks to establish Nigerian Political Debates’ Commission to serve as the organiser and regulation of debates.

Sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), the bill, tagged: ‘Nigerian Political Debates Commission,’ also makes debate compulsory for vice presidential and governorship candidates. The bill, if considered and passed by this hallowed chamber, will strengthen our democracy and bring it in conformity with practice in other renowned democracy of the world,” Buhari said.

According to him, the conduct of pre-election debates which he said had become a norm in the United States of America dates back to 1960 when Democratic Party’s nominee, John Kennedy and his Republican rival, Richard Nixon, tested their popularity at the maiden debate.

“The debate is the de facto election process in the United States, as results of elections are predicated on the candidates’ performance at the debates...An analogous experience of this crucial indispensability of electoral debate

is the current presidential debate between Hillary Clinton of the Democratic Party and Donald Trump of the Republican Party.

“The regular debate has enabled the electorate not only to know about the personality of the candidates but also about their lifestyles, beliefs, reactions to national issues and foreign policy.

All this information has informed the electorate on the position to take during election. In fact, the exposures made possible by the mandatory political debate will definitely save that country from electing a tyrant,” he added.

Buhari listed the benefits of pre-election debate to include providing the platform to sample candidates’ knowledge on a wide range of issues such as how they intend to foster economic, foreign, health and education policies, among others.

He insinuated that anyone who shies away from participating in a debate which provides him with the opportunity to present his proposed administration’s roadmap is not fit to be a governor or president.

He also said if debate is institutionalised, it will “offer the electorate an avenue to evaluate candidates and vote along ideological lines rather than on ethnic or religious allegiance as it is prevailing in the country today.”

Also yesterday, another bill which listed a number of lopsidedness in the structure and composition of the nation’s

polytechnic system and simultaneously provided for the organisation and restructuring of the institution passed second reading in the Senate.

The sponsor of the bill, Senator Ali Wakili (Bauch South), said among other things, the bill would “relieve polytechnics of the encumbrances inherent in the subsisting Act and make the institutions more efficient and functional as institutions of higher learning.”

Provisions of the bill include the restructuring of the Governing Board, Academic Board, management of the polytechnics and tenure of rectors.

Wakili also explained that nine polytechnics which are hitherto not in the Polytechnic Act have been incorporated into the bill. The bill also provides for a five-year single tenure for rectors and also includes deputy rectors in the Governing Board of polytechnics.

He said: “The present structure of the governing boards of federal polytechnics is a great burden on the administration of these

institutions. There are 15 members on the governing boards, of which only two (the rector and one member representing the Academic Board) are internal members.

“The other 13 members are external members representing all kinds of doubtful interests, including, strangely, the university community, the state Ministry of Education, the host community, the Minister of Trade and Industry, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, and professional bodies.

This is in acute contrast to the constitution of the governing councils of federal universities and colleges of education which have only four external members, the rest of the members being internal members.

“The proposed amendments will restructure the composition of the governing councils of federal polytechnics to include five external members and more internal members. This new structure will reduce the cost of running the councils and enhance the independence and academic

autonomy of the polytechnics. The proposed amendment seeks to ensure that the external members of the governing councils are persons who are knowledgeable about polytechnic education and who are driven by passion for it.

The nine polytechnics which the bill seeks to include in the First Schedule of the Principal Act are: Federal Polytechnic, Auchi; Federal Polytechnic, Bali; Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe; Hussein Adamu Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure; and Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi.

Others are are: Federal Polytechnic Ukana, Federal Polytechnic Ile-Oluji, Federal Polytechnic Oil & Gas Bony, National Institute of Construction Technology, Uromi.

This inclusion will confirm the federal government’s proprietorship of these polytechnics.

Meanwhile, a bill seeking to repeal the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Act 2002 and establish the Federal Roads Authority (FHA) to be saddled

with the responsibility of maintaining and funding road infrastructure scaled second reading on the floor of the Senate yesterday.

According to its sponsor and Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, the agency “would be a semi-autonomous road agency,” with the responsibility of providing professional management for Nigeria’s federal roads.

The agency will also be responsible for planning, designing, constructing, rehabilitating and maintaining the roads.

Gaya who said the creation of FHA would put paid to duplication of duties between FERMA and Highways Department in the Ministry of Works, gave reasons the agencies’ creation was imminent.

He cited the existence of Maritime Authority, Inland Waterways Authority and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as a justification for FHA, pointing out that roads are “the most essential link for all other transport modes as we speak, has no authority hence the need for Cont’d on page 51

Ondo Poll: PDP, APC Pick Running Mates James Sowole in Akure After much politicking and political calculations, the two leading political parties for the November governorship election in Ondo State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday announced their running mates for their candidates.

While the PDP chose the former Commissioner for Information in the state, John Ola Mafo, as the running mate to Mr Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), the APC named a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Agboola Ajayi, as the running mate to Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN).

The two political parties had submitted names of their deputy governorship candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the deadline for such exercise expired yesterday.

The Publicity Secretary of the PDP in the state, Mr. Banji Okunomo, who disclosed the choice of Mafo, said the credentials of the candidate qualified him for the position.

According to Okunomo, the decision to pick Mafo was taken by the highest decision body of the PDP in the state.

“At the highest decision making body of the PDP in the state today (yesterday) resolved on the choice of Ola Mafo as the deputy governorship candidate of the party.

“The party took this far-reaching

decision after considering all factors that would lead to its victory at the poll.

“The party weighed a number of options including the credentials of Mafo which ranged from being a former chairman of Ilaje Local Government Area of the state to former Commissioner for Information in the state.

“Mafo was also a former Special Adviser to Governor Olusegun Mimiko and until his nomination, he was the Chairman of the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA).

“Mafo is also a foundation member of the PDP and a veteran politician from the Southern senatorial district particularly Ilaje Local Government Area, a native of Zion Pepe,” he said.

Okunomo posited that the choice of Mafo was based on equity and political balance saying: “For equity and balance, it is apposite for the party to uphold his nomination as the deputy governorship candidate.

Ajayi, an indigene of EseOdo Local Government Area, represented the Ilaje/ Ese Odo federal constituency at the National Assembly between 2007 and 2011.

The choice of Ajayi, however, generated controversies among leaders and members of the APC before it was finally resolved.

The PDP Publicity Secretary, Okunomo, said the combination of Jegede and Mafo formed a strong force that would be difficult for any opposition to confront.

THANK YOU FOR COMING

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (left) in a handshaking with a Rapporteur of the National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable (NASSBER) dialogue session, Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli, at the 22nd edition of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) in Abuja...Monday

FG to Create 490,000 Jobs through Smart Farmer Scheme Paul Obi in Abuja In an effort to effect its strategic plan on job creation, the federal government yesterday launched the Smart Farmer Scheme (SFS), an ICT based scheme geared to create over 490, 000 jobs as well as boast agriculture The scheme is in fulfillment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to boast agriculture and as well as scale up creation of jobs under the auspices of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) Speaking during the launch of the scheme, Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige explained that the current administration is committed to tackling the menace of youth

unemployment in the country.

The minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Clement Iloh, said agriculture holds the key to fight youth unemployment as well as food security.

He said: “Nigeria must take full advantage of the enormous employment potentials in the agricultural sector in order to change its economic fortune.

Ngige added: “A combination of productive activities in the agricultural sector and ICT will surely make our journey towards repositioning agriculture as one of the corner stones for sustainable national development a reality “I am informed that through the smart farmer application, the

NDE will be injecting about four hundred and ninety thousand new jobs into the economy in the next three years. I am very proud to announce that the NDE in its consistent strides towards mass employment creation has concluded plans to commission two new small scale businesses that will.”

Speaking earlier, the acting Director General of the NDE, Kunle Obayan, observed: “Over the years, efforts had been made to reposition agriculture as the major foreign exchange earner for Nigeria.

He said: “The economic recession we are currently experiencing is indicative of the fact that e have not succeeded in our quest to give agriculture its pride of place it has become glaring in the face of dwindling revenue from oil,

that Nigeria has no option than to maximise the massive agricultural potentials across the length and breadth of this naturally endowed nation.”

Obayan held: “ICT driven concept will encourage young Nigerians to get involved in agricultural activities. He maintained that ineffective application of science and technology has robbed Nigeria of the boundless benefits agriculture holds.

“One of the factors that militated against previous attempts at putting agriculture in the driving seat of our national economy had been the inability of policy implementers to get young Nigerians sufficiently involved in agriculture as a viable business,” Obayan stated.

T H I S D AY THURSDAY OCTOBER 13, 2016

13

14

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13,, 2016

COMMENT

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

NEW THINKING IN PENSION ADMINISTRATION?

I

The appointment of Sharon Ikeazor as executive secretary of PensionTransition and Administration bodes well for retired people, writes John Charles

f there is any one sore spot in our governance process and public service participation, pension and its administration is it. For ages, since the establishment of the Pension Transition and Administration [PTAD] agency, its historical antecedent has been oscillating between one fraudulent case to another. The nation was awed by the sheer looting of pensioners’ funds by those appointed to manage them in order to make retirement claims less cumbersome and make public service more interesting. The ones that caught the nation gasping for breath were the news of monumental pension fraud perpetrated by few pension managers which almost crippled the very intention for setting up this interventionist agency. Despite the investigations carried out and the revelations, a lot of those alleged pension fraudsters are still at large.

The fate of pensioners is often compounded by the fact that the agency has not lived up to its billing in helping to act as stop gap between government and its retiring employees who are due for pension collection.

What we often see is a collection of pensioners moving from offices to offices in search of their deserved pensions after serving and retiring from public service. These days they have gone ahead to form unions that now act as veritable platform to agitate for their rights. Rather than get required results, what they often get is mere rhetoric that never attempts to cushion the debilitating effect of the non-payment of their pension. Some die, others suffer in the hands of avoidable ailments while some just resign to fate.The intention behind the setting up of this agency is no doubt a holistic one, designed to act on behalf of pensioners to make the transition from being a worker to a pensioner more flexible and seamless. But what has been at issue is the conduct of those who have had the privilege to manage the organisation.

The appointment of Mr Sharon Ikeazor, as the new Executive Secretary by the present administration may just be the needed tonic to fire the agency’s adrenaline back to functioning. Sharon Ikeazor, easily described by those who have interacted with her as “Madam Anti-corruption” belongs to the Muhammadu Buhari’s school of thought which abhors corruption in all its ramifications. A lawyer of 31 years standing, Sharon Ikeazor comes from a background of legal and political activism spanning so many years. Both as a legal practitioner and political participant, Sharon has remained a shining example of the incorruptible Nigerian whose article of faith is probity, accountability and prudent management of resources.

Possessing a strong voice for women emancipation and political participation, she has acquired over the years experiences that now readily placed her as a round peg in a round hole with her present appointment. How she will deploy her rich experiences in managing people and situations will be a matter of time as she executes her functions as the executive secretary of this all-important organisation.

She gave a teaser of what to expect in her new job when on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 she formally assumed her new role at the headquarters of the agency. Not given to too many ego-massaging protocols, Sharon took the microphone to deliver her acceptance speech to the admiration of all the staff of the agency who had gathered to welcome her into her new office. She did not only display a rare understanding of the workings

WHAT WE OFTEN SEE IS A COLLECTION OF PENSIONERS MOVING FROM OFFICES TO OFFICES IN SEARCH OF THEIR DESERVED PENSIONS AFTER SERVING AND RETIRING FROM PUBLIC SERVICE

of such “trouble-spot” organisation, she gave a pointer to her sense of direction and what to expect in the years ahead. “It has been a painful history that pension payments to millions of retired workers have been habitually delayed for months, sometimes even years before they are paid out. It is quite probable that a number of retirees die before they collect their pensions. This ugly trend must change”.

According to her, “for the working person, pension is one of the most important aspects of fiscal reward for their term of employment yet it generally seems far-fetched and often disenchanting. This should not be the case. Pensions are not gifts or bonuses but due payback for investment of many years of service; earned and deserved”. Then she lamented over the agency’s shortcomings: “PTAD has been burdened by a plethora of challenges in the past. Challenges I do not believe are insurmountable. It is my commitment and that of every PTAD staff and every stakeholder, to do the very best to change the orientation for improved performance, honesty of purpose and instill integrity which an organisation of this nature requires”.

For Sharon, there is a huge task in fixing an agency that has derisively become a cash cow to many thieving executives who rather than pay pensioners their entitlements, often help themselves by misapplying the agency’s funds. Furious over the poor records of the agency in meeting its target and obligations to pensioners, the new boss thundered; “no pensioner or retiree after serving his or her fatherland, should ever be forced into the indignity and painful uncertainty of delayed pensions.

We owe them that, from the lowest to the highest rank. No one should ever be left behind. Pension payment shall be a pleasure rather than a pain under my stewardship”.

She comes into this job with versatile experience spanning many years in the banking and legal profession. She has also cut her political teeth having been actively involved in political engineering and party administration. As a former National Woman Leader of the Congress for Progressive Change in 2011 to being interim woman Leader of the All Progressives’ Congress, and a member of the Board of Trustees of the APC, she has political experience going for her. What will matter in the coming days and months is how much of that experience she’s able to deploy to achieve her set objectives in line with the organisation’s core mandate.

One of the huge challenges inherited by the Buhari administration is on how to improve the lives of the average pensioner by ensuring that their entitlements are paid as and when due. Coming from a history of non-performance in the agency’s set goals and objectives occasioned by fraud and sharp practices, Sharon Ikeazor, no doubt has a herculean task before her. First is the fact that she will be dealing with inherited staff and management who have been part and parcel of the previous old order of maladministration. Secondly, it is how to deal with the negative perception which the agency has brought unto itself by the unwholesome practices by previous executives.

Charles wrote from Kaduna and can be reached on jccharles@yahoo.com

PRESIDENT BUHARI’S PATHETIC BOOK

C

‘Muhammadu Buhari: The Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria’ fell short of expectations, writes Olusegun Adeniyi

onceived in September 2015, with the foreword written by Lt. General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd) in July this year, “Muhammadu Buhari: The Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria”, probably took about six months for John N. Paden to write. And, I am sorry to say, this is a rather unserious literary work. Aside the fact that you don’t write the biography of a man like President Muhammadu Buhari within so short a period, this effort is, to put it mildly, very poor.

However, to the extent that it was authorized not only by Mr. Mamman Daura, “a senior adviser of Buhari”, as the author described him, but also by the president himself, then we have to take the account seriously. Therefore, since it is almost like the president telling his own story, those who have problems with the narrative should know where to direct their anger. In fact, Paden made it clear that “this book is based largely on public sources, but has benefited enormously from the full cooperation of President Buhari himself”.

What that means in effect is that the president must have read the manuscript and approved of the entire account before its publication. That, for me, is where the problem lies because if he read the manuscript and approved of the content, President Buhari has done incalculable damage to himself.

Since most people, including those who are up in arms against the author, have probably not read the book, let me help them by reproducing the portion that riles the All Progressives Congress (APC) national Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu: “The APC nominating convention was held in Lagos later in December, in a stadium that could hold the eight thousand local-level delegates. Buhari was overwhelmingly nominated—by nearly 90 percent of the delegates—in large part because delegates saw him as their best hope for change. Kwankwaso was a distant second, followed by Abubakar.

The next decision for the convention was who to select as the party’s vice presidential nominee. With Buhari coming from the North West zone, the vice presidency had been ceded to the South West.

“Tinubu, former governor of Lagos State and the political ‘godfather’ of the South West zone, felt he should be the vice presidential candidate. His protege and the popular governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, was also a possible candidate.

Both Tinubu and Fashola were Muslims, which complicated the national balance. A third candidate, Yemi Osinbajo, had been attorney general of Lagos State and was a senior professor and a Christian pastor. When these three names were forwarded to Buhari, he chose Osinbajo, despite enormous pressure from Tinubu….”

•2 That is what Paden wrote which is now causing problem and I can also attest to the fact that it is a grossly inaccurate account because that was not what happened. But before I continue, let me point out a few other fallacies in the book that contains so many gaffes. The author says Buhari won the APC primaries by a margin of 90 percent. A simple Google would confirm the president actually won the December 2014 presidential primaries of the APC with 57 percent of the votes. Then Paden says: “President Jonathan had signed a pledge in 2011 to run for only one term”. I am sure if we ask the author to produce such a document he cannot; because it doesn’t exist.

However, what worries me is the fact that because the book is authorized by the president and has also been written by a renowned American scholar, it is most likely to be a reference point for researchers on Nigeria who will believe what is written therein. That is why it is a disservice to our country.

Perhaps the most egregious claim in the book is

this statement: “Despite some last-minute interruptions by Jonathan supporters at INEC headquarters, plus rumours of a takeover by military and security forces to prevent violence, (INEC chairman, Prof.

Attahiru) Jega announced the result that Buhari had won….Faced with these results, would Jonathan concede, or challenge the results in courts, where his influence was strong? Several former African heads of state, who had monitored the election for the African Union, held private meetings with Jonathan. They insisted, for the sake of democracy in Africa, that he accept the results. In addition, there was considerable international pressure on Jonathan, including by the Archbishop of Canterbury and western diplomats…”

This is a pure work of fiction that had no semblance to what happened and is most unfair to President Goodluck Jonathan. The concession and the telephone call to Buhari were done before INEC announced the result many hours later. While my book will deal with what happened between April 28 and May 31 (because it is an area on which I have spoken extensively to many of the principal actors), I don’t think President Buhari read what he is marketing because if he did, I doubt if he would also discredit himself in his own book.

In an interview published in the July edition of Azu Ishiekwene’s magazine, ‘The Interview’, President Buhari, in explaining why he was toppled

by General Ibrahim Babangida in December 1993, said: “I learnt that Aliyu Gusau, who was in charge of intelligence, took import licence from the ministry of commerce which was in charge of supplies and gave it to Alhaji Mai Deribe. It was worth N100,000, a lot of money at that time. I confronted them and took the case to the Army council in a memo…I wanted Gusau punished.”

•3 However, in Buhari’s book, this is how the author, who happens to be close to members of the

Northern establishment, reframed the issue: “Later, General Aliyu Gusau, who had been director of military intelligence under (President Shehu) Shagari and had been brought back in that position by the Buhari team, would argue that Buhari’s coup had been funded by practices such as the sale of import licenses by senior military officers—although this was unknown to Buhari himself at the time.”

The implication of what Paden wrote is that the money Buhari was complaining about was actually used to stage the coup that brought him to power!

To be sure, only one chapter, the eighth one, titled “The challenges of electing a new president”, was devoted to the 2015 election and of the 16 pages, four are devoted to a rehash of a New York Times article. What that means is that the book is really not about Buhari’s ascension to power as president. But several questions beg for answers: Why would a president who has spent only about one and a half years in power be interested in writing the story of his stewardship? What exactly is the purpose of this book that was hastily put together and betrays an abysmal lack of rigour?

And assuming he wants his story told, why would the president choose someone who lives thousands of miles away from the Nigerian reality?

The trouble with Parden’s book on Buhari is typical of what is generally wrong with the current administration: an embarrassing lack of attention to details and painstaking authenticity. In a way, the blithe that bedevils this book may be the same devil that smuggled paragraphs of Mrs. Michelle Obama’s speech into that of our president at the launch of ‘the change begins with me’.

In all, it is a matter of grave concern that a president haunted by serious issues of governance would inflict Paden’s lazy narrative on himself and our country.

Adeniyi is chairman, THISDAY Editorial Board

15

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

EDITORIAL THE HOUSE AND THE JIBRIN AFFAIR

I

The leadership of the House and Jibrin should find mutual accommodation in a dialogue to resolve the issues

t is no longer news that the former Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Abdulmumin Jibrin, who has been making series of damaging allegations against some principal officers, is now on suspension.

In handing down a penalty to Jibrin for sundry legislative misconducts, the House last week took the extreme step of suspending him for a lengthy period of 180 working days. He will receive no salaries or allowances while the suspension lasts.

We believe that the action of the House is severe, almost vindictive, and likely to induce Jibrin to embark on desperate measures in the name of self preservation.

This is already evident in the embattled lawmaker’s actions, utterances and releases to the media, following that decision. And to the extent that the imbroglio will neither strengthen faith in our democracy nor attract investors, we urge the leadership of the House and Jibrin to find mutual accommodation in a dialogue that would necessitate a calm presentation of facts so that the contending issues could be resolved.

However, this is not to say that the agencies of government THE MESSAGE UNWITTINGLY charged with BEING SENT OUT IS investigating serious THAT OUR LAWMAKERS allegations, such as ALMOST ALWAYS have been raised, ENGAGE IN RECKLESS, should not do their UNLAWFUL, IMPROPER AND job of getting to QUESTIONABLE ACTIVITIES the bottom of it all.

What we deplore IN PROMOTION OF SELF is the spirited INTEREST recriminations that undermine the order that we all need in an already chaotic environment. Indeed, the message unwittingly being sent out is that our lawmakers almost always engage in reckless, unlawful, improper and questionable activities in promotion of self interest. This is an issue that must be looked into.

It is all the more important against the background that while there has been much rhetoric by the current administration about eliminating waste in govern-

Letters to the Editor

I

ment, Nigerians can see nothing, so far, to suggest any seriousness on that front. The fleet of vehicles that needlessly accompany government functionaries on a regular basis has not reduced nor is there any sign of frugality in the management of public utilities. In a time of recession, many public officials are actually putting new margins of frills to their unlawful privileges.

As we have repeatedly argued, the current fight against corruption ignores the link between distortion of values and abuse of, or general disregard, for extant rules. Yet when this manifests in financial matters, we call it corruption of financial resource management, because it comes from the primary fact that once rules are ignored, all templates lose their validity; submitting to collusion and arbitrary exercise of discretion.

W

T H I S DAY

EDITOR IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU DEPUTY EDITORS BOlAJI ADEBIYI, JOSEpH USHIGIAlE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOlA BEllO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOlAfE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OlUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

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

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOlA BEllO, KAYODE KOMOlAfE, ISRAEl IWEGBU, EMMANUEl EfENI, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR OlUfEMI ABOROWA DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS pETER IWEGBU, fIDElIS ElEMA, MBAYIlAN ANDOAKA, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS HENRY NWACHOKOR, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOlA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI GENERAL MANAGER pATRICK EIMIUHI GROUP HEAD fEMI TOlUfASHE ART DIRECTOR OCHI OGBUAKU II DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

e call particular attention to the budgeting process and the reward system. If there is anything that the allegations by Hon. Jibrin have shown, it is that there has merely been a relocation of the various seats of abuse, rather than the elimination of systemic, process and procedural corruption in the system.

Admitting the full scope of corruption and exposing the soft underbelly of extant practices that fuel abuses and strengthen the life wire of financial misconduct are necessary preambles to a sustainable solution. And it is for that reason that we believe the authorities should not miss the opportunity offered by the crisis in the House of Representatives, even if what we have are just mere allegations.

As an insider who knows how the system can be easily abused, based on his experience first as Chair of the Finance Committee (2003 - 2007) and lately as chair of the appropriations committee, the testimonies of Hon. Jibrin will be invaluable to any serious efforts to tackle corruption in the public space. That then explains why we believe that how the current House of Representatives crisis is resolved will be an index of how serious the Buhari government is in dealing with corruption in a sustainable manner.

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.

JUDGES HAVE NO IMMUNITY FROM ARREST

am not a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). As a matter of fact, I do not like the party. I dislike the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) even more. But on the war against corruption, I support wholeheartedly the Buhari administration.

In early 2008, Kenya erupted into violence in which several thousands of people lost their lives. You know why? The people vowed they would not go to the courts to seek electoral redress. They dubbed the patently corrupt courts “Kibaki courts”.

Two years after, it was the turn of the unabashedly corrupt Cote d’Ivoire court to set the nation on fire by declaring that Laurent Gbagbo had won a presidential election, which the whole world knew the opposition leader, Alassane Quattara, had clearly won.

The country’s electoral body had declared Quattara winner but the corrupt Constitutional Council, ruled otherwise. The scale of blood-letting that follows is still very fresh on our minds. People blame Gbagbo for the crimes against humanity and civil war but the real culprits, who undermined the Cote d’Ivoire’s national security were the corrupt judges.

Even here in Nigeria, it has been acknowledged that the loss of faith in the judicial system is what led to the post-election violence of 2011 and other intermittent acts of violence or recourse to self-help across the country. Section 15 (5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) declares emphatically that “The State shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.” The word “shall” is mandatory. Therefore, all lovers of the security, stability and prosperity of the Nigeria must join hands with the current government to wage war against corruption in our judicial system. This is not the time

to play politics. We must not allow corrupt judicial officers to push the generality of Nigerians to regard self-help as the last hope of the common man or any citizen before we act.

The leadership of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) says the invasion and arrest of some judges in the wee hours of Saturday, October 8, 2016, is unconstitutional. With due respect to the learned SANs, which aspects of the constitution or laws of the federation were breached by the Department of State Services (DSS)? A combined reading of the extant Criminal Code, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA, 2015) and of course, the Constitution of Nigeria shows the DSS has acted within the ambit of the law.

For example, Sections 12 (2) and 13 of ACJA (2015) empowers a law officer to break into any house for the purpose of effecting an arrest of a suspect who refuses to co-operate with the officer. I should like to amplify that any private citizen of Nigerian, male or female, is protected by law (s.23 ACJA) to effect the arrest of any suspected criminal and hand him/her over to a prosecuting authority. In the same vein, Section 43 (1) ACJA says: “A warrant of arrest may be executed on any day, including a Sunday or public holiday.” And s. 148 of ACJA states that “A search warrant may be issued and executed at any time on any day, including a Sunday or public holiday.”

I have heard the argument by a couple of learned colleagues that certain provisions of the ACJA 2015 are in breach of the constitution. I do not agree. Even if that were to be correct, until the act is set aside by a court of competent jurisdiction, it remains a law in force and valid to all intents and purposes. And so, such an argument is of no moment at this momentous turning point in our

nation’s history.

Again the National Judicial Council (NJC) is only empowered to discipline judges but the body cannot arrest, prosecute or sentence any judge found to be involved in corruption to a term of imprisonment. Judges have no immunity from arrest or prosecution for any crime committed. Only the President, Vice- President, Governors and Deputy Governors have immunity from arrest and prosecution while in office. Law enforcement officers must therefore be allowed to do their job. In this connection, one must condemn in unmistakable terms, the attempt by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State to prevent men of the DSS from performing their duties in Port Harcourt on the said early hours of Saturday.

This amounts to obstruction of justice, which in itself is a crime.

Indeed, Wike should be investigated and charges preferred against him after the expiration of his tenure. It is trite in law that time does not run against the state.

Judges, just like the legislators, can however not be arrested based on their pronouncements in the courts or floor of parliament as the case may be.

Finally, the arrest of judges is not and does not constitute a threat to democracy. The real threat to democracy is corruption, especially in the bench. In the cacophony of reactions to the arrest of some judges suspected to have committed acts of corruption by DSS, we must never be deceived into forgetting the substance by chasing shadows. Were those judges guilty of corrupt practices or not?

Were the funds recovered from them a product of sleaze and corrupt acts or not? Questions like these should be our preoccupation.

James Ikechukwu, Lagos

16

THURSDAY OCTOBER 13, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY THURSDAY OCTOBER 13, 2016

17

18

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

POLITICS

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

PERSONALITY INTERVIEW

Obaseki: No Opposition Member’ll Make My Cabinet Edo State Governor-elect, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in this interview with select journalists in Benin City, the state capital, unveiled his plans for the state and how to tackle other challenges in appreciation of the people’s votes for him. Importantly, he said no member of the opposition will make his cabinet. Adibe Emenyonu was there. Excerpts:

N

already.

What I am not too good at is playing to the gallery and trying to impress people. There is work to be done. We need to think through and get them done. People will know when you are working.

ow that you have been elected governor of Edo State, how do you hope to reach out to the opposition?

I am aware and cognisance of the fact that as governor, I am governor of all Edo people and a section of the political spectrum. Therefore, I am going to reach out and fortunately many of the people on the other side are people who are known to us, some of them are family.

So, we will continue to reach out to them in terms of explaining how policies are and what we want to do for our people, but clearly, even as a government of unity, we are not going to accept anyone on the opposition as a commissioner in my cabinet. We will reach out to them in other areas for cooperation.

How will grassroots women benefit from your empowerment agenda?

Without being immodest, the experiences I have gathered over the last one year has been quiet unique. Government operates in a very interesting way. As a government and a government official, you are expected to execute your government policies through the structure that is ministries, department and agencies. What I found interesting during the electioneering is that we also have an effective political structure on the ground and I am not sure how our ministries and agencies penetrate through that political structure at the grassroots.

So, if I talk about empowerment, I am not going to leave it for Ministry of Women Affairs.

I am going to try and work with the party leadership in every community. That person will need to give information to the Ministry of Women Affairs on the number of registered women so that the empowerment programme can get to them directly.

When do you intend to constitute your cabinet?

The whole advantage of continuity is that having been part of the outgoing administration, it has offered me the opportunity to interact with the political leadership and we have a plan we are running on. I can’t put timeline to it but the first thing we are going to do immediately I am sworn in is to prepare a budget for the House of Assembly, I am not sure if that will not be so time consuming, than to talk about cabinet. But I have a few days to think through to see which one is priority, preparing a budget immediately or putting together a cabinet or see if I can accomplish both within a two-week time frame.

Obaseki...we will hit the ground running

What in specifics will be the focus of your government?

The focus will not change in terms of Education and infrastructure. The added focus will be on job creation and empowerment. That is why we will focus on the budget and get the appropriation to emphasise those social aspects, which I highlighted during my electioneering campaigns. Yes, we will continue to build roads and refurbish our schools but more importantly is how we get people to work or put them to work.

Which of the roads will be your priority as governor?

We may not be able to build all the roads immediately but we may have to priorotize and ensure that we undertake traffic studies and that will inform us on which road we have to build first before others. I am sure that the study will reveal that in other to move traffic across the city. From the Western end to the Eastern or Northern end, you need things similar to a bypass. That is definite.

How do you hope to address pension issue in the state?

Well, from what I know people took advantage of the electioneering and try to see if we will make a quick resolution. I wouldn’t call it blackmail but people had hoped that in anxiety to win election, there are issues that would have been resolved. The truth is that this government has been very responsible on pension issues.

They are not as reported. There are two separate issues to pension: there are issue of pensioners in the State Civil Service and Pensioners in the local government service.

The issue with the state pensioners is that we have four years of pensioners we have not been able to capture and pay, that is, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. For 2012, 2013, the vouchers are ready and we are hoping to get more savings to pay those ones. For 2014, 2015, we will plan the cash for them hopefully we should be able to see slight improvement from allocation in Abuja. The way it was painted by the opposition was as if we were not paying pensions. We pay our pensioners those ones that have been documented about 11, 700 pensioners. The people we have not been able to categorise and pay is under 700 and that is the reality.

In the case of the local government service, we will have to seat down with them and make them more fiscally responsible to reduce their cost as well as increase their revenues, so that they can make all their obligations including pensions and salaries on a regular basis.

How do you intend to resolve the tax issues?

Fortunately, I once served as the chairman, IGR committee while I was chairman of the

We will continue to reach out to them in terms of explaining how policies are and what we want to do for our people, but clearly, even as a government of unity, we are not going to accept anyone on the opposition as a commissioner in my cabinet. We will reach out to them in other areas for cooperation

economic team. I also served as Chairman of the tax assessment review committee, so I have a fair knowledge of what the tax regime in the state is. What I don’t have visibility on is what people are calling taxes because I know from the legal point of view, the sort of payment due to the state and those payments are backed by law. From what I gathered, during the electioneering, we need to understand very robustly what those issues are and who is paying what because it is so cloudy.

If for instance someone decides to sell of her wares on the side walk which is illegal and there is an arrangement that she will come every day to lay her wares and pay something to somebody, first it a series of illegality, you are not supposed to trade on a side walk; its government that owns the side walk and even if any economic activities were expected in that side walk, it should come to government and it is legislated.

But as we speak today, people go in and collect money from those people and the blame is on government. From what I know, the market associations, the various trade unions are people we need to have conversation with to know what is going on, what is legal and what should be collected. If there is an agreement to be paid in a particular market, if it is legal, they should look for a civil way for it to be collected and accounted for.

I believe that is the way to approach it because right now, they have all sorts of people on the street doing what they like. So, we need to strengthen our law enforcement and make sure we get people who are affected and involved in the process rather than continue to complain.

At what point should Edo people owe you accountable for your electioneering promises?

Well, the only time you owe elected leaders accountable is when he is seeking another election and has not given account of what he has done. But we have a tradition to annually address the state on what we have done and what we have spent. That process is built-in

What plans do you have for the youth especially street urchins?

One thing we are very weak on is documentation. We have a youth crisis, but I can’t tell how many are involved – how many people that are within the ages of 15, 19 to 35 live in our various cities, how many of those people have received education up to a certain level?

The first challenge is to understand the size of the problem, document them and that way we will begin to provide opportunities quickly. If I know I have 200, 000 persons in Benin City, and I know what they are doing today, I know the qualifications they have, I can now say every month I need to look for training for 10, 000.

I am optimistic that given the economic situation and given the facts that opportunity exists today, I am of the view that if we can quickly document and understand the size of our unemployment problems, we can put in place an effective plan to be able to transit a lot of our young people from their current state into the opportunity that was created or will be created.

Are we expecting more women in your government?

In constituting my cabinet, I have to go back to my political party because it is the party that won the election. And I have to use the women resources in the party. I will not go elsewhere and ask people to call people to be part of my government and during my electioneering I didn’t see too many women in politics relative to the number of men. If you check the ward, out of 26 party officials, the maximum women you find is five.

So, except we begin to address the issue from the women participatory stand point, we are not going to change it quickly. But my plan is that if you focus on women empowerment and get them more politically conscious by reaching out to them, they will see the benefit of participating in their politics. They do now by going to vote but taking offices and being part of the way things are run even at their ward level is what we will encourage.

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

19

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2016

INTERVIEW

Obi: Blaming Jonathan Won’t Solve the Problems Secretary of the National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ben Obi said continuous blaming of former President Goodluck Jonathan won’t solve the problems before the present government of Muhammadu Buhari. He spoke on the state of the party and expressed optimism that an end was imminent to the crisis in the PDP. Onyebuchi Ezigbo presents the excerpts:

A

and do them with fairness and equity across board. Don’t create a situation whereby people believe that it is lopsided and most people have that impression. They pass the bulk to where the bulk stops and that is, they pass the bulk onto the president. But, you see, the president, like I said, when we were in government, the various agencies didn’t come to complain that they were lacking in resources to do their jobs.

So, holding Jonathan responsible is because the bulk ends on his table so that is the situation we find ourselves.

I believe that the various security agencies should handle their job diligently and go ahead to make sure there is a level playing field for everybody. The PDP as a party has made it clear and I have said it again and again, that we would support government in the fight against corruption. That is the position of the party even before we came in as a caretaker.

That is the official position of the PDP. You see, when you make campaign promises people never forget them because it is not everybody that is everywhere at the same time. When you travel to village, the people there that you give your words hold on to your words and wait for you to come and actualise those words and when you don’t, they see it as a betrayal of trust. That is the point I am making.

t 56 what can you say are the high and low points in the life of the country?

I always believe that we still have a great future ahead of us. How do you really place a country with a great future? All leaders of the world recognise the great potential of this country. We ourselves, partisan politics or not, also know that this is a great country endowed by the Almighty God and I think and hope that very soon, we should get out of the naughty economic recession that has hit us in the face.

A lot of people especially, those in APC have come hard on your party lately. They say the PDP government of 16 years is responsible for the crisis the country is going through at the moment. Do you agree?

First of all, what is the duty of the opposition party? When an opposition party is searching for victory, their duty is to find fault in the incumbent government and use that as a pedestal to find its way into power. I think APC succeeded in doing that and they are now in power and I believe driving through government by May next year, they would be 2 years. I believe this is the time they should squarely look into governance and provide for the people the dividends of democracy as promised.

Yes, the PDP was in government for 16 years, however, it is also important while the APC government is pointing at some negative aspect of the 16 years, it is important that they mention also some of the positive achievements of the PDP government particularly in telecommunication and other aspects of governance. It can’t be a complete story of woe. That isn’t true. You see, as a party, some of us were members of the Senate when we stood against our president of the country, who also was a member and leader of the party when the issue of elongation came up.

We stood firmly on the part of the constitution and never wavered. So, I want to say without any fear of contradiction this is not the time to start passing the bulk or encourage the blame game to continue. Victory has been achieved, the government is in place and what the government of the day should do is to find solutions to the enormous problems facing the country. Every government has a duty of providing solutions to the problems on ground so it is the duty of the APC government to find solutions to the problems facing the government today.

We as oppositions have always believed and I have said so severally in all my interviews that there is a time to complain and there is a time for governance. It is also the responsibility of the PDP to work hand-in-gloves with the government in ensuring the betterment of the Nigerian people and the Nigerian nation but that doesn’t mean that the party must not criticise the ruling party, when they find them going in the wrong direction.

Our duty as the leading opposition party is, of course, to focus on areas we find the APC lacking in its commitment to the people of this country via their campaign promises and that is how great nations are built; that is my understanding of politics and not to criticise for the sake of criticising. Where there is need for us to work hand-in-gloves with the government for the betterment of the Nigerian people, the party – the PDP – will be happy to do that.

Some believed that the government of PDP failed to take the right measures to save for the rainy day when Nigeria had resources at its peak which is said to be responsible for the present economic situation?

Don’t forget that going back on the Obasanjo era, Obasanjo came in and tried very hard to put Nigeria on the global map because at the time he came in to replace the military leadership, Nigeria was very much like a pariah state and when he came in, he started by getting global focus on Nigeria and he went on to pursue how

Obi...this phase will pass over PDP

to redeem the debts, which the country had gotten into. Ultimately, he succeeded when he brought in very experienced hands like Ngozi Okonji Iwela and Oby Ezekwesili, who had vast experiences in the World Bank and brought in a couple of very sound experienced economists to join hands with him.

When he left, it was the Yar’Adua/Jonathan administration and let not also forget that it

Don’t create a situation whereby people believe that it is lopsided and most people have that impression. They pass the bulk to where the bulk stops and that is, they pass the bulk onto the president. But, you see, the president, like I said, when we were in government, the various agencies didn’t come to complain that they were lacking in resources to do their jobs. So, holding Jonathan responsible is because the bulk ends on his table so that is the situation we find ourselves

was that administration that brought about the Sovereign Wealth Fund, which is also a way of providing for the rainy day. You see, the problem is in politics. A lot of things can be said but when you take your mind back to what were the things the various governments did? That doesn’t mean that probably there are no shortfalls in what has happened but a new administration has come in, they came with the change mantra, so what people are expecting across board is to see the change affected in all segments of our daily life.

Naturally, they must have obstacles, difficulties which they may not have seen or envisaged in the course of their campaign, which is expected but Nigerians are beginning to feel that we just have to move on. This hardship is becoming too much. Hit the ground running – that is what we want to see and that is the position and that is what I am trying to say to you this afternoon. This is time for governance and before politicians across the board are condemned there must be a sense of understanding to make sure that this government is able to hold the country together. It wouldn’t be in the interest of even the PDP to see the country going in different directions, where you would say one nation with many destinies; it is not in the interest of PDP. What is your candid advice to today’s government in order to get Nigeria out of the woods?

Basically, the change mantra by the APC championed by President Muhammadu Buhari is to fight insecurity and corruption. These are two major platforms which he canvassed in his campaign. On the issue of security, which is basically a fight against Boko Haram, I think a lot of success has been achieved in that area, however, you can see that a lot of pressure groups have sprung up from the various zones of the country and each one giving different reasons for their existence and agitation. But, you see, the truth of the matter is that there must be a level playing field at all times.

I don’t think that we should believe that it is President Muhammadu Buhari that will go onto the streets to arrest cult people and all of that. I believe it is the duty of the various security agencies to do their work diligently

Your party, the PDP cannot provide the needed opposition since it is engulfed in crisis. Why do you think the crisis in PDP has lingered?

Honestly, you must understand that PDP is a huge political movement and when you obtain the ticket of the PDP in any election whatsoever, there is at least a minimum 50 per cent assurance of victory in most cases.

So, the struggle for control and management of its leadership is always fierce.

When we came in, we found out that the party was sharply divided in the sense that most of them didn’t agree with the leadership that was put in place by some of the governors and when they themselves rediscovered that the generality of the party leadership across the country were showing serious concerns about what they did, they were trying to remedy the situation and what remedy did they come up with? They felt there was a need at the Port Harcourt convention to set up a caretaker committee that will run the party for three months and that was the caretaker that brought us to the leadership of the party. However, the crisis in the party started from its defeat in the general election in 2015 and when a party in power for 16 years is defeated in a general election and necessary and urgent measures were not taken immediately to rebrand and remodel the party, you have these kinds of problems and I saw this coming and I raised it.

What should have been done to avert the crisis?

At the time, there were allegations flying across the leadership of the party, what would have happened at that point in time would have been the issue of a caretaker that came in almost one year after. The caretaker would have been the answer. You see, management is critical for the survival of a major political party. I say this with all sense of honesty, having been a founding father of three major political party and party secretary I know what it takes to run a political party. I understand also the intrigues in building a political party.

The measures we didn’t take after our defeat that we took almost a year after is what we are going through now. Some of the people don’t understand the vision of the founding fathers of the party, which is a problem. How was the party put together? What is the aim and goal of the party? These are issues the drivers of the party must understand and know. You see, we have reached a stage where I think we are beginning to have some understanding.

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

20

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016 • T H I S D AY

FEATURES

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

A Much Needed Facelift In an attempt to improve the facades of public schools, WorldTravelShop, in partnership with Lady Painter Company, recently painted a primary school in Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos State, report Ugo Aliogo, Abdulkareem Azeezat and Saheed Sakariyah

The Lady Painter, Uju Udoka, with some of the pupils of Araromi Primary School and the volunteers

T

he falling standard of public schools has remained an issue of serious concern amongst stakeholders in the education sector. Despite the funds voted towards revamping the sector, not much success has been recorded. Public schools are still lagging behind especially in the quality of learning and structure, when compared with private schools.

Ogbonnaya Obi is one amongst other

Two things informed the initiative; the first was to give the children a reason to go back to school.

We have been to the school and observed that the school was not in good shape.

Secondly, we aim to use this medium to start an enlightening programme which will urge government to put some renewed focus and attention towards the public schools

stakeholders sad about the rot in the sector.

His concern is that public schools should be at par with private schools in all ramifications. Obi believes strongly that this duty should not be left to only government; but the private sector and concerned individuals should play roles in restoring the lost glory of public schools. Through the efforts of his company, WorldTravel Shop, he embarked on an initiative known as ‘Grab a brush and colour a life’ in Araromi Nursery and Primary School, Mushin Local Government Area.

“Two things informed the initiative; the first was to give the children a reason to go back to school. We have been to the school and observed that the school was not in good shape. Secondly, we aim to use this medium to start an enlightening programme which will urge government to put some renewed focus and attention towards the public schools,” Obi stated.

On a larger-scale, the initiative will help develop a solid roadmap for the state government to start a pilot programme which will draw attention to public schools especially with a focus to bring them back to their rightful position.

The General Manager, Operation of WorldTravel Shop explained that the Missionaries are not in a position to handle the public school currently, noting that adequate funding of public schools will play a major role in remodelling of the schools and restore it back to its original pride of place, “government is in the right position to properly fund public schools.

The missionaries may not have the financial muscle to shoulder the burden.

“We carried out this initiative with an organisation known as Lady Painter Company. We didn’t get any support from government; it was funded by Lady Painter Company and World Travel Shop. We want the media to help project what we have done, so that government can borrow a

cue from it,” noted Obi. With the take-off of the initiative in 2016, Obi is optimistic that this society centric initiative will become an annual event which will focus on one public school at a time in Lagos metropolis on every October 1. He is however hopeful that with the present success recorded in Mushin, in 2017 the state government would have focused its attention in the remodelling of public schools across the state.

He added: “My take out of this is that I can actually give a child a reason to go to school. Education is the only channel that can bridge the gap between the rich and the poor in our society. For us, Mushin is a poor neighbourhood; the kids there may not have the privilege to go beyond primary school. I was part of a church-based community project in Mushin where we met with some youths who have been deeply involved in drugs.

“The drug addicts said they lacked the motivation to go to school. While they were in school, it made less meaning to them.

Therefore they began skipping classes, from there they were introduced to drugs and they ended up becoming drug addicts. If these children have an understanding why they should go to school, then we might have succeeded in saving the futures of many children.

“Education is the only way to tackle rural poverty in the society. You can be poor materially but you have great ideas inside. This will help you breakthrough difficult situations. When the children saw us, they were motivated to take after us and the only way they can do that is through education.

“If children are adequately engaged, I don’t think there will any reason for them to leave school. Though poverty plays a role in preventing most kids from going to school, but education can stamp away poverty. It’s a broad issue though, but the

little we have done can be a starting point.”

In this vision, Obi is not alone. He has the strong backing of a caring friend to lean on for anchorage and hope.

Uju Udoka was the companion who provided the helping hand. The dark-skinned lady was a former banker who left the banking sector to pursue her passion of becoming a painter. For Udoka, the ‘Grab a brush and colour a life’ was beyond a society centric initiative; because it provided her the platform to reach out to the needy using her gift.

Her thoughts after the exercise were very satisfactory and pleasing. These feelings were not borne out only from Udoka's personal satisfaction, but from the expressions of smiles written on the faces of the school pupils and parents present.

“The initiative was wonderful. The school has taken a new look when compared to other public schools in the area. I wish I could do more for the children beyond painting the school. More of these initiatives should be carried out. There is need for improvement in the standard of our public schools, so that it can look different from the private schools,” she said.

The initiative is currently yielding positive results, especially with the laudable messages and calls Uju has received from people eager to replicate what has been done.

The import of the exercise was that a lot of lives have been touched; people have been inspired and ready to volunteer their time to further drive the initiative. “This is a community service which we should be willing to do without anyone compelling us to do it. The central idea is to make the school look attractive for the pupils to attend. The standard of the environment has a huge role to play in all of these.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Lady Painter Company added: “Government should take it upon themselves to make the public schools look good. The schools don’t have to look ridiculed. It’s really sad

21

• T H I S D AY THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

FEATURES

The Lady Painter, Uju Udoka and the General Manager Operations, Mr. Ogbonnaya Obi

Araromi Primary School given a facelift

I really appreciate them. In fact I’m very happy for this, God has heard my prayer. This will help the learning process of the kids. When an environment is very pleasant and beautiful, it will attract the children.

When the parents saw it they were so happy. The parents also prayed that their children would grow up and pick up such initiative

One of the volunteers, Leke Ojeshina, with the pupils of Araromi Primary School

A cross section of the volunteers painting the building

and disheartening that this is happening.

They should take a cue from this and raise the standard of our public schools.

“Going forward, this exercise will be a yearly programme. We expect to partner with other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and corporate organisations to do this. The school head teacher and pupils

were highly appreciative of the gesture.”

Towards the end of the last academic session, the head teacher of the school, Mrs. Mojisola Bakri, has been praying for the school to receive succour in certain areas, especially the painting of the school.

Today, that prayer has been answered with ‘Grab a brush and colour a life’ initiative.

“I really appreciate them. In fact I’m very happy for this, God has heard my prayer. This will help the learning process of the kids. When an environment is very pleasant and beautiful, it will attract the children. When the parents saw it they were so happy. The parents also prayed that their children would grow up and pick

up such initiative,” noted a delighted Bakri.

Before her transfer as the school head teacher, they have been some interventions programmes in the school; some have had far reaching effect, while others were truncated at the incubation stage, “In 2015, a NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO) visited the school and they planted the trees and gave textbooks to pupils. They were very helpful. We are expecting more NGOs to come,” Bakri said.

Other areas of need identified by the head teacher were the building of a new library, a functional poultry facility and planting of flowers in order to add more beauty to the school compound. “We have a vacant classroom which can be used for the building of a new library and also a room which can house the poultry.”

She explained that government has been playing its role in supporting the school, especially through the setting up of School Based Management Community (SBMC), a group of elders in the community who assist the school whenever they are in need.

She added: “They assisted us in getting furniture when we were in need of it. They are really trying their best. They hold meetings with the chairman of the education committee; therefore they have the backing of government. If any of the children is having health challenge we call the parents and tell them, we cannot do anything without their consent.

“With this painting, many parents will change their notions about public schools and register their wards to learn in public school, unarguably, the initiative has raised the standard of the public school to a private school.”

22

IMAGES

Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom (left), and the Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria, Peter Ndegwa, at the commissioning of a water project donated by Guinness Nigeria to the Tyowange community in Benue State...recently

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

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

L-R: Assistant Director, Office of Establishment and Training, Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions, Mrs. Bibilomob Olushekun; Director, Training, Mr. Ayodeji Aruna; Chairman, MOC Consulting Limited, Chief Michael Olawale-Cole; and Partner, MOC Consulting, Dr. Charles Oladimeji, during a threeday workshop organised by MOC Consulting for Lagos State officials in Lagos...recently.

L-R: Head, Emerging Businesses, Diamond Bank Plc., Njideka Esomeju; Channel Marketing Manager, Microsoft Nigeria Ltd, Bunmi Bialose; Marketing Manager, West Africa Printing & Personal Systems, Hp, Tolulope Lawani; and CEO/Founder, AUDEO, Building Exceptional Businesses, Abimbola Bamigboye, at the Diamond Bank SME Business Club collaboration between Diamond Bank, Hp, Microsoft, Intel and MTN, in Lagos...recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Managing Director, Accenture, Mr. Niyi Yusuf; Managing Director, Nigeria Breweries Plc, Mr. Nico Vervelde; and Executive Secretary, Shippers Council of Nigeria, Mr. Hassan Bello, during the ongoing economic summit in Abuja...recently

Huawei customer, Irvan Femi Olabode (left), receiving the GR5 Mini smartphone Channel he bought from the Manager, Devices, Huawei, Nigeria, Bunmi Olagunju, during the Huawei GR5 Mini trade launch in LagosĂ–recently

L-R: CEO, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Deepak Singhal; winner, Physical Bravery category, Miss Favour Uwene; a former governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Joseph Sanusi; and CEO, Stanbic IBTC Bank Nigera, Mr. Yinka Sanni, at the ninth edition of Indomie Independence Day award presentation ceremony in Lagos... recently ETOP UKUTT

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Olufemi Odubiyi; Chief Supply Chain Officer, Unilever, Marc Engel; Special Adviser to the Lagos State governor on Overseas Affairs & Investment, Prof.

Ademola Abass; and Managing Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc., Yaw Nsarkoh, during a courtesy visit to the special adviser at Alausa, Ikeja...recently

L-R: National Chairman, Young Democratic Party (YDP), Mr. Emmanuel Amakiri, and the former chairman of the party, Mr. Ezekiel Nya-Etok, during the handover to the new chairman of the party in Abuja...recently ENOCK REUBEN

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

23

BUSINESSWORLD NIBOR OVERNIGHT 1-MONTH

R A T E S 14.8750 19.7872

3-MONTH 6-MONTH

A S 20.5590 21.4160

A T

NITTY 1-MONTH 2-MONTH 3-MONTH

Group Business Editor ChikaAmanze-Nwachuku Email: chika.amanzenwachukwu@thisdaylive.com 08033294157, 08057161321

O C T O B E R 17.9259 18.0333 18.1358

6-MONTH 9-MONTH 12-MONTH

7 , 18.8515 20.5689 21.9351

2 0 1 6

EXCHANGE RATE N311.62/1UD DOLLAR AS AT LAST FRIDAY

Quick Takes Samsung Ends Note 7 Production

Samsung Electronics has finally stopped the production of its Note 7 mobile phones, after it had recalled 2.5 million pieces of the mobile phones, following the incidence of its battery explosion in some regions of the world, not Nigeria.

Samsung Electronics is ending production of its problematic Galaxy Note 7 smartphones, taking the drastic step of killing off a device that became a major headache for South Korea’s largest company.

Samsung had already recalled the Note 7 last month after early models exploded and the latest move comes after customers reported that replacement phones were also catching fire.

Samsung will be without its highest-end smartphone that was supposed to compete against Apple Inc.’s iPhones and other premium devices.

The crisis has left Samsung scrambling to figure out the cause of the battery fires and to explain how a company known for manufacturing expertise could have missed such a critical product flaw twice. Samsung originally blamed one battery supplier for the problems and switched to an alternative company, but that did not end the problems.

An analyst with Sanford C. Bernstein in Hong Kong, Mark Newman, said: “Samsung needs to act swiftly and move on to protect their brand image.”

OLX, Bestman Games Break World Record

FOCUSING ON JOB CREATION

L-R: Chairman, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and the Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Dr. Kyari Bukar, during the panel on Job Creation, Skills and Employment at the 22nd Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja…recently

Federal Govt’s Policies Will Boost ICT Sector, Says Osinbajo Stories by Emma Okonji The Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has assured information and communications technology (ICT) stakeholders that current government policies will boost the ICT sector.

Osinbajo, who gave the assurance at the just concluded 22nd Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) in Abuja , said government is bent on encouraging local content development and local manufacturing that will make Nigeria less dependent on importation of foreign products.

ICT While commending Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), organisers of the annual NES, for this years’ theme ‘Made in Nigeria’, Osinbajo said there was need for government to support the ICT sector, hence its policy implementation is geared towards enhancing technology development in the county.

Citing this years’ Aso Villa Demo Day in Abuja, Osinbajo said the federal government is already training 65,000 young Nigerian technology startups

in the area of technology, with plans to establish two technology hubs in each of the six geopolitical zones of the country that will drive technology development across the country.

The Aso Villa Demo Day initiative is a presidential initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and innovation through the use of new and emerging technologies.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, who also spoke at the economic summit, said his ministry has

put several policies in place to boost the economy, such as the Business Enabling Environment Policy, Industrial Revolution Policy, among others.

He said the Business Enabling Environment Policy would assist local and foreign investors to do business with ease in the country, while the policy on industrial revolution would drive business development in the country.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who spoke Continued on page 24

Investors,GovernorsListMeasurestoFacilitate Job Creation Investors and state governors at the just concluded Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) in Abuja, have outlined some measures that would bolster the federal government’s plan to deepen job creation in the country.

Although the summit identified some critical factors that impeded job creation in the past such as high interest rates, uneven distribution of fertilisers and lack of full implementation of some government policies, some investors like Aliko Dangote of Dangote Group and Jay Ireland of GE Africa, were of the view that investment in agriculture, infrastructure and

ECONOMY power are key factors that would open up job opportunities and job creation for the country.

According to Dangote, government must invest in agriculture, mining and manufacturing, including training, in order to give Nigerians the opportunity to acquire relevant skills that would make them employable. He said Dangote Group has set aside N15 billion for training of Nigerians on cement manufacturing, but expressed worries on the issue of land acquisition for business expansion.

He said most investors have

the capacity as well as the will to invest in Nigeria, but have challenges in accessing land.

Dangote was, however, of the view that government could actually create more than three million jobs, if proper investment is done in the agricultural sector.

The Chief Executive Officer, GE Africa, Mr. Jay Ireland called for consistent policies on the part of government, training and protection of small businesses, to boost job creation. He said GE Africa would continue to invest in Nigeria, because the company believes in the future of the country and the safety of its investments in the country.

Ogun State Governor,

Ibikunke Amosun said it was in the interest of government to create jobs for its citizens.

He said Nigerians need to be trained on skills acquisition, since many Nigerians are willing to work, but do not have the requisite skills, even though some have the skills, but do not have a ready job.

He said agriculture is the best option for Nigeria to engage its citizens in the area of job creation, and that the private sector must be involved in all of these. He said in Ogun State, government released N500 million, while banks released Continued on page 24

OLX.com.ng, Nigeria’s leading ene online classified platform partnered Bestman Games Limited, one of the leading games companies in Africa, in collaboration with the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) to host the city of Lagos under 17 Monopoly Championship.

The objective of the competition was to promote financial literacy at an early age to encourage economic empowerment and entrepreneurship amongst Nigerian youths.

Speaking at the event, Brand Marketing Manager, OLX, Fifemayo Aiyesimoju said: “ We are very excited to partner with Lagos State and Bestman Games at this historic event.”

Aiyesimoju also added that “One of our core values at OLX is to create wealth opportunities for people by giving them the possibility to sell unused items on the OLX platform. It’s never too early for financial literacy as we need to learn from the current economic difficulties and educate the youth from an early age on how to manage money efficiently.”

Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser on Sports to the Governor of Lagos State and Chairman of LSSC, Deji Tinubu, stated that the state was proud to be part of the record-breaking event.

“Lagos State is delighted to be part of this epoch event. The Lagos City Monopoly Championship for U-17 Secondary School Students is organised to encourage and nurture future stars in the sport. Since the recognition of monopoly as one of the official sports in Lagos State, our plan is to see that more children and adults play the game, he said.

Shoprite Reinforces CSR Initiative

Shoprite Nigeria has reinforced its commitment to the communities in which it operates through its efforts to raise awareness around the impact of breast cancer in the country.

Through the Shoprite Community Network (SCN), the retailer has partnered renowned non-profit Run For A Cure Africa (RFCA), periodically offering customers free breast cancer screenings at selected stores across the country.

A recent screening hosted during the opening of its 20th store saw about 300 women being screened on the day. Earlier this year in June, a screening was hosted at the Ikeja City Mall in Lagos to mark the retailer’s 10th anniversary in the country.

Shoprite’s partnership with Run For A Cure Africa began in 2009, and has grown from strength-to-strength. The SCN provides the resources and platform for the non-profit to fulfill its mandate of fighting breast cancer in Africa by erasing societal stigmas and creating more access to screenings.

“The Commission is yet to meet to take a decision on the application by Visafone to transfer its spectrum licence to MTN” Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo

24

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

NEWS

FEDERAL GOVT’S POLICIES WILL BOOST ICT SECTOR, SAYS OSINBAJO

Minister Calls for Local Content Development in ICT

at the policy dialogue forum of the economic summit, revealed why Nigeria has not been successful in the areas of solid minerals and mining. According to him, the country has good policies for the mining sector, but lacks proper implementation of those policies that should drive the economy. While faulting the legal and regulatory environment of the mining sector, Fayemi said several people are involved in illegal mining in the country and that they see nothing wrong in it, since the mineral resources were located within their farmlands.

Giving insight into what his ministry is doing in the area of mining, Fayemi said: “The ministry is bent on ensuring that Nigeria begins mass production of bitumen for road construction in the next couple of years. The essence is to discourage importation of bitumen for road construction.”

Stakeholders who attended this year’s summit organised by the NESG in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, called on government to put in place, measures that would enable Nigerians have a feel of the impact of the economic policies of government, especially in the area of ICT.

Emma Okonji

INVESTORS, GOVERNORS LIST MEASURES TO FACILITATE JOB CREATION another N500 million to finance agriculture in the state.

Governor of Kebbi State, Abubarka Atiku Bagudu said the economic recession that Nigeria is passing through is an eye opener for government to diversify the economy and create more jobs for the people, instead of depending on oil.

The investors, however, complained of high bank interest rate, which they said, is killing investors’ appetite to invest in the country, especially with small and cottage businesses. They called for further reduction in bank lending rate from 12 per cent to nine per cent, while some were of the view that entrepreneurs should be given zero interest rate, in order to encourage them to invest.

Group Business Editor

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku AgriBusiness/Industry Editor

Crusoe Osagie

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

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

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (Maritme)

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has stressed the need for local content development in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector in order to deepen development that would drive the Nigerian economy.

The minister, who spoke at the 22nd Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja , said the country needed to step up its investment plan on Research and Development (R&D) in ICT, just the same way other countries are doing.

He said between 2005 and 2014, South Korea spent 4.5 per cent in R&D in ICT, Russia spent 4.15 per cent, while Nigeria spent 0.22 per cent, insisting that Nigeria cannot expect so much from ICT because it is not investing much in the sector.

According to him, if federal government injects just one per cent of GDP into ICT development, it would go a long way in enhancing local production for self-sustainability.

He said government is planning to establish Technology Bank in the country that would focus on funding technology projects in the country.

Ogbonnaya assured Nigerians that government would soon come up with short medium and long term investment plan for ICT, with a view to supporting both the small and big time technology companies that would need government support.

“The federal government is also planning to establish ICT incubation centre in 30 states of the federation for grassroots development.

We are equally planning to hold a technology expo that will further boost technology innovation among technology startups. The plan to develop Technology Park for ICT incubation is also in the pipeline,” Ogbonnaya said.

He explained that the essence of all these, is to

develop and strengthen local content that would boost local manufacturing of ‘Made in Nigeria’ goods. He encouraged Nigerians to always patronise ‘Made in Nigeria’ products, to encourage mass production of local products, using local contents.

Chairman, Signal Alliance and member of the Lagos Angel Network, Mr. Collins Onuegbu, said the best way to

backs about investing in startups, is that nine out of every 10 startups sponsored by angel investors or any other investor, may end up not being successful. He therefore said that government must begin to think of how to compensate investors by way of exempting them from taxes, until they recoup their investment on the failed startups.

“If such palliatives are

offered by government for investors who invest in technology startups, it will encourage them to invest the more and create opportunity for growth in the ICT sector,” Onuegbu said.

He called on government to support Co-Creation Hub in Yaba, Lagos, a private venture investment initiative for the development of startups in Nigeria.

YOU ARE WELCOME

The MD/CEO ofVDTCommunications, Biodun Omoniyi (right), having a chat with the ExecutiveVice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, during a special reception organised by the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), to formally welcome Danbatta into the telecoms industry in Lagos...recently

CFAN Explains Adoption of operative Banking Solution The National Co-operative Financing Agency of Nigeria (CFAN) has adduced reasons it decided to adopt the Unified Co-operative Platform (UCP), a core co-operative banking solution that is powered by CWG Plc, a leading information technology (IT) integration company.

The apex co-operative financial institution in Nigeria, established under the Cooperative Societies Act 2004, believes that the solution ensures that Co-operatives in Nigeria meet standard results that are at par with global best practices, as it improve co-operative societies’ accountability, productivity and link them to the Financial Ecosystem in Nigeria.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Executive Secretary/CEO of CFAN, Emmanuel Atama said: “Our objective for instituting the CWG Plc’s platform is because it is the foremost and

develop local content in ICT, is for government to invest in technology startups and make funds available for them to boost technology innovation and creativity.

“Aside funding the startups, government must also consider giving tax rebate to investors who may have invested in startups that could not break even,” Onuegbu said.

He said one major draw-

a robust technology platform that ensures co-operatives in Nigeria meet standard results that are at par with global best practices, knowing that our mission is to provide industry standard solutions to our members.”

Atama noted that the UCP is a core co-operative banking solution that enables their member societies manage general ledgers, perform daily postings, manage loans and generate different types of reports.

He added that the platform also has features that allows data upload, migration and management from analog to digital mode with real-time access-grant to the UCP by the National Co-Operative Financing Agency of Nigeria.

“The UCP solution has a robust internet banking feature which enables the members of individual co-operative societies access to their accounts, check balances, apply for loans,

CWG’s Coview loan schedule and much more,” Atama emphasised.

Speaking further, Ajama stated that the planned implementation programme of the UCP solution is to have over 50 co-operative societies from each geopolitical zone of the country by the last quarter of 2016.

He said this will be an increase from the 40 that were on board the use of the UCP as at December 2014.

According to him, the UCP with the support of the Inter Bank Settlement System will help achieve the role of co-operatives in the financial inclusion drive by the year 2020, saying the CWG platform will equally assist in making the industry current drive for inclusive pension, healthcare, housing and others much easier and accountable on the part of collating the contributions from its teaming members and remittance to the appropriate quarter.

Entrepreneur Urges FG to Tackle Insecurity to Boost Investment Hammed Shittu in Ilorin An entrepreneur based in Ilorin, Kwara state capital, Mr. Winfred Ogbudinma has urged the federal government to intensify more efforts at waging war against insecurity situation in the country so as to attract more investors into the country.

This, he said, would go a long way of assisting them to contribute their quota towards the economic development of the country. Ogbu dinma, who is also the Managing Director of Woopet Ogbus Ventures Limited, Ilorin made this submission during an interview with journalists. He said that such a step would also assist the nation to be out of its current economic recession. According to him, “Security is equally paramount in everything, where there is security, people will come and invest. If there is fire somewhere, nobody will come and put his resources there”.V He said: “There will always be fear to invest in a place

where there is no security.” He further challenged the federal government to “provide secured environment and see what will happen. He said: “There are so many things to do, everything still go back to the government to provide the conducive environment. Then ,the land too should be freely made available to the investors. There is no land again where there is, it is too expensive. Those who want to go into farming, government should give them the lands.” Ogbudinma, who is also major distributors of various kinds of lubricants , added that it is imperative for the federal government to immediately diversify the economy in order to move the nation forward. “The federal government should immediately and seriously diversify to other sectors from oil economy.

The government should also stop depending on one product for foreign exchange as a first major step to end the economic recession,” he added.

25

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

E-BUSINESS

4G LTE As Game Changer Towards Achieving Broadband Target Last week’s launch of 4G LTE technology across the networks of telecoms operators speaks volume of the determination of telecoms operators to achieve the country’s broadband target in record time, writes Emma Okonji

Broadband cable for 4G LTE connectivity

Nigerians, last week, witnessed the launch of the fourth generation long term evolution (4G LTE) technology across the networks of telecoms operators, MTN, Globacom and Etisalat.

Although the three operators launched in various capacities within a space of one week, MTN’s revolutionary 4G LTE platform represents a significant leap towards achieving the country’s objective of attaining the 30 per cent broadband penetration by 2018, as captured in the country’s National Broadband Plan from 2013 to 2018, due to its position as the largest network operator, covering the entire Nigerian space with over 62 million subscribers actively connected to its network.

4G LTE launch MTN Nigeria, in a groundbreaking ceremony in Abuja, the federal capital territory, launched its 4G LTE service. The event had in attendance stakeholders from the telecommunications sector including the Chairman Senate Committee on Communications, Senator Gilbert Nnaji; Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Telecommunications, Emeka Ujam; top ranking officials from the Nigerian Communications Commision (NCC) among others.

MTN’s 4G LTE launch comes on the heels of the recent announcement from the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, that Nigeria has reached 21 per cent broadband penetration. The figure is a significant jump from the previous 14 per cent broadband penetration recorded as at January this year.

With more than 62 million subscribers signed on its network, MTN’s entry into the 4G LTE space has turned out to be a game changer in Nigeria’s quest for 30 per cent broadband penetration. Indeed, industry experts are of the opinion that the new development will accelerate the pace of broadband penetration even beyond the 30 per cent projection.

Speaking during the launch, MTN CEO, Ferdi Moolman, who was represented by the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Mohammed Siddiqui, reiterated MTN ‘sdesire to contribute to the NCC’s targeted 30 per cent broadband penetration.

“Beyond enhancing the browsing experience we are excited because this service is sure to stimulate the drive towards the 30 per cent penetration. With the acquisition of the 2.6GHz spectrum earlier this year, our objective was clear: to build capacity to accommodate 4G LTE for the benefit of Nigerians because it is the fastest wireless internet connection available today. By leveraging on our network, it

promises to be the widest LTE coverage in Nigeria so this is a win-win situation, not just for the subscribers but also for our country,” Moolman added.

According to him, while MTN officially announced her membership into the 4G LTE exclusive club last month, concerted work commenced towards the successful launch earlier this year. Back in May this year, the company was granted the frequency spectrum license for 2.6GHz band after emerging the successful bidders in an auction exercise conducted by the NCC. Although MTN intends to achieve a nation spread of the service, the service provider is apparently adopting a phased strategy that will see the deployment of the 4G LTE service in Abuja, Port Harcourt and Lagos before expanding it to the other parts of the country.

At the moment, over 200 optimised sites in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt have been optimized for 4G LTE deployment and

“Today, the 4G LTE platform is acknowledged as the most advanced wireless broadband connectivity both for voice and data usage offering hi-speed data for users. Now, subscribers on MTN’s network service can enjoy optimised wireless broadband experience and high speed browsing via the platform”

the projection is to hit more than a 1000 sites across the country.

The benefits For subscribers on MTN Network, the 4G LTE platform, which is an upgrade of the 3G broadband, would certainly redefine mobile and internet connectivity beyond the previous experience. Today, the 4G LTE platform is acknowledged as the most advanced wireless broadband connectivity both for voice and data usage offering hi-speed data for users. Now, subscribers on MTN’s network service can enjoy optimised wireless broadband experience and high speed browsing via the platform.

Beyond the benefits to subscribers, the country also stands to benefit from the introduction 4G LTE. Nothing demonstrates the importance of a functional and virile broadband base than a 2010 World Bank report that states that a 10-percentage point increase in broadband penetration will lead to a 1.38 percentage point increase in GDP growth. Already, economic analysts are linking corresponding growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to improved access to functional internet and broadband connectivity. For instance, the 2014 report by Deloitte on ‘Value Of Connectivity: Economic and Social Benefits Of Expanding Internet Access’, states that as many as 130 million people could be lifted from the dredges of poverty if only they have access to the wealth of information from the internet. The report also adds that the “long run productivity could be enhanced by as much as 25 per cent in developing countries like Nigeria.” Little wonder, the Senate Committee Chairman on Communication, Senator Nnaji, while commending MTN for investing in LTE, added that the roll out of the technology would further give impetus to the National Assembly’s drive to provide legislature that will leverage technology to accelerate the growth of businesses in the country.

Interestingly, the benefits of a strong broadband base extend beyond the economy. For instance the Deloitte Report further stated that “evidence on the link between health literacy and mortality rates suggests that internet access could save 2.5 million people and 250,000 children while 2.5 million HIV/AIDS patients could increase their life expectancy”. Also, it could significantly change the education sector as about 640 million children in developing countries could benefit from e-learning.

Allaying fear of the end of 3G network With the launch of 4G LTE across most of the networks of telecoms operators, some Nigerians

are of the view that it might gradually erode the era of 3G network service, but MTN has said that its 3G network would not be laid to rest.

When the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) was first launched in 2001

by MTN and Econet Wireless, now rebranded as Airtel Nigeria, they were offering services on the 2G technology, which was later upgraded to 2.5G and 3G in subsequent years. But does the introduction of 4G LTE on the MTN network mean the end of 3G service on the network? The Corporate Services Executive of MTN, Amina Oyagbola, has allayed fears that MTN’s 3G platform will be laid to rest. Rather she insisted that the roll out of 4G will decongest the space of 3G and make it more efficient in providing digital services.

She said: “Basically, as more people migrate to 4G in the areas it is available, people on 3G will enjoy their experience on it more. Ultimately both 4G and 3G will enhance broadband experience and that’s why we are excited about this.”

Migration process to 4G LTE Oyagbola further stated that MTN has put in place a number of measures to make the switch to 4G from 3G as seamless as possible for subscribers. According to her, subscribers seeking to move over to 4G would need to visit MTN customer service centres in any of the designated cities with available 4G LTE network to get a special Subscriber Identification Module (SIM), the U-SIM, for free, in order to log on to the network. She also added that the subscribers would also need to verify if their mobile phones are 4G LTE enabled before using the service.

She said: “Due to the fact that 4G LTE is much more advanced than the 3G, subscribers will need to change their SIM cards to a 4G LTE compliant SIM card which is called the U-SIM. We are giving these SIMs out for free in all our MTN centres in cities where we have the 4G LTE running. Also, MTN subscribers can check if their phones are 4G LTE compatible by simply sending 4G to the number, 131.”

Oyagbola also stated that migration to the platform will not attract any addition cost neither will it fall under any new tariff plan.

For subscribers seeking to enjoy the service from the comfort of their homes, 4G LTE MIFIs can be bought, fixed at home or office and users will enjoy the services through the connected devices.

Now that most telecoms operators have launched the 4G LTE network, subscribers, no doubt will begin to enjoy high speed internet connectivity, for which 4G LTE technology is known for.

26

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

E-BUSINESS

Okonkwo: Organisations Must Invest in Security Solutions to Address Downtime Country Manager Nigeria, CheckPoint Software Technologies, Rommy Okonkwo, spoke with Emma Okonji on trending security issues and how organisations could tame them.

Excerpts: modular bot with a loader, which downloads additional modules from its server. The loader has both anti-VM and anti-debug features. It injects into trusted processes to hide itself and then deletes the original bot.

Locky is a ransomware Trojan that targets the Windows platform. This malware sends out system information to a remote server and receives an encryption key to encrypt files on the infected system. Virut is another malware distributor in the internet. It is used in DDoS attacks, spam distribution, data theft and fraud. The malware is spread through executables originating from infected devices such as USB sticks as well as compromised websites and attempts to infect any file accessed with the extensions .exe or .scr.

Other malware include Angler ek, Dorkbot and Zeus. All are very dangerous to any network and must be prevented good security solutions.

How is CheckPoint coping with its technology business in times of economic recession?

Although recession is affecting every company in Nigeria but organisations must consider security very important for business continuity. Despite recession, organisations must give priority attention to security. The best measure for any organisation, even in times of recession, is to be proactive in protecting their data in terms of security.

What role can technology play in addressing the issue of recession in Nigeria?

Technology has higher chances to addressing the issue of recession in the country than anything you can think of. Globally technology is used to develop economies and in Nigeria, technology will play a major role in addressing the issue recession. I mean application of technology in the health sector, education sector, banking, manufacturing, oil and gas sector among others.

Without application of technology, no organisation can actually drive business efficiently.

In the fourth annual report of CheckPoint, the company re-emphasised the need for customers to be conscious of known and unknown malware. How does malware get access to organisation’s network?

One way through which the malware can get access to organisation’s network is through the employees of the organisation, or through the vulnerability of the organisation’s network.

Malware could also filter in through the devices, which could be laptops, notebooks, desktop computers, among others. It could also gain access through memory sticks and other Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices.

Why is it necessary for organisations to identity known and unknown malware?

There is great need for organisations to identify known and unknown malware to enable them get rid of the malware before they create serious damage in an organisations’ network.

The unknown malware renders advanced and persistent threat to organisations’ network. These are malwares that people do not know that they exist, yet they do exist and could cause a lot damage to organisations. The known malware are the ones we are aware of, and organisations go all out to get rid of them because they see them as destructive.

Malware, whether known or unknown, gets access to the system and destroy vital data or corrupt vital data with an evil intention.

It gains access to confidential files end either gets them corrupt or destroys them completely.

The malware gets information from the system, sends the information to the command and control centre, from where they could make the entire system to malfunction. Someone who is in far away China can decide to launch an attack on a network space in Nigeria and it could be done successfully.

How can organisations get rid of unknown and known software?

For us at Checkpoint, we look at security from the endpoint position, because we offer complete technology solution that addresses a whole lots of issues. CheckPoint, a technology solution company, has solutions that address all of these, known as the sound boxing. Since we lead in the technology solution space, we decided to go a step ahead of the hackers in order to block every step they take, even though I am fully convinced that no solution has 100 per cent success rate in addressing the issue of unauthorised access to organisation’s network.

What the sound boxing solution does is to scan the system and ensure that malware has not gotten access to the system, and at the entry point, it sieves the malware and prevents it from gaining access to the entire network.

We did this because we have since realised that hackers come through the operating system (OS). So we go the extra mile to ensure that

Okonkwo

malwares are sieved through before they gain access, and this method is called extraction.

The extraction solution is able to scan all emails and remove the malware, before sending the mail to the email address. The solution scans the email and watch out for an abnormal behavior, before sending the mail to the recipient.

So what the reader of the email does is to do the scanning and send the re-readable content to the ready without the reader knowing there was malware in the system.

At what point does the solution carry out the scanning for elimination of malware, and what happens to an individual system if the user opens his or her email before noticing there is malware in the system?

This where the CheckPoint solution comes into play. The solution also looks at post infection. If there is an existing malware in a particular system, the solution extract the readable content of the email and sends it to the user without the user knowing what is going on at the background.

The solution looks at the bahavioral pattern of the folder containing the email and ensures that the folder does not gain access into the system, if it discovered an abnormal behaviour of the folder. The only time that the system get infected is when the corrupt folder is allowed to get into the system.

So what are the effects of malware on organisations?

The effect is enormous and one major effect is creating downtime for organisatons, and downtime in just few minutes, could cause huge financial loss for any organisation. When there is downtime, money is lost, workforce is affected, and the entire system is affected.

So there is need to protect the server and data of any system.

At what time will CheckPoint advise organisations to apply security solutions that will safeguard their entire system?

As security solution expert, I will advise organisations to install security solution at the very beginning, before the system ever gets corrupted. Some organisations would want to wait till their network gets infected before applying security solution but such approach is entirely wrong for any organisation that runs critical data. The essence of security solution is to protect the entire system from being infected by malware or any malicious attacks. Malware can be very powerful to wipeout the entire system of an organisation within a short period

of time, so there is need to deploy security solution in any organisation.

In as much as organisations are aware of the danger that malware could cause, some are afraid of the huge cost of security solution.

How would you advise such organisation?

As solution provider, I will always advise organisations not to be discouraged by the amount of money to be spent on security for the purpose of business continuity. Organisations that do not want people to have unauthorised access to their system, must always do well to protect the system. It is better to spend money to protect an organisation than to leave it open for any kind of attacks.

SMEs are key to national development, despite the small size of their business. Does CheckPoint have affordable security solution for SME business?

Yes we have solution for virtually every verticals and space irrespective of the size of their business. We provide security solution for both the big enterprise business and the small and medium enterprise (SME) business at affordable rates, depending on what the SME or the big enterprise business actually needs in terms of security. We also provide security as a service, where organisations do not need to invest in security hardware, and this could cut down on cost to a great extent. We can provide a full range of security solution as a service for both enterprise and SME business, thereby cutting down on cost. Again, we provide on-premise and off-premise solution service for organisations, depending on their security needs and budget.

What are the most trending malware in the Nigerian technology space and how can organisations avoid them?

Several malware are trending in the Nigerian technology space. There is the Sality, which is a family of file infectors that spread by infecting .exe and .scr files as well as via removable drives and network shares.

Systems infected with Sality can communicate over a peer-to-peer (P2P) network for spamming purposes, proxying of communications, compromising web servers, exfiltrating sensitive data, and coordinating distributed computing tasks to process intensive tasks.

During the infection phase, Sality follows certain rules such as avoiding files located in specified folders or avoiding files with specified strings in the file names.

There is also Gamarue malware, which is a

What kind of specific security solution does CheckPoint provide for organisations?

We provide various security solutions from different levels of operations. From the access point, we provide next generation firewalls with lots of intelligence that instantly stop any unauthorised access into organisations’ network. We also provide encryption solution that encrypts the hard disc of organisations, such that no one can access to corporate information of the hard disc, even when they gain access to it. We provide virtual security to protect the virtual environment.

People use mobile devices a lot to access the internet and the devices could easily be infected. How can people protect their mobile and handheld devices while on the move?

Our security solutions also cover mobile and handheld devices. For example, the CheckPoint Sand Blast Zero-Day Protection solution that runs on enterprise networks, can also run on mobile devices. Organisations that allow staff to use their personal devices to access the organisation’s network, must also protect the personal mobile devices of staff.

How flexible are your solutions, when it comes to interoperability with existing solutions of an organisation?

We do not have issues with interoperability, because we handle situations where organisations that were already running other security solutions, ask us to install CheckPoint security solution on their system and we do that successfully without affecting the operations of the entire system. Our solution can easily integrate and synchronise with existing solutions of any organisation.

What is your view about Nigeria’s cybercrime law in protecting people and organisations online?

The cybercrime law is good for our country, but there is need for proper implementation.

The cyber security law can only be effective if there is proper awareness and implementation process.

What would you say is the best security solution for organisations?

The issue with security solution is very vast and there is no one specific way of addressing security issues. What we preach as a security company is about application of multi-layer security.

Managers should learn to have security solution on all layers of the organisations’ network.

What is the percentage growth of cyberattacks in Nigeria?

Cyberattacks on organisations in Nigeria is on the increase and if I should quantify it in terms of percentage growth, then we should be looking at 20 to 40 per cent growth as of today.

The financial service sector is most affected cyberattcks in Nigeria.

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

27

BUSINESSWORLD

E-BUSINESS

Toure Billed to Speak at Nigeria’s Investment Forum Stories by Emma Okonji The former Secretary General of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Mr. Hamadoun Toure, will be delivering the keynote paper at the Nigerian Investment Forum in ITU Telecom World 2016, holding in Bangkok, Thailand, from November 14 – 17, 2016.

Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu is the chief host at the forum.

Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of Nigerian communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, have also been listed as panelists at the forum.

Announcing the investment forum in Abuja, the Director, Public Affairs, at NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, listed other panelists to include, Chairman, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Hakeem BeloOsagie, and Managing Director, MainOne Cable Company, Ms. Funke Opeke.

The forum will be moderated by consummate multi-sectoral team leader and Executive Vice Chairman of MessageWise Limited, Dr. Henry Nzekwu.

The theme for Nigeria’s participation this year is “Smart

Communities: the key to a digital Nigeria”, which runs alongside the global theme “Collaborating in the Digital Economy”.

Apart from deliberating on and presenting the vast investment potentials in Nigeria’s fast growing ICT sector, the forum will create opportunity for industry stakeholders, financiers and entrepreneurs to share experiences and examine key development trends in technology, regulation, policy, business models, services and applications.

Toure, a founding Executive Director of SMART Africa Alliance, is a long standing champion of information and communications technology (ICT) as a driver of social and economic development.

Prior to his ascension to the post of Secretary General, Toure previously served as Director of ITU’s Telecommunications Development Bureau (BDT) from 1998 – 2006. As a director at that time, he placed considerable emphasis on implementing the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), launching projects based on partnerships with international organisations, governments, the

NITDAtoShowcase16Teams at GITEX Startup Innovation Event The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), through the Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIIE), will be sponsoring 16 Nigerian technology startups to this year’s edition of Gitex for the startup innovation show holding in Dubai.

The startups include: Rotors & Pilots that builds customised and modularised drones locally; Astrosand, an automobile Black Box, Intelligent Security and Emergency Home Monitoring System; ChowHub, which helps people discover great places to eat within their reach; CloudBurst that offers a fast way of accessing and reading books; DIYlaw which seeks to create access to legal services and resources online; Genii Games which develops interactive Mobile Apps and Animated Videos for Children to learn native Nigerian languages, ethics and etiquette in a unique way; GoMyWay, an online ride share platform that connects car owners that have spare seats to share with others that need a ride and are going in the same direction; and Jara Mobile which enables consumers make routine payments like airtime and mobile data purchase.

Others are Logical Address which physically connects Nigeria, unlocking commerce through enhanced logistics, saving lives through improved emergency services; Mobidoc that enables doctors to remotely give private consults to patients with the use of smartphones and connect them with other doctors; Phinnx that provides tools with which everyone can connect to every other person in all Nigerian and Pinfoot, an online social network that

connects football lovers.

The list also includes: ArtNigeria, an online gallery focusing on original art works; Transforia, a software defined cellular network in a box that makes it easy for anyone to setup and deploy a mobile network; Wecyclers, a waste management and sanitation company, collect waste from subscribers using a fleet of low-cost bicycles called “wecycles; and Zobreus,,which allows patients to manage and control all of their healthcare data in a structured, mobile electronic medical record (EMR) so that the information is easily accessible to them and their doctors as needed.

The 16 Nigerian startups will be participating at the largest-ever GITEX Technology Week primed to drive the world’s smart digital transformation, and support young entrepreneurs. More than 400 Startups from over 60 countries will gather at what is already touted as the largest line-up of young entrepreneurs from across the globe. The more than 400 startups from 60 countries and over 1,000 entrepreneurs will gather at the GITEX Global Startup Movement to sell and learn.

Over 200 investors and influential tech investment executives from Silicon Valley, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, including SoftBank Group International, 500 Startups, Accel Partners, Golden Gate Ventures, Middle East Venture Partners amongst others will arrive in Dubai to explore, discover, evaluate and potentially fund some of the most promising startups with a particular eye on regional talent.

The illustrious funding ventures of these investors include global giants Facebook, Dropbox and Spotify,,among others.

private sector and civil society.

Toure’s professional career started in his native land, Mali in 1979, building a solid career in the satellite industry, serving as Managing Engineer in Mali’s first International Earth Station.

El-Rufai is the Executive Governor of Kaduna State.

Prior to his election in 2015, he had built a successful career in executive management within the public and private sectors.

He holds a first class degree in Quantity Surveying from Ahmadu Bello University,

Zaria, a Law Degree from University of London and a Master’s Degree from Harvard University. He was once the Minister of Federal Capital Territory.

Prior to his appointment on August 4, 2015, as Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Danbatta served as a member of the Implementation Committee of the North West University, Kano and Acting Vice Chancellor of the Kano University of Science & Technology, Wudil.

He has previously served as

Vice President of Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), International Centre for Advanced Communications Studies, building expertise in key areas of ICT implementation, policy and regulation including strategies for ensuring Universal Access and Service to Telecommunications Services.

Danbatta started his professional career as a lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Bayero University, Kano, where he taught courses in

Telecommunications Engineering and Electronics for 28 years and held academic positions of Dean of the Faculty and Head of Department at different times.

Belo-Osagie is the Chairman of Etisalat Nigeria, Nigeria’s fourth largest telecoms mobile network operator with over 18 million active subscribers. He is a business leader steering various successful corporate brands and investments in different sectors particularly the telecommunications, finance and energy sectors in Nigeria.

COURTESY VISIT

Director General, Delta State Innovation Hub (DSIHUB), Chris Uwaje, in handshake with Google Country Manager, Mrs. Juliet Ehimuan, when a team of DSIHUB paid a courtesy visit to Google in Lagos...recently

Etisalat Boosts Customer FOX Life Launches on Experience with 4G LTE StarTimes Nigeria Etisalat has launched its mobile 4G Long Term Evolution (4G LTE) service into the Nigerian market.

The Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, who announced the new service roll-out, disclosed that the latest offering demonstrates Etisalat Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to deliver superior customer experience to its subscribers.

“The 4G LTE technology offers our customers increased access to high speed data and quality voice services real time.

With the new technology, our customers will enjoy efficient broadband internet and uninterrupted connectivity to clearer voice calls, increased access to online streaming and ultra-high definition videos,” he said.

Willsher revealed further that the Etisalat 4G LTE service offers a seamless experience because unlike other GSM networks, Etisalat customers do not have to go through the inconvenience of executing a SIM swap before they can enjoy 4G LTE since all Etisalat SIMs are already LTE enabled.

He noted in addition that Etisalat’s 4G LTE network supports the widest range of LTE devices so many subscribers can immediately enjoy the benefits of LTE. Speaking on the sig-

nificance of the new service, Willsher said the launch of the latest service was an important milestone for both Etisalat and the telecommunication industry in Nigeria because the benefits of the new 4G LTE which include clearer voice calls, increased access to faster and qualitative internet service and great value for money, are fundamental to achieving inclusion in the fast-growing global digital economy.

“We are in a knowledgebased economy and more than ever before, efficient telecommunication is being globally acknowledged as an enabler of economic and social growth. For us at Etisalat, our passion is to be at the forefront of promoting a vibrant economy for Nigeria by leading the digital revolution.

Hence, the 4G LTE service that we have just launched reaffirms our commitment to this cause,” Willsher added.

He was delighted that the launch of the 4G LTE service would significantly impact the achievement of the objectives of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan which amongst other things seeks to promote pervasive broadband deployment and increased broadband adoption and usage as a major enabler of national economic development.

FOX Life, an urban contemporary entertainment channel owned by FOX Networks Group (FNG), and customised for Africa has been launched on StarTimes channel 071 Antenna and channel 132 Dish in Nigeria.

The new stylish channel will boost StarTimes growing entertainment portfolio, spice up viewers experience with flamboyant programming and enrich memorable digital TV moments.

Head of Public Relations, StarTimes, Mr. Israel Bolaji, said the digital TV network is excited to further enrich its entertainment and lifestyle menu for improved viewers’ pleasure with the launch of FOX Life. The new channel is part of an impressive FNG catalogue of channels in Africa, including FOX, National Geographic Channel and Nat Geo Wild, all available on StarTimes.

According to Bolaji; “The new channel would add a touch of magic to viewers’ experience and enhance memorable TV experience with quality programming including interesting television series, dramas, sitcoms, shows and movies, among others, which include some original programming in Africa. FOX Life will showcase latest and compelling Hollywood, Brazilian and African programs including 2016 blockbuster

‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’, America’s Next Top Model, Clean House, and other thrilling and emotional dramas such as Empire, Pitch, and others.”

“FOX Life offers StarTimes subscribers a global entertainment appeal with an interesting blend of lifestyle programs from local and international scripted and non-scripted content. Asides its array of Hollywood, African and Brazilian series, it is introducing Turkish telenovelas to Nigeria.

It also showcases Africa centric programs and considerations with localized content, focuses on socially relevant positive and local story telling, thereby creating an undisputed perfect home and port of call for young aspirational viewers in Africa especially female,” Bolaji added.

Marketing Director, StarTimes, Mr. Oludare Kafar, said the new addition is another step in the digital TV network provider’s quest to continuously enrich content, grant subscribers more value for money and offer refreshing and enjoyable TV experience.

The new channel compliments our high profile catalogue of channels with rich programs synonymous with high-quality, cutting-edge entertainment with an extensive catalogue of prime-time programs that resonates with the vision of StarTimes.

28

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

ICT-SQUARE

Dell Latitude UltraBook

MICHAEL MICHAEL OKEKE OKEKE

T

he ultra-thin Latitude 7370 notebook is a powerful classic device, with a frameless Infinity Edge display, Core-m processors and passive cooling; the Latitude 13 7370 is Dell’s new interpretation of a classic business notebook.

The first enterprise-focused laptop arrives with a number of work-friendly features in tow.

Featuring a near-bezel-less 13.3inch InfinityEdge display, the XPS 13 has the dimensions of an 11-inch laptop. A win for both productivity and portability, the innovative display tech has since been ported over to Dell’s revamped XPS 12 and XPS 15 devices. As its competitors play catch-up, Dell is now looking to replicate the XPS 13’s success in the business space with the Latitude 7370.

Efficient Ultra-Low-Voltage processors have managed an impressive level of performance over the last few years: Even full-fledged multimedia notebooks with 15 and 17inch screens often use such chips by now to manage a particularly slim construction.

Still, extremely slim Ultrabooks or 2-in-1 devices need even more frugal CPUs – this is where Intel’s Core-m series comes into play, which can be cooled passively. Dell’s Latitude 7370 is one of the few business notebooks with such a Core-m processor. The fanless 13-inch device does not only aim to impress in terms of mobility and emissions, but also comes with excellent features.

Design The Latitude 7370 is hardly flamboyant in design and is even more demure. Featuring a sensible blend of materials and colours to appeal to its business audience, the laptop is clad in various stealthy shades of silver, grey and black. Even at a first glance, the Latitude 7370 is already impressive with its extremely slim and compact construction. The height of the case is just 14.3, so it is just one millimetre thicker than an Apple MacBook 12.

Almost even more impressive: The footprint is almost exactly identical to that of the Lenovo

ThinkPad X260, even though the latter has a smaller 12-inch display. This is a result of the extremely slim display frame of the Latitude, which is also called “InfinityEdge” by Dell.

Notwithstanding the quite delicate construction, the chassis is impressive with its excellent stability. A complex mix of materials including carbon fibre and aluminium provides the highest torsion resistance, which is also the case for the very slim lid (in this case with an aluminium cover, touch-screen models get carbon fibre). It is held in place by conveniently taut hinges, which require both hands for opening, but hardly bounce, even with strong vibrations. Considering the high price, you can expect a flawless build quality, which is – at least in the case of our review sample – delivered by Dell: Careful material transitions and evenly rounded edges confirm good quality control, and gentle soft-touch surfaces create a very sophisticated impression.

Unfortunately, the surface is susceptible to dirt and not easy to clean; fine dust in particular sticks to the base unit.

Display The appealing InfinityEdge display of the Latitude 7370 has either 1920x1080 (FHD) or 3200x1800 pixels (QHD+). The latter is exclusively available with a touch-screen and should be glossier than the matte in this week review, despite the anti-reflective Gorilla Glass surface. The enormous pixel density of the QHD+ version – 276 instead of 166 PPI – also requires scaling of the picture by Windows, which can still be a problem with older software. It seems that Dell is using an automatic brightness and contrast adjustment based on the picture content to reduce the power consumption. Sudden changes, such as the switch from a very dark to a very bright picture, for example, result in a stepwise adjustment of the luminance within 5 to 10 seconds, which is also visible with the naked eye. To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

. This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.

Performance Efficient Ultra-Low-Voltage processors have managed an impressive level of performance over the last few years: Even full-fledged multimedia notebooks with 15 and 17inch screens often use such chips by now to manage a particularly slim construction.

Still, extremely slim Ultrabooks or 2-in-1 devices need even more frugal CPUs – this is where Intel’s Core-m series comes into play, which can be cooled passively. Dell’s Latitude 7370 is one of the few business notebooks with such a Core-m processor. The fanless 13-inch device does not only aim to impress in terms of mobility and emissions, but also comes with pretty nice features. Rivals for the Latitude 7370 include the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon and the ThinkPad X260, the HP EliteBook 1040 G3 and the Folio G1 as well as the Toshiba Portege Z30-C, although only the HP Folio is also passively cooled.

Even though by default the Terminal Design Power of the Core-m-series is 4.5 watts, notebook manufacturers can actually adjust the parameters for the permissible power consumption

and the behaviour of the Turbo Boost. Dell has increased the permanent maximum consumption to 5.5 watts in this case, but pretty much deactivated the short-time Terminal Design Power exceedances in return which are usually possible.

This configuration reduces the power consumption and the temperature development.

Connectivity While comparable modern ThinkPads do not offer even one USB Type-C port, Dell goes a step further and has equipped the Latitude 7370 with two Thunderbolt 3 ports.

With 40 Gbps each, they are not only a lot faster (USB 3.1 Gen. 2: 10 Gbps), but also much more versatile: They support not only USB devices with the corresponding Type-C jack, but also Display Port (two 4K monitors at 60 Hz per port, up to three monitors in total), DVI, HDMI, VGA or external PCIe-devices via adapter. The Ultrabook is also equipped with a standard USB 3.0 port (Type A), microHDMI port as well as the mandatory headset jack. Overall, the port selection is very comprehensive and future-proof, but you will most probably require several adapter cables along the way – there are just (still) too many peripherals with a USB Type-A connector right now. The Latitude 7370 is equipped with 802.11ac WiFi and dual-stream technology.

Bluetooth 4.2 is supported as

well. The Latitude 7370 can also be equipped with an optional Tri-Band module Wireless-AC 18260 (incl. WiGig) as well as an LTE modem from Qualcomm (Snapdragon X7).

Keyboard and Touchpad The keyboard has a white illumination and is well-integrated into the matte-grey chassis. The letter keys are 14 x 14 millimetres and can be comfortably used with 10 fingers. The travel is comparatively generous for a subnotebook, which results in a great feedback and a fast typing speed in combination with the firm stroke. The quality of the keyboard leaves a great impression in general, which is supported by the restrained noise development as well as perfect stability, even in the centre area.

It is rather unusual for a business notebook, but the Latitude 13 does not have a TrackPoint, so you can only use the touchpad. Fortunately, Dell has dispensed with the integrated mouse buttons and implemented two dedicated buttons underneath the pad.

Drag & Drop inputs, in particular, are therefore much more reliable compared to some competitors, and ClickPads usually do not have such soft and well-defined pressure point, either.

Webcam and Microphone As usual, you should not expect a lot from the integrated HD

webcam in terms of picture quality – the pale and noisy pictures from a slightly unusual position (the sensor is not above but below the display) are only sufficient for simple video chats. At least, users get a very decent array microphone, which can also replace a headset if necessary.

Security The Latitude 13 is a full-fledged business device equipped with all the security features you would need in professional environments. Among others, it includes a TPM, a fast touch fingerprint scanner, NFC as well as a SmartCard reader.

The 7370 is also prepared for Computrace, a technology to prevent thefts Closing An almost bezel-free display, passive cooling and Thunderbolt 3 ports – the Dell Latitude 13 7370 definitely stands out from the boring mainstream business notebooks. The Ultrabook does not have to fear many competitors in terms of mobility and quality and convinces with flawless build quality, excellent stability, and firm input devices. Dell has implemented a very decent panel with a powerful background illumination. The performance and functionality of the Core-m platform and processing power is brilliant.

Michael.okeke@thisdaylive.com

THISWEEK ON GADGETS LOGITECH KEYBOARD

K380

SMART

There are numerous choices in external keyboards for Apple hardware devices and their Windows and Android counterparts, but Swiss-based input device specialists Logitech have stood out as makers of some of the best ones. Logitech’s latest offering is their K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard an ultra lightweight and compact portable ‘board especially well suited to going mobile with tablets and smartphones, but also compatible with Macintosh, Windows, and Chrome OS PCs, and even with Apple TV. Among its many virtues, the K380 keyboard’s marquee feature is that up to three Mac,

iOS, Windows, Chrome, Android or Apple TV devices can be kept paired via Bluetooth simultaneously and switched among with a keypress. Additionally, the K380 s keycaps are labelled with both Apple and PC/Android, and the keyboard automatically senses the platform with which it is currently paired and automatically maps the keys to suit. With the K480, you could type a report on your computer, then, with the flick of the ‘board’s “Easy-Switch” dial, respond to a message on your smartphone. Flick again and type a tweet on your tablet, all on full-size keys with a familiar key-map layout supporting the shortcut keys you use most. In terms of form factor, the K480 keyboard and stand resemble a full-sized laptop computer keyboard, and transform a

tablet into a facsimile almost-laptop computer, while still being perfectly usable as a desktop workstation keyboard so long as you can live without a dedicated numerical keypad.

The downside of the K480 as a portable device is the weight it is large and heavy as some actual laptop computers. Logitech has now addressed that issue with the K380, which is feather-light and compact enough to fit in a large pocket, making it a convenient take along solution for use with tablets and Phablet near-office input functionality virtually anywhere on the road, retaining laptop-style keyboard functionality with mobile devices, and there is even a forward-delete key.

Michael.okeke@thisdaylive.com

9 T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

29

BUSINESSWORLD

CONSUMER

Thinking Without a Box What defines any marketing communications agency is the ability to look beyond others and proffer far-reaching solutions to marketing challenges. For IDEAS House, creativity and innovation appeared to have been taken a little further as staff is exposed to unusual approaches and concepts, Raheem Akingbolu writes.

Staffers of IDEAS House with the inmates of the home

Thank God It’s Friday (TGIF) is a common slang anywhere in the world but in IDEAS House, one of the leading experiential marketing agencies in the country, what staff are familiar with is ‘Thank God it’s Thursday (TGIT).’ To visitors, this might sound strange but to those working in the agency, it’s the norm. Unlike many companies, staffers in the agency now work four days in a week and work from home on Fridays.

However, two Fridays are said to have been set aside for training and Corporate Social Responsibility activities under what is tagged i-impact. In one of the Fridays, trainings are organised for staff, where they learn new globally trending innovations and share ideas.

In another Friday, which is the agency’s CSR Outreach Day, staffs move into the streets and identify places where they can contribute their quota to lift society’s underprivileged citizens Aside the TGIT, few things have also stood the agency out. While the common saying is ‘think out of the box’, at IDEAS House, staffs are used to ‘thinking without a box’. This was evident in two of its previous works for both Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC) and Guinness Nigeria.

According to the Account Director Oyepeju Adeyinka-Adebayo, the agency introduced what was tagged ‘Scorched Earth’ campaign to change the fortune of NBC at a time 5Alive Juice was difficult to find in retail shops.

“The challenge is that juice is sold in packs of 10 at about N2000 a carton then. With pack configuration having a real impact on weighted and numeric distribution, the agency then suggested a new way to sell the product. It broke bulk and mixed the variants.

This made the product sell faster as it presented an opportunity for variety as well as address the fundamental issue of affordability.

In summary, the project turned out to be the solution needed to open a new vista for the 5Alive brand,” she said.

Aside the NBC experience, another innovation that recently stood the agency out was the Guinness Ref activation which was used to create a special bond between the Guinness brand and Nigeria consumers at a time the brand was a major partner of the Super Eagles.

Till date, everybody in the agency still refer to it as one of the best solutions offered by the agency to a client to drive sales.

According to the Executive Director in charge of operations in the agency, Mr. Idowu Salami, the concept became necessary because of the

need to drive football conversation and emotive connection with the brand on-trade “Every Nigerian man believes he knows his soccer and could argue all day long on football related matters. Armed with this insight and Brand Guinness connection with the super eagles, the agency then created the Guinness Ref idea which was basically female referees visiting bars and engaging consumers of the brand to purchase additional bottle and then get challenged to answer some interesting football questions.

Gifts were awarded for correct answers. The idea drove strong emotive connection linked to sales and drinks depletion.

Incorporating CSR activities Also speaking on how the agency has raised the bar, Salami, who dropped the hint about ‘thinking without a box’, said IDEAS House has been able to execute innovative projects that have added tremendous value to its clients and their brands. He however admitted that

“As we move towards the next level of our existence, work has already begun on turning the business and company into a respected brand.

And in turning it into a brand, there are several characteristics that are required, both internal and external. On the external part, it is the ability to continue to do great innovative work for discerning clients.

On the internal part, it’s about our entire operations, our people”

they still have a lot to do.

“As we move towards the next level of our existence, work has already begun on turning the business and company into a respected brand. And in turning it into a brand, there are several characteristics that are required, both internal and external. On the external part, it is the ability to continue to do great innovative work for discerning clients. On the internal part, it’s about our entire operations; our people. In a business where 73 per cent of your monthly expenditure goes on salary, it’s very clear that you are a people business. We don’t sell bread or chin chin, our product is our people. That is what we sell. To this end, we have reengineered our business in such a way to breed fulfillment internally within the organisation.

“We have done a lot of things in this regard, we have embarked on some promotions within the business and some of the promotions also came with things like salary increase and other emoluments. At the same time, we discussed, debated and agreed to have more flexible working hours. That was how we arrived at what is today known as TGIT –Thank God It’s Thursday and strengthened our Corporate Social Initiatives, tagged i-Impact,” he said.

Still not done, Salami said: “Our business has grown in a number of ways.

The first thing is that it has grown in terms of ambition; it has also grown in terms of relevance and investment appetite towards attaining its vision. One of the things we have noticed is that there has been consistent pattern in doing the job and experiential has become popular as a key component of the entire marketing mix ecosystem. Narrowing it down to IDEAS House, we have been recognised within the industry where we operate as one of the most reputable and credible agencies.”

In a related development, the agency disclosed that it currently works for Guinness, MTN, Coca-Cola, Cadbury amongst other multinationals while adding Wrigley Nigeria Limited, after a keenly contested pitch held recently.

Experiential during recession period But can brands do without experiential during recession? That is one questions that was debated during an interactive session at the agency. Asked if it is possible to do away with activation because of recession, Salami and Adeyinka-Adebayo vehemently disagreed.

To them, since brands are not independent of the society in which they exist, it will be

suicidal to do away with customer engagement, which experiential agencies are best positioned to provide To Adeyinka-Adebayo, it’s not possible to do without experiential marketing because brands are not independent of the audience.

‘There is no way experiential will not be useful because business owners want consumers to know about their brands and grow with it.

Despite the recession, they must still interact with their audience no matter how small.

Agreed, companies are looking for ways to maximize their spend and also prioritize spending but one important thing is that experiential is one on one marketing that gives brands opportunity to interact with the public and receive instant feedback. This is unlike other disciplines of marketing communications that talks to all without any means of measurement.

According to Salami, he is of the opinion that budgets may not have necessarily reduced but re-aligned to better address current challenges and realities in the marketplace“. The mere fact that budget is going down doesn’t mean it will affect every part of marketing communications.

He said: “For anyone that wants to come into experiential marketing now, they should know that experiential marketing is well rooted in good structure and ability to apply cutting edge solution to grow the brand you are working on. Business growth opportunities in the industry largely depend on scale. Having said that, experiential marketing requires a high level of capital investment in asset because it is those assets that will carry you through the tough terrain we are all passing through right now.

Those who are willing to come in should also have the financial requirement and banking relationship because 90-95 percent of clients do not pay advance anymore. Therefore, if you don’t have financial capability to knock on those financial doors, you will undoubtedly run into problem.”

He added that since many of us service FMCG clients who have had a most torrid time accessing dollar to import raw materials, many of these clients are now faced with the serious question of either cutting marketing communications budget and move the funds saved towards purchasing essential raw materials or do they increase price and still retain marketing support to be able to shape consumer behavior in a manner that confirms that this is still the brand for them.

30

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

CONSUMER

Akindeinde: Nigerians Are Yet to Fully Explore the Benefits of Mobile App General Manager, Mobile Apps for TECNO Mobile Limited, Ayo Akideinde, spoke to journalists in Lagos on many issues and decried the poor appreciation of mobile App in Nigeria. Raheem Akingbolu brings the excerpt: Can you please appraise the Nigerian mobile app environment?

The mobile industry in Nigeria continues to scale up quickly with Africa itself seen as a “mobile-first” continent. As we speak, Nigeria currently has the highest smartphone penetration rate in Africa with studies showing that the techno brand as the most sought after.

You will agree with me that the improvement of mobile phone networks has transformed communications in Nigeria. If you look at data market itself, you will notice that data prices keep falling due to the healthy competition amongst data service providers with the providers providing even better and higher speed networks to the end users. A recent report conducted by mobile research company, Twinpine reveals that with 1,000.00 naira, users can buy 15 times more data in 2016 that they could in 2011.

All these factors have created opportunities in the Nigerian mobile app environment with demanding users wanting a constant supply of apps that solve their daily needs and requirements. From research, we noticed that more than 30 per cent of Nigerians using featured phones have switched to our brand and other android smart-phones, whether high end or low-end prices and in turn, this makes them, users of mobile apps. This has allowed Nigerians to jump right into the digital era by accessing cheaper and affordable data rates and easy access to social media and other app How will you assess the acceptability of the technology in Nigeria?

The mobile apps business in Africa as a whole is laden with huge potential. However, it’s sad to note that even though the global mobile app market is worth nearly $30billion, Africa has barely a share in this. There is such a huge void for apps ‘made in Nigeria for Nigeria, Africa and the world’.

Did you know that more than 40 billion mobile apps are downloaded and used across the globe every year? That is millions of downloads every day – more than 100 million downloads a day. It’s sad to note that Nigerians do not use local apps as much as the international apps, even with the decent rise of Nigerian apps coming up.

Since the surge of mobile apps in 2008, Nigeria has remained an under-performer in mobile apps business. This is pretty much evident in Google Play store Top overall charts where only 16 local apps break into the top 100.

The opportunities for the mobile app business in Nigeria is huge as the growth in Smartphone usage continue to rise. As long as App developers can create killer apps like Boom Player that solve problems, appeal or are very useful to Nigerians, adoption of local apps will grow in tandem with the smartphone growth. The appeal of Mobile apps is because of the diversity of their use.

There’s an app for that reigns true as there are pretty much apps for everything anything you can think of – music, entertainment games, education, information services, news, social media, chatting, religion, healthcare, food and transport. Developers just simply need to start providing local apps for basically everything Monetisation and revenue generation may also act as a driving force to grow more localised apps with most of the current local apps depending on revenue from ads. Payments for services have remained a bottleneck for local apps. Across most of Nigeria and even Africa, credit and debit card ownership levels remain extremely low, and the usage of these cards is even lower due to cases of fraud.

Google Pay usage is also low in Nigeria. The most popular payment gateway is Premium SMS or Direct Carrier Billing via Telcos. In a country, where over 97 per cent of the mobile lines are pre-paid; it’s a preferred option for app developers to have payments deducted from the user’s airtime as the conversion rate

What other features are embedded in it?

The Boom Player app is packed with so many features; I will run you through them.

Under our Discover Music section, you get a 360-experience music, videos, charts and playlists amongst other outstanding features available on the go at your fingertips. Our professional content specialists curate music (audio and video) into the new & recommended sections, charts and playlists to make it so easy for you to discover more music you can love and enjoy. Users can also create their own playlist.

We have other sections like videos, albums, artists, and genres where you can browse through, play and download. Our moods section also provides the music you can enjoy in your current mood and state of mind.

There’s also a search feature that you can use to discover more. Our message inbox will keep you up-to-date with new releases.

You will always be the first to know when there’s new content from your favourite artist and more information on what’s happening in the music industry.

One of my own personal favourite features of the app is the Daily Lucky draw, which allows you to win free coins every day that can be used to purchase any music and video you choose. Good luck spinning.

While playing music, you also get to see the lyrics of the song scroll up in sync with each bar sung or rapped so you can do a mini-karaoke with your friends. On Boom Player, your opinion matters and you can have your say on any artistes’ body of work by typing a comment or even using a smiley.

It is also an incredible way for artistes and fans to interact – when you leave a comment, an artist or another fan can reply to you directly. You can share via Twitter, Facebook or copy the URL to send to friends.

Akindeinde: is said to be higher.

The users perceive paying using their airtime as a much better experience than using a payment card. It offers a sort of convenient ‘one click’ purchase model where they are in control of the purchase because they start it up by a tap, swipe or click and they also don’t have to worry about card security fears.

The only drawback to this is that telecom-

“The mobile apps business in Africa as a whole is laden with huge potential.

However, it’s sad to note that even though the global mobile app market is worth nearly $30billion, Africa has barely a share in this. There is such a huge void for apps ‘made in Nigeria for Nigeria, Africa and the world”

munications have been known to take up to 80 per cent of revenues. The remaining revenue is further shared with a licensed Value Added Service Provider since, by regulation, apps aren’t allowed to connect directly into the billing system of Telcos. So at the end of the day, it requires extremely high volumes to make a service profitable in the already difficult app market. That is the reality we face with the current payment platform. Nigeria and Africa continue to cry for that killer mobile payment solution (an app maybe) that works within our issues – offline, online, banked, under-banked, and unbanked and will allow consumers the freedom to utilize their digital wallets. A few new payment players like flutterwave have sprung up, showing promise.

By 2017, I believe we will see an influx of local mobile apps into the Nigerian mobile app ecosystem that will be centered on delivering social, entertainment and economic benefits.

What are the aims or objectives of the Boom Player Mobile App? Boom Player’s main aim is to build the largest and most sustainable digital music ecosystem in Africa for content creators and providers. It’s time to remind people how exciting and essential music is to their lives.

The ecosystem will ensure that Creators and owners get paid for their content and consumers of the app get excellent service By bringing music creators, owners, providers, lovers, fans, and users under one roof, we can build up the commerce landscape for the global music and entertainment industry.

Boom Player will definitely bring fans closer to artistes and music they love with its user friendliness and share-ability, alongside other amazing features such as the ability for users to win coins to purchase content.

How are consumers responding to your presence on social media platform?

We have a family relationship with our consumers on social media. They advocate for us online, spreading the love they have for the brand to their friends, followers and circles. Word of mouth communication is still one of the most effective ways for things to go viral and the best part is, the information the consumers pass on is a testimony of how much they enjoy the app.

They also support us and share their feedback and reviews of the app from time to time giving us room to grow together with our users and also improve on our services.

What would you say is your competitive edge?

Our competitive edge is our product strategy, which is based on our users experiencing more. The edge is founded on emotion and innovation.

With an emphasis on emotion, we have moved our consumers from being fans to becoming critics and decision tastemakers.

We believe that every human is a fan of music – regardless of the language, locality, mood, taste or socioeconomic class. We understand our users, their needs and how they interactive with our services. Through this understanding, we have empowered users to become curators and creators of the music culture.

Through innovation, we have been able to give artists, labels, content providers actual ways of getting paid for their works. With the backend access to our content management system, they get to see data and information that they can mine effectively to also give them an edge over other artists. We have combined all music sales, videos, fan demographics and social networking crucial to today’s music ecosystem

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

31

BUSINESSWORLD

CONSUMER

Promoters of Apple Relaxer Maryland Mall Unveils LED Advertisement Screen Excite Consumers Few months after the inaugura- pointed out that it would be a is very technical it can do land and its environ will be

Consumers at the popular Tejuoso market complex were given special treat recently when handlers of Apple range of products organised activation to further push their brand in the market.

A large gathering of young ladies and customers alike at the brand activation provided an exciting spectacle at the Shopping Centre which many stakeholders believe was a good platform to bond more with consumers.

For experience purposes, many who gathered around to catch a glimpse of the products on display during the activation, especially ladies, were given free hair treatment by hairstylists who were on standby at the “Apple Beauty On Wheels” salon.

Miss. Laide Okediji, a banker, who got wind of the activation at her office within the Tejuosho market complex, said she had to rush out during break to have a feel of the Apple range of products on display and ended up getting a free hairdo in return at the Mobile Salon stationed at the market complex.

She said: “It turned out that the Mobile Salon was convenient, conducive and the stylists provided satisfactory hair solutions”.

Put together by a team of vibrant marketers, the event which is geared towards enhancing elegance was also organised to effectively showcase the Apple range of products described as a unique assortment.

While assuring users of its quality and effectiveness, one of the major distributors of N.N.Fems Industries Limited, makers of Ozone Cosmetics and beauty products, Mrs Ego Nwafor, said the Apple brand is just the kind of product that the market has been yearning for.

“The new Apple relaxer is just what the market needs at this moment in my opinion.

The texture is appealing to the scalp when it is applied and most customers who have had a feel of it have spoken positively about its effect. Most women have a problem of relaxing their hair to a particular style and desire and they few that have used Apple relaxer have commended the product.

One of the reasons for this activation which has lasted for three straight days is for people especially ladies to have a feel of the product and most of them have not been disappointed thus far.

There is also the Apple hair cream, which fights dandruff, Apple shampoo and Apple conditioner,” she said.

Commenting on the uniqueness of the product, Nwafor said: “Customers who buy the Apple range of product are assured of quality, integrity and feel. It is one of the best products you can get out there especially for women who have a running problem of settling for a particular brand of relaxer after disappointment with other brands.”

tion of the new Maryland Mall, its promoters have unveiled a light-emitting diode (LED) advertisement screen, believed to be the largest in Sub -saharan Africa. The LED billboard, tagged ‘The Dragon’ is mounted on the external façade of the mall, 60 metres long and nine metres high.

Speaking at the unveiling, Managing Partner, Purple Capital Media, Laide Agboola, said the billboard manufactured by renowned LED Company, Rotapanel from the Netherlands, is the longest in West Africa and 50th of its kind in the world.

According to him, the board offers a strategic advertising point for brands in Nigeria given its strategic location and unique features. He also

major advertisement point for biggest brands in the country in the likes of Stanbic IBTC which he said has taken a slot on the screen already. “We have other strong brands and we are having discussion with others to come on board,” he added.

“This LED billboard, the Dragon is the final piece of the puzzle of the mall. It’s going to be an advertising point for the biggest brands in the country today and some brands already book a place on the screen and more would be unveiled.

“Over 5000 cars ply this road in all directions within an hour. Imagine what that amounts to in a full day circle.

It’s clearly a major hub for any advert to be on. The screen

live screening and also has social interactive features such as Twitter fountain scroller, Video playback capability and a Feedticker.

“Brands will be screened on eight seconds circle. The screen can take ten brands at a go. Everyone and half minute, you would see the brand all over again from 5: am in the morning till 1: am the following morning. The exposure a brand would get would be quite significant,” he said. He also noted that the board is not just for the biggest brands, as small and medium scale businesses who want short term exposure can buy space on the billboard.

The brand owners believed that the inhabitants of Mary-

ecstatic to see “The Dragon” light up the Maryland axis of the busy Ikorodu road.

The LED screen is already a major attraction and has features such as a Twitter fountain scroller, Video playback capability and a Feedticker. These would make it a socially interactive board and one in which advertisers can utilise for full engagement of the public.

On the strategic positioning of the screen, Agboola said that research reveals that over 5500 vehicles pass through the axis in all directions every hour. “In every sense of it, the exposure every brand will get is quite significant. This is clearly a major hub for any advertising activity”.

PR Practitioners Move to CUSTOMER SERVICE WEEK Establish Independent Body R-L : The Zonal Head, Lekki, of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, Mrs. Violet Odu; Group Head, Branch Services and Channels To validate claims and impact of communication strategies on brand building, top public relations practitioners in the country have called on stakeholders to facilitate how an independent body on Measurement and evaluation would be established in the country. This was the unanimous position of practitioners who attended a workshop on measurement, which was facilitated by CMC Connect Burson-Marsteller, a PR firm.

The workshop themed: ‘Can You Measure Up?’ brought together a host of experienced communications and public relations practitioners from different organisations including Airtel Nigeria, Accenture, Jagal, FBN Quest, Access Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Nigerian Breweries, representatives of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to mention but a few. In his keynote address at the event, Country Managing Director, Accenture Nigeria, Mr. Niyi Yusuf, spoke on the importance of measurement to communications, saying that setting specific return of investment (ROI) model will help PR practitioners define measurement and evaluation.

He went further to emphasis the role of technology as a disruptor, which provides an opportunity to reach a wider in conducting research or survey.

He charged PR consultants to prove the value of PR to clients using quality measurement

metrics.

The key facilitator of the event, Mr. Francois Van Dyk based his presentation on the Barcelona Principles 2.0.

He extensively delved into the seven core areas of the Barcelona Principles. Going further, he reemphasised the important of ROI in communications while stating that the Advertising Value Equivalent (AVE) method being used by practitioners is wrong.

The highlight of his presentation during the workshop was his live demo of the AMEC Interactive Framework, an online tool which is designed helps communications professionals measure the impact of their campaigns from goals to impact using a variety of metrics. He reassured participants of the safety of their data on the online interactive tool.

Airtel’s Director of Corporate Communications & CSR, Mr. Emeka Oparah, in his remark reiterated the importance of measuring communications activities and how it positively affects organisations’ bottomline as this is a way to position the communications department as a value adding unit to the organisation.

He also went further to advocate for the establishment of an independent measuring body for communications practitioners. He said this will help ensure objectivity in the quality of the measurement and evaluation.

Management, FCMB, Mr. Kayode Adigun; a customer of the bank, Mr. Tari Best; his wife, Mrs. Manjela Tari Best; Regional Head, Lagos, FCMB, Mrs. Bukola Smith and the Group Head, Continuous Improvement and Service Management, Mr. Moronfolu Fasinro, during the bank’s visit to the customer as part of activities to commemorate the Customer Service Week in Lagos…recently.

to Nollywood Marketers Seek Corporate Sponsorship for stated that the partnership with Investiture

Jago Partners Lagos Entertain School Pupils In commemoration of Nigeria’s 56th anniversary, Sosaco Nigeria Limited, brand custodians of the Jago range of milk products, Jago D’Lite Instant Filled Milk and Jago Gold Full Cream Milk, has partnered with the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs and Culture on the Independence Day celebration. The 2016 Independence Day celebration event was held at the Nigerian Police College parade ground, Ikeja GRA recently to mark the anniversary. This is in line with the company’s corporate social responsibility thrust and a strong demonstrationof its love to Nigerian consumers by sharing their joy on the iconic national day. Apart from the financial support to the Ministry of Home Affairs & Culture towards a successful hosting of this year’s anniversary, and the presentation of cash prizes of N150, 000, N100, 000, and N75, 000, to the top three schools in the Independence Day march past competition, Jago Milk also feted over ten thousand pupils at the event through product sampling and giveaways.

Speaking on the partnership, the Chairman of Sosaco Nigeria Limited, Mr. Francis Ogboro

the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs and Culture is the brand’s way of appreciating the acceptance and patronage that it enjoys from consumers.

“For our company, Sosaco Nigeria Limited, the partnership with the Lagos state government on the independence day celebration marks the beginning of an enduring, long-lasting relationship. The company will continue to support government activities not only through Jago Milk brands but also through other brands on our stable”, he said.

Ogboro further elaborated that this partnership is one of the many plans of the company to continue to support the effort of the government especially in the areas of educating young Nigerians, which the company believes are the future of the nation. In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs and Culture, Mr. Senayon Adeola Hundeyin commended Sosaco Nigeria Limited for its support of the event and also called on other corporate bodies to emulate the Jago Milk custodians by supporting activities and projects of the government.

Raheem Akingbolu Nollywood Marketers are seeking sponsorship for their first Investiture and Award Ceremony. This was made known by the Chairman of Film and Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria, (FVPMAN) Lagos Branch, Mr. Emeka Aduah, in Lagos.

He disclosed that the association is prepared and ready to take Nollywood to another level, adding that marketers created the Nigerian film industry by investing in it at a time no nobody believed in the enormous talents that were abound. While calling on corporate organisations to rally round the association as it prepares for its first investiture and awards, the film maker further stated that the industry has showcased various brands at various times in virtually all their movies, from drinks, to the GSM companies, banks and their services, even though none of these companies has gotten involved in any of their production.

Aduah said the time has come for them to collaborate, cooperate and sponsor. Speaking on some of their activities, he said Nollywood marketers have opened new frontiers of recognition, by raising the stakes to reward some of the best talents in different categories at its first investiture and award ceremony.

Speaking on some of the reforms being initiated by the group, Aduah said the association has ensured that consumers buy sequel films and see the end of those films, most especially films that have up to part four or more as the case may be.

Aduah said in the past, viewers don’t get to see the end since they come in different titles, stating that the association has ensured that all the films must start with a title and end with it and that no movies must exceed 52 minutes.

On the activities of scrupulous individuals, who involve in piracy, Aduah declared that the association is leaving no stones unturned in tackling the challenge

32

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT

Rafsanjani: Corruption’s a Serious Threat to Realisation of the SDGs The Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Mr. Auwal Musa Ibrahim aka Rafsanjani, spoke with Abimbola Akosile on various development issues on the sidelines of the recent National Stakeholders’ Retreat on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) held at the State House, Abuja. Excerpts: THISDAY saw you on the streets of New York in September 2015 at the United Nations General Assembly....for the past one year, can you give us a brief synopsis of how you have engaged the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria?

CISLAC and other civil society organisations in Nigeria were very active in supporting and ensuring that the new development framework called the SDGs came into effect in September 2015. We actively participated in that process and since then we have come back to Nigeria to launch this development framework and to popularise it and also to make it to be part of our development rolling plan and mainstream it into development planning. We believe that we must take lessons from the last development framework which is the MDGs, which was very late in terms of implementation. We wanted to make sure that this time around, this new innovative and inspiring development framework is not late in the country in terms of implementation.

Second is also to ensure that all the necessary key stakeholders are actually involved right from the beginning, talking about the Legislature, the National Assembly needed to be carried on board as timely as possible so that they can actually support the mainstreaming of the SDGs into our national financial planning, because without the National Assembly being involved in it, you would hardly really achieve the SDGs realistically. The National Assembly is responsible in terms of ensuring the allocation of resources and also over-sighting these resources ensure that this development framework is achieved and implemented. So it is from this perspective that we think that the Legislature, the Media and the Civil Society need to be carried on board as early as possible so that we will not be late in carrying along all stakeholders and getting people to understand and support this development framework; particularly now that we need to look at different issues. If you look at the national development priority, it fits into this development framework, which means that it is easy to actually adopt, implement as well as achieve these objectives. So we need to ensure that we sensitise the relevant government agencies and the private sector to support this important development framework so that Nigeria can be seen to be actually one of the most important countries that give priority to the achievement of the SDGs. Now, you talked about some critical stakeholders in this process of the realisation of the SDGs.... how important is the Legislature in realising the SDGs in Nigeria?

The Legislature at the state and national levels are very important in terms of realising the SDGs in Nigeria. Like I mentioned to you, whenever the Executive sends in draft for budget proposal, the National Assembly has the responsibility to scrutinise and ensure that all the necessary areas and components in the budget are actually taken care of. For example, financing of health, the National Assembly under the SDGs will ensure that the financing of health is not left out because we have realised that there is lack of adequate support for financing health despite the fact that we have the National Health Act where at least one per cent of our budget should be allocated to health, it is not given that kind of consideration. Nigeria signed the declaration that at least 15 per cent of our budget should be devoted to health in Nigeria. This is not also seen to be achievable or seen to be done without the cooperation of the National Assembly members. So it is important that the National Assembly is carried along to have some form of understanding and also have constructive dialogue between the Executive and the Legislature to be able to bridge the financing gap. We can’t continue to give excuses of not achieving financing of health, education

expected to play so that both the Executive and the Legislature would actually be made to account for the resources devoted to this important development framework.

Rafsanjani: and other infrastructure that is needed for any serious country to strive economically, socially and politically. So if we are talking about safety net or social safety sector, you cannot afford to leave effective implementation of the SDGs. So therefore, the National Assembly will play and continue to play key role in terms of ensuring adequate financing, in terms of also ensuring effective oversight on the programmes and policies as well as the budget allocated to the government, departments and parastatals in achieving the SDGs. So we believe that the National Assembly

is very important and likewise the civil society, which will also play key role by providing the necessary information where there are gaps and research, advocacy and providing sensitisation and mobilisation of the general public on the SDGs and how important it is in our lives as a nation. The Media is equally important because the media will help to carry out effective investigative reporting on the allocations made on the sectoral basis on achieving the SDGs. So the Media also need to be carried along; they need to be able to play the role that they are

Overdue Process Millions of Nigerians were astounded when the Department of State Security (DSS), while brandishing search and arrest warrants, struck in the early hours of Saturday, October 8, and raided the homes of top judges of the Supreme, Appeal and Federal and State High Courts in some states across the country; arresting seven of them and confiscating cash in foreign and local currencies and allegedly implicating documents; all on the basis of allegations of corruption against the eminent members of the Bench.

Although the DSS has released the arrested judges on bail, the uproar that followed the sting operations

A few years ago, there was an African Parliamentarians meeting at the National Assembly in Abuja where there was a symbolic gesture that they wanted to kick poverty out of Africa and there was actually a ball that they wrote poverty on; it was kicked then. But since then, poverty has not left Africa....can you tell us in your own words what actually went wrong after that programme?

What went wrong is basically deepening corruption in Nigeria and Africa; a lot of waste, a lot of misappropriation of public funds, diversion and outright stealing and looting by people that have been entrusted with public funds. So that is why we have not been able to deal with the issue of kicking poverty out of the faces of Africans in general and Nigerians in particular because of the looting and corruption that has become a cankerworm in Nigeria. Second, it is also because of policy somersault, inconsistency of policies and programmes of government that is not coherent with addressing the issue of poverty. So these are major stumbling blocks towards addressing or eliminating poverty, which has become a serious problem. A lot of Nigerians are having difficulty of having decent meals and that is even costing more malnutrition to the nation because as you can see the level of malnutrition in the country is getting very high and scary. There is no way you can attain sustainable development when the citizens are hungry, when the citizens are in abject and absolute poverty; when the citizens are unemployed, when they have no basic education or healthcare system in the country. This is what is compounding the fact that we are not able to achieve the goal of eliminating poverty off the face of Africa because we have health and education deterioration and corruption and misappropriation of public funds as well as policy inconsistency and somersault. These are the reasons why poverty is increasing in the face of Africa and Nigeria in particular.

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

RANDOM THOTS

– after a seven-month security surveillance process – is yet to abate, with many Nigerians lambasting the security agency for daring to arrest and detain such top judicial personalities, and some calling the action a gross abuse of due process, of rule of law and a display of impunity by the DSS. However, the agency has firmly stood its ground, claiming it was acting on “orders from above” to fight corruption in the judiciary and reduce the scourge to the barest minimum in the country.

However, another group of Nigerians has come out in stout defence of the DSS, insisting that such an exercise was overdue and that

some judges have allegedly perverted justice in their rulings and judgments in return for hard cash.

This group also asserted that looters of billions of naira of the commonwealth do not follow due process while stealing, and so if any tangible evidence is established against the legal luminaries, they should also be prosecuted and jailed like common criminals. As events unfold in this bizarre scenario, many citizens are watching to see which judge will be jailed or absolved first; of course while following due process…a tough ask…

Abimbola Akosile

33

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

DEvELOpmENT/ISSUESINBOx

President Buhari and his Ministers

Should PMB Replace Some Ministers Now? Although President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn into power on May 29, 2015, he waited for more than five months before appointing Ministers into his cabinet in October 2015, after a careful and rigorous selection process. Now after a year in office, some analysts believe some of the ministers have not performed to expectation and should be replaced by the President. Do you think it is time for some ministers to be replaced or shuffled, or should they be allowed to stay on to effect the expected positive change?

Abimbola Akosile

THE FEEDBACK

* Not just sack them; he should jail them for wasting our time and money. There is no bigger economic terrorism than this.

- Mr. Joel Nwokeoma, Lagos State

Yes, replace some ministers:

8

No, don’t replace them yet:

3

Others:

8

* Changing or swapping Ministers didn’t start with PMB. He has made the greatest mistake by single-handedly choosing his cabinet. My advice to him is to carry all Nigerians along whether they voted for him or not. He should thank God that at his age, vibrant and intelligent youths voted for him, leaving their colleagues.

He must listen to the people and do what is right without any bias!

- Hon. Babale Maiungwa, U/Romi, Kaduna

Radical tip:

Jail some too!

Total no of respondents:

19

Male:

16

Female:

3

Highest location:

Lagos (10)

* The selection process was neither rigorous nor carefully done. The president could even come up with the ministerial list that took six months on the day of his inauguration, because it was a compensation list after all.

- Mr. Olajuwon Obajemu, Banker, Lagos * No. For continuity re-shuffle them if need be.

But they are all quite intelligent and doing great respectively. Advanced countries tenaciously cling to our looted monies so shamelessly and take sides with the looters indirectly. This is partly why ministers are apparently sweating yet unable to fix Nigeria’s challenges. Our experts in any field in the Diaspora are shining examples any day. We need real honesty, truth, love, patriotism, and unity to succeed.

- Mr. Apeji Onesi, Lagos * Did PMB ever have a cabinet, or he had a cabal? That should be the appropriate question.

- Mr. Moses Iyobhebhe, Abuja * Cabinet reshuffling or fresh appointments may not be what Nigeria needs to get out of this current economic quagmire. I think the president needs to provide his cabinet members with the appropriate tools and resources required to deliver the anticipated change that Nigerians are yearning for. God save Nigeria.

- Mrs. Lias Oluwaseyi, Lagos * To heal the Nigerian economy, the President should remove those that are under-performing and put the competent hands irrespective of interest whatsoever. And any with more than one portfolio should be unburdened.

- Mr. Acha Moses, Lagos * My grouse is that none of the Ministers have been exceptional in performance considering the ‘saints’ buzz that preceded their appointment.

That said, the tasks before the Ministers are herculean enough, without the politics thrown into the mix.

- Mr. Utibe Robert Uko, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State * What PMB should do with his ministers is to give them targets of goals rather than sacking them over non-performance. Nobody should blame the ministers for not performing up to expectation; Nigerians should exercise patience with them.

The ministers know where our shoes pinch and they are credible people. But what they met on ground makes it look as if they are not working to deliver the good governance we expect from them during this recession.

- Mrs. Ijeoma Nnorom, Lagos State * Yes, starting from the Information and Finance Ministers and the CBN Governor.

- Mr. Duru Nnamdi, Abuja * He needs to replace some of them. Some of them were alleged to be corrupt even before they were appointed. Now, he has studied his cabinet, knows their capabilities, coupled with electorate hardship of no food, employment, money in circulation, fertiliser not supplied in good time for farming and killing of farmers by herdsmen e.t.c. It is almost two years of this administration and there is poor road network and no meaningful development.

- Mr. Dogo Stephen, Kaduna

* In meetings philosophy might work, but in the field practicality works.

- Mr. Ezenwa Chika, Ikeja, Lagos * Cabinet reshuffle is long overdue because Nigerians are suffering over non-performance since they took over. Nigerians need change of non-performing ministers to move the nation forward. We cannot continue hearing excuses all the time. Let them stop blaming past government and find solutions to our problems.

- Mr. Gordon Chika Nnorom, Public Commentator, Umukabia, Abia State * Yes, PMB needs to overhaul his cabinet as soon as possible. Obviously some of them are square pegs in round holes, and cannot help the president to meet the yearnings of the people. All he has to do is look at the currently non-performing sectors or ministries to know who to drop and replace; and the earlier the better.

- Mr. Olumuyiwa Olorunsomo, Lagos State * Some ministers have shown great potential.

Fayemi, for example, has some brilliant ideas for the solid minerals sector, but the political will to adopt and implement these ideas by his principal is another matter.

These ministers have only really been active for a few months so they cannot be fully and fairly assessed. Remember, everything was at a standstill for over a year including ongoing projects. Then the time it takes for due diligence to be carried out is also a factor. Let’s give them another year.

- Mr. Buga Dunj, Jos, Plateau State * I expect PMB to tarry a while before effecting a cabinet reshuffle, say till Democracy Day 2017 (May 29). Let us finish one budget cycle first.

By that date, those ministers who have not been performing or who think they have been called to sinecures should be shown the door!

- Mr. E. Iheanyi Chukwudi, B.A.R., Apo, Abuja * Cabinet or no cabinet is not the issue, but the issue is wrong pegs are inside the round holes as we can see in this present administration.

Fashola can handle the post of Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation for effective law and order.

They should be serious and determined to achieve Vision 2020 goals and stop fighting for their pockets. Lastly, Mr. President should

be at watch to change any under-performing minister.

- Mr. Obademi Joel, Member, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Isolo, Lagos * The Ministers of Sports and Women Affairs should be replaced.

- Mr. Feyi Akeeb Kareem, CMF & CDHR, Ogwashi-Ukwu, Delta State * Yes, those that need swapping or total removal should be done without fear or favour. Our human resources are globally recognised for our unique intelligence prowess in any field worldwide. Advanced countries source for needed experts from any part of the world irrespective of race, colour, status e.t.c. What we really need is unity and patriotism, yet the ball is in our court and not anywhere else. We must kick out corruption urgently too.

- Miss Apeji Patience Eneyeme, Badagry, Lagos State

Next Week: Can Jury System Improve Corruption Trials, Justice in Nigeria?

Some advanced countries like the United States and the UK often use jury panels of 12 carefully-selected citizens to determine criminal cases, where the verdict or outcome also helps to minimise appeals. Although Nigeria, which adopted bench trials, is yet to fully embrace such a practice, do you think the use of juries can help speed up criminal and corruption trials, reduce bias and corrupt inducement of judges, and enhance administration of justice in this country? please make your response direct, short and simple, and state your full name, title, organisation, and location. Responses should be sent between today (Oct 13 & monday, Oct 17) to abimbolayi@yahoo.com, greatbimbo@gmail.com, AND abimbola. akosile@thisdaylive.com. Respondents can also send a short text message to 08023117639 and/or 08188361766 and/ or 08114495306. Collated responses will be published on Thursday, October 20

34

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT

Striving to ensure quality control in local production in Nigeria

Budget Reforms: Stakeholders Proffer Public Hearings, Expenditure Tracking as Solutions Abimbola Akosile Subjecting the budget process in the National Assembly to public hearings to provide for an inclusive multi-stakeholder involvement has been identified as one of the key solutions to reforming the country’s public finance and ensuring equitable nationwide development.

In a similar manner, upscaling transparency and accountability through workable budget tracking measures which involve citizens at all levels has also been listed as a major step in making the annual budget work in the public interest.

These recommendations were part of a 12-point communiqué raised from the OrderPaper. ng Colloquium on Budgetary Reforms held recently in Abuja, which was attended by participants from the National Assembly, the Executive, Civil Society, Media, Development

Partners, and other critical stakeholders.

The communiqué, which was jointly signed by Publisher of OrderPaper.ng, Mr. Oke Epia; Moderator of the Technical Panel, Anthony Ubani; and head of the team of rapporteurs for the colloquium, Chido Onumah, harped on timeliness of budget presentation.

It stressed that “the Executive and Legislature should adopt a more participatory budgeting process by widely consulting with the citizens and other stakeholders through public hearings.

Other resolutions from the forum include: “That a formal forum for pre-budget consultations and liaison between the Legislature and the Executive should be created in order to reduce the instances of disagreements and bickering between the two arms upon presentation of the Appropriation bill, passage and subsequent

implementation; “That the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) should be adopted as a benchmark for determining what projects to be included in the budget which should be equitably spread across the country; “That the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act should be strictly adhered to in the preparation and implementation of the budget while a holistic look at the Act should be considered to take care of observed deficiencies; that there should be effective tracking of projects and evaluation of budget expenditures to ensure transparency and accountability whilst the role of anti-corruption agencies in the budgetary process clearly defined and enhanced; “Multi-stakeholder consultations including the private sector, development partners and the media should be

undertaken for the budgetary process; and the media and civil society should improve their watchdog roles in monitoring the budgetary process,” the communiqué added.

Stakeholders at the colloquium which was chaired

by Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, with presentations from Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, and representative of the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma, also resolved on some recommendations.

These include calls for: “reform of the procedures of budgeting in the National Assembly to ensure better accountability, transparency and openness; making a budget law to cover the processes and procedures of the budgetary exercise with strengthening legislative oversight being a key focus; “That the National Assembly

Budget and Research Office (NABRO) should be established without further delay; and continual engagement of relevant stakeholders and to report on gains made with respect to the implementation of resolutions.”

The colloquium which also had Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu; fiscal governance expert and Lead Director at Centre for Social Justice (CENSOJ), Eze Onyekpere; and Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters (Senate) to the President, Sen. Ita Enang, in participation also commended OrderPaper.ng for “convening the conversation at such auspicious time in the country’s history and urged all stakeholders to continue to support the initiative.”

Members of the technical panel at the colloquium which had ‘Budget as a tool for Accelerated Economic Development in Nigeria’ as

theme were Sen. John Enoh, Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance; Sen. Shehu Sani, Chairman, Senate Committee on Domestic & Foreign Debts, and Hon. Kingsley Chinda, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts.

Others were Hon. Lawal Garba, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Constituency Outreach; Sen. Chris Anyanwu, member of the 6th and 7th Senate; Dapo Olorunyomi, Publisher, Premium Times; Victor Muruako, Acting Chairman Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC); and Imoni Amarere, Managing Director, News Services, Daar Communications.

The communiqué, which had earlier been read out and adopted by a unanimous voice vote by all participants at the colloquium, was the high point of the event which is billed to be an annual exercise, according to its organisers.

Abia Partners Turkey to Boost Local Manufacturing Capacity, Create Jobs Tobi Soniyi in Abuja As part of his determination to ensure that goods produced in Aba, Abia State compete favourably with those made in advanced countries, the State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu is reaching out to Turkey for technical support for local artisans.

Under the arrangement, not less than 50,000 local shoe and garment makers from the state will be trained by the Turkish business community.

Ikpeazu disposed this during a meeting between top officials of the state and Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Hakan

Cakil which took place at the Turkish Embassy in Abuja at the weekend. Many Turkish businessmen and women attended the meeting.

Our correspondent who attended the meeting reports that this new business partnership deal between the state government and the Turkish Government will boost the manufacturing and industrial base of the state to create more job opportunities for the people.

Speaking at the meeting, Ikpeazu said the partnership was sequel to his business trip to Istanbul, Turkey last year September. According to him,

the Abia State government decided to partner Turkey because of the similarities it shared with Abia in garment and shoe industries.

He said: “I thank the Turkish embassy to allow Abia to be a trail blazer once again. In September last year, I embarked on my first journey to Turkey.

We feel that the best thing was to begin to learn from Turkey. Abia and Turkey have so many things in common.

We have over 50,000 shoemakers. We believe that our people can learn so from the Turkish experience in making beautiful shoes and dresses.

“Our emphasis in Abia is

also on garment and leather works. That naturally took us to Turkey and we believe strongly that there is a lot for us to learn as a growing economy in Abia from Turkey.”

The governor was confident the result of the partnership would be seen almost immediately. He also stated that the State has some incentives for the people to make them succeed in the business.

“So, those who are prepared to key into this initiative will have full government support in terms of security, power, basic infrastructure like roads and even housing, going forward. Then we are also going

to be involved in marketing because we are looking at tomorrow Made in Turkey/ Made in Aba products exhibitions domiciled in Abia and elsewhere, maybe in Abuja, Lagos or even in Turkey. We want to export our skills and also learn from them”, Ikpeazu said. Also speaking, the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Cakil appreciated Nigerian business climate, saying it would be in the interest of both countries to cooperate.

He lauded the initiative between his country and Abia government, hoping that it would bear positive fruits. “We are doing our best to encourage

Turkish business investment in Nigeria. Nigeria is a very important country. We are making excellent cooperation.

“Abia state has rich natural resources and we have a very dynamic private sector in Turkey and the Turkish private sector has a growing interest in Nigeria. So, we hope that in the coming months or years, the Turkish private companies will invest in different areas in Abia.”

The meeting was attended by the three senators representing Abia State at the senate, Abia government officials and members of Turkish business community.

35

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

BUSINESSWORLD

DEVELOPMENT QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“As I have said in the past, we need to diversify the economy so that we will never again have to rely on one commodity to survive as a country. So that we can produce the food we eat, make our own textiles, produce most of the things we use and create the right environment for our young ones to be able to benefit and create jobs through technology. These have been the commitment and mandate of this administration” - PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI, SPEAKING AT THE 22ND NIGERIAN ECONOMIC SUMMIT IN ABUJA Kano, French Embassy Offer Scholarships to Students, Plan Water Project Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

Twelve States to Benefit from FG Water Interventions George Okoh in Makurdi Twelve states have started reaping various benefits from the Federal Government intervention in providing potable drinking water to various communities in different states in Nigeria.

Some lucky communities in Benue State, including Wurukum, NKST, Gaadi, Ogenge, Otese market in Gboko and Nyom were in jubilant mood recently as the Federal Government unveiled six water projects, with a call to the beneficiaries to protect the water projects that had been in use for the past one year.

A director in the federal Ministry of Water Resources, Mr. Idowu Adeniji, said the projects were World Bank-sponsored under the SDGs projects assistance, stressing that twelve states including Benue are benefiting from the programme.

The service provider, Dr. Michael Ale said the beneficiary communities did not lobby for the project but disclosed that they were able to get the water project by divine arrangement, and called on the host communities to guide, maintain and protect the project.

He explained that each of the water projects has a capacity for 45,000 cubic metres, adding that it is powered by solar energy panel and emphasised on the need for attitudinal change by host communities to maintain the projects.

Ale further advocated various incentives for communities that adequately maintain and protect the projects against vandals, just as he stated that all the projects were adequately safeguarded.

In his speech, a consultant with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources Dr. Festus Akinduni, called for the sustenance and duplication of the project by the State government, and stressed the need for the federal government to appropriate more funds for construction of such projects to address the water needs of the people.

Benue State Commissioner for Water

Water for all; still a pipe dream Resources and Environment Mr. Nick Wende, who appreciated the federal government efforts, noted that the project would impact positively on the lives of the people.

While pledging state government support to the project, Wende assured listeners that the state would partner the federal government to establish more of such projects in the State.

Adequate water provision has been a major development issue in Nigeria, with various organisations like WaterAid Nigeria and others urging government and other concerned stakeholders to ensure adequate supply of potable water to millions of Nigerians who are yet to gain access to the precious commodity.

Water provision is also one of the new 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were adopted at the landmark 70th General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA) which took place in New York, USA, in September 2015.

Beyond mere corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, private sector players have also been urged to play greater roles as being already demonstrated by major private sector and non-governmental organisations like Guinness Nigeria Plc, Dangote Foundation, ActionAid Nigeria, and the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), among others.

Kano state government and the Embassy of France in Nigeria have initiated a joint scholarship scheme to sponsor postgraduate training of 12 indigenes of the state every year, for the next three years, in reputable French universities.

To this end, the French envoy also announced plans to finance a 50 million Euro water management project in Kano within the next three years, as part of efforts to consolidate development cooperation between the two countries.

Under the arrangement, the Kano state government would provide accommodation, upkeep and travel expenses while the French embassy would take care of registration, tuition and health insurance for the beneficiaries, according to the state acting governor, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar.

The acting governor, who disclosed this at a ceremony at the Kano Government House recently, stated that the state government has already settled its own part of the students’ dues for one year, to facilitate the programme.

Giving highlights of the programme, Prof.

Abubakar explained that the state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje “personally decided that the offer should be dedicated to lectures of the states’ tertiary institutions”, adding that the beneficiaries are from Kano University of Technology, Northwest University and the State Polytechnic.

“The aim is to build the capacity of lecturers, and the initiative demonstrates the Ganduje administration’s commitment towards promoting learning and attaining higher education levels for citizens of the state”, he maintained.

Abubakar, who doubles as the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, stated that the candidates’ applications were meticulously preselected and interviewed by a selection committee of the French Embassy in Nigeria, which also sourced the universities that offered the admissions.

Describing the scholarship arrangement as the first of its kind in Kano and a demonstration of the cordiality between the state government and the French Embassy in Nigeria, the acting governor charged the beneficiaries to be good ambassadors of Nigeria by exhibiting excellence in character and learning.

He, therefore, thanked the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Denys Gauer, for his support to the government of Kano state, and expressed hope that the relationship would continue to flourish. The acting governor also presented 15 partial scholarships offered to indigenes of the state by Near East University, Cyprus, to study Engineering and Nursing at Doctorate, Masters and Undergraduate levels.

Under the arrangement, which is as a result of the good working relationship with the state government, the university would provide tuition and Value Added Tax for each student, while the state government would provide living and travelling expenses. In his remarks, the French ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gauer explained that the scholarship is aimed at strengthening bilateral relationship with Nigeria, especially Kano, adding that on completion of their studies, the beneficiaries, who were given admission to pursue courses in some of the highest achieving fields in France’s education sector, will add value to the economy of their state.

36

T H I S D AY THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13 2016

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

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

Nigeria Losing Billions of Dollars to Malaria With Nigeria losing over three billion dollars yearly due to the malaria scourge, experts are advocating for collaborative efforts against the disease in order to channel lost resources towards economic development. Martins Ifijeh writes

A

recent claim by the Society for Family Health (SFH) that about three billion US dollars is lost to malaria yearly in Nigeria due to out of pocket treatment and prevention cost, has again brought to the fore the amount that could be saved or used for developmental activities if malaria becomes a thing of the past in the country.

The said amount, according to SFH, could pay the annual salaries of 2.2 million Nigerians when using the present minimum wage as a template. And if channeled into developmental purposes, could play a big role in the economic revamping of the country.

According to SFH, malaria accounts for about six out of 10 out-patient visits and three of 10 admissions in healthcare facilities, adding that malaria accounts for 11 per cent of maternal mortality and three of 10 deaths in children less than five years.

This is even as experts have stated that the disease is a major cause of absenteeism in schools, offices and markets, thereby significantly and negatively affecting the economic growth of the country.

In the same vein, a recent publication in Malaria Journal suggests that it accounts for poor school performance, which on the long run has a toll on the economy, despite direct financial loss to treatment, advocacy and prevention of the scourge in low and middle income countries like Nigeria.

But health bodies and stakeholders have blamed the impact of the scourge on the lack of awareness by the citizens and caregivers about how to prevent and treat malaria, adding that when people are adequately empowered with appropriate health education to change their behaviour and use of malaria commodities, it would go a long way in reducing the burden of the scourge in the country.

“Only two of 10 caregivers use Artemisinin Combination Therapy, the gold standard, to treat malaria in children under five years. While only three out of 10 children receive treatment within 24 hours when they have malaria,” SFH study shows.

Even with the treatment, the health body’s statistics show that only one out of 20 children were tested before treatment and same with adults.

Speaking during a recent interactive meeting between SFH, National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) and health writers in Lagos recently, the Managing Director, SFH, Mr. Bright Ekweremadu noted that the number of lives lost, as well as the financial implication of the scourge can be prevented through adequate knowledge and information on the part of caregivers and the citizens.

He said with awareness, it would be easy for every household to own Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLITN), which according to him prevents mosquito bites. “Without the bites, there is definitely no malaria,” Ekweremadu noted.

He decried the poor use of LLITN for those who already own it. “Despite the availability of the nets to millions of families in the country, careful study shows that only 35 per cent of owners use them,” adding that Nigerians should embrace the use of the nets in preventing themselves and their families from the scourge.

Despite the apathy in the use of nets, the SFH boss believed malaria control interventions in Nigeria has evolved over the years, and professionals in the field have made laudable strides in the campaign for the prevention, appropriate diagnosis, and treatment of the health issue.

“In the last five years, we have distributed over 54 million LLITNs in Nigeria as part of the universal campaigns to protect an estimated 29 million households. Access to free and/or highly subsidised Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) improved significantly, both in the public and private sectors. Also, we deployed tools for diagnosis and prevention

L-R: Director, Centre for Malaria Care, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Prof. Olugbenga Makuolu; Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw and Managing Director, Society for Family Health, Mr. Bright Ekweremadu at the interactive meeting with health writers in Lagos ...recently

of malaria in the country, based on evidence from researches.

“However, not all Nigerians are sufficiently aware of these creditable developments, and there still exist a huge information gap and relevant knowledge about diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Hence the need for continuous engagement of mass communication practitioners,” he said.

He noted that the Society’s goal was to reduce malaria burden to pre-elimination level and to bring malaria-related mortality to zero by 2020, adding that SFH objective includes provision of appropriate preventive measures by year 2020 to least 80 per cent of the target population “We also hope to test all care-seeking persons with suspected malaria using Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) or microscopy by 2020, treat all individuals with confirmed malaria seen in private or public facilities with the effective anti-malarial drug by 2020, as well as provide adequate information to all Nigerians such that at least 80 per cent of the populace habitually take appropriate malaria preventive and treatment

The amount of money lost yearly to malaria treatment and prevention in the country can pay the annual salaries of 2.2 million Nigerians when using the present minimum wage as a template

measures as necessary by 2020,” he added.

While calling on the media to help in drawing the attention of Nigerians to the disease and its mode of prevention and treatment, he called for the use of ACTs for treatment.

On his part, the Director, Centre for Malaria Care, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and a Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health, Prof.

Olugbenga Makuolu, said Nigerians should stop calling the disease ‘ordinary malaria’ as it is a fatal disease that has killed millions of Nigerians.

“Malaria is not ordinary in Nigeria because it is responsible for one quarter of all infant related deaths and one third of deaths in children under five years in the country. Nigeria also accounts for one third of global malaria deaths,” he explained.

According to him, those more at risk were people suffering from sickle cell disease, poor people living in rural areas who lack access to healthcare, people who have little or no immunity to malaria like children and pregnant women, travellers coming from areas with no malaria, and people who have had their spleens removed.

While explaining that the symptoms of malaria includes fever, headache, vomiting, among others, he stated that there was no reliable symptom that can make one certain he or she has malaria. “The best practise is to have your blood tested for the presence of the parasite, because not all fever, cold, loss of appetite translates to malaria,” he said.

Makuolu, who called for mass action, especially from the citizens, media and stakeholders, said severe malaria must be treated as a medical emergency, such that the persons have to be admitted and given critical care. “Malaria should never be treated as a common ailment. It is lethal,” he stressed.

According to the National Coordinator, NMEP, Dr. Audu Bala Mohammed, malaria can, and will be reduced to zero in the country, but all interventions by the government and other partners must be embraced for it to be achieved.

He said the media has a critical role to play in educating the populace on the need to use LLITNs, need for proper diagnosis and the

right use of drugs for treatment.

Mohammed, who was represented by a Director with the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Perpetual Uhomoibhi, said over 100 million LLITNs have been distributed across the country, but the usage was between 40 to 50 per cent.

“Next year, we intend to distribute LLITN in 17 states, and we implore the people to make use of the advantage and use the nets,” he added.

Also lending her voice to the fight against malaria, Nollywood star, Kate Henshaw at the interactive meeting, decried the attitude of Nigerians who look down on the sickness or consider it with condescending familiarity despite the harm it causes.

Henshaw stated, “In those days, people spoke about malaria as if it belonged to them with expressions like ‘I have malaria,’ ‘my malaria’ and ‘ordinary malaria.’ Surprisingly, after many years, these terms are still common place among family members, colleagues, and friends, irrespective of class or level of education.”

She declared, “I have committed myself to support the fight against malaria by letting people know the benefits of sleeping inside LLITNs, especially for children under five and pregnant women. It is also very important to have a Rapid Diagnostic Test done or microscopy done to be sure it is malaria before administering treatment with Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy – (ACT.” The actress and TV personality urged concerted action to create awareness. She affirmed, “The starting point for behaviour change is the right knowledge. Poor education should not be a barrier in this 21st Century when we have access to television, radio, internet, etc. It is time for the media to take up the challenge of creating malaria-based programmes to promote prevention, diagnosis and treatment for a malaria-free Nigeria by 2020.

“These programmes will help debunk several malaria-related myths such as ‘malaria is caused by standing in the sun, eating oily meals, witchcraft, working for too long, bad water, bad air and much more. It is time for everyone to take action against malaria,” she stressed.

37

T H I S D AY THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

NEWS

Malaria Killed 192, 284 Nigerians in 2015, Says Expert 143,689 died from HIV/AIDS, 131,873 from diarrhea Stories by Martins Ifijeh In 2015, malaria remained the leading cause of death in Nigeria with 192,284 deaths recorded, followed by HIV/ AIDS with 143,689 deaths, while diarrhea became the third top causes of death with 131,873 deaths, according to the Executive Director, Centre for Healthy Star Initiative and Global Burden of Disease Collaborator, Dr. Bolajoko Olusanya.

She said while malaria remains the leading cause of death in Nigeria, the number of deaths caused by scourge fell from 227,645 in 1990 to 192,284 in 2015.

According to her, malaria death figures can be further reduced when the National Malaria Elimination Programme of the Federal Ministry of Health is supported, adding that the universally accepted interventions of the programme can further reduce the death rates yearly if every Nigerian support and follow the interventions.

“These interventions include prompt and effective case management, intermittent prevention treatment of malaria

in pregnancy and the integrated vector management with the use of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLITNs), residual spraying and environmental management.”

According to her, unfavourable health-seeking behaviour resulting from poor perceptions, need to be addressed through a better public understanding of malaria and related issues, especially in rural communities, adding that, malaria in pregnancy is a major source of avoidable deaths. “The problem of malaria resistant drugs also needs to be addressed,” she adds.

Olusanya said several nations in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria were rebounding from high death rates due to HIV/AIDS, while child deaths were falling fast, as were illnesses related to infectious diseases. “But each country has its own specific challenges and improvements, from fewer suicides in France, to lower death rates on Nigerian roadways, to a reduction in asthma-related deaths in Indonesia.

“Nigerians are living longer

lives than they were 25 years ago, according to a new scientific analysis of more than 300 diseases and injuries in 195 countries. However, such progress is threatened by increasing numbers of people suffering from serious health challenges related to childhood wasting, unsafe water sources, and unsafe sex,” she added.

According to her, these and other significant health findings were being published

in a dedicated issue of The Lancet as part of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD).

The study, she said, draws on the work of more than 1,800 collaborators in nearly 130 countries and territories.

She said other findings of GBD for Nigeria include, “a child born in Nigeria in 2015 can expect to live to the age of 65, while that child’s parent, born in 1990, has a

life expectancy of 54. While the world has made great progress in reducing deaths of young children, globally 5.8 million children under the age of five died in 2015. Of that global figure, 726,576 of those children were in Nigeria. The number of under five deaths in Nigeria in 1990 was 855,261,” she explained.

Olusanya said despite the mortality rate for three neonatal outcomes is decreas-

ing, neonatal sepsis, neonatal encephalopathy due to birth asphyxia and trauma, and neonatal preterm birth complications account for 5.55 per cent, 4.12 per cent and 2.91 per cent of total deaths, respectively.

“Nigeria has made progress in reducing the maternal mortality ratio, which fell from 471 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 285 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015,” she said.

Visit Hospitals at Least Four Times, MamaYe Tells Pregnant Women MamaYe, an evidence-based advocacy non governmental organisation, championing the health of women and children, has called on pregnant Nigerian women to have at least four antenatal visits if their pregnancy is progressing normally.

It said the first visit should be within the first three months of pregnancy and not later than four months, the next visit should be within six months, then eight months, while the last one should be at the ninth month.

Stating this during the training of Super Activists on Maternal and Newborn Health in Abeokuta recently, MamaYe said Campaign Lead, Mrs. Fola Richie-Adewusi, each visit should include care appropriate to the woman’s overall condition and stage of pregnancy, as well as help her for prepare for birth and care of the newborn.

According to her, if problems or potential problems that will affect the pregnancy are detected, the frequency of antenatal visits should be increased.

She said when a pregnant woman goes for her first antenatal visit, the doctor was expected to carry out a general examination and find out about her medical and family history. “During further visits, tests are expected to be carried out to know the growth and development of the baby and the mother’s health. In this way, any problem can be treated quickly and appropriately.”

Explaining, Richie-Adewusi said most of the maternal and child deaths occur when adequate antenatal visits or

proper examinations are not done during the course of the pregnancy, adding that every pregnant woman should consider it a priority to have the recommended antenatal visits, as this would guarantee a positive outcome during and after delivery for her and the baby.

She also harped on the need for pregnant women to deliver at health facilities with the help of skilled birth attendants. “This is very important because the pregnant women can be assisted if any complication arises.

Also lending his voice, the Country Director, MamaYe, Dr. Babatunde Segun said in reducing maternal and newborn deaths in the country, there should be functional blood banks for screened bloods to be kept for emergencies.

“This is very important because the highest killers of pregnant women is bleeding.

Magnesium sulphate should also be present in all health facilities because eclampsia is a one of the highest cause of death in pregnant women.”

He said when these are put in place coupled with a functional health system with adequate funding, maternal health will improve in the country.

“Also, for the newborn, prematurity is one of the highest killers, we need to have functioning equipments to deal with this,” he added.

He therefore called on the trained super activists to ensure they champion causes on maternal and newborn health in their communities, as only collective efforts can reduce maternal and newborn deaths in the country.

FOR SAFE, ACCESSIBLE WATER

Executive Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom drinking water as Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria, Peter Ndegwa looks on during the commissioning of a water project donated by Guinness Nigeria to Tyowange community in Benue State ...recently

NAFDAC Seizes Food, Drug 250,000 Nigerians are Battling Items from Ondo Stores Infertility,SaysSenatorTejuosho James Sowole in Akure The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has seized food items and cosmetics worth thousands of Naira during a recent raid on some supermarkets and stores in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The NAFDAC Coordinator for Ondo State, Mr. Wole Ojo, disclosed the seizure of the items during the presentation of awards for NAFDAC Consumer Safety Club winners among secondary schools for 2015 competition, at the Conference Hall of the Federal Secretariat, Akure.

Ojo said the seized items were either without NAFDAC numbers or without expiry dates expressing surprise that the items were seized from leading stores that people trust to be selling genuine products.

The coordinator said with the seizure, consumers should be patient when making shopping of items and check for necessary information on items before buying them in order to safeguide their health.

He said apart from confiscating the items, owners of retail outlets from where the items were seized were fined various sums of money as a way to warn them.

Ojo during the presentation of prizes to winners in both senior and junior secondary schools categories, said the agency’s operations are hampered by lack of logistics and commitment on the part of some personnel that were engaged to monitor and enforce rules. “You can imagine that the Ondo State office of NAFDAC has only one Toyota Hilux Van to operate. How many places can the enforcement and monitoring teams go to in a day”?

The coordinator also berated lack of faithfulness on personnel manning NAFDAC desks in local government areas, saying the agency has received complaints of extortion by officers from people in various local government areas.

“Ordinarily, these NAFDAC desk officers in local governments were expected to bring services and enforcement closer to the grassroots, but the myriads of complaints that we received on a daily basis made us to close their operations in councils.

“These complaints come mainly from local governments in Ondo South and which if not controlled will affect the credibility of NAFDAC,” he said.

Over 250,000 Nigerian couples are currently battling with infertility in the country, Senate Chairman, Committee on Health, Senator LanreTejuosho has said. He said the issue of childlessness was often blamed on the women, even though reports suggest 50 per cent of infertility problems were caused by men.

“This perception does not represent the reality, as the causes of infertility are often shared between males and females,” he said.

Tejuosho, who spoke during the ‘Merck More than a Mother’ initiative by Merck Pharmaceuticals in Lagos, said one in four Nigerian couples have infertility challenge, adding that this statistics needs some attention.

“We need to focus on how we will make the health institutions accessible to them for infertility management.”

While decrying stigmatisation of women due to fertility challenges, he called for increased advocacy so that men will also know it is not an exclusive problem of the women.

“When men are also very enlightened on this, they will have the courage to come out with their wives to seek treatment, so that treatment efforts can be directed accordingly.

Awareness and education can greatly reduce the high number of infertility in the country,” he added.

Noting that the federal government was putting all efforts on ground to ensure healthcare centres were strengthened across the country, Tejuosho explained that within the next two years, there would be 10,000 functioning health centres across political wards of the country.

He also noted that the legislature will close ranks during health budgeting to make sure health centres have the capacity to attend to infertility issues.

Lending his voice, the Chief Social Officer, Merck Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Rasha Kelej, said the main reason for the establishment of Merck was to empower women in Africa and also to create awareness to change the mindset of people against infertility.

“We are here in Africa to empower women to create awareness, information, health and change of mindset. It makes me sad listening to stories on stigmatisation, especially when only the women are blamed for infertility. Men do not want to admit the fact that they can be the cause of infertility as well.

38

T H I S D AY THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

HEALTH

‘I Want Nigerians to Have World Class Dental Services’ Dr. Hitesh Gangaramani is an Indian citizen and Chief Consultant at Family Dental Care in Lagos. In this interview with Peter Uzoho, he speaks on the importance of good dental care, amongst others. Excerpts What inspired you to go into this line of business?

People by nature are always looking to be presentable, socially accepted and admired. While facials and other external beautification techniques get share of wallet, there is a demand and a big market for dental contribution to beautification. People nowadays make adequate provision in their budgets for the improvement of their facials, including dental care.

I also discovered that Africa was lagging behind in access to first world class dental facilities, with many Africans travelling to USA and Europe to have these procedures done.

So Family Dental Care saw this human need as a call to service.

Despite the business condition in the country, what gives you the confidence to establish here?

Interestingly, Nigeria is one of the biggest economies in Africa. Contrary to what people believe, the country accepts diversity and has hard working people. Nigerians are highly educated and exceptionally well-travelled.

It’s a place where people are welcomed and accommodated irrespective of where they come from.

The challenges which make life difficult are real but not peculiar to Nigeria.

Every country in one way or the other faces hard times.

Nigerians are well groomed and take pride in putting their best forward.

However, Nigeria has seen many of its people seek quality dental treatment by travelling to Europe, so setting up world class dental facility in Nigeria would make world class dental services available locally and to a bigger section of the population.

Furthermore, Nigeria’s increasing aspirational middle class that is pursuing careers in arts, fashion, entertainment, and television, understands the importance of making a great first impression with a great smile.

What is unique about your services?

Family Dental Clinic is known for its creative, beautiful, fully functional multi-specialty dental office equipped with the latest dental equipments and materials. With computeraided dental software, unique individual patent profiles predicting before and after treatment, results are delivered in real time.

Our practice consists of fully computerised surgeries with media systems, x-ray rooms and a very welcoming, comfortable, spacious and relaxing waiting room. Our dedicated staff and state of the art equipment can provide every dental care required.

We perform simple procedures from cleaning and tooth extraction to complex

cosmetic dentistry procedures and dental veneers on a daily basis. We also provide similar treatments locally, thus saving you cost and time. Now whether it is a face to face or online job interview, your confidence and that radiating smile are sure to produce favourable first impressions.

And even if it’s a simple ‘selfie’ for the digital space, that radiating smile is sure to get a lot of likes.

What is your assessment of dental awareness and hygiene in Africa?

Dental awareness and proper dental hygiene is lacking in Africa. That does not mean that people do not make attempts to take care of their teeth by way of routine brushing with pastes, dental floss and mouthwash. Tooth care however goes beyond that.It involves regular dental check-ups, knowing what to and what not to eat.

We believe in educating people about dental hygiene, dental procedures and about cosmetic dentistry.

Through a variety of community programmes, patients of all ages are becoming more aware of oral care. We blend commercial dental procedures with free community dental services to increase awareness of good dental discipline.

Why is it necessary to seek the services of a dentist?

Some people are gifted to have a great set of teeth and naturally have a great smile, while others seek the services of a good dentist to get a great smile.

The end results are the same, which means a better first impression and greater self-confidence. Dentistry has seen an evolution where an experienced dentist not only provides traditional oral hygiene but also a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Plus matters of the teeth are always a sensitive subject and getting the right advice at the right time is of paramount importance.

What are the services available to patients?

We have a variety of dental services in our outlet which are devoted to ensuring that every patient has a service that cares for his or her dental problem, including tooth scaling and polishing, fillings and restorations, digital IOPA and panoramic X-rays,digital case study and smile design, extractions and wisdom surgeries, and orthodontic treatments (root canals).

Others include: full range of cosmetic dentistry such as composite and porcelain veneers whitening enameloplasty, orthodontic treatments using metal, ceramic braces and invisible aligners; dental implants;dentures, and micro polishing.

You dentists always talk

Dr. Gangaramani

about dental veneers. What are they?

A veneer is a layer of material placed over a tooth to improve its aesthetics, recreate a natural look, correct the colour and size of the tooth or to protect it from damage.

It also provides strength and resilience to the tooth’s surface.

Veneers are either made of a composite material or dental porcelain.

What are the aftercares once veneers have been put on?

After the placement of porcelain veneers, patients should commit themselves to good oral hygiene regiments; regular visits to the dentist, and generally, healthy lifestyles.

This helps to ensure the

longevity of the veneers, not to mention good oral health.

Also, with proper care, veneers are much more likely to reach the 20 year mark.

Along with regular visits to a general dentist, routine brushing and flossing are most important to protect the longevity of the veneers.

Although the porcelain itself is not subject to decay, when the underlying tooth structure is damaged by cavities, this can damage the veneer. In many cases, after the cavity is repaired, the tooth is no longer able to support a new veneer.

Good oral care is also important because it helps prevent gum disease and receding gums, which can compromise the appearance of

veneers. Because the porcelain ends at the gum line, if the tissue recedes, the edge of the veneer will become visible, and the entire restoration may need to be replaced.

Patients should be diligent about frequent brushing and flossing, but they should also be careful to avoid overly vigorous brushing, as this can also compromise periodontal health.

What is your advice to those who pay less attention to dental care?

People should realise that cosmetic dental surgery has made huge strides in treating a variety of dental conditions.

They should be up to date with regular check-ups and maintain good oral hygiene.

Veneer requirements have seen many people travel to Europe and America to undergo the treatment.

This adds to the financial strain especially during the current difficult economic times.

Habits such as nail biting, chewing ice, and using teeth to open packages are already harmful to teeth, leading to cracks, chips, and dental erosion.

Dental patients should avoid stain-producing substances such as coffee, tea, wine, berries, soy sauce, and tomato sauce. Smoking is perhaps the most notorious culprit for dental staining. Should these stains occur, these can be easily removed by scaling and polishing.

‘Nigeria has Only 41 Orthodontists for 180 Million Citizens’ Majority are concentrated in the South-west, expert says Martins Ifijeh The Nigerian Association of Orthodontists (NAO), has stated that all over the country, there were only 41 registered orthodontist for the over 180 million persons in the country.

Speaking during the 10th annual conference of the association, the immediate past President of the association, Prof. Olayinka Otuyemi, said the dearth of orthodontists was affecting treatment of patients, hence the need for steps to be taken to increase the number.

According to him, Brazil with about 190 million people has over 250,000 orthodontists, whereas Nigeria has a paltry 41 of them.

“We need to develop

capacity and government really needs to come in to improve facilities for training because most of our hospitals in terms of facilities are not doing well,” he said.

Olayinka, who spoke on Contemporary Management of Adult Orthodontic Patients, said over the years, the type of patient seeking orthodontic treatment has changed from adolescent patients to adult patients, adding that globally the percentage of adults seeking treatment has increased to 25 per cent.

“We need to understand ways of treating adult patients, as they are quite different from adolescents in terms of behavioral, managerial and the problem they are having,” he added.

Also, the General Secretary

of the association, Dr. Nkiru Folaranmi, said awareness and training of post graduate students was needed despite the fact that dentists find it difficult to settle in Nigeria.

According to him, part of the reason for the dearth of orthodontists was because many of them do not want to practise in the country. “We are calling on young dentists to major in orthodontics because only few are present in the country and the workload is overwhelming.”

He called on the government to focus on improving graduate training programmes, so that both more specialists will be graduating in medicine and dentistry.

Also speaking, the immediate past president of NAO, Dr. Oluranti Da Costa, called

on the government to join the association in raising awareness on the importance of the specialty.

He said orthodontics was not all about cosmetic treatment, but therapeutic as well.

“We also tackle disfiguration in patients with facial abnormalities.“Another important thing is that the very few orthodontics in the country are concentrated in the Southwest.

There is need to be evenly distribution across the country,” she added.

On his part, the Vice President of the association, Dr. Babtunde Ogunbanjo, said the notion that orthodontic treatment was only meant for children should be discarded as adult patients were becoming on the rise.

39

T H I S D AY THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

HEALTH

Poor Sex, Diabetes, HBP, Infertility: The Stem Cell Therapy David Ikudayisi Many of the ailments afflicting humanity have medications.

And that is why human beings can survive in the face of some of the ailments that sometimes can be deadly. Poor sex may not be deadly. It can only limit the victim’s degree of sexual pleasure. But diabetes and high blood pressure, among others, can prove to be fatal if improperly handled. One of the most recent recipes for tackling some of these ailments is regenerative medicine and it involves the use of stem cell therapy and platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP).

It is very important to understand that there are two main types of stem cells - embryonic stem (ES) cells and adult stem cells. The former type involves using embryos as source of cells while the latter involves using cells harvested from an individual or adult.

Other types, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), are produced in the lab by reprogramming adult cells to express embryonic stem cells characteristics.

The type of stem cell therapy that we are talking about here is the adult stem cell therapy, and this uses a patient’s own body fat or bone marrow as the source of stem cells, unlike the controversial embryonic stem cell therapy.

Regenerative medicine aims to restore normal function by repairing or replacing damaged or malfunctioning cells and tissues in patients who have lost tissue or organ function due to age, disease or congenital defects. With PRP therapy, the growth factors in the blood activate the healing process at a faster rate. And with adult stem cell therapy, the stem cells in adult fat/ bone marrow can differentiate into any tissue where they find themselves. Adult stem cell therapy is new in Nigeria but the Nigerian doctors are well aware of the use of bone marrow transplant for blood disease called leukemia, and, in the past, PRP therapy has been used in at least one of our teaching hospitals in Lagos, and some doctors in Nigeria are now using the therapy.

One ailment too many The benefits of adult stem

cell therapy are enormous, and there is much more to be discovered. The basic way to understand who will benefit is simply knowing that if there is need to repair and/regenerate any part of the human tissue/ organ, then Adult Stem Cell Therapy with/without PRP Therapy may be an option.

An exception is the treatment of cancer, Adult Stem cell Therapy can be used for shrink prostate and brain cancer the same day the stem cells are harvested from the patient, but not for the rest of the cancers without first doing tissue engineering of the stem cells in the research laboratories.

For some of the common treatable ailments, they are in two categories: Local and systemic applications. Under applications, you have ailments such as multiple joint pain, back pain, meniscal tears, ligament tears, avascular necrosis of the hip joints, facet arthropathy, plantar fasciitis, post-surgical hip pain, chronic non-healing wounds, dental procedures, hair thinning, erectile dysfunction, female sexual dysfunction, female urinary incontinence and cosmetic/aesthetic applica-

tions (vampire facial, vampire facelift, vampire breast and nipple lift).

The ailments treatable under systemic applications include diabetes, hypertension, aging (generalized treatment), fatigue, fibromyalgia, chronic kidney disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, congestive heart failure, heart attack (myocardial infarction), stroke, brain injury, Alzheimer’s Disease, autism, spinal cord injury, leukemia, COPD (lung disease), Crohn’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and infertility, etc. As for the Infertility treatment, it increases the chances of becoming fertile and/or the success rate of In vitro fertilization (IVF).

Regulation MDCN regulates all practices of medicine in Nigeria. Although adult stem cell therapy may be new, PRP therapy is not new as it is common among doctors in Nigeria.

Embryonic stem cell is not being practiced in Nigeria to the best of my knowledge, and that is not what we are currently talking about anyway.

Also, I am not aware of any

research going on or being conducted by the Nigerian government or a hospital about induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) therapy.

Side effects No. The stem cell treatment we are talking about is autologous, i.e. taken from the same patient that will be the recipient.

Therefore, there is no risk of rejection of the transplant. Let me also say that the PRP in Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy has antimicrobial properties.

Challenges introducing procedure Adult cell therapy is relatively new in Nigeria. Unfortunately, and unlike in the USA, most Nigerians do not believe in preventive medicine. They only go to doctors when it is almost too late or at the precarious stage of their conditions. I do not blame them because the main reason of delaying seeking health care is the associated financial cost. I hope that, one day, we will get to that level of health care system that is available in developed countries.

Awareness

We are just trying to create awareness on regenerative medicine in Nigeria. Nigerians keep travelling to India to get some of the procedures done including the ones involving by adult stem cell therapy. It will be great if many of the Nigerian doctors in USA, U.K. and other advanced countries, who practice regenerative medicine, will consider bringing their practice and knowledge home for the larger population of Nigerians to also benefit. I am not asking them to do pro bono because I understand the cost implication of my request, but, at least, let us start from somewhere. Nigeria too can become a center for medical tourism in Africa because of regenerative medicine. There is a future for Nigeria in the medical world. For example, open heart surgery was performed in 2015 at Babcock University, and there are some world class Intensive Care Units in Nigeria that I am personally aware of.

Why should access stem cell therapy Stem cell therapy is not for everyone. Adult Stem Cell Therapy can reverse the symptoms of some diseases,

it aims at regenerating and/or repairing the damaged tissue in the body which conventional treatment does not do. There is limited life span for surgical and other procedures; there is a limitation for surgery for spinal problems. For example, not everyone with bad knee joint wants to go for knee surgery, if it is treatable by another means, especially if the patient prefers to use his own body to heal himself.

Cost implication Due to its relative newness like any other new therapy or drug or procedure, it is expensive all over the world, regardless of where it is done. But I expect it to be affordable for all and sundry in future.

Where it can be procured There are centers in Ikeja GRA, Lekki, Ikoyi, Abuja. I believe there may be more where patients can be treated using adult stem cells and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy without having to travel abroad.

Ikudayisi is of Glory Wellness and Regenerative Centre. The centre can be reached via info@ glorywellness.org

L-R: Vice President, Africa Fertility Society, Dr. James Olobo-lalobo; Member of Parliament, Kenya, Hon. Joyce Lay; Dr. Joe Simpson; Chairman Senate Committee on Health, Senator Lanre Tejuoso; Chief Social Officer, Merck Healthcare, Dr. Rasha Kelej; President, African Fertility Society, Prof.Oladapo Ashiru; Intercontinental Region, Merck, Yiannis Viontzos and Commissioner for Health, Ogun State, Dr. Faye Iketubosin, during the ‘Merck More than a Mother’ launch in Lagos ...recently

Fire Prevention Week: Experts Call for Separation of Auditing, Regulation Roles Omolabake Fasogbon As the world celebrates the 2016 Fire Prevention Week, experts have advised the Federal Government to consider separating the regulatory work of the fire service from the auditing function, for the purpose of efficiency of roles and to limit cases of fire outbreak even as they lament weak enforcement of safety rules in the country.

According to African Centre for Life and Fire Safety (ACLFS),a subsidiary of NFPAWA,as much as there are laws and regulations guiding fire and safety activities in the country, government needs

to step up its efforts in the area of enforcement to make sure that workers and every other persons are safe.

The Centre’s Lead Consultant, Antonia Beri,who expressed disappointment in poor safety compliance level of both individual and companies, identified both auditing and strict enforcement of related laws as being vital to preventing fire outbreak and noted that much are expected from the three tiers of government in these areas.

She added: “Besides this, government should work at ensuring the independence of the regulatory and auditing

sections as different entities .In other words, there should be a clear boundary between these two functions, otherwise, it can compel conflict of interest.

The government alone cannot serve as the regulator and the auditor, separating these roles will also build a platform whereby these offices can be held accountable and responsible in a transparent manner.

“While the government can maintain its role strictly as the standard setting body, it should empower and certify accredited and credible auditing consultant to work with the enforcement unit.The auditing section

should be made to operate neutrally, outside the fire service. While I also recommend that auditing should be made a zonal factor just like the set up of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), whereby certain people are responsible for certain zones.

This will enable a structure that will permit simple and smaller unit, where enforcement and monitoring can be handled by professionals,” Beri stated. Speaking on this year’s theme,:’Don’t Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years’, she pointed that Nigerians are yet to wake up to the reality of

the importance of smoke alarm as a disaster averting device.

While a factor of corporate organisations are open and safety conscious through their pro active steps, the response, particularly, in our individual homes could be very poor.

She said: “It is quite disheartening that despite the expensive cases of fire incidents being recorded in the country, we have failed to learn.The smoke alarm serves as an active fire system that gives an alert once there is an incidence and gives more time to go out of a building in an orderly and safe manner.”

In celebrating the Fire Prevention Week, she said

the Centre, being a service provider committed to best practices in risk mitigation and ensuring life safety, has taken It as a point of duty to reach out to schools to intimate and educate school owners, teachers and students on why and what they needed to do to stay safe.

The 2016 Fire Prevention Week commenced October 9th and ends October 15th.

It is celebrated globally to raise awareness of practices that can help prevent fire disasters and to recognize the work of the fire-fighters.It is also celebrated to commemorate particularly famous and devastating fires in individual communities.

40

THURSDAY OCTOBER 13, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY THURSDAY OCTOBER 13, 2016

41

42

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

Okonkwo: Nigeria’s FX Policy Geared to Attract Dollar Inflow Obinna Chima The Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo yesterday said the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) foreign exchange (FX) policy was geared to attract more dollar inflows into the country.

Okonkwo said this in an address he presented at the October breakfast session of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) titled: “Driving Growth in the Non-oil Sector,” that took place in Lagos.

According to Okonkwo, the key to growing the value of the naira remains the diversification of country’s revenue base through non-oil exports to correct the current trade imbalance. He also pointed out that there have been concerted efforts across the board to change the current revenue paradigm.

The bank CEO who was represented by an Executive Director of the bank, Nneka Onyali- Ekpe, pointed out that the CBN’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) of N40 billion was aimed at transforming Nigeria from net importers of rice and wheat to net exporters.

The combined import bill of these two commodities was

estimated at $2 billion in 2013 The global marketplace is a free-market economy and will punish you if you don’t have competitive and comparative advantages,” he said.

He identified some key imperatives to fast track growth in the non-oil sector to include: infrastructure development, saying that bullish drive in the area of infrastructure development was neede to reduce business operating cost.

Furthermore, he said emphasis should be on how to improve power, transport (railways/ seaports), storage facilities for agricultural produce and broadband penetration.

In addition, he said there was need for intra-regional trade enhancement, saying that more work was required on the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme to facilitate the seamless flow of trade into the ECOWAS Sub-region.

He also said there was need to improve security and enabling business environment, saying it was needed to encourage new entrants and also improve foreign direct investments (FDIs); more streamlined and expedited business registration and incorporation process and

favourable tax and other fiscal regimes.

Increased Focus on Agriculture Valuechain- (A) Deliberate plan to enhance farm inputs (i.e. improved seeds, fertilizer and allied products, etc.) and mechanization to drive increased yield/hectare (B) Establishment of a functional Agro Commodity Exchange Market in Nigeria to attract big ticket investments in the Agric Space.

The Fidelity Bank boss listed the key imperatives for non-oil exporters to include a clear understanding of the export market by prospective exporter; procurement of a valid export contract(s); goods being exported must conform with relevant quality and standards of both home country and destination country; and that goods being exported must be well packaged.

Others include proper record keeping practices, improved corporate governance structures and processes (i.e. financial control, proper book keeping, succession planning, etc.), effective financial management system (planning and budgeting, optimal capital structure, etc.), branding and product differentiation.

Survey Shows Rapid Growth in Online Shopping in Nigeria At 51 per cent, the 2016 Online Shopping Survey Report by Phillips Consulting has revealed that in-store shopping is still the preferred mode of shopping

by Nigerians.

The survey obtained by THISDAY yesterday surveyed 3,390 consumers. However, the latest result when compared with similar Online Shopping survey carried out by the firm in 2014, showed a significant increase in those who prefer to shop online than in-store, which was 49 per cent. The survey revealed the degree to which the adoption of online shopping was accelerating in Nigeria.

Virtually all respondents (97%) currently shop online at least a few times per year, up from 2014’s value of 75 per cent.

While shopping, the largest share of respondents (28%) spend between N50,000 – N100,000 shopping online within a year, a value that remained largely unchanged from the 2014 results.

However, the survey highlighted that “despite the unchanged value of online spending by each customer, the large increase in the number of shoppers and the frequency of their shopping indicate an overall increase in revenue in

the online retail space.”

The survey also highlighted several customer preferences while shopping online.

Specifically, it pointed out that convenience remained a critical factor, as most consumers enjoy the luxury of being able to shop from home (21%) and at any time of the day (15%).

Furthermore, it stated that online shoppers are also becoming increasingly sophisticated as they demand more from the online shopping experience, such as a wider variety of products, better deals and the availability of customer reviews.

With regards to preferred products, most are likely to buy consumer electronics (23%) clothing and footwear (23%) and household appliances (15%).

The pay-on-delivery system was highlighted as an online shopping trend that showed no signs of decline among Nigerian shoppers; 78 per cent prefer to pay for items upon delivery, rather than pay in advance.

It also stated that cash and point of sales (PoS) payments was equally on the increase, as 39 per cent of respondents preferred these payment options.

However, when asked about the problems they experience most frequently while shopping, the respondents still have issues

with the delivery process as over 22 per cent of all problems experienced while shopping were due to deliveries that are either delayed or do not arrive at all. This was onsistent with the 2014 findings as well.

Confirming the Nigerian digital revolution, mobile devices were revealed as the most common devices used by customers for shopping online. The proliferation of affordable smart phones in Nigeria played an important role in the improved adoption of online shopping.

Precisely, about 55 per cent of respondents use this medium to shop online, while 45 per cent shop using desktop computers.

When shopping on mobile devices, most (55%) prefer to use the retailer’s mobile website, instead of using the retailer’s mobile app (37%) or a social media app such as Facebook or Instagram (8%), showing that shopping via social media is still an emerging trend in Nigeria.

When asked about their preferred online retailers, respondents strongly favoured Jumia (46%; up from 38% in 2014) and Konga (32%; up from 25% in 2014), both superstores that have been in operation since 2012.

Abiru Urges Lenders to Promote Financial Literacy The Group Managing Director/ CEO, Skye Bank Plc, Tokunbo Abiru yesterday urged banks to continuously improve the level of financial literacy among the youths.

Speaking at the Bankers’ Committee meeting in Lagos, the bank chief said the committee unanimously agreed that the banking industry should act in unity to ensure that financial education is

promoted in schools across the six geopolitical zones.

He said the committee agreed that each of the commercial banks take at least, two schools in each of the six geopolitical zones.

“Part of what we discussed was the need to continuously improve on financial literacy.

And one of the resolutions is for the entire industry to act as one, to play an active role in

the forthcoming World Savings Day Celebration on October 30,” Abiru said.

He explained that part of the role of the banks was to ensure that each of the banks take on at least, two public schools in each of the six geopolitical zones of the country. “We suggested that at least 12 public schools will be taken up by each bank for this years’ event,” he said.

Okonkwo

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

JUNE 2016 Broad Money (M2)

21,684,965.22

-- Narrow Money (M1)

9,125,933.16

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,379,187.93

---- Demand Deposits

7,746,745.22

-- Quasi Money

12,559,032.07

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

7,105,663.47

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

14,579,301.76

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

24,318,143.03

---- Credit to Government (Net)

2,893,190.01

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

2,893,190.01

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

-2,111,487.25

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

21,424,953.01

--Other Assets Net

-9,738,841.27

Reserve Money (Base Money)

5,370,199.87

--Currency in Circulation

1,684,725.89

--Banks Reserves

3,685,473.98 • Source - CBN

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Price (N) Stanbic Balanced Fund

Buying Price(N)

Selling Price

1,660.29

1,685.29

Stanbic IBTC NEF

1,000.00

11,002.32

11,326.67.11

Stanbic SIBond

20

120.47

120.47

Stanbic IBTC Ethical

1

1.10

1.13

Stanbic IBTC GIF

142.90

143.38

UBA Balanced Fund

1.2563

1.2493

UBA Bond Fund

1.3443

1.3443

UBA Equity Fund

0.8205

0.8074

UBA Money Market Fund

1.1510

1.1510

ARM Aggressive Growth Fund

N13.0544

N13.4480

ARM Discovery Fund

N288.2515

N296.9425

ARM Ethical Fund

N22.5268

N23.2060

ARM Money Market Fund

13.1030 (Yield % ) • Monetary Policy Rate - 14%

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT TUESDAY, 11 OCTOBER 2016 The price of OPEC basket of fourteen crudes stood at $48.81 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $48.31 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 • THURSDAY OCTOBER 13, 2016

Nigeria’s top 50 stocks based on market fundamentals

12-Oct-16

11-Oct-16

% Change

Capitalisation

EPS

P/E

P/S

Div. Yld

Price/ Book Value

Table 1 Market Statistics Mkt Indicators

Open 11-Oct-16

NSE All Share Index NSE Market Cap (N'Trillion)

28,034.32 9.63

28,027.23 9.63

-0.03 -0.03

116.43 9.07

116.39 9.06

-0.04 -0.04

01 Dangote Cement Plc

183.00

183.00

0.00%

3,118,412,855,115.00

9.56

19.14

5.76

4.37%

4.58

02 Nigerian Breweries Plc

147.98

148.10

-0.08%

1,173,348,349,406.24

4.50

32.92

3.92

2.43%

7.21

03 Guaranty Trust Bank Plc

24.00

23.85

0.63%

706,348,301,376.00

4.20

5.72

1.97

7.38%

1.56

805.57

825.00

-2.36%

638,540,096,923.64

19.41

41.50

3.85

3.60%

18.15

15.10

15.04

0.40%

474,087,056,168.60

3.10

4.87

1.13

11.92%

0.76

385.88

367.51

5.00%

213,511,383,580.44 -14.43

-26.74

2.28

4.13%

0.57

46.81

48.09

-2.66%

213,214,953,726.10

-6.71

-6.98

0.96

6.41%

1.52

159.69

159.69

0.00%

207,993,207,338.07

4.22

37.84

1.41

2.16%

4.85

09 Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

11.16

11.16

0.00%

204,780,991,559.40

0.23

48.57

0.38

5.56%

0.34

10 Unilever Nigeria Plc

45.90

45.90

0.00%

173,653,297,875.00

0.46

99.26

2.85

0.11%

19.49

11 Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc

17.10

17.10

0.00%

171,000,000,000.00

2.04

8.40

1.45

0.58%

1.52

5.65

5.56

1.62%

163,443,039,715.15

2.56

2.21

0.48

9.73%

0.38

Table 4 Top 5 Losers

40.25

41.50

-3.01%

159,811,701,061.25

0.03 1,376.55

2.24

3.23%

3.82

Stock

4.31

4.18

3.11%

156,364,758,447.82

1.75

2.47

0.47

13.92%

0.36

15 Guinness Nig Plc

79.74

76.00

4.92%

120,079,524,111.12

-1.34

-59.57

1.18

4.01%

2.88

16 FBN Holdings Plc

3.02

3.00

0.67%

108,403,784,231.84

0.30

9.91

0.22

4.97%

0.18

17 7-Up Bottling Comp. Plc

158.00

158.00

0.00%

101,213,277,354.00

3.75

42.15

1.14

1.39%

3.92

18 Total Nigeria Plc

289.50

287.00

0.87%

98,291,571,811.50

31.13

9.30

0.41

4.84%

4.66

6.32

6.50

-2.77%

75,840,000,000.00

1.05

6.02

0.63

7.91%

1.27

185.00

185.00

0.00%

66,710,123,470.00

17.69

10.46

0.81

3.89%

3.88

19.99

19.99

0.00%

65,852,043,107.20

0.17

114.59

2.64

1.25%

5.34

5.20

5.33

-2.44%

62,580,018,248.80

-3.46

-1.50

0.33

14.42%

0.45

23 Julius Berger Nig. Plc

40.00

40.00

0.00%

52,800,000,000.00

0.24

165.22

0.51

3.75%

2.35

24 Flour Mills Nig. Plc

20.05

20.70

-3.14%

52,615,955,599.35

6.81

2.95

0.14

9.98%

0.53

25 U A C N Plc

20.80

20.80

0.00%

39,953,979,249.60

2.44

8.53

0.55

4.81%

0.54

1.03

1.05

-1.90%

39,882,627,347.75

-0.37

-2.76

0.88

0.00%

0.52

27 Okomu Oil Palm Plc

40.11

40.11

0.00%

38,261,330,100.00

4.60

8.73

3.11

0.25%

2.46

28 Cadbury Nigeria Plc

16.49

16.49

0.00%

30,971,551,639.60

0.83

19.97

1.12

7.88%

2.49

29 Sterling Bank Plc

1.05

1.05

0.00%

30,229,939,032.30

0.31

3.40

0.29

8.57%

0.36

30 Diamond Bank Plc

1.14

1.16

-1.72%

26,402,843,423.52

0.11

10.33

0.13

0.00%

0.11

31 Fidelity Bank Plc

0.88

0.90

-2.22%

25,487,075,408.96

0.39

2.26

0.18

18.18%

0.14

32 Wema Bank Plc

0.65

0.62

4.84%

25,073,402,952.65

0.06

10.30

0.51

0.00%

0.53

33 Custodian And Allied Insurance Plc

4.00

4.00

0.00%

23,527,456,780.00

0.76

5.26

0.70

3.50%

0.84

33.25

33.25

0.00%

23,275,000,000.00

2.36

14.10

3.35

3.46%

15.94

1.12

1.17

-4.27%

22,179,036,074.72

0.61

1.83

0.14

8.93%

0.12

18.39

18.39

0.00%

21,992,168,614.32

-2.54

-7.24

0.75

1.63%

2.41

37 National Salt Co. Nig. Plc

8.00

8.00

0.00%

21,195,507,024.00

0.89

9.03

1.17

6.88%

3.07

38 Mansard Insurance Plc

2.00

2.00

0.00%

21,000,000,000.00

0.27

7.36

1.09

2.50%

0.99

39 PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc

18.64

18.64

0.00%

18,640,000,000.00

4.14

4.50

1.40

0.54%

0.56

40 Continental Reinsurance Plc

1.00

1.00

0.00%

10,372,744,312.00

0.33

3.04

0.50

12.00%

0.54

41 Honeywell Flour Mill Plc

1.29

1.29

0.00%

10,229,954,978.82

-0.40

-3.19

0.21

12.40%

0.62

42 Skye Bank Plc

0.62

0.61

1.64%

8,605,786,874.20

-2.93

-0.21

0.05

48.39%

0.08

43 Unity Bank Plc

0.70

0.70

0.00%

8,182,536,559.40

0.54

1.29

0.13

0.00%

0.10

44 Cement Co. Of North.Nig. Plc

5.70

5.70

0.00%

7,163,063,266.20

0.44

12.87

0.65

1.75%

0.66

45 Wapic Insurance Plc

0.52

0.50

4.00%

6,959,023,891.04

0.11

4.81

0.92

5.77%

0.45

46 UACN Property Development Co. Limited

3.58

3.95

-9.37%

6,153,124,982.10

-0.05

-68.66

1.83

19.55%

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

3.17

3.30

-3.94%

5,148,773,437.50

0.15

20.55

0.64

6.31%

0.83

49 AIICO Insurance Plc

0.61

0.62

-1.61%

4,227,424,732.80

0.26

2.34

0.13

8.20%

0.45

50 Fidson Healthcare Plc

1.58

1.58

0.00%

2,370,000,000.00

0.31

5.15

0.35

3.16%

0.37

04 Nestle Nigeria Plc 05 Zenith Bank Plc 06 Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd 07 Lafarge Africa Plc 08 Forte Oil Plc.

12 Access Bank Plc 13 Presco Plc 14 United Bank for Africa Plc

19 Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc 20 Mobil Oil Nig Plc 21 International Breweries Plc 22 Oando Plc

26 Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc

34 Cap Plc 35 FCMB Group Plc 36 Glaxo Smithkline Consumer Nig. Plc

TOTAL

9,062,045,507,110.00

TOTAL MARKET CAP

9,626,803,289,892.17

% OF MARKET CAP Annotation - MA* = Simple Moving Average

94.13%

Thisday BGL 50 Index Thisday BGL 50 Market Cap (N'Trillion)

Close 12-Oct-16

Change %

Table 3 Top 5 Gainers Stock

Open Close Change 11-Oct-16 12-Oct-16 %

Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd Guinness Nig Plc Wema Bank Plc Wapic Insurance Plc United Bank for Africa Plc

367.51 76.00 0.62 0.50 4.18

385.88 79.74 0.65 0.52 4.31

5.00 4.92 4.84 4.00 3.11

Open Close Change 11-Oct-16 12-Oct-16 %

UACN Property Development Co. Limited FCMB Group Plc Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc Flour Mills Nig. Plc Presco Plc

3.95

3.58

-9.37

1.17 3.30

1.12 3.17

-4.27 -3.94

20.70 41.50

20.05 40.25

-3.14 -3.01

Market closes with a meagre 0.03% loss Market pulse on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) today – Wednesday, October 12th, 2016 ended on a negative note as the stock market closed red today. This was despite the highlighted positive performances from the NSE Sub sectors: Banking, Insurance and Oil & Gas (Save Consumer Goods). Trading activities decreased in volume as 155.58 million shares worth of N1.43 billion in 3,277 deals exchanged hands today. This is a decrease from the 234.19 million shares worth of N2.72 billion in 3,335 deals which exchanged on Tuesday. Topping in volume terms were Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc and Transnational Corporation Of Nigeria Plc, while Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and United Bank for Africa Plc ended trading as the most active stocks in value terms.

The All Share Index (NSEASI) closed negative with 0.03% (-7.09) decrease to close at 28,027.23 from 28,034.32 the previous trading day. Market Capitalization depreciated in tandem to N9.63 trillion from N9.63 trillion of prior trading day.

Similarly, the Thisday BGL 50 Index followed suit with an decrease of 0.03% to close at 116.39 from 116.43 recorded at the end of the previous trading day, while its market capitalization stood at 9.06 trillion from 9.07 trillion of the previous trading day.

A total number of 13 stocks gained on the bourse today while 20 stocks declined, 66 leaving stocks unchanged. Seplat Petroleum Dev. Co. Ltd re- emerged as the day’s toast of investors as it topped the Thisday BGL 50 Index gainers’ list with a gain of 5.00% to close at N385.88 per share. It was followed by Guinness Nig Plc with a gain of 4.92% to close at N79.74 per share. Others on the gainers list include: Wema Bank Plc, Wapic Insurance Plc and United Bank for Africa Plc; while on the decliners’ list, UACN Property Development Co. Limited led with a loss of 9.37% to close at N3.58 per share. It was followed by FCMB Group Plc with a loss of 4.27% to close at N1.12 per share. Others on the decliners list include: Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc, Flour Mills Nig. Plc and Presco 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 •THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

MARKET NEWS

Abe Restates Capital Market’s Potential to Fund Economic Growth The President of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr. Oluseyi Abe yesterday said the nation’s capital market can provide the needed capital that can take the country out of the current economic recession.

Speaking at his recent investiture ceremony in Lagos, Abe said the capital market has the potential to fund economic activities, noting that what is needed is the right policies and

products that attract investors who can provide the funds.

According to him, with a vibrant capital market, the federal government does not need to sell assets or borrow externally to fund the budget deficit.

He said although the government is yet to bring out the names of assets that would sold, he noted that caution should be applied.

“I believe there is nothing wrong if the government plans to sell assets that are not performing optimally. But caution should be applied in taking this decision,” Abe said.

However, the CIS boss noted that market still has the potential to provide the funding needs of government at all levels.

“The capital market can provide funds for the govern-

ment and corporates. It has been doing so in the past and I believe the market has the potential to provide what funding needs of government and corporate bodies. What we need is products that will attract the capital from investors both domestically and foreign,” Abe said.He emphasised that the capital market plays a vital role of mobilising funds from the

surplus economic unit to the deficit for development.

He said the CIS will collaborate with relevant government agencies to deepen the market it more attractive, noting that advocacy will be top on the agenda of the institute.

He added that he will work with stakeholders in the capital and stockbroking community to ensure that stockbrokers take their

right place in the economic development and growth of the country.

Abe explained that stockbrokers, who are also trained as investment advisers will be encouraged to work with government at various levels as consultants and advisers as part of efforts to look for solutions that will take the nation from the current challenging times.

DAILY STOCK MARKET REPORT T H E

N I G E R I A N

STO C K

E XC H A N G E

45

thursDAY, october 13, 2016 • T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

SEC Restates Commitment to the Protection of Investors Goddy Egene The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has restated its determination to protect investors in the nation’s capital market. The capital market regulator stated amidst the return of wonder banks.

An official of SEC told THISDAY on Wednesday that the commission is aware of the gradual return of some wonders banks that are luring some gullible investors into

parting with their money instead of investing in registered schemes or through licensed market operators.

“One of the major functions of SEC is investor protection and the commission is highly committed to doing this and has put necessary strategies in place to ensure investors are protected in the market.

We are aware of the losses investors have suffered in the past and we are doing everything to avoid its repeat,” the official said.

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

Following the emergence of a wonder bank, MMM Federal Republic of Nigeria, some stakeholders called on the SEC to collaborate with law enforcement agencies and other relevant bodies to stop the activities of online fraudsters who float unregistered funds to defraud investors.

Although SEC had warned the investing public to stay away from against the MMM but the operators of the fund are still calling on unsuspecting investors for

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 11-Oct-2016, unless otherwise stated.

patronage. However, an investor, Mr. Moses Igbrude of Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN) told THISDAY that SEC should work with law enforcement agencies and the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) and track those behind the fund and bring them to book before gullible investor fall victim.

“It is a good thing SEC has alerted members of the investing public to stay away from the illegal fund managers

but some gullible investors can still be attracted by the unrealistic return they are being promised. At the end of the day, the regulators will still get the blame. I therefore think SEC should work with other organisations, track down those behind the MMM and bring them to book,” Igbrude said.

Apart from SEC that has advised investors against patronising Ponzi schemes, the Managing Director Nigeria Deposit Insurance

Corporation (NDIC), Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim last week also warned members of the public against patronising dubious fund managers in view of mouthwatering interest rates and unattainable returns they promise their victims.

The NDIC boss said that despite repeated warnings, many unsuspecting and financially naïve members of the public have continued to patronise these dubious fund managers in view of mouthwatering interest returns.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 1 270 1680 Fund Name Bid Price Afrinvest Equity Fund 124.45 Nigeria International Debt Fund 216.73 ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.67 AIICO CAPITAL LTD Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price AIICO Money Market Fund ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name ARM Aggressive Growth Fund ARM Discovery Fund ARM Ethical Fund ARM Money Market Fund AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund AXA Mansard Money Market Fund CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Nigeria Global Investment Fund Paramount Equity Fund Women's Investment Fund FBN CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fbnquest.com; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name FBN Fixed Income Fund FBN Heritage Fund FBN Money Market Fund FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund FIRST CITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fcamltd.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Legacy Equity Fund Legacy Short Maturity (NGN) Fund FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Coral Growth Fund

100.00

aaml@afrinvest.com Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 125.07 11.38% 217.57 8.26% info@acapng.com Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.68 9.45% ammf@aiicocapital.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

100.00

14.31%

enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Bid Price 12.70 292.13 22.72

Offer Price 13.08 300.94 23.40

Yield / T-Rtn 4.18% 4.52% 3.03%

1.00

1.00

12.34%

investmentcare@axamansard.com Bid Price 100.75

Offer Price 101.38

Yield / T-Rtn 1.06%

1.00 1.00 11.11% investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Bid Price 2.09 9.39

Offer Price 2.14 9.63

Yield / T-Rtn 2.67% -4.71%

82.58

84.69

1.81%

invest@fbnquest.com Bid Price 1,064.05 114.87 100.00 $101.48 $101.38 112.61

Offer Price 1,065.03 115.38 100.00 $102.37 $102.27

Yield / T-Rtn -1.67% 5.63% 10.72% 1.93% 1.82%

114.14

13.38%

fcamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Bid Price 0.94 2.51

Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn 0.96 4.40% 2.51 7.90% coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com

Bid Price 2,222.82

Offer Price 2,249.82

Coral Income Fund 2,038.10 INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price

Yield / T-Rtn 2.20%

2,038.10 7.75% enquiries@investment-one.com Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund

1.00

1.00

11.13%

Vantage Balanced Fund

1.64

1.66

0.68%

LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 0.99 1.01 11.71% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 985.15 985.15 -1.48% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: www.meristemwealth.com ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund 9.85 9.94 0.71% Meristem Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 13.44% PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.02 1.04 4.08% SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 106.03 106.77 4.08% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.22 1.22 7.80% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund 1,807.39 1,818.08 7.63% Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund 150.92 150.92 2.61% Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund 0.80 0.81 7.33% Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund 179.68 179.68 5.89% Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund 137.07 138.69 1.26% Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 15.13% Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund 7,761.99 7,865.65 8.00% UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD unitedcapitalplcgroup.com Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.15 1.17 7.44% United Capital Bond Fund 1.25 1.25 15.64% United Capital Equity Fund 0.70 0.72 -8.18% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 13.00% ZENITH ASSETS MANAGEMENT LTD info@zenith-funds.com Web: www.zenith-funds.com; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 9.81 9.99 2.80% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.40 11.51 -0.54% Zenith Income Fund 16.52 16.52 2.99%

REITS

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

11.43 122.22

2.69% 5.50%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

9.04 79.64

9.14 81.15

-5.61% -4.30%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS

Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697

Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

2.71 7.38 12.64 17.36 -

2.75 7.46 12.80 17.66 -

17.17% 15.40% 0.95% -9.32% -

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

46

THURSDAY OCTOMBER 13, 2016 • T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

email:foreigndesk@thisdaylive.com

UN: Trump as President Would Pose Global Danger Zacheaus Somorin inWashingtonDC

The world will be in danger if Republican nominee Donald Trump becomes president of the United States, the top United Nations human rights official said yesterday. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad al Hussein, cited Trump’s views on vulnerable communities including minorities and his talk of authorising torture in interrogations, banned

under international law, as “deeply unsettling and disturbing”.

“If Donald Trump is elected on the basis of what he has said already - and unless that changes - I think it is without any doubt that he would be dangerous from an international point of view,” Zeid told a news briefing in Geneva.

Trump lashed out at U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan and other “disloyal” Republicans on Tuesday and vowed to campaign in whatever style he wants now

that the party establishment has largely abandoned him. This occurred after a 2005 video surfaced last week showing him bragging crudely about groping women and making unwanted sexual advances.

Trump has said he would immediately re-authorise the waterboarding of suspected militants if elected on November 8, contending that “torture works”.

U.S. President Barack Obama, a Democrat, signed an executive order after taking office in January 2009

that banned waterboarding and other “enhanced interrogation techniques”. Such executive orders can be rescinded by a successor.

Zeid said that he would rather not interfere in political campaigns.

But when a candidate’s comments pointed to a potential use of torture, prohibited under the Convention against Torture, a pact ratified by Washington, or to vulnerable groups possibly losing their basic rights, he had to speak out.

In a speech in The Hague last month, Zeid accused Trump of spreading “humiliating racial and religious prejudice” and warned of a rise of populist politics that could turn violent.

“I always believe that it’s incumbent on leaders to lead and to lead in a way that is ethical and moral,” Zeid said on Wednesday, when asked about Trump. “The use of half-truths is a very clever political device. Because as every propagandist knows, you allow

the listener to fill in the rest.”

Trump has portrayed himself as tough on national security and promised to build a wall to stop Mexican immigrant “rapists” from crossing the border.

“We have to be on guard to see that in the end vulnerable populations, populations at risk do not again see their rights deprived because of a view that is in the ascendancy based on false premises,” Zeid said.

Congo Political Rift Likely to Spark ‘Large-scale’Violence There is “extreme risk” to the stability of Democratic Republic of Congo as a deepening political rift over President Joseph Kabila’s future will likely spark large-scale violence, the United Nations envoy to the country said on Tuesday.

Kabila, in office since 2001, is barred by constitutional term limits from standing for a third term. But the country’s electoral commission says logistical and budgetary obstacles will prevent it from organizing a new poll before December 2018. “Actors on all sides appear more and more willing to resort to violence to achieve their ends,” Maman Sidikou, head of the 18,000-strong U.N. peacekeeping mission in Congo, known as MONUSCO, told the U.N. Security Council.

“While MONUSCO will do everything it can within its mandate to protect civilians, the scope of the threats dramatically outstrip the mission’s capabilities,” he said. Anger has been simmering for months in Congo over what opponents of Kabila believe are his efforts to hold on to power as other African leaders have done. In

March, the U.N. Security Council called on the country to organize a poll this year.

Last month anti-government protests in the capital Kinshasa turned violent and dozens of people were killed. The Security Council called on Congolese authorities to exercise maximum restraint and urged the leaders not to exacerbate the situation.

A Congolese opposition leader was arrested late on Sunday for his role in anti-government demonstrations last month in which more than 50 people died, the government said on Monday, leading to threats of more protests if he is not released. “The Democratic Republic of Congo has entered a period of extreme risk to its stability,” Sidikou said.

“The coming period will certainly be extremely difficult, the tipping point in the serious violence could be reached very quickly.”

Congo, Africa’s top copper producer, has been further destabilized by the fall in global commodity prices, which forced the government in June to cut its 2016 budget.

Islamic State Putting up ‘Stiff Resistance’ in Syria Islamic State militants in northern Syria are putting up “stiff resistance” to attacks by Turkish-backed rebel fighters, Turkey’s military said on Wednesday, almost two months after it launched an incursion to drive them away from its border. Supported by Turkish tanks and air strikes, the rebels have been pushing towards the Islamic State stronghold of Dabiq.

Clashes and air strikes over the past 24 hours have killed 47 jihadists, the military said in a statement.

“Due to stiff resistance of the Daesh (Islamic State) terror group, progress could not be achieved in an attack launched to take four settlements,” it said, naming the areas east of the town of Azaz as Kafrah, Suran, Ihtimalat and Duvaybik. However, the operation to drive the jihadists away from the Turkish border, dubbed “Euphrates Shield”, has allowed Turkish-backed rebels to take control of about 1,100 square km (425 square miles) of territory, the military said.

A Syrian rebel commander told Reuters the rebels were about 4

km (2.5 miles) from Dabiq. He said capturing Dabiq and the nearby town of Suran would spell the end of Islamic State’s presence in the northern Aleppo countryside. A planned major offensive on the Islamic State-held city of al-Bab, southeast of Dabiq and an important strategic target, depended on how quickly rebels could take control of the roughly 35 km (22 miles) in between the two cities, he said.

Al-Bab is also a strategic target for the Kurdish YPG militia, which, like the rebels, is battling Islamic State in northern Syria but is viewed as a hostile force by Turkey. In a daily round-up on Euphrates Shield’s 50th day, the Turkish army said 19 Islamic State fighters had been “neutralised” in clashes and eight rebels were killed. Twenty-two rebels were wounded and Turkish forces suffered no losses.

Turkish warplanes destroyed five buildings used by Islamic State fighters, while U.S.-led coalition jets “neutralised” 28 of the jihadists and destroyed three buildings, it said.

HELPLESS CHILDREN

Children sleep over metal sheets in a partially destroyed school used as a shelter hurricane matthew hit Jeremi Haiti...yesterday

S’Africa: Fraud Charges Fuel Concern of Plot to Gordhan

Fraud charges laid against South African Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan, will be hard to prove and the case will fuel suspicion of a plot to oust a man who has defied allies close to President Jacob Zuma, legal experts, analysts and senior politicians say.

Prosecutor Shaun Abrahams, a Zuma ally, announced the charges on Tuesday and defended the independence of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) when asked about possible political interference. The rand and stocks tumbled.

Zuma later gave his backing to Gordhan saying he was “innocent until and unless proven otherwise”.

Gordhan will appear in court on Nov. 2 to hear charges he cost the South African Revenue Service (SARS) 1.1 million rand ($79,000) by approving early retirement for a deputy commissioner in 2010 and re-hiring him as a consultant.

A charge sheet, seen by Reuters, says Gordhan “unlawfully, falsely and with intent to defraud” gave Pillay a retirement package and a new contract when SARS was under no obligation to do so.

But legal experts say it will be difficult to make the charges of

fraud stick because the NPA will be required to prove Gordhan intentionally broke the law.

“I am relieved that I will not be the prosecutor tasked with securing a conviction,” constitutional lawyer Pierre De Vos said, rating the NPA’s chances as “highly unlikely”. “(It) raises questions about whether the NPA truly believes that it will be able to secure a conviction in the case.”

Political analysts think it is more likely the case is meant to give Zuma an opportunity to reshuffle his cabinet, including appointing a new finance minister under the guise of giving Gordhan the space to clear his name.

If Zuma removed Gordhan in a reshuffle without a clear reason, it would give ammunition to opponents who say he wants to take control of Treasury and could spook financial markets.

Zuma denies any plot to remove Gordhan. “The charges against him are so absurd and so trumped up that once he is likely forced out of the public office in the coming weeks, it will be a clear act of political vengeance,” the Daily Maverick, an online political magazine, wrote.

Gordhan could also face

charges about the legality of a surveillance unit he set up at the tax department a decade ago that is suspected of spying on politicians including Zuma.

Abrahams said the NPA was still investigating this issue.

“There is considerable legal opinion that these fraud charges and the ‘rogue unit’ charges that are still pending are so thin they could not hold up a tea-bag, let alone hold up in court,” said Gary van Staden, analyst at NKC African Economics. Gordhan and a political group close to Zuma have been at loggerheads over state spending and perceived corruption, sources in the ruling African National Congress (ANC) say.

Gordhan has urged fiscal prudence to appease ratings agencies which are on the verge of downgrading South Africa’s sovereign rating to “junk” as economic growth hovers near zero.

Former ANC Treasurer General Mathews Phosa said Zuma’s camp was keen to push through expensive state projects, including a nuclear power programme that could cost up to 1 trillion rand and a new fleet for the loss-making state airline.

“It all smacks of a political motive and desperate agenda to remove Pravin Gordhan in order to make way for a more pliable Minister of Finance who will dance to the tune of a corrupt clique who are chasing public contracts,” he told Reuters.

Suspicions about a plot to gain control of the Treasury erupted in December when Zuma sacked respected finance minister Nhlanhla Nene and replaced him with an unknown lawmaker. Markets dropped so sharply Zuma recalled Gordhan days later to steady the ship.

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has even said the government is at war with itself.

The cases against Gordhan have also distracted from several graft scandals swirling around Zuma.

Zuma was questioned last week by an anti-corruption watchdog over allegations his wealthy business friends influenced political appointments and were given sweetheart government tenders worth billions of rand.

The constitutional court then said last week the NPA could not appeal a ruling that could see the reinstatement of hundreds of corruption charges against Zuma set aside on a technicality before his presidential run in 2009.

41

THURSDAY OCTOMBER 13, 2016 • T H I S D AY

INTERNATIONAL

ECOWAS and Germany to Consolidate Progress in West African Integration Alex Enumah in Abuja The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

and Germany are to consolidate the progress made so far in the greater integration of the West African region.

Ivorian Parliament Okays Change in Constitution Ivory Coast’s parliament on Tuesday approved changing the constitution to ease nationality rules for presidential candidates, a move the government says will end prolonged instability but which the opposition says is undemocratic.

Ouattara promised during his re-election campaign last year to remove the constitution’s requirement for presidential candidates to have parents who are both native-born Ivorians - a sore point in a country that has long attracted immigrants from neighbouring states in West Africa.

Nationality was at the heart of a crisis that began with a 1999 coup ballooned into a 2002-2003 civil war that split the major cocoa-producing country in two for eight years. The new proposals soften the nationality clause, which had been used

by Ouattara’s opponents to bar him from elections and was a

symbol of exclusion, particularly of northerners like him whose family ties often straddle borders.

Of 250 members of parliament, 239 voted for the constitutional change while eight voted against and two abstained. The measure will now go to a referendum on Oct. 30. Other revisions included removing a maximum age of 75 for presidential candidates and making it easier to change the constitution in future.

Opposition politicians and some civil society groups have opposed the changes. Pascal Affi N’Guessan, the head of the main opposition FPI party, criticised the proposed creation of the post of vice-president and a senate, a third of whose members would be appointed by the president, among other changes. Opposition supporters demonstrated against the draft constitution on Saturday and promised to do so again if it was passed by parliament.

ECOWAS and Germany are also to explore ways to close the ravaging poverty gap in the region, create an enabling environment for the youth to have access to finances and jobs and stem the tide of irregular migration to Europe.

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Marcel de Souza, disclosed this when he had in audience the German Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. FrankWalter Steinmeier, who was on a working visit to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

In a statement from the Press Unit of the commission, President De Souza who expressed gratitude

for the support that the German government has been giving to ECOWAS, the commission would be able to consolidate the progress made in its integration programmes such as free movement of goods, persons and services, peace and security.

The president while proposing the setting up of the ECOWASGermany Summit, said there is a critical need to balance the demographic growth in West Africa with economic growth so that the progress being made in the latter dimension would be meaningful.

He also expressed concerns over the situation where there is presently

an average of 3 percent demographic growth rate while economic growth rate is just about four per cent, noting that poverty would not be reduced in the region of 320 million if the economic growth does not get as far as seven to eight per cent over the next two decades.

He said, “And as long as we cannot have economic development, our youth will keep migrating to other regions. We need to sensitize our people that we need to take a good control of our families in terms of birth control”.

On the EPA also, President De Souza assured inquiring journalists at the occasion that progress is being

made to get the two remaining countries within ECOWAS to sign the agreement. He noted that the fears raised which had to do with dumping and the protection of the West Africa market is taken care of by the provision in the Agreement for a gradual opening of the West African market as well.

On his part, the German Foreign Minister restated that cooperation with ECOWAS and other regional organisations in Africa is a priority to Germany, adding that investment and trade continues to be an important factor to economic development as well as being an engine room for job creation.

Iraq Commemorates Shi’ite Mourning amid Preparations to Attack Mosul Millions of Shi’ite Muslims flocked to Iraq’s holy city of Kerbala on Wednesday to commemorate Ashura, a religious day marking the slaying of Prophet Mohammed’s grandson Hussein in the 7th century AD in a revolt against the Umayyad ruler Yazeed.

Visitors came from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and the Gulf as well as Iraq, where Shi’ites form the majority community.

Mourners dressed in black and waving flags with the slogan “O Hussein” moved around his mausoleum, hitting their heads and chests in a show of sorrow at the suffering of the imam and his family.

Imam Hussein was killed on the site along with his half-brother Abbas, his son Ali Akbar and dozens of his warriors on the Day ofAshura. Other members of his family, including

his sister Zainab and his daughters were taken as captives to Damascus.

The day marks Hussein’s epic battle against Yazeed’s troops, who outnumbered his forces and who deprived him and his family access to the waters of the Euphrates River to force his surrender.

This year’s commemoration is held as Iraqi forces prepare an offensive on Mosul, the last city still under control of Islamic State,

the hardline Sunni group that considers the Shi’ites as apostates.

Qais Al-Khazali, the leader of the Iran-backed paramilitary group Asaib Ahl al-Haq, compared those who killed Husein in Kerbala to Islamic State, which declared a caliphate in parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014.

“The liberation of Mosul will be the revenge against the killers of Hussein, because these (IS) are their grandsons,” he said.

48

THURSDAY OCTOBER 13, 2016 T H I S D AY

THURSDAY OCTOMBER 13, 2016 • T H I S D AY

49

NEWSEXTRA

Southern Governors’ Wives Pledge Loyalty to Aisha Buhari Okon Bassey in Uyo

Southern governors’ wives have pledged to support the programmes of the wife of the president, Mrs Aisha Buhari, who is the leader of the operational platform.

The chairperson of the Southern Governors’ Wives Forum and wife of the Imo State Governor, Mrs. Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha, made the pledge yesterday at a meeting of members of the forum in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.

Okorocha lauded the government of Akwa Ibom State for a warm reception accorded them at their quarterly meeting and also for the infrastructural development in the state.

She stressed that the forum with 17 members is as a platform to build a new Nigeria which is poised to complement the efforts of their

husbands through their respective pet projects.

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel while receiving delegation of the forum in his office commended the Southern Governors’ Wives Forum for their motherly role towards the development of their states and Nigeria in general.

He said that Nigeria and indeed Africa has been left behind in the development matrix of the global community and urged them to continue to use their platform to speak with one voice to change the status-quo.

He appreciated them for coming together under one umbrella irrespective of their party divides and for their selfless prayers which he said has promoted peaceful coexistence in the country, urging them to keep the feat and always

endeavor to contribute their quota towards the development of their states.

In her remarks, the hostess and wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel, explained the importance of the forum as sisters beyond boundaries and party affiliations is to exchange and compare narratives and ideas that will complement the tasks of

their husbands in building a more progressive society.

At an interactive session, a cross section of Akwa Ibom school girls was advised to uphold their dignity by abstaining completely from sexual relationships.

Mrs. Emmanuel said over 16 million teenage girls in Nigeria were pregnant; adding that the figure if not checked may go

higher.

The governor’s wife who frowned at the high rate of teenage pregnancy in the country said the interactive session was organised to sensitize and inspire the Akwa Ibom girl-child to aspire for greatness.

She encouraged the girls to abstain from any relationship that could impede them from their bright future, pointing out that the girl-child of today is the

great mother of tomorrow.

Also, the Chairperson of the forum, Mrs. Okorocha, in her remarks charged the girls to be proud of their identity, saying the girl-child has all it takes to become great in the society. In her words, “I charge you girls to study hard and be serious with your education, remember a dint of hard work and faith in God will guarantee your future.”

Judges’Arrest: Buhari’s Govt Eroding Judiciary Independence, Say Fayose, Babalola Olakiitan Victor in Ado Ekiti The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose and a legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), have described the last weekend midnight arrest of some judges as a flagrant erosion of the independence of the judicial arm.

The personalities, who described the situation as dangerous to the country’s democracy, said if judges who are occupying sacred positions could be harassed and treated that way by the Department of State Services (DSS), nobody is safe under the President Muhammadu Buhari’s government.

Fayose specifically said he would continue to hold judiciary in high esteem and do everything possible to ensure smooth and seamless administration of justice in the country.

They spoke in Ado Ekiti yesterday during the foundation laying ceremony of the N1.29 billion worth Ekiti State new High Court Complex named after the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti and the pioneer Chief Judge of the State, Justice Ademola Ajakaye.

They were reacting to the arrest of five judges, including two supreme court justices by DSS and their subsequent arraignment before a magistrate court in Abuja by DSS for alleged corruption related cases.

Fayose, who had earlier condemned the action, said arresting and harassing judges in the name of corruption connotes grave danger to the country as a nation, calling on judicial officers and lawyers of note to defend the temple of justice by calling the federal government to order.

He said he found it expedient to build another high court complex to replace the current one that was bequeathed onto the state in 1968.

“I am particularly glad with what is happening today because the judicial officers had not done enough to put the executive at checks. I had earlier raised the alarm that something like this will happen, so the current predicament of these judges will teach a lesson that nobody is safe from harassment in Nigeria.

“However, no matter the

offence they might have committed, the arrest is regrettable and sad. This should not have happened to judges who built their careers from the scratch. But let me tell you, this government will still do more.

“We must all protect the judicial arm and that is why I am building this new complex that will have modern accessories to ease administration of justice and smoothen legal matters in the state,” Fayose said.

Babalola said raiding the houses of eminent jurist when they could have allowed the National Judicial Council (NJC) to take disciplinary actions against the judges, if truly they are corrupt, was a constitutional infraction that must not be tolerated.

“I am particularly saddened by the attack. How can they be treated like criminals? The fact that the DSS released the judges on the second showed that they did not evade arrest, why should they then harassed and humiliated them in the first instance?

“It is a trite law that process of the court can’t be served after 7p.m. Even if the DSS had the arrest warrant, they should not have gone on midnight raid of the houses of the judges.

“The NJC has the power to promote, appoint and discipline judges, this was done to ensure independence of that arm. So, I expect them to have approached the NJC. How can you arrest sitting Supreme Court judges and take them to magistrate court for trial? That could only be done after they have been removed,” he said.

The Chief Judge of the state, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, and the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr. Owoseeni Ajayi, said the new court complex would help in speedy administration of justice in Ekiti when completed.

Ajayi said the present complex has become tight and often being overcrowded when matters are being heard, thereby subjecting judges to harsh condition during hearing.

WELCOME TO OUR CONFERENCE

L-R: Director, Integrated Capital Services Limited, India, Mr. Sajeve Deora; Executive Director/North Directorate, Heritage Bank, Mr. Ola Olabinjo; and former President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Maj. Gen. Sebastian Owuama (rtd), during the 46th Annual Accountants Conference in Abuja ....yesterday ENOCK REUBEN

Orubebe Asks Appeal Court to Set Aside His Conviction Tobi Soniyi in Abuja A former Minister for the Niger Delta, Mr. Godsday Orubebe, has asked the Court of Appeal to set aside the judgment of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) which ordered the forfeiture of his property at Plot 2057 Asokoro District in Abuja.

The tribunal had in a judgment delivered on October 4, found Orubebe guilty as charged and punished in accordance with Section 23 of Code of Conduct Bureau Act. In the notice of appeal filed by his lawyer, Mr. Selekeowei Larry (SAN), the former minister.

He raised three grounds of appeal, arguing among others, that the tribunal misdirected itself in reaching its decision that was not supported by evidence led by the prosecution.

Orubebe argued that the tribunal erred in law when it held that the prosecution proved its case and ordered the forfeiture of the property in issue, Plot 2057 Asokoro District, to the federal government, “without any proof of the offence, thereby occasioning gross miscarriage of justice.”

According to him, that Plot 2057 was not acquired corruptly nor even purchased by him, but was a gift to him by the federal government. “It is a piece of empty land in the bush.”

Orubebe said he led credible evidence to prove that he had sold the property to a company called Divention Properties Limited, and

that the company’s Managing Director, Akinwumi Ajibola, testified to that effect during trial.

He said despite the fact that the prosecution did not disprove the evidence, the tribunal still went ahead to convict him.

He faulted the CCT for holding that he remained the owner of the plot of land on the grounds that Divention, to whom the property was sold, did not effect change of ownership.

“Not only were the deed of assignment, deed of sale and power of Attorney tendered and admitted in evidence, defence witnesses one and two (Ajibola and Orubebe) testified to the transaction without any contradiction. There is no time limit for regularisation of title at the Land Registry,” he said.

Orubebe further argued against the decision of the CCT, to the effect that it erred in law when, rather than keeping itself within the evidence before it and the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal (CCB/T) Act, it went and relied on the Land Instrument Registration Act (LIRA), without hearing from counsel on both sides.

“The tribunal has no power beyond the provisions of the CCB/T Act as incorporated under the 5th Schedule of the Constitution.

“The tribunal lacks the jurisdiction to interpret and sanction under the LIRA, 2007, which neither provides a time limit for the registration of title,

nor any sanction for delayed registration,” he said.

Orubebe further argued, through his lawyer, that “the judgment did not in any way contemplate our law. Our law does not ascribe ownership of a plot of land to a person, who had divested his/ her interest by selling to another person.

“In fact it was made very clear to the tribunal that the transaction was completed well before his last declaration of assets alleged to be in breach of the CCB/T Act.

“Assuming, without conceding) that Orubebe did not declare the said Plot 2057 Asokoro, it would still not amount to an infraction of the Act, because it (the plot) was a gift to him by the federal government.

“For a non-declaration to amount to an infraction of the Act, the property in question must have been acquired with some income reasonably attributable to corruption.

In one sentence, the judgment by the CCT is a travesty of justice,” he said.

House Urges FG to Adopt Electronic Animal Identification System against Cattle Rustling Damilola Oyedele in Abuja

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to pursue the formulation of a policy that will ensure the incorporation of Electronic Animal Identification System as a way to eradicate cattle rustling.

This followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Ali Isa (Gombe APC) who noted that crimes related to cattle rustling have become more rampant across states.

Cattle rustlers, the lawmaker said, have become so emboldened that they bear automatic weapons, killing people, destroying property and livelihood and taking away cattle.

He added that efforts of the government have not yielded much

success making it imperative for the adoption of modern means, such as the electronic animal identification system, to tackle the menace.

“Thee system is becoming more common in livestock rearing in the western world, and as a result of this identification and verification process, more cattle are being individually identified, which led to reduction of cattle rustling,” Isa said.

He added that the tracking system would also allow lifetime traceability, as well as the compartmentalisation and regionalisation of disease outbreak under the World Organisation for Animal Health standards so that trade could continue on animal products from other parts of the country.

50

THURSDAY OCTOMBER 13, 2016 • T H I S D AY

NEWSEXTRA

Property Owner Threatens National Library over N508m Debt As N38bn stalls completion of new building

Paul Obi in Abuja The National Library of Nigeria (NLN) has been threatened with an eviction notice over N508 million it owed for its temporary building by the landlord of the building located around Central Business District in the Abuja metropolis.

NLN Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Lenrie Aina, stated this in Abuja yesterday when the Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education led by its Chairman, Aliyu Wamakko, visited the NLN on an oversight function.

Aina told members of the committee that the organisation is yet to pay three years rent on its temporary corporate headquarters.

He said: “The national library currently owes N508, 000,000.00. Three years rent is yet to be paid on our temporary corporate headquarters building and the landlord has threatened to eject us with all its unpleasant consequences.

“The present state of the building is deplorable with leaking roof, cracked walls, malfunctioning toilets and broken water pipes.

The space for staff and working environment is grossly inadequate.

“I was informed that the staff staged work-to-rule twice in the past in protest of the fear that the building might collapse on them.”

The CEO informed the committee that the completion

of the new headquarters of the agency estimated to gulp N38 billion had been stalled due to lack of funds.

He said only N11.6 billion have been paid to the contractor handling the project, Messrs Reynolds Construction Company, till date.

Aina further called on the committee to allow the agency move to the new headquarters which he said is about 44 per cent completed.

According to him, “The stakeholders’ action resulted in the contract sum of the project at reduced scope (reduced from 11 floors to 8 floors) being reviewed upward to N17, 479,584.82 billion from the initial contract sum of N8, 590,226,393.00.

“In 2012, there was a presidential anticipatory approval to revert the project to its full scope. An ad-hoc technical committee made up of principals and resident staff of all the consulting firms on the project, the contractor, members of FCDA supervision team, the national library of Nigeria; FME reviewed the contract and recommended N38, 764, 304, 832.20 as the revised estimated total cost (RETC) of completing the project in 30 months.

“This is yet to be processed for the Federal Executive Council’s approval. Currently, the percentage completion of the project is about 44

‘Leave Justice Odili out of Rivers ElectionVerdict’ Ugo Aliogo The Centre for Good Governance and Accountability (CGGA) has dismissed reports accusing Justice Mary Odili of influencing the Supreme Court verdict on Rivers State governorship election, describing it as a calculated effort at discrediting her credibility.

It particularly warned against further dragging of her name into any orchestrated controversy on the matter, describing the development as false, wicked and baseless.

A statement issued in Abuja yesterday by the lead-advocate of the accountability group, Prof. Nasiru Gomwalk, said the insistence on linking Justice Odili to the Supreme Court verdict on Rivers State was an indication of desperation to discredit her by every means.

The statement reads: ‘’This platform is inclined to make this statement on the strength of the concorted narrative making the rounds online to the effect that Justice Odili allegedly facilitated perceived questionable act in the run up to Supreme Court ruling on Rivers State governorship election petition. This surreptitious and well scripted act was birthed by an online news media and it is being passionately driven the same medium. While we are not averse to conventional and acceptable attempt aimed at curbing corruption in every facet of Nigeria’s life, the mission to demean the hard earned credible professional and public integrity of Justice Odili is what we strongly

condemn in every term. ‘’It is on record that she has been contributing positively to the growth of the judiciary in the country through display of unquestionable professional practices over the years. In all these, there had not be any incident of abuse of the best practices in the profession against her, as her career had been marked excellence and credibility.

Therefore, one wonders why the authors of the aforesaid allegation would resort to blackmailing and deconstructing her person. ‘’It is instructive to state herein that Justice Odili was never a member of the Supreme Court panel that adjudicated on the Rivers Election matter and was only a spectator like every other citizen that was not part of the legal persons involved. It is on record that attempts by the same medium to discredit Justice Odili when the apex ruled on the matter failed given that it was as baseless and misleading as the latest effort. ‘’Now, let it be categorically stated that the report by the online medium is fraught with falsehood, wickedness and mischief just to get Justice Odili for reasons known to its initiator(s). There had never been a time in history when injustice triumphed over good, even it happened momentarily, the truth takes prominence in the fullness of time. That is why we urge the authors of this sinister script to invest their time in things that could strengthen our institutions and avoid pulling down those committed to making the institutions work.’’

percent. Total cost payment made till date is N11, 573,856,455.82.

“Given the fact that the new headquarters building is 44 per cent complete, it is suggested that the Senate Committee on Education

should give the directive to the National Library to move to the basement and the first two upper floors.

While speaking, Wamakko, who was in the company of Senator

Rose Oko and other committee members, said the Senate would address all the issues raised by the agency in good faith and work assiduously to ensure that agencies function effectively.

He promised that the committee would continue to work towards ensuring funding of the NLN remains a top priority in strengthening the nation’s education sector.

EXCHANGING IDEAS

Managing Director, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), Tony Attah (left), and Chief Operating Officer, Gas and Power, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Alhaji Saidu Muhammad, exchanging views at the Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja....recently

NLNG Attributes Success to Enabling Act, Governance The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Act with the shareholding and governance structure of the company have been adduced as key factors responsible for NLNG’s success its as one of the most profitable ventures in which the government has a stake.

The Managing Director of NLNG, Tony Attah, said yesterday that the NLNG Act provided incentives, assurances and guarantees which significantly encouraged investment in the project, adding that experience has clearly shown that countries cannot hope to legislate investments into existence without addressing issues relating to accompanying incentives, guarantees, and assurances.

“These incentives made it attractive for the international investors and financiers to invest even during a period Nigeria was perceived to be a pariah state. Those investments grew and they resulted in an inspirational Nigerian success story that the company is today, with assets now worth over $13 billion,” said Attah.

“The ownership mix, with the federal government, through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) owning just 49 per cent, and having international companies owning 51 per cent has brought tremendous benefits. Most importantly, it has allowed significant funding through international banks required for the construction of both the plants and the ships.

“Secondly, such a mix has ensured that the international companies bring to bear on the company, international standards and best practices.

“Thirdly, with a significant shareholding, the government, through NNPC, has been able to

drive the national agenda for social and nationalistic causes such as the “Nigerianisation” plan. That plan has directly resulted in a corps of well-trained Nigerian professionals, many of whom have had the opportunity to understudy and eventually succeed expatriates over a period of time,” he said.

Attah who spoke during a technical session chaired by Maikanti Baru, Group Managing Director of the NNPC, at the ongoing 22nd Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) in Abuja, under the theme: “Creating a global Champion from Made in Nigeria: The NLNG story,” delivered a presentation which took a position on the undesirability of some current developments.

He noted that 18 years after the major breakthrough which NLNG represents, certain stakeholders in the country continue to make attempts to undermine the Act. He added that the courts have been firm on the provisions of the Act in instances where court cases were instituted by third parties to compel company to pay levies.

“These attempts are apparently continuing outside the courts, but we are hopeful that the country’s leadership will protect its commitment through the Act as well as avoid the portrayal of the country as one that does not honour agreements,” said Attah.

He also drew attention to the fact that these enablements have allowed Nigeria LNG to be able to generate $85 billion in revenues, pay $5.5 billion in taxes as well as to commit more than $200million to corporate social responsibility projects especially in the areas of capacity building and infrastructure development.

NLNG is owned by four shareholders, namely, the Federal

Government of Nigeria, represented by the NNPC (49 per cent), Shell Gas BV, SGBV, (25.6 per cent), Total

LNG Nigeria Limited (15 per cent), and Eni International (N.A,) N. V. S. a. r. l (10.4 per cent).

Legislative Aides Protest Unpaid Salaries, Allowances Pro, anti-Abdulmumin protests continue Damilola Oyedele in Abuja The lobby of the National Assembly was yesterday besieged by legislative aides who were protesting the non-payment of their salaries and allowances which they said run into N1.5 billion.

The protesters also lamented that there were being denied training benefits and welfare packages despite assurances by management.

An aide, Mr. Yusuf Modu, said the permanent staff were being regularly paid by the management despite excuses of unavailability of funds.

“I don’t know why this discrimination exists despite the important role we play to senators and members of the House of Representatives. Today’s protest is to tell management that enough is enough, next time we storm this place, we will not allow the Speaker and the Senate President enter the chambers until they address us,” he said.

Another aide, Kingsley Uche, said they were yet to receive their salary for September.

“Our entitlements such as transport allowance for five quarters of the year, this is since last year -has not been paid to

us. It’s the same for our 28-day allowance which has not been paid to most of us. We are entitled to training at least one each quota but till date, we have never been sent for training,” he said.

The Director of Information at the National Assembly, Mr. Isyaku Dibal, while reacting to the protest, said it was not deliberate that the aides have not been paid.

“Their monies come along with salaries and allowances of legislators they work with, from the federal government,” he said.

In another development, the main gate of the National Assembly was also besieged by protesters in favour of suspended lawmaker, Hon. Jibrin Abdulmumin and those against him.

Anti Abdulmumin protesters commenced their protests on Tuesday bearing placards demanding for his recall by his constituency.

They continued on Wednesday morning but were joined by protesters protesting the embattled lawmaker’s suspension.

There was however no clashes between the two groups as security men were at hand to ensure there was no breakdown of order.

THURSDAY OCTOMBER 13, 2016 • T H I S D AY

51

NEWSEXTRA

I’m Hale and Hearty, Not Flown Abroad, Says Okowa Charges journalists on responsible media practice

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has said he is not critically ill or flown abroad for medical attention as has been widely reported by a section of the media, particularly online news publications and the social media.

Okowa also wondered why some media professionals would take delight in peddling rumour or publishing rumour without making any effort to verify information given to them even by mischief makers.

The governor spoke at the Government House Chapel, Asaba, during the morning prayer session yesterday, which was attended by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro, top government officials and political aides as well as some members of the public.

Sporting a deep grey caftan with light grey stripes and black shoes to match, Okowa joined

the congregation to clap, dance and sing praises to God during the morning prayer session at the chapel.

Okowa, who thanked God for His guidance and protection always, however, advised media professionals to imbibe the culture of responsible journalism, which demands adherence to journalistic ethics including thorough investigation of issues and information before publishing.

He said the “blatant falsehood” published by a section of the social and even mainstream media suggesting that he collapsed and was flown abroad for medical attention was surprising to him beyond expression.

The governor, who said he has been consequently inundated with phone calls and messages inquiring about the state of his health from relations, friends and associates around the world in the last couple of days, said there was no justification to resort to publishing sheer falsehood

especially about the health and life of a fellow human being.

According to Okowa, “It is unfair and uncharitable to disseminate false information.

It is very unfortunate at this age and time that people will intentionally misinform others when there are opportunities to find out what might have happened.

“I am told that certain sections of the social media reported that I have been flown abroad for medical treatment. When and how did that happen, when I have been very busy treating hundreds of files on my table?”

Giving reasons for his seeming disappearance from public glare for nearly one week, the governor said he had actually spent more time at his office desk and treated more files during the week than he usually did

when he was busy attending numerous official functions in and outside the state.

Okowa said: “The truth is that, last Wednesday, I entered the washroom in my office and one of the tiles fell off from the wall and I had a minor cut on my head and I had two stitches. It was treated, and I was ok.

“People know I am a workaholic and that is why it didn’t stop me from working.

I am hale and healthy!”

The governor also wondered why anybody would question the fact that his deputy, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro, would represent him at public functions even when it is clear that the Office of the Governor and that of the deputy are one.

“Why would anybody query why my deputy, Otuaro, should

represent me at public functions when my deputy is part of me?”, he said, adding that Otuaro has often represented him at public functions before the fictitious stories in the media.

Okowa, however, said he would restrain himself from “placing a curse” on the masterminds of the false reports about his purported illness because of his faith in God who holds the life of every human being in His hands, adding that there was nothing unusual about anyone falling ill as anybody who is human could take ill.

He therefore challenged media practitioners to always seek and disseminate only truthful information at all times, noting that money that might be got from such sensational and false information spread would be useless to the media person as it is akin to blood money.

Among dignitaries at the morning prayer and thanksgiving service at the Government House Chapel, Asaba, were Otuaro and his wife, Mrs. Ebeirin Otuaro, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Festus Ovie Agas; the state Commissioner for Economic Planning, Prof. Eric Eboh, and the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu.

Online and social media have particularly been a washed in the last three days with reports of the purported illness of the governor.

The rumoured report claimed that the governor, a medical doctor, had allegedly collapsed in the bathroom of his office and was immediately rushed overseas for medical attention while another version said he was believed to be suffering from some blood disease.

Lagos to Shut 10, 427 Unregistered Private Schools Says only 4,573 schools are duly registered Gboyega Akinsanmi The Lagos State Government yesterday disclosed that no fewer than 10,427 private schools were operating in different parts of the state without approval, warning that it would shut them if they failed to comply.

The state government also revealed that of the 15,000 private schools currently operating in the state, only 4,573 complied with the state’s school standard practice and other stipulated regulations.

The Deputy Governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, disclosed this at a meeting with the Deputy Head of Regional Operations, Department for International Development (DFID), Mr. Ben Nicholson, in her office at Alausa yesterday.

She said the state government was committed to the ongoing enumeration and registration of all private schools operating in the state, saying the exercise became imperative to standardise the operation of private schools.

Adebule explained that the purpose of enumerating and registering all private schools was “to ensure that they have government approvals and comply with the stipulated regulations and standards.”

She added that the exercise “is aimed at ensuring that all pupils have equal access to quality education irrespective of whether they attend private or public schools.

Already, we are making efforts to get all private schools registered.

“That is the essence of the enumeration and registration exercise. For now, out of 15,000 private schools operating in the state, only 4,573 are duly registered and have received government approval.

“Others are operating without

licenses because they do not want to conform to standard practice.

Any school that does not meet government requirements after the exercise will be forced to close down.”

By implication, the deputy governor noted that about 10,427 private schools were operating without government approval, thereby representing 69.52 per cent of all private schools in the state.

At the meeting, Adebule expressed its readiness to strengthen its collaboration with the DFID in its quest to improve on the quality of education in the state, acknowledging that previous collaborations with the body has brought significant improvement to the growth of quality education in the state.

He added that the DFID’s Education Sector Support Programme in Nigeria (ESSPIN) implemented in Lagos “has helped to build teachers’ capacity and helped in the upgrade of public schools infrastructure.

“Though the ESSPIN contract will expire January 2017, the state government is considering the review of the programme with a view to extending the pact because of the great value it has added to the education sector.”

She urged them to design programmes that/further expose teachers in the public service “to modern teaching techniques and build their capacity in the overall interest of raising the standard of education in the state.

“The collaboration of the DFID with the state government in the area of education has been of tremendous benefit to the state government and we hope to strengthen this working relationship so as to further promote the quality of education in our dear state.”

ROYAL ENDORSEMENT

R-L: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I; and former Minister of State for Defence, Chief Demola Seriki, during the third Quarter 2016 Town Hall meeting to render account of stewardship of Ambode’s administration, at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos...Tuesday

SENATE BILLS MAKE PRESIDENTIAL, GOVERNORSHIP DEBATE MANDATORY, RESTRUCTURE POLYTECHNIC EDUCATION this bill to be passed into law.”

Enumerating the importance of road infrastructure to industrial and economic growth of any nation, Gaya said the move to establish FHA was in line with international road management practice, disclosing that the “Republic of Ghana, which once had many agencies for roads have eventually brought them together as Ghana Highways Authority. “ He added: “Road transportation remains the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, accounting for about 95 percent of cargo and passenger traffic. There is therefore the need for a sustainable development and maintenance of our country’s road transportation infrastructure as to provide a safe, reliable and free flowing system for motorists and other road users in order to facilitate economic

activities in the country.

“Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, best practice around the world indicates that Nigeria cannot overcome its road infrastructure development challenges unless reforms are embarked upon to reposition the road sector and bring it in synchronies with its peers in the developed and developing nations of the world.”

The bill was referred to the Works’ Committee and has three weeks to conclude its assignment.

Gaya further listed the proposed duties of the agency to include promoting sustainable development and operation of the road sector; facilitating the development of competitive markets and enabling environment for private sector participation in the financing, maintenance and improvement of roads in Nigeria.

Other functions of the proposed agency are to ensure the efficient and effective construction, rehabilitation, reconstruction and maintenance of all federal roads, among others.

Also yesterday, the Senate committed to the committee stage a bill seeking to make lobbying a legal duty through the provision for registration of lobbyists under the Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) with a view to making the act of lobbying a professional responsibility.

The bill’s sponsor, Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West), said creating a legal framework to regulate the act of lobbying has become imminent in view of the regular influx of lobbyists to the National Assembly to lobby lawmakers for one legislative act or the other.

He listed the objective of the bill to include creating stricter

registration requirement for lobbyists; authorising lobbyists to disclose how much they make and spend on lobbying; ban lobbyists from paying for gifts and food as a means of inducement; imposing a time period before a legislature can become a lobbyist; creating ethics oversight by establishing Ethics Commissions and Legislative Ethics Committee and giving Oversight Agencies more power to investigate violation of ethics laws.

He said the bill “would help the legislator take a better position in law making process,” adding: “Lobbyist can be a great source of information for the legislator and that can provide a transparent environment for the legislative interaction that promotes effective and constructive live opportunities for the public and interest groups to participate in legislative process.”

52

THURSDAY OCTOMBER 13, 2016 • T H I S D AY

CRIME&PUNISHMENT Ijaw Militants behind Lagos School Kidnap, Says LASG Says victims already reunited with their families

Gboyega Akinsanmi and Chiemelie Ezeobi The Lagos State Government yesterday said suspected militants from the Niger Delta were behind the abduction of four pupils and teachers, who were whisked away from their school, Lagos Model College (Senior and Junior), Igbonla, Epe on October 6.

The state government, however, said the victims, comprising two pupils, vice-principal and head teacher had already gone through medical checkup and safely reunited with their families.”

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said this in a statement he issued yesterday, saying the state government would spare nothing until the state “is rid of criminal

elements.”

After the victims were released on Tuesday, Ayorinde reiterated the resolve of the state government “to protect lives and property. The children have undergone medical check-up after which they were reunited with their families.

“The children are doing well.

Also, they have gone through medical checkup. Already, they have been safely reunited with their families after they were released and undergone medical checkup.”

Ayorinde said the state government “welcomed the release of the school pupils, vice-principal and head teacher of Igbonla Model College, Epe. The victims were kidnapped by suspected Ijaw militants on October 6.”

The commissioner urged residents to be more vigilant, security conscious and report all suspected persons

and objects seen within their neighbourhood to the appropriate security agencies.

“The determination of the government to ensure 24-hour security of the state is evident in the huge investment in the equipment and welfare of security agencies, especially the police,” he explained.

He said the state government “has taken adequate steps to stem the tide of kidnapping in the state, in line with the directive of the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, plans have been concluded to commence the demolition of illegal structures erected across the state waterfronts and creeks. “Often times, the incidence of kidnapping are perpetrated through the waterways and as such, these illegal structures provide a leeway for these criminal elements to plan and execute their nefarious activities.

“This step, we believe, will go a long way to address this menace. The state government has also begun steps to boost community policing with the recent announcement by the governor that at least 5,000 neighbourhood watchers will soon be recruited to improve surveillance across the state, especially at the rural areas.”

Meanwhile, following the release of the two kidnapped students of Government Model College, Igbonla, Epe, their vice principal and teacher, late Tuesday night by their abductors, THISDAY yesterday gathered that they were not assaulted or molested in any way.

Although one of the students was a female, she was also not assaulted by the gang, rather, her ill health facilitated their early release from captivity.

In Brief Female Vice Principal Shot in Failed Kidnap Attempt

The state of insecurity in Warri and its environs worsened last Monday with the shooting of the Vice Principal of Domingo Grammar School at Edjeba area of Warri in Delta State. THISDAY learnt yesterday that the victim, identified as Mrs. Ati Bojor, was shot by yet to be identified gunmen at about 8a.m. at the entrance of the school. Security sources disclosed yesterday that Bojor was driving a Toyota Camry car when the gunmen blocked her vehicle while she was waiting for the school security guard to open the gate for her. It was gathered that the victim, wife of a senior Shell staff, was dragged out of her vehicle and was to be bundled into the get away car of the gunmen but she resisted her attackers. The security sources disclosed that instead of the victim, a mother of five, to allow herself to be bundled into the kidnappers car, she fell and rolled on the ground to prevent her being taking away by the hoodlums. “Immediately she was dragged out of her car to be bundled into their get away vehicle, she fell and rolled on the ground resisting the kidnappers. Angered by her action, they shot her on both legs, jumped into their vehicle and sped away,” he said. THISDAY learnt that the victim was later rushed to Syracuse Hospital in Warri, known for its specialty in gunshots management. It was learnt that the police from “B” Division arrived the seen shortly after and embarked on random arrest of young men around and whisked them to the station. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) “B” Division, Eyoh Aniete (SP), did not pick his phone to confirm the incident. The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, requested for a text on the incident as she said she was in a noisy place. She did not respond to the text as at the time of filing this report.

Activists Protest at EFCC, Demand Arrest of Patience Jonathan

SCENE OF DEADLY BLAST

Officials of the Borno State Emergency Response Team (ERT) at the scene of explosion at Muna Garage along Maiduguri-NgamboruNgala Road, Borno State....yesterday

Badeh: Court Adjourns Till Oct 27 for Continuation of Trial Alex Enumah in Abuja The Abuja division of the Federal High Court hearing the case of money laundering against the former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Marshal Alex Badeh, and Iyalikam Nigeria Limited, a company purportedly owned by Badeh has adjourned till October 27 for continuation of trial.

Trail Judge, Justice Okon Abang, adjourned proceedings at the end of cross examination of the sixth prosecution witness, Air Commodore Mohammed Lawal Sini by counsel to the first and second defendants, Chief Akin Olujimi (SAN) and Sam Ologun Orisa (SAN) respectively.

Badeh, alongside Iyalikam Nigeria Limited, are been prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on a 10-count charge of money laundering, bordering on alleged fraudulent removal of about N3.97bn from NAF’s account.

The anti-graft agency accused

Badeh of using the fund to buy and develop landed assets in Abuja for himself and two of his sons between January and December, 2013.

At the resumption of the matter yesterday, the witness, who is currently a director in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), had during his testimony, told the court that he disbursed monies based on the instruction of then DFA (Yushau).

“If the Chief of Air Staff is travelling, for instance, my director approves what is to be given for the trip,” he said.

On the N120m mentioned by PW1 in his evidence, the witness said the money was allocated for the running of the official duties of the Air House (Official residence of the Chief of Air Staff), which include movements of the Chief of Air Staff, maintenance of the Air House and any task related to the Air House that Yushau gives from time to time.

The witness told the court that one of his duties at the unit at NAF, was to ensure that all unit of the

NAF make returns in respect of their various accounts through their commands and the commands in turn, returns to NAF Headquarters from where they were sent to.

Sini further said the returns after they were received where sent to the office of the director of accounts who then go through it before forwarding to relevant government agencies, ministry of defence and the Accountant General’s office.

The witness further told the court that money paid for the Nigerian Air Force Conference Center was from savings after payment of salaries.

However, during cross examination by Olujimi, counsel to the first defendant, the witness when asked to confirm his statement that he told the court that in October 2012 he did not give any cash allowance to the then DFA (Yushau), he replied by saying, “I was not in the camp, I wish to add that payment of ration may not necessary be the time that they

will pay.”

Olujimi asked further, “Since you said you were not there in October 2012, so did you pay the cash in November 2012? Witness – I cannot remember.

The witness who admitted that the record kept in office shows what the cash allowance were paid for however said he could not remember details of the amount of CRA that was paid or given to his DFA between November to December 2013.

While he told the court that squadron Leader Abu his then cashier and himself were signatories to the accounts at NAF, he confirmed that the first defendant was not a signatory to NAF Accounts.

He also disclosed that after he left 106 camp of the NAF he proceeded to Bangladesh for his national defence programme.

In the absence of any question from the second defendant’s counsel, the judge adjourned the matter till October 27, November 2 and 3, 2016 for continuation of trial.

The Human Rights Defenders and Advocacy Centre yesterday stormed the Ikoyi office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to demand the immediate arrest of the former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, for alleged corruption. The group, which went en mass to the commission, also demanded a comprehensive probe of the campaign fund of the All Progressives Congress (APC) they expended during the last general election.

One of the major placards they were toting read: ‘We demand the arrest and prosecution of Patience Jonathan, the probe of APC campaign fund. No sacred cow in the anti- corruption crusade.’

Other placards read, ‘We want all looters in prison’, ‘we demand the immediate arrest of Patience Jonathan’ and ‘we demand the immediate probe of APC campaign funds’, amongst several others.

Asides the protest, the group had gone with a petition, which they handed over to the commission, urging them to expedite action and bring defaulters to book. The petition and the protest by the group was based on the revelation that Mrs. Jonathan was being investigated for money laundering, although the matter hasn’t been taken to any court. In response, EFCC Deputy Director of Operations, Iliyasu Kwarbai, who received the protesters, was said to have assured them that Mrs. Jonathan, would not go scot-free if found guilty of corruption. While receiving the petition from the group, Kwarbai said the commission would look into their demands.

N630m Fraud: EFCC Files Fresh Charges against Rickey Tarfa’s Client

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed an amended 12-count criminal charge before a Lagos High Court against two citizens of Republic of Benin, Gnanhoe Sourou Nazaire and Senou Modeste Finagnon over alleged N630 million fraud. The defendants are standing trial for allegedly defrauding one Rachidatou Abdou and her company to the tune of N630 million.

At the resumed hearing of the criminal suit yesterday, EFCC counsel, Kayode Oni, informed the court of the amended charge and urged the court to allow it to be read to the defendants. Defence lawyer, Rickey Tarfa (SAN), told the court that he had no objection but requested for an interpreter since the defendants only speak French language. At this stage, the trial judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo, directed the prosecution to provide an interpreter but none was available. “We cannot proceed without an interpreter. The prosecution needs to expedite action in this case,’’ Taiwo added. The matter has been adjourned till October 31 for fresh arraignment. The defendants were first arraigned on February 17, on a seven-count charge of forgery, stealing and conversion of funds. However, they pleaded not guilty alleging that the charge was incompetent and that the EFCC was prosecuting them without any valid petition. But, dismissing the application, Justice Taiwo upheld the contention of prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, that the commission received a valid petition from the complainant alleging conspiracy and stealing against the defendants. It held that Lagos High Court has jurisdiction to hear the matter and that the charge did not fall under the Companies and Allied Matters Act. “I believe the High Court is endowed with jurisdiction to enter the matter,” the court held. The stealing of company funds falls within the jurisdiction of the EFCC. The combined effect of Sections 6(b) and 46 of the EFCC Act gives it power to entertain the petition written against the defendants.” On if the charge is an abuse of court process, the court held: “The fact that the defendants have been arraigned before a sister court does not make the present case abuse of court process.

53

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY OCTOBER 13, 2016

THURSDAYSPORTS Algerian Star, Guedioura, Engages Ighalo, Success in Mind Game

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

2018 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

FIFA clears Bordeaux star, Ounas, for Algeria Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report Ahead of the November 12 World Cup qualifying clash between the Super Eagles and Fennec Foxes of Algeria in Uyo, Adlene Guedioura who is Odion Ighalo’s teammate at English Premier League club, Watford, has engaged his Nigerian colleagues in a mind game.

The Algerian star revealed yesterday that he joked with both Ighalo and Isaac Success that they are now ‘enemies’ not to be spoken with before next month’s clash between their two countries paired in Group B of the Russia 2018 qualifiers.

Though Guedioura may have made light the matter, Nigeria’s away victory against Zambia in Ndola last Sunday is likely to make the Algerians take the trip to Uyo with the seriousness the game deserves.

“I said to them I won’t talk to them until next month because they are my enemy now,” the 30-year-old Algeria midfielder told the Watford official website yesterday.

“Of course it’s a joke, but it will be a pleasure to play against them. It’s special to meet teammates who you are used to training with every day and to play against them in one game, so it’s quite good and strange at the same time.

“It’s going to be an important game for us. I’m sure we’ll

have a good welcome from the Nigerian people and from Ighalo and Isaac, but when we go into the pitch they’re not going to be my teammates or my friends any more.

“It’s going to be a tough game and I can’t wait for it.”

The Algeria star further said the North Africans were disappointed with the home draw with Cameroon, but still remain confident they will qualify for Russia 2018.

“We wanted to win this game and we expected to win, so it was a bit of a disappointment to draw, but we faced a good team and especially a good goalkeeper,” he said.

“That was our first game of World Cup qualification so we still have five games to go and we have a really good team. I have a big trust in my teammates and in the team.

“It’s been a good moment for Algeria recently. We performed well at the last World Cup and we’ve been at the last two World Cups, so we want to continue and go to the next one.

“People are saying we are maybe the best team in Africa recently, so it’s good for us, but we want to keep that and improve.

“We have big players in our team – people like Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani are playing for the team that won the Premier League last year – so hopefully we will

Guedioura (left) and Ighalo on duty for Watford last season keep improving and qualify.”

However, following the clearance given to FrancoAlgerian Adam Ounas to play for the North African nation by world football governing body, FIFA, the Fennec Foxes may have been boosted with this development.

The Algeria Football

Federation (FAF) announced yesterday that Ounas has been given the all-clear signal to play for Algeria.

“Adam Ounas has officially opted to play for Algeria and his eligibility papers have been sent through to FIFA.” Ounas represented France at Under-20 level, but he is

now in line to make his debut for Algeria as early as a November 12 against Super Eagles in Uyo. The 19-year-old Ounas, who has made a total of 29 appearances and scored five goals in Ligue 1 with Bordeaux, will be expected to help out the Algerians, who

lost the midfield to Cameroun in Blida last Sunday.

Over the years, Algeria has swooped on players, who were born in France but have Algerian roots.They include Adlene Guedioura, Majid Bougherra, Rais M’Bolhi, Yacine Brahimi and Sofiane Feghouli.

… Fennec Foxes’ Glo-CAF Awards Return to Abuja Serbian Coach, Rajevac, Quits Algeria’s Serbian coach, Milovan Rajevac, has quit after players led a dressingroom revolt against him soon after a 1-1 draw at home with Cameroun last Sunday.

Algeria government television broke the news of the departure of the 62-year-old coach and an official announcement from FAF was expected after its meeting yesterday.

The players are understood to have openly blamed Rajevac for the disappointing 1-1 draw at home with Cameroun.

Reports from Algeria said former Ghana coach Rajevac, who took over Africa’s leading country team in June, met with FAF President, Mohamed Raouraou, on Tuesday and agreed to cancel his contract.

Nabil Neghiz and Yazid Mansouri are expected to be in temporary charge of the

team for next month’s trip to Nigeria.

Eagles welcome the North Africans to Uyo on November 12 in continuation of the qualifying series.The Super Eagles are top of the qualifying section with three points after a 2-1 win in Zambia.

Rajevac quits Algeria

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that the 2016 Gala event of the prestigious Glo-CAF Awards will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Abuja is hosting the awards for the third time, having hosted the inaugural edition in 2005 and the 2015 edition.

Africa’s highest football body, CAF, in a statement said “the 2016 Glo-CAF Awards will be held in the city of Abuja, Nigeria and the new African Footballer of the Year,

the greatest African football legends and 15 winners in other categories will be unveiled during the Gala night.”

Other categories include African Player of The Year (Based in Africa), National Team of The Year, Club of The Year and Coach of The Year.

Also to be unveiled are Most Promising Talent, Women’s National Team of The Year, Woman Player of The Year, Referee of The Year, African Legend, CAF Fair Play Award, Platinum Award – which is usually reserved for the

President of the host country, Africa Finest XI and Youth Player of The Year.

Borussia Dortmund of Germany winger and Gabonese International, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Gabon is the current African champion, having won the last edition while the 2015 African Player of the Year – Based in Africa- is Mbwana Ally Samatta of Tanzania.

The Glo-sponsored annual award is expected to congregate top football celebrities and government officials across Africa, the

statement said.

Globacom took over the sponsorship of awards in 2005 and the event has been held in several cities across Africa. Accra, Ghana hosted the 2006 edition, while the event moved to Lome, Togo, in 2007. Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos, hosted the event in 2008 before it moved back to Accra in 2009. The 2010 edition of the award took place in Cairo, Egypt, while Accra hosted the event back-to-back in 2011 and 2012.

Lagos again hosted the 2013 and 2014 editions.

Etisalat U-15 Regional Play-offs Kick off in Ibadan The race for tickets to the Lagos national finals of the Season Three of the Etisalat U-15 School Cup Football Competition started at the Ibadan Centre with several matches decided inside the main bowl of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba and Wesley College Playing Ground, Elekuro.

Seven teams are featuring in

the regional qualifiers at the Ibadan Centre. They include host Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, Lagos, Ogun and Osun States.

In the opening matches for Group A played at the Wesley College, Lagos overcame their Ogun State counterparts with a 2-1 victory while host state, Oyo pipped Osun by a lone goal.

In the Group B matches

played inside main bowl of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Edo was awarded maximum points and goals after walking over the Delta team which was yet to report to Camp.

In the second group B match, Ondo was drubbed 5-2 by Ekiti.

24 schools will be featuring in the other regional qualifying matches to be hosted

consecutively at the Ilorin Township Stadium, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu and Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna between October 18 and November 4, 2016.

The national champion will win a cash prize of N2 million educational award while its players will go home with N50,000 each.

54

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY OCTOBER 13, 2016

THURSDAYSPORTS

Sports Minister Goofed on Giwa FC vs. LMC Matter Fred Edoreh The issues between Giwa FC and the League Management Company (LMC) over the expulsion of the Jos-based team from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) are currently pending before the Court of Appeal in the Plateau State capital.

It is public knowledge that all parties and their counsels are before the court and have filed their respective papers before that honorable court.

The order of the Jos High Court of committal to prison of the Chairman of LMC, Shehu Dikko and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the league body, Abubakar Salihu, for failure to reinstate Giwa FC to the league, is one of the several orders being challenged by LMC before the Court of Appeal. LMC has also filed for a stay of execution, and setting aside, of this order.

Perhaps, I should help bring the minister up to speed

that these are the facts of the matter as dutifully reported by the media since the middle of August, 2016 in case it has skipped his memory.

I need not be a lawyer like the minister to state that as a civilised community of men based on law, all parties and institutions are imposed upon to respect the integrity and jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal and, await the outcome of the court process set in motion in accordance with the laws of the land.

The Honourable Minister of Sports said in his television interview that he does not know the merits and demerits of this matter, because he has not been briefed. This is a fair enough position to maintain.

In spite of his ignorance of these issues, the Minister of Sports goes on to say that the reason the police is looking for Shehu Dikko has nothing to do with his performance of his duties at LMC. With all due respect to the minister, this is a wild,

unfair, partial and dangerous categorical statement to make, given his earlier claim of ignorance of the merits or otherwise of the matter. This statement would appear to be designed to aid and justify those who have taken football matters to court but will not respect the same court and allow the case to be fought out in court till the end. Instead, we are assailed daily by the news of the desperate efforts of these individuals to thwart the process of law with all manner of false claims and underhand tactics. This is more so when the Nigeria Police Force, rightly under the law, has not declared Shehu Dikko and Salihu Abubakar wanted to the knowledge of all Nigerians.

This whole shameful episode would, therefore, appear to be calculated at preventing Dikko and Abubakar from exercising their rights to appeal against decisions of the Jos High Court that they feel is unjust

Champions Rangers Begin Trophy Tour Rivers Utd set for Madrid training tour Nigeria premier league champions Enugu Rangers will begin a trophy tour tomorrow around the city of Enugu, officials have said.

Rangers ended a 32-year wait for a major trophy when they topped the past Nigeria league season.

They will represent Nigeria in next year’s CAF Champions League.

The new Nigeria champions are also expected to be feted by the Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi with speculations rife they will be rewarded with plots of land and cars.

The players are yet to go on break because of the trophy tour, which is also to cover

all the local government areas of the state.

In another development, the 2015/2016 NPFL runners up, Rivers United, are set to travel to Madrid, Spain for the 2017 CAF Champions League preparation.

Governor of Rivers State, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, announced the trip at a reception for the team at the Government House in Port Harcourt at the weekend.

Governor Wike, a Real Madrid fan, explained that the move was geared towards exposing the team to state-of-the-art facilities and international exposure ahead of their maiden expedition in Africa’s premier club

competition.

“I want Rivers United to win the 2017 CAF Champions League title and to facilitate this, I want to see that our boys are exposed by going for their training outside the country.

“The team will go to Madrid because Real Madrid has a culture of winning titles on a consistent basis.

“We are proud of you and will do everything to equip you for the CAF Champions League,” Governor Wike said at the reception/dinner in honour of the team.

Rivers United finished in second place in last season’s NPFL with 60 points from 36 matches.

LAGOS GOV’S CUP TENNIS

Enosoregbe Upsets No. 8 Seed, Polish Smola, Lands in Singles Q’finals Nigeria recorded a major upset in the first leg (Futures 5) of the ongoing Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship when wildcard Clifford Enosoregbe defeated tournament’s number 8 seed, Maciej Smola of Poland in the second round match of the men’s singles played yesterday.

With overwhelming support from fans at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, the Polish was no match for the Edo State born Enosoregbe who won the crucial game in 7-6(1),3-6,6-2.

The Nigerian was so elated picking the quarter final ticket and being the only man standing among the home boys in the Governor’s Cup this year, he said after the victory: “The Polish guy was so tough. It is not easy playing him, especially being the number 8 seed of the

tournament. I think I was able to beat him because I trained hard for the Governor’s Cup in Benin with my younger brother. As I look forward to my next match, I will keep calm, having at the back of my mind that I must win to keep the flag of Nigeria flying, “ Enosoregbe said.

He is to now face number 4 seed, Indian Sasi Kumar Mukund in today’s quarter final game.

Other Nigerian players who played yesterday were not so lucky as did Enosoregbe.

They were humbled out of the first leg of the Governor’s Cup. Boy Westerhof of The Netherlands defeated Henry Atseye in straight set of 6-1,6-4. Westerhof will battle Spain’s Enrique Lopez - Perez, the number one seed in the quarter finals. Lopez - Perez defeated

Duncan Mugabe in 6-4,6-0 match.

Nigeria’s Edward Christopher Anefu retired due to injury in the second set of his match against Karim-Mohamed Maamoun of Egypt.

Meanwhile, top seed in the women’s singles, Valetini Grammatikopoulou from Greece justified her rating as she continued her quest for the ultimate trophy in Saturday’s final.

She beat Indian Prarthana Thombare in straight set of 6-2,6-3. Number 2 seed from Slovakia, Tadeja Majeric humbled Dhruthi Tatachar Venugopal of India in 6-3,6-1 match.

Swiss Conny Perrin walked over Rosalie Van Der Hoek of The Netherlands, Alexander Riley was sent packing by Fatma Al-Nabhani from Omar in straight set of 6-4,6-0 game.

and oppressive.

As a minister of the federal republic, he should not be seen granting interviews or making categorical comments about matters outside his knowledge.

His position is too weighty to allow him make flippant comments, particularly about the safety and liberty of other Nigerians. Surely, his apparent knowledge of Socrates, who the minister quoted, should remind him that none is entitled or allowed to bear false witness against his neighbour or fellow citizens.

For the sake of public peace and order, and the sanctity of our collective public space, let all those who have invoked the authority of our courts, including Giwa FC and its sympathisers, allow the legal process to continue unhindered or short-circuited by low and dirty tricks.

•Edoreh is chairman of Lagos State chapter of Sports Writer Association of Nigeria (SWAN)

Dalung

Special Olympics Nigeria to Commemorate 2016 EKS Day In an effort to commemorate the 2016 Eunice Kennedy Shriver (EKS) Day, Special Olympics Nigeria will be hosting a Healthy Communities (HC) day filled with activities including medical services such as free dental and visual screening for athletes and partners.

According to SONigeria, attendees will be invited to take part in activities such as table tennis, basketball, bouncing castles and food stands.

The event is to hold on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos at 9.00a.m.

The organizers of the event also said in a statement that the healthy community’s initiative, creates communities where Special Olympics athletes and others with intellectual disability have

the same access to health and wellness resources and can attain the same level of good health as all community members.

During this programme, Special Olympics will be focused on “special smiles and opening eyes”.

EKS Day is an annual celebration of Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s life and a global call challenging everyone to Play Unified, Speak Unified, and Live Unified.

It brings together people with and without intellectual disabilities in various activities to honour the inspiration, impact and indomitable spirit of Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

“On this 7th annual EKS day, themed #playunified, Special Olympics Nigeria invites you to join us in playing unified and teaching the world to live

unified; bringing together people with and without intellectual disabilities in various activities to honour the inspiration, impact and indomitable spirit of EKS,” the statement stressed.

Special Olympics Nigeria is part of a worldwide movement (Special Olympics international) that is aimed at changing the misconceptions individuals have about people with intellectual disabilities (PWID).

“Our mission is to provide various sport trainings and athletics competitions in a variety of Olympic - type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing continuous opportunities to develop physical fitness and skills required to manage day to day life,” the statement concluded.

Wakanow Deepens Consumer Experience with Beach Sports It was a perfect mix of excitement and networking last weekend when Nigeria’s first online travel company Wakanow launched its muchanticipated Beach Sports Series themed “Sand, Sweat and Glory.”

The event, which held at the Africa-themed La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, had a number of corporate organisations compete for the top three spots in the highly charged contest.

Speaking ahead of the games, Group Deputy Managing Director of Wakanow, Mr. Ralph Tamuno, said that the company seeks to leverage on the imitative as a platform to connect people together through sports.

“The Wakanow La Campagne Beach Sports Series is a specially packaged initiative that brings together corporate bodies and sport loving individuals in a relaxed and fun environment inspired by a sense of healthy competition. It also provides networking opportunities and experience sharing for professionals across various industries.

“Over the years, sporting activities have become not just a tool for recreation and social cohesion but a vehicle to promote good health and tackle some of the life-threatening hazards associated with modern life,” he stated.

Following a succession of

matches at various group stages, Team DHL, Oya and Wakanow grabbed the top three positions to emerge champions in the inaugural edition of the games.

Speaking during the award presentation to the winning teams, Chief Marketing Officer of Wakanow, Mrs. Victoria Onwubiko, congratulated all the participating teams for their efforts at the various stages of the keenly contested games.

“We are very excited at the success of the first edition of Wakanow Beach Sports Series, and are particularly impressed with the showmanship, friendship and shared experiences made possible by this competition,” she noted.

55

T H I S D AY •THURSDAY OCTOBER 13, 2016

THURSDAYSPORTS 2 0 1 8

W O R L D

C U P

Q U A L I F I E R S

Brazil Goes Top, Argentina Stunned Brazil powered to the top of the table in South America’s 2018 World Cup qualifying race on Tuesday with a victory over Venezuela as Argentina suffered a shock defeat at home to Paraguay.

Goals from Manchester City teenager Gabriel Jesus and Chelsea’s Willian secured a 2-0 win over Venezuela in a match interrupted by a lengthy floodlight failure that plunged Merida’s Estadio Metropolitano into darkness.

The victory was Brazil’s fourth consecutive win of the qualifying campaign and left the five-time world champions on top of the standings with 21 points after 10 games.

The win was the latest evidence of Brazil’s resurgence under new coach Tite, who took over following the sacking of Dunga in June after the Selecao’s Copa America Centenario flop.

It is the first time since qualifying began that Brazil have led the standings, and the team look firmly on course to maintain their record of never having failed to qualify for a World Cup. Meanwhile, Global

superstar Lionel Messi returned to training with Barcelona yesterday following three weeks out with a groin injury.

France international defender Samuel Umtiti also returned to training according to a statement on the Catalan giants’ website.

“Both Leo Messi and Samuel Umtiti, despite neither yet being declared fit for selection as they battle to recover from injury, were able to join the rest of the team for the workout,” said the statement accompanied by a photo showing Argentine Messi at training.

The statement also said the likes of Spanish internationals Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets had returned following the international break.

Pique was in the photo alongside Messi and Brazil’s Neymar.

Messi, 29, tore a muscle in his groin during the 1-1 draw at home to La Liga title rivals Atletico Madrid on September 21.

Umtiti, 22, had strained a ligament in his knee the day before in training.

The returnees provided a welcome boost for Barca who saw Spanish full-back Sergi Roberto and back-up goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen of the Netherlands return from international duty injured.

Another full-back, Jordi Alba and Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic are also out.

Barca host Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday before Manchester City visit the Camp Nou next week for a crucial Champions League tie, with the Premier League outfit’s Catalan coach Pep Guardiola returning to the club he led to two European titles during a glorious fouryear spell.

Barca have had an inconsistent start to the season, thrashing the likes of Real Betis (6-2), Celtic (7-0) and Sporting Gijon (5-0) but losing 2-1 at home to Alaves and falling 4-3 at Celta Vigo.

They currently sit fourth in La Liga, although only two points behind leaders Atletico.

They top their Champions League group after winning their opening two games against Celtic and Borussia Moenchengladbach (2-1).

Steve Bruce Takes over Aston Villa Aston Villa has named former Hull City and Birmingham City boss Steve Bruce as its new manager.

Former Manchester United captain Bruce, 55, who left Hull in July, succeeds Roberto di Matteo, who was sacked on 3 October, at Villa Park.

Bruce, who has lived in the Midlands since first joining Birmingham as a player in 1996, takes over with Villa 19th in the Championship table.

His first game in charge is at home to local rivals Wolves on Saturday.

Bruce will become the sixth man to pick the Villa team inside the last 12 months.

He then has matches against Reading and Fulham before returning to St Andrew’s for the Blues-Villa derby on Sunday, 30 October in only his second away match.

“It is one of the big clubs of this country,” said Bruce.

“To be given the opportunity

to manage it is terrific.

“I relish the challenge of trying to take the club where it wants to go and needs to be - and try to turn around the misfortune we seem to have had over the past few years.”

Villa will begin life under Bruce 10 points behind Birmingham, the team occupying the last of the four play-off places in sixth.

Northumberland-born Bruce is into his 19th season in management, in which he has taken charge of 784 matches with eight clubs, winning promotion in each of his last four seasons at this level.

That followed a 20-year playing career at Gillingham, Norwich City, Manchester United and Birmingham before finishing as player-manager at Sheffield United.

After his first season in management at Bramall Lane, he spent 17 months with Huddersfield, and had short

spells in charge of Wigan and Crystal Palace before becoming Birmingham manager in December 2001.

Taking over a Blues side in 10th position, he led them up via the play-offs that season to reach the Premier League for the first time. And, although relegated in their fourth season, he took them straight back up in 2007.

He returned to Wigan after leaving St Andrew’s in November 2007, then had two and a half years at Sunderland, before joining Hull in 2012.

Bruce, who led Hull to the FA Cup final in 2014, twice won promotion with the Tigers to the Premier League, the second time via the Championship play-offs in May - his fourth promotion to English football’s top flight.

He was interviewed for the England job before the appointment of Sam Allardyce in July.

FG Drums Support for Squash As part of efforts to develop sports, Nigerians must invest in lesser sports like squash rather than leave everything to the government.

This assertion was made by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Solomon Dalung, during the finals of the zonal Secondary School Squash Competition for Under-19 Boys and Girls which took place in Minna, Niger State.

The Minister who spoke through the Zonal Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Dr. Patrick Uwagbale, said sports, squash in particular, is not all about running about chasing balls but more about building mental capabilities of the players.

He commended the sponsor of the championship, Alhaji Adamu Erena, Niger State Squash Association, the state ministry of youth and sports development and others who have contributed to the development of sports in the zone, even as he called on others to emulate the sponsor as government alone cannot develop sports.

“The zone is happy with you, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development is happy with you. We have also seen your enthusiasm for squash which will not only improve mental abilities but for self sustainability”, the Minister said.

The President Muhammadu Buhari led administration is

concerned about the well-being of Nigerian youths, who are the leaders of tomorrow, hence the need for all stakeholders to invest in sports development to keep youths away from crime.

Also speaking , President Nigeria Squash Federation (NSF), Adamu Erena said the two-day championship was organised for discovering hidden talents that could represent Nigeria at the highest levels.

Erena who was recently elected Vice-president Squash Africa (North) said he is worried that many well-todo Nigerians do not invest on human resources that can guarantee sustainable development.

Willian (right) celebrating Brazil win with a teammate

Ojukwu Wins Ogudu GRA Tennis Tourney Ikedi Ojukwu emerged champion of the Ogudu GRA Tennis Club Ladder Board Tournament with a 6-3 win over Dr.Tunde Olujobi last weekend.

16 participants featured in the two-day quarterly tournament which was proudly sponsored by members of the club which has Barr. Abayomi Osibanjo as chairman After a gruelling elimination series, the quartet of Ojukwu, Olujobi, Chukwudi Alaku and

John Amata advanced to the semifinals.

Club captain, Olujobi coasted to an easy 6-0 win over Alaku to seal a ticket to the final but the other semifinal was in sharp contrast as Ojukwu and Amata endured a strenuous test from each other and needed to be separated by a tie-break which was won 7-6 by Ojukwu.

As a new entrant, Ojukwu ‘s win over Amata, a former champion of the club, was the biggest upset of the tournament

and he (Ojukwu) went on to prove that his feat was not a fluke with the win over Olujobi in the final.

The top ten ranking, in order, was filled by Ojukwu, Olujobi, Amata, Alaku, Alabi Ibrahim, Barr. Osibanjo, Segun Adesanya, Samuel Oguamanam, Jude Efuribe and Francis Okoye.

“This tournament is a quarterly event for members to play good tennis in order to harvest the best players for the club,” Dr. Olujobi said.

Aurier Praised for Saving Mali Player’s Life Paris Saint-Germain and Ivory Coast defender, Serge Aurier, has been praised after “saving the life” of Mali forward Moussa Doumbia last Saturday.

After Doumbia was knocked unconscious in a challenge with Sunderland’s Lamine Kone, Aurier intervened to stop the Rostov player swallowing his tongue.

Mali’s manager Alain Giresse added that he spoke to Aurier after the game to thank him for his “superb reactions”.

Ivory Coast went on to

win the home 2018 World Cup qualifier 3-1 in Bouake.

“All the players realised that Doumbia was choking and was about to swallow his tongue,” Giresse told French radio station RMC. “That’s when Aurier, with one of our players, quickly put him on his side and pulled out his tongue, because he was about to lose his life.”

However, Aurier later caused controversy by making a throat-slit gesture towards the crowd after his side’s third goal.

The celebration was the

latest in a string of incidents involving the full-back.

In September, he was sentenced to two months in jail for elbowing a police officer, but remains free pending an appeal.

And in February, he was suspended by Paris St-Germain after appearing to use homophobic language to insult then-coach Laurent Blanc.

He had also called team-mate Angel di Maria a “clown” as he answered questions from fans on social media app Periscope.

Aurier (middle) reacted quickly after Doumbia (Mali’s number 12, on the right) collapsed following an aerial challenge

TR

Thursday, October 13, 2016

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Price: N250

MISSILE Dino Melaye to the SSS

“I support the fight against corruption irrespective of who is involved, either a Supreme court judge, judge of the Court Appeal or of the High Court or even Magistrate’s Court. But while I support the fight against corruption, it is a misnomer, it is absurd for the Department of State Security Services to operate outside its mandate” – Senator Dino Melaye, arguing that the SSS exceeded its constitutional mandate on the issue of arrested Judges.

OLUSEGUNADENIYI THE VERDICT

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

Arrest of the Untouchables F

ollowing allegations of corruption, there was a massive arrest of Judges in Indonesia in May this year. But it was not a big public issue, essentially because the country has a history of dealing with such cases. For instance, in July 2014, Indonesia’s anti-corruption court sentenced the former head of the country’s Constitutional Court, Akil Mochtar, to life imprisonment for bribery and money laundering. Mochtar was found guilty of accepting more than US $3.37 million in bribes to tamper with the results of no fewer than 10 local elections while serving as head judge; and with laundering more than US $15.2 million from 2002 until his arrest in October 2013.

Interestingly, in the same October 2013 that the Indonesian top Judge was ending his career in bribe-taking, police in Colombia swooped on two judges and nine judicial officers. While Judge Francisco Javier Borbón was accused of accepting a bribe of US$2,600 to change the sentence of a man convicted of embezzlement from home detention to parole, a second judge, Ricardo Rodriguez, was accused of negotiating freedom for criminals also in exchange for bribe. In the United States, Senior District Judge Jack T. Camp was in 2010 arrested for allegedly using cocaine, marijuana and other illegal drugs with an Atlanta stripper. In January 2013, nine traffic court judges in Philadelphia were also arrested on charges of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, perjury, making false statements to the FBI and aiding and abetting.

There is hardly any country in the world where Judges are not under serious scrutiny. In February last year, Bosnia’s State Investigative and Protection Agency arrested a judge of the Appeal Department of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, for allegedly taking a bribe. In September 2012, Giancarlo Giusti, an Italian anti-mafia judge bagged a four-year imprisonment for accepting luxury hotel stays and the services of Eastern European call girls - all paid for by the mafia. Giusti was found guilty of receiving 70,000 Euros in cash and kind (including what was described as “notte di amore”---nights of passion in the arms of prostitutes) from the ‘Ndrangheta mafia of Calabria.

While many judges have been arrested, tried and convicted for corruption in Bulgaria, the 2010 coordinated action against a municipal judge, should teach our authorities some lessons about sting operations. A convicted thief had been told the price of his freedom by the corrupt judge but the convict could only make part payment with a pledge to settle the balance later. Following a tip off, the police were monitoring the negotiations and had supplied the bribe money in marked bills. The judge was picked up at 11pm on 20th October 2010 inside a parked vehicle, as he was handed the loot!

The cases in India were similar. In September last year, two lower court judges were arrested on charges of taking money to settle cases, having been caught on camera negotiating the bribe. Five months earlier in

Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Mahmud Mohammed April, following another sting operation, the Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested a judicial officer at a railway station while accepting a bribe from an advocate seeking job as a public notary.

In an August 2012 verdict which upheld the compulsory retirement of a District and Sessions Judge, the Indian Supreme Court ruled that the standard of conduct expected of a judge is much higher than that of an ordinary person. The said judge was working with a lawmaker to expunge some adverse court records, a conduct described as “most reprehensible” by the Indian Supreme Court which stated: “His conduct has tarnished the image of the judiciary and he disentitled himself from continuation in judicial service on that count alone. A judge, like Caesar’s wife, must be above suspicion. The credibility of the judicial system is dependent upon the judges who man it. For a democracy to thrive, every judge must discharge his judicial functions with integrity, impartiality and intellectual honesty.”

What the foregoing says quite clearly is that while judges are accorded the utmost of respect in the discharge of their onerous responsibility, those among them who cross the boundaries of legality are also usually treated like common felons in most countries.

And to the extent that the judicial arm of government has been marred by several allegations of corruption in our country, it is no surprise that many people would hail the current exercise that puts a spotlight on the conduct of judges.

For a long time in Nigeria, there has been this notion that once you wear the robe of a Judge, you are above reproach no matter how notorious you are. It is almost as if we have conferred on our Judges immunity to commit all manner of egregious infractions.

Not anymore. That for me is the import of the “shock therapy” applied last week by the State Security Service (SSS). All those cash-and-carry Judges (and interestingly,

Nigerians actually know many of them) who trade in spurious injunctions would by now know that the market is over and that there are consequences for their actions.

That is good for the health of our society.

Before I continue, let me reiterate, as readers of this column will attest, that I am always protective of the judiciary. That is despite the fact that if you reside in Abuja, easily the global headquarters of rumour mongering, you cannot but hear disturbing tales about some of our judges. In our country today, many politicians not only have their personal lawyers, they also have their personal judges.

Yet, my main point has always been that except the authorities can isolate, investigate and bring to justice these ignoble characters, we should not destroy the entire institution with allegations not backed by credible evidence.

As bad as the situation may seem, many of our judges are actually honest people who are being sullied by the antics of a few bad eggs, some of whom may have handled high-profile political cases.

It is therefore for that reason I feel very worried about the manner in which the State Security Service (SSS) went about its assignment as well as what could become an undue politicization of the entire process, if care is not taken. Midnight arrests and the kind of brigandage reported in Port Harcourt were unnecessary. These judges could have been formally invited for interrogation and if they failed to report, they could have been quietly picked up in their courts. And it doesn’t help that some of the judges involved have had issues with the SSS that is fast assuming a notorious reputation for lawlessness in the discharge of its duties.

We must make it clear that at all times, and in all circumstances, agents of state should never behave like licensed thugs.

In the examples I cited above, there was no recourse to the use of brute force; due process of the law was applied in dealing with the crooked judges and the same could have been done here.

Therefore, I will like to admonish the media to be careful in the kind of information they dish out, especially about people who may not be able to defend themselves in the public space. It would be very wrong to damage the reputation of these judges on the basis of hearsay from “anonymous” sources. They deserve to be given fair hearing and that can only happen if they are not pronounced guilty even before a court trial where evidence should be presented to prove the cases against them. But that is not to say that there is no value in what the SSS has done.

President Muhammadu Buhari came to office with a promise to fight corruption and this may very well be a defining moment for him, essentially because the fight against graft is impossible in an environment where judges are on the take. That is why the president has to be firm, fair and even-handed in the manner in which this matter is handled and the communication of the efforts must be strategic because propaganda, which seems

to be the default mode of this administration, will be counter-productive. And the trial of the judges must be prompt in order to posit an antithesis to what is currently wrong with our system while sending a signal that when Nigerians go to court to seek equity, they will no longer be frustrated by the antics of some corrupt judges.

However, to the extent that many people can read between the lines about the fact that the SSS investigations arose from tribunal cases that did not go the way of the ruling party, efforts must also be made to ensure that the pro-APC crooked judges, and there are quite a few of them, are not spared. That is the only way the current arrest and trial of judges on allegations that border on abuse of office can signal a serious commitment to institutional reform by the Buhari presidency rather than another partisan agenda to deal with the opposition.

Meanwhile, I have read the misgivings of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN); the interventions by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) leadership and the first reaction by the National Judicial Commission (NJC).

But, I am sorry to say, they are part of the problem because they failed to deal with the rot. Where notorious judges have been identified in the past, all the NJC ever did was to recommend them for retirement, no matter the level of the complicity of those judges in criminal matters. That is not the way a self-respecting institution that is meant to be at the epicenter of justice in our country should treat those among them who violate the law they expect others to uphold.

In a recent report titled “Go home and sin no more: Corrupt judges escaping from justice in Nigeria”, SERAP disclosed that no fewer than 64 judges were disciplined between 2009 and 2014 for corrupt practices. “During this period, the NJC concluded at least 105 cases of alleged corruption allegations/misconduct against judges”, said SERAP executive director, Mr. Adetokunbo Mumuni who argued that not handing over such Judges for prosecution “has left a destructive gap in judicial accountability in Nigeria, and resulted in other agencies of government with no mandate, expertise and experience in the field, getting involved in the efforts to combat judicial corruption.”

It is sad that it has to come to this but by using “esprit de corps” to shield crooked judges from being treated like the criminals that they are, the NJC, and to a large extent, many of our senior lawyers, have unwittingly helped to damage the institution. While I understand the point being made about the judiciary being a separate (and very important) arm of government that needs protection, I take solace in the words of a former Indian Chief Justice that “in the hierarchy of values, judicial integrity is above judicial independence.”

NOTE: Interested readers can find my review of “President Buhari’s Pathetic Book” on page 14

Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja .

All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com